Giggly Gig'Em....

There truly is a story about this session. I'm just giving you the reader's digest version/synopsis. In the next week, we will have photographed two girls with the same identical name. Yes, there was plenty of confusion, but we worked it out (a special thanks goes out to Lilly and Mom for being accommodating). Anyway, Emily is a senior at Clemens HS. She's involved in the Ag Program. She's A&M bound come the Fall (that's where the Gig'EM in the title comes from). Emily is a sweetheart. When she smiles she reminds me of Jennilee Harrison (Cindy on Three's Company 70's TV show), but much prettier. She wants to study Agriculture in college. I think she fits right in with the A&M crowd (she's all country with a little city girl flare). Emily wanted flowers, so with the permission of a neighbor (us country folk are all neighbors), we used a large patch of bluebonnets to fulfill her request. I must say, her images are stunning. We think she'll love 'em (fingers crossed). The stories she shared with us about the beach, sunscreen and sand, were too funny. We all had a great time and the pictures turned out Vundabar (I know I didn't spell that right). Click here to see more images on our site, and here to watch a short video from the session. Enjoy.....

Full Of Life....

Lilly is one of those people that makes your day brighter as soon as she enters your presence. She is a senior at RHS. She's probably the most spirited, lively senior we've had this year. Her excitement and spunkiness kept us going throughout the session. I don't know what Lilly thinks about herself, but we definitely know she's full of life, outgoing, enthusiastic, intelligent, talented (she can dance), and totally loveable. We hope she continues to show the world her million dollar smile, and more importantly, her billion dollar personality. She wants to study communications in College so she can work the PR department for a company some day. She really wants to help people, and what better way, than have a job that communicates important issues, but doing it in an exciting, respectful, and genuine way. We had a blast with Lilly and her mom. Dancing, singing, stupid jokes, and elegant dance moves, it was high energy through out the session. My favorite part was down by the creek, the trees are blooming yellow fuzzy buds, of course, we had to use it with Lilly's gorgeous yellow skirt outfit. I'll never forget the funny names we called each other, especially mom's. Lilly left singing an Elvis rendition of her mom's nickname (She--- Las Vegas), hehehehe.... I could write a novel from this session (it almost went that long), but I'll finish with this: Lilly you are a breath of fresh air. In a world with so many people being downtroddened, negative, and only watching out for themselves, you are a spark that refreshes the soul. Never forget how special you are.... Click here to see more images on our site, and here to watch a short video from the session. Enjoy....

Deep in the Heart of Texas....

Megan came to us from RHS. She's had several friends have their portraits done by us, so now it was her turn. Megan is an artistic, nostalgic (loves vinyl records), reserved, and beautiful young lady. She isn't exactly sure what she wants to study in college, but it's either going to be engineering or nursing. The title of this video is from the fact that we photographed Megan in front of the Texas flag, and then in a patch of bluebonnets (the Texas state flower). Even though Megan is not a cowgirl, her session definately had a Texas flavor to it. Megan loves record albums, her guitar, and her cat. So of course we incorporated all of them into the session. Finally, Megan wanted to be photographed in bluebonnets. This year is a little hit-and-miss when it comes to flowers (so far); some places they're great and others, no so great. We found her a patch in the least likely of places (next to a huge natural gas tank). Anyway, the images turned out great, and we hope Megan likes 'em as much as we do. Click here to see more images on our site, and here to watch a short video from the session. Enjoy.....

Transported Back in Time...

Savannah had her bridal portraits taken last week. I must say, she looked exquisite. We all just gazed at her when she came out in her dress. It was one of those moments of true beauty (like when you watch a colorful sun set). With all the distractions we have in life these days (cell phones, cable tv, computerized everything, and instant gratification) it was so nice to just keep things simple. The place where she's having her wedding was so picturesque. It was like being in an Italian villa with sculptured landscaping that would make a gardener take a deep breath. Her hair was made up with such elegance, she looked like one of the 1950's actresses (Audry Hepburn, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, or Esther Williams). Of course glamour back in the 1950's had integrity and grace to it (unlike today). The entire atmosphere was so nostalgic. It was like being transported back in time, to the most glamourous environment. Her dress was stunning (the texture and details danced with the light). Too bad I can't show any of the images. Well, I'll show one, and even though it's just a shadow, it does capture Savannah's graceful beauty. After the Wedding I might show a few more, but until then, use your imagination... Enjoy....

A Man and His Car...

