A Walk in an Alternate Reality with Infrared {New Braunfels and San Antonio Infrared Photography}

Some animals can see in the ultraviolet and infrared spectrum. That's amazing to imagine. Our eyes are made to see only the colors of the rainbow -- red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. But on one end of that spectrum is ultraviolet and on the other end is infrared.

It's true that some flowers have much more complex detail in them than we can see with our eyes. But the creatures that feed on those plants or fertilize those plants see them totally different than our eyes see them. I found a cool demonstration here. There are some photos with a slider so you can see how humans see these object versus how certain animals see them.

The infrared camera can pick up subtle difference in fabrics and objects that appear to us as the same color. I see it usually in clothing. But it can also be seen seen in the environment. Foliage can appear in varying shades of white and flowers can reflect different patterns.

Today I wanted to showcase some of our infrared landscape images.

These first four images were taken at the old Aquarena Springs. It was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. In these images it appears ghostly and dreamy. Sadly, the old Sky Spiral was torn down a few years ago and these images were probably one of the last ever taken of it. Students had a nasty habit of sneaking to the top and falling to their death so it was a danger.

The replica of the San Xavier mission is still there on the hillside. Hopefully, those hiking trails will be reopened some day.

This is an image of the Red Brick Inn in Gruene.





This is probably my most favorite infrared image. It hangs on the wall outside my bedroom so I pass it every day. This was taken at the Very Large Array in New Mexico. on one of our cross country road trips. Jayme outdid himself on this one.





And this Monument Valley image is Jayme's favorite infrared image, which was taken on that very same road trip during a sandstorm. You can read more about that road trip on my previous blogs here and here, where I'll show you some visible light images that I took of these same locations.





This image was taken on another road trip, this time through D'Hanis, Texas. It's an amazing abandoned church that we love to stop at for photos from time to time. Here's my blog with some images in visible light.





This one is the back side of the Gruene Mansion Inn, a popular spot for photos.





The next five images were taken at Paradisus Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic. We were there for a destination wedding -- which was amazing, I must add.

This is an image of the J.C. Kellam building on the campus of Texas State University.





And last, but certainly not least is an image of the famous Chicken Ranch in La Grange. This place is special to us because Jayme has been in the midst of writing a book about this place. You'll see me blog about this quite a bit more in the future because he has a contract in his hands as I write this to publish the book through a major publishing house. If you can't wait, we self-published Ghosts of the Chicken Ranch a couple of years ago to showcase our photography of the ruins. Both mine and Jayme's photography is featured in there, including some more infrared.



Next I'm going to share some infrared images of weddings we've captured through the years.

Lisa On Location Photography

Infrared Images Can Bring a Fantasy and Surrealism to your Session or Wedding {New Braunfels and San Antonio Infrared Photography}

It's hard for me to admit something like this, but my husband is actually better than me at something. Soak it in Jayme while you can because I won't say it again! I asked Jayme to send me some of his best infrared so I could blog it. Then I went through all the past weddings he brought his infrared camera to and pulled out the infrared images. I intended to do a simple blog highlighting some of his best infrared but found myself overwhelmed with hundreds of amazing images so I decided to break it into five separate blogs. First I'll show you some general infrared images he did with some models when he was honing his craft. Then I'll show you some amazing scenery shot in infrared. Then I'll blog about the wedding photography he's accomplished while seconding me. Then I'll show you an incredible project he undertook creating an eerily beautiful levitation series. And last but not least, I'll share some of the boudoir images he's managed to create.

First a little background. Infrared isn't a new art. There was infrared in the film days as well. In fact, it dates back to 1910, but didn't pick up popularity among photographers until the 30s when special infrared film became available commercially. It was only natural that the art form would find it's place in digital as well. When Jayme started his hobby he used a special filter screwed on his lens and very long exposures to capture images in infrared. Some of those images you'll see during the scenery blog. But before long he sent his old Rebel away for conversion. Any ordinary visible light camera can be transformed into an infrared camera by removing the image sensor's internal filter and replacing it with one that blocked visible light while allowing infrared to pass through. Before long we were converting higher-end cameras to infrared and have upped our game to produce high-quality infrared images simply and quickly.

Take a look at the amazing effects created with his camera on this beautiful model. Look especially at the creamy, almost statue-like quality of her skin.

Also notice the dreamy, white appearance of the foliage around her. Many of our clients are in awe at the way the infrared photos turn the scenery to a dream-like world.

I also find it interesting to look at hair in infrared light. It can take on different colors based on hair dyes and products used in the hair. This model had color in her hair and reflected light differently. Jayme also did a channel swap to illustrate some of the difference he can draw out in Photoshop.

It can be tricky to process infrared after a session. Most photo editing software is confused by the tonality and you'll get some strange colors when you try to auto white balance it. Jayme also does a beautiful procedure with his images to create some in "false color" by doing color swaps in Photoshop. Take a look at these. You'll see more like this in my later infrared blogs.

Next week I'll share some of those landscape and scenery images he's created.

