Hi there!
Welcome to my blog. I love to share recent sessions and other information from time to time. Take your time to browse around. If you like what you see, I’d love to visit with you! You can contact me here through my website or via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
San Antonio Senior Photographer – Melanie’s Senior Session
San Antonio Senior Photographer – Melanie’s Senior Session was very special for me! Melanie was a schoolmate of Hudson’s from early elementary through ninth grade. When she applied to be a part of my 2018 PCP Senior Team, I was excited. Melanie is smart, beautiful, and funny, and she has a smile that can light up a room.
Melanie’s Senior Session
Melanie wanted a location with gorgeous landscaping and colorful flowers for her 2018 PCP Senior Session. She chose to have her session at the fabulous San Antonio Botanical Gardens. The gardens had so many beautiful areas to use, and we enjoyed exploring every area! Melanie’s hair and makeup was done by Jax Studio.
Melanie’s Senior Year and Beyond
Melanie is a senior at MacArthur High School. She is on the varsity soccer and track teams and serves in the PALS service organization at her school. Melanie plans to attend UTSA in the fall and wants to become a nurse. Having Melanie on my team this year has truly been a pleasure!
Tell Your Story
There is still time to book your 2018 PCP Senior Session! You will have me assisting you from our consultation until your beautiful wall art and albums are delivered. I will help you with choosing your location and wardrobe as well as the best prints and products for you and your family. Contact me today so that we can start planning your session!
Lydia’s 2018 PCP Senior Session
Lydia’s 2018 PCP Senior Session was definitely a highlight of my fall! Her spirit and personality are just as bright as the outfits she chose for her PCP Senior Session! As part of the 2018 PCP Senior Team, she has been a fabulous rep! Lydia is a senior at Devine High School (which happens to be my alma mater!)
Lydia’s 2018 PCP Senior Session
Lydia’s vision for her session was a beautiful and classic location – the McNay Art Museum, bright colored clothing to capture her natural and easy-going style. I think she accomplished her goal, don’t you? Her yellow dress was an amazing color for her, especially when combined with her blue necklace. Her soft pink top and cropped jeans were perfect against the gray stone backdrop of the sculpture garden. My favorite outfit of her session was her denim top with the fabulous colorful tassels paired with her white jeans and red sandals!! LOVE!!!!
Lydia’s Senior Year
In addition to being a part of the 2018 PCP Senior Team, Lydia also plays varsity tennis for Devine High School and is active in FCCLA, National Honor Society, and Fashion Design.
Future Roadrunner
Lydia has been accepted to and plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall of 2018. I know she has a bright future, and I am so proud to know her! In the year that I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lydia, I’ve watched her confidence in front of the camera grow and I have enjoyed her beautiful smile and genuinely kind spirit.
Congratulations, Lydia, on your senior year and your future plans as a UTSA Roadrunner. Birds UP!!
Tell Your Story
2018 and 2019 Seniors, let me help you tell your story! You can plan a session that reflects your personality, your senior year and your future! What is your story? I have a few dates left for the Class of 2018 through the end of April. Call me today at 210-288-8287, or contact me HERE.
Brielle’s 2018 PCP Senior Session
I know a may sound like a broken record {to use a very outdated phrase!}, but I love my seniors! This girl is no exception! Brielle’s 2018 PCP Senior Session was so much fun. If any girl can rock a plant nursery, Brielle can!
Brielle – 2018 PCP Senior Team
Brielle has a style all her own and it is a little bit flower child and a little bit bohemian. She drives a little car that she named ‘Walter’, she has the voice of an angel and is an athlete, too, playing varsity soccer for Cole High School. She sings in her church praise band and is a leader in her church youth group. She has won awards in FCCLA and is headed to state. Brielle is part of the 2018 PCP Senior Team. She was able to participate in our summer team beach session and then worked with me to plan her individual 2018 PCP Senior Session.
Brielle’s 2018 PCP Senior Session
Brielle’s vision for her session started with her love of flowers. Especially Sunflowers. We timed her session perfectly to get those enormously tall flowers for her shoot! We headed to Fredericksburg for Brielle’s session to Wild Seed Farms. So when I say Brielle rocked a nursery, she really did! Wild Seed Farms was a great location for Brielle! Flowers everywhere and the most beautiful colors that made Brielle look even more radiant!