Michael is a senior at Madison HS, we photographed his sister a few years ago. Michael is an intelligent, determined, reserved, and easy-going young man. He wants to study Accounting in College, then on to law school, and eventually have his own Law Practice. Michael's mom and dad told us that he is also very good at making money. He's an online trading genius. Michael wanted to use his car as the major part of his portrait session, and we must say he's got a nice ride. Not a typical over jazzed up stock car, but his car seemed to have the right amount of manliness. Our favorite image was when he sat on the front bumper. Michael, congrats on your senior year and graduation will be here before you know it (so savor every moment). Click here to see more images on the site, and here to watch a short video from the session. Enjoy.....

All in a Day's Work....

Anna is a senior at RHS. She came to us via, her cousin, and several friends. She's very outgoing, intelligent, funny, and seems very even-keyed. She wants to pursue a career in Psychology after High School. She wants to delve into the minds of people and help fix 'em. I'm sure she'll succeed, she just has a way about her. This session we traveled to a lot of areas (Africa, RHS Stadium, & down by the River). And to think, we didn't even leave my neighborhood ;) . Anna is a cheerleader and so she wanted some cheer stuff. We transported her to her HS football field for a few images, and even waited until nightfall to get another (all virtual of course). We then made it down to the creek, to play in the water, and get some beautiful backlit images. We then were transported to the Serengetti in Africa to pet a giraffe (why a giraffe you ask? Anna is a Giraffe fanatic). We finished up with the swing and the interview. I must say, Anna, you've got some wonderful images to choose from. We hope you like 'em as much as we do. Click here to see some more images on the site, and here to watch a short video from the session. As always, we love to read comments. Enjoy....

Maddie at One

Just wanted to share one image from a recent session. We photographed Maddie when she was a little over a week old, then last November for a family portrait, and finally for her first birthday. She was a little cranky at first but then warmed up. She loves to dance and stick her tongue out. I must say that she looks almost identical to her brother Noah at that age. A beautiful little girl with a wonderful family. I'm sure you'll be seeing more of her in the future....

A Woman's Glory.....

JoBeth is a senior at RHS. She came to us via several people. Some of her friends had their portraits taken earlier this year, and her sister had her portraits done by us a few years back. JoBeth is an intelligent, witty, fashionable-minded shopper, and of course beautiful young lady. She wants to study business in college and go on to own or work her way up in a big business. The title of this blog comes from JoBeth's hair. It's a cross between a Lion's mane and a horse's tail. I mean it's the best hair we've ever seen. From the beginning of the session to the end, it looked the exact same, you couldn't even tell she'd been here for several hours. The Bible says the glory of a woman is her hair, well, JoBeth's glory is glorious. The session went well. We started inside, capturing some images of her in her fashionable, shopping, city attire. We then made it out to our neighbor's house for the wall of ivey, and then down by the creek. We finished up with her instrument. We all had a fun and memorable time. JoBeth, we got a lot of great images of you, so be prepared for a difficult time of choosing your favorites. In the meantime, click here to see some images on our site, and click here to see a short video from the session. As always, we love to read comments, so leave some.... Enjoy.....

"Kwik-Witted" Kathryn....

is a senior at RHS. She came to us after seeing some of her friend's images we did earlier this school year. Kathryn is a quick-witted (luv ya Kat), funny, intelligent, and beautiful young lady. She wants to be a nurse after her studies are over. We planned the session earlier in the week so we had a couple of days to get ideas. Kathryn's mom wanted her to wear a traditional Korean dress. I had several ideas with that, and the first image on our site is the one I'm most excited about. We have a peach tree that blossoms in a couple of weeks, that gave me the idea, so I used a cherry tree blossoming as the background of this image. Kathryn then wanted to take some images with her comic books (boy have they come a long way since I was a kid). We then went down the road to take some more, and that's when the story of this session happened. I won't get into details, but let's just say the meat truck drove by and offered us a meal. It was pretty funny, in that no one, I mean no one ever drives down our road selling anything. This was truly one of those anomalies. We will remember that one forever. Kathryn, you should've said yes, even though you're a vegan... hehehehehe. We finished up outside by the Texas flag and field. Kathryn seemed to have a good time, and so did her family. I truly enjoyed this session. Kathryn, you are a wonderful young lady, we wish you the absolute best in your future endeavors...I'm sure you'll achieve your goals. Click here so see some of the images on our site, and here to watch a short video from the session. Enjoy.....

Miss Hannah....

