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JL Vail Photography BLOG SPOT

Welcome to JL Vail Photography's Blog Spot. Here is where you can keep up with photo session tips, latest JL Vail updates such as promotions, JL Vail weddings/sessions & many other fun things that we decided to blog about along the way. Keep your eye out for our blogs cause you never know what you may miss.... Also, don't forget to follow us on Facebook & Instagram.

Home School Picture Day's Added
Friday, January 10, 2025
Home School Picture Day's Added

Homeschool Picture Day at Vail’s Photography: Extra Dates Added for January 2025!New Dates: January 14th & January 28th, 2025Because of the high demand, we’ve added January 14th and January 28th to our schedule, and we want to make sure you don’t miss out! We know how quickly these spots filled up last time, so we encourage you to book your session early to secure your preferred date and time.Homeschool Picture Days Available:January 14th, 2025January 28th, 2025Why Homeschool Photos MatterHomeschooling families have a unique story to tell, and professional photos are a wonderful way to document that journey. Whether you're looking for a back-to-school portrait, an ...

‘24 Homeschool Picture Day
Friday, January 03, 2025
Home School Picture Day's Added

📸 Homeschool Picture Day in Devine, Texas! ✨Get the Perfect School Portrait!**Dates: January 10th & 13th, 2025**Attention homeschool families in Medina County, Atascosa County, Bexar County, Frio County, and surrounding areas! Just because your child is homeschooled doesn't mean they have to miss out on school pictures. At Vail’s Photography, we’re excited to offer professional school-style portraits for your homeschooler—just like the ones from traditional school picture days!Whether it’s for an annual tradition or capturing this year’s milestones, our Homeschool Picture Day is the perfect opportunity to create beautiful, timeless portraits of your ...

Upcoming Trends for Senior Portraits for the Class of 2025
Monday, August 05, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

Senior year is a pivotal moment in a young person's life, and capturing it through portraits is a timeless tradition. As we approach 2025, new trends are emerging that reflect the individuality and creativity of this year's seniors. With fall just around the corner, let’s explore the hottest trends for senior portraits this upcoming season with Vails Photography. Candid and Lifestyle ShotsOne of the most exciting trends for senior portraits in 2025 is the shift from stiff, posed shots to candid and lifestyle photography. This trend focuses on capturing seniors in their natural environment, doing what they love. Imagine photos taken at local cafes adorned with cozy fall decor, ...

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Headshot Photography
Monday, July 22, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

Headshot photography is a vital aspect of personal branding and professional representation. Whether you're an actor, a corporate professional, or an entrepreneur in the Devine, TX area, a high-quality headshot can make a significant impact. However, several common mistakes can detract from the effectiveness of a headshot. Here are some pitfalls to avoid to ensure your headshot stands out for all the right reasons. 1. Poor LightingLighting is crucial in headshot photography. Insufficient or harsh lighting can create unflattering shadows and highlights. Natural light is often the best choice, but it must be controlled carefully. Consider using a combination of natural and artificial ...

Creating Heirlooms: The Beauty of Custom Photo Albums and Gift Prints
Monday, July 08, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

Tangible memories have a unique ability to connect us to our past. Photo albums and prints offer a tactile experience that digital photos simply cannot replicate. They allow us to relive cherished moments, share stories with loved ones, and pass down family history in a meaningful way. Whether it's a wedding album, a graduation book, or a collection of family portraits, these physical keepsakes become treasured heirlooms. Selecting Photos for Albums and PrintsChoosing the right photos for your custom photo album or gift prints can be a delightful yet daunting task. Highlighting milestones and special moments, such as birthdays, holidays, and vacations, can help start the process. ...

Sports League and Team Pictures: More Than Just a Photo, It’s a Memory
Monday, June 24, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

As sports photographers, we have the privilege of capturing the energy and excitement of sports leagues and teams. Sports have the power to bring people together, to create lifelong friendships, and to forge unforgettable experiences. For many athletes, sports are more than just a game - they're a way of life. They're a way to challenge themselves, to push their limits, and to test their skills against others. And as we capture the moments on and off the field, we know that those memories can be fleeting and disappear all too quickly, lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Capturing the Spirit of SportsBefore we start snapping photos, we get to know the team. We learn about their ...

