One Year Later....

It's hard to believe it's been a year since her birth. I remember going to the hospital and seeing her for the first time last year on Christmas day. We did her newborn portraits just 10 days after she was born. Aryana just celebrated her first birthday, so we had her back for her one year portraits. She's a spittn' image of her dad, and very, very full of life. The session went well, got some really cute stuff and I know her mom and dad will love 'em. Here are a few from the session... Enjoy...

Wolves, bees, and a furry lil’ creature...

Emily is a senior at Randolph HS. She’s a beautiful young lady… I mean beauty comes from within, and her outsides definitely match her insides. She’s witty, funny, and caring. She wants to be a therapist when she finishes her education. She plans on attending Carson Newman in Tennessee in the Fall. The title of this entry seems a little bizarre for Central Texas, but it’s true. We were in our neighbor’s field and I almost stepped on a rabbit. He let us get pretty close to him, so I named him Peter (cottontail hopping down the bunny trail). While Emily was lying in the grass, several baby wolf spiders seemed to like her so they crawled under her fancy top. Like a tough chick, she calmly allowed mom and sister to evacuate the little critters. While we were in the front yard a bee just so happened to land on her head. Mom, graciously pretended to comb her hair and shoo it away, and Emily didn’t see it until it flew off. She is deathly afraid of bees, so mom’s valiant attempt to quietly rid her hair of this bee worked perfectly. The fun culminated with Emily is her gorgeous dress (one of my favorite pics, see below). I think Emily and the gang had a great time, and we got some fantabulous images. More images on the site. Click here to see a short video of the session. Enjoy….

Family Portrait Time...

It's that time of year... The Slate family portrait... We had a hard time deciding on what to do, so Michelle rounded up the clothes, I picked the area, and we were off... Of course photographing your own family is difficult enough, so I had on my patient pants... I had an idea before we went, M wasn't thrilled at the idea... However, after numerous trys, we ended up doing my idea, and it was the one we picked... Please leave us a comment or two and tell us your thoughts...

Lady Law Law....

Martha is a senior at Randolph HS (thanks Bailey)… I guess everyone wants to know why the title? Well, Martha loves, I mean absolutely loves, Lady Gaga. She also wants to practice law when she’s older. So why not combine Lady Gaga and a Law Attorney into one? She is funny, happy, bold, and full of personality. I’d also say she’s very photogenic. We started inside with the photobooth images, then went outside to our neighbor’s house and used his fence and field. We then captured some images with her favorite thing to do, reading books. We finished up with the car and some Gaga Hair images inside (see below). Martha brought her friend, Rebecca, with her and she helped out. We did take an image of Rebecca and Martha wearing cowboy hats that is so stinkin’ cute, but Martha would kill us if we posted it so you’ll just have to use your imagination with that one. The images turned out fantabulous and Martha, Rebecca, and Mom had a good time. There are some more images on our website, and click here to watch a short video from the session. Enjoy…

Fun in the Fall with Friends....

Some of our dear friends were in town for the Thanksgiving weekend, so we had them over yesterday. Khrista wanted some family portraits, so we did a short session with them outside in the fields. Several images were definately keepers, and we all had a fun time, frolicing, fellowshipping, and just chatting. Their two children are so adorable. One of the things that really stands out about them is their appreciation of photography. They get it... understanding how valuable these fleeting moments captured on paper/digitally really are... It's always nice being around those whose gratitude surpasses yours....

Catching the last rays of the sun on a crisp, Fall day in South Texas...


Cuddling up with the fam...


Tell me this isn't the cutest lil' boy in the entire world, and those baby blues....

What Makes Holidays Special...

Family time is what makes the Holiday Season so special. We had the fortune of photographing the Larocca family today. Jenn called us back in the Summer and wanted to schedule a family session over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. It's hard to imagine that time has already passed, and the session is already over. Anyway, Jenn wanted a professional family portrait session because they never had one done before. We photographed her son, Owen, earlier this year so we had already worked with her. The family consists of Mom and Dad Larocca, 4 biological sons and spouses, 10 grandkids; totaling 20 members in all. It's so wonderful to see how one family turns into other families, then get together to share in one big family... sounds funny doesn't it. Anyway, we ended up photographing 23 different people during the session, my light power source went out during the 2nd family grouping, but thanks to 75 feet of extension cord, and a local ice machine, it all worked out. The images turned out really nice, and I'm sure the families will love 'em. Here's one of the entire Larocca family... Thanks again, Jenn, for the opportunity to create this priceless heirloom... a.k.a. Captured Keepsake....

