family photography

Zilker Park, throwing shade.

It’s as important to morning mom-walking groups as it is to Gen Z festival-goers. It’s an open expanse of grass and picnic blankets. It’s highly requested despite a lack of Texas’s most sought-after resource: shade

Zilker Park may be the place I’ve done the most photo sessions, particularly engagements and suprise proposals, of anywhere in Austin. But despite its highly sought-after nature, Zilker remains a slog for many photographers due to its crowds, large footprint, and the one thing you can’t hack or fake: harsh sunlight at most times of day.

To be sure, there is charm at the golden hours, but it seems a shame to limit such a huge part of Austin’s green space to 2 hours a day. So I recently took it upon myself to hunt for shade and privacy and found it in the unlikeliest of places.

I don’t like to bury the lead too much, and since I have a 13-month daughter to look after, I’ll be brief: Unless you’re looking for the full skyline view, the wins are near the pedestrian bridge on the east side of the park. The time of year? September. The time of day? 9:30 a.m. The day? Fridays.

When I arrived at 9 a.m. to scope out spots for a family shoot, the bridge and surrounding area were swamped with joggers and cyclists. Within 20 minutes, 90% of that crowd disappeared, and I was able to snag this shot near the overlook at a time when it would usually be mobbed with people.

Family Photography at Zilker Park

And this little number:

Family Photography at Zilker Park

And yes, we took the bridge photo. But we also took our time.

Family Photography at Zilker Park

Happy hunting for shade and privacy to all y’all!

12 Days of Christmas Cards

This holiday season was a huge one in Austin! Despite the cloudy, rainy days that characterized most of our November and December, you all came out in full force - some repeat clients, and some new families looking to get holiday photos.

We shot at the Texas Capitol, Mueller Lake Park, Mt. Bonnell, the Austin Boardwalk, church, and of course, your beautiful homes. Families of all sizes, from 2 to 20, were represented, and the pups got their 15 minutes of fame as well. All in the name of that perfect holiday card.

Happy 2019, Austin! We nailed it.

Move Aside, Bud

Moving to Austin from Washington, DC, this photographer was used to annual excitement surrounding one flower, and one flower only: cherry blossoms. Tourists flock every April and May to view the gorgeous, pink flowers, and I shot more than a few engagement sessions there. 

Last weekend, I got a taste of a new flower fever, and one that starts earlier in the year: bluebonnets! Ava, who chose her own blue and purple outfit to match the violet flowers native to Texas, had a great time getting her portrait taken at Brushy Creek Lake Park in North Austin (technically Round Rock, but who's counting?) And I had a great time getting to know this gorgeous, delicate flower - which Ava didn't REALLY pick, officer.