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?

Contact Me

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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?

Contact Me

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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?

Contact Me

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Highland District – Senior Photo Session

by admin | Feb 3, 2024 | photography, seniors

Highland Collective sculpture, St. John Encampment Commons at ACC and a sister add-on session

This Class of 2024 McCallum Senior met me at the Highland Collective for the start of her Senior Photo Session.

After getting lots of photos around the Little Picchu sculpture and the garage door murals, we headed to the St. John Encampment Commons on ACC’s Highland campus next.

We made sure to take photos that captured her Senior experience working on the high school newspaper staff. (Big thanks to her mom for creating the newspaper montage we used in the background).

Then her younger sister joined us for an add-on family mini-session. You can select to add-on one or multiple family members to the end of a regular Senior Photo Session when you book.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions in the Highland District

WORKING HOURS: The Highland Collective is open 10am-5pm weekdays. For easier parking, visit this spot on the weekends. And make sure to pick a sunny day to get the light shining through the sculpture.
SCHOOL HOURS: Same idea for the St. John Encampment, visit the park area when school at ACC Highland is NOT in session to avoid crowds and get easier parking.
DISTANCE: The two spots are about a three minute drive apart – so easy to combine in one photo 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 photo session in Austin, Texas.

What do you plan to do with your digital photos?

We weren’t super happy with the kids’ school pics this year. The school is using a new photo studio and I found their images a little too contrasty. Plus they do some unsolicited photo retouching — the pics just don’t look like our kids. For their senior pics, the pricing is expensive and the images are the standard canned poses. And for underclass pics, they just have far too many kids in such a small amount of time, that they don’t really have the time to get a natural expression out of Franny. So I was relieved to have this opportunity.

Since we didn’t get school pics this year, we plan to make print outs of the digital images for our family — Gavin’s parents, my sister, my dad’s wife. I also may use one of the images on Alice’s graduation announcement. And Alice is working on a journalism portfolio, so she may use one of her images for that.

What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session?

Be prepared to walk around and move. Stephanie will likely not just stick to one location, but will instead try a variety to get the best images. You might want to bring things — props, clothing, etc — to help personalize the experience to who you are. Stephanie has a lot of really wonderful creative ideas for locations and poses, but she’s very flexible and collaborative. You should feel comfortable sharing any of your own ideas if you have them — even if it’s just a concept. She will try to work with you to figure something out that looks like you’re imagining.

Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography?

Stephanie is easy to talk to and works well with teens/young adults. She gives specific directions for posing and if needed, models the pose herself to better help them understand. She’s very positive throughout the process. She knows that kids like to see the pics as they are happening and she takes the time to share some of the images to keep them engaged and involved with the process. She’s also totally organized and mindful of time — something that the parent of two busy kids appreciates!

Interested in a Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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High Schooler’s Guide to Senior Photo Sessions

by admin | Jan 29, 2024 | advice / tips, photography, seniors

Have questions before booking a Senior Photo Session?

I’m here to guide you through the process and prepare you for your portrait session.

See below for answers to some commonly asked questions about Senior Photo Sessions with Stephanie Friedman Photography.

Timing and Planning:
- When is the best time to schedule a senior photo session? I have a whole BLOG POST about this topic – but it boils down to – do you have a photo deadline to meet? When is your school schedule less busy? Do you have a preference for one season over the other?
- How much time should seniors allocate for the photo shoot? My starting package is for a one hour session, but you can add on additional time in 30 minute increments.
- Are there any specific deadlines they should be aware of? I usually book out a month or two in advance, and I need two to three weeks to edit your image gallery. Keep both of those factors in mind when deciding your session date.
Location and Style:
- Can seniors choose the location for their photo session? Yes – we can work together to find the best location. I have a TOP 15 BLOG POST that lists my favorite locations for Senior Photos in Austin. If you’d like even more options, I also have a TOP 80+ BLOG POST that lists even more settings in Austin for photo shoots.
- What style options are available, and how can they express their personality in the photos? The main style options are nature, urban or a mix of both. You should check PINTEREST for outfit inspiration.
Wardrobe and Styling:
- What should seniors wear to their photo session? You can bring up to three outfit changes. Bring your favorite clothes that you feel confident and happy in. Mix up the clothing from dressy to casual. You can also bring your cap & gown or future College Gear if you book a Spring session.
- How can they ensure their clothing complements the chosen location and style? Pick your location first, then decide what to wear so they complement each other.
Posing and Comfort:
- How can seniors prepare for posing during the session? I’ll give you lots of tips and prompts during your session, so there’s no need to prepare. But if you do want to, you can practice making some different expressions in the mirror and making sure you can move comfortably in the outfits you picked out.
- Are there any tips for feeling comfortable and natural in front of the camera? It’s my job to help you feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera – so I’ll give you feedback and instructions while we work together. I’ll also show you some of the photos I’ve taken during your session.
- Can they request specific poses or express preferences? Yes – I love to collaborate on ideas and poses during as session.
Bringing Props and Personalization:
- Can seniors bring props or items that are meaningful to them? 100% – I encourage Seniors to bring props that are meaningful to their High School experience.
- Are there any creative ideas for adding personality to the session? Yes – we’ll talk before your session to discuss ideas that will highlight your personality during the shoot.
Photographer Collaboration:
- What questions will the Photographer ask the Senior during the planning stage? I’ll ask about their current extracurricular activities and post-school plans. Then we can incorporate those answers into shaping their session.
- What questions should seniors ask the photographer during the planning stage? They can ask any of the questions on this page.
Editing and Final Output:
- What level of editing and retouching can seniors expect? I do light retouching and editing (removing stray hairs, stains on clothes, scrapes on skin and acne).
- How and when will they receive the finalized photos? They’ll receive the final hi-res photos in a password-protected online gallery two to three weeks after their session date.
Cost and Packages:
- What is the typical cost of a senior photo session? You can see my current rate and package info HERE.
- Are there any additional fees or costs to consider? You can pay extra for additional time at your session or to add on a mini-family session at the end of your shoot. You’ll also pay for any print or print products you’d like to order from your online gallery. Some locations also charge a fee to use their property.
Weather and Contingency Plans:
- What happens if the weather is unfavorable on the scheduled day? I’ll have frequent weather check-ins the week of your session if it looks like we might need to reschedule. We can then either pick another day and time or talk about moving the session indoors (which may mean a location fee).
- How can seniors prepare for different weather conditions? Have a backup date in mind in case we need to reschedule for bad weather or sickness.
Booking Process and Contracts:
- What steps are involved in booking a senior photo session? The booking process includes picking a date and time on my calendar, signing a Client Agreement and Paying a retainer fee.
- Should seniors expect to sign a contract, and what does it typically include? No – the Parent or Guardian will sign the contract, but the Senior should read and review it with them. The contract includes the scope of work, deliverables and expectations before, during and after the shoot.