America's Next Top....

Sarah is a sophomore in HS... She is starting out in modeling and acting. She came to us wanting a good headshot and body shot for promoting her modeling/acting ambitions. She's headed to Florida in December for some kind of competition, and hopefully our images help her achieve her goals... By the way if you're ever in La Vernia and you stop by to get a Slush from the local Drive In, you might just see her on roller skates serving you.... Below are a few from the session. Best wishes Sarah....

A Life Above Par....

Phillip is a senior at Johnson HS. He’s witty, determined, and a seemingly honest person. He’s on the golf team, and most of his time is spent playing golf. He plans on attending a university and studying to become a doctor. Specifically, a neurologist. Phillip wanted to incorporate his love for golf into his session, so that’s what we did. We started inside, with some natural light portraits… then made it out to the shaded tree area. One of my favorites from the session was one in his lettermen jacket. We then shot some with the car and open fields. We finished up with his golf attire. Got some really cool images outside with the overcast sky in the background. Phillip seemed to enjoy the session, and we got some really great expressions and images. Click here to see some more images on our site, and here to watch a short video from the session… Enjoy.

Taylor...

... is a senior at JM. I had the fortune of having her in one of my classes a few years ago. I also had her sister. Taylor is a fun, cute, and witty young lady. She is in the journalism department at our school, and wants to study law in College. Taylor wanted to have her sister in some of her images so Lindsey, came home from College for the session. We started out with the photo booth session, her sister seemed to bring out the funny side of Taylor and we got some very funny faces, and a lot of laughs. We then made it outside. The weather was perfect, so we used the great light to capture both of them at their best. As we were walking back, I kept seeing opportunities, so we’d stop and take some more images. After two more outfit changes, we wrapped up the session with some wonderful sunset light. From laughs to getting freightened by a butterfly, we had a great time and captured some uber-cool images. Some images are on the site, and click here to see a short video from the session… Enjoy….

Future Star....

Patty came to us needing some promotional acting images. I had the privilege of having her as a student many moons ago. We ran into her at a wedding we recently photographed and one thing led to another.... Patty is a very outgoing, fun, and vibrant young lady. She needed a headshot so we started in the garage. It's the best lighting there is. And fortunately, when we had our home built, I planned the garage entrance to be North facing (for that very reason). Patty's brother is an aspiring actor and when she went with him to a recent outing, the agency asked if she had any desire to act. Maybe she'll be the next America Farrar (did I spell that right?)... I'm so out of the loop..... Anyway, the images turned out great and my favorite (below), is simply stunning... If her career ever takes off, I can say, I knew her before fame came her way.... Patty, we wish you well, with your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.....

Lauren U....

Lauren is a senior at Clemens HS. She's a quiet, reserved, and determined young lady. Lauren wants to move some where cold after her education is finished. She said she loves the cold environment. Colorado sounds great, doesn't it? Of course she will have to invite us up to visit. We started the session down by the creek with her very chic outfit. We then made it to the car with her very stylin' red top with zebra-striped skirt. We finished up with a spectacular sunset and some field captures. Lauren seemed to have a great time, minus the mosquitoes (of course we had the ever-so-popular non-greasy repellent). Lauren, hope you enjoyed the session, and like the images... we certainly do. Click here to see more on the site, and here to watch a short video from the session. Enjoy...

A Beautiful Fall Day with Shea....

Franshary (Fran-Shar-rie), or Shea, her nickname, is a senior at JM. She's a very out-going, fun-to-be-around, creative, and talented young lady. She's in choir and has a smile that will light up a room the minute she enters. She wants to sing or teach singing when she starts her career. Did I mention she can sing? I mean really sing! Mylie Cyrus' got nothing on you Shea....she'll have to "Climb" up to your level... hehehehe... I may have you back just to sing to us again. Anyway, the session was fun, it was hard not to smile, because her's was so contagious. We started in the garage, made it out to the flower beds, then the haybarn, garage wall, field, car, and finished inside. We got some way cool images with her guitar. I hope she likes 'em? More images on the site, and click here to watch a short video of the session. Enjoy...

The Beautiful Texas Coast in October

We just returned from our Bi-annual trip to the Texas Coast. We saw an abundance of wildlife (dolphins, jellyfish,numerous kinds of birds and fish, not to mention a coyote). The water was really calm, waves only 3 rows, and temps were great too. The scenery was beautiful, very green with a ton of small sunflowers. The only downside was the mosquitoes... I think they should be called the Texas state pest. All of the island's stores were out of Insect repellent (had to drive to Wally World to get some). Fortunately, on the way the sunrise was spectacular by the bay bridge. Got some cool shots there. Most of the images below were taken with a point-and-shoot camera (who says you need a fancy camera to take cool images?). Leave us a comment or two if you like the images.....