Hannah is a senior at RHS. She saw some of her friends' images on our site and decided she wanted us to do her senior portraits too. Hannah is like a chameleon. She can be quiet and unassuming, then WHAM, she's outgoing, funny, and the center of attention. The thing I liked about Hannah was her childlike honesty. I would ask her questions and she would just give straight forward answers (as she calls it, "I'll just wing-it"). After high school she wants to attend college and study to be a forensic Nurse (you know CSI type of stuff). I told her that if that doesn't work out she can be a lighting grip for a forensic doctor and hold the light that always shines behind them in that dark and scary morgue, making them look like its a nice, fun, warm place (like in Miami CSI). Anyway, she loves to shop, of course we try to please, so we took her to the mall for the session (as in the virtual mall on my computer). Hannah seemed to have a good time, and mom endured the photographic marathon (sorry mom, Broncos lost, but hey, at least you didn't have to watch the heartbreaking loss live). When the session was over, Hannah was worn out, but we got some great images. Hannah, you'll always be welcome here at CK. Click here to watch a short video from the session, and here to see more images on the site. As always, enjoy....

Cole(d) Winter Session.....

Cole came to us from Judson HS. We photographed his sister a few years ago. He plays soccer and kicked for the football team this year. He is uncertain on what to study after high school, but he wants to play soccer when he attends college. Cole is funny, energetic, athletic, and kind young man. He seems to have a very personable and down-to-earth personality and was very patient and respectful to us. During the entire session his mom and sister kept him on his toes. One would say something and the other would respond. It seems that the Johnson family is very close-knit. They told stories and we laughed quite a bit (especially the tubing down the Olympia River story). Of course the laughter escalated every time one of my jokes was told (hehehehe). We used Cole's jeep, his soccer attire, and two other fashionable outfits he brought. My favorite part of the session was photographing his jeep in our back field. It took a while to setup all the lights, but the images turned out fantanstic. Of course, everyone was cold waiting around during the setup. All in all, we think Cole had a fun time, and the images turned out great. Click here to watch a short video from the session, and here to see more images on the site. Enjoy.....

CK at CK.....

Caelan came to us via FBA. We photographed both of his sisters in previous years, so it was just a matter of time until we got the privilege of taking his senior portraits. Caelan is a intelligent, athletic, and well-grounded young man. He plans on entering the ministry after he attends college. His school of choice is Dallas Baptist University. Since he is an all-state soccer player, Caelan wanted to incorporate his soccer attire. He also wanted to have some images with his Bible. The weather was so calm, quiet, and overcast. You couldn't have asked for a better atmosphere to photograph in. Anyway, we planned several images to be composites and they turned out fantabulous. Knowing Caelan's family, we are certain that where ever God leads him, he'll serve and be successful in pointing many towards eternity. Click here to see a short video from the session, and here to see more images on the site. Enjoy....

Captain America....

Even though I've never seen the movie, if there's ever a sequel to Captain America, Micah would certainly fit the bill. The title comes from part of our session. We were using an American flag to wrap around Micah in his football uniform, and Michelle said, "You look like Captain America".... and so the story goes..... Micah is a senior at RHS. The thing that really stood out about Micah is he's very down to earth and knows his place in this world (not many young people know that these days). He hasn't figured out what exactly he wants to do in life, but he thinks, AF Pilot, Ranchland Manager, or some kind of Montana State Trooper (if I remember correctly). His GF is Wonder Woman, so if the marry some day, they'll definitely have super hero children (thought you'd like that one Nat). Anyway, the session went a little long due to the fact we had to wait for it to get dark (kinda funny because we usually want light outside). Micah is a football player at RHS and he absolutely loved playing there, so lifting weights and wearing his uniform were things we incorporated into the session (i.e. waiting for the dark). I had the fortune of watching him play in his last HS football game and they defeated the district champs. What a way to go out. He and his mom seem to have a great relationship, and she and Michelle chatted quite a bit about raising all boys.... We all had a fun time, and the images turned out fantabulous. I'm sure Micah and mom will have a hard time choosing. Click here to see a short video from the session, and here to see more images on the site. Thanks Micah for allowing us this privilege of capturing you in this special time in your life. Enjoy.....

The Duke Family 9 months later....

We've been photographing the Duke family ever since Matt and Andrea's wedding. Nine months ago, baby Maddie was born. We did their family portraits along with her newborn portraits back in February. Maddie and her brother look so much alike (especially at their respective ages). We'll be seeing them again in a few months, but just wanting to post an image from the session. So cute....

Carina, Carina.....

