ata-girl photography co Archives

May

A Dilley Senior Session

It’s not often when I get to have a session celebrating two things! I did just that with this fabulous senior from Dilley! Not only were we there to document her achievement of graduating from high school and beginning her college career, it was her mommy’s birthday!

Nikki requested a country setting and when she showed up, I discovered why. Nikki’s favorite pastime is hog hunting, though she also thoroughly enjoys fishing. In fact, one of her wardrobe changes was a GameGuard camo shirt which she absolutely rocked!

During high school, Nikki was active in golf, volleyball, basketball and track. She’ll leave all that behind to pursue her education in nursing at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. She admitted that she would visit home often, but, besides seeing her parents, it will only be to see her youngest brother, Raulito! However, I’m sure she will very quickly realize she’ll also be coming home to see her other brother, Ruben. But, she won’t admit it.

I wish Nikki the best of luck as she enters this new chapter in her life. Here are a few of my favorite images from this senior session:

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. 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. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling and listening to Elvis!

This post first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio senior photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. Ata-Girl Photography Co. also offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

Apr

Preparing for Your Destination Wedding

San Antonio Destination Wedding Photographer

This past week, I read that any wedding which is at least two hours or 120 miles away from your home and most of your guests have to travel that same distance is considered a destination wedding. Who knew that the second wedding I photographed was a destination wedding? Having discovered that, it got me to thinking. What are some of the details that go into planning a destination wedding?

Get Your Passport First
Before you even settle on the destination, make your you’ve applied for your passport. You won’t be going anywhere without it!
Will the marriage be legal in the U. S.?
Unless you’re willing to repeat the vows in the U. S., make sure that your marriage will be legally recognized in the States. In addition, each country has its own set of laws for a legal marriage including residency requirements, immunizations, marriage applications, witnesses and blood tests. However, since most destination venues want your business, they are usually more than happy to help you navigate through all the unfamiliar requirements.
The Dress, the Rings & the Groom
Do not forget to take these things! Do not ship these things! Pack them and travel with them. It is also a great idea to get a rider on your insurance policy for the rings—especially if you’ll be dipping into the ocean after the ceremony. Most home policies will only cover claims up to $500 for jewelry.
Combining to Actually Save Money
The best part about planning a destination wedding is that most locations are romantic getaways. This is ideal for honeymooning couples who want to stay put after the nuptials are exchanged. Since there’s no need for additional travel, couples who combine the wedding and the honeymoon can save a significant amount of money.
Travel Etiquette
Be sensitive to your guests. On average, each guest will be spending between $750 and $1,100 to attend your destination wedding. Even if the bride and groom are not paying for the trip, there are things they can do to help attending guests as much as possible. Well in advance, provide detailed traveling instructions that include directions from the airport to the hotel. If possible, make arrangements for guests who are arriving at similar times to travel to the hotel together. They can share a cab, shuttle or rental car. Also include a few lodging options of varying prices so that guests who are on different budgets will have a choice. If your budget allows, consider hosting a dinner, cocktail party or group excursion as way to say thank you to the guests who went out of their way to attend your wedding. Most importantly, remember that most couples who have destination weddings do not register for gifts. This is to show their guests, who are already spending major bucks, that their mere presence is a gift in and of itself.
Wedding Planner/Consultant
A destination wedding consultant will be able to take care of the small but important details for your special day. They have the knowledge, experience and list of the vendors to get the job done quicker and easier than the average bride. In addition to identifying those foreign marriage requirements, a professional planner is often aware of the legalities for the ceremony and reception planning (ie. obtaining an event permit). Again, since the venue wants your business, many popular destinations now have event planners on staff and combine the cost of their services into the packaged wedding deal. Using a professional planner will allow you the opportunity to truly enjoy one of the most important days of your life.
The Photographs
The detail shots of your wedding and reception are great, but if you’ve gone through all the trouble to have a destination wedding, ensure that the photographs easily depict where you were… even if you were stateside in Tulsa. Include many pull backs of the landscape, buildings and surrounding environment.
Relax!
Murphy’s Law will always prevail and like any big day, destination weddings often hit snags along the way. These obstacles and barriers can seem to be compounded due to currency exchange issues, language differences or just general unfamiliarity with the location, its residents, and its customs. If problems arise, just relax and take a deep breath. Stand back and take a look at the issue. Utilize your family or bridal party to help you correct the problem or just to put a different perspective on the problem. Most wedding experts recommend that the couple arrive a few days in advance of the big day. This may allow them to correct any last minute snags before they erupt. The bottom line is don’t let any minor hiccups ruin your day! Enjoy your destination wedding day to the fullest extent possible!