Brad & Christa's Wedding

The wedding day finally arrived, and what a beautiful day it was... The weather was perfect, the couple looked fantastic, and we were ready for some great image making. The couple chose a beautiful Church in the Hill Country. The views are breath-taking. We got some great images before the ceremony of Christa and her bridesmaids, as well as Brad and his crew. The ceremony went on without a glitch. Afterwards, we took the new Mr. & Mrs. up a hill behind the church and took some of our favorite images. The reception followed with a Hill Country flair. We had a great time, and the images turned out fantabulous... Here's a short video of the day... Congratulations Brad and Christa, may your marriage be a lifelong journey of joy and discovery. Enjoy.

Model Couple...

We are privileged to be photographing Christa and Brad's upcoming wedding at the end of this month. Brad is in the reserves (he just returned from the Middle East) and planning on going back to school to finish his degree. Christa is working her way up the corporate chain with a national company. They wanted some fun, outside images for their engagement portraits. As the session went on, I just kept telling myself, "Wow, these guys look like models". I wonder what their children will look like? Anyway, we had a good time, and Brad survived the duration of the session. Hope everyone likes 'em. We are looking forward to being part of their wedding day. Enjoy...

Don't Mess with Alexis...

...just like Texas. Alexis is a senior at JM. She's a very intelligent, athletic, and determined young lady. She wants to pursue the medical profession when she graduates. The one thing you should know about her is that she’s a mixed martial arts competitor. You don’t want to mess with her. Alexis wanted pictures with the car, and then wanted to really do some cool images with her martial arts outfit. We started early in the morning, which was extremely nice for this time of year. It was a whopping 69 degrees when she arrived (that’s unheard of for South Texas in August). We started out in the fields with her fantabulous multicolored dress. We then made our way to the car. We stopped in the garage, then used the old door, and finished up inside with some way cool MMA action images. The session did go long, but Alexis hung in there and proved her worth. The images are out-of-this-world. I hope she likes ‘em. Even if she doesn’t, I certainly do. If anyone needs a bodyguard, that could double for a beautiful date, Alexis is your choice. More on the site, and click here to see a short video from the session. Enjoy….

McKayla...

is a senior at JM this year. I had the privilege of photographing her sister last year, and had both of them in one of my classes a few years ago. McKayla is the outgoing, talkative, dance to her own music, one of the family... She's very intelligent and plays soccer... She plans on attending a local school when she graduates and is not sure what she wants to study... Her clothing selection seemed to cover the gamit... A beautiful black dress, a cute and colorful sun dress, and then a soccer outfit. It was hot, but she was a trooper... We started inside with her soccer gear, then made it out to the trampoline for the elegant, jumping images... which turned out way cool... We then used the swing, the black car, our new Texas flag, an old door, the field, and finished up back inside with her books and made a cool soccer image... She had been hiking at Enchanted Rock earlier in the day, so I don't know how she survived our session, but she did.... We all had a great time, and the images turned out even better... More images on the site, and click here for a short video from the session... Enjoy...

Mister Owen....

Owen is 7 yrs old... His mom was in town and decided to call us for a portrait session... She has taken his portrait every year, and wanted to get his 7th year portrait before he turns 8. Owen is a funny, animated, and vibrant young man... Did I mention he's got an arm on him? He kept making faces and posing like a WWE wrestler... forgot to mention him flashing the hook'em horns sign... We had a great time with him... His big brown eyes really pop in all the images.... I think his favorite part was picking up all the pennies... His mom plans on coming back in November for an entire family session... Here are a few images from the session.... Enjoy....

Where there's a Will.....

there's a way... William is a senior at JM. I had the privilege of photographing his brother a few years ago... He is an extremely intelligent, athletic, and determined individual. I can't believe what some of our seniors do. For instance, he's a football and baseball player, has a job, and belongs to the PALs group at school... when does he have time to study? And yet he is ranked in the top 20 in his class... (that's 18 out of about 650 students). He wanted some images with his truck, some cool formal images, and then we got to have the real fun.... he's an athlete so we did some ultracool images with some sports equipment... then his relaxation time is spent playing video games (specifically Call of Duty). So we went all out and made some ubercool images with his combat gear... We had a great time and the images turned out fantabulous... Hope he and mom like 'em... More on the site, and click here to watch a short video of the session... Enjoy...

