Lego Lad....

Brenden came to us from New Braunfels HS. He's a gamer through and through. He also loves Legos, playing his instrument, and any thing to do with computers. He's quiet, imaginative, friendly, smart, and funny. He wants to be a computer programmer in life. I see him fitting right in with that profession. Brenden was a great sport. His mom wanted us to create his senior portraits for a while. She saw images we did from a senior a few years ago and decided we were the "chosen ones" for Brenden's special portraits. My jokes didn't seem to have the normal effect on Brenden (every one usually laughs hysterically) but I did find the funny phrase for him, "Guy on Buffalo". Between chatting about Mass Effect, and getting to see some of his Lego creations, we had a fun time, and created some amazing images of him. Hopefully, they like 'em. Here's more about Brenden:

After graduation: Study Computer Programming in College
A Dinner Guest of his choice: Lewis & Simon - The Yogcast, Seran - Mass Effect, & Jodie - Beyond Two Souls
One Wish: Travel through Time
One thing to do to Impact the World: Save the World from senient machines
Favorite Song: "Let Her Go" by Passenger, "Demons" by Imagine Dragons, & "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redmond
Favorite Quote: "You exist because we allow it and you will end because we demand it" - Harbinger - Mass Effect

Here are some more images of him on our site, and click here to see a short video from the session. Brenden, may your imagination and computer skills help make this world a better place. Enjoy....

Miss Katelyn...

will be our CK 2014-15 Senior rep at Clemens HS next year. We've known her since she was a wee-little one. If you met her parents you'd be asking yourself, "where's the beautiful red hair from?". You'll have to ask her, 100% natural. They say redheads have a fiery temper, Katelyn puts this myth to rest. She the sweetest, most loving teenager you'll ever meet (I guess I'm a little biased). Anyway, I was searching on the internet for something and came across a quote perfect for her. So Katelyn, here goes, "Your hair is beautiful, like the sun shining on Beyoncé’s smile". The image below is taken next door to us. Our neighbor has this pear tree that blooms beautiful white flowers every Spring. It usually doesn't last long, so I knew we had to photograph it. The only problem was a cold front came in. Well, with the magic of PS, I got the shot I wanted... You'll be seeing more of her in the future, for sure....

Mr. Football....

Hunter will be graduating from Johnson HS this Spring. He's the quarterback on the state semi-finalist football team. He's ranked in the top 10% of his graduating class. And did I mention he actually likes his parents (an anomaly for the teenage years). Hunter's mom was so excited for us to capture His personality in his portraits. She said that she's been waiting for Hunter to become a senior so we could create his portraits. It's good to know that our work is appreciated and held in high esteem. Anyway, Hunter is all about football. He plans on playing in college (Wreck 'em Tech) where he also wants to study engineering. The one thing that stood out to me about him, was his maturity and outlook on life. He's was grateful for his parents, and takes his studies very seriously. I asked him what advice he would give himself if he could go back and be a Freshman again. He told us to take your studies seriously. My son was listening, so hopefully it didn't fall on deaf ears. We had a fun time, and I must say, Hunter's mom is a ball of energy, so much so I couldn't believe what she did on the trampoline. Here's more about Hunter:

After graduation: Study Engineering and play football in College
A Dinner Guest of his choice: Johnny Manziel
One Wish: Free food for life
One thing to do to Impact the World: Eliminate Bullying
Favorite Song: "Mud on the Tires" by Brad Paisley
Favorite Quote: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength"

Here are some more images of him on our site, and click here to see a short video from the session. Hunter, you are a very respectful young man. Thanks for being the leader and role model you are. Enjoy....

Southern Belle...

Gigi is going to be our 2015 Canyon HS Senior Rep. She wants to attend college somewhere in the South. She would love to be an event coordinator or something along those lines. She loves everything about Southern Hospitality, and we think she'll fit right in. She's a beautiful young lady with a million dollar smile. If you are ever in here presence, watch out, when she smiles it's contagious. We hope Gigi will be a great rep for us this coming school year... The image below is one of my favs from our mini-session yesterday. I'm sure you'll be seeing more of her in the future.

Miss Jordan S.

Jordan came to us from Randolph HS. We photographed her sister last year, so she knew where she wanted to get her portraits done. Jordan is a sweet & beautiful young lady. She wants to pursue a nursing career in college and eventually raise a family. Jordan was so excited when she came that you couldn't help but get excited too. She did her own makeup and I must say, she looked absolutely stunning. The images turned out fantabulous.

