Downtown Austin | Family Photo Session This family chose the Seaholm District and Butterfly Bridge area for their yearly photo session. I've been lucky to photograph this family for over 10 years now. And six years ago, we also met in the same Downtown Austin area for...
Commons Ford Ranch – Family Photo Session
Rustic barn, grassy fields and walking trails in Southwest Austin
The last time I saw this family was among the bluebonnets at Northwest Park this past Spring.
This year, we picked a place that was new to them but closer to their house, Commons Ford Ranch. We started at the old barn on the property and then made our way around the nearby fences and fields.
There were lots of other photo shoots happening around us – from Senior Photo Sessions to a 2 year old’s birthday to other family photo sessions. Having to dodge other photo shoots led me to spots in the park I’d never shot in before – like this great tree for climbing.
Tips for Shooting at Commons Ford Ranch
- It can get crowded with other photo sessions at peak times (weekend evenings) – so pick off times if possible
- It’s about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Lakefront area – make sure your clients are aware of that before you start walking uphill
- The Lakefront area can be a popular party area – keep an eye out for stray beer cans in your frame
- Lots of wildlife call this park their home. Keep an eye out for snakes in the tall grass or just stick to the walking trails
- If you are going to be in the tall grass, have your clients wear boots
- Springtime wildflowers can be spectacular – peak blooms are usually in April and May
- Enjoy the beautiful and peaceful scenery just 25 minutes away from downtown Austin
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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 have been taking fall and spring family photos with Stephanie for several years to capture our children growing and changing. We love and treasure these family photos and are always impressed with Stephanie’s talent.
2. How did you choose your location for your session? Commons Ford Ranch was suggested by Stephanie and was a beautiful spot with lots of natural scenery and soft early evening lighting. Our only regret was not bringing our dog Daisy to join the photo session since this was a very dog-friendly location.
3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Do not forget the chapstick for the kids, so you don’t have dry lips in the photos.
4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? My kids typically arrive a bit grumpy because I’ve forced them to wear dress-up clothes. Someone is itchy or not happy with their hair. But somehow Stephanie turns my complaining kids into art directors.
She lets them suggest sites and poses, so they feel like a part of the process. They also leave happy and excited to see the pictures. This year they climbed a tree and posed with their best smiles. I know Stephanie captured amazing shots of them. Plus, she always gets them to hold hands or put their arms around each other. It really is a bonding experience.
