I moved to Texas in July, it was averaging 108 degrees that August, on a no rain streak for nearly 70 days. I was READY to start shooting, exploring new locations, and meeting new people. However, it appeared to be “slow season”, something I was not used to when moving from a place like Pittsburgh, where you can essentially shoot all summer long without absolutely sweating.  

Like a lot of other people who visit Austin, I thought Barton Springs was the most magical place in the world. I NEEDED to shoot there immediately, and I knew I could find couples “like me” who were dedicated enough (crazy enough) to agree to waking up at 5 AM for a photoshoot. 

That is when a client (now a friend of mine!) sent me an inquiry, looking for a fun session with her husband. She did not really have a vision, they were just looking for a fun way to connect while capturing their relationship. Utterly AMAZING and right up my alley! I suggested a sunrise session at Barton Springs and they were all about it. I did some location scouting at the springs, chose the perfect spot, leaving one thing left to do: prep my clients. I delivered my session prep guide and created a mood board to specifically share with them, that included water friendly outfits and prompts.

The morning of the session, my partner and I showed up with coffee for everyone. We walked down to the location I had scouted earlier in the week (in the dark!), and I remember thinking “I hope there is a sunrise!” By the grace of GOD, it was there! 

During our session I directed Ally and Caden in and out of the water, while working our way down the springs. We came across a massive flat rock big enough to stand on. It looked like a little “island” in the middle of the water, and it immediately became my favorite spot. After trekking through the water and setting Ally and Caden up for photos, I circled around them. I was far enough away to create an “intimate” moment for them, that gave us the most romantic photos of the whole session. 

As we were wrapping up our session, it was starting to heat up: a perfect opportunity to get my couple deeper into the water, and to my surprise they were eager to do it. This left us with some exceptionally fun/playful photos and a huge variety of different moments. I thanked Ally & Caden SO much for waking up so early and having an unbelievably good time with me… then proceeded to RUN to the nearest coffee shop so I could upload their images ASAP. Needless to say, I was floored by the results, which left me so creatively charged.

“I hold this session so near & dear to my heart, and definitely recommend a sunrise session at Barton any chance I get. I also hold this testimonial super close to my heart, “ Tia was phenomenal to work with! She created such a calm atmosphere- It helped me and my husband be comfortable enough to be ourselves throughout the entire session!! Her energy is exactly what you want when booking a photographer to capture/create special moments! I’m so thrilled we booked with Tia!! We can’t wait for another session.“