Every time I visit my family in Austin, I have the chance to reconnect with some incredible friends. One of the highlights of these visits is my annual photo session with this amazing family. It's become a cherished tradition for 8 years, and honestly, it's one of my favorite shoots of the year.
Once you see the photos, I think you'll understand why.
This family is truly something special. The love and affection they share for each other is not only palpable but also beautifully captured in every shot. And let’s not forget—each one of them could easily be a model. They have this effortless photogenic quality that makes my job easy and an absolute joy.
To keep things fresh and exciting, we try to choose a unique location for our sessions each year. This time, we decided to switch things up and photograph them in a parking garage.
Hear me out.
At first glance, a parking garage might not seem like the most obvious choice for family portraits. But let me tell you, it’s perfect for what we wanted to achieve.
Here’s why:
Modern Aesthetic: The clean, industrial look of a parking garage adds a chic, urban vibe that’s hard to replicate in more traditional settings.
Neutral Tones: The muted concrete provides a timeless, neutral backdrop that lets the family members’ personalities and expressions shine.
Bold Lines & Angles: From sleek concrete pillars to geometric patterns, the space is full of sharp lines that create visual interest and depth.
Weather Protection: Unlike outdoor sessions that depend on weather, parts of the parking garage kept us sheltered and ensured perfect conditions for photos.
Filtered Light: The natural light coming through the structure provided soft, diffused lighting, ideal for flattering portraits.
City Views: The upper levels of the garage offered stunning panoramic views of the city, which became the perfect backdrop.
No Distractions: The simplicity of the environment allows the family to truly take center stage—nothing competes with their energy.
Because of the square footage of the garage, we had plenty of space to play with different angles and compositions, making each shot feel fresh and diverse. Everyone was up for the challenge, and exploring the space turned out to be so much fun.
While I’ve certainly photographed this family in parks, fields, and forests in previous years (and those settings are always beautiful), this experience proved that sometimes stepping outside the box can lead to unexpected, breathtaking results.
So, my advice?
Dare to venture beyond the typical park or forest. Find a space that feels unique, something that pushes the boundaries of traditional family photography. You’ll be amazed by the results.
See for yourself and insert your family here.