Musically Inclined...

Lance is a senior at Runge HS. Runge is a town between here and Victoria, TX. He went to a local HS here in SA, but moved his senior year. From a senior class size of 700 to 26 means major adjustments, but Lance has seemed to handle the transition well. We photographed him in his tuxedo a few weeks ago, because of his HS prom being the next day. He came back yesterday and we finished the session. Lance is musically gifted, and wants to use his passions and talents to either teach music, or perform for others. Did I mention he loves to play Lacrosse? We finished up the session with his gear… The images turned out really cool, and we had a good time… More on the site. Click here to see a short video from the session…. Enjoy.

You Know What They Say About Small Packages...

...good things come in small packages, well, Nicole certainly attains to that. Nicole is a senior at Churchill HS. She’s a joy to be around; bubbly, silly, well-grounded, and of course cute as a button (all 4'11" of her). Her smile grabs your attention and draws you into her cute and fun personality. I must say her family is one hard not to like as well. Anyway, Nicole picked out three outfits that seemed to fit her well. We started on the swing (even though it took a little longer than expected – remember we work slow!) and got some fantabulous images. We then went back into the studio to capture her in her cute black dress with the dream light. These are some images that truly stand out. She brought some of her shopping bags to help her express her deep desire to shop (typical girl, hehehehe). Did I mention her pink and black boa? Truly stunning and glamorous… We finished up with the car outside. Nicole was a bunch of fun to photograph and I think she had a great time (especially trying to come up with 5 adjectives to describe herself – 5 takes? C'mon ;) ) Nicole is truly, a beautiful young lady, inside and out. I know she’ll be a thriving influence in her career as an elementary school teacher… More on the site. Click here to see a short video from the session…. Enjoy...

Evan B...

Evan is a senior at Johnson HS. He’s pretty simple, yet very intelligent. He plans on attending Texas A&M in the fall. His area of study is Engineering. We photographed his sister a few years ago, and she came with Evan to the session. We also photographed his family a few years ago (that's how they know us). Mom wasn’t picky, her specific request was, “As long as you get one with him smiling”… Well, we got some pretty cool shots of him. I think we captured his personality. The close-ups of him are our favorites, plus the vertical black and white image (see below) was my #1 fav. Evan and the clan seemed to have a good time, and the images turned out to our liking as well. See more on the site, and click here to see a short video from the session… Enjoy…

Athletic Bean Dip (South Texas Style)....

Lauren is a very athletic young lady from Floresville. Her nickname is "Bean Dip". She plays volleyball, basketball, and softball... Unfortunately, her HS athletic career was cut short a few weeks ago with a knee injury... She's definately a trooper... Hurt knee and all, she was game for anything. She had this out-of-this-world, peacock dress (with feathers and all)... so we started with this outfit. We played a little, then incorporated the peacock feathers... boy, did we have some fun. Her smile is perfect for her future profession, (yep, you guessed it, dentist)... Afterwards, she put on her fuscia, patterned dress and we went outside to a blooming peach tree... the pink flowers were almost as gorgeous as she was. Some of my favorite images came from this location.... We wrapped up the session with her black Hummer.... We waited for the sun to set and captured some really cool images... Lauren was a blast to work with, she is a fun, outgoing, and has a smile that knocks your socks off... Hope mom, g-ma, and Lauren like the images... we certainly do... More images on the site, and click here for a short video from the session... Enjoy...

Nadine's Quinceanera...

We had the fortune of photographing Nadine's Quinceanera portraits last weekend. She chose the Japanese Tea Gardens, here in SA. Here dress was a brilliant light green, which went well with the green in the area. It's hard to believe she's only 14 yrs old... She'll celebrate her 15th, late next month... Enjoy...

Maddie...

It's been almost five years since we've had a dog, but yesterday we got Maddie... She's a Cockapoo (cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle)... The boys are lovin' every minute of her... Played this morning outside and got some images... Hopefully, she brings us many years of wonderful joy and companionship...

A Rodeo Ropin' Beauty...

