In the Studio

If you've been following along over the past year, you know I’ve been taking various photography classes to brush up on my skills, learn new tricks, etc. This term, we are focusing on our niche, which, as we all know, mine is portraits. I bought some lighting last Christmas to offer some Christmas minis at a local “We Rock the Spectrum, Kids Gym”. While that didn’t pan out the way we had hoped, I still bought some lights, which means I get to play. I haven’t photographed in a studio since 2007. This weeks assignment was to work with studio lighting and not use natural lighting. I turned my empty room upstairs into a super small camera room, and grabbed Lucas and Chloe to come upstairs and help me out.

What do you think, should I offer some very limited studio sessions to my seniors? I mean, they take care of the drape picture at school, but I was still able to get some pretty awesome images today that I would not be able to achieve without the lighting.

The Brett Family

This morning, I got to head out for an early morning photo session with one of my favorite families. It always starts my day off in a beautiful way, and knowing that this family trusts me to capture their family year after year, milestone after milestone, is always humbling.

This morning’s setting was out at Landa Park, and it was beautiful but brisk. This park has a beautiful wooden bridge, lots of natural landscape mixed with man-made additions that complement the landscape. We found a mini dried aqueduct that we climbed down into, which led to some really fun pictures.

I hope you love this little peek as much as I enjoyed spending time with this sweet family.

Fall Mini Sessions!

Fall Mini Sessions are HERE!

Haven’t updated your family pictures in a while, and just aren’t sure when the right time is? Have family coming into town and want to get some pictures of the kids with their grandparents? Fall break is the perfect time for that. From now until December 1st Fall Mini sessions are only $150.

Location Options:

Gruene, Texas

Crescent Bend Nature Park

Landa Park

Message me today so we can get. your family on the schedule!

For Myself...

One thing that I stopped doing unintentionally when I started teaching is going out and photographing for myself. I miss being around other photographers who want to go out and play with the camera, photograph for fun, all while learning from each other. Today, Lucas and I went out and, even though the sun was still a little too high, if you've ever photographed in the desert, you know that you have to go out and make the light work for you. I've become a little rusty in that department since we've moved to Texas.

I used to photograph my kids all the time, not just for milestones, but because I wanted to document as much of their childhood as I could. Even if it was just playing with their toys. I have the most wonderful pictures of my kids living their daily lives. Now with one doing big adult things, one about to graduate from high school this Spring, and my youngest in his freshman year of high school, I’m finding myself needing to document as much as possible once again.

So, I’ve set two goals for myself.

1: Get out and photograph for MYSELF at least once a week. Whether it’s photographing people or nature, or a little of both, my goal is to spend at least an hour maybe two, behind my camera.

2: Keep my camera handy, that means in my bag with me whenever we are out and about with the kids, or just hanging out around the house. Time is a thief, and I am not looking forward to the day my last little bird flies away on his own. Being their mother has been my greatest adventure and fills me with more joy than I can ever express.

That all being said, here is a little glimpse into our outing today.

Impromptu Senior Session with this Sweet 2025 Grad

My husband and I were exploring the Missions in San Antonio today. I brought the camera with as I was photographing for my Photography class final. We ran into this very sweet family who were taking pictures of their son with their phone. Dad spoke up and said “That’s what we need! We need one of those cameras so we don’t have to rely on our phones.” I offered to snap a few images of their son. So here are a few images of this very sweet young man.

It was such a please to meet you all. Thank you for taking me up on the offer to gift you with these images, and I hope to come across you again in the future. Please get in contact with me, so I can email you the full size images and come visit me on Facebook at Rowan Rakers Photography. Congratulations to you all!

~Rowan

"Smile, Mom" Mini Sessions!

🌸 Mother’s Day Mini Sessions Are Here! 🌸
Because “Smile, Mom!” hits different when it’s captured forever 💕

Treat the moms (and mom-figures!) in your life to something better than breakfast in bed—beautiful, joy-filled photos that last a lifetime. Whether it’s giggles with the kiddos, three generations of fierce women, or just Mom being her radiant self—we’re here to make it magical.

📸 Includes:

• 30-minute photo session

• 7 edited high-res images

• Laughter, love, and light included for free

🗓️ Limited spots available the week before Mother’s Day!
💌 DM to book or gift a session 💖

Let’s celebrate HER. Because she deserves more than a candle this year.

Other Details: Sessions are available in the evenings May 5th -May 9th. Message me before booking to ensure that your chosen date and time are still available.

May 5th: May 6th: May 7th: May8th: May 9th:

4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm

5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm

6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm

Catching Up

It’s hard to believe that we are already at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Senior sessions are just about wrapped up and it’ll be time to start looking forward to summer sessions. I have a few sessions that I still need to post previews up, and those will be live in the coming days.

