Tag Archives: houston engagement photographer

The Science of Body Language: How to Pose Naturally

Using Body Language to Look Confident and Natural in Photos

Hey there, lovebirds! So, you’re about to step in front of the camera, and maybe you’re feeling a little nervous about how to pose. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. As your photographer, my job isn’t just to take pretty pictures; it’s to capture you—your connection, your quirks, and the little moments that make your love story uniquely yours. And guess what? There’s actually a bit of science (and a dash of nerdy magic) behind looking natural in photos. Let’s break it down.


The Gravity of Love

Okay, let’s get a little sci-fi for a second. Think of your connection like gravity—you’re two planets orbiting each other, drawn together by an invisible force. When you’re posing, lean into that natural pull. Stand close, tilt your heads toward each other, and let your bodies relax into the connection. It’s like you’re in your own little universe, and I’m just here to document it.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling awkward, imagine you’re Han Solo and Princess Leia sharing a quiet moment before saving the galaxy. Close, but not stiff. Got it? Perfect.


Channel Your Inner Wes Anderson

Ever seen a Wes Anderson movie? Everything is symmetrical, colorful, and just a little bit quirky. While I’m not going to ask you to stand perfectly still like a scene from The Grand Budapest Hotel, we can borrow a little of that magic.

Here’s how: I’ll frame you in a way that feels balanced—maybe between two trees, under an arch, or in front of a row of colorful doors. But here’s the fun part—I want you to bring the quirk. Whisper a joke to each other, pull a silly face, or just laugh about an inside joke. That little bit of imperfection is what makes the photo feel real and totally you.


Stand Like You’re in a Fantasy Novel

Imagine you’re characters in your favorite fantasy novel. Maybe you’re Aragorn and Arwen, standing tall and regal as the sun sets over Middle-earth. Or perhaps you’re a pair of adventurers, ready to take on the world. Whatever your vibe, stand like you mean it.

Roll your shoulders back, stand up straight, and elongate your neck just a little. It’s not about being stiff—it’s about carrying yourself with confidence. Think of it as your “hero pose.” And if you’re feeling extra dramatic, throw in a little smolder. (Hey, it works for Flynn Rider…mostly)


Let Your Face Tell the Story

Did you know your face can make over 10,000 unique expressions? (Thanks, Star Trek, for that fun fact!) But here’s the thing: the best expressions are the ones that come naturally. A real smile isn’t just about your mouth—it’s about your eyes. Those little crinkles at the corners? That’s the gold I’m looking for.

To get those genuine smiles, I might ask you to do or say something to make you laugh. Or I’ll crack a terrible joke and see if you can keep a straight face (spoiler: you probably won’t). The more you relax, the more those tiny, authentic expressions will shine through.


Move Like You’re in a Movie

Stillness has its place, but movement brings photos to life. Think of it like a scene from The Lord of the Rings—even in quiet moments, there’s a sense of motion, like the rustle of leaves or the sweep of a cloak. So, let’s get you moving!

Walk hand-in-hand like you’re strolling through the Shire. Twirl each other around like you’re dancing at your own private ball. Or just sway gently, like you’re in your own little world. Movement not only looks amazing in photos but also helps you forget the camera is even there.


The Secret Sauce: Trust

Here’s the thing—the most important ingredient in natural posing is trust. Trust in each other, and trust in me. I’m not here to make you look like models; I’m here to capture you. So, relax, be yourselves, and let me worry about the rest.

If you’re feeling unsure, just remember: the best photos aren’t about perfect poses. They’re about the way you look at each other, the way you laugh together, and the way you naturally lean into each other like you’re the only two people in the room.


Ready to Capture Your Love Story?

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d be honored to help you tell your story through timeless, natural photos. Whether you’re channeling your inner Wes Anderson, dreaming of a fantasy-inspired shoot, or just want to keep it authentically you, let’s create something magical together.

