Category: Rambling

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Blog Graduating Seniors Rambling

Change and Hard Work

Daniel, Class of 2010
Daniel, Class of 2010
Daniel, Class of 2010

I was remembering and maybe reminiscing a bit to when a photograph was a product of the darkroom. Going into a completely dark room and prying open a canister of film with a bottle opener to then attempt rolling the five foot long roll of film onto a processing reel. Processing that film and then the moment of anticipation where you can finally unroll and examine all the hard work with fingers crossed that all the images were properly exposed, in focus and not damaged by processing. The best way I can describe it was that it was exciting and thrilling seeing something you started, finalized.

Long gone are those days for all but the extreme retro or “pure” photographers. We all experience change whether its in our industry or something more personal like kids growing up or simply getting older.

Change often requires work to get from one place in your life to the next. That is the path our oldest son Daniel took the past three years working toward a degree in Petroleum Technology. I can see and I think he can now see the benefit of hard work. He started a new job this month in San Antonio. Exciting to see new beginnings that have come about due to patience and hard work.

We are proud of Daniel and this new start.

 

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Blog Graduating Seniors Rambling

A Good Day

Collage of official yearbook and fun casual images of Nacogdoches Senior.
Collage of official yearbook and fun casual images of Nacogdoches Senior.
Collage of official yearbook and fun casual images of Nacogdoches Senior.
Collage of official yearbook and fun casual images of Nacogdoches Senior.

It’s that time of year that we begin seeing high school seniors for their yearbook pictures. For Nacogdoches, it’s the velvet drape for girls and for boys, a tuxedo shirt and jacket. For some of them it’s the first time they’ve had professional pictures taken.

For all of them, their senior year marks the end of  youth and the beginning of adulthood. For many of them, it’s just another day; they’ll let it “sink in” by degrees. For others, as they put on that cap and gown, you can tell they “get it.” They’re more quiet than usual and a little nervous. I want to tell them to take a deep breath and, then, hold on. And enjoy every minute of it! Because on the day they graduate and wear this cap and gown again for real, they’ll look back at this day and think what a short time ago it was.

Photographing seniors gives me a nostalgic feeling and helps me to remember the brevity of life. I wish I could get that feeling everyday, so that I might not waste as much time as I do on frivolous things. But, I must go for now and make out my grocery list. I sure don’t want to forget the milk!

Categories
Blog Rambling

No Agenda Necessary

Beautiful boy styling' in his fedora.
Beautiful boy styling' in his fedora.
Beautiful boy styling' in his fedora.
Beautiful boy styling’ in his fedora.

I have a plan for everything these days! What I’m gonna fix for dinners for the week, how we’ll spend our weekends for the month, even what I’m going to wear for the next few days. (I don’t want to waste that perfect outfit on work when I could wear it for that lunch date!) I definitely have a plan for our spending for the month. I even have a plan for my plan, call it an agenda or parameters for which I live my life.

I don’t want to be too extravagant with anything I do, but I never want to be too careful, either. Life is short, right?
Something else I like to plan for is how I volunteer my time and money. There are so many causes from which to choose, some you may have a passion for, others you share a political view with and others are affiliated with your faith. I, often, do a little research to know exactly where my money goes. I knew a man that traveled a lot, and he’d pick up hitchhikers along the way. He’d often give them the money in his pocket before they parted ways. Generous? I call it reckless! After all, what was stopping that hitchhiker from buying something other than food?

When I had a chance the other day to sign up to help with feeding lunch to school-age children in the park, I didn’t have time to make all the usual considerations. All I knew was that they needed someone, and I had the time. So I put my name down, and am I glad I did. The smile on my face was as big as those on the kids’ faces. And, that feeling stayed with me the rest of the day. It was such a fun experience, I’ll do it again, even if it means changing my schedule.

Do I plan on throwing caution to the wind every time one of these opportunities presents itself? No, in fact I probably won’t be picking up any hitchhikers. I intend to hold onto my “agenda” a little less tightly, though. After all, I could change someone’s life for the better, including my own!

-Cindy

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Blog Children Family Rambling Tips & Tricks

Hey now! It’s not as bad as it sounds.

"Photographers are violent people. First they frame you, then they shoot you, then they hang you on the wall."
"Photographers are violent people. First they frame you, then they shoot you, then they hang you on the wall."
"Photographers are violent people. First they frame you, then they shoot you, then they hang you on the wall."
“Photographers are violent people. First they frame you, then they shoot you, then they hang you on the wall.”

I love this quote.  I wish I knew the author so I could compliment them on their wittiness.

