senior portrait Archives

Oct

Lightroom… Awesomeness

I got a question the other day about what photo editing software I use. My answer was two-fold. In most instances I use Adobe Lightroom 3 (upgrading to 4 when I upgrade my computer). In all other cases (extreme edits), I use Adobe Photoshop CS5.

I’ve only been using Lightroom for about two years, but I have come to love this piece of software heaven. I’m not sure how I didn’t completely loose my mind editing 100’s of photos with only Photoshop. That was not enjoyable.

Reasons why I love Lightroom:

I can easily apply batch edits to groups of photos (color correction, exposure correction, even a batch rotation/tilt, if needed). I no longer have to open up each image, one by one, performing the same edits or running the same actions to get one jpeg. I can zoom through the entire gallery spending less than 30 seconds on each image in most cases.
I can pretty quickly rumage through a gallery and get rid of all the photos I want to reject. When I’m done with the rejection process, I hit one command and they’re gone from the gallery. I can even choose to delete them permanently from my hard drive—which is what I do. Some photographers keep the rejects, but I say, “What on Earth for?”
I can easily catalog my photos with tags to make finding them in the future easier. This is especially helpful with my sports photos. Every image in which, say… “Kyanna Floyd” is the main subject, I tag that photo as such. Two years from now, I can run a filter for “Kyanna Floyd”, and I have instant access to every picture she was tagged in. I don’t have to browse through many, many folders looking for her face or jersey number. This is a time saver times a gazillion!
In addition to the text tags for cataloging, I can use other rating systems to keep track of photos. There is a star-rating system and a color-coding system. Currently, I use the star-rating system to mark photos to apply my watermark to (left vs. right side of an image). Different colors indicate who I will share the photos with (ie. portfolio, clients, etc.) or what they will be used for (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.). I can also create an unlimited number of collections. This comes in handy with creating slide shows.
If more extensive edits are needed, I can easily open the image up in Photoshop. When I save the work in Photoshop, the image is automatically and magically, I think, saved back to my Lightroom with all the changes made in Photoshop.
I can create virtual copies of images if I want to apply different edits or different crops.
I don’t use these features very often, but there are options for slideshows and for printing. It’s pretty easy to put together a collage on the fly.
At ANY time, I can revert the image back to its original state—no matter what editing revisions I have made!

When I used to only use Photoshop to edit images, it would take me hours (HOURS) to get through a sporting event or wedding of 400 images. And, I didn’t really have the liberty to shoot images in RAW because that slowed the culling process down even more. I can now finish editing an event in a couple of hours or so (depending how much my computer wants to cooperate). I’m looking forward to a new system and Lightroom 4 to make my job even easier.

I’m pretty sure I’m not even scratching the surface as far as Lightroom’s capabilities. However, in my opinion, Abobe rocks the house as far as photo editing software goes. If you’re not using an Adobe product to edit your photos, you’re probably not producing the best work that you can OR the easiest way you can. (I’ve never used Photoshop Elements, but many tell me it is just as viable as a resource at PS itself. I would personally endorse it without ever having used it.)

? I have been told that Windows 7 will display RAW files in the Explorer screen. I don’t have that. 🙁 Yet.

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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!

Oct

Who Shot J.R.?

Who shot J.R.? I overheard the answer from one of the tour guides comfirming to a guest that it was such and such. But honestly, I don’t remember who that character was. As much as I loved Dallas in the late-70’s and early-80’s, and as much as I was thrilled by the remake earlier this year, I did not recognize the name. As fun as it was visitng a place that I grew up watching on television, the real reason I was at Southfork was to learn, and be inspired and dream BIG! And, that I did!

I started off the day listening to Kelle Hampton as she described how a simple blog about motherhood has changed her life and led to some great photographic opportunities. I attended some workshops on marketing my photoghraphy business, lighting, and posing couples. I got to listen to Amy Locurto, Angie Arthur, Stacy Reeves and Amy Karp! I finished the evening with a BANG! Not only did I get to see and hear Sue Bryce in person, I won an Epiphan!e camera bag!

It was a bit surreal seeing all these faces in person after reading their blogs for so long. NO! Who am I kidding? I was a lot surreal. I was much too intimidated and shy to approach any of them at the workshop. (I have to figure out a way to get over meeting new people!) However, even without meeting any of my mentor ladies face-to-face, I still walked away with greater knowledge, inspiration and direction than I had the day prior the workshop. The bottom line is, I am a better photographer for having attended.

