Death of a Bully

When I started writing in this blog, I wanted to make it a visual thing... using photography... to mostly talk about photography.  Sometimes, I get in the mood to write, and this blog is my only outlet.

I don't write too much on Facebook.  Lots of people there who get butt-hurt over the easiest of things.  Also I wanted to write about something from my High School days, and there are people on Facebook who may know what I'm talking about.  I digress.

There's been a lot of talk lately about Bullying.  They talk about it on news shows.  They show videos on TV of kids bullying other kids.  It's sad.  I can talk about this subject because I was bullied in school.

The OFF Season

I've neglected my blog.  I've neglected many things, but I learned a long time ago that writing is good for the soul, and I told myself that I would write a little bit every day.  Well, I failed at that.

Cold Engagement Session on the Riverwalk

Welcome to Texas.  The previous week, we had balmy warm weather in the 70's.  This particular photo session the temp was hovering in the low 40's.  At first it looked like it would be grey and overcast, and then, BOOM, the sun comes out.  Crazy.

Derek is active duty military, serving our country from Clovis New Mexico.  Trust me when I say that you have no idea how much of a sacrifice he has given.  If you've ever been to Clovis, you know what I mean.

This was our only day to shoot.  Like a good soldier, he and Sarah braved the chilly wind, and we walked along San Antonio's famous Riverwalk.  He put up with my jokes, and we even had a duck that tried to get into the photo shoot.  I can't wait for the wedding.

Family Portraits in Gruene Texas

I love shooting in Gruene.  (For those of you who are not in the Hill Country of Texas, it's pronounced "Green"... it's a German name, designed to confuse tourists)

It was an overcast day that looked like it might rain, but we stayed dry, and relatively warm.  It was in the 30's last week, but we were basking in the South Texas warmth in the low 60's.  

A big Thank You to Joe and Melissa Andhor for letting me take their family portraits.  Their little boy, Shane is just precious...

Engagement Photography New Braunfels - Jessica + Bryan

Jessica and I had been emailing each other about locations for the engagement session. A friend of mine has a gorgeous property but I wasn't able to get in touch with him to get permission to shoot there. At the last minute, literally an hour or two before the shoot, we decided on Landa Park in New Braunfels. Sometimes the prettiest places are right under your nose. 

I've shot at Landa Park before, but it was just so pretty on Sunday. It was overcast, a few sprinkles here and there, and the sun was going down fast. Bryan only gave me the look a few times at some of my ideas... (hey, I thought it would be cool to put him on the train that goes around the park.) In the end, he was very patient with me, and we got some great pictures. They are a cute couple, and we could not stop laughing.

San Antonio Wedding Jeff and Jessica

Jessica is a lot like me. She's a planner. Everything was planned, everything was scheduled, all the pieces were in place. Then the day of the wedding, a monkey wrench has to fall into the motor. Thank GOD it wasn't me as the monkey wrench this time. The makeup team was running a little behind. They arrived an hour late, and since there three girls plus the bride that got hair and makeup.... well, we didn't leave for the venue on time. It was over an hour and half later than she planned. As I was photographing the bridal prep, I could see the stress building in her eyes. Usually when I arrive at the venue, I like to scout things out, set up my light stands and tripod for the group pictures, etc. The bridal party (and me) arrived at the venue and we had five minutes before the ceremony started. I had time to get my camera out of the case and turn it on. Even with all the stress and late schedule, it was a beautiful wedding. Jeff is all Army, and all business. He's a big guy.... but you should see his eyes when he looks at Jessica.

Engagement Session at Landa Park

OMG, that was wayyyyy too much fun.  I just got home from a great engagement session at one of my favorite locations, Landa Park in New Braunfels.  I'm downloading the CF card as I write this.  I can't wait to finish the editing.

Landa Park has some of the best scenery in this area.  It's a well-kept secret, as not a lot of photographers use it for portrait sessions.  Scenic mill ponds, the beautiful Comal river, and the old buildings around the Wurstfest area are just visually awesome.

I knew it was going to be a fun session, when I told the couple to "look serious" and they couldn't stop giggling and laughing.  Bryan had a lot of patience with my corny posing requests, and Jessica said something to me that really made my whole week.  She told me she reads this blog!!  Boo-YA!

And all this time, I thought I was the only one.  Pictures coming soon.

Bexar County - Downtown Marissa + Matt

There's something to be said for keeping it simple. If you elope, you have more money to spend on the home and a honeymoon! You can still have a beautiful and romantic wedding in downtown San Antonio.