Brielle’s hair and makeup was done by the great team at Jax Studio. What stood out most to me were her EYES! Brielle has gorgeous eyes and a natural beauty that Jax just brought out even more in the most beautiful way!
Brielle is a confident teen with a beautiful spirit that shines from deep within her. She and other seniors like her are why I love the opportunity to photograph seniors!!
It’s Your Turn Class of 2019!
Being a part of the 2019 PCP Senior Team is easy, and all that it requires is that you have fun, meet other area seniors, have your 2019 PCP Senior Session with Pagette Callender Photography and then buy the pictures you like. You will have the opportunity for an exclusive destination session for your senior portraits or to participate in a fun group styled session with other team members. You can apply from now until February 15 to make sure you have the chance to participate in this fun opportunity!
Appy Now!If you have questions for me or want to book a session, contact me here.
Lauren’s 2018 Senior Session
Lauren’s 2018 Senior Session was fabulous! She is a home town girl and loves her community of Helotes. Having Lauren on my 2018 PCP Senior Team has been amazing! She is such a breath of fresh air and her parents are amazing. Thank you for being a part of my team, Laurnen
Lauren’s Style
Lauren’s 2018 PCP Senior Session totally revolved around her love of her community, her country girl style, and her award-winning FFA activities. She chose to use Old Town Helotes and Frank Madla Park for her session since the areas reflected her style perfectly. Here outfits and colors that she wore were spot on and Lauren’s hair and makeup was gorgeous! Hair and makeup were done by Jax Studio in San Antonio.
Lauren’s 2018 Senior Session
Lauren looked amazing in all of her outfits, but my two favorites were her yellow floral top and her blue dress. Can you believe that her blue dress was an “extra thing” that she and her mom just put in the car “just in case”? Lauren’s dress out in the wildflowers of Madla park was absolutely perfect! And the red wall! Lauren popped off that wall in her white, embroidered dress!
A confident young woman
Having the opportunity to work with girls like Lauren is why I love being a Senior photographer. She is poised, confident, and ambitious! Her biggest concern was the professional hair and makeup because it was a little out of her comfort zone. But CAN YOU TELL?? NO!! She had amazing confidence and poise throughout her PCP Senior Session, and I am honored that she chose to be a part of my 2018 PCP Senior Team! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her as she goes to college at Texas Tech.
Join the 2019 PCP Senior Team
The search is on for our next senior team. If you are currently a junior, click here to apply to be part of our 2019 PCP Senior Team. Pagette Callender Photography is searching for students from all local schools – private, public, charter, and home-school. Come and see what being a part of the PCP Senior Team community is about. You will meet great students from around the San Antonio area, participate in group shoots and activities during the year, and have the opportunity for an exclusive destination shoot. If you have questions, please call or contact me ASAP. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2018.
PCP Senior and Teen Team Rep Programs
Who are PCP Senior and Teen Team Reps?
A PCP Rep is simply a rising senior for the Class of 2019 (current JUNIOR) or teen who wants to do a professional photo session at Pagette Callender Photography, who is interested in telling their friends about us, and who wants to do group stylized group shoots and community activities with other teens in our program.As a PCP Senior or Teen Team Rep, you will have an individual photo session with Pagette and you will have the opportunity to participate in Group Photo Sessions with other reps during the year. Our Reps are just every day guys and girls LIKE YOU from ALL LOCAL SCHOOLS – private, public and home schools as well. Students in San Antonio and all surrounding communities are welcome to apply! (Boerne, New Braunfels, Devine, Hondo, Castroville, to name a few).
Who Should Apply??
You!! We are looking for high energy, highly motivated, involved teens who are very active in their high schools, clubs, sports, churches, and communities. Pagette Callender Photography wants students who will share their PCP Senior and Teen images on their social media pages and refer their friends to us for their senior and teen photography needs! The more people you know, the better! If you know other students who would be a good fit for PCP, be sure share this with them.When you apply, I closely review your social media accounts to make sure that you will be a great fit for the Pagette Callender Photography brand, and I conduct phone and in person interviews.