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

Apr

Senior Mini Sessions Complete

I have to give credit where credit is due! Kayla and her mother were the brain-stormers behind my senior mini sessions! They asked how they could document Kayla’s entire senior year in high school. From the request, I devised my senior mini sessions package! This gave me the opportunity to get to know some of the senior girls pretty well. One of those girls was beautiful Kayla.

After a high school career filled with sporting events, U. I. L. academic competitions, animal showing, homework, pep rallies, football games, blistered feet, late nights, and many road trips, I’m sure Kayla will be missed as she ventures 425 miles away from home to attend Texas Tech. Kayla is the youngest of the family, and will follow two older brothers out the door. I’m sure Kayla and her mom feel a sense of accomplishment, love and relief, but I also know there must be feelings of wonder, fear and panic. I don’t have a crystal ball, nor can I tell the future, but I am sure Kayla will ease into this new chapter of her life easily. Kayla is a very sweet, intelligent girl!

This mother/daughter duo made each session a fun one! Over the months, we’ve ridden in a 1954 Ford F-100, walked through fields riddled with stickers, survived short hikes with monstrous inclines, been in poop, and witnessed some incredible sunsets. I’ve had an amazing time with Kayla and her mother (and they gave me refreshing gifts) and I wish them both the very best in life!

You can see Kayla’s other mini sessions here, here and here.

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

Apr

San Antonio Senior Portraits

I finally had the opportunity to travel a little outside my normal spectrum to photograph a Texas high school senior. Although William has lived all his life in Pleasanton, Texas, I knew immediately I had to photograph William using downtown San Antonio as the backdrop. William’s session had to be modern, hip and stylish! I decided to use the Hays Street Bridge as our main location for this session. I’d always see the bridge from IH-37 and thought it would be a great location for a senior session. It wasn’t until I mentioned it to a fellow photog that I discovered it is actually a historical site and has its own Facebook page.

William is a very special young man, and by special, I mean… [erh!] he dates my daughter. 🙂 I’ve had the pleasure of knowing William for a little over two years now. If I’ve learned anything about William, I have learned that he’s extremely intelligent and loves to eat. He’s a super attractive kid with an unnatural sense of humor—similar to my own, although I sometimes have to refer to Webster to understand his.

Despite all I know about William (hahaha!), he does have a special place in heart. I wish him the very best as he ventures into manhood! I am very grateful that he gave me the opportunity to capture his transition into adulthood. Even when he reaches 80, I hope he can always look back at these images and feel the same sense of youthfulness and enthusiasm about life. I love you, William!

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

Apr

Yes! A College Senior Portrait Session

In the very near future, Collette’s hard work, determination and perseverance will pay off. Collette will end one chapter of her life as a college senior in order to begin the next. Collette will graduate from Sam Houston State University! She will enter the work force as an elementary school teacher. I am amazed that she is brave enough and motivated enough to educate our youth! In my book, anyone who wants to spend an entire work day with children who are not related by blood is a straight up hero!

Collette braved an 8 a.m. shoot after a five-hour drive and arriving home way after dark the night before. We only took one wrong turn on the way to the 100-year old barn that we secured special permission to access. The light was amazing and we couldn’t have have wished for a more perfect morning! Collette spotted a wretched travel trailer and and old windmill near the barn. We immediately decided to incorporate these additional props into her Texas senior portrait session.