One thing I firmly believe in regardless of your field of work is professional development. There are always ways to improve and ways to renew your drive. I’ve been taking a photography class this term, something I took soley for myself. I’m always looking for new ways to improve my craft. One aspect of beauty that is coming out of this class is I am finding new inspiration, and my creativity is opening back up. It’s been a long time since I have picked up my camera to photograph anything other than portraits. Last week my husband and I went walking around the Pearl Brewery as my assignment was Photojournalism, and got permission from some very kind people to allow me to photograph them while they were working, setting up and spending time with their families, while their little played close by. Then this past week our assignment was Still Life and Product Photography. We needed to photograph 4 different subjects and were told the weirder the better. This past week while I was sitting in the art room talking to my coworker, inspiration hit me, and I knew exactly what my first subject was going to be. While I really only got one “weird” image that I liked, I still had a lot of fun exploring and playing with my camera and my settings, along with some equipment that I haven’t pulled out to use an a few years. I think it may also be time to start carrying my camera with me on a daily basis, because sometimes you never know when the right opportunity will arise.

These assignments are also giving me some really fun images to add to my Fine Art collection as well, and this weeks images will be up for sale in a few days. I hope you love this glimpse into my last two weeks.

The Pearl Brewery - PhotoJournalism

Still Life and Product Photography

I hope you enjoyed these two galleries. Coming up next week is Night Photography.

Saturday Photo Drive with Chloe

It’s been quite a while since I jumped in the car and stopped in random areas to photograph areas. Yesterday I had Chloe throw on something cute with some boots, so she chose this adorable fringe top that she’s been waiting for a perfect time to wear. Her outfit came together perfectly paired with my fringe boots. There is no better feeling than hopping in the car, driving with the windows down with the wind blowing in your hair. I absolutely love the way these came out.

Senior Photography

Graduation is right around the corner—let’s celebrate you! 🎓✨ Whether you're into golden-hour fields, urban city vibes, or your favorite hangout spot, we’ll create a senior photo session that’s all about your style and personality. No stiff poses, no awkward smiles—just you, having fun and looking amazing. Let’s make some magic! 📸💫 Book your session now! Pricing details are under the Investment tab!

Texas through the Lens- The Pearl Brewery~ San Antonio, Texas

I’ve started a new project for myself recently and decided to get out and photograph the area. There is so much history and culture just in a 20 mile radius, that I want to go capture as much beauty as possible and maybe create a photography book with images from Texas. So last weekend, my husband and I drove the short drive to San Antonio and wandered around the Pearl Brewery. They have a weekly vendor event every weekend, full of yummy foods, arts, and various crafts. The Pearl is also one of my favorite places to take my Seniors for their graduation sessions. Dating all the way back to 1883, the Pearl eventually adopted it’s name from one of the beer brewed that they called “Pearl”, named after the resemblance to how the foamy bubbles look like pearls. I’ve included a link for you so you can read more about it, and plan your own trip to visit this beautiful gem in San Antonio.

The Pearl Brewery

Here are a few images i captures as we were walking around and enjoying the beautiful Sunday weather. I’d really love to go back early morning, or maybe in the evening during Golden Hour, maybe get the streets while they are empty.

Where should we go next?

Texas Through the Lens

I’m so excited to take the plunge and start sharing the beauty that I’ve photographed around Texas. Bringing the beautiful landscape, old town charm into your homes. From sweeping landscapes, to hidden gems, my new fine art prints captures the heart of the Lone Star State, each piece is a window into the places I’ve explored and photograph across Texas.

Come check out the start to my collected, as more images will be added over the coming days and weeks. The first of many images if this beautiful Longhorn, basking in the early Spring air. This beautiful image is sure to bring a charming token of Texas into any home.

xoxo,

Rowan

A Walk at Crescent Bend

There is no better compliment than a happy client referring your business to their friends and coworkers. It’s even better when one of those referrals books your small business to photograph their gorgeous family and tells you how highly recommended you are. This family was all smiles and everyone was over the moon happy to be with one another. Their closeness as you will see pours out of these images. I hope to see this family again in the future as their family continues to grow. Thank you so much for choosing me to capture these beautiful images of your family! I hope you love this little peek into our afternoon.

A Gruene Christmas with the McGlothlins

On Sunday, I set out to Gruene at about mid-morning to photograph the McGlothlin family. It was a beautiful day, almost too warm for long sleeves, which for Texas is not abnormal. I think it’s always fun to see people in their family dynamics. This family has such a beautiful bond, and it is apparent in how they interact. Grandma’s warm and peaceful nature while Grandpa played around with the kids, making silly faces and wrestling with them. Such a great session deserves a little bit bigger of a preview than normal. Jeff and Michelle, I hope you all love these images and hope you are having an amazing visit and a very Merry Christmas.