After graduation: Studying Nursing in College
A Dinner Guest of her choice: a family member she has never met before
One Wish: To make sure my loved ones are safe and protected, God always watching over them
One thing to do to Impact the World: try to put an end to homelessness, everyone deserves a home and to be happy
Favorite Song: "Wake Me Up" by Avicii
Favorite Quote: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength" and 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

Here are some more images of her on our site, and click here to see a short video from the session. Jordan, you are a wonderful young lady, and we hope your future is as bright as you are. Enjoy....

A Country Chic Wedding...

Lauren and Holden got hitched last Saturday in the Texas Hill Country. The weather was perfect, the setting was even better, and the festivities completed the Country Chic themed wedding day. We enjoyed the event and the images captured the essence of the day. We wish Lauren and Holden a lifetime of love, joy, and hope. Whoop!!! (A&M graduate)... Here's a short video highlighting the day. Enjoy...

City Version of Duck Dynasty...

The Jones family commissioned us to do their family portraits. With both boys home from college mom scheduled the session. They wanted something not-so-normal. They are an outdoorsy, gun-shooting, Duck Dynasty watching, kind of family. So out came the camo-jackets, rifles, and a Ford truck. We decided on a grove of oak trees for the session, and our neighbor's property fit the bill. During the session, we had a visit from the cattle and two donkeys. One of the donkeys walked right up to me and when he realized I wasn't someone he knew, he hollered. The other came right up and stared at me for a couple of minutes. All the while the Jones family laughed hysterically. The cattle even tried chewing on Micah's cowboy hat sitting on the front seat of his truck (that's what happens when you leave your door open). Also, you have to watch where you step, when nature calls, cattle have no preferences where they go. It was a fun family session and the images turned out great too. Family portraits are always unique. Each family different, and yet share many similar characteristics. That being said, time waits for no one. In a few short years the Jones family will grow, and change, and the dynamics will never be the same. Laurie, thanks for choosing Captured Keepsakes to help capture this special time in your family life. These images will grow in value, and someday, become a family heirloom.

Sarah, Plain and Tall...

I couldn't resist. Sarah is anything but Plain, however she is definitely tall (5'11" to be exact). She's a beautiful, fashion-conscious, and friendly young lady. The thing I liked best about Sarah is she's real. I mean she's like a big kid, sincere, joyful, silly, and respectful. Her genuine"ness" shines right from the moment you meet her. She knows what she wants, but is respectful and kind and doesn't let her ambitions stop her from mistreating people. She's like a life-sized barbie doll with the sweetness of a bunny rabbit. Whatever Sarah does for an occupation, I know she'll be an asset to any company that gives her a chance. She's a one-of-a-kind.

After graduation: Studying Architecture in College
A Dinner Guest of her choice: Her best friend because she doesn't have to look at the menu when we go eat sushi
One Wish: Travel the world
One thing to do to Impact the World: Find a way to make Architecture honor God and others
Favorite Song: "Carried Away" by George Strait
Favorite Quote: Romans 15:13 "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit"

The session was very enjoyable and we all had a lot of fun. Click here to see a short video from the session, and here to see more images on our site. We hope the CK experience was one you won't forget, we definitely won't forget Sarah. Leave us a comment and tell us what you think. Enjoy...

Miss Brittany W....

came to us from Reagan HS. She loves to dance and is on the RHS dance team. Brittany is a natural beauty. Angela (our MUA - that's short for Make Up Artist), did a great job with her makeup and hair. Brittany's personality shined in every outfit she brought. The weather was cold and overcast, but when she put on her first outfit, the sun peaked through the clouds and gave us great light which remained for the rest of the session. Brittany plans on attending Baylor University and studying Speech Therapy. With her outgoing and friendly personality, we think she'll do a great job helping people learn or relearn to communicate.
After graduation: Brittany wants to study Speech Therapy at Baylor University
A Dinner Guest of her choice: Si Robertson
One Wish: To go back to Rwanda and visit the African Children again
One thing to do to Impact the World: Find a cure for cancer
Favorite Song: "I want Crazy" by Hunter Hayes
Favorite Quote: Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps"

We had a great time and the images turned out even better. Click here to see a short video from the session, and here to see more images on our site. Enjoy...

Fun Day with Family....

We photographed the Wallace family a few years back and it was time to update the family portrait. Jen wanted to go to the Pearl Brewery, so we gathered up our gear and headed out. The PB is an interesting place. It's an old Brewery that has been made into a little community of shops, restaurants, and upscale apartment living right on the San Antonio River. The architecture is unsurpassed for such a small area. The Wallace family had a good time and the images turned out great. Here's a short video from the session. It's not too late to schedule a family portrait session before the holidays. As always, enjoy....

