Austin Portrait Photographer 512-387-7269
Austin Portrait Photographer 512-387-7269
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I create family portraits throughout Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, and surrounding Central Texas communities.
You do not need to know how to pose. I provide gentle direction while giving your family space to laugh, interact, and be yourselves.
Sessions are available outdoors or in your home. Morning and evening appointments are recommended during the warmer months for softer light and more comfortable temperatures.
Family photography sessions begin at $375.
Best for quick family updates and smaller families
• 30 minute outdoor session
• One Austin area location
• Immediate family members included
• 10 professionally edited high resolution images
• Gentle posing and preparation guidance
• Private online gallery and print release
Best for families who want more variety and a relaxed pace
• 60 minute session
• One Austin area location
• Immediate family members included
• 20 professionally edited high resolution images
• Full family portraits plus parent and child combinations
• A mix of gently posed and candid images
• Private online gallery and print release
Best for more combinations, an outfit change, and a fuller gallery
• 90 minute session
• One Austin area location with an optional nearby second setting
• One outfit change
• 30 to 35 professionally edited high resolution images
• Full family portraits, individual portraits, and smaller combinations
• Personalized planning consultation
• Private online gallery and print release
Best for grandparents, multiple households, and larger family groups
• Up to 2 hours of photography
• One Austin area location
• Up to 15 family members included
• 40 professionally edited high resolution images
• Full group portraits plus smaller family combinations
• Grandparent, sibling, couple, and individual portraits
• Private online gallery and print release
• Additional family members may be added for $40 per person
• Additional edited images: $25 each
• Discounted image collections available
• Full gallery upgrades available
• Canvas prints, wall art, and photo gifts available
• Additional family members for extended sessions: $40 per person
A $150 nonrefundable booking fee and signed photography agreement reserve your session date.
The remaining balance is due before your final edited gallery is released.
Family sessions may take place outdoors or in your home. Immediate family members and household pets are welcome.
Outdoor locations are selected based on lighting, season, accessibility, and your family’s needs. Travel, parking, admission, or photography permit fees may apply.
Sessions may be rescheduled when severe weather or unsafe conditions make photographing outdoors impractical.
Your proofing gallery is typically delivered within 7 to 10 business days. After selecting your included images and paying the remaining balance, your final high-resolution photographs will be released.

Mon | 09:00 am – 07:00 pm | |
Tue | 09:00 am – 07:00 pm | |
Wed | 09:00 am – 07:00 pm | |
Thu | 09:00 am – 07:00 pm | |
Fri | 09:00 am – 07:00 pm | |
Sat | 09:00 am – 07:00 pm | |
Sun | 09:00 am – 07:00 pm |
✓ Outdoor or in-home family portrait sessions
✓ Gentle posing guidance with room for natural, candid moments
✓ Professional editing of your selected images
✓ Private online gallery for viewing and choosing favorites
Many families feel nervous before their session, especially when young children or pets are involved. With gentle guidance and plenty of room for natural interaction, your session can feel relaxed, enjoyable, and true to your family.



My sessions are designed for families who want meaningful portraits without stiff posing or unnecessary pressure.
They are a great fit for:
• Families with young children or energetic personalities
• Parents who feel nervous in front of the camera
• Families who want a mix of gently posed and candid portraits
• Families celebrating birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or a new season of life
• Families who want to include their pets
• Anyone who appreciates help choosing a location, coordinating outfits, and feeling comfortable during the session
You will receive clear direction when needed, along with plenty of space for natural interaction and genuine expressions.
Hear what this family shared about working with me.
My sessions are designed to feel relaxed, guided, and comfortable, especially for families with children. You will receive direction when needed, along with space for natural interaction and genuine expressions.
Ready to plan your own family portrait session?
Choose the session that fits your family, then contact me to reserve your date.
Many people feel unsure about being in front of the camera. My sessions include gentle guidance, encouragement, and plenty of patience so everyone can relax and feel comfortable.
★★★★★
“Brigitte was so wonderful to work with; she made my 17-year-old daughter feel very relaxed and comfortable during the entire process. The photos turned out beautiful!”
Verified client review, May 3, 2025
My goal is to create a comfortable experience and portraits that feel natural, relaxed, and true to you.