[AFG_gallery id=’25’]

Turns out it was Kristin Shepard, J.R.’s wife’s sister and his former mistress, who shot him.

[AFG_gallery id=’26’]

Also, turns out I got to run into Sue Bryce face-to-face (Sit up straight, chin foward, shoulders, asymmetrical hourglass, connection) at the elevator as I was leaving the hotel. I did manage to say, “Hi, how are you doing?” without peeing on myself like a Daschund that’s been left home alone for the last week. My only regrets are not taking more than my 50mm lens and not networking more. Until then, it’s better to have an impossible dream than no dream at all! Thanks, Sue and I Heart Faces!

Be happy, be positive, be healthy and don’t forget to be photographed!

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Oct

Top 10 Wedding Pics (Part 2)

I will now continue my countdown of the pictures I think are most important to capture at your wedding. If you missed 6-10, you need to catch up! Here are the top five…

#5 – Family and Guests Having Fun: Let’s face it. Wedding and funerals are two times when most of your family is together. (Side Note: Not many people photograph funerals, but believe it or not, that is slowly becoming a new trend.) Many newlyweds want the family and friends to feel as connected to the wedding as they do themselves. In fact, today’s newlyweds make great effort to have their wedding be about everyone involved and want it to be a great experience for each and every guest.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

#4 – Wedding Party: Chances are these are some of the most important people in the bride’s and groom’s lives, AND BONUS, they’re all dressed up!

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

#3 – Bride/Groom with Parents: No one, I repeat, no one loves the bride and groom as much as their parents do.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

#2 – First Look: This hasn’t always been a wedding tradition. In fact, until recently it was considered very taboo. However, there are many benefits to having a first look the day of your wedding. To name a few, it reduces pre-nuptial jitters, provides private time for the bride and groom before things get crazy, creates an opportunity for some really great photos, and frees everyone up to spend more time with the guests by getting some important pictures over with BEFORE the ceremony.

(This wasn’t actually a first look! But, a girl can pretend, huh?)

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

Drum roll, please!

#1 – I Now Pronounce You/First Kiss: These are the moments it all boils down to. The time it took to pick out the dress, decide on the wedding colors, taste all those cakes, choose the venue, consult with all the different vendors, pick a band, and on and on doesn’t really mean a thing. These are the TWO key moments!

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

Years from now, when the storytelling is taking place and the grandkids are on your lap, I hope these pictures induce the exact same feelings of love, gratitude, appreciation and happiness that you felt on your wedding day.

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

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Sep

Top 10 Wedding Pics (Part 1)

Hopefully, you’ll only get married once. Ten, twenty, even fifty years from that day, you’ll want to be able to reflect on that day and relish in every teeny tiny detail. You’ll want to retell the story to your children, and then to your grandchildren. God willing, you’ll also be able to recite the story to your great-grandchildren.

Okay, I’ve never been married. Come to think of it, I don’t even think I’ve ever been proposed to. Well, that’s my good fortune and their loss. 🙂 Anyway, having never had a wedding of my own, here is a list of the ten photos that I think are most important to capture. Years from now, when those grandchildren are sitting on your lap, these pictures will help them visualize the day Memaw/Pampaw, Nani/Gramps or Lolli/Pop were married.

#10 – Farewell: This is the last time that most of the wedding guests will see the newlyweds until they return from their honeymoon. I like to think of this moment as romantically riding off into the sunset.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

#9 – Toasts: There will be jokes. There will be tall tales. Capture the entertainment as the bride and groom are unsure what to expect!

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

#8 – Bouquet Toss and Garter: These two things have very steep tradition in American weddings. Because of the tradition, you have to get these images. Albeit, they can be tricky.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

#7 – Bride and Groom Getting Ready: These are the last few minutes of their single life. I’m sure thoughts of the past, present and future are flooding through their head—probably at warp speed. Only they know what’s going on inside there.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

#6 – Details: Whether it be the cake, flowers, rings, dress, cuff links, or socks, these are details that have been thought about and planned for months, or even years. In some cases, these are things the bride has dreamed about since she was a little girl. Be sure they are documented!

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Top 10 Wedding Pictures

These are five of the pictures I think are most important in wedding photography. Stay tuned, for the rest of the list.

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

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Sep

Photographer’s Confessional

Becoming a photographer is a journey that never ends. I’m sure there’s never a point in any profession that you reach one day when you’ve learned it all. Technology changes, trends change. Day in and day out, I try to learn things. Whether it’s reading a blog article, watching a webinar, or simply just looking at a photograph, each day I try to expand my photography horizons. I try to become better each and every day.

