Flower Child – Senior Photo Session

Flower Child – Senior Photo Session

Sunflower Season at Commons Ford Ranch for this Spring Senior Photo Session

Commons Ford Ranch is in bloom this time of year! From native wildflowers to tall sunflowers, scenic backdrops abound. Wandering among the blossoms, I got to document this McCallum High School Senior. 

I loved that she brought outfits that showcased her personality and style. And she was a good sport when we had to reschedule the first session date because of rain. 

Best of luck on your next adventure, Emmi!

girl's high school senior photo session at commons ford ranch in austin, texas

Please check out some of my favorite images from her Senior Portrait session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session?

I was looking for a photographer for my daughters senior photos and three of my friends recommended Stephanie. After seeing their photos and hearing about their experiences I was confident she’d be a great fit for us.

2. How did you choose your location for your session?

Choosing a location was challenging since there are so many great options in and around the Austin area. We knew we wanted more of a nature scene and after consulting with Stephanie she suggested Commons Ford. She even went out there on a scouting trip and sent us photos prior to going. She went above and beyond!

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session?

Honestly, just talk to Stephanie! My senior really didn’t know what she wanted, she just knew what she’d like to wear. Stephanie was great in talking through the location options, the types of photos and poses that what get her looking her best. 

4. Anything else you’d like to add?

Taking photos can be a challenge. Stephanie made it so comfortable and easy.  I appreciated her instructions and follow-up. All we had to do was show up! She had water, sun screen, bug spray, props…truly a pro and genuinely a warm and friendly person. She knows how to engage with your senior and make it fun. I couldn’t be happier with the session and the process. Especially seeing my senior smile when she saw how beautiful her photos turned out. If you are looking for a photographer, i highly recommend Stephanie! 

Interested in a photo session?

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Sunflowers and Cap & Gown – Senior Photo Session

Sunflowers and Cap & Gown – Senior Photo Session

Exploring Commons Ford Ranch at this Spring Senior Photo Session

Commons Ford Ranch makes a picturesque setting for a Senior Photo Session in Austin, Texas. Especially at the end of May, when the sunflowers are all blooming. Between the rustic barn, sprawling meadows and wildflowers, we had so many charming backdrops for capturing memorable moments.

Congrats to this McCallum High School Senior on completing her last year of high school! And best of luck to her next adventure at college in Colorado 🙂

senior photo session, girl has sunflower in her hair at Commons Ford Ranch in Austin, Texas

Please check out some of my favorite images from her Senior Portrait session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session?

I saw some of my friends taking grad photos, and I thought it would be nice to have something that all of my family members can have.

2. How did you choose your location for your session?

I love the countryside, so it just made sense to have my photos in wildflowers.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session?

Advice I would give to anyone taking photos in tall grass or wildflowers is to wear pants. If you’re taking photos in a dry season chiggers will bite you. You can also dust sulfur on your ankles to keep the chiggers away.

4. Anything else you’d like to add?

If you’re nervous about getting your photo taken, don’t be! 

Interested in a photo session?

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Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

On the dock and among the wildflowers at this Spring Senior Photo Session

Wear your tall boots,” I said. I knew the wildflowers would be blooming and we’d go exploring in the flower fields. But I also wanted to make sure this Senior avoided any thistles or thorned stems at her Senior Session (while I kept an eye out for snakes).

The April rains had brought lots and lots of May wildflowers this Spring to Austin. So we wanted to pick a location that showcased the blooms. We chose Commons Ford Ranch, and started at the weathered barn on property, then went to see all the flowers on the trails, and finally made our way to the dock for golden hour. This McCallum Senior was a trouper wearing her heavy letterman jacket in the hot, humid weather. But I’m so glad the rains held off this night.

Senior Photo Session at Commons Ford Ranch among the wildflowers and sunflowers in Austin

Please check out some of my favorite images from her Senior Portrait session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session?

To celebrate my daughters High School graduation and this time in her life.     

2. How did you choose your location for your session?

My daughter wanted her photos to be in nature. Stephanie gave us a great list of suggestions and this one was our top choice. It was beautiful.  

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session?

Senior year is so packed. Plan to do your session early in the year.  Don’t wait.     

4. Anything else you’d like to add?

Stephanie was a delight to work with! She is fun and easy going.  She put Olivia at ease right off the bat. She is efficient and a great Photographer to boot. We loved the session and can’t wait to see the final outcome. Thank You, Stephanie!

Interested in a photo session?