📸 Contact me today to book your session or ask me anything—I can’t wait to hear your ideas and start planning your perfect shoot! Let’s make some unforgettable memories. 💫

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P.S. If you’re feeling extra nerdy, feel free to suggest a fandom or movie vibe you love. I’m always up for a little creative inspiration!

 

 

 

Engagement Photos at Eleanor Tinsley Park

What I love about Eleanor Tinsley Park in Houston

Eleanor Tinsley Park, located along the scenic Buffalo Bayou in Houston, is a fantastic location for engagement photos. With its stunning views of the Houston skyline, lush greenery, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a perfect backdrop for capturing your love story. Here’s why you should consider taking your engagement photos with me at this beautiful park, along with a glimpse into a bright, fun, and unique session I had with Kriti and Rohan in April.

The Beauty of Eleanor Tinsley Park

1. Iconic Houston Skyline: The park offers breathtaking views of the downtown Houston skyline, providing a stunning urban backdrop that adds a modern touch to your engagement photos.

2. Lush Greenery and Open Spaces: With its expansive lawns, beautiful trees, and well-maintained gardens, Eleanor Tinsley Park offers plenty of green spaces perfect for romantic and intimate shots.

3. Diverse Scenery: From the picturesque Sabine Street Bridge to the tranquil waters of Buffalo Bayou, the park features a variety of scenic spots that add depth and variety to your photos.

4. Vibrant Atmosphere: The park is often buzzing with life, offering opportunities for candid shots that capture the vibrant energy of Houston. Whether it’s joggers, families, or couples enjoying the outdoors, the lively atmosphere can add a dynamic element to your session.

5. Unique Photo Opportunities: The park’s various landmarks, such as the impressive Eleanor Tinsley Park Pavilion and the beautifully designed trails, provide unique settings that can make your engagement photos stand out.

A Memorable Session with Kriti & Rohan

In April, I had the pleasure of photographing Kriti and Rohan’s engagement session at Eleanor Tinsley Park. Their session was filled with bright, fun, and unique moments that truly showcased their love and personalities.

Bright and Colorful Shots: Kriti and Rohan chose outfits that popped against the park’s greenery and skyline. Their vibrant attire, combined with the park’s natural beauty, resulted in photos that were both lively and visually striking.

Fun and Playful Moments: From playful whispers to candid laughter, Kriti and Rohan’s session was full of joy. The open spaces of the park allowed them to move freely, creating genuine and spontaneous moments that I captured through my lens.

Unique Locations: We took advantage of the park’s diverse scenery, from the dramatic skyline views to the serene waters of the bayou. Each location provided a different backdrop, adding variety and uniqueness to their engagement album.

Personal Touches: Kriti and Rohan brought along a few personal items, like a colorful picnic blanket and their favorite drinks, to incorporate into their photos. These personal touches added a special and intimate element to the session, making the photos even more meaningful.

 

Eleanor Tinsley Park offers an idyllic setting for your engagement photos, and with my expertise, we can create a beautiful and unique photo session that you’ll treasure forever. Contact me today to schedule your engagement session and let’s capture your love story at this incredible Houston gem!

 

Embracing Your Inner Geek: A Nerdy Guide to Wedding Bliss

Welcome, fellow nerds, to a celebration of love that’s as epic as your favorite saga and as magical as a critical hit… your wedding!

Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of nerdy weddings—a realm where love, passion, and fandom collide in the most spectacular ways.

For too long, the term “wedding” may have conjured images of traditional ceremonies and cookie-cutter receptions. But fear not, fellow geeks, for your special day can be anything but ordinary. It’s time to let your nerd flag fly high and infuse your wedding with all the quirks, passions, and obsessions that make you who you are.

First things first, let’s talk themes. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, a dedicated gamer, or a devoted bookworm, there’s a theme out there just waiting to be embraced. Imagine walking down the aisle to the sound of your favorite movie soundtrack (especially if it’s the instrumental version), exchanging vows in a setting straight out of a fantasy novel, or cutting the cake with a lightsaber. The possibilities are as limitless as the multiverse itself!

