Most Austin photographers will tell you that there are no sure things when it comes to bluebonnet season. Yes, you can plan around the end of March/early April to get good blooms, but Mother Nature makes no promises. You might get high winds, cold weather, endless rain or lackluster fields. Or your favorite field might get mown over (that happened to two of my standbys this year – boo).
But by scouting out several favorite parks, keeping a close eye on the weather radar and frequent communication, you increase your chances of success.
This year, Mother Nature was pretty nice to us. We headed out to Balcones District Park (an annual favorite) for this duo’s yearly bluebonnet portraits.
Ladybugs were befriended.
Spots off-trail were explored.
Silly faces were made.
Which cracked everyone up.
Trees were climbed.
And another Spring bluebonnet session goes in the books.
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
Stephanie has been taking photos of my daughter Carsyn and me since she was a baby. We do two shoots a year and every year I am blown away that Stephanie seems to catch the most incredible moments with her camera (Edit: Flashback photo to baby Carsyn in the bluebonnets – Stephanie)
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
I love that Stephanie scouts out locations and advises where the flowers are the best. By the time we show up at the shoot, Stephanie has come up with plans for at least 4 different areas/styles in the park. My 7 year old daughter had photo ideas of her own also, and Stephanie quickly adapted to her desires and took tons of fun photos. (Edit: I love that Carsyn sees spots in the park that I don’t always notice)
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session?
I like to wear solid colors during shoots with my daughter so she shines in the pictures. And when doing shoots in parks, ensure you wear appropriate shoes. (Yes – we had an incident with a cactus needle poking into her soft-bottomed shoes – Carsyn totally rallied – but note to all – dress accordingly and step carefully in wildflower patches).
Stephanie is so flexible, fun, and encouraging during her photo shoots. I felt energized and confident because of her positive feedback. (Edit: Thank you – and excited to start planning fun Halloween ideas with you later this year)
“Where should we take photos this year?” (is a conversation Truman’s mom and I have every Spring).
Well, let’s all pause for a minute to appreciate flashback Truman first (circa 2012).
Same winning smile, just lots more freckles these days.
Anyway, we’ve done bluebonnets (as seen above), the UT campus, Lady Bird Lake, etc. Where to go to next?
This year, the Austin Central Library was the winning choice. We met up before the library closed to get some interior shots before heading outside to explore that block.
We tried to find a copy of one of Alison’s books for Truman to hold (no luck) – hence all the covers turned away from the camera.
Also, the children’s reading porch is such a great spot for images.
Grandma requested lots more close-ups this year – so I was glad to oblige:
Alison kept us all laughing with her stories.
Truman helped us explore all the way up to the roof.
And back down again.
And it wouldn’t be our yearly Spring photo session without a jump shot at the end. It’s tradition.
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
Paul and I have known Stephanie for years. We went to each other’s weddings, started a crafter’s club together, and I think we were among her first clients when she decided to move into kids and family photography. We needed some photos after a rather disastrous kid’s photo session in Dallas, and we knew we could trust her. (Edit: They were indeed the first “real” clients I had when I started back almost 8 years ago & RIP The Crafty Beavers)
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
We are a family that doesn’t like to have our picture taken, so knowing that Steph would make us and our son as comfortable as possible was and continues to be a huge part of why we love her. She puts up with our whining, and she always manages to get great photos of our son. She’s talented and creative. I am an author and asked Steph to do my author photos in 2015, and I am so happy with how they turned out. I love knowing that I have decent photos to use for PR purposes. (I’ve also been photographed enough to know that her shots are terrific.) We also appreciate how fast she works and how flexible she is. She’s always trying new things, and she’s incredibly patient with kids. (Edit: You all make it easy – Alison and Paul are not afraid to act silly or tell crazy stories that get all those natural smiles and laughs)
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session?
Trust Stephanie and her suggestions about clothing, locale, etc., but don’t be shy about bringing your ideas and suggestions to the shoot. She’s very collaborative, and she’ll speak up if she thinks an idea might not work or won’t showcase the subject(s) in the best way possible. (Edit: I love it when families bring their ideas to a shoot as well)
Please enjoy this sneak peek of their family portrait session images. To see all the photos and purchase prints from the gallery (password protected), click HERE.
If you’d like to book your own portrait session in Austin, contact me:
When a local photographer friend was going to be out of town, she gave this family my name to try and fill her shoes in the bluebonnets. I was happy to help out!
We met up at Northwest Park and explored the field of wildflowers, rock-filled stream bed and nearby metal bridge.
Bowties were worn!
Flowers were cuddled.
And Mom & Dad even got some moments to themselves.
