Simple Sophistication
Whether this is your first family session or an annual tradition, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan relaxed, beautiful family photos in Austin.
Planning family photos can feel like a lot. Choosing the right photographer, finding a beautiful location, coordinating outfits, hoping the kids cooperate—it’s no wonder families often arrive with more questions than answers.
That’s exactly why I created this guide.
After photographing Austin families for more than thirteen years, I’ve learned that the best sessions aren’t about perfect smiles or perfectly behaved children. They’re about creating an experience that feels relaxed, enjoyable, and true to your family. When everyone feels comfortable, the genuine moments naturally follow.
Whether this is your very first family photo session or an annual tradition, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the perfect location and deciding what to wear to preparing your children, understanding what to expect during your session, and making the most of your photographs long after they're delivered.
My hope is that by the time you finish reading, you'll feel confident, prepared, and genuinely excited for your session.
Let's get started.
Spring and fall are the most popular, but every season has something beautiful to offer. From wildflowers and
green landscapes in the spring to warm golden light in the fall, we'll choose a location and timing that fits the
look you're hoping to achieve.
I recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance for spring and fall sessions, especially if you're hoping
for a weekend. Summer and winter typically offer more flexibility.
Most outdoor sessions take place during the hour before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and flattering.
Morning sessions are also available and are especially beautiful for families with young children.
Soft, coordinated colors photograph beautifully. I encourage families to start with Mom's outfit first, then
build everyone else's wardrobe around it. You'll also receive a detailed styling guide to make planning simple.
Don't worry—it's one of the most common concerns I hear, and almost never the reality. My sessions are relaxed,
playful, and built around connection rather than perfect poses. Some of my favorite images
come from the moments in between.
Most full family sessions last about an hour, giving everyone time to relax while capturing a variety of moments.
If you're looking for something shorter, I also offer weekday Small Sessions.
That depends on the look you love. Whether you're drawn to open fields, limestone creeks, modern architecture, or
beautiful parks, Austin offers incredible variety. Later in this guide, I'll share my favorite locations and
what makes each one unique.
Your gallery is typically delivered within two weeks. From there, you'll be able to download your images,
order professional prints, and create artwork for your home.
Once you're ready, simply reach out through my contact form. I'll help yo u choose the perfect session,
answer any remaining questions, and guide you through every step of the process.
Planning family photos can feel like a lot. When should you book? What should everyone wear? Which location is best? Will the kids cooperate?
After photographing Austin families for more than fourteen years, I've found that a little preparation makes all the difference. This guide brings together everything I share with my own clients—from choosing the perfect location and planning outfits to preparing your children and printing your finished photographs—so you can feel confident, relaxed, and excited for your session. Start wherever you are in the planning process.
→ Why Family Photos Matter
→ Creating Memories That Last
→ Why Print Your Photos
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ How to Book Your Session
→ What Happens After You Inquire
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ The Best Time of Year for Family Photos
→ How Far in Advance Should You Book?
→ Why Golden Hour Creates Beautiful Images
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ From Session to Gallery Delivery
→ Outdoor Sessions
→ Studio Sessions
→ In-Home Lifestyle Sessions
→ Creek Sessions
→ On the Lake Sessions
→ Best Family Photo Locations in Austin
→ My Styling Philosophy
→ Why Family Photos Matter
→ Why Family Photos Matter
→ Outfit Tips for Dads
→ Dressing Babies & Children
→ Preparing Young Children
→ Helping Dad Enjoy the Experience
→ What to Bring
→ Tips for a Relaxed, Stress-Free Session
→ My Approach to Photographing Families
→ How I Guide You Naturally
→ My Styling Philosophy
→ Frequently Asked Questions During the Session
→ Gallery Delivery
→ Choosing Your Favorite Images
→ Printing Your Photos
→ Albums & Wall Art
Family photographs have a way of preserving the moments we never realize will become the ones we treasure most. The laughter between siblings, the way your child reaches for your hand, the look your partner gives you when no one else is watching—these ordinary moments quietly become the memories that shape a family's story.
Over the past thirteen years photographing Austin families, I've learned that the most meaningful images aren't the perfectly posed ones. They're the photographs that make you smile years later because they bring you right back to how that season of life felt. My hope is that this guide helps you feel confident and prepared for your session, while creating photographs your family will cherish for generations.
Life has a way of moving faster than we expect. One day you're rocking a baby to sleep, and before you know it they're asking for the car keys.