But it’s not just about the decorations and attire—it’s about infusing every aspect of your wedding with your unique personality and interests. From incorporating your favorite quotes into your vows to designing custom invitations inspired by your favorite fandom, the devil is in the details, and the nerdy possibilities are endless.

And let’s not forget about the entertainment! Why settle for a boring old DJ when you could have a live band playing all your favorite video game tunes? Or how about a cosplay photo booth where guests can dress up as their favorite characters and strike a pose? The key is to keep the fun and excitement going all night long, ensuring that your wedding is a celebration unlike any other.

But perhaps the most important thing to remember is that your wedding day is about more than just the theme or the decorations—it’s about celebrating the love and connection that you share with your partner. So whether you’re exchanging rings in a galaxy far, far away or saying “I do” in a language only fellow nerds can understand, never lose sight of what truly matters: each other.

So go ahead, fellow nerds, and let your imagination run wild. Your wedding day is your chance to embrace your inner geek, celebrate your passions, and create memories that are truly out of this world. So grab your lightsaber, don your wizard robes, and get ready for the nerdiest, most epic wedding celebration this side of the TARDIS!

Brazos Bend State Park Engagement

Phillip & Erica’s Brazos Bend State Park Engagement portraits.

one of my ALL TIME favorite locations to take any sort of photos is the Brazos Bend State Park. I grew up in the area and have vivid memories of trekking through the trails hoping (or not hoping) to spot alligators. On several occasions, I have dragged The Spawn through the trails (and will probably hit it up again this Spring Break).

Phillip and Erica are one of my adventure couples. They enjoy hiking and the great outdoors. In fact, their wedding was held at the end of last year at Enchanted rock (blog to come), a 424 foot hike up the rock.

I enjoyed getting to know the couple during our hike through the woods and onto docks at Brazos Bend. Check out some of their engagement portraits below!

 

Houston Field Engagement

Victor & Jordyn’s spring field engagement in Houston.

Close to the end of spring flower season last year, Victor and Jordyn met me at Memorial Park to take some photos in a cute little field just beyond the regular running/walking paths. Luckily there were still some wildflowers in the field, including thistle (which I love!). I enjoyed walking through the small paths made by human or animal as we chatted about all things wedding and life in general.

Take a look at the engagement photos below!

 

Downtown Houston Engagement

Andres & Leticia’s Eleanor Tinsley Park Engagement Portraits.

Eleanor Tinsley is such a versatile place to take your engagement photos. I love that you can see both the city skyline as well as ancient oak trees and unique statues and water features in the park.

I met Andrew & Leticia near Waugh bridge on a beautiful day in spring last year. We walked a bit of a circle around Buffalo Bayou trying out parts of the park I hadn’t visited yet. I didn’t know there was a dog park there or so many awesome bridges.

Check out the engagement photos below.

 

Houston Science Museum Engagement

Ashley & Paige chose to have their engagement photos at the Houston Museum of Natural Science downtown.

This was my first time shooting inside the main exhibit hall. I have, on several occasions taken engagement photos, bridal portraits and wedding photos inside the butterfly museum. As a museum nerd, I was ALL about exploring all the great portrait options inside the museum!

There were so many fun places to take photos. I loved the anthropology hall, the dinosaurs and the energy floor. Each exhibit had it’s own style of lighting which made every image very moody.

One bonus of shooting your engagement photos inside the museum is the weather is perfect for your shoot every time!

Check out Ashley & Paige’s photos below.

 

Camping Engagement Portraits

Brent & Karlie’s Camping styled engagement session.

Brent & Karlie opted for a camping style engagement photo session. We met up at Kelly’s pond located inside the vast Sam Houston National Forest. Brent and Karlie had the perfect location picked out just a short hike into the woods. This was my first time taking camping engagement photos, and I loved it! The Spawn came along (because he had to) and he was OBSESSED with their hammock. So much so, that we had to buy one before our next family camping trip.

Check out Brent and Karlie’s camping engagement portraits below!

 

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX
kelly@kellyurbanphotography.com
Kelly Urban Photography

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX

A Houston wedding photographer