You can read About Me on my bio page, but in honor of Throwback Thursday, let’s take a walk down memory lane. Won’t you join me on this journey that led me to Family Photography…
Secret Shopping
I’ve always liked learning about new things, so after graduating college in Photojournalism, I would sign up for UT Informal Classes. Classes I took included Ballet, Swing Dancing, Alternative Photo Processes and Secret Shopping. That Secret Shopping (or Mystery Shopping) class led to me getting paid to see almost every movie at Regal Cinemas (circa 1999-2003).
With secret shopping, the most stressful part was having to count every person who came in the theater (while subtracting anyone who went out to get popcorn or made a trip to the bathroom before the movie started).
My favorite part was liking movies that I might not have seen except they were free.
Yoga Instructor
In 2008, I got my Hatha Yoga 200 hour certification through Yoga Yoga. Once I graduated, I was part of their “Yoga at Work” program where I went to different offices and taught classes. My favorite part was how relaxed people were after class (and that I got to wear yoga pants for my side job). My least favorite part was how disgusting office conference room floors were. Nowadays, I still occasionally teach a class to my own co-workers.
As part of my Yoga Yoga Teacher Training, I taught free classes (here at Hill Country Weavers)
Fabric Artist / Etsy Shop
The next phase went closely together. I had bought a sewing machine on eBay and was excited to use it. I opened up my (now empty) Etsy Shop in 2008 to sell fabric art and hand goods. My favorite part was being an active member of the Etsy Austin community. My least favorite part was when my appendix burst during an Etsy Austin show at SXSW in 2009 (not the fabric’s fault). In 2015, I sold my last item: a gift certificate for a Family Photo Session.
Close-up of sewn piece
Family Photographer
For the last few years, I’ve been mostly focused on Family Photography. Whether with my own kids (or yours), my favorite part is capturing family connections. And I don’t have a least favorite part yet 😉
Showing Max & Miles the test shots for the “fake snow” set-up
Do you (or your clients) feel awkward when in front of a camera? You’re not alone. Maybe 20% of the families I photograph are completely comfortable (and will love and snuggle with little prompting at their photo session). But if you find yourself standing there, “What do I DO with my hands?!?” or “What direction should my legs go when I sit down?!?” I’m here to help.
The posing directions I give the most are: “Lean in!” and “Snuggle!” and “Make angles!”
If those posing instructions aren’t enough, I’ll also give playful prompts at family portrait sessions (that you can also use when taking photos of your own kids). My goal is images that show a natural connection.
I’ve split suggestions out by age ranges below:
Age 1-3
Peek-a-boo
Tickle Monster
Make animal noises
Hold kids upside down
Swing kids as you walk
Hold kids up in the air
Play “hug attack” game
Play chase
Play freeze dance
Give Eskimo kisses (nose to nose)
Kids up on Parent’s shoulder
Age 4-9
Make fart noises
Have the parents dance behind me
Joke contest
Reverse Psychology – “Don’t Smile!” “Don’t Laugh” “Oh, no, you’re starting to smile, stop it, stop it, I’ll get in trouble!!”
Have kids race towards me while the parents walk behind
Have a staring contest
Spin around as fast as you can until I say stop
Do silly dance moves
Ask them, “What ideas do you have for a photo?”
Play “two truths and a lie” game
Give me your best fake laugh
Pile all together in one big hug cuddle
Match your breathing with your parents
Play the telephone game or just have them whisper secrets to each other
Age 10-18
I find this age to be the most cooperative – in which case I just talk to them as we photograph and also ask them, “What ideas do you have for a photo?”
I’ll ask about their favorite movie, book or class – what their hobbies are. What’s their dream vacation? What would their ideal day be like? What are they up to that weekend?
I’ll also ask them to imitate the sound of their dad snoring or their mom dancing. Or if that doesn’t get a natural smile, also ask them to give me their best fake laugh.
Couples/Adults
Walk like your hips are drunk but your face is not
Walk like your hips are glued together
Walk like this is the most fun walk you’ve ever been on
Whisper something silly in a sexy voice in your partner’s ear
Don’t break eye contact with each other
I’ll ask them lots of questions as well – “Which one of you would be the first to go sky diving? Who is the better cook? What’s the other person’s favorite food? If you planned a perfect day for them, what would it be like?” etc.
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I hope these ideas help you the next time you’re in front of or behind a camera.
One of my favorite spots on the internet is the Humans of New York Instagramfeed. And while I like his photography, it’s his interviewing skills that bring out moving stories of honesty and vulnerability that I love the most.
When he was asked how he does it, “To get good answers, you have to ask good questions.” To which I’d modify to say, to get good pictures, you have to ask good questions. If his questions can elicit emotion, one of my goals as a photographer is to have photos that elicit strong emotions.
I think the way to start is to ask better questions. Before I lift up my camera with a client, I’ll want to know what is most important to them at this very moment? What do they want to remember about right now?
So here are some things I plan to ask new clients during the booking process (through my client questionnaire) and why I will ask them.
Question: Have you had a chance to look at my website?
Why do I ask? To make sure we’re a good fit before we even start. My ideal client is one who falls in love with my style and wants that type of imagery for themselves. If they’ve seen my blog and galleries and then contacted me, I know we’re off to the right start.
Question: What type of session are you interested in?
Why do I ask? I offer on-location (or in-home) lifestyle portrait sessions for couples and families. If the client is interested in something else (weddings, highly posed newborn shots, etc.) – then I want to direct them to a different photographer that would better suit their needs.
Question: Tell me why you’re getting your portraits taken now?
