photographers Archives

Jul

Recharging… AKA Vacation

About three or four times a year, I need to take short getaways from my daily routine in order to feel recharged… refreshed. Some of these “getaways” I’ve earned (as in vacation days). Others are actually working getaways, but still allow me to get the break I need from the monotonous 8-5 (or some days 8a-12a) here at home. Either way, it’s time that I’m not putting in 40 hours for “the man” and then thinking about how to grow my business, expand my customer base, and become more successful in photography to land my first destination wedding.

For years, my family and I have ventured to my favorite place on Earth for week long stays—Concan, Texas. We usually stay on right the Frio River in our travel trailers, but sometimes in a cabin. There’s usually no less than three families that make the journey together. This year was no different.

I don’t know for sure how long I’ve been visiting this Heaven on Earth. But I do remember one of the first times I went, I tried to push my mom off of Old Baldy in order to get a perspective of how high we were. Yep, right off the edge for the sake of learning. I know that you’re thinking I’m some devious, wicked person. But, I was only seven-years-old or so at the time and I didn’t want to hurt her… I just wanted to rationalize how high we were. In my mind, I could shove her right over the edge, watch her plummet to the riverbed thereby calculating how high we were, and then meet up with her on our way down. I do remember that I scared the absolute BAJEEBERS out of her which resulted in a good ol’ fashioned butt whipping… right there on top of Old Baldy.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Old Baldy in Concan, Texas

I didn’t try to push anyone off of Old Baldy this year. (No one will make that hike with me. ???) I have since come to understand heights. But, I did return ready to tackle the world, recharged and refreshed… (insert very long pause here) …until the camper tire blew… and we had no tire tool… or jack… or phone. Just kidding about the phone. My plumbing partner (another story) came to rescue us and brought tools… and then someone broke a lug nut off in the tire tool… and another had to be fetched… and it ended up taking about two-and-a-half hours to change the flat… or missing tire as my daughter referred to it when she exclaimed, “Mom, the tire fell off!”

Ahhh. Vacations.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | South Texas Professional Wedding Photographer

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Jul

Paying it Forward

Although I have considered myself a professional photographer for almost three years now, it’s still a little awkward to say those words out loud to describe myself. But, I am a professional photographer. 🙂 During these three years, I have read more words about photography than any other subject matter in my life. I have read tutorials, commentaries, web blogs, magazine articles, twitter posts, and equipment reviews. I have even read graffiti on bathroom walls if it pertained to photography. I’ve watched webinars, podcasts, and videos from every corner of the Internet.

Among everything I have learned, there is one thing about the photography community that has stuck out to me. At first, I bought into this ideology… and made this way my way too… the ideology that photographers horde their knowledge, don’t reach out to fellow photographers, use cutthroat tactics to land gigs, and degrade and insult others’ work. Professional photography can be a very ugly world. However, I do think there are many photographers in the industry who are generous, kind, and giving, but I don’t think that they are “the norm.”

I have since stumbled upon many photographers’ blogs who do not buy into this way of thinking. Luckily, their blogs changed the way I think. At times, it has been a struggle, but I try to make conscious efforts to help out other photographers, to share my (limited) knowledge, and to network so we all get further down the road.

Recently, I had a photography-loving friend contact me and say that he had a Nikon D80 he’d like to give away to an “aspiring paparazzi.” (Although the term “paparazzi” is insulting to some people, I know Fred used it as a term of endearment.) Fred used this very camera to shoot the cover for Bill Chamber’s DVD “Live at the Pub.” Fred is one of the photographers who is generous, kind, and giving. He has taught me a thing or two and always answers any questions I might have. We’ve spent a lot of hours sitting on his couch and talking shop. We’ve attended work shops and entered into art shows together. Fred has loaned me thousands of dollars of equipment for jobs when I didn’t have my own.

Immediately, I thought of Victoria. Victoria JUST graduated from high school and I got to shoot her senior portraits. I already knew that Victoria loved photography, owned a Nikon J1, and was the editor of the high school year book. What I didn’t know is that Victoria wanted to either double-major or minor in photography while attending Texas State University and had recently started a photography business of her own shooting senior portraits for some of her classmates. Fred agreed that Victoria should get the D80.