Headshot Trends: What’s Hot in 2024
Monday, June 10, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

The world of headshot photography is always evolving, and 2024 is bringing some exciting new trends that are shaping the way professionals present themselves. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, creating a personal brand, or simply need a fresh, professional photo, these trends will help you stay ahead of the curve.  Natural Light and Outdoor SettingsGone are the days when headshots were confined to sterile studio environments. In 2024, the trend is all about utilizing natural light and outdoor settings. Photographers are leveraging parks, urban landscapes, and even clients’ backyards to create dynamic and visually appealing headshots. This approach not only ...

Tips for Preparing for Your Business Branding Session
Monday, May 27, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

Are you ready to elevate your business image with a professional branding session? We believe that a well-prepared session can capture the essence of your brand, helping you stand out in a competitive market. Here are some actionable tips to ensure you get the most out of your branding session: 1. Define Your Brand IdentityBefore your session, take some time to clarify your brand's mission, values, and unique selling points. What message do you want to convey to your audience? Understanding your brand's core will guide all other preparations and ensure your photos align with your overall vision. 2. Choose Outfits that Reflect Your BrandYour attire plays a crucial role in ...

Capturing the Spirit of Your Athlete with Vail’s Photography
Monday, May 13, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

In the world of sports, every leap, sprint, and goal carries a story - a story of dedication and the pure joy of the game. These are moments that deserve more than just to be remembered; they deserve to be immortalized. At Vails Photography, we understand the value of these fleeting moments and the stories they carry. Why Choose Vails Photography for Your SporTrait Photography Needs?At Vails Photography, we're not just photographers; we're storytellers. With years of experience under our belts, we specialize in capturing the dynamic and vibrant essence of team sports and league activities. Our approach is tailored to highlight not just the action and intensity of the game but also the ...

Why Professional Headshots Are Your New Best Friend for Personal Branding
Monday, April 29, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

Ever considered how crucial a first impression is, especially in our digital-first world? It's fascinating but not surprising that your online profile picture might be doing all the talking before you even get a chance. That's where the game-changer comes in: professional headshots. It's not just about looking good; it's about setting the right tone for your professional and personal brand. First Impressions Count...Big TimeHere's a quick fact - people form an impression of you in less than a second based on your photo online. Crazy, right? This means your headshot could either open doors for you or have them scrolling past. A professional headshot that nails your personality, ...

Sports Model Call
Friday, April 26, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

Did you miss out on Vail's Photography capturing your child's sport season? Join us at the studio for individual sports sessions tailored to every athlete & their favorite sport. Attend our FREE sessions on May 13th & May 15th at our studio, where you can have your sports photos taken (ANY SPORT) with multiple poses and background options. Each athlete will have an online proofing gallery to choose your favorites and easily place orders.Interested in sibling or buddy pictures also? We've got you covered! Coordinate back-to-back sessions for those special moments together of your kiddos.Don't miss out—reserve your spot today by clicking the link below... 

Motherly Love Portrait Sessions '24
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

📸✨ Capture the Beauty of Motherhood with Vail's Photography! ✨📸Motherly Love Portrait Session Special Celebrate the bond between a mother and her children with our exclusive Mother's Day portrait session offer! At Vail's Photography, we understand the importance of capturing those precious moments that define the essence of motherhood. Session Details: Date: May 5thDuration: 15 minutesLocation: Our studio,  with a serene white aesthetic. 105 E College Ave, Devine Tx 78016Focus: Emphasizing the pure love shared between mom and her childrenParticipants: Mom and up to 6 individuals (children and/or generational portrait)Includes: 3 artistically chosen social media images ...

Vanity Fair Prom Studio Portraits
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

📸✨ Capture Timeless Memories at Devine High School Prom Day with Vail's Photography Studio!Are you ready to make your prom night truly unforgettable? Look no further! Vail's Photography Studio in Devine, Texas, invites you to join us for our exclusive Vanity Fair Prom Studio Sessions before prom on Saturday, April 13th, 2024.Why Choose Vail's Photography? At Vail's Photography, we believe in capturing the essence of every moment, preserving memories that last a lifetime. Our team of experienced photographers are dedicated to ensuring that you look and feel your absolute best on your special day & capture the moment that stands out. What to Expect: For just $49, you'll ...

2024 Business Headshots & Branding Sessions
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Home School Picture Day's Added

Vail's Photography Headshots & Business Branding Subscriptions In the fast-paced world of business, first impressions matter more than ever. Your headshot is the initial introduction to your potential clients, making it a crucial element inportraying professionalism and establishing trust. At Vail's Photography, we understand the significance of a captivating headshot and the impact it can have on your business branding pictures. Let's jump into why you need a new headshot and a business branding session to make 2024 your most successful year yet.Professionalism Speaks Volumes: Your headshot is more than just a photo; it's a representation of your professionalism and ...

