I used to take a zero day somewhat regularly to hang out with my Pops. “Zero day” is a hiking term used by thru-hikers which means you take an entire day without hiking any miles and just spend the day leisurely laying around camp or in town washing clothes, restocking food, or retrieving the resupply boxes you mailed to yourself. A few years ago, I began using the term to refer to a weekday/workday where I don’t do any work and oftentimes, I use this zero day to go hang out with my Pops.

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These are some of my favorite days. No agenda. No timeline. No nothing. Just me and my Pops and doing whatever we he wants. I usually also use the day to take documentary photos of my dad. This is what is commonly referred to as lifestyle photography. I enjoy being a fly on the wall while he goes about his day.

Coronacation Day with Pops : A Lifestyle Documentary Session with my Dad

We spent the day…

1. Planting a few rows of corn
2. Putting out corn for all of my dad’s favorite critters (white-tailed deer, wild hogs, javelinas, turkeys, ducks, squirrels)
3. Feeding surplus corn tortillas to his ducks—frisbee style
4. Cleaning out a floating duck nest, putting fresh hay in the laying boxes
5. Removing the unfertilized goose eggs and replacing them with fertilized ones he bought Online
6. Eating lunch
7. Running PMIs (preventive maintenance inspections) on some antique tractors
8. Going for a ride in his 1967 Ford Fairlane
9. Blowing up his 1967 Ford Fairlane
10. Conducting a brief inspection of the Fairlane’s motor
11. Going for a ride in this 1967 Ford Galaxy
12. Planting a jasmine and tomato plant
13. And finally, concluding the day by almost dying by nearly flipping a golf cart (evidence pictured below)

I will just say that life with Pops is never dull.

My dad’s culinary skills never cease to amaze me. Since we were little, he has had this unbelievable ability to create completely unimaginable dishes. Koolyloach remains high on my list of his unique dishes. On this particular day, I had the privilege to try grill-smoked taquitos for the first time. I don’t eat a lot of ready-to-eat frozen foods anymore, but I think these are traditionally prepared in a microwave or oven.

I can’t divulge all his secrets—mainly because I didn’t catch which flavored pellets he used in his smoker. But I have to say, they were tasty.

Sometimes my dad reminds me so much of my grandfather. They seem to have the same sense of humor in a lot of regards.

I treasure these days I get to spend with my dad. I wish no one had to work and that I could do this more often. I think he does too. He called me the next morning to invite me out for day #2. I obliged.

Enjoy some more of my favorite images from my day with Pops— Coronacation Day with Pops: A Lifestyle Documentary Session with my Dad.

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I am a full-time, internationally-awarded and WPPI-C certified professional wedding and senior photographer based in South Texas near San Antonio. I offer a premier and personal service coupled with an unforgettable photography experience. I cater to clients who appreciate quality photography and help them to create family heirlooms that will last for generations.

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journey and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love to spend my spare time hiking, camping, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and Prince. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of!

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