Mikel and I recently got to spend a long weekend in San Antonio – it was just what I needed and I left feeling energized… and ready to post this blog. However, when I got back to reality, things got WAY crazier than I expected, so it’s taken a bit to get to this post. For that, I apologize. However, it’s a nice lead in to a fun weekend – I have a senior session this Sunday that I’m excited about, so be sure to look for a preview or two on Sunday evening!

A Juice Walk in San Antonio has to start at the Alamo. I love, love, love this monument. Why? Well, not only is quintessentially Texan… it’s free to get in! Wahoo! I resisted taking some of the ‘typical’ Alamo photos. I actually found my self quite enthralled with the plant life in the courtyard (which was in full bloom in February!) and decided to have fun with my 50/1.8 WIDE open:

There were a bunch of fountains around as well:

Ok… fun story about this one… sorta. If you follow me on Twitter, you probably saw my tweet about this story. I wanted to get an atypical shot of the famous outline of The Alamo, and we happened to be there in the late morning as the sun was getting really high in the sky. I wanted to try to get some sun flare going in the shot. My first shots were way blown out, but I finally got a shot that I was fairly well pleased with… that is, until I realized that my camera was stuck. I turned it off and the image still stayed on the screen. I had totally frozen my sensor – WHOOPS! It scared the life out of me! I took the battery out and put it back in, and all was well. But lesson learned, all you out there in blog land… don’t shoot straight into the bright sun. In any event, you may start humming “Texas, Our Texas” now:

Speaking of humming “Texas, Our Texas”… feel free to break out into “Deep In The Heart Of Texas” with this one:

We were staying at a landmark hotel, The Menger. I spent part of my day shooting around the historic part of the hotel and its courtyard. I’m pretty sure the other guests thought I was nuts, but how can you resist with details like these?

I eventually made my way to the River Walk. This detail shot felt like it need a nice, grainy black and white treatment:

You know how I said I learned my lesson about not shooting into the sun at the Alamo? Um… it was just so pretty nearing sunset on the River Walk, and I couldn’t resist, and… yeah, there’s no good excuse. But it worked out alright. I’m counting my lucky stars…

Check back in this weekend for some senior previews!

I also just want to say “Welcome!” to all of the new Brides-To-Be who may be out there in cyber-land visiting for the first time. Congrats on your engagement! (After major holidays, I always see a spike in blog viewership… I’m convinced it’s because gentlemen out there like to take advantage of those festive days and propose in style!) Enjoy this time of wedding planning – don’t rush. Find the vendors who are right for you and don’t be afraid to buck trends!

Now, since blog posts are more fun with images… tell me which one you like better of the Monument to San Antonio – the more “traditional” DRP Edit or the slightly edgy black and white version. Comment away!

More from San Antonio coming soon!