There was an appearance by bunnies. They like to hide in the tall grass, you know.
And they’re always on the look-out for carrots. (Sadly, Northwest Park doesn’t grow wild carrots)
Instead we got to play in the bluebonnets before they were gone.
After a quick outfit change in the car, it was off for more exploring (and fierce posing)
And sweet and silly posing.
Making sure Mom & Dad each got some photos with just the kids.
With more portraits to be had on the rocks.
And always time for some smiles after going upside down.
One last run across the bridge, and it was time to go home (me) and out for breakfast (the family).
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
Stephanie was recommended to us by another fabulous photographer we know, so she received a true professional endorsement. (Edit: Thanks again, Natalie! – Stephanie)
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
Stephanie was warm and fun and her style is contagious. She put our whole family at ease, and the kids really got into the creative process. They were recommending places to take photos and poses, and Stephanie dubbed them art directors. (Edit: I always love when kids have ideas to share! – Stephanie)
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session?
Definitely go for the hour session. I was worried my kids wouldn’t tolerate that long of a photo shoot, but the time flew by and they loved it. And now we have so many photos to treasure for a lifetime. (Edit: Yay! Enjoy your new photos – Stephanie)
The last time I saw this family, we had maternity and newborn sessions back to back (unexpectedly). This trip just got to have one planned session for Spring photos. Since we know each other through work (and these two met at work), and the fields behind work have great landscape options, that’s where we went.
With Shingle Creek behind us, we explored during golden hour.
Since the mom is also a family photographer, it was a true collaboration on location, wardrobe and styling. G. Family – I can’t wait to come back for another visit – it was such a treat!
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
Carrie: Stephanie is my hubby’s boss and my colleague at work. It works out wonderfully for us on a personal level when she has to travel to Orlando for work! This is our third session with Stephanie. The first was a family session while pregnant with our third kid. The second session was only two or three days later in the hospital when Gabe made an early appearance (same work trip). Eric – I have known Stephanie for over ten years, and she is such a thoughtful, caring, and, of course, talented person! (Edit: It was such an honor on my last visit getting to meet you all in the hospital when Gabe was born. The biggest drama on this visit was finding someplace to get ice cream after the photo session – long story but we ended up in a Publix parking lot eating popsicles – Stephanie)
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
Carrie: There are so many favs. 1. Watching Stephanie cringe after witnessing her coworkers kissing. 2. Being a photographer myself, it is so nice to actually be in the photos with my kids and hubby and having (beautiful) photographic evidence we do all belong together. 3. I normally photograph my kids by myself, which is way harder than photographing someone else’s kids. It was an incredible experience having so much help with them. Stephanie is excellent at getting children to cooperate by assigning them tasks that make them feel important. Eric – Stephanie made the photo shoot FUN! My wife and I have three young children, and family portraits can be tough. But my kids loved Stephanie! There was one point during the photo shoot when our 15-month old started getting hungry. My wife and I didn’t have a snack on hand, but Stephanie whipped out some Cheerios. Problem solved! She is wonderful with children (and people in general), and that is evident in her brilliant family photography! (Edit: I will always have snacks!)
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session?
Carrie: Book with Stephanie! She puts a lot of time and attention into the planning of your shoot, she is a kid whisperer, and the photos are stunning. Eric – Schedule a session with Stephanie and you’ll have amazing photos for a lifetime! (Edit: You all are a dream to work with, thanks for letting me capture your family year after year)
I’ve known Diana for over 20 years – so it was a treat to go out to Taylor, TX and take photos of her kids, her mom and all her animals (cats, dog and chickens, oh my!)
Sweet dog, Stella, getting some love, too.
Shadow the cat consenting to being held for about 30 seconds.
Hanging with the chickens… until they try and poop on you… (her name is Mary Poopins)
Taking advantage of the backyard patch of bluebonnets…
And visiting with Grandma…
I loved learning all the chickens’ names – Diana is holding Slinky above. They also have Mary Poopins (who I’m holding awkwardly in the contact picture below), Jenny, Slinky, Fuzzbutt, Peepers, Princess Layer (!), Static 2, Noodle, Bubbles, Brownie and Grape.
And I got to go home with fresh eggs – what a delight all around!
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography? She’s my friend and best-est boss lady!
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session? Acting silly with the fam to get those ‘candid’ shots 😉 And of course looking forward to seeing the final images. They will be a treasure!
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session? Be flexible in case of weather changes, and have extra shirts if you need to change or coordinate differently during the shoot. Be ready! The Flash don’t play! 🙂 (Edit: My nickname at work is The Flash)