2023 Christmas Sessions
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Home School Picture Day's Added

2023 Christmas Sessions 📸✨ Capture the Magic of Christmas with Vail's Photography! 🎄🎁Unwrap the joy of the season with our exclusive Christmas Studio Sessions for only $179! 🌟📅 Book your 15-minute session and choose from 4 enchanting backgrounds, ranging from a simplistic charm to an elegant allure. 🎅🖼️ Your package includes:3 digital images selected from our proofing gallery.Swift 3-business day turnaround time for your final images.But that's not all! 🎉 For your convenience, Vail's Photography offers:Options to purchase additional prints and digitals.Complimentary loading of your chosen images to our card studio.Design and order personalized Christmas cards, shipped directly ...

'23 Fall On The Frio Limited Edition Sessions
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Home School Picture Day's Added

'23 Fall On The Frio River Limited Edition Sessions 📸 Capture Your Family's Joy by the Frio River with Vail's Photography! Limited Edition Sessions 📸Are you ready for an unforgettable family adventure that combines the beauty of the Frio River in ConCan, Texas, with the artistry of Vail's Photography? We are thrilled to announce our limited edition family sessions along the Frio River, and you're invited to be a part of this exclusive experience!🌟 What's Included 🌟 For only $359, you'll receive: ✨ A 20-minute photography session in the breathtaking surroundings of the Frio River. ✨ A generous $300 print credit to put towards your print order, ensuring your family's portrait ...

'23 Halloween Boutique Sessions
Friday, October 20, 2023
Home School Picture Day's Added

'23 Halloween Boutique Sessions 🎃📸 Capture Halloween Magic with Vail's Photography 📸🎃👻 Introducing Halloween Boutique Sessions 👻Get ready to enchant your Halloween season with Vail's Photography! 📷✨🕒 Quick & Spooky: Our 10-minute Halloween Boutique Sessions are here to make your spooky season unforgettable.📷 Picture-Perfect Treat: Included in this exclusive offer are 2 stunning digital images with printing rights. Preserve your spooky memories with Vail's Photography for only $169 & early bird pricing of $159!🍂 Fall-Ready Fine Art Portraits: Our images are not just photos; they are finely crafted, elegant Fine Art portraits. Perfectly suited to grace your walls ...

2023 Valentine’s Day Sessions
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Home School Picture Day's Added

Boutique Valentine Sessions Tired of buying the drugstore Valentine’s Day cards that just get thrown into the trash?? These Boutique Valentines make the cutest gifts for everyone,make it hard to throw away & cherished forever!!  With each session, we will photograph your child for 10 min to make sure we get that 1 perfect shot for their card. Parents & children will have their choice of background ahead of time to make sure they are dressed to match the theme perfectly. Whats Included:-10 Min. Session--1 Digital & Social Media File--25 Boutique Valentines with Envelopes-If you would like an additional designed image on the back of the card, you can ...

Live Like Coach Sanchez
Sunday, January 08, 2023
Home School Picture Day's Added

Live Like Coach Sanchez Yard Signs Lets show our love & support for Coach Jacob Sanchez, The Sanchez Family, Becky & Karli Joy.... We will be gifting the family $20 per sign sold!! Our goal is to sell 200 signs in this community & to flood the town of Devine with this amazing face by Friday as we say our goodbyes... Each night, I will update our Facebook post to show where we are at with meeting our goal!From going to school with Coach Sanchez, to working with him over the last several years doing school sports pictures & playing fantasy football together, we have had many cherished memories with Jacob. We don't think we could ever say THANK YOU enough to him ...

Devine MS Colts Football Pictures
Thursday, September 01, 2022
Home School Picture Day's Added

Devine High School Parents Night
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Home School Picture Day's Added

Devine High School We are beyond excited to announce that we will be photographing Parents Night for Devine High School at Warhorse Stadium Aug. 26th 2022...To help parents enjoy game night instead of waiting in line to order pictures, we have opened up online Pre-Pay. This will also help the flow & organization of parents night as well...All pre-pay orders are greatly appreciated and we cant wait to see everyone enjoy those Friday Night Lights! 

