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On this busy day, the kind where you barely have time to catch your breath, let alone indulge in your passions, I found a moment while eating out. As an avid photographer, I find myself constantly on the lookout for opportunities, even on the busiest of days as history unfolds in front of my eyes. As I was traversing the city after a long day of traveling, I found myself at the 7caldos restaurant.
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The 7caldos restaurant is a local favorite known for its delectable cuisine and inviting atmosphere. As I stepped in, I was immediately drawn towards the kitchen. The kitchen is truly the heart of any restaurant, and at 7caldos, it's a sight to behold. The hustle and bustle, the clanging of pots and pans, the heat from the stove, the aroma of food cooking - it's a sensory overload in the most beautiful way possible.
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I couldn&rsquo;t help but notice the stark contrast between the kitchen and the outside seating area. The kitchen, with its industrial style, stainless steel appliances, and bustling atmosphere, contrasted sharply with the tranquility of the outdoor area. The outdoor area, with its cozy seating, warm lights, and serene ambiance, was a world away from the chaos inside the kitchen.
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This contrast intrigued me. It was like a story waiting to be told, a narrative that unfolded right in front of me. With the permission of the chefs, I decided to capture this contrast. The result was a stunning photo that perfectly encapsulated the two different worlds within the restaurant.
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The shot turned out to be one of my favorites. It not only highlighted the contrasting styles but also showcased the spirit of the restaurant, its hustle, its calm, and its unique charm.
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This experience reminded me of the importance of seizing opportunities, no matter how busy we are. Despite being on the road and all over the place, I managed to find a moment of creativity amidst the chaos, a moment that led to an amazing shot.
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In life, we are often so caught up in our routines and to-do lists that we forget to stop and look around. But, as I discovered today, sometimes the most beautiful moments can be found in the most unexpected places. So, no matter how busy you are, remember to take a moment to look around. You never know what you might find.

A Tale of Two Contrasts: An Impromptu Photoshoot at 7caldos Restaurant

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On my recent trip to Guatemala, a place vibrantly alive with culture and history, I found myself drawn to the people and their stories. Despite being a stranger in a foreign land, I was warmly welcomed into their lives, learning from each individual I met along the way. I've always considered myself fairly knowledgeable, but this trip was a humbling reminder that there's always more to learn.
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My journey began with a leap of faith, pushing myself out of my comfort zone to photograph and interact with locals. I quickly discovered that behind every face, there was a story to be told and a lesson to be learned. From farmers tending to their bee farms to artisans meticulously crafting traditional clothing, each person I met had a unique tale to share.
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One of the most fascinating things I learned was about the different types of bees and the honey they produce. I was introduced to this by a local beekeeper, who passionately shared his knowledge about the tiny creatures and their sweet produce. The intricacy of the process, the care taken in tending to the bees, and the ultimate reward of the honey was a mesmerizing tale of dedication and passion.
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Another captivating encounter was with an artisan who was handcrafting clothes. The beauty of the intricate designs and the vibrant colors was a sight to behold. Through our conversation, I learned about the long-standing traditions and the painstaking efforts taken to create each piece. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the art and the artists.
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My journey through Guatemala reminded me of the importance of learning from others and embracing the unknown. It's easy to get stuck in our own bubble, believing we know all there is to know. But the truth is, there's a wealth of knowledge out there, waiting to be discovered. All it takes is a little curiosity and the willingness to engage with others.
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I encourage everyone to take a moment to speak to others, learn from them, and gain knowledge from people who are skilled in something you know nothing about. It's these encounters that enrich our lives, broaden our horizons, and remind us of the vast world beyond our own immediate experiences.