However, there are things I’ve done and things I haven’t done that pretty much have made me FAIL as a photographer. Here’s a list of silly things I’ve done as a photographer and I’d be embarrassed to ever confess in public. In fact, if anyone ever asks about any of these incidents, I will deny it… adamantly.

The earliest blunder I can remember is from around 1991. I bought a brand new 35mm SLR. Once I affixed the lens to the body, I threw away the lens and body caps.
I have left the house without camera batteries and data cards. Thankfully, NEVER for a paid gig and NEVER on the same day.
Until about a year ago, I never backed up my images. And until about a week ago, I didn’t do it faithfully.
I used to delete all my RAW files after generating the final JPEGS. I thought they took up way too much space and I’d never need them again.
Once, I didn’t check my camera settings prior to a session and shot the WHOLE THING in “basic JPEG.”
Once, my lens wouldn’t autofocus. I spent about two hours wondering what was wrong with the lens before remembering I had it set on manual focus.
I once shot pictures using a custom white balance that I prepared days before for an entirely different session. In fact, I think I shot pictures using that same custom white balance on two separate occasions before finally wondering, “Why are my images SO BLUE?”
I once used a long lens to take a picture of another photographer’s equipment just to see what they were using.

These are all awful mistakes that I hope to never repeat. What’s an embarrassing thing that you’ve done as a photographer? Leave your comment here and share your awful mistake.

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

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Sep

Magazine Giveaway!

If any of you have ever driven by my dad’s house, you might have noticed he likes to save things… EVERYthing. Some might refer to it as hoarding, but he likes to refer to it as “his retirement plan.” Because of the strange way that genetics work, I too have this addiction to saving things. Although, my saving is not nearly progressed as my dad’s. 🙂

If you are interested in photography, the fact that I save things can benefit you. I want to share with you (and recycle) my copies of Popular Photography from 2011. I have the February through December issues. I love flipping through the pages looking at all the equipment, reading all the educational articles and looking at other people’s images. I think you will too.

These “gently-used” issues will be the prize in the following contest. You can enter multiple ways: you can like Ata-Girl on Facebook, follow Ata-Girl on Twitter, tweet about this contest, and also leave a comment here on my blog. Good luck! The contest ends on September 7, 2012.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Magazine Giveaway

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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!

Aug

The Power of a Thank You

Way back when I had just graduated from high school, I learned the importance of a “thank you.” It was 1987 and I was receiving graduation presents by the truckloads. There were pearl earrings, picture frames, hand-quilted blankets, photo albums, and money… lots of money. Although it was tedious, I did my best to keep up with the thank you cards. I kept a list of everything I received and promptly sent a note thanking someone for their thoughtfulness.

Then.

One day, I got a phone call from an aunt on the east coast. She wanted to know if I received her gift. She wanted to know where her thank you card was. I had no idea. She wasn’t on my list. To make a very long story short (and save my sister from any embarrassment—hehe), I’ll just say that kids will be kids and my sister and I had one of the most competitive sibling rivalries that ever existed. Well, it wasn’t so much of a rivalry as it was that she suffered from middle child syndrome. In fact, that statement is probably still true today, but we love each other a lot more now. I think. 🙂

That very day, I learned how important it is to thank someone for their generosity—the fact that they went out of their way to make you feel special.

Fast forward 30-something years.

I photographed my niece for her 8th grade graduation—an early milestone in her life. I am thankful I got to be a part of that memory. She not only sent me a picture from the session, she sent me a thank you card. She’s sweet. Thank you, my little KarKar. And thank you for my thank you card.

Oh! And also, happy birthday! I love you!!

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | The Power of a Thank You

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Aug

Fame & Shame #9

It’s time for another installment of Fame & Shame. Labor Day Weekend is approaching and I’m getting ready to go on another short recharging trip. Love the coast! I do all my best reading there.

Shame

Summer: You pass by so quickly, I hardly remember what I did with you. Next year, please take your time. And, every year after that too.
Laziness: Well, I’m not sure that’s the point I’m trying to make, because I haven’t exactly been lazy. I have a 60-mile charity ride coming up and I haven’t prepared very well for it. While I have been moderately good about going to The Gym and working out, I haven’t been diligent about actually riding my bike. I’m really hoping the 60 miles will not hurt too badly.
Negativity: Please, please… As you observe and support the athletes this school year, please mind your p’s and q’s (Ha. My mother used to say that a lot!) The bottom line is: It is high school athletics. The athletes aren’t getting paid. No one’s getting a diamond-encrusted, gold ring if they win. It’s not the WWF! Don’t be quick to criticize someone else’s kid. Their momma might be sittin’ right behind you. All the athletes want us to do is support them. Everyone performs better in a positive environment. Do your best to contribute to that.