De Leon ~ Soon to be, Party of THREE

This beautiful and sweet mama-to-be and her husband are ready to welcome their new addition any day now. To me, Christmas is an amazing and special way to welcome a baby. Yes, I realize that means having to figure out how to celebrate a birthday and Christmas at the same time. I also have two children born within a month of Christmas. My oldest son’s birthday is at the end of January, and my youngest is on December 1st. I remember the feeling of getting ready to welcome my first baby into the world like it was yesterday. Tired and ready to be done being pregnant, excited to get to meet them and to see their face finally. Back then, 3D ultrasounds were new and expensive, but the wait was so worth it. Sharing this little peek into my late morning with them brings me so much joy. We went out to Woodcrest Park and found some beautiful trees with changing leaves and a small blanket of yellow on the ground, and the light was perfectly even.

Destiny and Todd, heres to a smoothy and healthy delivery, and a very Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy your sneak peek of your pictures as much as I love them.

Scott Family Christmas

Nothing like a breezy day for a photoshoot. I met Miranda last year when she started working at our campus. She is so light-hearted, and funny, doesn’t let many things bother her, and goes with the flow. She is one of my favorite people at work. I got to hang out with her and her family during our family session last night and her girls are every bit as funny as she is. I had so much fun making silly faces and talking in silly voices with them as we walked around Downtown Cibolo. I’m so happy with the way these have turned out and can’t wait to share these with Miranda and her family.

Miranda thank you so much for trusting me with your famili’s pictures. I had so much fun with you all.

Wilcox Gruene Christmas

These three kiddos are very near and dear to my heart. I’ve gotten to teach all of them art and two of them computers. Ethan also happens to be one of my son’s very best friends. Together, they run a small car washing business with the help of Ethan’s dad, Dave, teaching them about investing their money. This past weekend, I got to spend some time with all of them out at one of my favorite locations, photographing them and getting to be silly with the kids. If you ask these kiddos about my teaching style, they’d tell you I like to be goofy and talk in funny voices while making sure they are getting their job done. This weekend was no different. I still spoke to them in funny voices. It was an absolute joy to spend time with all of them, especially since they’ve all moved on from elementary school. Come check out this super sweet family as we wondered around Gruene, Texas.

The Stanfords - Downtown Cibolo

Sara came to work at my campus this year and I can’t tell you how much I enjoy her being there at work with me. Even though I really only get to see her in passing, I really enjoy her peaceful, happy, and positive vibe. You can’t help by smile with her. I get the pleasure of teaching her little one, who I have never seen without a smile on her face, and when she smiles, she smiles with her whole face. She is one of the happiest little girls I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. After meeting the other two members of their family, I got to see just how loving they are with each other. Everyone was happy, in a good mood, and just enjoyed each other’s company. Here is a small peek at their session! Sara, thank you so much for asking me to photograph your beautiful family! I hope to get the opportunity again soon!

Cunningham's at the Christmas Tree Farm

This weekend I got the pleasure of meeting one of the sweetest families. Mom, Dad, Grandma, five kiddos and their foreign exchange student took the drive to meet me out at Seilers Christmas Tree farm this past weekend. They went for a Country Western theme, with blues, plaid, cowboy hats, and boots. It was an amazing time. The kids are fun and silly, and I love that I got to be silly right along with them. They have a brand new baby sister that they all wanted the opportunity to hold and take a picture with. I know I save this every session, but I had so many favorites in this session and as usual, had a really hard time choosing which pictures to give you all a little peak of. All of their personalities came shining through which made photographing them so much fun, and will definitely be a fond memory for me for a long time.

Brett Family 2024

I can not get over how much I love the images from this session. I had to be careful not to choose every picture for the blog preview and forced myself to stick with eight. I’ve known this family for quite a while now. They are a recently retired military family that is very near and dear to my heart. Alissa and I met seven years ago when I joined the PTC board at our kid’s school and quickly became friends. The following year, I was hired as the art teacher and got to teach her daughter. I’ve gotten to photograph them just about every year since, and I photographed Jaden towards the end of last school year for his Senior pictures. He chose to go to school close to home, which Mom loves because she gets to see him all the time. Aubrey moved on from my campus a few years ago, and I love getting to see her and watching her grow. As I sat here editing these images, I couldn’t help but be in awe of how much of a beautiful lady she is growing into, instead of the 6-year-old I constantly think of her as. As our session was coming to an end, Alissa and I found ourselves talking about how much our kids have grown, about my oldest as he has left for his first duty station and hopes for my son’s wife as she navigates this new way of life. About how, even after retirement, military spouses and families tend to naturally gravitate and find each other out in the wild, and we get to speak in our own secret language.

I won’t make you wait any longer, here are just some of my personal favorites from their session. Alissa and Chris, thank you for always trusting me with documenting your famili’s memories and milestones.

Bella and BB ~ Steele Homecoming 2024

As I look at Bella’s senior year homecoming pictures, it hits me in the face: the reality of the 11-year-old little girl who has grown into a beautiful young adult. My daughter and her boyfriend happened to meet up with Bella and some of her friends for homecoming pictures this year, so of course, I called her mom and told her that since I was bringing the camera, I would pull Bella and BB aside for some pictures of just the two of them. Both of these beautiful kids have killer smiles, so they made my job way too easy.

I also couldn’t help but snag a Daddy-Daughter picture.