Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

Rustic Barn, Grass-filled Prairie and a Lakeside Dock | Austin Senior Photo Session

This Lake Travis High School Senior requested two things – wildflowers in a field and to bring her dog.

Sadly, this wasn’t a good year for wildflowers (though I drove all around looking for some), but we did get some cute photos with her pet golden retriever, Jingle.

high school senior holding her pet golden retriever dog at commons ford ranch for photo session in austin

And she brought her own flowers to hold. Two different bouquets, in fact. 

high school senior holding bouquet of flowers close to her face during photo session in austin

For her photo session, we explored from the old barn to the lakeside docks at Commons Ford Ranch in Southwest Austin.

If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Commons Ford Ranch, check out my tips below.

Tips for High School Senior Photo Sessions at Commons Ford Ranch:

  • It can get crowded with other photo sessions at peak times (weekend evenings in Spring and Fall) – so pick off times if possible.
  • It’s about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Lakefront area – make sure to wear or bring comfortable shoes for walking between locations
  • The Lakefront area can be a popular party area – keep an eye out for stray beer cans in your frame and you might have to wait your turn on the dock. (We had some considerate swimmers move out of the way on the dock so we could get the angle and shots we wanted)
  • Lots of wildlife call this park their home. If you are going to be in the tall grass, wear cowboy boots or pants as one of your three outfit options.
  • Plan to change outfits in your car (the nearest restroom is a port-o-potty)
  • Springtime wildflowers can be spectacular (though sadly not this year – our solution was for her to bring some flower bouquets to hold) – peak blooms are usually in March, April and May. Winter has some lovely golden dry grass as well.

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session?  I wanted to capture the next chapter of my life by combining my upcoming college plans and childhood dog, along with grad photos.
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to share my digital photos on social media and use them for graduation purposes and professional use for sororities and college events.
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? I found the place with an open field and a water area, I love nature so I wanted it to be in my senior photos.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Remeber all your outfits!!!!!!! Create a list as to not forget anything. Also get a few inspo pictures ready for the photographer!
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? She is so sweet!!! Very creative and knowledgeable. Works with all the outside circumstances to get you the best photos and for a great price!

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park in South Austin | High School Senior Photos I last saw this High School Senior for his family's yearly holiday photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard. For his Senior Year photos, he requested a mix of urban and nature. So, we met up at Butler Park...

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Northwest Park – Senior Photo Session

Northwest Park – Senior Photo Session

High School Photo Session | Austin Senior Photographer

I last photographed this family back in 2018 at the same neighborhood park.

family photo session at northwest park in austin

Hill Family Northwest Park Austin Family Photography

Now, seven years later, we met up again for their oldest son’s High School Senior Photo Session.

high school senior photo session at park in austin

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Northwest Park, check out my tips below.

Tips for High School Senior Photo Sessions at Northwest Park:

  • I like to meet on the Shoal Creek side of the park near the bridge
  • In Spring, the field is usually filled with wildflowers (this wasn’t a peak year though)
  • We can explore around the creek and by the pond for different nature backgrounds
  • The park has restrooms, but it may be closest to change outfits in your car

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own High School Senior portrait session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? It’s Senior photo session time!
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? Graduation announcement, Senior pics for grandparents and us.
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? Allandale rocks.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Hire Stephanie! She provides useful tips on planning for the photo session to best capture your senior’s personality and style. Bring extra options! Have fun with it! 
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is amazing. She had great ideas for locations, posing, & outfits. Her relaxed but professional demeanor allowed our kiddo’s personality to come through. She was easy to work with and made this a fun experience.

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park in South Austin | High School Senior Photos I last saw this High School Senior for his family's yearly holiday photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard. For his Senior Year photos, he requested a mix of urban and nature. So, we met up at Butler Park...

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University of Texas – College Senior Photos

University of Texas – College Senior Photos

College Graduation Photo Session | Austin Senior Photographer

I love it when I get to document one family over the years through different milestones. I first met this current College Senior back in 2019 when I did her family photos.

Mill Pond Family Photos 2019

Two years later we met up again for her High School Senior Photo Session.

long center high school senior photo session in austin, texas

And earlier this month, I met her at University of Texas campus in Austin for her College Senior Photo Session.

university of texas college senior photo session in austin on campus

If you’re also graduating from the University of Texas and are also interested in having your Senior Photo Session on Campus, check out my tips below.