The Process
It does NOT COST EXTRA to be a rep! You pay for your session and for the pictures you like. As a rep, you can earn discounts and product credits for referring your friends.***IMPORTANT – ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE PARENTAL PERMISSION BEFORE APPLYING. IF YOU APPLY WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. MAKE SURE YOUR PARENTS HAVE READ THROUGH THE INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE YOU APPLY.***
Here are the steps:
1. Apply for the 2019 PCP Senior and Teen Team Rep Programs! – With your parent’s consent, complete the online application. Make sure that your parents have read through and understand all the information on our website about the teams and are completely on board before you apply. If your parent has not reviewed the information prior to our call, you will be disqualified.
2. Once you have completed your application, I will review it and then schedule a time to call to talk more with you and your parent.
3. After you are chosen for our Senior or Teen team, we will schedule your individual session. As a rep, you will receive a discount on your Creative Fee. I will work with you to help you decide what to wear and the location of your session. For Senior girls, we will schedule your hair and makeup appointment as well**. At your session, I will work with you to help you enjoy your experience and we will create images that you will love! After your session, we will schedule your Image Reveal and Ordering appointment for you to see your images for the first time and order your favorites. We have several collections of products to choose from as well as a la carte products. **Hair and Makeup is an additional fee.**
4. After you complete your individual session, you will be able to participate in group sessions with other reps as they arise.
5. When you refer your friends, you can receive print credits to use toward sessions and products.
6. Your images will be showcased on my social media pages and website.
If you are interested in participating in our 2019 PCP Senior and Teen Team Rep Programs, show your parents this post, get their permission, then complete the application!
Click here for the PCP Senior and Teen Team Rep Programs application.
Need some questions answered??
Contact me HERE if you have questions or need more information about the 2019 PCP Senior and Teen Team Rep Programs! Meet our 2018 PCP Senior Team HERE.
Mikayla’s Session – San Antonio Senior Photographer
Mikayla is a senior at Churchill HS in San Antonio. She’s the starting pitcher on the Churchill Chargers Varsity Softball Team. It was such a pleasure meeting Mikayla and her parents. She is such a down to earth and sweet senior! Her style is easygoing and fun and that made Mikayla’s Session one to remember.
Mikayla’s Session
Mikayla chose the Japanese Tea Gardens for her senior session. It fit her style perfectly! The Tea Gardens is a beautiful and natural setting with tons of green foliage, colorful flowers, fabulous rock buildings, and a gorgeous waterfall. Mikayla’s make up and hair were done by Jax Studio. Mikayla was incredibly comfortable in front of the camera – almost effortless!
In every image from Mikayla’s Session, her beauty radiates from deep within. You would never know that Mikayla was sick the day of the shoot. She was even running a fever and was a total trooper through the entire session.
Ready for your session?
I would love the opportunity to talk with you about your or your senior’s 2018 session! To download the Senior Guide, learn moire about the PCP Senior Experience and join my VIP email list, Click Here, or to contact me, Click Here.
The PCP Head Shot Event – San Antonio Photographer
It’s a new year, so it’s time for new head shots. Putting a fresh face on your business is always a good idea. Having head shots that promote you as a business professional help you to put your best foot forward for the new year. Whether you use your head shots for your website, your Linked In account, or your office directory, you need images that are reflective of who you are in 2018. Your head shots should show your professionalism, bit also your personality. These images are often the very first picture your potential client sees of you, so you want them to look amazing! Using a professional for head shots ensures that your images will be done with excellence. Introducing, The PCP Head Shot Event.
The PCP Head Shot Event
I know the thought of being in front of the camera can be intimidating, but I have a great and quick {and relatively painless} way for you to get your new head shots! The event is Saturday, February 17 from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM at the Pearl. Once you pay for you session, I will contact you to give you your session time slot. During The PCP Head Shot Event, sessions are 15 minutes each, you’ll get access to an online gallery from which you choose your 3 favorite retouched images, and then I will send your the digital files of those 3 images. By participating in the event, you will get exclusive 50% savings off the regular head shot fee of $300.