Lisa On Location Photography

This mother of two is finding her sexy side and she's letting me share them! {New Braunfels Boudoir Photography}

When this gorgeous lady came into my studio we hit it off right away. She's about my age and she has a teenager and an elementary school child. She has recently taken up modeling as a pastime and asked me to help her with some softer images for her portfolio. And she's happy for me to share them with you!

Because she was willing to allow me to play with some new locations and poses, we were able to break out of the studio and hit the back yard as well. My studio is located behind my house and my yard is a full acre. I have grand plans of expanding and doing more outside in my own backyard. For now, it's nicely guarded from prying neighbors with large bushes and privacy fencing and works well.



I've been dying to try out my hammock during a session. I confess the hammock was put there for my own selfish reasons of relaxation but I found it worked well with a scantily clad lady as well.



It was pretty warm for a late September day so we were happy to head back into the studio to cool off. Thanks for letting me share these images lovely lady!



Lisa On Location Photography

The Real Story is in the Review {New Braunfels Photography}

I spent a few hours last night reading reviews. Not just mine, but the reviews left for other photographers. It started with me checking out the reputation of a photographer I was considering shooting with. Then I clicked on other photographers and I clicked on their reviews and other reviews and it got my wheels turning.

Most people rate photographers on a few similar categories: 1) Value of what they got for their money, 2) Customer service provided by the photographer including their personality, and 3) The quality of the images they got from the photographer. I don't think I once saw a review saying "she wore amazing outfits," or "she had a funny smell." I did find one bad review that said "when I came to her office she wasn't wearing a shirt," but that was just a weird one and I hardly ever walk around topless so I'm not concerned at all about anyone saying that.

I'm proud of the fact that I have really high reviews. It's tricky to share reviews because there are so many outlets to post reviews. I may be totally unaware of some of the review locations out there. But I'm proud that I don't have a single negative review.

I don't usually push reviews with my clients and my husband is constantly criticizing me for that. The conversation will go like this:

Me: "That bride with the really fun wedding I did last month told me she loves all her images and she's thrilled with me. She's sending me cookies to say thanks."

Him: "Did you ask her to write a review for you?"

Me: "No, but I'm getting cookies."

Him: "Cookies don't matter, reviews do."

Me: "But they're peanut butter...."

So, alas, because cookies don't tell the whole story even in all their peanut buttery goodness, I must ask for reviews. So this blog is me asking you to write one if you've ever loved the work I've done for you. Here are some lovely links to read some of those reviews and for you to leave some yourself.

But this doesn't mean I don't still want cookies.

These are on The Knot.

These are on Wedding Wire.

These are on Facebook.

Here are my Yelp rreviews.

These are my Google reviews.

Lisa On Location Photography

Let's Take Care of Christmas Early {New Braunfels Photography}

It never surprises me. Right about mid December I get a string of panicked calls. "Is it too late to get Christmas card photos taken."

I'm guilty of the same thing sometimes. I procrastinate too. So I can't knock you!

But this year I'm making it really easy to get it down early. If you know me, you know that I hardly ever do specials or mini sessions or coupons. But I wanted to share something special with my friends and family and their friends and family so I created this special. It's mostly advertised though word of mouth. My Facebook fans can see it as well as the readers of my blog. At this special prices, there's no excuse to not update your family photo album. There's no excuse to not hang a beautiful new family portrait on your wall.

This deal is for a limited time -- it won't be available in the middle of December. So call me now to get on the calendar.

Lisa On Location Photography

The Veranda Keeps Getting Better and Better {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

This is the third in a series of blogs about my favorite wedding venues in and around the San Antonio and New Braunfels areas.

I first learned about the Veranda when I booked a beautiful couple who'd come straight from the venue to meet with me. They had the distinct honor of being the very first couple to book it and I would have the honor of being the very first photographer to photograph it.

Shortly before that first wedding I visited the Veranda to take a look around. I met with Jessica, the friendly coordinator on site. I was a little nervous because it was a week before the wedding and there was construction equipment everywhere. She assured me it would be ready and she was right.

The venue is nestled in the trees in Castle Hills and actually has a castle turret on the property, which is how Castle Hills got it's name. The house dates from the 20s when it was a private residence of a founding family of the area.

The house is gorgeously remodeled and updated and give the feeling of a glamorous Gatsby party waiting to happen.

The front entry way is one of my favorite places to photograph the bridal party and the happy couple.



I also love the side patio. It serves as a nice place for guests to gather when they arrive for the ceremony. It's also a nice place away from the dancing pavilion where guests can gather for conversations with family and friends.



The front yard is huge with lots of gorgeous trees and an excellent view of the house.



The back patio is the crowning glory of the Veranda. I've seen it used as the ceremony site itself, as a cocktail hour location, and as an are for games during the reception. It photographs beautifully.



Couples can choose that patio or the side yard for the ceremony site.



Much of the reception takes place in the pavilion on the back yard. I've seen weddings in the heat of summer and the cold of winter in this open air pavilion. It works well no matter the weather.



Photographing a wedding at the Veranda is a comfortable experience. The staff is helpful and obviously enjoy their jobs very much. The home-like environment is cozy and pleasant and there is a beautiful photo opportunity behind every corner.

Give Jessica a call to take your own tour of this favorite San Antonio wedding venue.



Lisa On Location Photography