Why do I ask? If it’s for holiday cards, that lets me know their end goal. If it’s to celebrate a milestone (1st birthday, 10th birthday, etc.), I like to have that background context. Is it a family reunion? I’ll need to plan for plenty of family combinations. Will they be interested in a photo album? If so, I’ll want to make sure to capture extra details and establishing shots to tell the full story.
Question: What most do you want to remember about this time?
Why do I ask? This question gets to the heart of it. To find out what’s most important to them. To capture that feeling.
Question: Is there anything your family/you as a couple especially enjoy doing together?
Why do I ask? So we can incorporate it into the pictures. Either the activity or some object that’s meaningful to that couple or family.
Question: Do I have your permission to post to social media?
Why? Because a Person’s or a Parent’s privacy preference is always paramount.
Question: What makes your kid laugh / What is your kid interested in these days?
Why? I like to ask kids lots of questions when I’m photographing them – so it’s great to have a jumping off point for our topics of conversations.
Last Question: Anything else you want me to know before our shoot?
Why? This is when I might find out their kid hates getting their picture taken or that Grandmas is also coming to the shoot to help (and to add her in to some pictures), etc. The more info, the better I know their story to tell.
The rest of my questions tend to center around logistics (What part of town do you live in? Do you prefer a natural or urban setting? Do you need suggestions on What to Wear? etc.) And if we don’t get to all of these questions before your session, I’ll ask as we go along during your shoot.
Now that Christmas cards have gone out, it’s safe to share this Holiday Portrait session taken at Zilker Botanical Gardens. Like years past, we did a combination Halloween / Christmas photo session. Carsyn loved spotting all the bugs, fish and furry creatures among the flowering plants and pond.
1. How did you choose Stephanie Friedman Photography?
Stephanie has been taking photos of my daughter and me for 6 years now. I initially chose Stephanie Friedman Photography because of the passion she puts in to ensuring your photo shoot is as easy and smooth as possible, with resulting photos that are simply breathtaking. For example, I came to Stephanie with my daughters Halloween costume idea and within a week she had scouted multiple locations that would provide the perfect backdrop for the costume theme. She also helped me choose props to accentuate the impact. As a repeat client, some of the things I value most out of our professional photography sessions are Stephanie’s interaction with my 6-year old daughter, goofing when necessary, being kind and warm with instructions, her creativity and dedication to quickly setting up the shot, and having the magical ability to capture the perfect instant on camera.
2. What was your favorite part of the session?
I appreciated that Stephanie had already scouted the location so when we showed up she had multiple specific ideas and placements for our photos. That being said, when my spunky kid had new ideas, Stephanie graciously accepted each request.
3. What advice do you have for other families looking to book?
Share your ideas for themes or props before your shoot and let Stephanie collaborate with you on a location and how to accentuate your original thought. And always discuss your outfits prior to the shoot, particularly if you have multiple people in the photos.
Please enjoy this sneak peek of their family photo session images. To see all the photos and purchase prints from the gallery, click HERE.
If you’d like to book your own family session in Austin, contact me:
Every year I choose a different photographer to take our family photos (I like variety) – and it’s a great experience to be in front of the camera (rather than safely behind it). With each session, I narrow down what’s most important to me as a client. I appreciate photographic talent, clear communication and how comfortable you make my kids feel.
That’s what I look for. Now, you might have different criteria. To help you decide if we’d be a good match for each other as photographer/client, here are more details on what a photo session with me is like.
Why choose me?
Pre-session value
Do you like my work? If you haven’t already, take a look at my blog and galleries. Is my style something you want for yourself? If yes, keep reading. If not, and you’d like recommendations for other local photographers with different styles, price ranges, etc. – I’d be more than happy to share.
We’ll start with the end in mind – I’ll ask at the beginning – “What do you want to do with your photos?” Are these for a holiday card, to document a family reunion, for a birth announcement? Will you plan on ordering wall art or an album? That helps me tailor your session.
If you need help deciding what to wear, I have several Pinterestboards of outfits.
If you’d like a recommendation to a local Hair and Makeup Artist, I can provide that.
If you need help choosing a location, I have lists sorted by nature vs. urban and parts of town (North, Central and South) and spots outside of town.
I’ll also send a short checklist of reminders before your shoot so you feel ready. In fact, you’ll get several check-ins from me by email and/or text
Booking FAQ
How to Prepare for your Session
Text reminder/weather check the day before
What happens next after your shoot
Your photos are ready!
Value during session
I’ll help you find your most flattering poses (the secret is angles), but we’ll also have fun and play games so you forget about the camera.
I tell bad jokes.
I’ll ask your kids to make me laugh.
Your kids will get to climb and explore.
I’ll ask your kids (and you) if you have your own ideas for poses.
I’ve scouted your spot ahead of time so we’ll know where to go – but I’m also flexible if we need to adjust on the fly (and find the best light)
Value after session
You get to download all your files from the session.
Your photos will be processed in color as well as black and white (to give you all the options).
I’ll do light photoshop retouching on faces (I’m not taking out wrinkles, but if your kid has a cut on their face that won’t be there next week, it’s getting removed).
I make it easy to download and print products from your image gallery.
I make it easy to share your photos with friends and families – on the flip side, if you don’t want any of your images shared online or don’t want your images shared in any social media, I follow your guidelines there – your privacy is important to me.
If you think we’d be a good match, contact me below. I’d love to hear from you!
(And a BIG Thank You to all the Parents who took these behind-the-scenes pics: Ann, Katherine, Heather and Alfred)
Every year I choose a different photographer to take our family photos (I like variety) – and it’s a great experience to be in front of the camera (rather than safely behind it). With each session, I narrow down what’s most important to me as a client. I appreciate photographic talent, clear communication and how comfortable you make my kids feel.