Truth be told, when you’re in the hands of a true professional, a photographer is anything but violent.  If anything, a photographer, as well as the photo session, should be FUN, EXCITING, MEMORABLE … and above all – PAINLESS.  At least, that’s how we feel.

A family of four enjoying a reality moment as parents laugh and kids run around.
A family of four enjoying a reality moment as parents laugh and kids run around.

We are often asked what age child is the hardest to photograph.  My response is always the same, “a 40 year old man.”  Kids are easy… OK, most kids are easy.  If you get down on their level and play with them, you’ll have an instant buddy.  Moms are the best.  They are usually the ones coordinating the whole shindig, so they are a photographer’s greatest ally.  Dads, on the other hand, take a little more finesse.  But if we get them talking about their latest fishing or hunting exploit, or maybe last night’s game, then he stops thinking about the camera and starts having fun.

A photographer might seem a bit intimidating (or even violent) to those that have never had professional photos taken, but I assure you that anyone who visits our studio is in for a treat.  Our goal is for all who enter our studio as clients leave as friends.  And that won’t happen unless we show you a good time.

We’d love to show your family a good time and exactly how painless a professional portrait session can be.

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Blog Children Family Rambling Travel

Disney World Magic

Magical family memories made with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
Magical family memories made with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
Magical family memories made with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
Magical family memories made with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

My family recently got back from a FANTASTICAL trip to Disney World.  We were able to enjoy seven magical days of Disney parks despite it being Florida’s rainiest month.  (About that… When the rains come, you can either get upset or you can act like a kid just playing in the rain and splashing in puddles.  We chose the latter.)

The few hours we slept were at one of Disney’s newest resorts “The Art of Animation” – (unbelievably awesome!).  We arrived at the parks early each morning and didn’t leave till close.  My daughters, ages 8, 5, and 2 were so hopped up on pixie dust, we were able to stay through the oh-so-fun magic hours.  This is when most of the crowd has gone home, and the park remains open only to those staying in a Disney resort.

From morning to midnight, magical memories made with great characters and castles.
From morning to midnight, magical memories made with great characters and castles.

During this two hour span, my girls and I went from ride to ride non-stop.  And when it was finally time to leave the Magic Kingdom, we would pause in front of Cinderella’s castle as she bid us good night, then sleepily stroll down Main Street, basking in the glow of lights and recalling the day’s adventures.

The memories my family made that week will forever be etched in my mind.  Too many memories to recount in a single sitting.  But just a close of my eyes, and I’m instantly transported back there riding Splash Mountain with my girls, hearing my oldest giggle about how she is always the one that gets soaked at the end of the ride; or I’m outside Gaston’s Tavern laughing at his hilarious mixture of comedic arrogance and charm; or I’m hearing my 2 year old’s sweet voice exclaim, “Mickey Mouse!” as she sees him for the very first time.

Magical family memories made at Disney's Magic Kingdom.
Magical family memories made at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Our children are young for such a short time.  I plan on making the most of these moments and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Have you created any special memories with your family lately?  I’d love to hear your family’s stories.

 

Categories
Blog Rambling

The Joys of Owning Your Own Business

Greg Patterson cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.

One of my absolute favorite aspects of our portrait garden and surrounding property is our GINORMOUS pecan tree.  Years ago, an arborist (a tree expert) visited and said that it was one of the largest and oldest pecan trees he had ever seen.  Pecan trees are familiar to everyone in the Nacogdoches area, but this one is special.  Every year it produces bucket loads of wonderful pecans, and it consistently provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor photos.

The rub is that pecan trees are “self-pruning,” meaning they drop branches like crazy.  When the winds came through yesterday, it was just too much for one of the ol’ girl’s bigger branches.  So Greg and his father in law Harry have been dutifully chopping and hauling pecan branches all morning.

Nothing worth having comes easy.  The portrait garden and studio may need sweat and elbow grease from time to time, but the benefits are so worth it.

Greg Patterson gathers limbs as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson gathers limbs as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson hauls away limbs as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson hauls away limbs as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson smiles for the camera as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson smiles for the camera as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Categories
Babies Blog Children Family Graduating Seniors Pets Rambling Weddings

Making the Memories Count

montage of children, families, seniors, and weddings photos
montage of children, families, seniors, and weddings photos
montage of children, families, seniors, and weddings photos
montage of children, families, seniors, and weddings photos

As we continue to reflect upon and celebrate all that has happened in the past 10 years, we take a look at the numbers of unique moments we’ve captured.

