Photography In Austin Parks | Etiquette Overview

Photography in Austin parks can take the ordinary and make it seem magical. If you’re looking for an urbanscape, there are parks here for that. If you’re looking for historical flair, there are parks for that. Or, if you want to make your photos seem like you took them in a secluded, natural spot — Austin parks have you covered. However, one thing to remember about Austin parks is everyone should have the chance to enjoy them. It’s easy to ruin the beauty or enjoyment of parks for others if we don’t keep that in mind.

From my experience, there are ways to take mindful photos in Austin parks. And it’s easy to do so without ruining the feel of the session or the park experience for others.

It’s Okay For People To Get In The Shot

Austin parks are incredible — and I’m definitely not the only one who thinks that. Hundreds of thousands of people visit Austin every year, which means inevitably you’ll run into someone when taking photos outside. I like to remind my clients it’s okay for people to be in and around the area you’re trying to shoot photos in. A professional maternity photographer or family photographer will be able to work around crowding with a combination of planning and photoshop. I try to shoot in less populated areas when I work with customers. However, if I plan a photoshoot and it happens to be very crowded one day, I may also utilize photo editing tools to take unwanted people out of the shot.

That being said, if you’re anxious about others getting in your shot, try:

• Scheduling an early morning session
• Working in a late-afternoon session
• Scheduling on a weekday vs. a weekend

Photography In Austin: Special Without Confetti

I let my clients’ imaginations run wild when planning their maternity photos. However, there are some props I will not include with my sessions. Confetti and glitter are unwanted outdoor guests. Only used for a moment in a maternity photo, the environmental impacts last generations. Most conventional glitters contain microplastics. 

Glitter and confetti are also an eyesore. Unless you plan to pick up every speck of it once you’re done with your Austin photoshoot, some of it will be staying in the park for other park-goers to interact with until it eventually breaks down or is washed away.

Tiptoe Through The Tulips (Or Bluebonnets)

Texas bluebonnets are one of this state’s natural treasures, and I love planning springtime pregnancy photos around bluebonnet blooms. What I don’t love, however, is when a rogue photo-op turns into bluebonnet devastation. Austin bluebonnet photos draw in thousands of tourists each year. Likewise, well-meaning photo seekers tromp through bluebonnet patches each year and ultimately trample the flowers, ruining them. Each time someone does this, it kills the blooms. It also threatens next year’s blooms.

I have ways of taking gorgeous photos with Bluebonnets that ensure other people looking for a bluebonnet photo op get their turn — now and in the future.

Rules For Photography In Austin Parks

Contrary to widespread knowledge, you can’t always walk into a park and snap photos. Some parks require photographers to register beforehand if they plan to host a photography session. It’s likely your photographer will know which parks have these requirements. Let your photographer know beforehand if you have any special park requests. That way, if there is a fee to complete a photoshoot, they’ll be able to include that in their quote.

Match The Noise Levels

Outside doesn’t always mean you have permission to be loud. I always recommend matching the noise levels of the park. If you’re a quiet couple in a maternity shoot, this might not be a huge deal. However, if you’re taking family photos, it’s good to prep kids with a talk about noise levels and courtesy. In a quiet part of a park, be sure to continue keeping quiet.

If you’ve got especially rambunctious kiddos, turn noise levels into a game. When taking photos somewhere quiet, start a contest to see who can be the quietest. Then, when you get to a louder part of the park, give them ten seconds to be just as loud as they want. This will keep them excited during the photoshoot and give them an incentive to respect the noise levels throughout the park.

 

For the most part, photography in Austin is a walk in the park. However, it makes everyone’s walks in the park that much nicer when we all respect each other’s enjoyment of a shared space.

 

Wildflower season is upon us, so don’t miss out. Schedule your park photos with me today!