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Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

So you’re pregnant and excited to document the milestone of your upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience?

artwork showing a pregnant woman with tips for a birth photo session

Tips for a successful birth photography experience

My Top Tips for Parents-to-be:

  • Ask your OB/GYN for permission for a photographer to attend the birth
  • Decide what type of moments you want most documented (and how comfortable you are with more graphic imagery)
  • Decide who will be in the room with you (your partner, a doula, other family members, etc.)
  • Share any relevant pregnancy/birth history with your photographer
  • Keep your photographer posted the last month of your pregnancy with updates after each of your (weekly) check-ups
  • Give your partner the photographer’s contact info to call AND text them for when the big day comes
  • Once in the hospital, try to relax and focus on the birth process while the photographer works on documenting all the special moments
  • Have special one-of-a-kind photos to look back on and share with your child in the future
woman holding newborn baby while husband puts his hand on her head in hospital bed setting

So you’re new to birth photography and excited to document an upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience as a photographer?

 

    My Top Tips for Birth Photographers:

    • Pack a go-bag with snacks, possible overnight supplies (toothbrush, blanket, etc.), camera gear, extra cards and batteries as well as all the charging cables (consider a power strip as well to share the delivery room’s outlet)
    • Have phone nearby at all times and on alert the closer the due date comes
    • Have at least half a tank of gas at all times
    • Have a plan for childcare coverage when on-call (if needed)
    • Wear comfortable clothes (including bringing extra layers) in case the hospital room is cold
    • When arriving at the hospital, introduce self to on-call staff and family
    • Act as a “fly on the wall” taking photos but also be an extra pair of hands if needed
    • Focus on connection and emotion
    • Shoot wide-angle to establish the scene as well as close-up to get expressions and details
    • Document the action and the waiting
    • Stay until baby is born and placed on mom’s chest
    what to pack to photograph a birth photo session at the hospital

    Pregnant and interested in a birth photo session? Please contact me for more information.

    close-up of newborn baby's leg

    Interested in a photo session?

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    Seton Hospital – Birth Photography Session

    Seton Hospital – Birth Photography Session

    A Birth Photo Story

    Seton Hospital, Kyle, Texas

    I was on-call to photograph a birth with a May due date. When all of a sudden, I got the text on Sunday, April 23rd that said: “My water broke! We are headed to the hospital!!

    I double checked I had everything I needed in my camera bag and backpack (which had been packed and ready for the last two weeks). Then I headed down the highway. Thankfully it was a Sunday, so I-35 wasn’t too bad. I quickly arrived at the hospital and headed to Labor & Delivery just before lunch.

    The mom got her first check-up and was only 1 cm dilated. And so the clock started and the waiting began. Waiting with the in-laws in the room, watching sports, watching the numbers on the monitor as medication was started. Lots of waiting.

    Four hours later and still only 1 cm. More medication, more waiting. Mom trying to get comfortable on the yoga ball, then trying standing and moving around. Background TV playing Adam Sandler movies and the Cartoon Network.

    After the dinner check-up, there was some dilation progress but baby was taking his time to get ready to come out. Epidural happened just before bed and pitocin was given to keep moving things along.

    And we all tried to sleep for a few hours. Grandma and the Dad on the pull-out couch. I was on the recliner. A few restless hours sleep as nurses came in to check stats.

    The 4:30am check-in just showed 4 1/2 cm dilation. When the cafeteria opened at 6:30am, I went to grab some breakfast and freshen up for what would happen next.

    The 7:30am check-in showed full dilation and full readiness. THE PUSHING COULD BEGIN! One hour of intense pushing later and out came her sweet baby – weighing over 8 pounds and ready to be welcomed into their family.

    After spending over 23 hours by their side, I headed back down the highway on Monday, April 24th, ready to take a nap and then edit the photos.

    woman holding newborn baby while husband puts his hand on her head in hospital bed setting

    Please check out some of my favorite images from their birth photography session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

    1. What prompted you to have this photo session?

    After a really hard time getting pregnant, we wanted to make sure every moment was capture of our precious miracle.

    2. What advice would you give to others planning a birth photography session?

    The photos aren’t meant for the entire world, some will be, but it’s mostly for you. You forget all the pain of labor and birth once baby is here, it’s so special to be able to go back and look and remember that hard work.

    3. Anything else you’d like to add?

    Stephanie is amazing! She is super responsive and helpful! After my appointments, she’d check in and see what was going on. She was super flexible, and open to anytime he wanted to come. We had a scheduled induction, and she was perfectly fine with that. However, baby boy decided he wanted to come about 4 days earlier, and she was right here ready to go. Stephanie is a great person and you’re lucky to have her!!

    Interested in a photo session?

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