Big Bend NP...

We just returned from a trip to Big Bend National Park here in Texas. I took two of my boys and two of my nephews. From tarantulas to javelinas, steep mountain hikes to 107 degree temperature canyons, we had a great time... and many stories will be told for years to come... Did I mention a skunk walking under two of our chairs, while we were still in them? Anyway, I hope my boys and nephews will remember these times for the rest of their lives, and maybe even take their children out there some day too.... I love the outdoors...

Here's a image driving down to Rio Grande Village... That's Mexico in the back.



Here's an image from Lost Mine Trail... the lighting was phenomenal...

Miss Jenna...

Jenna is our niece… she just graduated from high school in Florida back in May. She came to spend some time with her favorite Aunt Michelle (and Grandma Joyce) a few weeks ago. She's quiet, very helpful and honest, and is a healthy eating, athletic young lady. She plans on attending Florida State in a few weeks, probably majoring in Biology (I think). Since I just so happened to be married to her favorite Aunt, I thought, “pretty girl, off for the Summer, why not take some images of her (I might even call them Senior Portraits)”... Hehehehe… Anyway, she wanted flowers so we went to the Botanical Gardens… I must say, I’ve never seen it this pretty in years… Of course the weather was wacky… First, we had to let a rain shower pass by, then we walked the grounds made plans for cloudy shooting, then right when we get ready to start, the sun comes out! Plan B…. the images turned out really cool, and she really liked ‘em…. Since she was here for a couple of weeks, we had another session as well… the great benefit of being related to us ;) So now that she’s back in Florida, and I’m back from Big Bend, I put together some of the pics in a slide show… I hope she likes them, we certainly do…. Click here to see more on the site, and here to watch a short video from the sessions…. Feel free to leave comments (we always enjoy reading them)… Enjoy….

1 Statuesque Bride + 1 Rickety Old Bench =

We had Christa out to the studio yesterday to take her bridal portraits... We've had the privilege of taking her Senior Portraits a few years ago, and are again blessed to be asked to photograph her wedding... Her wedding is in September, so you know what that means, really hot weather for bridal portraits... The funny thing, or should I be honest and give credit where credit is due (to God), is that it wasn't really hot.... As she drove up there was a huge (I mean huge) set of dark clouds to the Southeast of us... And it was thundering really loud.... the wind picked up and I thought, "this is going to be interesting". To make a long story short, it passed over quickly, cooled the temperature down about 10 degrees, and kept a cool steady breeze... you couldn't have asked for better weather... Thanks Lord (for the millionth time). Anyway, this is the only preview we can show, due to the nature of the portraits (I know you'll understand), you can't be showin' bridal portraits to everyone before the wedding... where's the ettiquette? Getting back to Christa... She's a tall, extremely beautiful young lady... when she was all dressed up, she was exquisitely gorgeous... Her sister kept saying, "you look so grown up"... I love my job... The only image I can show is her shadow, in case anyone was wondering what this is....



Towards the end of the session, we put her on an old bench we've had for a while now... About 5 minutes into this placement, the bench began to slowy move... We stopped, made one or two adjustments... I made the comment, "well, if it breaks, we'll all get a good laugh"... 1 minute later, "Kaboom", it collapsed, bride and all.... we all were laughing so hard... Christa, you are truly a good sport.... anyway, here's a pic of what it looked like afterwards... and no, it wasn't because of her, it was just old.... we got some great images, and we all had a great time.... Christa, can't wait to see you again for your engagement (and meet the lucky guy)....

Ms. Bailey....

Bailey is a senior at Randolph HS... She heard of us through a senior from there that we photographed last year... You know you've heard that good things come in small packages, well, it definitely holds true with her... She seems to have a good sense of humor, is considerate of others, and definitely loves her daddy... Of course she loves her mom too (they seem to have a close relationship), but she's a daddy's girl... Go Tigers!!! Bailey will have the privilege of representing CK at Randolph HS this year... We know she'll do a great job for us... Bailey seems to have a good eye for fashion... Her first outfit really brought out her incredible blue eyes... The haybarn was really hot, so we took a few quick-cool-off-with-my-manual-fan-technique breaks... and the pictures really popped... we took a few with some sunflowers, then went to the creek... (did I mention the machette?) We finished up with this totally cool outfit for the car... I don't watch much TV but a few of the images reminded me of those movies where the woman is walking in slow motion, wind blowing her hair, and everyone is staring... They turned out fantastic.... hopefully Bailey and mom love these, I definitely do.... More on the site, and click here to watch a short video from the session... enjoy....