Old Settlers Park – Maternity Session

Old Settlers Park – Maternity Session

When we looked at the weather forecast for this maternity session and saw highs in the 90s, this couple graciously switched from a sunset to a sunrise session. Bonus – their location, Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, was mostly deserted that early.

We walked around the water and explored as the sun rose. Also, I loved how prepared they were with great props and accessories we got to incorporate into their photos. Best wishes on the birth of your baby boy later this summer!

Please enjoy some of my favorite pictures from their Maternity portrait session below. Full gallery (password protected) available HERE.

10 Best Spots for Family Photos – outside of Austin (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Elgin, San Marcos, Bee Cave, Georgetown, Wimberley) Texas

10 Best Spots for Family Photos – outside of Austin (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Elgin, San Marcos, Bee Cave, Georgetown, Wimberley) Texas

So you live outside of Austin*, and you’re wondering, “Where should I go for my family portrait session?”

Things I consider when scouting a location:

  • How scenic is the landscape? (natural or urban)
  • Can we find a variety of backgrounds?
  • What’s the comfort level for families? (i.e. bathrooms available, free parking, safe for little kids to explore, easy to get to)
  • Is it often crowded?
  • In what season does the location looks best? (great for wildflowers or fall color)
  • Where’s the best light in the morning vs. the evening?
Here are my Top 10 favorite spots I recommend to my families who live outside of the Austin city limits:

Old Settlers Park: 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665

Features:  huge park, wildflowers in Spring, Old Settlers Association cabins from the 1800s, big red barn

Parking: multiple lots

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/10/11/max-miles-old-settlers-association/

Brushy Creek Community Center: 16318 Great Oaks Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681

Features: flower-filled garden, space sometimes get booked for private events, check their calendar first

Parking: front lot

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/05/06/the-linden-family-spring-portrait-session/

Star Hill Ranch: 15000 Hamilton Pool Rd, Bee Cave, TX 78738

Features:  various scenic buildings (chapel, old houses, country store, gardens, etc.), location fee $$ to rent

Parking: lot

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/06/22/capturing-joy-school-of-photography-workshop/

Downtown Round Rock: 216 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664

Features: various storefronts

Parking: street or lot parking

Bathroom: yes (at library or stores)

Kid-friendly: yes, but keep an eye out for cars

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/11/01/the-f-family-round-rock-portrait-session/

Champions Park: 3830 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Features: Family-oriented park including a covered playground with sand box, picnic areas, bridge, a water feature and trails

Parking: yes

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/10/29/heather-carsyn-holiday-portrait-session/

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And 5 bonus spots to make my Top 10 for outside of Austin:
1. Wimberley, TX
2. Blue Hole, Georgetown, TX
3. Downtown Georgetown, TX (also the blue garge door at the top of the post)
4. Sweet Eats Fruit Farm, Georgetown, TX
5. Glass bottom boats, San Marcos, TX
And one more bonus location – just for the October/November season
Christmas Tree Farm, Elgin, TX – photographer information
Elgin Christmas Tree farm

*milage surcharge added for travel outside of Austin, TX (inquire for rates)

CONTACT ME if you’d like to book a photo session in any of these locations.

Max & Miles – Old Setters Park

Max & Miles – Old Setters Park

Took the boys to check out Old Settlers Park / Old Settlers Association in Round Rock. The park is right next to the Dell Diamond and is huge. We walked along the water and played at one of the many playgrounds. Next we drove back up near the entrance to walk among the pioneer sites.

If you’re interested in a family photo session among the cabins at Old Settlers Association, here are the details I learned.

  1. No images allowed on Sundays
  2. Must check in with the office, but no additional fees required
  3. They will be closing to photographers for the rest of the year in about two weeks (for their holiday decorations) and won’t reopen until those decorations come down in 2016.