seniors - Stephanie Friedman

Butler Park & Ladybird Lake Trails – Senior Photo Session

by admin | Apr 14, 2024 | photography, seniors

Butler Park skyline views, Running around Ladybird Lake and Celebrating Graduation

I always ask my graduating Seniors in Austin, Texas if they’d like to incorporate some of their hobbies into their Senior Photo Session.

This University of Texas Senior loves running around Ladybird Lake (aka Town Lake) so we made sure to get some images in one of her favorite parts of town.

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Butler Park and around the Ladybird Lake Trails, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions around Ladybird Lake:

You have several entry points as options for Trail photos – around Austin High School, near Zachary Scott Theater and near Butler Park are my top 3 favorites
If you like the Butler Park area, pay for parking at the Long Center and walk over
We can get a combination of skyline views from Butler Park as well as nature and water backdrops near the Lake
I’ll make sure to check local event calendars to make sure there aren’t any large event conflicts during your session date and time

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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 like Maddie’s on my blog.

What prompted you to have this photo session? Graduating is always a big deal, but I didn’t really get to celebrate my high school graduation as it was during the Covid era, so I really wanted to try and commemorate my college graduation. I wanted to have nice photos to look back on and also use for my announcements!
What do you plan to do with your digital photos?I plan on using them for my announcments and for the obligatory instagram grad post, of course. I will also end up using on of the photos for my LinkedIn profile.
How did you choose your location for your session? I have really fallen in love with running and with Austin over the past year, and Lady Bird Lake has become a comfort place for me- so it only seemed right to take these photos here.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Trust in the weather to cooperate as long as it isn’t raining! And for this location, take note of the events happening on the same day, we got lucky with empty-ish spaces to shoot but it was definitely more packed than normal, even for an Austin weekend!
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? She was amazing to work with. So sweet and full of energy, she got me pumped up to shoot these photos when the weather had been concerning me. She made me feel like a hundred bucks and I’m so grateful that she was recommended to us, truly such a considerate and talented photographer. I’m so excited to see the photos!

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Bull Creek Park – Family Photo Session

Dec 2, 2024

Bull Creek District Park | Austin Family Photo Session I met this family of four at Bull Creek park one fall afternoon for photos. I'm always happy when families are willing to wade in the creek at the end of their session. Luckily the water levels were good, and it...

Seaholm District – Austin High School Senior Photos

by admin | Apr 2, 2024 | photography, seniors

Exploring Downtown Austin, Walking the Butterfly Bridge and Dealing with lots of wind

I always do a weather and text check-in with my High School Seniors (and their parent) the day of their photo session. This makes it easy for them to find my contact info in their phone if they have last-minute questions.

For this Senior, my day-of text message to them said “Pack a Hairbrush – it’s going to be windy!”

Thankfully, her mom was on hand to do hair touch-ups in the different spots we explored around the Seaholm District and Downtown Austin near the Central Library.

Some spots were definitely less windy than others – like this beautiful green ivy wall.

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session in the Seaholm District, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions in the Seaholm District in Austin, Texas

It can get crowded with other photo sessions at peak times (weekend evenings in Spring and Fall) – so pick off times if possible.
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 Austin Central Library is right there (if your session is during their open hours)
Make a plan to eat downtown after your session, there are lots of great restaurants within walking distance

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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 like Lauren’s on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Commons Ford Ranch – Wildflower Senior Pictures

by admin | Mar 26, 2024 | photography, seniors

Spring wildflowers, celebrating Senior year and a view of the river from the dock

If you book your High School Senior Photo Session in Austin in March, April or May, there’s a good chance you can have a backdrop of Spring wildflowers in your photos.

Since that was this Senior’s request, I went on some wildflower location scouting trips. Finding a nice patch of bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush there, I suggested Commons Ford Ranch in South Austin for her location.

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Commons Ford Ranch, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for 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 lovely fisherman move out of the way 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.
Springtime wildflowers can be spectacular – peak blooms are usually in March, April and May. Winter has some lovely golden dry grass as well.
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 Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions like Lanie’s on my blog.

What prompted you to have this photo session? I wanted to have this photo session because I am a senior and wanted to have pictures done, not just to put on graduation cards & that sort of thing but also to memorialize this time in my life. I think it will be fun to look back and see how I looked as a senior in high school when I am older.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to post some to my personal instagram account, send some to relatives and put one on a graduation card.
How did you choose your location for your session? I chose Commons Ford because I really wanted something natural. I felt like an urban setting wouldn’t really match my personalty; I love Austin nature and wanted to be photographed in it. I also wanted to have wildflowers in my photos and I heard from a friend (plus Stephanie scouted it out for me) that the wildflowers there were pretty.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Make sure you look at the forecast beforehand! I didn’t realize it would be so cloudy on the day I picked; I hoped the sky would be bluer. That said, I think my photos still turned out well. Also, go in with a specific vision and don’t be afraid to communicate that!
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was so sweet; I liked her immediately. She made me feel very comfortable, which was good since I don’t love being photographed. She also was very prepared, she had everything from double-sided tape to hairspray to props. She made posing feel natural and it wasn’t awkward at all. My mom and I enjoyed chatting with her, her happy manner and her expertise behind the camera!

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Long Center – Austin High School Senior Pics

by admin | Mar 25, 2024 | photography, seniors

All the world’s a stage, rain break, and graduation cap and gown

Even though I always check the Events Page of the location before setting a date for a session, you still get surprises.

Like when I walked up to the Long Center Rotunda before a High School Senior photo session and saw an exercise class happening.

This Senior’s family was so sweet and flexible. So, when we learned the exercise class would be wrapping up 30 minutes into our session, we rolled with it.

