j.cruz.photography

Logan Approved • Commercial • Seabrook, TX

2012-08-05T00:33:00.000-05:00

Here are super adorable handmade products that my talented and crafty SIL sells on her brand new website.

LOGANAPPROVED.COM

Her company is Logan Approved and she sells children's hair accessories along with other products such as hairbow frames, toesocks, and tote bags.
Confession: My daughter has a few Logan Approved hairbows and when I'm feeling youthful I steal them from time to time to wear myself. They're that cute!

I photographed the featured products on the website, and my daughter was one of the models. So here's a peek at her awesome modeling skills (and one of many cool fabric flower hairbows you can find on the site).

My SIL talked her cute neighbors into modeling her products for me. They're the Saley sisters. Each happy to fix up their hair and wear cute accessories. I absolutely loved doing this project and I had the best kid/teen models around..... they're all so photogenic. Thanks girls!!!

Support my SIL and take a look at her website. Leave a comment telling me which product you liked the most..... if I get enough comments then maybe I can talk her into doing a giveaway on my blog.

Freeman Family • Maternity/Family Portrait • Houston

2012-05-16T15:48:00.000-05:00

Since I took these in February I have been dying to post some images from this session. The reason for the delay is simply because I prefer not to share session photos before my clients place and receive their order.

I remember when I took Matt and Carolina's wedding pictures 5 or so years ago, and now here we were again taking family pictures. With two little ones and another on the way (now 3 little ones), their family had grown and changed so much. It was a really good feeling to be a part of this family's most joyful moments.

We captured some very sweet moments at El Jardin del Mar. The weather was nice (a bit windy at times), and for many of these shots the sun cast a soft gleam which made the images all the more lovely. I will include strong and lively shots which also appeal to my eye, as I hope it does to yours as well.

All images ©Julie Cruz & j.cruz.photography

As always, please do not copy these images without permission.

Thank you!

Dominique + Friends • Prom • Galveston

2012-05-08T22:37:00.002-05:00

I was super excited to take prom pictures last month. It was the first time I had been asked to do so, and I think it is the perfect photo opportunity to memorialize an american high school milestone. Why had I not thought of this before?! I only wish I had more parents wanting to step away from the traditional prom date pictures taken at the front door right before the couple heads off.....

We drove to Moody Gardens in Galveston for a few pre-prom pictures of Dominique with her friends. (I have to tell you, Dominique is the sweetest girl in the world and if you were to meet her family you'd see why she turned out so well. They are a big family with big hearts.) So for Miss Dominique we were at the prom hot spot to put a modern twist on her prom photos. It was a really nice day and the timing was perfect as the last minutes of the sun illuminated my subjects. I also got the sun lens flare which inspired me for post production work on these pictures. And I love the warm colors.

All images © Julie Cruz & j.cruz.photography

I always welcome healthy critiques to improve my skills, so if you'd like to know something (How to's in photoshop, photo style, etc.) or give your opinion please do not hesitate. Thank you!

Mother's Day Photo Giveaway Results

2012-05-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

Time to announce the winners of my favorite holiday giveaway. Yes, I said winners. You all gave me such sweet nominations that it was super hard to choose which mother deserved it most. After all the nomination stories I read I do believe they all deserve it. That is why I decided to elect 2 winners.

Candace R.

Logan S.

The winners must claim their prize before the month's end to set up the photo session.

Thank you!

Mother's Day Photo Giveaway

2012-04-19T16:56:00.000-05:00

PHOTO SESSION GIVEAWAY

Every mother deserves to be celebrated!

I really want to help someone make this Mother's Day special, so I decided to give away a free photo session which will include 3 final images on a photo cd and she will be featured on my blog.

I mean how often does your mother pamper herself with a beautiful portrait?

This is the perfect opportunity to give your mother a special Mother's Day gift.

All you have to do is drop me a few lines about why your mother deserves to be celebrated.

Here's how you can do it.

Leave me a comment here on my blog, or send me an email (j.cruz.photography@gmail.com), or message me on my facebook photography page.

It really is that easy!

I will announce the lucky winner on May 5th.

