Powerhouse Studios Photography [San Antonio Wedding & Portrait Photographer] » Family

The Cottingham Family [San Antonio Portraits]

breanna — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:51:11 +0000

It’s official. The Cottinghams broke the record for largest family portrait I have ever done. I’ve gotta say though, that they are one of the coolest families ever. Truly. We had a good time out at the Tea Gardens, and it was fun getting a little glimpse of what it’s like to be part of a big family. Not only is their love for each other inspiring, but their love for others in general. I didn’t realize until we got them all together, but I’d crossed paths with several members of their family over the past year or so at my daughter’s school and their kindness always stood out to me. Come to find out, they’re all part of the same awesome family.

To the whole family, thank you for allowing me a glimpse into your family and for trusting me with your family’s portraits! I had fun!
Breanna

Displaying Family Photos

breanna — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:25:30 +0000

It’s no secret that I adore magazines. Every time I open one, no matter what the topic, it feels like Christmas. I’m weird, I know.

Imagine my excitement when I got a new magazine in the mail today and opened it up to find this amazing article about displaying family photos in your home! It’s an amazingly helpful article with beautiful photos and ideas. Check out the August issue of Family Circle to see it for yourself.

For more ideas, you can also check out our Inspire Guide! There are 25 different display options with sizes and layouts for all different rooms. Find the Inspire Guide here at http://powerhousestudiosclients.com/RedCart/index.php?gnum=102.

Also, if you (or a friend) have beautifully, artfully, or creatively displayed photos in your home, send me a photo! I’d love to feature it on the blog!

Hope you have a great week!
Breanna

Timelessness

breanna — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:57:59 +0000

I love the rain. Yesterday Abby was sitting in my office with me, and even she was quiet as we listened to sound of the raindrops hitting the windows. Such peace. At some point, I turned to say something to her and I saw this. Couldn’t resist grabbing the camera. I love capturing moments like this. It’s just so her. Every time it rains, even if she’s not going outside, she puts on that raincoat. I think it’s cute. I love pictures like this because it’s going to mean something to me, still, in 10, 20, and 50 years.

I was lucky enough to get another timeless photo earlier this month… this one of my son at a baseball game. It wasn’t planned, and I only had a tiny part in posing him. (Ha ha… I couldn’t help it!) As a mother who knows her son, his smile is so sweet and natural (I can almost hear his little giggle), and the dirty baseball hat about says it all. I know that we’re going to treasure this photo forever.

I say all this, not as a photographer, but as a mother. For me, this is what photography is all about… about capturing the essence and the story of a person or family. It’s not just about having something neat to show friends, but about memories, legacies, and stories.

Forgive me, I am becoming a little mushy and nostalgic. But then I think we all should be now and again.

What would that timeless photo be for you? Who is in it? Where are they? What are they doing?

Thank You… and a Pic for Fun

breanna — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:10:28 +0000

Hello, everyone! Wow, life has been positively insane around here the past few months. In addition to having lots of portraits and wedding season starting up again, we’ve moved to a new house… which has all been so awesome and fun! And exhausting. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you who have been so kind and patient with me when things have taken a little longer than usual to get together. I’m finally catching up on everything and I’m so glad to be getting “back to normal” (whatever that is)! Please let me know if you need anything. I’m looking forward to a great summer! (Can May really be coming to an end already?!)

Had a great session last week with some fabulous clients that I did portraits for last year, and thought I’d put up a little sneak peak of their McNay family portrait session. Bear is a very special member of the family who got to come along for pictures. (I love when kids bring things that are such a huge part of who they are. It adds such a personal touch to the portraits.) Had a lot of fun with this family! I was getting ready to photograph a big group shot when I looked over and saw that dad had set this up, and I just had to get it. This picture makes me laugh. I’ll have more (real) previews up soon!

