Tag: Nacogdoches

Categories
Blog Children Family Rambling

The Blooms are Coming!

Colorful blooms abound in Nacogdoches as springtime awakens after a cold winter.
Colorful blooms abound in Nacogdoches as springtime awakens after a cold winter.
Colorful blooms abound in Nacogdoches as springtime awakens after a cold winter.
Colorful blooms abound in Nacogdoches as springtime awakens after a cold winter.

Winter is a confusing season here in Nacogdoches.  It seems like half the time we are covering our plants with sheets and wrapping our pipes to keep it all from freezing.  Then, the other half of the time we are wearing shorts and drinking ice tea as we rake our lawns.  I compare it to the “He loves me, he loves me not” ritual of little girls as they pull individual petals off of a daisy.  “Today it’s freezing, tomorrow it’s hot.  Today is 20 degrees, tomorrow is not.”  Last night brought some pretty chilly air, but it will be back up into the 70’s before you know it.

No matter the sporadic weather patterns, spring always seems to arrive in East Texas, bursting with a brilliant kaleidoscope of color.  Already the trees are budding and blooming, flowers along the roadside are pushing up, and the azaleas will be close behind.  Nacogdoches in springtime is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, color-rich places in the country.  This will be our first spring as the Garden Capital of Texas, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.  We are so blessed to be right in the middle of such abundant beauty.  I will be taking many an opportunity to enjoy the SFA Arboretum and Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, as well as enjoying my own personal azaleas. It just instantly puts me in a better mood.

So hang in there! I’m certain we have some more whacky weather ahead of us, but just close your eyes and remember that the blooms are coming.  And what a wonderful sight it will be to open your eyes when they have come.

Categories
Blog Graduating Seniors

Custom Graduation Invitations

Custom graduation invitations from G. Patterson Studio in Nacogdoches.
Custom graduation invitations from G. Patterson Studio in Nacogdoches.
Custom graduation invitations from G. Patterson Studio in Nacogdoches.
Custom graduation invitations from G. Patterson Studio in Nacogdoches.

Right now, I am happily engaged in creating unique graduation invitations for our 2014 high school and college seniors.  Some are from senior sessions we did back in the summer or fall, and some are from sessions we just photographed.  Each invitation is made to order, from the selection of poses… to any particular verbiage… right down to the color scheme.  These are not your run of the mill type invites.  They are the right combination of bright and professional, vibrant and elegant.  No two look the same.  I enjoy designing these cards because it is as challenging as it is beautiful.  My task is to incorporate our client’s desires into an overall layout that works aesthetically and pragmatically.  It gets really interesting though when Mom and Dad do not see eye to eye with Senior.  But I have yet to hear any complaints after the final product is in their hands.

Recently I’ve run into several parents who have asked me if our studio is booked up with senior portrait sessions this spring.  I tell them that March is looking a little crazy, but it always does.  My advice to them is call as early as you can so that we will have the most availability and flexibility.  And if you are wanting those rockin’ awesome invitations that we are famous for, then call even earlier.  That graduation day clock is winding down.  The last thing I want is to turn someone away simply because we ran out of time.  So give the studio a call if you want senior portraits and products that will make sure you stand out from the crowd.

Categories
Blog Pets Rambling

Our Furry Friend

Greg and Cindy Patterson with Joe Buddy on Valentine's Day.
Greg and Cindy Patterson with Joe Buddy on Valentine's Day.
Greg and Cindy Patterson with Joe Buddy on Valentine's Day.
Greg and Cindy Patterson with Joe Buddy on Valentine’s Day.

Thanks to all who participated in “Puppy Love” and helped us support our local Humane Society. We would hope that every furry friend has it as good as Joe Buddy this Valentine’s Day. He has helped contribute to the happiness around the Patterson household since 2006 when we “rescued” him.

We wish all of our studio friends lots of love,
Greg, Cindy and Joe Buddy.

