Hannah was a Hoot....

Hannah came to us from RHS. She was so much fun to work with. Her personality is magnetic. She's positive, encouraging, sincere, and out-going. She plans to attend Samford University next year. Her plans for the future are to work with Young Life and eventually become a missionary, maybe in Africa. I have no doubt that Hannah can achieve anything she sets her heart and mind on. I will have to say, that by the end of the session most seniors are worn out, but not Hannah. Her smile was still kicking in and laughing. For her video (part of the senior experience) we started when it was bright outside, but due to a happening out of our control, we didn't finish until it was dark outside. When you watch it, you'll think, "wow, it got dark fast". Not really, we just had to wait in between happenings. It was funny. Hannah, you are a bundle of joy, and I now know why you were crowned Miss Cibolo. My wish for you is to continue your journey seeking Truth, and sharing the gift of you with everyone that comes across your path. There's a poem by Robert Frost titled "Nothing Gold Can Stay", I think he's wrong. Stay Gold!!! You are such a blessing. You can see more of her here or on our site.

Wrestling with Beauty....

Nicole comes to us from Johnson HS. Believe it or not, she's on the wrestling team. A 5'9" wrestling beauty. Nicole wants to become a scientist and research cancer. Someday hoping to discover a cure or at least a remedy that would allow people to live through it. The thing about Nicole I liked was her child-like outlook (this in no way is a bad thing). She's like a little girl in a big girl's body. That innocence is something we should all treasure. Her dad was teasing her the entire session. It was pretty funny watching him get under her skin. Anyway, the session turned out fine, and the dog got to get out of his house for awhile and visit the country. Nicole, we wish you the best in life, and God-willing, you reach your goals in helping others. You can see more of her here, or visit our site here.

The Book Thief....

Miss Ashley came to us from Randolph HS. She is a fun, extremely imaginative, and down-to-earth young lady. She loves to read. Like her mom's passion for reading, give her a good book and she'll disappear for a while. Ashley was so funny. We were taking the Samurai images, and Ashley was grunting trying to swing the sword... I couldn't stop laughing. She's is so much fun. Then when she came out in her Harry Potter outfit, of course I know nothing about this series, she couldn't believe I've never seen it. Go figure... The funny story from this session was her mom's description of a Shih Shih dog and the Roku castle in Okinawa. We all had a good time and I think she'll like her portraits.... Ashley you are an incredible young lady. We hope you learn to use your God-given talents to make a difference in this world. At least you'll have plenty of books to read your children someday.... You can see and read more about her here or on our website.

Miss V - 5 x's the fun

Victoria comes to us from Clemens HS. She is the track team manager at her school. Her future plans are to attend Tarleton State and major in Biochemistry. She wants to eventually become a pediatrician. Victoria is all about fun. Her laugh is contagious and her smile is bigger than life. Her greatest assets are her optimism and her willingness to serve. Our session was a lot of fun. The best part was when she wore her blue dress. I don't remember how many attempts we had to get the cap and gown walking away image, but it was hilarious trying to get the shot. Them when she got her balloons, the party started..... Victoria, we wish you the best in life, and I know as long as you pursue your dreams and cling to the Truth, you will make an impact in many people's lives. You can see more of her here, or on our website here.

Everything is Bigger in Texas...

CJ comes to us from Marion HS. The title says it all. CJ has the biggest truck I've ever seen driven by a high-school-age driver. It's tricked out, and believe it or not, it gets 25 mpg (I couldn't believe it either). CJ loves hunting, golf, and baseball. He plans on attending college and eventually working with his dad (owns a business). CJ was a subtle reminder of one of my sons. He loves hunting, bow and rifle. He's also a golfer, missed state by one place. I teased him with the idea of inventing a game that allows you to swing a club and hunt at the same time. Kill two birds with one stone, or ball or projectile object (my imagination goes wild). CJ seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I think whatever he sets his mind to, he'll accomplish it. You can see more of him here or on our website.

Miss Kailee.....