Fame

Wild: This is the book I’m currently reading. I’ve only made it through about three chapters, but it’s about a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail. Did you hear me? I said HIKES—2,650 miles. The hike ends up being a life-changing event for her and I can’t wait to finish the book.
Pioneer Woman: The Pioneer Woman is a fellow blogger who is a photographer and a cook. She blogs about both subjects. This week, she’s giving away a Nikon D90. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on her blog stating your favorite subject in school.
Friday Night Lights: I don’t have a son playing football, nor did I ever, but I love Texas High School Football… well, make that Jourdanton High School Football. I love getting to document the challenges and achievements of these high school boys on the field.
BONUS: TEACHERS: I don’t know how you do what you do, but thank you for doing it! Frankly, I don’t like other people’s kids enough (LOL) to spend that much time with them. So, bless your hearts!

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.

Aug

Literally… A sweet Sweet 16

Kellie was born smack dab in the middle of her two brothers: Cory and RJ. One would think that this alone would determine she’d be less girly. SOOO not so! From early on, she pranced around like a ballerina on her tippy-toes refusing to walk flat-footed like everyone else.

Kellie eventually stopped walking on her tiptoes to join the rest of the world. FCCLA, volleyball, basketball, golf, powerlifting, cheerleading, and later becoming a mascot—an All-American mascot for three years IN A ROW, are all things she has participated in while becoming a very beautiful, young woman.

Kellie celebrated her 16th birthday surrounded by family and friends… a lot of friends. The Live Oak County Fairgrounds Center was transformed into a very sweet place. Bright flourescent colors draped the walls, celing, and tables. Balloons, beautiful flowers and oversized lollipops were the tables’ centerpieces. There was more candy at Kellie’s sweet 16 celebration than you could shake a stick at. Chocolate fountains, strawberries, marshmallows, and virtually every candy known to man was served buffet style. There was also an endless supply of Kellie’s favorite… cotton candy. Even the big gift reveal, a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, looked like a yellow M&M… a very fast M&M. Kellie nicknamed the car her “baby”.

The candlelight ceremony was very touching. She gathered up her parents, brothers, grandparents, aunt and uncles, tias and tios, her boyfriend and her closest friends. An emotional audio recording played in the background as she lit a candle for each special group of people. The recording told each group exactly how much she loved and appreciated them. It reminded them that they were a part of who she had become and thanked them for being part of her life.

The guests were entertained by alternating sets of Grupo Moya, a DJ, and Ally Cossetti of Refugio, Texas who sings in many competitions and also sings the National Anthem at the Astros games. Kellie and her father, Roy, danced to “I Won’t Let Go”, by Rascall Flats and this was very sweet… until the end when Kellie started to sing to her dad. It appeared to hurt his ears, but he ~~tried to tune her out~~ listened, smiled and twirled her around nonetheless.

It was a beautiful night and a beautiful celebration for a beautiful girl named Kellie.

To view the entire gallery, click here. Here are some of my favorite images from the night.

[AFG_gallery id=’24’]

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Aug

Privacy 101

With street photography quickly gaining popularity, I thought I’d give a brief tutorial on privacy issues. In a nutshell.

Typically, if you are in a public place, you can be photographed without cosent, without limitation—regardless of age, gender, or other personal attributes. However, there are many laws that prohibit photographing private areas under a person’s clothing without that person’s permission. This application also restricts filming within a public restroom or locker room and in some jurisdictions, the use of a camera phone is banned entirely. All 50 states are expected to eventually have laws pertaining to secretly filming a person’s private areas (see WikipediA). You are only truly protected if you have secluded yourself in a private place such as a restroom, dressing room, hotel room, a medical facility, or a private residence with the expectation of privacy.

Also, most public places and tourist attractions (even if privately owned) are game to being photographed. However, if there are signs posted that restrict photography, you can be removed and even prosecuted for trespassing.

My explanation is only scratching the surface of any rights to privacy you may have in a public place and it is intended to be very basic. There are many factors to consider about fine art, profit, trade and advertising, identifiability, etc., but, in a nutshell, you have none.

Ata-Girl Photography Co. | Privacy 101

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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!