House of Photography {gifts + photos + classes} Nacogdoches

Change and Hard Work

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.

Blog Graduating Seniors Rambling

A Good Day

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!

Tags greg patterson, Nacogdoches, photos, Portraits, professional, seniors, studio, yearbook

Blog Family

Is it Christmas, Already?

Post author By Greg Patterson
Post date July 21, 2014
No Comments on Is it Christmas, Already?

Portrait of sweet family of five taken by Greg Patterson

Before you start decking the halls and hanging ice sickle lights, no it’s not already Christmas… but it sure feels that way. Time has a way of zipping past us.

Back in October of 2013, my family first started planning our Disney World trip to be taken eight months later in June of 2014. Last year we thought the day would never come. Months of anticipation and arranging schedules had to be endured, and now it is ancient history. Maybe not ancient history, but it has already been more than a month since we have returned from that long anticipated trip.

Yes, time goes by at an alarming rate. And although we have five more months until Christmas, soon I’ll be writing another one of these blog posts saying how it came and went too fast.

A friend of mine said that the relative sense of “time flying” is directly related to how much fun you are having. So, the next time you are having a lot of fun, remember to pause and enjoy it. Because it will zip past you in a blink.

——————-

Beautiful Christmas Cards of a sweet family of five created by G. Patterson Studio.

And since you brought it up 🙂 ….. Summer is a great time to take family portraits to be used on your Christmas Cards. Our studio will do all the heavy lifting when it comes to designing the perfect card for your family. It’s just up to you to schedule. We don’t want you to find yourself stressing at the last minute to get it all done. So call today. 936-569-7116 It could be Christmas in July!

Tags cards, christmas, family, flies, july, Portraits, time

Blog Rambling

No Agenda Necessary

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

Tags agenda, life, plan, time, volunteer

Blog Children Family Rambling Tips & Tricks

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

Post author By Greg Patterson
Post date July 7, 2014
No Comments on 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."

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.

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.

Tags children, dads, family, funny, greg, kids, patterson, Photographer, Portrait, professional, quote, studio, violent, witty

Events News

Celebrating July 4th

Let us raise our flags together in unity. — Greg Patterson raising the American flag outside of G Patterson Studio in Nacogdoches, Texas.

I am thankful and proud I live in a country where our founding fathers fought for freedom that we may all enjoy Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness! Take a moment today away from your busy life and reflect upon your blessings and be thankful for our amazing heritage.

Let us raise our flag together in unity for that which brought our country together.

Blog Family Travel

About a boy

Nathan Patterson sits in the shelter of a rock.

No, this isn’t a movie review; it’s about my son. He’s at camp this week, and, boy, was I looking forward to some time away from him. I had become fed up with putting up with his “teenagerness.” I know that’s not a word, but every parent with a teenager knows that’s synonymous with lazy, selfish, withdrawn and moody.

Photos of Cindy and family in Zion National Park in Utah

But, this week while he was gone, I was going to use the time to devise a plan to “fix” him. As my thoughts turned to the things I could do to change him, I began wondering what he might be doing right now, maybe eating breakfast? Maybe tidying up his tent? At least he wouldn’t be playing a video game. So, how could I keep him from playing them so much when he got back? That seemed to be a constant struggle between the two of us.

I began thinking about how he had helped with VBS at our church the week before. And, before that, hadn’t he participated in a missions project? All of this, without complaining? I began missing him and wondering why I couldn’t feel so favorably toward him when we were together. Maybe our strained relationship had more to do with me than with him. I could be critical to the point where I begin feeding my own negativity. In my mind, I had him going from video game-playing teenager to college dropout living on skid row overnight.

I’m excited, now, about him coming home, because I feel that it’s not too late to work on our relationship. I’m going to practice positive thinking every day, so I can recognize when a negative thought enters my mind. Yes, he is growing up fast, but that should not make me fearful. These upcoming years could be some of the best ones of his life! And, I might just have a little something to do with that.

Tags family, mother, patterson, personal growth, relationship, son

Blog Children Family Rambling Travel

Disney World Magic

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.

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.

Tags creating, disney world, family, florida, magic, memories

Blog Tips & Tricks Travel

Stretching your LIFE

My Friday started with a visit to a physical therapist as I have been having pain in my right shoulder. Max, my PT described how a slight injury can result in so much pain and tightening of everything that is needed to make the shoulder work as it should. The process of getting it back into shape involves routine heating, stretching and cooling. If you have ever gone through this process, you know the stretching process can be quite uncomfortable and downright painful.

That got me to thinking about some of my recent conversations with our 13 year-old son on stepping out of our comfort zone. Talk about stress. How would you like to be 13 again? Not me!

No matter your age, have you ever been in a place in your life, relationship or job that you felt lack of movement and a tightening? Sometimes stretching is the answer. I have experienced this in my life many times, and the benefits are always worth the pain involved through the process.

Here are my top 3 tips to summarize stretching your LIFE

When an opportunity arises or a door opens, don’t let yourSELF talk you out of it because you aren’t ….qualified, the right personality, smart enough, good looking, excuses, excuses, excuses!
Realize that your attitude determines outcome! Check the attitude of your heart. Getting out of the doldrums has nothing to do with anyone other than YOU.
Wake with purpose and passion and carry this throughout the day.

I hope you are stretched often as I am. I know its sometimes painful, but with passion, purpose, and a great attitude, you are sure to look forward to those opportunities when they arise.

I would love to hear how you have been stretched recently or your thoughts!

Beauty in the small things!

Utah in June can include SNOW.

Lush green growth and ever watching aspens.

Blog Rambling

The Joys of Owning Your Own Business

Post author By Greg Patterson
Post date June 25, 2014
No Comments on The Joys of Owning Your Own Business

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.