“Mad Matter: “Have I gone mad?” Alice: “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” – Lewis Carroll
Five years ago, she was the Red Queen at the Zilker Botanical Gardens. When she decided on the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland for this year’s Halloween Costume – it only made sense to go back to the Gardens.
With a vintage tea set and accessories (and keeping out of the way of the wedding, quinceanara and homecoming photos also happening that night), we explored the grounds and had our own tea party.
This Halloween photo session is one of my favorite yearly events. From discussing props to choosing the most appropriate location to embracing the character, it’s always a lot of fun.
And I got to bring a few favorite tea cups from home to lend to the shoot.
Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session this year.
Hello, Fellow Longhorn: Congratulations on graduating from UT! Here are my Top 10 most popular spots on campus for Senior Photo Sessions. They don't call it Forty Acres for nothing. Since the University of Texas campus is so large, it's good to be strategic when...
One of my favorite shoots of the year is the annual Halloween collaboration with this family. As you can see from the pic below – they were one of the very first people to hire me (over 10 years ago).
How magical to see over a decade of work in one place 🙂
This year the costume idea was “Elf” – with makeup by Drop By Gorgeous, an outfit from the Renaissance Festival and accessories bought online.
Once the hair, makeup and costume were in place, we went to explore Garey Park in Leander, Texas.
Please enjoy some favorites from the session below. Full gallery (password protected) available HERE.
Have you ever considered having a Halloween Costume or themed photo session?
It’s one of the most fun shoots to do! We plan out wardrobe, locations and props to perfectly fit your theme. For this UT cheerleader and football player, one of their moms found us the best public football field in Leander, TX. And it was practically empty at golden hour for their photo session. Next, armed with pom poms, handmade signs and football gear, we had a blast creating our own football game to cheer on.
Please enjoy these photos of the cutest University of Texas Cheerleader and Football player! Full gallery (password protected) available HERE.
One of my favorite shoots of the year is Carsyn’s Halloween session. I love getting texts with links to various costumes being considered and then brainstorming with her mom what location will best suit that year’s outfit.
Some favorite pictures from her session are below. Full gallery (password protected) available HERE.
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
Stephanie has been taking beautiful photos of my daughter and I since she was an infant.
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
One of my favorite parts, in addition to the sheer magic Stephanie has in capturing the most incredible moments, is her flexibility. We combine a Halloween and Christmas shoot together, arriving dressed fancy for Christmas photos and then doing a quick change into my daughter Halloween costume. We are all busy, and this year obviously posed increased challenges with Covid-19, so it is super important to me to have this combined session. On that note, Stephanie was exceptionally conscious of health and safety needs – wearing a mask and maintaining distancing during the shoot
3. What advice would you give to other people planning a branding session?
Plan your outfit and the theme of the shoot in advance and Stephanie will help you determine the PERFECT location to serve as the most fitting backdrop. Last year she found a mansion for us to shoot my daughter as a vampire for Halloween that also had a beautiful garden and gazebo for our concurrent Christmas photos.
4. Anything else to add?
I have said it before, and I will say it again. Stephanie not only takes absolutely stunning photos, but she does it with laughter and joy. She makes the entire photo shoot fun (including being a kid whispered) and the results exceed my expectations every single year.
If you tell me that your daughter is dressing up as a Victorian Vampire and you are wondering the best place to have her Halloween photo session — I will find you a Victorian Mansion.
This session was my first time working at the Woodbine Mansion, but hopefully not the last.
And yes – there is a lot of LIGHT in our Vampire photo session – but what photographer could resist all of those beautiful windows 🙂
We did have fun playing around with the giant mirror …
… and all of the period furniture as well.
And staying in character 🙂
Please enjoy these sneak peeks from her Halloween-themed photo session. To see all the images in the (password protected) gallery, go HERE.
If you’d like to book your own photo session (costumes optional) – contact me below:
It’s Halloween season. Your daughter is dressing as the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland. You are brainstorming where her Halloween photo session should be… How about a Rose Garden? Yes! After a third reschedule due to weather, we gratefully headed to the Zilker Botanical Gardens with lots of fun props.
If you would like advice on how to channel your own Red Queen, please do the following:
Practice saying: “Off with her head!”
Don’t forget your flamingo and hedgehog croquet.
Brush up on your reading to really get into character.
Practice your royal expression.
Remember that you hold all the cards.
Then you’ll be ready to be a Red Queen as well.
So for the last few years, I’ve had a lot of fun working with this mom to design a custom session to showcase her daughter’s costumes. Last year’s downtown Wonder Woman was pretty hard to beat. But I think we captured the Red Queen’s Halloween spirt. I just love getting to brainstorm on props, locations and poses.
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.
===== stephanie friedman. austin family photography. your life. close-up =====