Grab Your Spot Today!
Reserve your spot by clicking HERE. If you have questions, or are interested in other photography sessions, contact me HERE.
What’s in My Camera Bag
(As the 2018 Basic DSLR Photography Class approaches, I am sharing a few of my earlier posts camera education.)
What’s in my camera bag? I get asked about my lenses all the time. What are my favorites and what’s the best lens for ….. Compared to some photographers, my collection is small. I have 5 lenses in total. One is a kit lens that I never use anymore (except to take this picture), Canon EFS 18-55mm f/3.5. I won’t talk about that one, but my others are all useful and my go-to for different shooting situations. I certainly have a wish list of lenses and other equipment, but the lenses I have get the job done!
What’s in my camera bag?
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L: This is my everyday go-to lens. This is what is on my camera for most of my personal shooting – vacations, school events, and other everyday needs. I also use it for shooting events. The L series lenses are pricey, but are definitely worth saving for. This lens is fast, sharp, well built, and versatile. It is a little heavy, but you get used to it. It has been one of the best lens purchases I’ve made!
Honey and Gramps with the grand boys – Christmas 2016 – 24-70mm f/2.8
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8: I love this lens! It is my favorite of my 2 portrait lenses. I love the bokeh (blurry background) it creates. It’s small and lightweight, and as far as lenses go, very reasonably priced! I love the focus speed and sharpness I get from this lens. It isn’t part of the Canon L series, but my research convinced me to go with the 85 f/1.8 over the much more expensive f/1.2.
Senior Session – 85mm f/1.8
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4: I love this lens too! It’s great in lower light situations because of the 1.4 focal length. It’s a great portrait lens, is lightweight and inexpensive. This and the 85mm are the two lenses I use exclusively for portraits.
Teen Session 50mm f/1.4
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L: My go to for my boys’ sports! Both my boys play football, and one swims while the other plays basketball and tennis. Therefore, I shoot a lot of sports! I rented this lens many times before I could save up to buy it. I love that this lens is fast, sharp, and perfect for action shooting. The only learning curves (not even negatives) were that I had to learn to keep the camera very still on long focal lengths (200mm) because of camera shake. This occurs because of the weight and size of the lens. A great way to avoid this is by using a monopod or bracing you camera against something steady.
Carson #32 – ball carrier – 70-200mm f/2.8
A few tips..
Invest in good “glass”. Many years ago a photography instructor gave me the best piece of advice about camera equipment. Invest in your glass (lenses). If you have a DSLR, but it is an entry level body with a cropped sensor (such as a Canon Rebels or Nikon DX Series), buy lenses for full frame cameras, if you have the option. Most cropped sensor bodies are compatible with full frame lenses. The cropped sensor will change the focal length some, but they will be a better long term purchase. By investing in better lenses you have the opportunity to learn more about technique and shooting. Having the latest and greatest camera body is a great goal, but not the most important purchase, in my humble opinion!
What is the best lens for you? That’s a personal question. Are you looking for a versatile, daily use lens? Are you looking for a longer focal length to use from the stands at sporting events? Or, are you wanting to try a prime lens? When lens shopping, this is the first thing you need to determine.
Do your research. Once you know of a specific type of lens you’re searching for, look at reviews for not only your camera’s brand of lenses, but competitor brands, as well. Sigma and Tamron make some fabulous lenses that are often as good as Canon and Nikkor, but at a lower price. One of my favorite lenses that I used to own was made by Tamron. Go to a camera store and play with lenses, ask questions, compare, and rent one to test out for a weekend.
Look for deals. There are great and reputable sites to purchase used equipment. Both of my L series lenses I purchased used, and they are fabulous. It’s a great way to get great equipment at a considerable savings. Lens rental companies, Canon and Nikon, and online camera equipment stores all sell refurbished equipment.
Ready to learn more??
What are your questions about camera lenses? Comment below or contact me with your questions! Want to learn more? I will be hosting a Basic DSLR Photography Class on January 20, 2018, so click here to sign up. Space is limited. Also, be sure to sign up for PCP emails for priority notifications and receive our complimentary Family Photography Welcome Guide as my gift.