I started taking photos around the edges first – making sure to get some shots of this Theater kid on the 3-D printed stage.

Then it started to rain. Which meant the exercise class ended early. And we could wait for breaks in the rain to get the classic “skyline reflected in the windows” image. (Note the raindrops on the ground)

Thankfully the rain didn’t last long, so we were able to finish out the Senior Pictures in all my favorite spots (including the rooftop of the parking garage).

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at the Long Center, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the Long Center

EVENTS: Check the Long Center events page first to ensure there won’t be a conflict with your session date (though be ready to be flexible if a surprise event IS happening)
PARKING: Long Center Garage has ample parking (as well as lots of great backdrops)
TIME OF DAY: I prefer “just before sunset” golden hour sessions to get the best light on the Austin Skyline in the background
LOCATIONS: I usually start at the Long Center Rotunda (love all the architectural details and color palette), and then either move towards the parking garage rooftop for an urban vibe or go towards Butler Park for a nature setting
OUTFIT CHANGES: Be prepared to change outfits in your car in case the Long Center is closed to visitors during your session.

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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 like Naomi’s on my blog.

What prompted you to have this photo session? Our daughter saw your work featured on a friend’s IG page and loved her photos. We reached out because it was exactly the kind of photos she wanted (Leigh).
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will have prints made of a few of the ones we really love to display in our home and make the others into a photo book that will include other photos from Naomi’s childhood and high school years (Leigh). I plan to use the photos for my graduation invitations, my school’s yearbook, and to print them so we can hang some in our house (Naomi).
How did you choose your location for your session? Naomi was in the Nutcracker in elementary school and is involved with select ensemble now. Both performances took place at the Long Center so it has significance for her (Leigh). I choose the Long Center to have my session at because the Long Center is a significant place to me, as I’ve performed there mulitple times for different events throughout my life (Naomi).
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Take the time to think about locations that are important and wearing outfits that you won’t regret 10-20 years from now:). Also, it’s hard to control the weather. We knew we wanted the Long Center and were just wanted to make sure it wasn’t going to be 100 degrees in Austin yet (Leigh). My piece of advice to others is don’t be afraid to ask questions, strike poses, and voice your opinion, these photos are for you! (Naomi).
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie made the entire process very easy and worked really well with Naomi. Your communication leading up to and after the shoot about what to expect was also super appreciated! (Leigh). Working with Stephanie was an absolute delight. She’s super friendly and open to all ideas. 10/10 experience!! (Naomi).

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Posing with Props – Senior Session Ideas

by admin | Mar 2, 2024 | photography, seniors

Looking for ways to personalized your Senior Photos?

Want a Senior Photo Session that is as unique as you are? It comes down to making sure all the details reflect your personality.

From what you wear to the location you pick, both your setting and your wardrobe can highlight your uniqueness.

Another way to to illustrate what makes you special, is to include props that showcase your High School Experience.

Take a look at some of the examples from recent Senior Sessions in Austin below. You’ll see what these students did to make their photos match their interests.

Hopefully, these examples inspire you to incorporate some of your favorite elements into your Senior Photo Session.

And if you require assistance brainstorming ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me. I love coming up with ways to illustrate your special interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities.

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Long Center – Austin Senior Photo Session

by admin | Feb 25, 2024 | photography, seniors

Austin skyline, visual arts studies and rooftop garage views

It’s not every Class of 2024 McCallum Senior I photograph – that I can also claim to have been at their baby shower – but Evie is in that small group.

Baby Shower Games: Guessing what Evie’s name was going to be (Pilar was my vote)

Or have a photo of them as a baby with their dad.

So it felt like a full circle moment to get to take pictures her Senior Year of High School as well.

We chose the Long Center as her location to get downtown views as well as an industrial vibe from the parking garage.

As part of my pre-planning Senior questionnaire, I asked about her High School interests. And then made sure to include her painting supplies to highlight her work in the Visual Arts.

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at the Long Center, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the Long Center

EVENTS: Check the Long Center events page first to ensure there won’t be a conflict with your session date
PARKING: Long Center Garage has ample parking (as well as lots of great backdrops)
TIME OF DAY: I prefer “just before sunset” golden hour sessions to get the best light on the Austin Skyline in the background
LOCATIONS: I usually start at the Long Center Rotunda (love all the architectural details and color palette), and then either move towards the parking garage rooftop for an urban vibe or go towards Butler Park for a nature setting
OUTFIT CHANGES: Be prepared to change outfits in your car in case the Long Center is closed to visitors during your session.

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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 like Evie’s on my blog.

1. What do you plan to do with your Senior Photos? We plan to send them out as graduation annoucements, and we plan to send the Grandparents larger prints.

2. What advice would you give to other High School Seniors planning their photo session? Go to a location you are familiar with, just be yourself and be comfortable. Don’t bring too many changes of clothes.

3. Anything you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie has the ability to make anyone feel comfortable. She captured our daughter’s spirit and spark so well. What a gift to have the same talented photographer for our daughter’s baby photos and senior photos! She is a true professional and made the entire process seamless.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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Butler Park skyline views, Running around Ladybird Lake and Celebrating Graduation

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions around Ladybird Lake:

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Exploring Downtown Austin, Walking the Butterfly Bridge and Dealing with lots of wind

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions in the Seaholm District in Austin, Texas

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Spring wildflowers, celebrating Senior year and a view of the river from the dock

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at Commons Ford Ranch

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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All the world’s a stage, rain break, and graduation cap and gown

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the Long Center

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Looking for ways to personalized your Senior Photos?

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Austin skyline, visual arts studies and rooftop garage views

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the Long Center

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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