... comes to us from Steele HS. Kailee is an outdoorsy girl. She loves hunting, playing soccer, driving her truck, and anything outside. When she's not outdoors, she's probably sleeping... z z z z z. Kailee wants to major in business and play soccer in college. Kailee chose a special skirt for one of her outfits. It's one she made with her grandmother. I'm always excited about special, meaningful items that seniors bring to the studio. Since Miss Kailee is one of our neighbors, she got a little extra special treatment. We did a mini-session for her hunting idea. And we did another mini-session for her soccer composite. Anyway, we had a great time and the images speak for themselves. You can see more of her here (our website in video format), or click here to bypass it altogether. We hope Miss Kailee enjoys the rest of her senior year, and continues to grow into a beautiful young lady....

Paris in the Spring.....

Meet Paris, she's a senior at Smithson Valley HS. You can't be a truer RedHead than Miss Paris. She's a funny, silly, fashionable, and talented young lady. She's on the dance team at her school, varsity dance since her sophomore year. Paris doesn't exactly know what she wants to do, but she does want to go to Cosmo School. I've worked with Paris and her family several times now, and I will say, there's never a dull moment when the Peterson's are around. Mom acts out the poses and Dad tells great stories of "yester" year. We wish Paris the best, and hope her future is as bright as her firey-red hair. You can see more of her here (on our website in video format) or just click here to watch the video. Enjoy....

A Journey through Time with Miss Zoe...

Time, it never stands still, and certainly waits for no one. But as the saying goes, "Life is best understood looking backwards, but it must be lived going forwards", time is everyone's master. In the process of going forward many see growing older as a burden or depressing, but time is a gift. And in the process, you get to witness many, many blessings. Blessings such as this, photographing Zoe's senior portraits. Michelle has been friends with Zoe's mom, Tamara, for as long as I can remember. She was at the hospital when she was born. We've photographed her numerous times (including the one below). Seeing her grow into a beautiful young lady, is one of the perks of getting older. You get to see how people turn out. Anyway, Zoe wants to study nutrition and work in hospitals helping people. I have a notion that she'll be great at it. Her session was like a time capsule, retelling all the stories of when she was little, laughing, and even getting a little emotional, we had a great time. If only we could figure out a way to stop time, bottle it up, and then bring it out when we need to, it would be a great thing. However, we can't, but we can enjoy each moment, and cherish it. That way, when Zoe has children, she'll continue the journey, and hopefully we will be part of that too. You can see more of her here (in video format) on our website (scroll down and click on her portrait). Zoe, we know you will succeed at anything you set your heart and mind to. And eternity will be better because of you....

Miss Angela....

...came to us from Randolph HS. We have photographed her several times before as a RHS cheerleader (we photograph their squad each year), but this time was special. We got to see not only the beauty side of her, but the personal, unreserved side of her too. Angela is funny, she loves to laugh, and being around her, promotes laughter and silliness. The one story or takeaway, as there were many, I want to mention is the dress she wore. Her mom wore that same dress when she was young. Her father gave it to her, and since then all of her girls have worn it in a portrait. I don't know what the others looked like in it, but Angela simply radiated in it. I had several favorite images from the session, but the ones in the dress certainly stand out. Angela wants to attend college and then help people while serving in the military. I have no doubt she will do great things for people and in the process bring joy to those around her. On a humorous note, when you're around her, don't show her your dirty feet.... ;) You can see more of her in video format here (scroll down and click on her portrait).

A New Braunfels High Trombonist...

Brett comes to us from New Braunfels High School. We photographed his brother a few years ago (Lego man). Brett is all about his trombone. He actually has three, including a plastic one (which is really cool by the way). Brett is very reserved. His ambition in life is to become a stock broker or something to do the financial world. His session went smooth and we got some great images of him. My favorite was one with his trombone up on his toes playing a "Michael Jackson" tune. He wasn't really playing a MJ tune, but I told him to act it out and we got the coolest image. For all of you NBHS students out there, Brett is now the coolest of the band kids in all the school (IMHO), hehehehehe....... See a video of more images here or watch it and others on our website.

Cheers to Ya - San Antonio Creative Portrait Photography

We had the privilege of photographing the Randolph High School Cheer Squad last week. This is our second year capturing them. These girls are very well behaved, and courteous to boot. As the session went on the atmosphere turned silly and fun. We asked them to stand in front of the camera and make a silly face or do something worthy of watching, and the creativity began to flow. We had a good time and the images will be ones they will treasure for a life time. Not to mention a huge banner hanging in their gym for the rest of the year. They're famous now.... Here's a video to enjoy from the session....