Basic DSLR Photography Class – San Antonio Family Photographer
As a professional photographer, I get asked lots of questions about cameras, settings, troubleshooting, etc. Being mostly a self-taught photographer, I love sharing what I’ve learned along the way! Over the years, I’ve used many avenues to learn and improve my craft – classes, online tutorials, you-tube videos, professional online groups. What I’ve learned is when I have the opportunity for in-person, hands-on learning, I learn best! This is why I started teaching a Basic DSLR Photography Class.
Is this class for you??
Did you get a brand new camera for Christmas? Or do you have a DSLR camera, whatever brand, that you only use the Auto mode on? Do you want to gain a better understanding of your camera’s different shooting modes, learn basic photography concepts, and generally improve your skills? If your answer to any of these questions is YES!!, then this class is for you. The only requirements for the class are to own a DSLR and bring a positive attitude!!
What’s covered in the class?
In the Basic DSLR Photography Class, we will cover gear, exposure, camera settings and shooting modes, as well as basic concepts like ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, basic composition and use of light. You will have a workbook that you can take notes in and you also will have access to a few extra freebie “cheat sheets”. The in-class portion of the class 2.5-3 hours, then we will go outside and have time to practice what you’ve learned! In addition, I will be available for any questions you have after you take the class!
When is the Basic DSLR Photography Class??
The next class will be February 2, 2019 from 1-5pm. The class is limited to about 10 people, so that each attendee can get the most benefit and hands-on time.
Ready to sign up?
I SO HOPE YOU ARE!! I promise you will love the class and you will be so glad you signed up! Sign up soon! There are only a few remaining sots and I want YOU to have one! The price of the class is $129. Hurry and get your seat! Space is limited to ensure the best experience for all.
Click HERE to purchase your seat today.
Have questions??
If you have any questions or would like to chat about scheduling your PCP Senior or Family Experience, contact me here.
The Loerwald Family – San Antonio Family Photographer
We all know couples that would be amazing parents – they just have to be given the opportunity. When it finally happens for them, we all celebrate with them and cry our own tears of joy! For me, one of those sweet families is the Loerwald’s. I’ve had the honor of knowing the Loerwald Family for over 10 years. I first met Michelle when she was Hudson’s 2nd grade teacher. 3 years later, she was Carson’s 3rd grade teacher. She is one of the most talented, creative, and hardest working teachers I’ve ever known. She is so great with all of her students and goes above and beyond daily for them and their families.
Michelle and Casey are a beautiful and fun couple, and I have loved watching their love grow over the years I’ve known them. I’ve even had the pleasure of photographing them for their anniversary a few years ago, and yesterday, November 19 was their 12th anniversary!
(Happy anniversary, you guys!!)
Meant to be a Mom
I knew from the moment I met Michelle that she was meant to be a mom and that she would be a fabulous one. She’s naturally at ease with children and has such a youthful spirit! For most of the time I have known her and Casey, I knew they were trying to have a baby. Michelle struggled with infertility for many years, and they eventually started the adoption process.
In July of 2017, their lives changed forever. A birth mom had read their story and picked them as prospective adoptive parents for her soon to be born son. Michelle says from that moment it was a whirlwind of activity as they prepared for their son to be born!
Cy’s Arrival
Right after Michelle started a new teaching position in a brand new school district, they got the call they had been waiting for – their son was making his debut. Michelle and Casey left immediately so that they could be present for the birth of their new baby boy. Cy Joseph made his debut on August 21, 2017.
Friends and family of Michelle and Casey were ecstatic to hear their news, because we’ve watched and prayed for them over the years that they would be blessed with a child. To see them with Cy is a beautiful sight. Michelle and Casey are so natural as a mommy and daddy that it is clear that adopting Cy is what God intended for them.
November is National Adoption Month. My own family was blessed by adoption and gave me two brothers many years ago. Adoption is a beautiful gift, and I am so honored and thankful that the Loerwald’s had me be a part of their story.
If you are interested in booking your own newborn lifestyle session or family session, I would love to hear from you! Contact me here for information. To join my VIP list and download your complementary Family Welcome Guide, click here.