Over 1000 Just4Fun Kid’s sessions with all the goofy grins, silly smiles and unexpected moments one can imagine…
Hundreds of furry friends and their owners, those that behaved and those that made attempts to chase the neighborhood cat…
Over 800 nervous, yet excited graduating seniors, each with their own brand of style and personality…
Nearly 1500 fun-filled, action packed family sessions with crazy kiddos running around being chased by each other while the parents stand back and laugh at the mayhem…
Several dozen voice quivering “I do” moments, decorated Just Married getaway vehicles, and teary dads that are reluctant to give away their baby girls…
You, our clients, have invited us to be a part of creating tens of thousands of special moments.  It continues to be a blessing and honor.

-G. Patterson Studio

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Blog Children Family Graduating Seniors Rambling

Connecting with our Clients… Then and Now

A snapshot of our recent e-newsletter.
A snapshot of our recent e-newsletter.
A snapshot of our printed newsletter from 9 years ago.
A snapshot of our printed newsletter from 9 years ago.

 

A snapshot of our recent e-newsletter.
A snapshot of our recent e-newsletter.

For the better part of 10 years, we’ve tried to stay connected with our clients through our studio newsletter “Coming Home.”  It’s of great importance to us to remain engaged with our friends and family who continue to support our portrait studio.  The newsletter often contains stories of recent family sessions, growing families, photography tips, upcoming specials, holiday recipes, and our thoughts on the day.  We want to share our exciting stories with our community.  We want to inspire and encourage families and children and graduating seniors.  We want to enrich the lives of our readers if only by bringing a simple smile to their faces.  Our newsletter has seen its fair share of changes, from originating as a print snail-mailer to the current instant email it is today.  So please take the time to peruse and share our newsletter the next time you see it in your inbox.  Thanks for reading… and remember to stay in touch.

-Daryl

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Blog Children Events Family Portrait Sessions Rambling

Our Portrait Garden’s 10 Year Transformation

Current image of the private portrait garden of G. Patterson Studio
Current image of the private portrait garden of G. Patterson Studio
Current image of the private portrait garden of G. Patterson Studio
Current image of the private portrait garden of G. Patterson Studio
10 year old image of the garden before it was the garden.
10 year old image of the garden before it was the garden.
10 year old image of the pond before it was the pond.
10 year old image of the pond before it was the pond.

To our friends of the studio, you are certainly familiar with our private portrait garden.  We try to use it in some creative way for every session.  Hopefully, you would agree that it is one of  the little treasures of Nacogdoches.  To those that have not had the pleasure of a family or children portrait session in the garden, I am confident that you will be amazed.  With greenery and colorful blooms almost year round, pond and waterfall, gazebo and swing, stone walkways and pergola, our garden provides an endless variety of gorgeous portrait backgrounds and settings.  Upon seeing our garden for the first time, clients will often “oooh” and “aaah” and exclaim that they never knew this beautiful scene was tucked away in downtown’s back yard.

The garden is wonderful, of course, but it is also a labor of love.  Much thoughtful planning went into the initial design and layout of the garden.  And countless hours go into maintaining it day after day, year after year.  I would be remiss to not mention Cindy’s father, Harry, who pours seemingly every spare minute he has into manicuring the plants.  He does an incredible job and we are all thankful.  Greg and Cindy and their children also contribute their fair share to this effort.  Luckily, we don’t ask our clients to join in the yard work.  You get to sit back and enjoy the hard labor that provides fairytale-like beauty.

Looking at these old photos, it’s hard to believe so much has changed in 10 years.  We are so blessed to be able to offer this unique benefit to our clients.  I hope that you come by to see our private portrait garden some time soon.  It is jaw-droppingly amazing in April and May.  Bring the family.  You’ll be glad you did.

-Daryl Sparks

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Blog Events News Rambling

Celebrating 10 Years

Original and signed version of our ribbon cutting picture from Chamber of Commerce. Shown now, ten years later on the front porch of our Victorian Studio located at 122 N Mound in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Original and signed version of our ribbon cutting picture from Chamber of Commerce. Shown now, ten years later on the front porch of our Victorian Studio located at 122 N Mound in Nacogdoches, Texas.

TODAY we are celebrating our 10th year anniversary in our current location and roughly 20 years in business. With God’s blessings we are proud to have served Nacogdoches and surrounding East Texas area for the past 20 years!

Over the next month we will be sharing some before and after photos while reliving the past 10 years in this historic Victorian location. We hope you join us by following along and sharing your thoughts along the way.

With deepest gratitude,
Greg & Cindy Patterson

Original and signed version of our ribbon cutting picture from Chamber of Commerce. Shown now, ten years later on the front porch of our Victorian Studio located at 122 N Mound in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Original and signed version of our ribbon cutting picture from Chamber of Commerce. Shown now, ten years later on the front porch of our Victorian Studio located at 122 N Mound in Nacogdoches, Texas.