Keyla, pronounced KEE-LA, is from West Texas (over 300 miles from here). I know we’ve been blessed when someone drives that far to have us capture their portraits. We photographed her sister, Kolby, a few years ago, so we have experience working with the family. Keyla is a Country with a lil’ City, Fashiony yet Down-to-Earth, young lady. She’ll tell you like it is, very bold, but yet there’s a child-like innocence to her. She still watches Sponge Bob (was I supposed to mention that?). West Texas living tends to delay the depravity that living in the city tends to have on people. Maybe that’s why they are so easy to like. Anyway, Keyla wanted images that were different from anyone else’s, so that’s what we gave her. We photographed outside in the tall grassy fields, then came inside and did some in her rodeo outfit. She’s an avid roper, actually earning a scholarship for it. Did I mention tough? A few years ago, she had a riding accident (broken bones, the big one was her jaw), the Good Lord healed her up, with no noticeable scars, and she was back at it in no time. We then proceeded to the San Antonio Missions. Mission Concepcion was our backdrop for most of the rest of the session. Just think, that Mission is hundreds of years old. We finished up a block away, at a little convenience store. It had a mural painted on the side that was so cool, so we incorporated it into some images (some of my favorites). The session went a little long but Keyla persevered and we got some fantabulous images… ones that are like none we’ve done before. Keyla, hope you like’em. More images on the web, and click here to see a short video from the session (to see the 720pHD version click here)…. Enjoy….

SNOW DAY.....

That's right, snow day in San Antonio, TX... It was only about 1/4" but it covered the house, walkways, roads, with only patches in the grass... Snow is snow, so we got up early, when we found out that schools were closed we played in it all morning... Of course pictures were taken, come on, how often does it snow it South Texas? Below are my two favorites... The sunrise was absolutely gorgeous (since we haven't seen it in a few days), and the one of Colby is my #1 favorite.... By 11 am most of the snow was completely gone... Tomorrow, temps are in the 60s, so we were blessed with a little surprise and a day off from school....

Imaging USA in SA 2011....

Spent the last two days at Imaging USA (a photography convention). There was so much to see, learn from, it just blows your mind. Highlights were: looking at the award winning images from photographers all over the country, products, products, products... gadgets, gadgets, gadgets, and of course seeing and learning from some of the top people in the business... I loved these new floor/background rubber mattes (unbelieveably real looking), the selection of photo albums, and of course the products related to photography. I think the highlight of the convention was watching Clay Blackmore and Stephen Eastwood photograph in the Canon booth. The simple props and lighting were incredible. I'm going to have to practice these techniques and add them to our repertoire (did I spell that right?)of style. I did take the CPP exam while I was there... I think I passed (fingers crossed)... Imaging will be back in SA in 2015... enjoyed it...

Special Dinner Guests...

We had the privilege of having Jim and Joel Grimes over for dinner the other evening. Joel is a commercial photographer (better yet, photography artist) from Arizona and California. I've admired his work for a few years now. His brother Jim is a firefighter in Tuscon, AZ. We talked photography, Joel shared some of his funny photography stories, while Jim shared stories of he and Joel growing up. The best part was when they shared their faith with us. I'm not one to hold people in high esteem, like many do with famous athletes or celebrities, but Joel and Jim are the real deal; authentic through and through. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to get to meet and know them, and now when I see Joel's work, or learn a technique or two from him (he's beginning to teach around the world more and more now), I know the story behind the scenes... I'm truly touched and inspired...

A Close-Knit Family....

The Campbell family came in for a portrait session a few days ago. We photographed Emily a few weeks ago for her senior portraits, and mom, being one to seize an opportunity, scheduled the family session with us too. You never know how fast time goes by until all of your children are grown up and moved out. Being a military family, they truly know what it means to be there for each other. When families move every 3-4 years, the only constant they really have is eachother (the family unit itself). They seem to be a really close and loving family, it definately shows when they talk and laugh together. We had a good time and the images turned out great. It's always a privilege to help capture the different stages that families go through as they journey through life. Thanks Campbell family, for allowing us to take part in your journey...

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….