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    Wendi & Denise

Fun Food Friday :: La Gloria A San Antonio Restaurant

I had the pleasure of photographing one of the coolest new places in San Antonio a few months ago for San Antonio Magazine. La Gloria is amazing. I don’t think I’ve had anything here I didn’t love and the place has a fun atmosphere that reminds me of an upscale taco dive. It’s located at the end of the new riverwalk extension and is part of the very trendy new Pearl Brewery Complex. I love a lot of places here and it reminds me a bit of Austin but with a San Antonio flair. I’ll share a couple photos and say it is a must stop if you’re in San Antonio. Hey if you’re going to Imaging USA 2011 we should all plan a trip to La Gloria! Add a comment and I’ll start the planning.

Yes those are Pork Rinds on top of that Sope.

A view of two of the Sope choices Deshebrada, shredded beef, on the left and Chicharron, cheese and pork rinds on the right.

I want some Mexican food now. mmmmm.

Houston Wedding :: Shannon and Brian

Lucky me!  I had the opportunity to do a little “second shooting” with the awesome Kelly Hornberger at this super cool 40’s themed wedding in Houston. The reception was at the  Majestic Metro in Houston, Texas.  Second shooting is a nice diversion from being the main shooter and a great way to stay fresh.  You can see more of this vintage themed celebration here.

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Houston wedding photography

Fun Food Friday :: Central Texas BBQ

I think all photographers love food! They will drive long distances in the search of food. And when those photographers live in Texas,  BBQ is the perfect food search. Recently during an ASMP board meeting we discussed the ultimate food/photo trip. What better way to hang out with other photographers than in search of the best Central Texas BBQ?
This month’s Fun Food Friday features the first ASMP BBQ Roadtrip. We did the Luling – Lockhart circuit. It included 4 different BBQ restaurants. I share photos from each and a little report card for the food.

Sausage of the Gods!

#1. Luling City Market. This has always been my favorite BBQ ever and it continued to live up to my expectations. The Sausage here is top notch. It is mixed so nicely and fresh. The brisket here was also the best this trip. Moist with a great crust and good smoke color. Also a great sauce here. I want take a gallon of it home. This is a must stop for anyone remotely near Austin, San Antonio, or Houston.

I just love this shot. I think it sums up Black’s.

#2. Black’s in Lockhart. I was still full from Luling and I have not ever been a fan of Black’s and it too lived up to my previous opinion. The meat here is just ok. They do have a large selection of sides including the deviled eggs and pie. I got the pecan Pie and it was great and a nice break from meat. I loved the people here; they were so friendly and the interior was so cool and nostalgic.

What happens at lunch with a bunch of photographers?  Food photography of course!

Our one sausage on the left.

#3. Kreuz’s in Lockhart. Still full, two other photographers and I decided to be big spenders and split one link of Jalapeno Cheese Sausage. We still didn’t finish it. It was great and spicy but I still liked Luling’s sausage better.

Dave Einsel makes a meat tower. And yes he had a cooler and didn’t eat all this BBQ. Also notice the size of the pork chops.

#4. Smitty’s in Lockhart. This place had to be the second best in my opinion and if you’re longing for pig, the Pork Chops were amazing. I would drive there just for the pork chop.

And last but not least the motley crew from ASMP Austin and Houston. And thanks Todd for the bunny ears. I owe you one. And yes we all smelled of yummy smokey BBQ all the way home.

San Antonio Wedding :: film vs digital part 2

As promised in our last post today we are featuring a wedding shot on film with my Hasselblad 500c. I recently had the joy of attending a  friend’s wedding in San Antonio, Texas as a guest.  I took advantage of my rare “guest” status as an opportunity to bring along the Hasselblad and play. A little film magic for you…

San Antonio wedding photography

San Antonio wedding photography

San Antonio wedding photography

San Antonio wedding photography

San Antonio wedding photography

San Antonio wedding photography

The Magic of the Hasselblad :: film vs digital?

I love film.  Always have and always will.  I grew up with a darkroom in my garage and some of my earliest memories are from playing in the circle light trap door with my brother at my dad’s photo classroom. The smell of fixer and stop bring back fond memories.

I also love digital cameras. They have added a new dimension to photography — one more tool for the toolbox.   I think each has a very distinctive place and use. When you have good light and want a more organic look,  film is the way to go.   When light is low, even if it is nice or you have mixed light sources inside, digital can be better. I also love digital for capturing those quick moments.

Which is best?  Ask a group of photographers that question and you’re likely to start a heated debate.  Here’s my take.  Asking which is best is like asking what’s the best pair of shoes to wear.  It really all depends on what situation you’re going to face that day.  I’d hate to wear tennis shoes with a formal dress to the Oscars but I’d also never wear 3 inch heels on a hiking trip.

Lately I have been playing with my old Hasselblad 500C Medium Format film camera. It started as a fun diversion from my everyday digital work and has evolved into what I shoot with outside of work all the time now. Thanks to Richard Photo Lab I can get great post-shoot services and products which make shooting film even more enjoyable.

A few film images I’d like to share with you…

These sets are from my personal work I have been doing exploring Brazos Bend State Park. My mini photo safari in Texas. Also I am dying to do some portraits here so if you’re up for it let me know.  The gorgeous tree was recently featured on Dog ‘n Bird Artful Wedding.

Quick portraits from the Houston Art Car Parade.  So many fun characters and the cars are simply amazing.  And now,  onto the Houston Rodeo.

You know I can’t resist including a couple rodeo food shots!

I’ll end with the most bizarre set. these were from the Round Top, Texas antiques festival. Crazy place! On the left, old knives and on the right,  molds for making baby doll heads.  Slightly creepy, but I love it.

Later this week I’ll show you how the Hasselblad translates to weddings.