family - Stephanie Friedman

Justin Lane Murals – Family Photo Session

by admin | Dec 8, 2023 | family, photography

Colorful murals, exploring the garden and climbing trees

The last time I photographed this family, we were in the Mueller District near the Thinkery.

This year, for their annual family photo session, we went to The Gift ATX. It’s a mural filled garden and gathering space owned by the Episcopalian Church next door. The vibrant colors and flowering garden provided a colorful backdrop for this family in Austin, Texas.

Tips for Photo Sessions at The Gift ATX

ASK PERMISSION FIRST: You’ll need to request location permission from the head Priest (and a Church donation is always welcome, but not required)
EXPLORE EVERY ANGLE: Make sure to check out out all sides of the building – there are dozens of murals across every surface
CROSS THE STREET FOR EXTRA CHARM: Also head across the street to get the “Spread Love the Austin Way” mural on the side of Lala’s Little Nugget Bar for your photos (though be prepared to photoshop out lots of trash and cigarette butts in front of that mural)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? This is the gift I give myself every year!

2. How did you choose your location for your session? Convenience was key with busy weekend, so Stephanie suggested a really cool location nearby.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Just have fun with it! Even if your kid’s hair is a little unruly, don’t take it too seriously!

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is creative, fun, flexible & professional – I can’t recommend her highly enough!

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

More From This Category

Dog-friendly photo session locations in Austin

Jan 13, 2025

My Top 10 locations for a Photo Session with your pet dog in Austin, Texas If your four-legged friend is a part of your family, let's make sure to include them in your next family photo session. Austin is known for being super dog-friendly, and there are plenty of...

Live Oak Meadow – Pease Park – Family Session

by admin | Dec 1, 2023 | family, photography

Climbing trees, catching shrimp in the creek and hug attacks

The last time I photographed this family was in Waterloo Greenway Park for a holiday photo session.

This year, we went to the Live Oak Meadow in Pease Park and had fun exploring. Most families I work with like to switch between urban and nature settings each year.

Trees were climbed, the hug attack game was played and one pregnant shrimp was found in the water.

Tips for Photo Sessions in Pease Park

I divide Pease Park into two main photographic areas – the Live Oak Meadow and Kingsbury Commons.
The Live Oak Meadow has, you guessed it, lots of oak trees, some with beautiful hanging Spanish Moss, as well as easy access to play in Shoal Creek – a spot known as the swales.
Kingsbury Commons has the two-story metal and rope Treehouse as well as a nature play area and the Tudor Cottage.
Between those two spots is a small forest of trees painted blue.
I find parking to be easier by the Live Oak Meadow – and I tell my clients it’s about a 7-10 minute walk between the two spots, but we should start in whichever spot they’re more drawn to.
I also make sure to check the Pease Park events page before finalizing a session date.
And if we’re going to go in the Creek, I always save that for last in case anyone gets too wet exploring.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

University of Texas – Blanton Museum Courtyard – Family Session

by admin | Nov 29, 2023 | family, photography

Art on campus, bright colors and exploring the Capitol Mall grounds

The last time I photographed this family, we went to Waterloo Greenway Park for a fall photo session.

This year, we went to the University of Texas, Blanton Museum Courtyard area. I love the vibrant colors – especially the greens and yellows we used as backdrops.

Tips for Photo Sessions around the Blanton Museum

Make sure to check the Blanton Museum events calendar before you book and the University of Texas home football game schedule
Garage parking is available at the Brazos Garage on MLK next door
The Museum is closed on Mondays – so the area is the least crowded then (or go when the University of Texas students are on a school break)
Let your clients know how colorful the backdrops are if they want to go vibrant with their outfits
If you want to take any photos inside the Museum, permission is required

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Each fall, we schedule family photo session with Stephanie for our holiday cards. Our son went to preschool with Stephanie’s sons and she’s been taking our pictures since he was 3.

2. How did you choose your location for your session? Stephanie always has great suggestions – we try to alternate outdoorsy and more urban locations. Stephanie suggested the Blanton and it was perfect!

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Go with the flow. Our now 13-year old who was always happy to smile for the pictures and was incredibly easy at photo sessions. This year, he was definitely 13 and only giving us occasional half-smiles, but Stephanie was wonderful about it. I am sure I will look back at this year’s photos and remember the struggle that was age 13.

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography?We LOVE taking our annual pictures with Stephanie! She’s the best.

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

Blanton Museum & Capitol Mall – Family Session

by admin | Nov 27, 2023 | family, photography

Blanton Museum Courtyard, Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin” and the Capitol Mall

The last time I photographed this family was at their house and in Pease Park before they left for an international adventure.

This year, we went to the University of Texas campus and took photos around the Blanton Museum.