Please let me know if you still have questions not covered in this Guide.

To get more information about a Senior Photo Session in Austin, Texas, contact me below.

Interested in a Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Parent Guide to Senior Photo Sessions

by admin | Jan 26, 2024 | advice / tips, photography, seniors

Have questions before you book a Senior Photo Session for your child?

I’m here to help navigate the process.

See below for answers to some commonly asked questions about Senior Photo Sessions with Stephanie Friedman Photography.

Timing and Scheduling:
- When is the best time of year to schedule a Senior Photo Session in Austin, Texas? I have a whole BLOG POST about this topic – but it boils down to – do you have a photo deadline to meet? When is your school schedule less busy? Do you have a preference for one season over the other?
- How far in advance should parents book a session? I recommend booking 1-2 months in advance of your preferred date.
- What factors should be considered when choosing the time of day for the photo shoot? Some locations work best in the morning and some have the best light in the late afternoon. We’ll take those factors into consideration during our pre-planning conversations.
Location and Setting:
- What types of locations work well for senior photo sessions? I have a TOP 15 BLOG POST that lists my favorite locations for Senior Photos in Austin. If you’d like even more options, I also have a TOP 80+ BLOG POST that lists even more settings in Austin for photo shoots.
- Are indoor or outdoor sessions better? I prefer outdoor sessions for the natural light and sense of place (unless bad weather and deadlines mean we can only meet indoors).
- Can parents choose a location, or is it typically determined by the photographer? We’ll work together to decide the best location that works for the time of year the session is booked.
Style and Wardrobe:
- What should the senior wear for the photo session? Keep the weather in mind and wear outfits you can comfortably sit and move around in. Pinterest also has lots of inspiration.
- Are there specific colors or patterns that photograph well? Pick the colors and patterns that you prefer. I recommend avoiding neon colors (they cast light on your skintones), large logos (emphasis should be on you, not a brand), and remember you’ll have multiple outfits you can wear at the session.
- How many outfits should the senior bring? You can bring up to three outfits unless you pay for extra time at your session.
Props and Personalization:
- Can parents bring props or personal items to the photo shoot? Yes! I love incorporating props into a Senior session – we can discuss ideas during our pre-planning communication.
- How can the session be personalized to reflect the senior’s personality and interests? We can choose a location that has special meaning to you and your family. You can wear something that is special and memorable to your history. There are lots of ways we can tailor the session to showcase you.
Photographer Selection:
- How do parents choose the right photographer for their child’s senior photos? Ask your friends for word-of-mouth referrals. Check the Photographer’s portfolio and read their reviews – and see which style appeals to you the most.
- What questions should they ask when interviewing potential photographers? Some questions include – What is included in your photo packages? What is your turnaround time? What is your reschedule and cancellation policy?
Editing and Retouching:
- What level of editing and retouching is typically done? My motto is “if it’s not a permanent feature, I will retouch it” Example – I usually photoshop out acne and do light retouching on skin.
Cost and Packages:
- What is the typical cost of a senior photo session? You can see my current rates HERE.
- Are there any additional costs that parents should be aware of? If you’d like to purchase prints or print products through your gallery – those are extra. You only receive the digital files through my Senior package plan. Some locations also require a booking fee (cost varies). Plus, if you’d like to add on a 20 minute mini-family photo session at the end of the Senior shoot, that is an additional cost.
Delivery and Usage Rights:
- How and when will the final photos be delivered? You receive a gallery of digital hi-res files (minimum 50 edited images) two to three weeks after your session date. You can also pay a Rush Fee to receive your photos in 4 days after your session.
- What rights do parents have regarding the use of the photos? Client Rights are spelled out in my Client Agreement, which you’ll sign as part of our pre-planning process. Parents are granted a non-exclusive license for personal use such as posting to social media, creating personal prints or in personal communications such as a graduation announcement or holiday card.
Weather Contingency Plans:
- What happens if the weather is unfavorable on the scheduled day? I’ll send you frequent weather check-ins the week of your session if it looks like your photo shoot will need to be rescheduled. We’ll work together to pick another date and time with better weather. You have up to three months to use your initial retainer fee.
- Are there alternative arrangements in case of bad weather? If you must have your session on that day with bad weather, we’ll work together to find an alternate indoor location (which may have an additional location fee) to use if you don’t want to reschedule.
Booking Process and Contracts:
- What is the typical booking process for a senior photo session? The booking process includes picking a date and time on my calendar, signing a Client Agreement and Paying a retainer fee.