Ms. Danielle....

came to us from Steele HS. She's a cheerleader who loves football. In her 4 year career as a cheerleader, the varsity football team has only lost 4 games. Danielle is a bright, outgoing, very personable, and fun to be around. Danielle brought her mom and sister to the session and I have to say, we all had a good time. The weather was so much nicer than the previous 5 days, but even though it was sunny it was still a little on the cool side. Danielle was a trooper though. Here's a new twist we're adding to our blogs for this year.
After graduation: Danielle wants to attend the University of Houston and study Pharmacology.
A Dinner Guest of her choice: Oprah Winfrey
One Wish: To make my parents proud
One thing to do to Impact the World: pay the world deficit
Favorite Song: the National Anthem
Favorite Quote: Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand"

We had a great time and the images turned out even better. Click here to see a short video from the session, and here to see more images on our site. Leave us a comment of two... Enjoy...

The Armor of God....

Here's a short video we made preparing for a video we may be commissioned to make for a book author. Leave us a comment and tell us what you think.

Stephanie & Michael...

did a "save the date" engagement session with us recently. I had the privilege of knowing Stephanie from school. I had her in one of my classes a few years back. She's athletic and really funny, not to mention beautiful. She's got these phenomenal eyes. Of course that's the first thing Michael noticed about her. Michael and Stephanie seem to get along really well. The session went a little long, but hey, good things come to those who wait (hehehehe). Michael was bummed because the A&M game was on (he's a big fan) and when we were wrapping up, so was the game. Unfortunately A&M lost in the last two minutes. Hey Michael, you still won, you got Stephanie (and some great portraits). We had a fun time, and look forward to photographing their wedding in the Spring of next year. The "Save the Date" cards turned out really cool. Just another thing we do for our clients. Click here to watch a short video of the session. As always, leave us a comment and tell us what you think.

Randolph High School Homecoming Fun....

Spent a little over an hour photographing about 20 Randolph HS students preparing for their 2013 Homecoming Dance. Bailey's home is spectacular (could've photographed just about any where at her house, but the pool house fit our needs photographically). We did a few couple portraits, then the group shot. Finally, we finished with a Photo-Booth type of style and everyone's personalities came alive. Anyway, had a fun time, hopefully the group portrait will be a Keepsake for many of the students in the years to come. You only get a short time to be in high school, so hopefully, you make the best of every moment. Here's a short video from the session. As the song says, they were definitely, "having fun". For those of you interested in Senior portraits, give us a call before we book up for the year.

Gratitude 365 Project...

I started this project to help me with being grateful. I tend to take things for granted. There is a part in the movie "Courageous", where the dad is grieving over the loss of his 9 year old daughter. The pastor tells him that he will never get over this, but with God's help, he can get through the pain. The decision he has to make is this: he can either continue to be mad at God for the time that he won't have with his daughter (future graduation, wedding, etc...) or he can be grateful for the 9 years he had with her. I'm not saying this is the answer for grieving parents, I'm just using this to illustrate my point on me being grateful to God for all He has done for me. Here's a link to the Grateful 365 page on our web site. I don't plan on posting many of these (so check back to the site to see them), but I will occasionally post an image when it's deserving. Hopefully, some of these will spark a flame inside of you, and it will cause you to to be grateful to the One whom deserves it...

Educating America: #2 The Failed Cartoonist...

Clif Tinker is a self-admitted "failed cartoonist", but an accomplished artist. He is currently teaching Art at Madison HS, where he also has the distinction of Department Head of Fine Arts. Clif is an extremely talented, creative, and people-friendly individual. His journey has taken him through many avenues of the Arts, but eventually landed him in the teaching profession. In college he loved to draw cartoons for the newspaper in school. The editor, didn't see the value in his artwork, and thus fired him. So the so-called "failed cartoonist", took his creative talents to the educational realm. He has been teaching in public school for 20 years now, and taught privately for another, near decade. His work has been honored by HEB (a local grocery store chain) in which they have made grocery bags, mugs, aprons, and many other items with his art on them. They are currently for sale at any of the 180 HEB stores located in Texas. I've known Clif for about 13 years (teaching together) and I must say, his work stands out and above most. He has been honored by the San Antonio Spurs NBA team (the banners hanging in the AT&T center, belong to him, as well as, the 2003 Championship celebration poster done in 2004). TSTA commissioned him to create their century celebration poster in Austin. And the San Antonio Library used his design on their 100 year celebration poster. Clif has a big heart for helping others, and he hopes his art inspires others to reach their potential. Quoted from a recent interview with the Express News, I want my art to "uplift people" and be affordable. "I love that you can own Clif Tinker art for $1.50 and eat off of it, too". Clif is not only a creative artist and educator, but an inspiration to us all when it comes to perseverance and staying true to his calling. Click here to learn more about Clif on our website. As always, leave a comment or two. Enjoy....

