Psychedelic Film Family Session at Barton Springs Pool

If there’s a better way to spend an August day in Austin than swimming at Barton Springs Pool, I haven’t found it. This psychedelic film session with the McElroy family checked every box: free-spirited summer energy, whimsical color, and an effortlessly dreamy feel. Jenna McElroy, an incredible Austin-based editorial and family photographer, invited me to capture her crew, and I was honored.

I spent the afternoon clicking away as Jenna, her husband, and their three kids splashed in the water. Later, they cuddled on beach towels, soaking up the sun.

Psychedelic Film Session at Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is easily my favorite spot for psychedelic film sessions, especially in the summer. There’s so much to do, particularly for families with young children. Lounge on a picnic blanket with pool toys, race into the water for a dip, or simply relax on the grassy bank. A bit of sun first makes the chilly water much more bearable!

The pool also shines through psychedelic film: its natural blues and greens blend beautifully with the film’s warm, nostalgic tones. On this particularly hot day, the McElroys didn’t waste a second—they headed straight for the water! Their playful inner tubes and colorful swimsuits perfectly matched the psychedelic vibe. Laughter and splashing filled the air as they enjoyed the pool like any typical visit. When the water got a bit too chilly, we moved to the grass, where they basked in the sun on a row of beach towels.

It was the kind of summer afternoon film was made to capture—joyful, carefree, and destined to become a core memory. Does the bold, unscripted energy of a psychedelic session sound like a fit for your family? Whether at Barton Springs or another favorite Austin spot, I’d love to capture your one-of-a-kind crew. Let’s make memories together!