That gives you TWO WEEKS to enter this giveaway.... so hop to it!

Melani • Bridal Portrait • Galveston

2012-04-10T03:57:00.001-05:00

Here's one I have been meaning to show off for quite a while now. Back in December I traveled down to Galveston to meet up with Melani at the Tremont House Hotel. I am really please with how these images came out, but then again look at my subject! How could I go wrong with such a gorgeous bride. The dress was beautiful, the necklace was unique, the make-up perfect, and all I had to do was snap away.

Choosing which images to share is only half the difficulty of posting, the other half is whether or not to show them in full color, sepia, or b&w (along with other variations i love). If you know me at all you know that I am very indecisive, so that should give you a clue as to just how time consuming and difficult this is for me.

All images © Julie Cruz & j.cruz.photography

elegant and refined

playful and relaxed

As always, it is nice to have photo admirers. I just ask you be respectful and mention credit where it is due... and not manipulate these images so as to take out the logo.

Iskander Family • Family/Baby Portrait • Bellaire

2012-04-10T00:50:00.001-05:00

My good friend and former co-worker (back at UHCL) contacted me on facebook to do her family pictures. It was a great surprise since we hadn't seen each other since we attended UHCL. Since then she had her second baby boy. I was super excited to meet this little guy for his first professional picture session. I think you'll agree that baby Jacob and his older brother, Mark, are simply adorable. I could have stayed with them all day taking pictures.

This was our second attempt to get together to do these pictures, but I think it really worked out because the day was beautiful outside and the choice location was Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox church in Bellaire. Here's a small sample of the images captured that day.

All images © Julie Cruz & j.cruz.photography

As always, it is nice to have photo admirers. I just ask you be respectful and mention credit where it is due... and not manipulate these images so as to take out the logo.

To Pin or Not to Pin

2012-04-10T00:03:00.000-05:00

I joined pinterest a while back, but it's taken me time to add the pin it button (big suprise there!.... just like it's taken me this long in 2012 to post to my blog). I love pinterest. It's an obsession. I have to monitor the time I spend on there each week because time flies by and before I know it my day is gone. Anyhoo, I don't even know that I followed the instructions for adding the pin it button correctly. I still need to put it on my website (like in another 4 months - ha. ha. ha.).

If you want to show me some love and pin my stuff go for it! I think it would be one of the greatest compliments to my work.

Christmas Family Newsletter

2011-12-21T08:37:00.000-06:00

This year has been full of new beginnings. We welcomed our first baby earlier this year. We named her Deseret Olivia. Deseret is a name we chose from the Book of Mormon which means honeybee, and at 10 months old she certainly is proving to be a busy little bee and full of sweetness. Deseret is very silly and mischevious. She is walking, clapping, and loves showing mommy and daddy new things she learned - like how to squeeze through barriers we put up. We have enjoyed watching her learn and grow. Heavenly Father has blessed us with the most perfect baby girl for our family. We love being her parents.

Abraham has been working hard to get through school. He's relieved to have another semester of grad school under his belt. He got his first taste of being 'in the field' with an internship for a human resources company. He's currently serving in the Elder's Quorom at church, and all his free time is spent playing with his daughter and making his wife happy by giving her time to catch up on sleep. And now that the NBA is back in play any extra time he finds will be watching his favorite teams play.

Julie is loving her role as a new mommy. She gets to stay-at-home with Deseret all day and they have grown attached at the hip. Julie has taken tons of baby pictures and tries desperately to capture every precious moment (impossible of course). Photography is still her passion and she's had the privilege of working with some new clients this year. She is currently working on her genealogy and super excited since learning of a family line that has been traced back to Adam (Yes! You read correctly -- I know!!!).

From our family to yours, we wish you a merry Christmas and joyful New Year.

XOXO,

The Cruz Family

Thanks to Dianna L. Hall Photography for all the wonderful family pictures.
You can check out her artistic photography at http://dlh-photography.blogspot.com/2011/10/league-city-family-photography.html

Talitha • Maternity Portrait • Clear Lake • PART I

2011-07-19T08:47:00.000-05:00

I love maternity photography because there is truly something very amazing about that growing bump. Talitha looks so beautiful. She's going to be a first time mommy by the end of this month. We can't wait to meet the precious baby girl.

