Almost two years ago, I visited Austin, Texas, for the first time. And one of the first things I did was check out the Boardwalk along Ladybird Lake/Town Lake /the Colorado River. (We really need to make up our minds.)
Today marks exactly one year that I've been living in Austin, and what better way to commemorate it than with a maternity shoot on that same Boardwalk. We got started a little late for this sunset shoot, but Emily glowed nonetheless.
On Sunday, I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with four people that the world needs more of. Lisa, Bob, Anna, and Allyson of College Matchpoint are college and education consultants, and they help high school students in Austin, Texas.
As College Matchpoint revamps their new website, we had some fun with an on-location session around the office. With gorgeous natural light and pops of color, I'm in love with the results from our photo shoot. Enjoy!
It's 2018! But I want to write about last November! #laterblog
November 2017 was a marathon month of family photography sessions, which gave me the chance to explore new locations outside of central Austin. My favorite, up in the 'burbs, was Katherine Fleischer Park in Wells Branch.
It's kiiind of a hike from one end to the other, but it's packed with things to do - playground, pool, community center, and all manner of sportsball fields and courts. But the big draw for me was a gorgeous covered gazebo and the rustic backdrop of the Gault Homestead, located near the entrance.
Huge kudos are due to Trudy Y. and her family, not just for introducing this Austin-area newbie to the park (sometimes referred to as simply Wells Branch Park) but for their impressive color coordination. Click through to view some of my favorites from the day below!
Sometimes, a pop of color is all you need to make a great head shot. Other times, you have to show people in their element – their home, place of work, or favorite coffee shop – to capture who they are.
Enter the environmental portrait. The phrase is a holdover from my photojournalism days, but it’s one of the most popular types of head shot portraits I do right now, and there are a few elements that go into making a great one.
1. Light: This should go without saying, since photography is, at its core, an exercise in manipulating a camera to get the best possible (and hopefully most interesting) light. But a space that is well-lit and bright can go a long way when selling a business. For Lindsey, creating a cheerful space was important in promoting her new private practice as a therapist, so I brought in two umbrella lights to help the already great natural light in her office.
2. Intention: Want to capture someone in their element? You have to find a space that leaves no question as to who they are and what they do. The team from Laura Britt Design welcomed me into their 6-room office with no shortage of options in which to shoot. But for lead designer Lauren, the back office, covered in samples of her work, was the perfect spot.
3. Lack of clutter: Lauren’s portrait makes complete sense for her, but for Orange Theory instructors Melanie and Katie, a more Zen-like approach was crucial. Environmental doesn’t necessarily mean cluttered, and assuring that every item in the photos is intentional keeps the eye from getting distracted. For their fitness photos, a serene pool and a simple metal wall outside their gym allows the customer to focus on them, while also giving a sense of space.
Austin’s got some great walls.
Yes, everyone knows about the “I love you so much” mural on South Congress. We’ve all snapped a selfie at the Hope Outdoor Gallery. But some lesser-known pops of color throughout the city can be a game-changer for a simple head-and-shoulders portrait
First, the blue tiled wall on Sabine. Technically at the corner of Sabine and E. 5th Street, and technically two connected walls, the exterior of the Austin Hilton is a popular spot, but worth sharing with other photographers. During my session with Alison, two other photographers came by. Fortunately, the massive wall provides plenty of room.
Second, the exterior of in.gredients on Manor Road. To be specific, the back of the building, facing the parking lot. Sheryl, whose portrait I shot for the cover of her first novel, opened my eyes to the wonders of green with this awesome color-blocked wall. The staff is generous with their space if you check in with them ahead of time, but it wouldn’t hurt to buy a latte while you’re there as well.
Lastly, art galleries! Austin has a ton, and though the exhibit Sarah and James visited for their engagement shoot was only temporary, Art on 5th, Mexic-Arte and Pump Project have rotating exhibits so you never get bored (bonus for Pump Project, the striking yellow on the building’s exterior!). Just make sure to check the photo policies before you go!
Confession: Despite six years as a journalist and another five as a copy editor (AKA "rehabilitated journalist"), this is my first blog.
Yes, with a glass of wine (not my first) close by for safety, I'm sitting down in my new apartment in Austin, Texas, to blog for the very first time. I ask all three of you reading to bear with me.
2017 has been a year of firsts for me - as every year should - including my first time living off the East Coast. After five years in Florida, 20 in Virginia and five in Washington, DC, I have officially become a Texan. An Austinite. A North Looper, to be specific. As such, naming my blog "A DC Tog in Dixie" seemed only fitting.
Time and Place Photography is new to Austin, but my portrait work has a long life. I focus (pun absolutely never intended) on natural, candid moments and try to bring out the best in my sessions by keeping them relaxed and fun. Expect to see examples of my work here, along with continued self-deprecating comments about my blogging abilities.
Looking forward to getting to know you, Austin!