Categories
Blog Rambling

“Some people are worth melting for”

Image of Olaf from the Disney movie Frozen.
Image of Olaf from the Disney movie Frozen.
Image of Olaf from the Disney movie Frozen.
Image of Olaf from the Disney movie Frozen.

If you haven’t seen the movie Frozen, you are missing out.  It’s one for the whole family to enjoy, especially for those families like my own that are full of little princesses. My girls have not stopped singing the songs or acting out the scenes since the day we got home from the movies. Yes, it drives me crazy, and yes I find myself singing those songs in my head as I brush my teeth… but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  My girls are my life, and if it brings them joy, I will endure the never-ending off-pitch tunes because I love them. (but I digress)

In the movie, there is a magical snowman by the name of Olaf.  He is my favorite character by far.  As pure as the snow he is made of, Olaf makes you laugh and even cry.  There is one scene where he stands beside a fireplace talking to his friend Anna.  Even though his face starts drooping and his eyes and nose almost fall off, he makes the profound and instantly famous statement, “Some people are worth melting for.”  As I sit here just two days away from Valentine’s Day, wrapped up in my scarf due to the frigid temperatures outside, his words are ringing in my mind.  We all have special people in our lives that we would do just about anything for.  I have my girls, my wife, my friends, and you have a list of people yourself.  When we share our lives with others, we form bonds of love that almost nothing can break.  We give our time and energy.  We buy gifts, and we make gestures all to demonstrate how we feel.

Valentine’s Day is almost here.  I know, some cynics say it is a gimmick created by the greeting card industry to boost sales.  But no matter the reason, we now have this special day out of the year where we are reminded to make some gesture of love for those we hold dear.  What are you planning on doing for your loved ones?  Make sure you show them how much you care.  Make some magnanimous gesture.  Make sure they know that they are worth melting for.
(and if you are still searching for ideas… I know a photography studio with some great gift ideas.  Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. 🙂

Have a happy Valentine’s Day!

-Daryl

Categories
Blog Children Events Family Pets

Puppy Love Portraits

Family of four loving their dog Abby. Photo by Greg Patterson.
Family of four loving their dog Abby. Photo by Greg Patterson.

Each year, the studio hosts a promotional event in support of the Humane Society.  Although the details of the event have changed from time to time, the goal is ultimately the same.  We want to be a part of helping those pets that are in need while offering others an opportunity to join this effort.  So, as a photography studio, what better opportunity is there than capturing special moments of your family with your beloved pet?  These photos will capture the love your family has for your pet and will remain in your hearts for years to come.  I know personally the lasting joy of having family photos created that included my dog Abby.  My precious Abby left us all too soon, but we remember the great times we shared with her.  In fact, the photo of all of us sits on a shelf right in front of me at work.  A simple glance of this image brings a flood of happy memories and instantly improves my day.

Family of four loving their dog Abby. Photo by Greg Patterson.
Family of four loving their dog Abby. Photo by Greg Patterson.

Schedule your appointment now for this incredible opportunity to love on your family pet while helping those animals that have yet to find a home.

A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Humane Society of Nacogdoches County.  Call (936) 569-7116 to set your family’s appointment.

Appointments still available for Friday, February 14th at G. Patterson Studio in Nacogdoches.  Hope to hear from you soon!

Categories
Blog Graduating Seniors

Signature Seniors

Graduating Seniors have filled a wall with written notes about their portrait sessions at G. Patterson Studio.
Graduating Seniors have filled a wall with written notes about their portrait sessions at G. Patterson Studio.
Graduating Seniors have filled a wall with written notes about their portrait sessions at G. Patterson Studio.
Graduating Seniors have filled a wall with written notes about their portrait sessions at G. Patterson Studio.

At the studio, we have a dressing room for our clients.  In that room, there is a wall where graduating seniors have written little notes about their sessions and signed their names.  Looking at this wall the other day got me thinking about the individuality of each of these seniors.  Every word is penned with its own particular handwriting. Each note has its own voice.  Every signature is unique and stylistic.  This hodgepodge of messages is a perfect representation of just how different each person is.  As we go throughout our busy lives, we shouldn’t forget our diversity and what personal characteristics make us who we are.  We should embrace them because it is our individuality that makes us so wonderfully special.