Krystal & Brandon Goode Wedding 10.11.2020
Tuesday, February 01, 2022
Home School Picture Day's Added

Krystal & Brandon Good Wedding 10.11.2020 Vendor ListVenue: Hidden Falls at Remi’s Ridge Bakery: The Exclusive Cake Shop Caterer: Hidden Falls DJ: Professional entertainment services Dress: Blush by Hayley Paige Shoes: Nina Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal Florist: Evember Floral & Decor Makeup Artist: Madame Makeup Hair: Madame Makeup Officiant: Brandon's Step Dad Brian PearsonDay of Coordinator: Hidden Falls Tuxedo: Men’s Warehouse Rings: America’s Diamond & Helzberg diamond Rentals: Greg Reese Events (Drapery) 

Senior Influencer Model Team - Model Call 2021
Monday, July 26, 2021
Home School Picture Day's Added

Senior Influencer Model Team -Model Call  (now accepting applications) The time is here & we are preparing for our Class of 2022 Senior Influencer Model Team. Our Senior Influencer Model Team is probably one of the greatest highlights to our year because we have so much fun!!!Class of 2020 was our first year to start our program & we truly loved how all of our models from other schools created bonds and friendships while lifting each other up during sessions. We truly had an amazing group of young ladies these last two year & are now looking forward to our 3rd group of influencers. Applications will be accepted until August 29th 20201. What Is The JL ...

Limited Edition Beach Sessions
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Home School Picture Day's Added

We will be doing Limited Edition Sessions in Corpus Christi, Texas March 12th, 13th & 14th...This is a great opportunity to avoid travel fees & to get some gorgeous portraits on the beach.Sessions can be Family, Senior, Maternity or Engagements.You can do a 1hr Session with a $400 Print Credit for ONLY $500 -or-You can pay $125 for the 1hr Session added on to your existing package (Wedding or Seniors) 

Best Wedding Image 2020 Professional Photographers Of San Antonio Award
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

We are super excited & happy to announce that on Tuesday evening at our Professional Photographers of San Antonio Awards Ceremony, we were awarded with this jewel.2020 Best Wedding Image of The Year for Professional Photographers of San Antonio."Love You, Rain or Shine"This is a huge honor & amazing way to wrap up 2020 as it has truly thrown some curveballs our way. I don't think we could say THANK YOU enough to all of our friends, family & clients that continue to support us, spread the love, all the kind words & refer us. We truly appreciate it all as we love what we do.We have our fingers crossed & prayers are being said for an amazing 2021. For our business, clients ...

Magic of Christmas 2020 with JL Vail Photography
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS SESSIONS are truly magical & a piece of art that is created to make you and your little one feel like you are looking into a Christmas storybook.For our MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS SESSIONS this year,we will be offering a choice of 7 beautiful scenes to choose from as we capture your little ones during this Christmas Season. Only 1 scene per session and print packages, therefore if you are wanting additional, you'll pay for another time slot and print package :) -Santa's Magical Snow Globe-Christmas Cookies (max 3 kids in the picture)-Farmhouse Christmas Snow Globe-Llama Christmas Love-Winter Christmas Cottage Window (rustic window)-Magic of Santa Reading ...

Warhorses vs. Bearkats
Saturday, November 14, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

On Thursday night we had the privilege of photographing the Devine Warhorses vs. The Raymondville Bearkats at Buccaneer Stadium in Corpus Christi Texas for playoffs.Devine jumped out early with a 21 does nothing lead and then the Bearkats stormed back to tie the game and at halftime it was a score of 28 to 28. Immediately following halftime the Bearkats scored quickly and went up by two scores but Devine battled back and came within one point went for two after scoring a touchdown and unfortunately did not convert the two point conversion. The Warhorses had an opportunity with 2 1/2 minuets in the game left in the fourth quarter and came up short on a fourth-down ...

2020 Classic Christmas - Limited Edition Sessions
Monday, November 09, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

Classic Christmas Limited Edition SessionsDecember 5th & 6th 2020We are so excited for our Christmas Family Sessions this year in a studio downtown San Antonio.  This space is absolutely stunning and we decided to feature a classic look in which we couldn't pass up.  We will have our giant wreath setup for your family portrait & also a small set up of trees for the littles. If you have a teenager, no problem we will do an individual picture in this gorgeous urban loft window scene.The sessions will be 15 minutes long and you will receive 6 digital images with print release for ONLY $169.  This is a huge savings as we typically sell our digital images at $50 ...

