BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography
Austin Portrait Photography that’s Real, Unscripted, and Full of Heart
Now booking
Summer 2025 sessions -Limited spots available! Reserve your session before they're gone!
Now booking
Summer 2025 sessions -Limited spots available! Reserve your session before they're gone!
⭐ "Brigitte with BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography made my 17 yo daughter feel very relaxed..."
— Debbie H., Senior Portrait Client, Austin TX
⭐ "Brigitte was truly so easy to work with and was accommodating on short notice. So happy we found her and got some amazing photos, and I would highly recommend BJ Thompson In Real Life Photograhy..."
— Diane J., Family Photo Session, Austin TX
⭐ "Amazing to work with! Found the perfect location and is extremely experienced and professional. Looking forward to working together again..."
— Derek G., Headshot Client, Austin TX
➡️ Discover Why Austin Families Love BJ Thompson Photography → View More Reviews
Searching for affordable Austin family, couples, pet, and event photography packages? Discover BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography’s transparent pricing and customizable sessions that make capturing priceless memories easy and stress-free.
👉 Ready to learn more? Click any package below to explore details, pricing, and what’s included!
Discover the Beauty of Life with BJ Thompson Photography — Austin Family, Couples, Pet & Lifestyle Portrait Photographer.
📸 Explore dozens of family, maternity, couples, and pet galleries — find inspiration for your own session!
“We don’t do stiff poses or fake smiles. We capture life—in real life.”
At BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography, we believe portraits should be real, relaxed, and filled with personality. Based in Austin, Texas, we specialize in capturing genuine moments that reflect who you are — no stiff poses, no fake smiles. Just natural beauty and heartfelt connections.
We offer a wide range of portrait photography services tailored to fit your life and style:
• Family Portraits
• Maternity Sessions
• Newborn Photography
• Couples and Engagement Photography
• Senior Portraits
• Lifestyle Sessions
• Headshots and Personal Branding
Every session is carefully planned to highlight your authentic self. Whether we’re outdoors in a beautiful Austin park or in the comfort of your home, you can trust us to make the process relaxed and fun.
Our approach is rooted in making you feel comfortable. We focus on natural interactions, unscripted moments, and capturing the small details that tell your story best. From giggles and hugs to spontaneous smiles, we are there to preserve your moments — in real life.
"We don’t do stiff poses or fake smiles. We capture life—in real life."
I want every session with BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography to be relaxed and easy, so here’s what you need to know before booking:
That depends on the type of session.
No matter which you choose, I always allow enough time so you never feel rushed.
Keep it comfortable and true to you!
Life happens — especially with kids and Texas weather!
If you need to reschedule, just give me at least 48 hours notice and we’ll find the next available date that works for you.
→ How Soon Will I get my Photos?
The turnaround time for your photos depends on the type of session and the number of images included. Here’s a general guideline:
📸 Portraits, Headshots, & Senior Grad Photos – 5 to 7 business days
🤰 Maternity & Newborn Photography – 7 to 10 business days
💍 Engagement Sessions – 7 to 10 business days
🐾 Pet Photography – 5 to 7 business days
🎉 Event Photography – 10 to 14 business days
👰 Wedding Photography – 4 to 6 weeks (depending on coverage and package)
Once your images are professionally edited, you will receive a private online gallery where you can download your high-resolution photos. If you need expedited delivery,
Still wondering about something?
“We don’t do stiff poses or fake smiles. We capture life—in real life.”
Step into the stories behind my favorite portraits — from golden hour family moments at Lady Bird Lake to last-minute senior shoots filled with joy. Here I share real-life photography tips, session highlights, and creative inspiration for your next unforgettable photo session in Austin and beyond.
➡️ Dive into more stories + see what’s new → [Read the Full Blog]
“We don’t do stiff poses or fake smiles. We capture life—in real life.”
At BJ Thompson In Real Life Photography, we specialize in capturing the unscripted moments that define your story. From weddings and engagements to family portraits and professional headshots, every image blends creative artistry with genuine emotion.
Whether you're celebrating new beginnings, family milestones, or personal achievements, our work speaks for itself — authentic, down-to-earth, and always full of heart. Based in Austin, Texas, we deliver timeless portraits with a fresh, original perspective that celebrates the real you.
Your family portraits should feel as alive and unscripted as your real-life moments. We capture the joy, chaos, and quirky connections that make your family unique. Forget stiff poses — these images tell stories of love, laughter, and authenticity, wrapped in Austin’s relaxed, fun-loving spirit.
Pets bring the personality — we bring the lens. Our candid pet portraits highlight every wag, pounce, and side-eye with charm and humor. We capture your furry (or not-so-furry) companions as they truly are: playful, unpredictable, and full of character. Real moments. Real pets. No frills.
From guitar solos and trail hikes to vintage car rides and quiet moments at home, our lifestyle portraits celebrate you in action. We ditch the studio clichés and instead focus on honest, vibrant moments that showcase your passions and personality. Every frame pulses with energy, nostalgia, and Texas-sized heart.
Your love story deserves more than staged photos. Our couples sessions are all about natural connection — laughter, tender glances, and spontaneous affection. We create a relaxed setting where your love shines through effortlessly in every image.
Celebrate your senior year with portraits that highlight who you are and where you're headed. Our sessions blend classic styles with personal flair, capturing both timeless elegance and the bold spirit of this exciting milestone.
Your engagement is full of unscripted chemistry — your portraits should be, too. We capture quiet smiles, playful touches, and authentic moments that reflect your unique connection. No rigid poses, just genuine love and joy frozen in time.
Your wedding day is an unforgettable blend of chaos, beauty, and emotion. We capture every moment — from the candid energy of getting ready to formal portraits and tearful toasts. Our approach delivers a mix of spontaneous magic and timeless elegance, telling your love story as it naturally unfolds.
Welcome to the real story of life. Our maternity and newborn sessions celebrate every tender moment, from radiant pregnancy portraits to those first sleepy smiles. We blend candid, in-between moments with thoughtfully composed images that honor the beauty, chaos, and love of this special chapter.
Stand out with headshots that balance professionalism with authenticity. Whether for LinkedIn, business profiles, or personal branding, our portraits showcase your confidence and individuality — polished, but never stiff. Be seen for who you truly are.
Every event has a vibe — our job is to capture it. From corporate gatherings to personal celebrations, we document the spontaneous laughter, heartfelt speeches, and meaningful connections that make your event unforgettable. Every photo tells the story of your day, exactly as it happened.
“We don’t do stiff poses or fake smiles. We capture life—in real life.”