Tips for Photo Sessions around the Blanton Museum

Make sure to check the Blanton Museum events calendar before you book and the University of Texas home football game schedule
Garage parking is available at the Brazos Garage on MLK next door
The Museum is closed on Mondays – so the area is the least crowded then (or go when the University of Texas students are on a school break)
Let your clients know how colorful the backdrops are if they want to go vibrant with their outfits
If you want to take any photos inside the Museum, permission is required

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We needed family photos, and we love Stephanie’s style and approach. It is fun and creative, and the whole experience is made easy for the family. So well organized.

2. How did you choose your location for your session? I was inspired by other families’ photoshoots and wanted to try something new. The location was close to our house, and Stephaine had good ideas on how to make it work with my wishes.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? If you follow the photographer’s prompts, it won’t go wrong. The emails are meant to help the family stay organized and get the most out of the expereince. It relieves the family of having to overthink or stress about the experience.

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

Seaholm District – Family Photo Session

by admin | Nov 26, 2023 | family, photography

Urban backdrops, walking the Butterfly Bridge and street art

The last time I photographed this family was on the University of Texas campus for a holiday photo session.

This year, we went to the Seaholm District and had fun exploring the urban area.

Tips for Photo Sessions in the Seaholm District

Garage parking is available at the Central Library or Trader Joe’s nearby (Trader Joe’s will validate your parking with purchase)
Have a spotter when you’re taking photos on the Butterfly Bridge and be ready to get out of the way fast if cars are coming
Make sure to capture the mix of greenery, artwork and industrial buildings
If your clients need a place to change or restrooms, the Central Library is right there
This part of town is popular with photo sessions, you may see at least a few while you’re downtown

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We try to take photos every year especially since our children are changing so much.

2. How did you choose your location for your session? We chose Seaholm for the variety of backgrounds and urban feel.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Try to relax and enjoy it. Also I think next year we’re going to let our kids pick their clothes vs trying to match so they feel more comfortable and more authentic.

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is wonderfully talented and unbelievably flexible. We had to reschedule several times and it was raining during our shoot!

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

Tau Ceti Mural and Downtown Rooftop views – Family Session

by admin | Nov 21, 2023 | family, photography

Tallest mural in Austin, skyline views and blue walls

The last time this family was in front of my camera was in the Seaholm District for a holiday photo session.

This year, the mom picked a different downtown location, the tallest mural in Austin, Tau Ceti, and the next door garage’s rooftop.

The Austin Convention Center parking garage rooftop has great downtown skyline views as well as some colorful blue corners.

Tips for Photo Sessions at the Tau Ceti Mural and Rooftop next door

Lots of folks will be taking photos in front of the Tau Ceti mural – be ready to wait your turn (and then go quickly if other people are waiting)
For the mural – shoot wide and get back to ensure more colors are viewable in your image
Then go to the Convention Center garage next door and take the elevator up to the roof
There may be other photo sessions up there – but it’s a large space with a variety of backgrounds (the buildings look best at sunset)
Encourage your clients to go eat nearby at the Fareground Food Hall after their session

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We do family sessions every year. For the last 4 years we have hired Stephanie, and she makes it so easy – scheduling, picking a location, sending me parking directions, it’s all so seamless . She even makes my (sometimes high strung) family feel relaxed.

2. How did you choose your location for your session? Always look to Stephanie for advice on locations. Some years we want nature settings, some years we want something more urban, but this year I could not pass up the Tau Ceti Mural. The vibrant colors are what hooked me.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? I like to pick a location, and then my outfit, and then the rest of the families. I aim to be coordinated, but not too matchy.

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? If you don’t already, follow her instagram! Not only does she post fun things to do around Austin, you can get a behind the scenes peek at what it takes to make photo sessions work, from location hunting, constantly monitoring the crazy Texas weather, and all the editing that makes the pictures look perfect.

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

Colorful murals, exploring the garden and climbing trees

Tips for Photo Sessions at The Gift ATX

Interested in a photo session?

More From This Category

Climbing trees, catching shrimp in the creek and hug attacks

Tips for Photo Sessions in Pease Park

Interested in a photo session?

More From This Category

Art on campus, bright colors and exploring the Capitol Mall grounds

Tips for Photo Sessions around the Blanton Museum

Interested in a photo session?

More From This Category

Blanton Museum Courtyard, Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin” and the Capitol Mall

Tips for Photo Sessions around the Blanton Museum

Interested in a photo session?

More From This Category

Urban backdrops, walking the Butterfly Bridge and street art

Tips for Photo Sessions in the Seaholm District

Interested in a photo session?

More From This Category

Tallest mural in Austin, skyline views and blue walls

Tips for Photo Sessions at the Tau Ceti Mural and Rooftop next door

Interested in a photo session?

More From This Category

Search