Before venturing off to college, Collette had been the long-time gate opener for her grandfather—and I must add, the most beautiful gate opener I’ve ever seen! Her grandfather will be hard pressed to replace her! Here are a few of my favorite images from the session! If you’re Collette’s friend or family member, please be sure to show her some love by leaving a comment here.

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

Apr

Why Are Money Shots Missed?

Earlier this year, an Australian wedding photographer was sued for missing the money shot—the bride and groom’s ceremonial kiss at the end of the wedding. Initially, each party was suing for in excess of $6,000 in damages. In the end, the photographer had to pay the couple $750, and the couple had to pay the photographer $60. So, neither party got what they were asking for.

However, this got me to thinking… why are money shots missed? In order to take the perfect picture, you have to click the shutter button at precisely the exact moment. A quarter-of-a-second too early OR too late, and you’re done… you’ve missed it. Perfect timing is essential. While some obstacles are very complex, here is a list of simple mistakes you can avoid in order to get your money shot.

1. No camera access.

Either you don’t have your camera with you or if you, it’s not easily accessible. If even the slightest possibility exists that you’ll encounter a money shot, have your camera ready to go. If it’s in the trunk or the zipped-up camera bag, chances are you’ll miss the shot.

2. Insufficient memory/power.

Make sure you always have room on your memory card and always make sure your battery is charged. Even better, purchase an extra battery and memory cards.

3. Improper settings.

Even if you shoot in automatic or program mode, you’re still likely to miss the shot. Your camera simply isn’t smart enough to take the best picture in all lighting situations. Once again, I encourage you to learn to shoot in manual mode. You’ll be glad you did. And so will your pictures!

4. Leaving the lens cap on.

As soon as the action begins, take off the lens cap and put it in your pocket. If you’re anything like me and you put the lens cap anywhere else, you won’t be able to find it for 10 or 15 minutes.

5. Chimping.

What is that? Chimping is a term used to describe the action of taking a picture and immediately reviewing your LCD display. This is the BEST way to miss out on what’s going on around you. While it is necessary to check your exposure and histogram periodically, it’s not necessary after each picture.

If you want to make sure you kiss is caught on a memory card… follow these guidelines and make the sure the kiss is more than a peck!

Here are a few of my money shots!

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I started Ata-Girl Photography Co. in 2010 and I am a San Antonio based wedding photographer who is available for destination weddings. In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in high school seniors and family portraits in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. 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. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling and listening to Elvis!

Apr

Glamorous Texas Senior Portrait Session

I first discovered the location of Breanna’s third mini session around 2005 or so. I was on my way to a softball game in Lytle and saw the beautiful, historical building standing lonely on the side of the road. The sun was setting just over the top and it was so dreamy. In 2005, I only owned a Konica-Minolta point-and-shoot but I was so struck with the structure, I stopped to take a picture. I was reminded of the location in 2010 when a gorgeous Lytle senior sent me a graduation invitation. She had taken all her senior portraits at this same amazing Texas location. Somehow it came up in a conversation with Breanna and she requested the location. Whola!

Breanna rocked this senior session like nobody’s business! I have nothing else to say!!

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

Fact: The Benton City Institute was built around 1878 and still stands in old Benton City.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

Apr

A Perfect Family Portrait (Part II)

Last week, I wrote about the first reason I get when someone is considering a portrait session but isn’t quite ready to book. The reason they want to wait is weight loss. Today, I write about the second excuse I receive.

#2 – Money

If you haven’t already read this blog post, do so now. I first read that blog post a few years ago and it resonated deep within me. I found it incredibly sad. The recipient, a Colorado-based photographer, Jeanine Thurston, finds the letter so powerful, she reposts it annually as a tribute to her former client. Our days are numbered… plain and simple.