The Faces of Guatemala: A Journey of Learning and Discovery

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In the whirlwind of our professional lives, we often forget to pause and appreciate the world around us. This is exceptionally true for professional photographers, who are so engrossed in capturing portraits, events, and commercial shots that they forget to step back and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. This blog post is a gentle reminder of the importance and joy of photographing outside of work, inspired by a recent outing with friends.
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Photography is a powerful medium. It allows us to document moments, express emotions, and communicate perspectives. But when photography becomes a profession, the camera often becomes nothing more than a tool of trade. In the race to meet client expectations and deadlines, the passion and joy of capturing the world through the lens can sometimes get lost.
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This was something I was reminded of during a recent outing with friends. It was a day devoid of professional commitments, a day where my camera was not a tool, but a companion. I found myself capturing candid moments, the play of light and shadow, the colors of the sunset, the details of the landscape, and the expressions of my friends as they reveled in the beauty of the moment. It was not about creating perfect portraits or capturing a moment to meet client specifications. It was about enjoying the world around us, through the lens of a camera.
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The experience was not only refreshing but also incredibly liberating. It reminded me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It brought back the joy of exploring different perspectives, of capturing a moment just because it spoke to me, of playing with the settings on my camera to create an image that matched the picture in my mind.
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Moreover, stepping out of the professional zone gave me a chance to experiment and learn. Without the pressure of delivering a perfect shot, I was free to try out different techniques, angles, and settings. Some of the shots were far from perfect, but each one taught me something new, something I would not have had the opportunity to learn while sticking to professional commitments.
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The importance of photographing outside of work cannot be overstated. Not only does it rekindle the joy of photography, but it also inspires creativity, encourages learning, and provides a much-needed break from the routine. As professionals, it's crucial that we take these moments to step back, enjoy the world around us, and remember why we fell in love with our craft in the first place.
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So, to all my fellow photographers out there, I urge you to take a break from your professional commitments. Take your camera out for a casual outing. Capture the world around you, not for clients or projects, but for yourself. Reignite the joy of photography and rediscover the world through your lens.

Rediscovering the World through the Lens: The Joy of Casual Photography

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Interestingly enough, not everyone knows me as a photographer. If you are here, you're more than likely interested in my work. Now, you could also be here because you are one of my students that I have had in the past or currently, who happened to find this blog and you want to bring it up in class. As much as I love photography, my passion since I was young had always been to become a teacher one day and help out kids like me.
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If you are reading this, you may not know that photography is my second job. My main job is teaching English at a public high school. It was through this job that I gained such an admiration for each one of my senior sessions. Though I had done multiple senior sessions before, it wasn't until I became a teacher that they started to impact me directly. As a teacher and photographer, I was lucky enough to photograph my own students and see them grow into the amazing young adults that they are today. It gave me a new motive to photograph seniors. I began to understand that each kid had a different story and I wanted to be there to help them create art that demonstrates who they are in their young careers.
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My job as a teacher is everything to me and there is nothing sweeter than seeing young adults celebrate such a monumentous moment in their lives. As someone who graduated as a first-generation student, I am so happy that I have been able to photograph so many lives and impact them both in and outside the classroom.
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This blog goes out to my kids who have graduated and those that I will see graduate one day.
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If you are struggling to financially hire a photographer, know that I am more than just that. Please feel free to reach out and we can discuss different options because I may be able to work out something. I know how big these moments can be for kids and I want to do as much as possible to make it happen!

Why Senior Sessions Mean so Much to Me

As the final stroke of my brush touches the canvas, I find myself reflecting on what has been a truly remarkable year. The final event of the year has come and gone, and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities I have had and the people who have supported my journey as an artist. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who booked me and provided me the chance to share my passion and creativity.
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This year has been nothing short of amazing. It was filled with countless hours in front of the canvas, blending colors and shaping images that tell a story. Each piece of art I created became a part of someone's life, whether it adorned their living room wall or became a meaningful gift to a loved one. The opportunity to create art that touches people's lives and makes their world a little more beautiful is a privilege I never take for granted.
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The art I create is not just about expressing my own ideas and feelings, but about connecting with others on a deeper level. Every painting, every sketch, every sculpture is a conversation between me and the viewer. And through these conversations, I've learned more about myself, my craft, and the world around me than I ever could have imagined.
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Looking back at this year, I see a mosaic of experiences and emotions, each one as vibrant and unique as the art I create. I've had the joy of seeing the look on a client's face when they see their vision come to life on canvas. I've felt the heartache of a piece not turning out as I'd envisioned, followed by the satisfaction of finally getting it just right after countless revisions. And through it all, I've grown not just as an artist, but as a person.
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As we approach a new year, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for what's to come. I hope to continue creating art that inspires, provokes, and touches people's hearts. I look forward to another year full of creativity, growth, and connection.
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To everyone who has been a part of my journey this year &ndash; whether you booked me for an event, bought one of my pieces, or simply offered words of encouragement &ndash; thank you. Your support means the world to me and fuels my passion for creating art. Here's to another amazing year!

