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BEHIND THE LENS JOURNAL
SENIOR PORTRAITS, CREATIVE SESSIONS & STORIES FROM THE ROAD
Welcome to Behind the Lens Journal, where you'll find senior and teen portraits, family sessions, creative projects, and a few of the ideas that have been rattling around in my head long enough that I finally had to do something with them.
I'll share favorite locations from around Austin to places halfway around the world, along with wardrobe inspiration, styling advice, and practical tips for planning your own portrait session with me. Because there's quite a bit more to a great portrait than finding a pretty spot, putting on something nice, and hoping everyone remembers how to smile.
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Spring on the Line | A Society 512 Creative Portraits Editorial in Spicewood, Texas
An old-fashioned clothesline, a spring picnic, and a couple of chairs rescued from the side of the road. A look behind Spring on the Line, a Society 512 creative portrait session in Spicewood, Texas.
Richard Parker
3 days ago5 min read
What to Wear for Family Portraits | A Styling Guide for the Whole Family
Coordinating outfits for family portraits doesn't mean everyone needs to match. From choosing colors and mixing patterns to dressing toddlers, teenagers, and adult children, discover practical styling advice for the whole family.
Richard Parker
6 days ago8 min read
Old Storefronts, Tiny Boots & A Wimberley Afternoon | Children’s Portraits at 7A Ranch
Somewhere between old storefronts and the Wild West, this Wimberley children’s portrait session unfolded one tiny cowboy… well, cowgirl …boot at a time. Old Storefronts, Tiny Boots & Wimberley Children's Portraits that would make John Wayne Smile By the end of the afternoon, a tiny pair of cowboy boots had covered just about every wooden porch at 7A Ranch. Storefront windows became mirrors. Old bottles turned into treasure. Empty sidewalks somehow still felt full of movemen
Richard Parker
May 281 min read
Big Bend Destination Portrait Photography | An Open Desert Story
A cinematic Big Bend destination photography experience unfolding over multiple days across West Texas—featuring Terlingua, Santa Elena Canyon, Chisos Basin, Marfa, and Monahans Sandhills.
Richard Parker
May 134 min read
Senior Portraits with Olivia | A Full-Circle Session
Olivia’s senior session was a full-circle moment. From a butterfly garden to the ephemeral pools, each image reflects her individuality, thoughtful energy, and quiet joy.
Richard Parker
Mar 122 min read
The Complete Senior Portrait Guide for Austin Seniors & Parents
Senior portraits mark a season of growth and confidence. With intentional planning, wardrobe guidance, and expert styling, personality shines in every image.
Richard Parker
Mar 511 min read
Senior Portraits with Zoie Along the Pedernales River
Zoie’s senior session along the Pedernales River was full of light, laughter, and timeless portraits. From flowing outfits to golden-hour moments, each image tells her story.
Richard Parker
Mar 42 min read
Best Urban Locations for Senior Portraits Near Austin, Texas
Urban locations can add personality, texture, and bold energy to senior portraits. From colorful murals to hidden alleys, and iconic places like Sekrit Theatre, Austin offers a range of urban backdrops that feel and unique and one-of-a-kind.
Richard Parker
Mar 43 min read
Best Nature Locations for Senior Portraits Near Austin, Texas
Looking for stunning outdoor senior photo locations near Austin? From limestone cliffs to waterfall backdrops, this guide explores the best nature settings for cinematic senior portraits
Richard Parker
Feb 164 min read
Senior Portrait Hair and Makeup Guide | Look Stunning and Camera-Ready
Discover simple hair, makeup, and styling tips to feel confident and look amazing in your senior portrait session.
Richard Parker
Feb 144 min read
Destin Destination Photography | Shoreline, Boardwalks, and Coastal Calm
A thoughtfully curated Destin destination portrait experience unfolding from Grayton Beach town to textured harbor landscapes and open shoreline—where coastal calm shapes the story.
Richard Parker
Feb 122 min read
Senior & Teen Portrait Outfit Guide | Look Your Best in Front of the Camera
Planning the perfect senior or teen portrait session starts with wardrobe. From casual to dressy to editorial, this guide shows you how to choose outfits that reflect your personality, highlight your style, and help you feel confident in front of the camera.
Richard Parker
Feb 124 min read
Big Bend Destination Portraits | Desert Landscapes & the Space to Slow Down
A thoughtfully curated Big Bend destination portrait experience photographed across Monahans Sandhills, Santa Elena Canyon, and Chisos Basin—where scale, landscape, and stillness shape the story.
Richard Parker
Feb 93 min read
Why Senior Portraits Matter More Than You Think | Austin Senior Photographer
Senior portraits are about self-expression, collaboration, and storytelling. This is the last chapter before everything shifts. Before dorm rooms, new cities, first jobs, and independent lives. Senior portraits preserve who your senior is right now, not who they were, and not who they’ll soon become, but the version standing on the edge of what’s next.
Richard Parker
Jan 292 min read
Society 512 | Austin’s Creative Photography & Ambassador Team for High School Students
Today’s high school students—especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha—aren’t content to simply be seen. They want to be heard, make a difference, and create something meaningful.
Richard Parker
Jan 223 min read
New York City, Manhattan | Destination Teen Portraits
From the first step onto the tarmac at LaGuardia to golden-hour light spilling across the Brooklyn skyline, this weekend unfolded like a well-paced editorial story.
Richard Parker
Jan 214 min read
How to Prepare for a Child Portrait Session | by an Austin & Texas Hill Country Photographer
Getting ready for a child portrait session can be fun (yes, really!). These playful tips help your child feel relaxed, confident, and natural in front of the camera, so you can capture authentic children’s portraits in Austin and the Texas Hill Country.
Richard Parker
Jan 162 min read
Cinematic Tween Portraits Outside Austin | Capturing Curiosity and Wonder
A cinematic tween portrait session west of Spicewood, capturing curiosity, movement, and the magic of open skies.
Richard Parker
Jan 152 min read
Golden Fall Moments | Tween Portraits at Little Missouri Falls, Arkansas
A fall tween portrait session in Arkansas at Little Missouri Falls, capturing childhood wonder, playful moments, and the golden beauty of autumn.
Richard Parker
Jan 152 min read
Preserving Family Memories with Portraits | Wall Art, Heirloom Albums, and Prints
Whether it be senior portraits, family portraits or any session in between, the images we create are more than just ‘pictures’—they’re timeless memories that capture the love, laughter, and connections you share.
Richard Parker
Jan 142 min read
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