Holden Lauren...

Yeah, that's right, Holden is Holding Lauren....(couldn't resist). Lauren and Holden are gettin' Hitched in January of 2014. They came to us for their engagement / save the date session. We did Lauren's senior portraits and few years back and she told us that we would be doing her wedding. Well, it sure feels good that she liked us so much that her promise is coming true. Anyway, Lauren and Holden seem to enjoy each other's company. They seem to get each other too. Their wedding day should be an exciting and extremely fun wedding for us,'cause we know her entire family. Plus it's going to be out in the country (what more could you ask for?). Here's a link to a short video from the session. As always, leave us a comment; we love hearing from you. Enjoy....

Bethany the Marine Biologist...

came back for her "in the water" portraits (ideas I had for her). After capturing some images in the studio, we went out to the pool. We had a fun time, and came back with some compelling images. When I watched the video, I got goose bumps. I mean, it's so satisfying when attempting to capture someone's personality, you come away with something like this. I mean knowing that I'm making a small impact in the lives of these seniors that come to us is so intrinsically rewarding. Bethany is a special young lady, really special. When I look at the world and see all of the decline in behavior, technology busting at the seams, and lack of respect for God, it's so refreshing to be able to do what I do. Bethany is going to make a difference in the world, or as the video states, she's gonna leave her mark. The world is definitely a better place because of her presence. Anyway, you can see a few more images of her on our site, and by all means, check out the short video about her... As always, leave us a comment and tell us what you think. Enjoy.....

Miss Bethany...

I've had the privilege of knowing Bethany for 3 years now. I had her in class the last two years. I must of done something right because she came to us for her senior portraits. Bethany is a Senior at JM. She plans on studying marine biology in college and then hopefully becoming a seal trainer, turtle researcher, or underwater world professor. She is also talented with the camera (I wonder where she learned that?). Anyway, Bethany is a joy to be around, very down-to-earth, extremely intelligent, and very, very sweet. She'll be coming back to help create an underwater image that's gonna knock your socks off (well, hopefully at least untie your shoes). So you'll have to check back in a few weeks. Here's a short video from the session, and click here to see more images of her on the site.

I'm starting a new part of the "CK High School Senior Portraits" Experience. This will allow you to get to know our seniors a little more. They have so much to contribute to the world. Bethany is the first.

Favorite quote – “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” –Jacques Yves Cousteau
Favorite Song - My favorite song would have to be, “Don’t you ”by Simple Minds
Plans for next year – My plan is to attend Texas A&M at Galveston for college, hopefully start saving the turtles and whales!
If you could have dinner with someone (past or present) who would you choose? Why? I would have dinner with my dad because no matter how close I am with my mom, I will always be daddy’s little girl and I love our time spent together. He has always supported my choices and has blessed me with so many experiences. I love him very much.
What do you think people will remember most about you? I think that people will remember me for being such a hardworking person, who is determined to achieve her goals.
If you could have one wish, what would it be? If I could have one wish it would be to swim with a whale shark.
If you could do one thing to impact the world, what would you do? If I could impact the world in one way, I would definitely try to get people to understand how beautiful our oceans, the creatures that live there, and the habitat are. I would want to make a difference in the underwater world, by educating and informing people about marine mammals and strive to protect their habitat ultimately.

As always, tell us what you think in the comments section. Enjoy....

T-Shirt Time....

My friend Bill started a screen printing venture so I asked him to print up some T-shirts for our company (I've been wanting to do it for about 3 years now). This is another Marketing strategy we hope works. We delivered the T-shirts to our CK Reps and had them take an image wearing it and send to us. It's so cool to see an idea you have in your head become a reality (that's why initiative is so vital in life). I must say, the shirts look absolutely great on the girls. You can see some of their images here. When you sign up to have your senior portraits created with us, you'll not only get a one-of-a-kind t-shirt to wear with pride, but you'll also have the coolest, most creative portraits on the planet. How cool is that?