Action Jackson: The Ultimate Optimist - San Antonio, Central Texas High School Senior Portraits

Jackson came to us from SACS. We did his family portrait when he was five. He's changed a little since then ;) . Jackson is humorous, witty, animated, and totally optimistic. I asked him to explain his optimism, and he just replied, I see the best or positive in every situation. I told him of a situation that helps make his optimism easy to understand. The scenario, he gets up early one morning craving orange juice. When he gets to the kitchen, he finds out that there's only a tiny bit of OJ left in the frig. His response, I'd drink the little bit and wait till tomorrow to drink more. He just found out that he was accepted to attend Baylor University. He wants to study Digital media, which is the path to his goal of becoming a director or movie maker. He says he wants to create documentaries to help educate people and make a difference. His ultimate dream job would be to work with Steven Spielberg on a movie. As far as the session went, he brought his dog, which was funny because the dog didn't exactly do what we planned, but we got several great shots of him with his beloved pooch. We then went inside to create some images that would capture what he wants to become, a director. Jackson, you are full of life, you bring joy to all those around you (I speak for myself on this one). You're parents have done a tremendous job bringing you up. You have the right mindset, and guidance to make a huge difference in this world. I see a bright future ahead of you, so put on your shades, and hold firm to your faith, and your dreams. The movies you'll help make will make a difference. How do I know this? Let's just say, the little time I was with you, I saw a young man on a mission. Your passion for creating and your faith will make it happen, and I'm sure you'll entertain and bring joy to all around you in the process. You can see more of him here (video), and on our website as well....

Miss Enthusiastic - San Antonio Central Texas High School Senior Portraits

Keely is a senior at Randolph HS. She is also one of our 2016 senior models. She is an energetic, intelligent, joyful, and an outgoing young lady. She does just about everything at her school (track, tennis, student council to name a few). If I used one word to describe her I would use enthusiastic. Everything about her is happy, exciting, fun, and genuine. Her extroverted personality wins your attention every time. She wants to travel the world, and own her own business someday. Her dream is to become a professional model. Whatever she ends up doing, people around her will enjoy her presence daily. During the session for one of her outfits she chose her dance outfit. Irish dancing is her specialty (you don't see that every day). She did these jumps and leaps and for a second I thought I was watching PBS. Anyway, the session went smoothly and I had so much fun. Keely, where ever you end up, if it's settled down raising a family, or traveling the world, I know this for sure: you will enhance everyone's life you come in contact with. You just have this magic personality that edifies and entertains others around you. You've been a joy to work with and I look forward to watching your life span out. You can see more of her here and here (our website).

The Real Deal... San Antonio High School Senior Portraits

Kalli comes to us from FBA (First Baptist Academy). She is the complete package. What I mean when I say that is this: She's easy on the eyes (beautiful), very intelligent (brains), athletic (coordinated), very social, and most importantly, she knows her place in this world. Kalli isn't one to stay silent. She's definitely not afraid to speak her mind. That's one reason we get along so well, is because we are so much alike. I'm just a little more fermented than her. Kalli was a blast to work with. There's never a dull moment with her. Her energetic and out-going personality sucks you right in. Oh, did I mention the her sharp sense of humor? She understands my jokes, hehehehe. Anyway, the session was fun and we all had a good time. Kalli, you are a very special young lady. The sky is the limit for you. I don't know if the world is ready for your larger-than-life personality, but with the Lord's guidance, you will make an impact that will be seen throughout eternity. Hope you had as much fun during the session as we did. See more of her here (a short video link is also on our website).

A Really Wild Wedding.... San Antonio Portrait and Event Photography

We've known Nicole since she was in High School. When she contacted us to help capture her wedding, we were excited. To top it off, it was to take place at the zoo. Talk about a wild wedding. My favorites were the animals. The hippos standing up and opening their mouths during the ceremony were extraordinary. They also had an armadillo and an exotic bird to pet. And the animal merry-go-round was also a photographic gem. Any way, the evening came a went and we all survived being surrounded by wild animals, and the guests behaved too... Here's a short video highlighting the unforgettable, special day. Nicole and Greg, we wish you the best life has to offer. May your commitment to each other be cherished, honored, and life-long.

