A Date at the Zoo - San Antonio Fun Photographer

This past weekend I planned a date with my significant other to go out and have fun. My plan was to have a photography photo safari. I made a list of 25 things we were to photograph. Each of us took a camera and walked around the zoo capturing all kinds of things. One of the coolest parts was the Lego Displays they had setup throughout the zoo. Topics included something red, blue, green, and orange. Something bigger than a car, smaller than your hand. Something slimy, something with scales, feathers, and so on. We were one of the first ones there so we didn’t have to deal with any crowds or hot temperatures. Anyway, we spent about 3 hours capturing anything and everything our creative minds could come up with to complete the challenging list. I plan on writing more (probably in an upcoming newsletter) about how to photograph at the zoo, so stay tuned….. Here are some of our pics from the day. Enjoy…..

my favorite image from the day…..

love is in the air, or at least the shape of their heart was….

saw complimentary colors. in this one…..

Perfect lighting….

my image capturing lazy…..

it’s not what you think it is…..

smaller than a hand….

can you say “Fruit Loops”…

capturing motion in flight….

Green Danger waiting to strike….

All made of LEGOs….the rose, the woman, and the lawn mower….

The backside of a Rhino…. wagging it’s tail….

it’s a small, small world….

An array of colors…..

Bigger than a Bus….

LEGOS Telling a story….

Simple elegance….

Shades of blue…

A very social butterfly…

Terrifying Beauty…

Is There A Doctor (PhD) in the House? - San Antonio Senior Photographer

Mikayla, Aleya, and Sharon have all put in there time studying, performing, and living the college life.  Each young lady has earned a degree in the Bio Sciences.  Each has tremendous intellectual abilities, but more so, they are physically gifted and determined to leave this world a better place than when they arrived.  Aleya (jumping cheerleader) is the youngest of 4 daughters, all of which are multi-talented as well.  She graduated from UTSA this year and is pursuing her PhD in Dallas.  Aleya was a cheerleader for all 4 years that she attended UTSA, as well as many other organizations.  She wants to work for the Military or start a program for less fortunate kids that allows them to have the same opportunities she has had in pursuing her education.  Mikayla (leaning on Pedro) just graduated from UTSA, and is heading off to Georgia Tech to pursue her PhD in Bio-Sciences.  She wants to head a corporation and make big decisions.  She was also a cheerleader at UTSA.  She has an incredible story about her life; one that vividly shows what true, genuine love is really all about. Sharon (lab coat scientist) is a few years ahead of both of the other young ladies.  She just completed her PhD in Bio-Sciences.  She actually invented a membrane that aids in the study of liquids when zapped with a laser.  You talk about cool.  She also wants to work in the corporate world.  Sharon is not only intellectually gifted, but she is musically talented.  She plays the violin and piano.  She has performed with the SA Symphony, and numerous other big-time events.  Her goal with her music is to make it in the industry by combining playing an electric violin and performing (song and dance).  All three of these ladies blew me away with there ambition and fortitude in pursuing exactly what they want in life.  Their diligence, persistence, and perseverance through 16+ years of education has not only benefited them, but also the universities they attended.  When people say women can't do this or that, here’s proof that they can do anything they want to and achieve their goals. Mikayla, Aleya, and Sharon you truly are an inspiration to not only me, but to all those around you. May you make your mark on this world, and leave it a much better place.

Aleya, Sharon, and Mikayla

Pandemic Senior Year: In Their Words- Aleya - San Antonio Senior Photographer

Senior 7, Aleya….

Pandemic Senior Year: In Their Words- Jack - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Senior 6, Jack…..

Pandemic Senior Year: In Their Words- Zoe - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Senior 5, Zoe…..

Pandemic Senior Year: In Their Words- Micah - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Senior 4, Micah….

Pandemic Senior Year: In Their Words- Izzie - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Senior 3, Izzie….

Pandemic Senior Year: In Their Words- Jacob - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Senior 2, Jacob……

Pandemic Senior Year: In Their Words- Kolby - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Here’s a series of seniors that participated in my project. Missing out, blessed, confused, stressed, these are just some of the emotions people are facing during these uncertain times. And these seniors are dealing with it the best they can. Today is Senior 1, Kolby…..