All images © Julie Cruz & j.cruz.photography

I made the next image shown first in a crisp light & then in a soft light. To me they are equally as beautiful, but I'd probably go with the second if I were to mount this image & hang it in my home. It just has that soft angelic feel to it, you know? Then again....? It depends on the pictures surrounding it.

Seth + Erica • Engagement Session • Houston • POST II

2011-07-18T11:27:00.000-05:00

More image variations from this photo session! I had to share these posed images in their many dramatic aesthetics. I find each small change leaves a new imprint on how I feel when viewing the image & how it appeals to the eye.

I'd like to know your opinion, whether you're a friend, follower, or just a passerby.

All images © Julie Cruz & j.cruz.photography

warm-toned w/dramatic lighting

Deep shadows w/dramatic lighting

b&w w/dramatic lighting

b&w w/G&B color pop

b&w w/G color pop

b&w w/G&R color pop

b&w w/ R color pop

Seth + Erica • Engagement Session • Houston • POST I

2011-07-17T00:00:00.003-05:00

This is a repost of a previous session that I sadly had to take down a while back. Now I am able to show these images again & with a few tweaks here and there. We ventured out to the Wortham Falls, next to the Wortham Theater for these pictures. I love these waters.

All images © Julie Cruz & j.cruz.photography

Brandi • Portrait Session • Warehouse District

2011-07-12T15:47:00.001-05:00

LOOOOVED this photo shoot! I wanted to experiment with a new location and time and model, so Brandi was a doll and helped me out. She was so awesome and patient with me. We took these back in November when I was 7 months pregnant... I laugh now because Brandi had to help me up from the ground several times. Thanks girl!

All images © Julie Cruz & j.cruz.photography

There are two versions of the following image. First one has a warm yellowish tone & the second one is in a cool tone. I love both, but the first fits my mood for night time fine art photography.

The last image is one of my favorites. I played around with textures & cannot decide which looks best, therefore I am posting the variations that I came up with & letting you tell me which one is to your liking. The first is just color enhanced, no textures. The second is color muted, no textures.

The next set of images are black & white with textures, except the first one is just classic b&w. You can't go wrong with the classic look.

Once again you decide which is your favorite.... leave me a comment to let me know your opinion.

Emily • Baby Portrait • Clear Lake

2011-06-23T01:32:00.001-05:00

My good friends asked me to take pictures of their 3 month old and I could not refuse. Baby Emily is so adorable. She was born just a few weeks before my little one.

Bumble Bee Baby Shower

2011-06-05T08:32:00.001-05:00

My sister-in-law had her baby shower the other day and I just loved the theme. She had Gepedo baby dolls dressed as bumble bees and the colors throughout the room were yellow and lilic. It was a fresh and modern style, which goes well for a June shower. And the cup cakes were AMAZING. My SIL is due at the end of July. Summer babies are so much fun. We can't wait to see the little bumble bee baby next month.

Ramirez • Family Portrait • League City

2011-06-03T17:22:00.001-05:00

I adore the Ramirez family! They are all so kind and genuine. I was a very happy photographer by the end of our photo shoot. It's nice to work with people who can be casual in front of the camera. Funny thing is they kept telling each other what to do or how to pose... ha ha ha, families! Hey, it made my job easier. =)

Cynthia • Senior Portrait • Dickinson

2011-06-02T19:02:00.001-05:00

I've known Cynthia for a few years now and she is just about the sweetest girl I know. I took some pictures of her family last year (which I will be posting soon) and we talked about doing her senior portraits then. So you can imagine how excited I was that she still wanted me to do them for her.

Cynthia is valedictorian of her school, so you can imagine how special she is, not to mention extremely beautiful. And since she wanted these portraits to represent who she was we went around to her hometown hangouts. A few specifics that she wanted was to take pictures by water in her prom dress and grab a few shots on the ranch with a horse. And we did! And it was fun!

