Picture Perfect | Fort Bliss, El Paso Anniversary Portrait Photographer

I love stories.  Books, movies, tales of everyday people leading extraordinary lives or taking part in fantastic adventures.  I love writing stories, as well.  There is something wonderful and liberating about being able to create your own characters, your own environments, and weaving the fabric of their world into a rich tapestry of events.  In pursuit of my photographic career, I find myself attracted to the storytelling aspect of photographs.  There are, of course, those frame-worthy, picture-perfect moments where everyone is looking at the camera, flawless and happy.  But then there are those in-between moments, or even the something-akin-to-movie-directed moments: A touch, a glance, a small gesture that speaks volumes for the affection that is so clearly present between the subjects.  This couple's session is a perfect example of the pairing of two seemingly unlike styles to present a wonderful story that is very telling of their sweet, fun, and loving relationship.  Happy 2nd Anniversary, {M} Family!  May you continue to celebrate in happiness for several decades to come!

Hello, Hello! | Fort Bliss, El Paso Event Photographer

It was another hot, breezy evening in Texas when I met with my homecoming client at Cooper Field.  While I was fully expecting another incredible experience, I had no idea just how much my last Fort Hood homecoming would mean to me.  To start, my client was wonderful, so full of energy and excitement that she shines in every frame.   It was effortless to capture the love between her and her husband.  His parents were there, as well, to welcome their son home.  The joy, relief, and closeness of the family really pulled at the heartstrings, and it was a great way to close one incredible chapter of my photographic journey.  Thank you, {K} family, and congratulations on being newly reunited!
 

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Welcome Home, Soldiers! | Fort Bliss, El Paso Event Photographer

What's better than shooting a military homecoming for one amazing couple?  Shooting a double homecoming for two friends and their spouses!  What better way is there to spend the seemingly endless time waiting for your soldier than to be hanging out with one of your best friends?  You might recognize one couple from their R&R session in February.  It was definitely a challenge, but the results are well worth it!  Congratulations {F} & {M} families; the long wait is finally over!

Miss {S} | Senior Portrait Photography | Salado, TX

It is amazing how quickly the years fly by.  I first met Miss {S} as well as several other friends of my husband's family 8 years ago, when I started dating my husband.  Back then, she was cute, spunky, assertive, and was definitely one of a kind.  To be honest, not much has changed.  She is a beautiful young woman who is not afraid to assert herself.  She laughs at the goofy antics of her friends and loves spending time with her family, even if they drive her crazy, but there is something decidedly grown-up about her now.  I will admit to getting a little misty reviewing the photos from her session.  The years go by so fast, and I am just happy that I was able to freeze this small window of time for her family before we head to El Paso for the foreseeable future.

Miss {R} | Senior Portrait Photgraphy | Killeen, TX

Technically, although this is a senior-styled session, this beautiful young lady had actually graduated two days prior to our early morning shoot on Ellison campus.  Since the school year had ended on the Thursday before, there wasn't as much life in the school as there usually is on a Monday morning.  The parking lot was peppered with a perhaps a dozen cars of faculty members and students belatedly receiving their diplomas.  It was quiet, not too hot, and perfect for a photo session.

I can only imagine how it feels to walk on the grounds of the school that, only days before, was such a big part of one's life.  This chapter has closed for Miss {R}; she will soon start another as a freshman at Texas State.  There is always a kind of melancholy that comes with such transitions, but if Miss {R} was feeling it, she gave no indication.  She was smiling her lovely smile and laughing along with my assistant/sister/her friend and fellow c/o 2012 graduate as we breezed through the session, simply enjoying the morning.  Congratulations, Miss {R}!

Reuniting The Forever Newlyweds | Military Homecoming | Fort Hood, TX

I first photographed this adorable couple back in February for an R&R session.  They were sweet, affectionate, and energetic, soaking up every moment in each others' presence for the short window of time that they had together.  On the day of homecoming, all of those emotions of tenderness and excitement were still there, but it was vastly different.  Despite the heat and last-minute relocation and the long wait, there was a certain electricity in the air.  It is easy to get swept up in the anticipation of all the loved ones gathered to welcome their soldiers; it is even easier when you know just how much your subjects adore each other.  I will admit, I was  emotionally attached to making the homecoming photos as amazing as I possible could for this beautiful pair!  When it came down to it, after the soldiers were released to their families, my job was easy.  It is impossible to photograph them without capturing the amazing love they have for each other.