Jacob the Ranger - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Jacob comes to us from SACS. I photographed his brother a few years ago, as well as created a family portrait for them when he was very young. It’s hard to believe I get the privilege of capturing Jacob once when he was little, and now that he’s about to venture out in the real world. Time waits for no one. Anyway, Jacob wants to attend Tarleton State in the Fall, and then on to Army Ranger school. He wants to have a military career protecting the freedoms this country has been blessed with. Jacob is reserved, more of a serious-minded person. He’s honest, mature for his age, and seems to have a sense for justice, probably where his patriotism comes from. As we talked during the pre-consultation, I saw a lot of myself in him. Jacob loves to hunt, and he also runs cross-country for his school. I’m sure whatever the future holds for him, he will succeed because he seems to know how to stay focused. He told me one of the greatest things his dad taught him was the value of hard work. Just one more reason I know he will make this world a better place, better than he found it.

His favorites:

Song: “Country Boy” by Aaron Lewis

Plans for next year: Attend Tarelton State University

If He could have one wish: to re-live my childhood

If he could do one thing to impact the world: put an end to corruption

Jacob, you have a good head on your shoulders. Your vision for your future seems very clear. Stay true to yourself, honor what you know to be right, and hold on tight to the faith you’ve been blessed with. Your decision to serve in the military is very honorable. I know you will serve and protect well. Click here to see a short video from the session.

Future Patriotic Ranger

Miss Izzie - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Izzie came to us from Randolph HS. She’s a cheerleader there. She competes with a non-school team as well, and as a matter of fact, won a national championship with them last year. Izzie is not only a beauty with athletic skills, but she’s brainy and mysterious. She told us that she wants to be an FBI agent when she finishes school at Ole Miss. I guess you could say, she’s one all-around, multi-talented, nerdy-brainy, don’t-mess-with-me, kinda girl. Anyway, we had fun during the session. Her pics turned out fantastic.

Her favorites:

Quote: “Hard work betrays none”

Song: Castle on the Hill

Plans for next year: Attend Ole Miss

What people will remember about her: Her personality

If she could do one thing to impact the world: Grant access to education to 3rd world countries

Izzie, you are someone I expect great things from. Your talents will take you far in life. I absolutely loved your favorite quote. Stick to it, and your aspirations of becoming what you want to be, will become a reality. Click here to see a short video from the session.

Future Military JAG - San Antonio HS Senior Photographer

Miss Emma comes to us from Randolph High School.  She's a beauty for sure.  She's got her act together.  She's driven, knows exactly what she wants, and has a plan to achieve her goals.  Her plans are to attend the University of Alabama this Fall, where she will study to become a lawyer in the US Air Force.  She plans of making the military her career.  Then on to politics. Emma is involved in just about everything offered at her school; ROTC, on the tennis team, track and field team, powerlifting team (yes, I’m not exaggerating), and various other groups.  When she does find free time, she loves to watch her favorite TV show, Friends.  She told me she just about has every episode memorized. 

Her favorites:

Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”

Song: “Africa” by Toto

Plans for next year: Attend the University of Alabama

What people will remember her most for: Her ability to connect with people

If she could do one thing to impact the world: Help close the huge division between everyone in America

Emma, you are a very special young lady. Your uncanny ability to connect with people is a gift. Your abilities are limitless, and your future is bright. You can’t fault anyone that loves the movie “Forrest Gump”. I hope your future is filled will meaningful relationships, and you make your mark on the world. And for any reason, you don’t achieve all of your goals, you will still be a success. Watch a short video from the session here.

An authentic beauty…..