I guide your family with simple prompts while leaving room for laughter, movement, and genuine interaction.
The result is a balanced gallery of gently posed portraits and natural moments that reflect your family’s personality.

Weekend sessions are limited, especially during spring, fall, and the holiday season.
Booking early gives you the best choice of dates and locations. Morning and evening appointments are usually recommended for softer light and more comfortable temperatures.
Weekday sessions often offer greater flexibility and quieter access to popular Austin locations.
Hi, I’m Brigitte Thompson, the photographer behind BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography.
I create relaxed family portraits throughout Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Leander, and surrounding Central Texas communities. My approach combines gentle direction with natural interaction, helping families feel comfortable while capturing genuine expressions and meaningful connection.
You do not need to know how to pose or worry about whether your children will cooperate perfectly. I guide you through the session while leaving room for laughter, movement, and the moments that make your family unique.
My photography has also been featured in a curated exhibition during SXSW in Austin. Whether I am photographing a family, a professional portrait, or the Texas landscape, my goal is always the same: to create honest, lasting photographs that tell a story.
✓ Professional photographer serving Austin and surrounding communities
✓ Featured in a curated SXSW exhibition
✓ Gentle posing and session guidance
✓ Relaxed outdoor and in-home sessions
✓ Private online gallery and professional editing
I would be honored to help photograph this season of your family’s story.
Family sessions are relaxed, guided, and designed to feel comfortable from beginning to end.
I provide clear direction while giving your family room to interact naturally, so your portraits feel genuine, connected, and true to you.
Sessions are available throughout Austin, Cedar Park, and Round Rock

I photograph families at outdoor locations throughout Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities.
Popular options include:
• Zilker Metropolitan Park
• Brushy Creek Lake Park
• Lady Bird Lake and the Boardwalk
• Mueller Lake Park
• Old Settlers Park
• Georgetown Square
• Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
• Local trails, greenbelts, and neighborhood parks
The best location depends on your family’s style, your children’s ages, accessibility needs, the season, and the type of backdrop you prefer.
I will help you choose a setting with flattering light, enough room for natural interaction, and a comfortable experience for your family.

A photography gift certificate is a meaningful choice for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, new parents, or extended-family gatherings.
Gift certificates may be applied toward eligible portrait sessions with BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography.
Have questions about planning a family photography session in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, or the surrounding Central Texas area? Below are answers to some of the questions families ask most often.
If you do not see your question here, please email me at contact@bjthompson.photography.
Family sessions begin at $375. Pricing varies based on session length, number of family members, location, and the number of edited images included.
A $150 nonrefundable booking fee and signed agreement reserve your date.
Complete the contact form with your preferred date, number of family members, children’s ages, and any location ideas you may have.
I will respond with availability, package information, and the next steps for reserving your session.
I monitor the weather closely before every outdoor session. If heavy rain, severe weather, or unsafe conditions are expected, we can discuss rescheduling or selecting another location.
Cloudy weather does not always require rescheduling. Overcast skies can create soft, beautiful light for family portraits.
That is completely normal. Children do not need to sit still or smile perfectly throughout the session. I use simple prompts, movement, and breaks to keep the experience relaxed and capture genuine expressions.
I recommend soft, neutral colors and coordinating rather than matching outfits. Once you book, I’ll guide you with outfit suggestions so everything looks cohesive and timeless without feeling overly styled.
Sessions can take place at local parks, greenbelts, lakes, or even your home. I’ll help recommend the best location based on the look you want, lighting, and time of year.
Yes. Pets are welcome and are often an important part of the family. Please let me know in advance so I can help choose a suitable location and plan the session safely.
You’ll receive your online gallery within 5 to 7 days. From there, you can select your favorite images and download them in high resolution.
Yes. At home sessions are a comfortable and meaningful option for families with newborns, toddlers, older relatives, pets, or mobility concerns.
Your home does not need to look perfect. Good natural light and a few uncluttered areas are usually enough to create personal and beautiful family photographs.
BJ THOMPSON IN REAL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
Austin, Texas
BJ Thompson Photography | Austin Portrait Photographer
Serving Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities
Family • Seniors • Headshots • Branding • Maternity • Pet Photography
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