Most of us have cell phones worth $799 or more. Even if we got the same phone on contract, we still paid at least $299. On average, the phone will last two years. Within weeks of owning it, the technology will already be outdated. The vehicles we drive are worth thousands…. $20,000-$50,000. They’ll last us a few years… five on average, more if we’re lucky! But consider this. How will those phones or gadgets, or the vehicles we drive preserve any memories for our children, or our grandchildren? They won’t!

In the grand scheme of things, the fee for a portrait session or wedding coverage is a small one.

Life is not waiting for us to get “perfect.” When a day of your life has passed, it is gone forever… FOREVER, PEOPLE! We can not have it back, buy it back, wish it back, or trade it back. It’s gone. The bottom line is, it’s your legacy! What will your kids have when you’re gone?

Here are some images of my sweet mother who left us when I was 21. I have now lived longer without her than I was able to live with her. I wish I had more pictures. The pictures listed below are TEN of the 43 images I have of my mother. You’re about to see 25% of my sacred stash of images.

Disclaimer: Despite the striking resemblance, NONE of these pictures are of me.

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I started Ata-Girl Photography Co. in 2010 and I am one of the premier San Antonio wedding photographers who is available for local and destination weddings. In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in high school seniors and family portraits in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. 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. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling and listening to Elvis!

Apr

Beautiful, Morning Texas Senior Session

Although dogs and cows have often appeared in my portraits, this session was the first time ducks participated! They cooperated well… slowly swimming into the frame and not causing too much rippling or splashing. They might have done this before. Tori thought Mr. Mallard was chasing Mrs. or Miss Mallard. It wasn’t quite evident if they were a couple or not.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 100 times. Tori is a beautiful, young lady! She has the sparkliest big, brown eyes I’ve ever seen! They catch the most amazing light and brighten up her face effortlessly. Tori is a wonderful girl who deserves nothing but the best as she ventures into adulthood. Tori is now halfway complete with her mini senior portrait sessions—two down, two to go! You can view Tori’s first session here!

Here are a few of my favorite images from this session! To view her complete session, view her PASS Gallery. Let her know you stopped by by signing her guestbook!

P.S. The PASS Gallery is the way I deliver all of my digital portrait sessions! If you purchase my digital package, you can download the app on your iPhone or iPad and take the images everywhere you go!

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

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Mar

A Perfect Family Portrait (Part I)

When people discuss planning a session with me and they are hesitant, it is usually because one of two reasons: either weight loss or money. I’d like to address the first of these excuses for not documenting life.

#1 – Weight Loss

I know, you want family portraits BUT you’re waiting to lose ten pounds before you schedule a family portrait session. How long has that been going on? When is the last time you looked at an image of your grandmother and thought, “Man, I wished Grandma would have lost ten pounds before she took this picture!” That probably hasn’t happened because chances are, your grandma is the sweetest person you’ve ever known and you love her to pieces. The image depicts her exactly the way you remember or envision her and I know that you cherish the image—especially if your grandma is no longer with us.

What if you didn’t have that photograph? What if Grandma kept waiting until she had lost ten pounds before that memory was captured? You wouldn’t have anything to document or memorialize her. And, that is exactly how your children will feel. After we’re gone, we only leave behind memories, heirlooms, and photos. Ensure your children have all of these!

Speaking as a child of a deceased mother who only left behind a handful of images of herself, this stinks. Especially as you get older, your memory starts to fail. Pictures and portraits cement these memories in your mind. They keep a memory intact that may have otherwise faded. You will never regret having a family portrait taken. But someday, you may regret NOT having it taken.

Here are some PERFECT images of my dear, sweet grandmother… a fine lady who we referred to as Memaw. Though they are not perfect, I cherish these photos and I grateful that I have them!

Continue reading this series here.

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Hi, I’m Tammy.
I'm a San Antonio-based wedding photographer for outdoor-loving couples who value real moments.

I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!

Since 2010, I have excelled in helping each of my couples plan for one of the very best days of their lives! I’d love to share my very personalized wedding experience, my super-human organizational abilities, and my U. S. Army combat skills (when needed) with you too.

I want your wedding day to be as perfect as you do! I am all in with my whole heart!