Everybody's All American... San Antonio/Central Texas HS Senior Portraits

Where do I start? Aleya has to be the most talented HS senior girl we've ever photographed. She's physically gifted (track and field high jumper/tumbling cheerleader), super smart (ranked 4th in her sr class of over 900), easy to converse with, and not to mention easy on the eyes. As we stated earlier on a FB post, she the most beautiful dweeb (her words not mine) we've had the privilege of trying to capture. She's authentic, the real deal, the pop in the tart, and the cool in the breeze. Whoever pursues her and wins her heart will surely get the complete package. Aleya is a wonderful young lady... every time we are around her we end up having a enjoyable time. Her respectfulness and sense of humor fit right in with my personality. It's almost like we are taken from the same mold. Anyway, the session went well. We ended up down at the creek, and let me tell ya, there were several images that were just breath-taking. You know when you get an image that just captivates you, well, we got several of those while we were there. I think we captured her personality, and then some. Aleya, there's so much we could say, but I will just leave it at this: Stay Gold.... (you may have to watch the movie "the Outsiders" to understand or read the Robert Frost poem), but you are something special. To see more images of her, visit our website by clicking here....

Lee HS Drill and Dance Teams - San Antonio Creative Group Portrait Photography

We had the privilege of photographing the Lee High School Dixie Driller Drill Team, and the Varsity Rebel Rouser Dance teams last week. The two takeaways I'll remember most is the young ladies respectful manners, "yes ma'am", "yes sir". Ms. Tina does a great job at teaching them respect. The second thing that really stood out was their gratitude. They really had a great time and showed much appreciation for having the opportunity to participate. I was definitely impressed. Here's a video from the session. Enjoy....

Myranda Makes Me Happy...

Myranda comes to us from Steele HS. She's a cheerleader (notice the title), so she cheers us up. Myranda is a very easy-going, casual yet sophisticated, fashionista. I hope that makes sense. When she's all made up she's downright gorgeous to the eyes. Did I mention she's extremely athletically talented. She did back handsprings without even warming up much. Her dress images are killer and I'll bet she's the only cheerleader that will have pics on the goal posts this year (unless this starts a trend). I see Myranda heading off to college with a million boys chasing after her. As the song says in her video, she's a "Supa"-star (she's a combination of Jessica Alba mixed with Eva Longoria). I have to mention the bugs. Not many people when they come out here like the bugs. Mom did a little traveling inside when Mr. Wasp came a "calling". Country living isn't for everyone, but it sure is peaceful for us. We had a great time capturing her personality and her images speak for themselves. Myranda, may your cheerful spirit edify all of those around you and may it lead to many, many authentic friendships along the way. You are fun to be around. You can see more of her on our website (in video format)...

CJs Model Comp Card - San Antonio Promotional Portraits

Christian is a close family friend of ours. She just finished up her first year of College when she got a call about modeling. This particular agency doesn't have many 5'11" blonde girls, so she called us to help her get a portfolio together and make her a model comp card. We had a fun time, and got some great images. I think this card will definitely help her get noticed.... it certainly captures my attention.

Tennis is My Game - San Antonio High School Senior Portraits

Jeremy came to us from RHS. Yes, he's a little late, but as the saying goes, "better late than never". Jeremy is a tennis player, and a good one. Good enough to get to State for his school. He's athletic, humorous, optimistic, and a respectful young man. I must say he can do the most real fake smile out of anyone I know. We decided on meeting at the RHS tennis courts to get some action shots. After about 25 tries we finally got the serving image (who said photography is easy?). Right after that we did an iconic portrait of him standing on the court with the school stadium in the background (so cool). Any way, Jeremy doesn't know what he wants to study in college, but he does know he wants to minor in Spanish. Here's more about him:
After graduation: Attend University of Texas
A Dinner Guest of his choice: Teddy Roosevelt - he had a very interesting life
One Wish: Everyone would listen more
One thing to do to Impact the World: Clear misconceptions and bring people together
Favorite Song: "Taro" - Alt-J
Favorite Quote: "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great" - unknown

Here are some more images of him on our site in video format. Jeremy, you are a very personable young man. I'm sure your parents are really proud of you. The way your mom smiles when she's around you speaks volumes. Whatever you decide to do with your life, we know you will make an impact in the lives of others. Like we said yesterday, your future is bright, especially being a tennis instructor at the resorts in Mexico (hehehehe). Really though, the sky is the limit for you, don't settle for anything less.