Way Out West Workshop – Buggy Barn Museum

Way Out West Workshop – Buggy Barn Museum

Western Styled Photo Workshop at the Pine Moore Old West Studio in Blanco, Texas

Since Summer is my slower season for photo sessions, I like to keep an eye out for creative opportunities just for myself.

While checking the classes on Precision Camera’s calendar, I spotted the “Western Photography Workshop with Robert Backman.”

behind the scenes at the workshop

Behind the Scenes at the Western Photography Workshop

It seems to be offered yearly and is described as such:

Howdy sharpshooters! Join Robert Backman, Westcott and Canon at the Buggy Barn Museum’s Pine Moore Old West Studio in Blanco, TX for some creative lighting and portrait techniques! If you have ever been curious about using colorful lighting to compose your images, reflectors, natural light portraits, cowboys, saloon girls, gambling, old whiskey, or looking for a fun and authentic photoshoot location, sign up today!”

And sign up I did.

Workshop Teacher Robert Backman illustrating the leading line of the model’s leg during some of the final poses of the workshop.

With a handful of great models, lots of vintage costume changes and great Wild West backdrops – it was a fun afternoon of photographing. 

photographer plus wild west model in costume

Posing with one of the models

 

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Please check out some of my favorite images from the workshop below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more sessions on my blog.

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High School Senior Tips – Road Trips and Weekend Travel from Austin

High School Senior Tips – Road Trips and Weekend Travel from Austin

Want to get out of town your Senior Year? See below for some Road Trip ideas out of Austin. 

Texas is big  – but there are plenty of fun places to visit just a few hours drive from Austin. From cities to state parks to beaches, you have lots of options only a few hours drive from home.

So grab your friends, hit the road and visit some of these fun sites below.

“If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village she must seek them abroad” -Jane Austen

inks lake state park, burnet, texas

Inks Lake State Park, Burnet, Texas

1.Burnet, TX (54 miles from Austin)

Only about an hour’s drive from Austin, visit Burnet, Texas and go underground at the Longhorn Caverns, hike and swim at Inks Lake State Park or check out the night sky at Eagle Eye Observatory at the Canyon of the Eagles.

san antonio alamo

The Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Texas

2. San Antonio, TX (73 miles from Austin)

You can stop in San Marcos on your way South and shop at the outlet malls, take a glass-bottomed boat tour, go tubing or take a clear kayak on the river.

Once you get to San Antonio, besides walking the Riverwalk, you can visit the various Missions, like the Alamo. Go check out Hopscotch for interative art exhibits, shop at the Nowhere Bookstore and visit the McNay Museum for some modern art. Make sure to swing by the Pearl Brewery for food and events. Also enjoy nature at the Botanical Gardens.

Pedernales State Park, Johnson City, Texas

3. Johnson City and Fredericksburg, TX (48 and 78 miles from Austin respectively)

Stop in Johnson City on the way to Fredericksburg and hike Pedernales State Park. Visit the LBJ boyhood home if you’re interested in history.

Once in Fredericksburg, pick peaches in the summer, go to the Wildseed Farms in Spring, hike Enchanted Rock in the Fall, visit Main Street decorated for Christmas and go ice skating in the Winter.

color factory in houston, texas

Color Factory in Houston, Texas

4. Houston, TX (146 miles from Austin)

Houston is full of great food, art, sports and science. Visit the Menil or Museum of Fine Arts. See baseball at Minute Maid Park. Learn about NASA at the Space Center Houston. Immerse yourself at the Color Factory. Pretend to be in Middle Earth at the Hobbit Cafe.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden decorated for christmas

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

5. Dallas, TX (182 miles from Austin)

Stop in Waco on your way to Dallas to shop the Magnolia Market and Silos, drink soda at the Dr. Pepper Museum or learn about fossils at the Waco Mammoth National Monument.

Once in Dallas, visit the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens – decorated throughout the year, but extra magical for the holidays.

See the animals at the Dallas Zoo or World Aquarium. Go to the top of Reunion Tower. Test out your conspiracy theories at Dealey Plaza.

Galveston beach

Galveston, TX beach

6. Galveston, TX (218 miles from Austin)

If you want beach time, go visit the coast. Galveston has many public beaches as well as Moody Gardens, the Railroad Museum, the Pleasure Pier amusements and dolphin watching tours.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

If you’re interested in Science, History or Art there are lots of places to match your interests when traveling around Texas.

Or if you love to get outdoors and hike or swim, Texas is full of beautiful parks, rivers and lakes to enjoy.

Go make some new memories with your family and friends during your Senior Year with road trips around Texas.


 

Please contact me if you’d like to book a Senior Photo Session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

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High School Senior Tips – Austin Volunteering Opportunities

High School Senior Tips – Austin Volunteering Opportunities

All about volunteering as a teen in Austin, Texas

When you’re in High School, volunteering is a great way to:

  • Give back to your community
  • Develop new skills
  • Meet like-minded peers
  • Bolster your college applications

“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” -Helen Dyer

Austin has plenty of volunteering opportunities – ready to match what you’re most interested in.