Whether it be for a high school senior, 6 month old baby, a brand new bride, or whatever, a portrait should exemplify what makes that person special.  Their interests, attitude and personality should shine through for all to appreciate.  We want to offer that to our clients.  We do offer that to our clients.  G. Patterson Studio helps bring out your inner “awesomeness” for others to see and enjoy.  At the studio, we have an expression for our seniors, “Show the world your true self.”  Let’s work together to make that thought a reality.  Hope to see you soon!

Categories
Blog News Rambling Travel

Nacogdoches Snow Day

Solo tree just outside of Douglass Texas along the el camino real de los tejas .
Solo tree just outside of Douglass Texas along the el camino real de los tejas .
Solo tree just outside of Douglass Texas along the el camino real de los tejas .
Old church along el camino real de los tejas .
Old church along el camino real de los tejas .
Snow topped camellia bush behind historic Nacogdoches home.
Black & white snow ladder.
Nacogdoches Mound street snow covered business.

When Thursday afternoon temperatures started dropping, I was hopeful for some of that white goodness and we rarely see in Nacogdoches. About 6 pm last night, the snow came and continued for most of the night creating a beautiful white blanket over everything we normally view. Thankfully Douglass ISD started with a two-hour delay. We were certainly enjoying the few extra hours sipping on freshly brewed coffee.

There is a #solotree along my normal path into Nacogdoches from Douglass. I’ve been wanting to stop for the past month to capture the stark contrast between this tree without any sign of life which stands in front of an army of mighty pines. Today was one of hopefully many attempts to capture this solemn tree. I tend to see the world differently than most with even the most simplistic creating strong meaning and visuals such as this tree.

I’ve included a few additional images captured on this Nacogdoches Snow Day. I would love to hear your thoughts and or comments. And by all means, share the love of photography by sharing this blog post!

Enjoy!

Greg Patterson
Certified Professional Photographer

Categories
Babies Blog Children Family

Getting it Right Every Time

Three family photos depicting loving relationship.
Three family photos depicting loving relationship.
Three photos depicting a family's loving relationship.
The loving relationship within a family is easy to find, but often challenging to photograph. So when the moment comes, be ready!

When you have been around as long as G. Patterson Studio has, you think you have heard it all when it comes to doubts.  Stressed out mothers will say, “There is just no way to get a good photo of my child.” Sarcastic dads will smirk, “Good luck with this family.” Nervous teenagers will say, “I don’t like pictures.”  And even those parents, at the end of their portrait session, will sometimes ask, “Do you think we got anything at all?”

Yes, this kind of uncertainty and doubt can worry even the most experienced of photographers, but it always seems to turn out the same way (… at least at our studio.) When the client returns to view the images from their session, they are blown away.  Tears immediately well up in the eyes.  And then look out!  Here come the ‘Thanks you’s!’ and ‘These are amazing’s!’  One recent client, who has been coming to us for years, said, “I sincerely wondered if you were able to capture anything with the way my kids ran around.  But I don’t know why I ever doubt.  The photos turned out beautifully, as they always do.  Thank you!”

I can honestly say that the one complaint we get is NOT that the photos are bad, rather that there are too many good ones to choose from.  But that’s what being a professional is all about.  Capturing great tear-jerking moments through photography is not always easy.  In fact, it is often hard.  But it is so worth it when it is done right.  And professionals are there to get it right every time.  A professional understands that there will not be a second chance to capture that ‘I do’ wedding moment. A professional understands that children will not always cooperate, so you must be ready for the fraction of a second that they will.  A professional can speak with a nervous teenager to make her feel at ease and actually laugh so her genuine smile shines through her senior portraits.  A professional photographer should be ready for just about anything.  After all, when working with people, you never know for certain what to expect.