Family photography gives us the chance to pause. It captures the relationships, personalities, and little moments that change so quickly, creating a visual record of the people we love most.
Years from now, these photographs won't just remind you what everyone looked like—they'll remind you how this season of life felt.
As a photographer, I've photographed thousands of moments for other families. As a mom, I've experienced something even more meaningful.
Over the years, I've taken countless photographs of my own children. Every so often we'll pull out an old album or start a slideshow on the TV.
Without fail, everyone stops what they're doing.
We laugh, tell stories, point out forgotten moments, and relive memories we hadn't thought about in years.
It's one of my favorite traditions.
That's the power of photography. Pictures don't just preserve memories—they bring them back to life. They remind us of the people we've been, the adventures we've shared, and the love that has always been there.
They fill a home with warmth long after the moment itself has passed.
In today's digital world, it's easy for beautiful photographs to stay tucked away on a phone or hard drive. But the images that become part of your family's story are usually the ones you see every day.
A framed photograph in the hallway. An album on the coffee table. A gallery wall your children pass every morning.
Printed photographs become part of your home and your family's legacy. They're daily reminders of the people and moments that matter most.
If you're looking for inspiration on displaying your photographs, choosing albums, or creating artwork for your home, I'd love for you to explore my complete Printing & Artwork Guide.
One of the biggest reasons families tell me they loved their experience wasn't just the photographs—it was how easy the entire process felt. Planning family photos can feel overwhelming at first, but I've spent years refining every step so you never have to wonder what comes next. From helping you choose the perfect location to offering outfit guidance and sending reminders before your session, my goal is to make the planning feel just as enjoyable as the session itself.
Tell me about your family, the type of session you're looking for, and a few dates that work for you. We'll choose the best option together.
You'll receive your proposal, contract, questionnaire, and invoice online. Once everything is complete, your date is officially reserved.
This is where the fun begins.
You'll receive my Location Guide, Style Guide, and access to Style & Select to help plan outfits. I'll also help answer any questions along the way.
A week before your session I'll send detailed meeting instructions, and on the day of your session you'll receive a text with a Google Maps pin and any last-minute updates.
A few weeks later your gallery arrives. From there you can download your images, order professional prints, albums, and wall art, and begin enjoying your photographs for years to come.
If anyone knows how much work, planning, and dare I say bribing (wink, wink)…goes into your photoshoots, it's me!
I've been on the other side of the camera many times, and know that styling a family for a photoshoot can be a daunting task!
Fear not my friend! I've got you covered! First, I provide a Style/Session Guide that is full of great tips - from when to get a haircut to what color layering shirt is best under a sweater, this Style Guide provides all the answers.
Next, (and my personal fav) you get access to Style & Select!
A relatively new addition to the Lindsay Herkert Photo Co experience, Style & Select is an
interactive & shoppable styling resource that shows you hundreds of photo worthy tops, bottoms, dresses, and
accessories pulled in from well known retailers to give clients, like you, an easier way to figure out what to wear.
You just pick your favorites and shop from the Style Board email!
If you have something you have found online or that you love in your own closet, feel free to upload an image into
the custom upload button so you can see how it coordinates with the rest of the families' selections.
It is so easy and literally takes less than 5 minutes. You can use it for inspiration or to make purchases.
Watch the 2 minute video below to see how it works!
I truly believe that printed photos celebrate life.
Every time I update the photos in our home (which happens a lot), the excitement and the
conversations that spark from those pieces of paper are downright magical.
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to push printing photos to the back burner, right?
But I’m here to help you make it a priority—because those memories deserve to be displayed!
Here’s how: Every full photo session booked with Lindsay Herkert Photo Co includes
a $50 print credit to professional, high-quality print labs. The labs and products are all connected
through Pic-Time, where I deliver your digital photos and slideshow, making the process super seamless.
The best part? Printed photos are delivered right to your doorstep, and I personally review
and approve every order that comes through.
Now, if the thought of personalized artwork filling your walls isn’t enough to get you excited,
feel free to deep-dive into some of the blog posts I've written about the
benefits of printing from professional labs for more insight and don't forget to take a sneak peek at the Print Shop!
I can’t wait for you to see how printing your photos transforms your home—and your heart. Let’s make those memories last!
turn moments into memories; businesses into brands
MAKING FAMILY PHOTOS FUN SINCE 2012
Lindsay is an award-winning, published, natural light photographer with over 14 years of experience. Based in Austin, TX she specializes in photographing families, maternities, newborns, seniors, and personal brands.
hello@lindsayherkert.com
512-522-2575
