May
26

Second Chance Prom

Many local high school seniors purchased prom dresses, got fitted for tuxes, ordered boutonnieres and corsages, scheduled professional hair and makeup appointments, reserved limos, made pre-prom dinner reservations and created epic prom-prosals for their would-be dates. Sadly, Covid-19 abruptly put an end to many of those seniors’ plans.

second chance prom pandemic prom

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Jourdanton and Poteet High Schools were two of the many high schools across the nation that were negatively impacted.

“I wanted to try to create some sort of prom memories for these kids. I couldn’t imagine having been forced to miss my senior prom. It was such a special time in my life—as long ago as that was. Because I was born and raised here and also because I am a 1987 graduate of Jourdanton High School, I wanted to do what I could to give these local seniors something to remember fondly.”

Tammy, Ata-Girl
pandemic prom second chance prom

Second Chance Prom, Pandemic Prom

This idea was first born in late-April—when no gatherings were allowed. The first plan was to visit each senior door-to-door, or rather porch-to-porch, to deliver flowers and cake and capture images and video of them in their prom attire.

However, when those restrictions were eased up a bit and groups of 10 could gather, I came up with the idea to have this Second Chance Prom in a central location. I knew this would be easier, allow more kids to “attend prom” and I could involve more vendors to make their day even more special.

second chance prom pandemic prom

I immediately began putting together a team of professional event vendors to produce this Second Chance Prom that would be a unique way to celebrate and practice safe social distancing but still give seniors a memory of going to their senior prom. Each of the vendors I contacted jumped on board without any hesitation.

I chose as many local vendors as I could and filled in the gaps with my ILEA friendors! The assembled team was filled with amazing talent and generosity!

second chance prom pandemic prom

Each senior received a personal invitation in the mail to arrive at Strawberry Pines for their individual prom appointment. They were even permitted to bring a date or a Plus 1.

“This was the best prom I’ve ever been to!”

Brett

They had the opportunity to purchase corsages and boutonnieres, pet and pose with llamas, take posed pictures in front of a traditional prom backdrop, sit at a decorated dinner table, dance to songs they requested and snap a few photobooth pics before they were given their favor bag and left prom.

second chance prom pandemic prom

“Jake never attended Prom and was looking forward to his Senior year…although there was a pandemic that took over the world you stepped in and gave him a memory to cherish forever. Thank you to everyone who helped in every way! We were blessed. Jake and Vanessa will have stories to tell in the future.”

Shellie
second chance prom pandemic prom, prom king, prom queen

Some of the pandemic prom attendees even elected to run for a spot on the official prom court. The court was selected by electronic votes being cast. Each of the candidates was encouraged to share a link with their friends and family to try and collect as many votes as possible. Over 1,300 votes were cast for king and queen. Runners-up were named as prince/princess, duke/duchess and cutest lord/lady.

The official Second Chance Prom court was:

  • King & Queen—Jacob and Vanessa (both from JHS)
  • Prince & Princess— John (PHS) and Faith (JHS)
  • Duke & Duchess—Kolby (PHS) and Allie (JHS)
  • Cutest Lord & Lady—Ricky and Karlee (both from JHS)
second chance prom pandemic prom

In addition to the experience and the favor bag, each prom attendee will receive their digital photo gallery and access to a compilation video.

The other vendors who helped to make this event an absolute success were:

In addition, KENS5 Studio gave us a short spot on their Saturday night newsreel.

It was an absolute pleasure for all these seniors and their parents to trust us with one of the most special milestones of the final year in high school. We are eternally grateful!

Enjoy some of my favorite images from this Second Chance Pandemic Prom then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

If you’d like to see all the images from this Second Chance Prom [Pandemic Prom], please enjoy this video. (Make sure to stay tuned for the professional video footage captured by Aria Productions!) For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD. 

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san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010

I am San Antonio’s most unique 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.

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!

The post, Second Chance Prom, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

May
22

Graduation Traditions

This weekend, many high schools and colleges across the country will be reading names from endless lists of graduates as they are called to cross a stage and receive their diplomas. There are many traditions that have resulted and been long standing after the commencement exercises are over… like moving your tassel from left to right, tossing your cap in the air, and jumping into the San Marcos River.