Future Engineer - San Antonio HS Senior Photographer

Josh comes to us from John Paul ll High School. He’s planning of attending college after graduation and pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His love of Space attracted him to this field. He actually would love to major in Space Engineering, but that’s a very specific and limited field. I’ve known Josh’s mom since before he was born, literally. I used to walk by her office and see her bump (him) growing every day. I also had the privilege of knowing two of his sisters. Josh is a very down-to-earth young man. He’s been raised to believe and pursue truth. I have no worries that he will succeed in what he sets his heart and mind on. He’s strong-willed, independent, quick-witted, and intelligent. He’s says he’s ready to attend University in the Fall, probably choosing Texas A&M Corpus Christi or UTSA. Either way, he’ll eventually make it to Texas A&M University in College Station.

His favorites:

Quote: “Even in the darkest of nights, I still see the moonlight”

Plans for next year: Study Engineering in College

If he could do one thing to impact the world: Help put a man on Mars

You can see more of Josh in this short video.

Mr. Baseball - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Logan came to us from East Central HS. He is a member of the baseball team. Logan is full of life. The entire time we had him, he never stopped. His energy levels were off the chart. Always laughing and having a good time. Logan is blessed to have the two parents he has. They love him to death. But the funny thing is, he doesn’t take it for granted. He doesn’t act spoiled. He knows how good he has it, and acts accordingly. We had a marathon session, but Logan never stopped. He even went out with his girlfriend afterwards. Our session started at the studio and finished at the baseball field at East Central HS. I really enjoyed photographing him. He has enough personality for a few people. There’s never a dull moment with him.

His Favorites:

Quote: “Luck to me is lots of determination, hard work, faith in myself, and in God”

Song: “Stressed Out: If We Could Turn Back Time” by Twenty-One Pilot

Plans for Next Year: Go to College

What people will remember him most for: His personality: Good-Hearted, Smile, and Goofiness

If he could do one thing to impact the world: Solve Poverty

Logan has faced many challenges in his life, but he has learned how to overcome. Hard work, determination, perseverance, and persistence are all part of his character. He has achieved what most people aren’t willing to go the extra mile for. Logan, I know you will “make it” in life. How do I know this? Your ambition and willingness to be a team player speaks volumes for your character. Your parents have done you right, and that my friend is one of the greatest blessings you could ever wish for. You can see more images from the session here, in this short video.

James Madison Dollies Dance Team 2018 - San Antonio Photographer

I can't believe this is our 15th year photographing the JM Dollie Dance Team.  Of course, it's always fun working with such talented young ladies.  Mrs. Shelly Flynn does a phenomenal job with these girls as their Dance Team Coach.  In all honesty, they are one of the most spunky, talented, and creative teams in our area.  There's never a dull moment either.  They are constantly laughing and being silly, so you can't help but smile and enjoy the ride. Congratulations Dollies to another year of growth and success. Here's a video from the session

The Girl with the Big Smile - Miss Clarissa - San Antonio High School Senior Photographer

Miss Clarissa is a senior from Smithson Valley HS.  She's outgoing, and likes to make people laugh.  We came to meet because of her mom.  We went to school together.  I believe it was Geometry class.  Who'd have thought, years later, she'd be entrusting me to create her daughter's senior portraits?  Anyway, Clarissa wants to become a veterinarian.  She's hopeful to attend Texas A&M next Fall.  Michelle kept saying she couldn't believe how calm and relaxed she was during the session.  I wasn't surprised.  She's a natural in front of the camera.  It made my job so much easier.  Maybe it has something to do with me, but we got the best of Clarissa, and the images were out-of-this-world beautiful.  When I asked her to describe her "one portrait" that would capture her true self, she said, "in my flower dress, in a field, laughing".  We were in a field of flowers and "what do you know", we got the shot.  We got so many good images that her mom said that she would have a hard time choosing.  I just told her to put us on her bank account and we'd be good.  Clarissa has a sense of humor, loves to smile, and a big heart.  She never seems to let things tear her down.  Maybe it's her faith, but she seems to be headed in the right direction with the right attitude.  We certainly wish the best for her, especially with her walk with the Lord.  If you ever need a "Pick-Me-Up", Clarissa is the one to call.  She's got a pep in her step, and her smile lasts awhile.  Clarissa, may all your dreams come true, and you bring light into the world, making it a better place because you are in it.  You can view a video of her, here.  Enjoy.....