Whether you need service hours to graduate or just want to help out on causes you believe in, see below for a list of places in Austin, Texas that welcome teenage volunteers.

1. Environmental Conservation

Austin is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Organizations like the Austin Parks Foundation and Keep Austin Beautiful regularly seek volunteers for park clean-ups, tree planting events, and educational programs. These activities not only beautify the city but also promote a cleaner, greener environment for everyone to enjoy.

2. Animal Welfare

If you have a soft spot for animals, several shelters and rescue organizations in Austin welcome teen volunteers. Austin Pets Alive! and Austin Humane Society often need help with animal care, socialization, and adoption events. Volunteering here not only benefits the animals but also provides valuable experience for those considering careers in veterinary medicine or animal advocacy.

3. Education and Youth Programs

Many nonprofits in Austin focus on supporting education and youth development. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, and Austin Partners in Education offer mentoring programs, tutoring sessions, and after-school activities where teens can make a direct impact on younger students’ lives.

4. Social Services

For those interested in social justice and community service, organizations like the Central Texas Food Bank and Foundation for the Homeless provide opportunities to assist with food distribution, affordable housing initiatives, and support services for families in need. These experiences foster empathy and a deeper understanding of social issues facing Austin’s diverse population. You could also volunteer with the Austin Justice Coalition.

5. Arts and Culture

Austin’s local arts scene offers volunteering opportunities at museums, theaters, and cultural festivals throughout the year. The Contemporary Austin, Austin City Limits Music Festival and Zach Theatre are just a few places where teens can contribute by assisting with events, serving as an usher and being a part of our vibrant art and music scene. 

illustration of volunteer hands

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”

― Dr Syed Muhammad Zeeshan Hussain Almashhadi

Getting Started

To get started with volunteering in Austin, consider these steps:

  • Research: Explore different organizations and their missions to find a cause that resonates with you. Generation Serve also organizes Teen Service Days. 
  • Contact: Reach out directly to the volunteer coordinator or visit their websites to learn about upcoming opportunities and requirements for teen volunteers.
  • Commitment: Be prepared to commit to a schedule that works for you, balancing your volunteer work with school and other activities.
  • Benefits: Remember that volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s also about gaining valuable experience, building relationships, and making a meaningful difference in your community.

Volunteering as a high school student in Austin is a rewarding experience that can shape your future and strengthen your connection to the community.

Ready to get started? Explore the opportunities available in Austin and discover how you can make a difference as a teen volunteer.


 

Please contact me if you’d like to book a high school senior year photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

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High School Senior Tips – Senior Year Stress Relief

High School Senior Tips – Senior Year Stress Relief

Practical Tips on navigating a stressful Senior Year of School

It’s your last year of High School, and your schedule is full of school deadlines, social activities and decisions to make about your future. You may also have a job and extracurricular activities to fit in as well.

How can you stay calm and navigate the pressure and stress you are feelling?

Here are some practical tips to help manage these busy times.

ORGANIZE YOUR TIME

– Keep track of all your commitments and break your tasks into smaller steps to make it feel more manageable. And say “NO” to extra obligations if your calendar feels too full.

 

PRACTICE SELF-CARE 

– Take time to relax and take care of yourself. This means eating healthy meals, drinking less caffeine and seeking professional help when needed. You can also pamper yourself with face masks, pedicures and massages.

 

GET ENOUGH SLEEP 

– Have good sleep hygience. This means keeping your room dark and cold. Leave your phone in another room. Have a relaxing wind-down bedtime routine. Aim for at least 8 hours a night.

 

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS 

– Try a yoga class or just practice taking slow, deep mindful breaths on your own. Download and use a meditation app. Focus on being present.

 

SING AND DANCE TO MUSIC 

– Play your favorite song loud and move and sing to the music.

 

WRITE IT OUT 

– Get a journal or open an email draft and just document all your feelings on the page. Draw, paint or craft a fun creation.

 

STAY CONNECTED 

– Strenghten your social bonds by calling your friends, making fun plans and having things to look forward to.

 

MOVE YOUR BODY OUTSIDE 

– Take a walk in the sunshine by a body of water. Pick an exercise you enjoy doing so it doesn’t feel like a chore.

 

mental health tips for high school seniors

Navigating senior year can be stressful, but with these tips, you can reduce your stress levels and make the most of this last year of high school.

Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and seek support when you need it. Find what works best for you. Experiment with the different tips and see which is most beneficial.

Here’s to a healthier and happier life – good luck, seniors—you’ve got this!

 

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Please contact me if you’d like to book a high school senior year photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

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High School Senior Tips – Bucket List Activities before you leave Austin for College

High School Senior Tips – Bucket List Activities before you leave Austin for College

Post Senior Year Summer Bucket List in Austin, Texas

It’s the summer after your Senior Year and you’re leaving Austin to head off to college.

What would you put on your Summer Bucket List to enjoy the last few months at home before moving away?

austin texas summer bucket list senior year

See above for some suggestions of what I’d miss most leaving Austin. 

I’ve also created a blank template if you’d like to fill in your own answers.

blank summer bucket list

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Please contact me if you’d like to book a photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

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