Tips for College Senior Photo Sessions at the University of Texas:

  • Right before Graduation, Campus gets pretty full of photo shoots, so try and plan early or choose off-times for your photos (or be okay with waiting for your turn in front of popular spots)
  • Iron your regalia and bring it on a hanger
  • You can pose in your full cap and gown, part of your regalia, regular dressy clothes or any combination of the above
  • If you have a particular spot on campus that means a lot to you (ex. where you took the majority of your classes), let me know so we can include it in our route
  • I’ll send you a list of popular spots before your date so you can give me your top 4 to 5 choices to visit in your hour-long session
  • If your family will be in town, we can add-on a mini-family photo session
  • If you want to end your session in the Littlefield Fountain – bring some champagne to “pop” as well as a towel for drying off and flip flops to wear for afterwards
  • If you’re interested in a group session with some friends, contact me for group pricing

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own College Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this Senior photo session? I wanted to do this photo session so I can have nice, professional photos to both share and remember my time at UT.
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to use these photos for my professional profiles like LinkedIn and my portfolio but I’m going to share with family and friends as well!
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? I chose the location based on how iconic they are to the UT campus and how they personally relate to my time at UT.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? My advice is to just be yourself!! A senior photo session is for you and to remember your journey, not anyone else’s, so make it special!
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is awesome! She is so bubbly and friendly while being efficient and professional. This is my second time working with Stephanie (for Senior photos), and I would definitely do it again!

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park in South Austin | High School Senior Photos I last saw this High School Senior for his family's yearly holiday photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard. For his Senior Year photos, he requested a mix of urban and nature. So, we met up at Butler Park...

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Zilker Park – Senior + Family Photos

Zilker Park – Senior + Family Photos

Zilker Park Senior + Family Photos | Austin Senior Photographer

I last photographed this High School Senior when she did a tennis-themed session for me last Spring.

tennis themed photo shoot

This year we met up at Zilker Park (near Rock Island and Lou Neff Point) for a combination Senior + Family Photo Session.

We also made sure to get some photos in her Future College gear. Go Rams!

austin high school senior holding college pennant

If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Zilker Park, check out my tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at Zilker Park:

  • There are many different parts of Zilker Park we can use. This Senior wanted the skyline views from Lou Neff Point (accessible on the Hike & Bike Trail) as well as the field near Rock Island
  • Zilker Park can get crowded on weekends – so aim for weekday sessions for better parking and smaller crowds
  • Check the local event schedule to make sure there aren’t conflicts at the Park during your session date
  • Be prepared to change outfits in your car (the only nearby restroom options are port-o-potties) 

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We wanted High school senior photos with a mini bonus family photo session before she heads off to college. 
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will create a graduation announcement, but we will also add them to our family photos wall. 
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? Sydney wanted a little nature in her setting, but she also wanted to show something special about the city she’s grown up in. So, Zilker Park seemed like the perfect place. 
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior + Family photo session? Think about what time of year you’d like to have the photos done and a place that is meaningful or creates the atmosphere you want. Also look for clothes that represent you and you feel good in.  
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie has photographed our family for years, and we’ve built the trust in her to help us capture beautiful photographs.  

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park in South Austin | High School Senior Photos I last saw this High School Senior for his family's yearly holiday photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard. For his Senior Year photos, he requested a mix of urban and nature. So, we met up at Butler Park...

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Sekrit Theater – Senior Photo Session

Sekrit Theater – Senior Photo Session

Sekrit Theater Senior Photos | Austin Senior Photographer

As a Senior Photographer in Austin, I always get excited when my client wants to use Sekrit Theater for their location.

Between the iconic glass greenhouse, the old schoolbus, the vintage truck and the rainbow wall of flowers, it’s well worth the location fee.

Besides using all of those backdrops, we also got to recreate some of the shots we took 5 years ago in the same locations.

girl in yellow dress at sekrit theater for photo session in east austin

Photos at the back of the greenhouse 5 years apart.

high school senior photo session at the sekrit theater in east austin greenhouse glass

 

middle school girl on school bus at Sekrit Theater

Photos at the school bus 5 years apart.