Donahoe Family + Aiden's 6 month photo session • Discovery Green • Houston

2011-05-25T00:07:00.002-05:00

Playing Ketchup

2011-05-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

So very much has happened in the last 6 months that I lost track of all things blog related.

I had a beautiful baby girl and well that's it really, but there is a lot that goes along with that!

So now my plan is to catch up on blogging all the photo sessions over the time missed.

I will even post a few photos of my baby girl's monthly photo shots.

Her name is Deseret Olivia Cruz.

We call her Desi for short. =)

Now then, look for the following posts over the next few months:
BABIES - Aiden, Violet, Brody, Emily, & Desi
FAMILIES - Donahoe, Renshaw, Ramirez, Gonzales, & Morrison
ENGAGEMENTS - Seth & Erica (re-post), Blake & Melani
MATERNITY - Megan & Talitha
SENIOR - Edwin & Cynthia
WEDDING - Jonathan & Anna

38 Caliber Hero - Promo Band Session

2010-11-28T03:05:00.000-06:00

38 Caliber Hero is a local Houston Band. They are relatively new to the scene and classify themselves as Progressive Rock/Pop Punk. I met Daniel (or Woody as I like to call him by his last name) last year when we worked together for a short time. He hit me up a few months ago to take band photos for his group. So I got to work with these guys and let me tell you they are pretty funny and entertaining. I got some goofy shots of them, but the images I have displayed show their serious side. The location for these shots was at The Drake.
Seriously though, check them out on myspace. Their sound is one you can listen to what ever your mood. They got awesome beats, you can jam out to the guitar and drum solos, and the lyrics are interesting. Here's where you can look them up: http://www.myspace.com/38caliberhero

Don't forget to leave comments about their music, my images, whatev!

Referral Reward

2010-11-15T10:52:00.000-06:00

Spread the word about JCP and get your reward!!!

My photography career thrives on YOU by word of mouth.
And since many of you have given my name to your friends and family..... now it's my turn to give you something.

So here it is folks!

WHAT'S THE REWARD?
20% off your next photo session, plus a $25 print credit for every $50 print order.

HOW IT WORKS:
Refer me to as many of your friends and family that may be interested in a photo session.
You earn your reward after 2 of your contacts book & complete their photo session with me.

*This JCP reward incentive is current until notified otherwise.

Personalized Holiday Photo Cards

2010-10-20T22:22:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for a unique holiday card to send out this year? Look no further.

Here are a few of my sample Holiday Cards. Choose one of my samples & personalize it. Or let me design one especially for you. I am taking orders now.

*Get a set of 10 holiday photo cards of your choice when you book your holiday photo session with me before Thanksgiving. Envelopes not included.

Holiday Stamp - black

Holiday Stamp - red

Stripes & Snowflakes (spanish version)

Red Ribbon

Polka Dot Hot

RESULTS: Beautiful Bellies Photo Drawing

2010-10-20T19:09:00.000-05:00

When I had this drawing in mind I did not know how difficult it would be to decide who should win. I asked that each mama tell me why she deserved to win, and I can honestly say all who participated deserve it. However there can only be one. So I decided to put the names in a bag and draw a lucky name.

Please watch the video to find out the results.

EXCLUSIVE OCTOBER SPECIAL

2010-10-06T18:02:00.000-05:00

Calling ALL high school students to the Studio!

Don't miss out on this special

Get professional photographs taken without paying a FEE!!!

Any Questions???

Book your appointment ASAP before your slot is taken!

This is such an awesome opportunity. You really don't want to miss out. I am super excited that I am able to offer a portrait session FREE of charge... but time is running out.

Hurry Up!

DRAWING: Beautiful Bellies

2010-10-05T01:52:00.004-05:00

Are you or someone you know 7-9 months pregnant?

Enter to WIN A FREE MATERNITY PHOTO SESSION by following 2 easy steps:

1. post this link to your Facebook page

2. message me why you or your friend should win

Winner to be announced in 2 weeks times.

I am really excited about this drawing! Maybe it's because I am expecting my first baby. My current obsession is photographing pregnant bellies. The miracle of life is amazing and so is the process, which is why I believe it should be documented. Belly photos are small treasures for you, your family, and your baby.