Wow!  It seems like forever since I published my last blog post...

3 years ago, I had this amazing idea of creating high school senior portraits that would break the mold of the traditional portraits taken for the school year book.  Don't get me wrong.  I didn't invent the idea of on location portrait sessions for hs seniors.  In fact, this type of photography has been around for many years.  But, what I did hope to achieve was to bring this style to Laredo.  

Let's face it.  Although the year book portraits are wonderful, they are also not very original or unique.  And, from talking to many hs seniors, a lot of them are unsatisfied with the end result.  

So, it all started with 1 senior my first year.  That was it.  No more.  Failure!  Maybe because of my lack of knowledge in marketing - maybe because of our community set in it's ways and fearing change.  Either way, I knew that I could not give up.  

The following year, I photographed 2 seniors.  The sessions were not exactly the way I had envisioned for the senior project, but it was close.  More importantly, although I thought I was alone in this idea, it seems that a few people had taken notice from the previous year.

This year I knew it was now or never.  I had a plan.  I was ready.  I had to invest physically, mentally, and financially into this project.  So, I started with a simple call to action on Facebook:  Senior Reps needed.  What happened next seemed to be destiny.  It all fell into place just like a pop up children's book at the end of the story.  Within two weeks, I had 3 high school seniors and their moms interested.  Then another a week later.  I was set.  It was time to shoot.

Through the month of July, I had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with 4 wonderful young ladies, their moms (aunts and grandmother, too), and an amazing makeup artist Zelina of Flawless by Zelina.  Of course, I also brought my wife on board, not only for support, but as an assistant for everything from wardrobe to lighting.  Every session began at our home with introductions, makeup and wardrobe.  Then we were on our way.  The heat was incredible, though not surprising.  But, the experiences were amazing!  And the results were incredible.

Which brings us to today, September 2.  The Senior Reps and their moms have been hard at work, promoting  Jesus M. Garcia Photography (JMGP)  and seniors have been coming in and booking their sessions.  Success!  The first part of our goal for the class of 2013 has been achieved and we have already started planning for the class of 2014.  I'm super excited and looking forward to this month's senior sessions and I will be posting the results here on my blog.  

Although I can't thank them enough, I would like to say Thank You to the senior reps and their Moms for becoming a part of our team and for representing me and promoting me to their friends and families.  Also, a big Thank You goes out to Zelina for bringing in her expertise and doing such an amazing job on all of the girls.  And last, but not least, I have to give it up to my wonderful wife, Lisa and thank her for buying into this crazy idea!  Although it has not been easy, it has been a true labor of love.  This project would not be possible without her love and support at every step of the way.

The following images are the JMGP Senior Reps for the Class of 2013.  Enjoy!

Teri | UHS 2013

Lauren | AHS 2013

Claire | USHS 2013

Keanna | MHS 2013