Austin Portrait Photographer 512-387-7269
Austin Portrait Photographer 512-387-7269
Relaxed, guided family photography in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and surrounding Central Texas communities.
I specialize in creating natural family portraits that help everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera, including young children, energetic kids, and pets. Your session includes gentle direction, genuine interaction, and meaningful photographs without stiff or forced posing.
Summer dates are now available for family and lifestyle photography in the Austin area.
Morning and evening sessions are recommended during the warmer months for softer light and more comfortable temperatures. Weekend availability is limited, so booking early gives you the best selection of dates and locations.
👉 I typically respond within 24 hours.
👉 Planning your session is easy. Simply reach out to get started.
Brigitte Thompson is an Austin area portrait photographer whose work has been featured during SXSW and who is trusted by families throughout Central Texas.
✔ Outdoor or in-home family portrait sessions
✔ Gentle posing guidance with 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 a little guidance and plenty of room for natural interaction, they leave with relaxed, meaningful portraits they genuinely love.
✔ Outdoor or in-home family portrait sessions
✔ Gentle posing guidance with 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 a little guidance and plenty of room for natural interaction, they leave with relaxed, meaningful portraits they genuinely love.
• 30-minute outdoor session perfect for capturing natural family portraits
• One personally selected location in the Austin area, ideal for family photography Austin
• Immediate-family groupings to create intimate lifestyle photography Austin
• 10 edited high-resolution images to cherish
• Posing and preparation guidance for the best results
• Online gallery and print release for easy sharing
• 60-minute session focused on family photography Austin
• Immediate family members included
• One convenient location in the Austin area
• Posing guidance to capture natural family portraits
• Individual combinations of children and parents
• A mix of posed and candid portraits showcasing your lifestyle photography Austin
• 20 edited high-resolution images for you to cherish
• Access to an online gallery and print release
• 90-minute family photography Austin session
• 30 to 35 edited high-resolution images
• Up to two nearby locations or one outfit change
• More individual portraits and family combinations for natural family portraits
• Personalized planning consultation
• Priority editing within 7 business days
• Online gallery and print release for your lifestyle photography Austin
• Enjoy a 2-hour outdoor session for family photography in Austin.
• Session accommodates up to 15 family members.
• Receive 40 edited high-resolution images capturing natural family portraits.
• Includes full-group portraits as well as smaller family groupings.
• Capture moments with grandparents and grandchildren, couples, siblings, and individual portraits.
• Access an online gallery and print release for easy sharing.
• Additional family members can join for $40 per person.
• A $150 nonrefundable booking fee and signed agreement reserve your family photography Austin session date.
• The remaining balance is due before the final gallery of your lifestyle photography Austin session is delivered.
• Family sessions, including natural family portraits, may be photographed outdoors or in your home.
• Immediate family members and household pets are welcome to join.
• Extended family sessions can include up to 15 people, with additional family members at $40 per person.
• Outdoor locations for your family photography Austin session are selected based on lighting, season, accessibility, and your family’s needs.
• Sessions may be rescheduled for severe weather or unsafe conditions.
• Final edited images from your lifestyle photography Austin session are delivered through a private online gallery.
• Additional travel, parking, admission, or photography permit fees may apply.
• Additional images for your family photography Austin sessions: $25 each
• Discounted image bundles available for lifestyle photography Austin
• Full-gallery upgrade available for natural family portraits
• Canvas prints, wall art, and photo gifts available



My family portrait sessions are designed for families who want natural, meaningful photographs without stiff posing or unnecessary pressure.
They are a great fit for:
• Families with young children or energetic kids
• Parents who feel nervous about being in front of the camera
• Families who want a mix of gently posed and candid portraits
• Couples and parents who value genuine connection and natural expression
• Families who want outdoor or in-home session options
• Pet-friendly families who want to include their dogs
• Parents celebrating milestones, birthdays, graduations, or a new season of life
• Families who want professional guidance with locations, outfits, and posing
Every session includes clear direction, time for natural interaction, professional editing, and a private online gallery for viewing and selecting your favorite images.
✓ Outdoor or in-home family portrait sessions
✓ Gentle posing guidance with 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, families leave with relaxed, meaningful portraits that feel genuine and true to them.
Hear what this family had to say about their portrait experience with BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography. I offer relaxed, guided family photography sessions throughout Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, and surrounding Central Texas communities. My lifestyle photography in Austin is designed to feel natural, comfortable, and easy, especially for families with children. Ready to plan your own natural family portraits? Contact me to check availability.