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You might wonder how some of these traditions got started… well, here’s the scoop on some of the more common traditions.

Graduation Traditions

Why do the graduates march in/out of the ceremony to Pomp and Circumstance?
In 1905, Sir Edward Elgar was invited to Yale’s commencement to receive an honorary doctorate degree. To honor their guest, Yale had the New Haven Symphony Orchestra play parts of his 1901 composition (Pomp and Circumstance Military March from March No. 1 in D Major). It was enjoyed so much, that it quickly spread to other graduations and has been a long-standing tradition.

Why do graduates wear cap and gowns?
The use of cap and gowns began in the 12th century because heating systems in universities were nonexistent. Graduates wore long robes with hoods simply to stay warm during their ceremonies. Later on in the same century, gowns were made the official attire for academics. 

Why do students decorate the tops of their caps?
Graduating students decorate the tops of their caps with special messages, achievements or mantras to signify their milestone. They also decorate them so that family members can identify them easily from their observation seats.

Why do graduates turn the tassel?
The use of the tassel is only 40 or 50 years old. It was originally used a decoration but has come to have much symbolism. The gesture of moving the tassel from left to right symbolizes one’s achievement of moving from candidate to graduate.

Why do graduates throw their caps in the air?
It is believed that tossing your cap “up to the heavens” started in 1912 at the U. S. Naval Academy’s graduation. This was the first time the newly commissioned officers received their officers’ hats at the actual graduation ceremony and no longer needed their midshipmen’s caps they’d worn for the last four years. To celebrate, they threw their old headgear in the air.

Why do we call diplomas “sheepskins?”
Originally, diplomas were written on actual sheepskin because early paper was very fragile and very difficult to make. But parchment, made from the skin of a sheep, goat or calf, was abundant and durable. Its ability to exist for a long time without significant deterioration made it ideal for a diploma.

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Universities all across the country have their very own traditions like hoop rolling, watch dropping and lighting the torch. But Texas State University has been dipping into the San Marcos River after commencement exercises since… well, I don’t know… apparently not too long. One article I read from The University Star dated the tradition back to Southwest Texas State University which would have been prior to 2003. I spoke to a 1986 graduate from SWTSU and he said the river jump was not a thing. My best guess is that this tradition started sometime between 1987 and 2003.

Nonetheless, traditions are important because they lend a sense of belonging to something. They represent a critical piece to a culture; they form structure and foundation to our society. Traditions help to bring people together and feel connected. They reinforce values and celebrate things that matter in life. Graduation traditions are no different. They are a vital avenue to pass values, morals, custom and culture from one generation to the next.

The post, Graduation Traditions, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

May
03

Graduation Attire

What is the proper high school graduation attire? Think about this. You are “walking the stage” in front of hundreds, maybe even thousands of people. This is your very first official chance to say to the world, “I am an adult. Hear me roar.” 

You may think that just because you have on that long graduation gown, it doesn’t matter what you have on underneath. Ah, but it does. 

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High School Graduation Attire