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I contacted Victoria to tell her about the “paying it forward” and we made arrangements to meet. Although I didn’t have any real part in this transaction, I’m fortunate to have witnessed the generosity and the ensuing gratitude in the photography community.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | South Texas Wedding Photographer

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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!

Jul

How I Shot Lightning

A month or so ago, during a gorgeous lightning storm, a friend texted me and asked, “How do you shoot lightning?”

I was on my way back from an out-of-town trip, but I responded that I wasn’t sure. Guessing, I sent her some manual settings that I would have started with, but the truth is, I didn’t have a clue. I had never shot lightning before. But, I did think that lightning makes some of the most beautiful images and I wanted to give it a try.

It doesn’t rain much in Texas. So, lightning isn’t something that I get lots of chances to capture. I didn’t have my opportunity until June 26.

Most everything I know about photography, I have either learned by trial and error, read on the world wide web or in a photography magazine, or been fortunate enough to learn from photography-loving friends. So, even though I’m about to tell you how I shot lightning, it doesn’t mean that this is the best or correct way to do it.

I started with manual settings that allowed me to capture the ambient light (street lights) in the distance (f 2.8, ss 1/100, iso 2500). I was using a 17-55mm f2.8 lens.
I used automatic focus to focus on the light furthest away from me, then immediately switched to manual focus and left it there.
I made a mental note to bring mosquito spray next time. They were eating my lunch!
I also switched my camera to its fastest rapid fire setting. In my case, this is six frames per second.
I waited… with my viewfinder pressed firmly to my eye.
I steadied myself against my porch rail and waited. I realized this is a lot like deer hunting.
Anytime, the lightning show started, I pressed the shutter button and hoped I caught something.
After a few tries, I changed my manual settings to f 2.8, ss 1/40, iso 6400 and this is where I stayed for the duration.

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In hindsight, I think I’d have to speed up my shutter speed some. I can detect some camera shake in some of the pictures. I think the biggest components to shooting a lightning show are patience, timing and luck! Enjoy my shots!

Here’s my favorite shot from the night!

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | How I Shot Lightning Tutorial | South Texas Wedding Photographer

(Writing this tutorial was fun! If there is anything technical you’d like me to write about, please leave a comment to this post or drop me an email. I’ll give it my best!)

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Jun

Fame & Shame #6

It’s time for another installment of Fame & Shame and I’m doing a happy dance. It’s Friday. And, I don’t have to go back to work for nine whole days!

Shame

Extremely Hot Weather: If I had my choice, I’d take hot weather over cold weather any day. One of the worst nights of my life involved nearly freezing to death (I’m not sure I’m kidding) during a field exercise in Germany in sub-degree weather. It was ssoooooo cold that the snow didn’t melt inside our GP Medium tent for nearly three days despite the fact we continuously ran a pot-bellied stove. Oh! Getting back to the hot weather! Almost every day this week was 100+. I can tolerate those days here and there, but day-in and day-out is a cruel joke.

It’s too hot to even think about shaming anything else.

Fame

WordPress: By far, WordPress is the best blogging software/application out there! WordPress allows me to keep up with you while I’m on vacation! Even though there are thousands of plug-ins to enhance Word Press, it’s still an amazing tool straight out-of-the-box. The BEST thing about WordPress… it was born in TEXAS! I love Word Press!
Hoot Suite: Hoot Suite is another great product that allows me to keep you informed of everything I post with WordPress at the Ata-Girl website/blog. What’s best is I can post to my Facebook and Twitter accounts way ahead of time… like while I’m on vacation. I can schedule posts and tweets to happen while I’m gone.
VACATION: Even though WordPress and Hoot Suite are both AMAZING products, the VERY BEST item in the “fame” list is this one: vacation. I love road trips, and getting away, and making memories with my family.
(BONUS) OLYMPIC TRIALS: I love watching the athletes compete on the biggest platform of their lives. I wish every single one of them could go on to become actual Olympians! They have so much determination, gusto, discipline, strength… will power. I admire each and every one of them. Anyone who knows me knows that I aspired to be an Olympic athlete as a young girl. I wanted to qualify in either gymnastics, volleyball or track and field. I could have totally been Mary Lou Retton… if I would have known how to tumble… or FloJo… if I would have known a really great nail artist.

Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.

About Ata-Girl

I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I cater to outdoor-loving couples who prefer to have all the realness captured on their wedding days. I am the wedding photographer for the outdoor adventurers, the romantics, the laid back, the snugglers, and those who wish to capture all their realness.

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!

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!

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 journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. 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.

Jun

What to Wear?

San Antonio Family Photographers

Each time I gear up for a family portrait session, I get this question: What do we wear?

Simply put, I love for my families to be matching, but with contrast. What does that mean? It doesn’t mean that everyone should show up in jeans and a white shirt. It doesn’t mean that everyone should show up in jeans and a black shirt. When everyone is dressed the same, there’s no opportunity for individuality, vibrancy, or hello… COLOR!

It does mean that common shades and complimenting patterns are excellent choices! Take a look at a color wheel. Pick a color… any color. The first color you pick will be the main color. Now, you have two options. Either pick a color directly across on the color wheel, or choose colors that are near your main color selection. It’s that easy.

If you decide to add small patterns in the mix, I like to make sure that no more than 33% of the people in the photograph will be wearing patterns. (For all the mathematically-challenged people, that’s one out of three.) When opting for patterns, also consider who will be wearing the patterns. For example, try not to put the patterned clothing on people who will likely end up next to each other in the photograph (ex. mom and dad).

Pinterest has many boards dedicated to choosing the family’s wardrobe for photographs. This is an excellent starting place… and great visuals too!

Here are some additional tips to consider:

Give yourself and your family plenty of time to plan the wardrobe.
Dress for the season.
Avoid really large patterns and logos.
Darker colors are slimming and generally more flattering.
Try not to choose clothing that is too trendy! (Might look good today. In 20 years, not so much!)
Make sure everyone is in the same type of clothing (classy, casual, contemporary, or a mixture of classy and casual–like a dressy top with jeans and heels).
Choose clothes that your family will feel comfortable in.
Avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose.
Don’t be intimidated by color. Use the color wheel.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!

Here’s a family who got it right without even asking!

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | South Texas Professional Photographer | Family Session

Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

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I started Ata-Girl Photography Co. in 2010 and I am one of the premier San Antonio family 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!

Jun

Happy Father’s Day!!

When I call him on the phone, he answers, “¿Quien habla?”

I respond, “Su hija favorita!”

We usually continue with a few more phrases in Spanish. And no matter how much I argue with him, I can’t make him believe (or understand) that none of his verbs are conjugated correctly. He thinks his Spanish is amazing. ¿Ay, qué piensa el padre?

This Father’s Day, I won’t be able to give my dad his present because he is in Vail, Colorado at the King of the Mountain Volleyball Tournament. Even though he is 1,039 miles away, I know he is enjoying himself immensely because he is doing something that he enjoys almost more than life itself… volleyball.

Rather than tell you how much my dad has done for volleyball, I’m going to tell you what volleyball has done for my dad. It has kept him young. It has kept him healthy, and alert, and mobile. It has also given him something to do all those nights he spends at Sonic (where teenagers usually hang out). Volleyball even named a ball after my dad and it got to co-star with Tom Hanks! So, later this year when my dad turns 67, I will say a quiet thank you to volleyball.

But for now, “Happy Father’s Day al padre mejor en todo del mundo! !Te amo mucho!”