A Year in Review: My Journey of Creating Art

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Hey there! I'm a wedding and portrait photographer in Oklahoma City, and let me tell you &ndash; there's nothing I would rather be doing. Capturing weddings isn&rsquo;t just a job for me; it's a real passion. Every wedding is a new adventure, a chance to freeze those awesome, once-in-a-lifetime moments into forever memories.
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So, why is wedding photography so important? Well, think about it. When the big day is over, the cake is all eaten, and the guests have danced their last dance, what's left? Your photos! These aren't just pictures; they're your personal time capsules, bringing back all the feels, laughter, and tears of joy every time you flip through them.
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Recently, I've been going through my collections from weddings around OKC, and it's just incredible. Every couple, every celebration, is so unique and beautiful. My favorite part? Capturing those little, candid moments &ndash; a secret smile, happy tears, or that spontaneous dance move. It's these bits that really bring your wedding story to life.
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The best part of shooting weddings? The joy, hands down! Being around so much love and happiness, and getting to capture it all, is just the best feeling ever. I get to be part of your big day and help you keep those memories alive forever. How cool is that?
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If you're planning your wedding, remember, the photos are what last a lifetime. Picking a photographer who gets you and your style is super important. I'm here to make sure your day is not just photographed, but truly captured &ndash; every laugh, every tear, every crazy-in-love moment. It really is something special.

Why I Absolutely Love Wedding Photography – And Why It Matters!

The turnaround is unmatched! Very professional & attentive! Hands down my favorite photographer!

Shyleetra Burton

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Our 1 Hour Photography Collection is perfect for capturing those special moments that you want to remember forever. This package includes one hour of photography coverage, 50 photos, an online gallery, and pre-shoot consultation. We’ll work with you to create the perfect set up for your photo session – from the perfect backdrops, to the perfect lighting, to ensure you get the most beautiful images. The one hour of photography coverage allows us to capture a range of different shots – from the beautiful details of your special day, to the candid shots of you and your guests enjoying the moment. We’ll work with you to ensure that your photos are timeless and reflect your personal style!

1 Hour Photography Collection

Capture the memories of your special day with our Mis 15 Años Dia Completo package! This package is designed to provide you with comprehensive photography coverage to ensure that every precious moment is documented.
The package includes a pre-session with an included 24x36 print, allowing you to get comfortable in front of the camera and capture a stunning image to display. This print will serve as a beautiful reminder of this milestone event.
With 10 hours of photography coverage, our skilled photographer will be there to capture every important moment of your quinceañera celebration. From the getting ready process to the emotional ceremony and the lively reception, we will be there to document it all.
After the event, we will provide you with an online photo gallery where you can easily view and share your photos with friends and family. This gallery allows you to relive the memories and showcase the highlights of your special day.
In addition, we offer a pre-quinceañera consultation to discuss your vision and preferences for the photos. We want to ensure that we capture the moments that are most important to you, so this consultation allows us to understand your priorities and tailor our approach accordingly.
With approximately 500-600 photos included in this package, you can rest assured that every important detail will be captured. From the candid moments to the posed portraits, our photographer will work diligently to provide you with a comprehensive collection of images that will allow you to cherish your quinceañera for years to come.
Don't miss the opportunity to document this once-in-a-lifetime event. Book our Mis 15 Años Dia Completo package today and let us capture the magic of your quinceañera!