Lifestyle family photography focuses on genuine connection rather than stiff poses or forced smiles.
I provide gentle direction while giving your family space to laugh, move, play, and interact naturally. This creates meaningful portraits that reflect your personalities and relationships instead of making everyone look overly posed.
The result is a balanced gallery of relaxed family portraits, natural expressions, and real moments you will want to remember.

Weekend family sessions are limited, especially during spring, fall, and the holiday season.
Booking early gives you the best selection of dates, locations, and session times. Morning and evening appointments are usually recommended for softer light and more comfortable temperatures.
Weekday sessions may offer greater flexibility and quieter access to popular Austin area locations.
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
The goal is never stiff posing or forced expressions. It is to create a comfortable experience and beautiful portraits that feel natural and true to you.
VIEW MORE TESTIMONIALS
Hi, I’m Brigitte Thompson, an Austin-based family portrait photographer and the founder of BJ Thompson Photography. I specialize in family photography in Austin that emphasizes natural, relaxed moments, capturing genuine connections and real experiences. My aim is to create natural family portraits that feel authentic and timeless, allowing families to remember this season of life just as it was.
I photograph families, couples, and lifestyle photography in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and the surrounding areas. My approach is simple and comfortable. Instead of stiff poses, I guide families into natural interactions, ensuring the photographs feel joyful, relaxed, and full of personality.
In addition to my family and portrait photography, my work has been featured in exhibitions during the South by Southwest festival in Austin. I’m passionate about storytelling through photography and creating images that families will cherish for generations.
✔ Featured photographer at SXSW
✔ Serving Austin families for years
✔ Fast 5–7 day gallery delivery
✔ Natural, stress-free sessions
If you're looking for an Austin family photographer who focuses on natural moments and connection, I would love to help capture your family's story.
Family portrait sessions are designed to feel relaxed, comfortable, and easy from beginning to end.
I provide gentle posing guidance while giving your family room to interact naturally, allowing genuine expressions, connection, and personality to shine through.
Sessions are available throughout Austin, and Cedar Park
I photograph families at scenic outdoor locations throughout Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities.
Popular options include:
• Zilker 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, the ages of your children, accessibility needs, desired backdrop, and the time of year.
I will help you choose a setting that offers flattering light, enough space for natural interaction, and a comfortable experience for your family.

Give the gift of beautiful memories with a BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography | Austin Portrait Photographer
Photography gift certificate. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Choose your desired amount and let us help capture your loved one's special moments with our photography services.
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.
Pricing depends on the session length, number of family members, location, and number of edited photographs included.
Current family photography packages and pricing are listed on this page. A $150 booking fee is required to reserve your session 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.
The number of finished photographs depends on the package you select.
After your session, you will receive an online proofing gallery where you can choose the photographs included with your package. Additional images may also be purchased.
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 and expected. I guide the session in a way that keeps things relaxed and fun, so kids can be themselves. Some of the best photos come from those natural moments rather than perfect poses.
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.
Most families tell me this before their session. You don’t need to know how to pose. I guide you the entire time so everything feels natural and easy. My goal is to capture real connection, not stiff or forced poses.
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.
Absolutely. Pets are part of the family, and I photograph them often. Just let me know ahead of time so I can plan poses and timing.
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.
Outdoor family sessions are usually scheduled shortly after sunrise or during the hour before sunset, when the light is softer and more flattering.
For families with young children, I also consider nap times, meals, and the time of day when the children are usually happiest. The best session time should work for both the light and your family.
Yes. Extended family sessions are available for grandparents, adult children, grandchildren, siblings, and larger family groups.
These sessions include photographs of the entire group as well as smaller family combinations. Please provide the total number of people and the ages of the children when contacting me.
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.
Weekend dates and fall sessions often book first, especially before the holidays.
Booking several weeks in advance provides more options for dates, locations, and session times. Your session is officially reserved after the booking fee and photography agreement are completed.
BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography
Austin, Texas
Portrait photography serving Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, and Central Texas.
📸 Family • Senior • Headshots • Maternity • Pet Photography
Austin Portrait Photographer
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