Photography does not promise to get any easier in the future.  Parents will still have their doubts.  Teenagers will act shy.  Children will go bonkers!  But these are not meant to fuel the excuse train.  These are exactly the reasons to seek out a professional who is completely capable of capturing the perfect portrait even when it seems challenging or impossible.  G. Patterson Studio wants to photograph those once-in-a-lifetime moments of your family.  We want to take away the stresses so that you can enjoy the fruits of our labor for many years to come.  Your walls and shelves and coffee tables can be covered with priceless family memories.  G. Patterson Studio is here to make that happen.

Categories
Blog Pets

Puppy Love

Daryl with his dog Bentley in a field of bluebonnets.
Daryl with his dog Bentley in a field of bluebonnets.
Daryl with his dog Bentley in a field of bluebonnets.
Daryl with his dog Bentley in a field of bluebonnets.

As a dog owner, I completely understand the strong bond of love and companionship a person experiences with their beloved pet.  Personally, I am blessed to have a golden retriever whom I appropriately named Captain Jack Bentley.  His name Bentley comes from the fact that he is as sleek and classy as the car.  His rank of Captain is because he is so awesome he deserves to be saluted.  And Jack because I just think that is a hilarious name for a dog.  It’s cliche, but he is truly the best friend I have (OK, maybe tied with my wife.)  Ever loyal, never angry nor prone to grudges, always ready to play or just be near me, he is a better friend to me than I deserve.  I love my “golden” child.  And I know that there are individuals and families all over Nacogdoches and East Texas that love their pets as much as I love mine.  Now, I understand it can get annoying when you have that one friend that posts to facebook every last exploit, adventure, accomplishment…. or even nap of their fur-baby.  But it’s because of their precious connection that pet owners can’t help themselves.  They want to share with the whole world, just as I do, how much joy their companion brings to their lives.

Anyone that has read this much of this post is obviously an animal lover.  You are the type of person that has enjoyed years of fun memories with your pet(s).  Our studio caters to people just like you.  A portrait of you and your pet that truly captures your relationship and their personality is something we can offer you.  In addition, we give back to our local animal centered organizations to help promote the quality of life of needy animals.  Years from now, when your puppy or kitten has grown and maybe even passed away, you can look back at those priceless photos and remember the joy your furry friend brought to your life.  Consider the treasure of owning a lasting record of you and your “golden” child.  And when you do, think of G. Patterson Studio in Nacogdoches.

Categories
Advertising Blog

A picture is worth MORE than a thousand words

Commercial image of Bancorp South employees taken by Greg Patterson
Commercial image of Bancorp South employees taken by Greg Patterson
Commercial image of Bancorp South employees taken by Greg Patterson
Commercial image of Bancorp South employees taken by Greg Patterson

Most people today understand the old phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  But what I want to talk about applies to all those business men and women out there whose careers hinge upon their image.  To you I say, a picture is worth more than a thousand words… and you know it!  It can be the very lifeblood of your business.  A single photo has immeasurable affect on the way you are perceived by your potential clients, customers, and community. Like your reputation, your image is the determining factor as to whether someone will support your business or someone else’s.  Having said all that, what does your latest business photo say about you or your company?

We are professionals in the image industry. We live and breathe photographs.  It’s what we do.  And we do it better than anyone else around.  Like any other photo, we have the necessary experience and we take the needed time to carefully orchestrate the proper pose within the proper setting to create for you a photograph that expresses your desired image.  Remember, good photographers can take good photos, but great photographers create great images.

Still reading?
In most cases, conveying your desired image does not end with the perfect photograph. The next logical step is to have that photo displayed in a manner worthy of the photo. We are happy to assist you in this respect as well. Whether you intend to display your business photo within a magazine, on a billboard, or on your business cards, please allow us the opportunity to finish the work that we started. Our layout and design services are another part of how we can ensure that your image says everything about you and your business that you intend it to.

If you would like to take this new year as an opportunity to update your old image or create something new, G. Patterson Studio is here to work with you.