  • Bags. Leave all your bags at home. You simply don’t need them during the ceremony. If you’re from a larger high school, you’ll have to go through a security bag check. Cell phones and keys can easily be carried in pockets. Ladies, make sure to buy a dress or slacks with pockets. If you must carry a purse, consider a wristlet or very small clutch purse.
  • Shoes. Your shoes should not be brand new. Make sure they are worn in well and comfortable. You will be on your feet for hours. You want to enjoy your milestone and that will be nearly impossible if your feet are screaming at you. Ladies, six-inch stilettos are not necessary and actually create all kinds of chances for a freak and very embarrassing accident—I’m talking YouTube™ viral worthy. Choose shoes that are classy, timeless and sensible. Ballet flats or wedges are good options.
  • Dress. I recommend your dress not being any longer than your robe, especially if the color or pattern clashes with your robe. You want all the images of you receiving your diploma to look their best.  They won’t if you have some sort of bright, crazy floral pattern sticking out from underneath your robe. Also consider the fabric (itchy is out), zipper placement and how tight it will be when you sit. Try to choose a dress that is sleek. Adding bulk under the robe will make you look less flattering. Remember to keep the weather in consideration too.
  • Slacks. Again, slacks should be a neutral color. Black, grey, beige and brown are all good, safe choices. Choose the color that complements the color of your gown the best.
  • Accessorize.  Your senior ring is a must, but again, make all other jewelry choices with the long haul in mind. Choose pieces that are not trendy, but timeless. The less you “date” the images you’ll be taking on this special day, the better.
  • Hair/Makeup/Hands. Keep all three simple and sophisticated! Ladies, choose a hairstyle that isn’t fussy and gentlemen, make sure your cut is fresh and please don’t forget to shave. Choose a hairstyle that will work well with your graduation cap. Remember, you’ll be wearing this beauty for a few hours. Ladies, your makeup should be waterproof. You might cry and if you have an outdoor ceremony, there’s always a chance of rain. Your hands should be well groomed and manicured. You want to look your best as your reaching for that piece of paper you’ve worked 12 hard years to earn.
  • Regalia. Make sure to remember everything you’re going to need for the actual ceremony: cap, gown, tassel, medals, cords and stole. 
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Other Graduation Tips

  • Set an alarm. Don’t be late! Set an alarm (or two) especially if you have an early morning commencement exercise. Late students may be denied the opportunity to sit with their degree program or even walk.
  • Stay hydrated/bathroom break. Before you line up, make sure you are well-hydrated and be sure to take one last bathroom break before lining up for the ceremony.
  • Smile. Smile when your name is called, as you approach center stage and until you exit. Many people will be taking pictures of you and you want to look excited and happy!
  • Take it all in. As overwhelming as it is, try to pay attention to all the speeches. There will be some valuable life lessons in there for you. Enjoy the moment and bask in this crossroad. Otherwise, it will just be a blur that happened. You’ll want to remember this as clearly as possible. I promise.
  • Meeting plan. Prior to the ceremony, make a plan where to meet your family and friends after the ceremony. It might be a nightmare finding each other otherwise.
  • Camera. Make sure someone in your family brings more than their cell phone to capture your achievement and print these images. Don’t let them live on a computer hard drive forever. Always purchase at least one print from the professional photographer who covered the event for you.

The bottom line is that no matter how fashionable and trendy you normally are, this is one instance when you want to play it safe and dress in a more traditional and classic sense. You are now officially a young adult and this is your first chance to say it loud and proud to the world. Don’t flub it up by making some outrageous fashion statement. All eyes will be on you as you cross the stage to collect your diploma. 

Relax!! Take a deep breath! This day is yours! You’ve earned this! You’ve got this! Congratulations!!

The post, High School Graduation Attire, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Apr
07

Campus Senior Pics

Karley’s senior portrait session on campus was amazing! This was Karley’s third senior session with me (see her first and second) and by this session, she was an absolute pro! If my senior clients purchases three senior sessions, I always suggest having one of them on their high school campus. They hate this place now, but will one day reminisce about all their youthful days spent on campus with friends and teachers and coaches who became friends. If you’re going to document you’re high school experience, it’s important to have a senior portrait session on campus.

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It has been extremely special for me documenting Karley’s final year in high school. I’ve known Karley all my life (she’s my niece) and have helped her though many difficult times. I’ve helped her bury (many) dead cats and may have been her only lemonade stand customer. I’ve listened to speeches about sugar addiction (FIVE TIMES IN A ROW!) and given her a place to hang out between her last class and softball practice. We’ve been through a lot of memorable times, but unlike her older brother, I never had to rescue her when she ran away from home in the middle of the day (or night). It’s been fun watching Karley grow up and I’m glad to have been able to document this milestone in her life. I’ll spend the rest of her senior year watching her play softball.

Campus Senior Pics

If you’d like to see all the images from this portrait session, please enjoy this video.

The post, Karley’s Campus Senior Pics, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

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