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 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.
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.
Southwest Austin Park Trails | Austin Family Photographer I last photographed this family in the Spring at the Blanton Museum. For the fall, they chose a spot closer to home, the park trails near their house in Southwest Austin. Then we ended up in their front yard...
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
Southwest Austin Park Trails | Austin Family Photographer I last photographed this family in the Spring at the Blanton Museum. For the fall, they chose a spot closer to home, the park trails near their house in Southwest Austin. Then we ended up in their front yard...
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.
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.
“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.
Southwest Austin Park Trails | Austin Family Photographer I last photographed this family in the Spring at the Blanton Museum. For the fall, they chose a spot closer to home, the park trails near their house in Southwest Austin. Then we ended up in their front yard...
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.
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!
Southwest Austin Park Trails | Austin Family Photographer I last photographed this family in the Spring at the Blanton Museum. For the fall, they chose a spot closer to home, the park trails near their house in Southwest Austin. Then we ended up in their front yard...
Southwest Austin Park Trails | Austin Family Photographer I last photographed this family in the Spring at the Blanton Museum. For the fall, they chose a spot closer to home, the park trails near their house in Southwest Austin. Then we ended up in their front yard...