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | South Texas Wedding Photographer | Happy Father’s Day

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Jun

Fame & Shame #5

It’s time for another installment of Fame & Shame. I haven’t wrote one of these since April 13th… YIKES! That’s been too long! Without further ado, here’s the next edition of Fame & Shame:

Shame

Calories: Why do they even exist?
Laziness: That’s exactly what I’ve been experiencing the last four weeks or so. I’ve slowed my road cycling pace down by more than a mile an hour. Conditioning is much needed.
Miscalendaring: Okay, I totally made up that word, but due to my miscalendaring, I overbooked for the first weekend in October. Normally, I spend Columbus Weekend fishing with the rest of the Real Hookers in the Babes on Baffin Bay Fishing Tournament. Because that event wasn’t on my calendar when I booked and registered for (paid for) a photography conference, I’ll be missing the fishing tournament this year. 🙁 However, I am sure I will have a blast and learn lots at Southfork in Dallas (please see below) at the I Heart Faces Photography Conference.

Fame

Beach: That’s where I am spending the weekend. Reading. Relaxing. Resting. I love the beach… almost as much as I love the Frio River!
Lone Survivor: This is the book I’ll be reading while I’m at the beach. I started it a while back and was recently told I read like a fourth grader. Even at my slow pace, I am enjoying this tale of Navy Seals.
Dallas: TNT brought this night time soap back to life and I LOVE it. It reminds me of all the weekends, spanning all the years, that my mom would pack up my brother, my sister and I and race to Whitsett, Texas to spend the weekend with her two sisters. They would start the weekend off with Dallas and follow up with Knots Landing. All of the cousins (11 of us total) would run around playing Dukes of Hazzard. Aah. Those were the days.

Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.

About Ata-Girl

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

Jun

Bree.

San Antonio Senior Portraits

Bree wanted to take a series of pictures to tell a story. She then wanted to frame these pictures and give them to a few special people in her life to remind them how she feels. Bree made all her own colorful signs and carefully chose the outfits to wear in each frame. I chose the locations. Together, we told a story about a girl who is lucky to have some special people in her life AND about some people who are lucky to have a special girl in theirs.

Bree | Ata-Girl Photography Co. | South Texas Creative Teen Portrait Session

Here’s to hoping one day I get to be Bree’s engagement and wedding photographer.

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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 San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in 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!

Jun

Kenny.

I didn’t know Kenny very well… until he sat next to me at a recent softball game and ate most of my sunflower seeds. (Just kidding, Kenny. I was happy to share!) For the past few years, I’ve watched Kenny play football, basketball, baseball, and run track, AND I’ve watched him do these things amazingly well. Kenny is a talented athlete who has entertained a lot of Jourdanton fans during his time with JHS.

Kenny H | Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Senior Session

I’m not sure who was more excited about the shoot: Kenny or his mom? I love it when my clients are as excited about my work as I am. It’s a definite dose of confidence. We had a tremendous amount of fun UNTIL mosquitoes tried to eat us alive. However, this did give us the opportunity to discover, out of desperation, that Static Guard™ will temporarily ward off mosquitoes. By “temporarily,” I’d say… oh, about four minutes or so. Thank GOD his mom, who is a quick study and an extremely talented reflector operator, had some real mosquito spray. We could not splash that stuff on quick enough. (I love DEET!)

Kenny will soon be off to Texas A&M Corpus Christi. I do know there will be a few Indian teams (and coaches) who will miss him on the court and field. And, I know his mom (and my girl, Breannus) will miss him too! Good luck, Kenny!

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May

Karkar.

Karley, or Karkar as I sometimes call her, is one of my favorite three nieces. Karkar is graduating from junior high this year and wanted a photo session to document the occasion. What should have taken place early in the morning, didn’t happen until almost noon because Karkar and early mornings just don’t go well together. (She gets this from her mamma.) Shooting at high noon is no easy feat, and to be honest, this was the first time I’ve ever tried this. I had to bring out the big guns for this, but I’m really happy with the way these turned out. Kelsey, my assistant for the day, was fabulous and was one of the best voice activated/remote controlled light stands I’ve ever worked with!

Karkar | Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Teen Session

Karkar is a very beautiful, smart girl who will fly through high school without any problems. She’s good with all the Rs and she seems to be pretty good with the social aspect of school as well. She’s a talented athlete who will do well in competition. She’s a sweet, well-mannered, teenage girl whom I have NEVER heard say a curse word. I love my Karkar–very much–almost as if she were my very own! Yes, that much!

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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!