.... came to us from New Mexico via San Antonio and Austin. It’s a long story, but she attends a Military Academy in New Mexico. Her mom lives in San Antonio, well just moved to Austin (see what I mean). She’s a black belt in Karate (so you better think twice about messin’ with her). She’s part Mexican and part Chinese (rare combination). Carina is full of life, she’s a beautiful young lady, vibrant, silly, and very down to earth. We had planned the session back in the Summer, but when Carina showed up, she had all new outfits. After scrambling for a few quick ideas, we made a plan and captured her personality. I think the images are beautiful, hopefully she and her mom think the same. The one thing I’ll remember from this session was during the interview, Carina made all of these faces and gestures that made me laugh (see video). Click here to watch a short video from the session, and here to see more images on our site. Enjoy….

Reece's Pieces.....

Couldn't help the title. Reece is a senior at Randolph HS, where he's in the band, an athletic trainer, and very intelligent to boot. His plans after college is to be a doctor. His mom says he the verbal Macgyver of the family (he can finnagle his way to just about anything). When Reece and his brother Wyatt came to us we started with brother portraits. I had an idea, so we went with it. It involved a trampoline (you'll have to see the pics, they are hilariously cool). Reece plays the drums in the band so we did some images with that too. We moved on and did the ER doctor images, then finished up with his skateboard attire. The images turned out really cool, so I'm hoping that he and the fam will like 'em. I have no doubts that Reece will be seeing his patients in the future. Click here to see some more images on our site, and here to watch a short video from the session. As always, enjoy.....

Definitely a Character....

Wyatt is definitely a one of a kind, and a senior at Randolph HS. He's really intelligent, musically inclined, and very eccentric. He's never short of words, and has an insight on every topic. I thought about sending him one of my wife's favorite books (Home Invasion). He seemed to really like it while he read it during the studio part of his session.... hehehehehehe (I thought you'd like that one Wyatt). Anyway, we started the session with portraits with his brother, then he showed us his cymbal spinning skills. We finished up with his Steam Punk themed outfit. His mom mentioned a construction site in town that would look cool with his outfit. So, a couple of days later, I went out and photographed it. I think the images turned out so cool. Hopefully, Wyatt and the fam like 'em. Click here to see more images on our site, and click here to see a short video from the session. As always, we'd love to hear your comments.... Enjoy....

Million Dollar Smile...

Danielle came to us from Judson HS. She's an intelligent, athletic, and beautiful young lady. She's not for sure on what she wants to do after graduation, but physical therapy might be a possibility. Danielle has a smile that brightens up anyone's day. She'll be looking at you talking, then BAM, that infectious smile. You can't help but smile back, it's like a magnet pulling the corners of your mouth up in response. Danielle likes Winter and cold, so being here in South Texas, we have to generate our own snow. With the help of Hobby Lobby (fake snow) and the wonders of Photoshop, BINGO, we got snow. When asked of her favorite High School memory, we were told the story of how she was given a Red Ford Mustang. Of course that was part of the session too (see below). I think we wore Danielle out. By the end of the session, her belly was rubbing her backbone raw (that's Texas slang for she was hungry). The images turned out too cute for words, so hopefully Danielle and family love 'em as much as we do. Click here to see more images on the site, and here to watch a short video from the session. Enjoy....

Miss Natalie Part II....

is a Senior at Randolph HS. She's our RHS Rep this year. Natalie is a very intelligent (top 10 in her class), down-to-earth, athletic, and beautiful young lady. Her future plans are to study Biology in College (undecided as of yet), then on to the medical profession. We have no doubts that she'll achieve her goals. We've had the privilege of photographing her several times so far this year. She's received so many comments on her American Flag image. So for her official session, she wanted to do some in her dress, some in jeans and different tops. We started at the Creek, one of which I absolutely love (see below). We finished up at our neighbor's house with the white fence (my favorite image of the session) and the field. The sunset was pretty amazing, we got lucky and got one image. The images turned out fantabulous and we hope Natalie and mom like 'em. Click here to watch a short video from the session, and here to see more on our site. Enjoy....

The Meaning behind the profession...

We've been privileged to be able to photograph the Bryson family for about 8 years now. The Brysons have a new edition to the family. Welcome Mercy Danielle. She was born on October 22. While baby was being fed, the girls wanted to get on the swing. So remembering a photo we took over 3 years ago of McKayla, we took another (see below). Seeing the change in growth, but still the same happy, silly, beautiful little girls is just amazing to me. What an honor and privilege it is for a family to trust us enough to come back year after year and capture portraits that document their family history. The magic of photography never ceases to amaze me. Scott and Chelli, thanks again for choosing CK.