Warhorses vs Mavericks Football - 10-30-20
Friday, November 06, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

It was a cool evening at Warhorse Stadium in Devine Texas on October 30th 2020. The air was filled with a sense of confidence not only from the players but the stands as well.  The Devine High School football team came out of the Warhorse helmet on the north endzone with their US Flags. Not only was it a moving display but then stood with them on the 20 yard line holding them as the National Anthem played.  Even though the later it went into the night the colder it became, the Warhorses dominated the Pearsall Mavericks 41-0.  We appreciate everyone for the support and cooperation to be on the field along with the a couple mother's that requested us to attend.If you would ...

Devine Class of 2020 Warhorse Field Cap & Gown Sessions
Monday, June 01, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

On June 6th from 6:30-8:45pm we will be hosting short sessions for our Devine Class of 2020 Senior Graduates on Warhorse field.Each session will be $50 for 15 min long & will allow us to capture pictures of the Senior Graduate on Warhorse Field in their cap & gown, portraits of the Senior Graduate with their parents & a portrait of the Graduate with their family. We will be providing up to 5 downloadable digital images with print release to those that book these sessions. Sessions will be done a week before graduation so these portraits will be finished & delivered before DHS Graduation Day. If we have more people interested in this event, we will ...

Our New Wall Art For Our Bedroom
Friday, May 15, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

Back in August 2019 I decided I wanted to redecorate & rearrange our bedroom. When looking at all of our wall space, I realized wow we need some wall decor. I absolutely love going to Alamo Ranch & La Cantera's Hobby Lobby, Kirklands & Pottery Barn for my home decor, but I really wanted more of a personalized look. Something more intimate. We were taking a last minute trip to Michigan to go see family, so I thought about it & decided to book a last minute portrait session while we were on our trip. I really wanted a wooded area look to give me a romantic Twilight feel & because who doesn't think the Edward Cullen & Bella Swan's wedding look ...

JL Vail Photography Merchandise
Tuesday, May 05, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

COVID-19 shut down really put a damper on our busiest time of year for our business, but we stuck to the grind & still did tons of work & trainings behind the scenes.We have had so many requests to purchase some JL Vail clothing items to support our small business.During our shutdown, I designed this JL Vail Swag Shop which will be open for 20 days to place an order! Place Your Order At: www.bonfire.com/jl-vail-photography--Something so small like this can help our small business so big... We are literally making close to nothing on these purchases, it is just a great way to get our name out & help our small local business. We have personally been wanting to purchase some ...

Hudson Family Session
Friday, January 03, 2020
Home School Picture Day's Added

HUDSON FAMILY SESSIONThis family session was far from dull. There were tons of laughs with this family & perfect smiles all throughout the session. (Dads a dentist at Devine Dental Care)We did this family session outside their home in Devine Texas south of San Antonio.When we pulled up to their home & saw the boys had brought the couch outside for their main family image, we couldn't be more excited!Our goal with their family portrait was to show each individuals personality  & it couldn't have hit more accurate than it did.Here are a few of our favorite images during this session...& of course Kate stole the show with her own little mini session. ...

Best Wedding Image 2019 Professional Photographers of San Antonio Award
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Home School Picture Day's Added

To say I am shocked is an understatement.We weren’t able to make the Professional Photographers of San Antonio Annual Holiday & Awards Banquet on Sunday. We have been so busy with work and our little girl getting sick it’s been a tough week.8:30pm Sunday night December 8th, I was at the computer working on photos and received a text message from a friend and fellow photographer I have looked up to for a long time. He informed me I had won Best Wedding Image of 2019 for Professional Photographers of San Antonio and my jaw about hit the floor.This was the first image I submitted for a competition where you are judged on 12 elements that include; Story Telling, ...

Magic of Christmas with JL Vail Photography
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Home School Picture Day's Added

The Magic of Christmas with JL Vail Photography We have dreamed of offering this for a couple of years now & we are so proud to announce that this will be our very first year offering... THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS SESSIONSTHE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS SESSIONS are truly magical & a piece of art that is created to make you and your little one feel like you are looking into a Christmas storybook while looking at their portrait.For our MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS SESSIONS this year, we will be offering a choice of 3 beautiful setups to choose from as we capture your little ones during this Christmas Season. -Santa's Magical Snow Globe -Christmas Cookies (max 3 kids in picture)-Farmhouse ...