Keri and Ryan [Family + Maternity Portraits]

breanna — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:02:03 +0000

It wasn’t very long ago (or so it seems) that I met Keri for the first time, and we shot her very first maternity portraits just before her little boy was born. I was so excited when she called me recently to let me know that she was expecting again, and she really wanted to do pictures again. This time, not only to document this pregnancy, but to capture their family at this very special time. Riggs is at such a sweet age, and this is the last time that there will only be three of them. In four days, their sweet baby girl will be arriving, so Keri planned a special family day for the three of them today and asked if I would come along to document. We had so much fun at the Kiddie Park, and it was so cool to be able to be a part of this small moment of their family’s history. Here are a few previews I thought I’d share from the day…

Isn’t she gorgeous?! Why didn’t I look that good when I was pregnant?!

Barb + JD [Family Portraits]

breanna — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:10:31 +0000

Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve updated the blog. It’s not that I’m short material… I have a long list of shoots to post. If you’ve been following me on Facebook or know me at all, you know that lately our time has been spent, packing, moving, unpacking, AND a trip to Dallas for a couple shoots. It’s been a very busy and eventful few weeks, and I’m ready for things to slow down a little around here!

I am excited, though, because next weekend begins wedding season around here! I can’t wait! So stay tuned over the next few weeks…

In the mean time, I wanted to share another family portrait session with you. Barb and JD are an amazing couple who are fun, smart, and laid back. Last time I took their pictures, Morgan was just a baby, and I just couldn’t believe how much she’s grown. They’re such a precious family. Here are a few previews of their mini session.

Nick + Colleen [Family Portraits]

breanna — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:47:19 +0000

Nick and Colleen are an awesome couple. They are fun, kind, hospitable, always laughing, and they adore eachother and their kids. Could their family be any more adorable? Oh, and they have one more beautiful baby on the way! I had so much fun Saturday morning hanging out with their family and playing with their kids while we took pictures. Here are a few previews!

Jennifer + Galen [Family Portraits]

breanna — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:00:13 +0000

Jenn and Galen are two of the most awesome people ever. I’m serious. I want to be like them when I grow up. They’re amazingly nice, thoughtful, smart, talented, Godly, and loving. You can tell they’re great parents too, because their four kids are just as awesome as they are. Going into the shoot I was a little nervous because, truth be told, family portraits can be hard, and the more people there are, the more difficult it can be. However, I can honestly say they were one of the easiest families I’ve ever photographed. Thanks goes to Jenn, Galen, and their four awesome kids for being great friends and for being so fun to work with!

Spring Mini-Sessions!

breanna — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:51:43 +0000

Have you been putting off your family portraits? Imagine the beautiful colors of spring or a hip urban setting as a backdrop to your next family portrait. In March, we are planning two days just for you! Take advantage of the savings that our mini-sessions offer, and consider having fun and memorable family (or senior) portraits created this spring! Don’t wait to schedule your appointment. If you miss out, it will be another year until this opportunity comes again.

Use the contact form on our website now to schedule your appointment.

Jason + Natalie [San Antonio Family Portraits]

breanna — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:13:53 +0000

I was friends with Jason and then with Natalie before I ever knew they’d be my family (I married Jason’s brother)… and before they even knew that someday they would be married. We were part of the College & Careers group at church and we hung out, and they were great friends. Fast forward eight or nine years, and here we all are. Jason and Natalie are not only friends, but family and I feel SO lucky. Words seem to seem insignificant to describe how much they mean to our family.

I had to laugh because Natalie and I planned the shoot all out. She had the idea to do pics in their pajamas… in bed… outside. I LOVED LOVED LOVED the idea. So Aaron and I loaded up a bed into the back of the truck (I have such an awesome husband! He’s always so willing to help me out with anything!) and went to meet Jason and Natalie. Well, as usual, the boys rode in the truck and the girls rode in the car. As the guys started driving, Jason looks at Aaron and says, “So… why do you have a bed in the back of your truck?” When we stopped for gas, Jason motioned for me to roll down the window. He looked at Natalie and I and, his voice thick with doubt, said… “In bed? We’re taking pictures in bed? Outside?” Ha ha! We laughed and he reluctantly said that he trusted me. Natalie, thanks for the great idea, and Jason… thank you for your trust. Really. It means a lot that you didn’t turn around and go back home.