If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at the one-of-a-kind Sekrit Theater in East Austin, check out my tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at Pease Park:

  • Check their calendar to make sure your preferred session date and time is available
  • Sessions are often booked back to back so make sure you start and end on time
  •  The restroom and changing room is in the Tiny House (directly across from the Greenhouse Patio)
  • When you are finished with your session, remember to turn off any lights, and shut the doors
  • In the summer, pack bug spray and water
  • Feel free to bring your own props – this mom came with a bubble machine and flowers for us to use
  • Head’s up: Sekrit does not give refunds, only reschedules

sekrit theater marquee sign in east austin

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

Butler Park in South Austin | High School Senior Photos I last saw this High School Senior for his family's yearly holiday photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard. For his Senior Year photos, he requested a mix of urban and nature. So, we met up at Butler Park...

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How to Display & Use your Senior Photos

How to Display & Use your Senior Photos

Top 5 ways to use your Senior Photos

Your senior photos are more than just pictures—they’re a celebration of your educational journey and a way to preserve this important time in your life.

But once you’ve had your Senior Photo session and received your digital images, what’s next?

Instead of letting them just sit on your phone or computer, here are some creative and meaningful ways to showcase your senior portraits. 


1. Graduation Cards: Announce & Celebrate

sample graduation card

One of the most popular ways to use your senior photos is for custom graduation announcements and invitations. These cards are a great way to share your achievements with family and friends while giving them a keepsake of this special time in your life.

Choosing the Right Design

  • Select a template that matches your personality and style—modern, classic, rustic, or bold.
  • Opt for a single-image or collage-style card to showcase multiple looks from your session.
  • Incorporate school colors or your future college’s branding for a personalized touch.

What to Include

  • Your name and high school
  • Graduation date and ceremony details (if applicable)
  • A heartfelt message or quote
  • Party invitation details (if you’re hosting a celebration)

Where to Order

Many online retailers, such as Minted, Shutterfly, and SnapFish, offer beautiful custom templates for graduation cards. 

2. Wall Art: Turn Memories into Home Decor

high school senior photo session wall art example 

Displaying your senior photos in your home is a great way to cherish these moments every day. Some print options include: 

  • Canvas Prints: A timeless option that adds warmth to any space.
  • Framed Prints: Available in various sizes and styles to match your décor.
  • Photo Collages: Create a gallery wall with multiple images from your session.

Your online gallery will let you shop directly for framed prints and other wall art options. 

3. Photo Albums: Preserve Your Story

high school senior photo album example

You can design your own personalized photo album through your online gallery. This treasured keepsake is a perfect way to document your senior year. 

4. Photo Gifts: Share the Memories

photo mug

Senior portraits also make great gifts for family members. Consider:

  • Custom mugs or phone cases with your favorite shots
  • Personalized photo calendars for grandparents
  • Photo keychains, puzzles or ornaments

There are loads of fun things you can make with your pictures.

5. Digital Displays: Showcase Your Photos Online

sample social media post for high school senior photo session

In today’s digital world, sharing your senior photos online is just as important as printing them. Consider:

  • Social Media Posts: Share highlights from your session on Instagram, SnapChat, or TikTok.
  • Digital Photo Frames: Upload a rotating slideshow of your senior portraits to a digital frame at home.
  • Custom Screensavers & Wallpapers: Use your photos as backgrounds on your phone, tablet, or computer.

how to use your senior photos - 5 easy ideas

Tips for what to do with your digital files

  • Your senior photos are meant to be enjoyed and shared! Whether you’re sending out graduation cards, decorating your home with prints, or gifting keepsakes to loved ones, make the most of your images and celebrate this milestone in style.

  • Investing in high quality prints and products ensures your images will last for years to come. 

Looking for more ideas or ready to book your senior session? Contact me today to create stunning Senior Portraits you’ll love!

 

graduation card sample class 

 

    Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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    Butler Park – High School Senior Photo Session

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    Butler Park in South Austin | High School Senior Photos I last saw this High School Senior for his family's yearly holiday photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard. For his Senior Year photos, he requested a mix of urban and nature. So, we met up at Butler Park...

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