Mis 15 Años Dia Completo Paquete

The Full Day Wedding Collection (10 Hours) package offers comprehensive coverage of your special day, ensuring that every moment is captured beautifully. This package includes various features and services that will make your wedding photography experience truly memorable.
To begin with, the package includes a pre-session with an included 24x36 Print. This allows you to have a personalized and unique engagement session before your wedding day, resulting in a stunning print that you can cherish forever.
The package also includes 10 hours of photography coverage, ensuring that every important moment of your wedding is captured. From the early morning preparations to the late-night festivities, your photographer will be there to document it all.
Additionally, you will have access to an online photo gallery, where you can view and share your wedding photos with friends and family. This convenient feature allows you to relive your special day whenever you want, from anywhere in the world.
Furthermore, the package includes a pre-wedding consultation. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your vision and preferences with the photographer, ensuring that they understand exactly what you want to see when you look back at your special day. This will help them capture the moments and emotions that are most important to you.
Finally, the package guarantees approximately 500-600 high-quality photos. This ensures that you will have a wide selection of images to choose from when creating albums, prints, or sharing on social media.
Overall, the Full Day Wedding Collection (10 Hours) package offers a comprehensive and personalized photography experience. With its inclusion of a pre-session, extensive coverage, online gallery, consultation, and a generous number of photos, this package is designed to capture every aspect of your wedding day in stunning detail.

Full Day Wedding Collection (10 Hours)

The Senior Session package is perfect for capturing the special moments of your high school senior year. With this package, you will receive 1 hour of photography coverage, allowing us to capture a variety of stunning images that showcase your unique personality and style. 
During the session, we will work together to create a comfortable and relaxed environment, allowing your true self to shine through in every photograph. Our experienced photographer will guide you through various poses and settings, ensuring that we capture the perfect shots that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.
After the session, you will receive a carefully curated collection of 35 high-quality photos. These images will be professionally edited to enhance their beauty and highlight your natural features. You will also have access to an online gallery, where you can easily view and share your photos with friends and family.
Before the session, we will schedule a pre-shoot consultation to discuss your vision and preferences. This will allow us to better understand your unique style and tailor the session to your specific needs. We can also provide guidance on wardrobe choices, locations, and any other questions you may have.
Investing in the Senior Session package is a wonderful way to commemorate this milestone in your life. Whether you are looking for senior portraits for your yearbook, graduation announcements, or simply want beautiful photos to remember this special time, our team is dedicated to capturing your memories in a way that reflects your individuality and creates timeless images that you will treasure forever.

Senior Session

Introducing our Film Package, an exclusive film making service designed to capture your moments in the most artistic and authentic way. With this package, you will receive video coverage, ensuring every detail, every smile, and every cherished moment is beautifully documented.For something simple and small, go with the coverage package but for a true experience, go with one of our documentary films where we interview your family and any important people that you want to hear from forever. This experience follows the non-traditional film making approach as our team mixes documentary film making with a wedding experience to truly make you feel as if your memories are shown in front of your eyes. To guarantee a seamless experience, the service begins with a pre-shoot consultation. This package allows us to understand your vision, preferences, and expectations, enabling us to tailor our approach to align with your unique needs and desires.The Film Package will vary depending on the amount of time booked. We ensure that the emotion and beauty of your special moments are caught on video for you to feel like you are the movie star. These are more than just videos compiled but a documentary-styled film based on a narrative that tells your story in an engaging and captivating manner.As part of our commitment to delivering a user-friendly experience, we provide a Youtube version and USB flashdrive copy of the film. We invite you to reach out to us to learn more about our Film Package. Whether it's a birthday, wedding, family event, or simply a day you want to remember, we are here to capture your moments in a way that brings them to life every time you look at them. Don’t let those precious memories fade away. Contact us today and let's start creating your visual story.

Film (Movie) Package

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