Category: Photography

These are comments and pictures that I make while trying to improve my photography skills.

Caprock Canyon – The Canyon

by Michael

Welcome back. The main attraction of Caprock Canyon is the canyon itself. It is very picturesque, but once again we were plagued with dull, empty skies. No clouds to be found today. At least we weren’t doing any long hikes this time!

The rugged landscape makes one think of the stories we used to read in history books in school, about the explorers that were first scoping out this land from Europe. What must it have been like seeing all of this!

Beautiful scenery, but blank skies

The park is the third largest state park in Texas covering a little over 15,000 acres. The geology of the area is very unique. “The park sits along the Caprock Escarpment, a long, narrow rocky formation as high as 1,000 feet. The escarpment is a natural transition between the flat, high plains of the Llano Estacado to the west and the lower Rolling Plains to the east.”(TDPW Website)

We drove around the park a bit, checking out several overlooks and were able to see the canyon from several different locations. Each stop provided a slightly different sight of what the canyon offers.

Caprock was very green this visit as well

At one overlook I was able to take a nice panorama that covered about 180 degrees. This landscape really takes you in.

Caprock panorama

A friend who grew up in the area commented that it is very rare to see this much green in the canyons. Makes us wonder what this landscape would look like in a “normal” year. This normally arid landscape has had a record amount of rainfall this year.

More green than usual

Spanish explorers began going through this area in the 16th century. Imagine if you will, traveling with a large contingent of men across the plains when suddenly you come up to a very large ditch which you have to figure out how to cross with all your equipment, men, and animals. This would have been the situation with the exploders as they approached this area. According to the TDPW website:

Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado crossed these plains in 1541. Spanish colonies in New Mexico appeared around 1600. Trade between Plains Indians and New Mexicans gradually grew.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons/park_history
Caprock: a big ditch, but so much more

If ever you are in the area, the vistas are worth the effort to stop and check out. This park really deserves more time than we had to offer this trip, so if you go, plan at least a couple of days here.

Next time, we’ll share the cutest members of this park, the prairie dogs.

Until then,

Michael & Karen

All words and photos copyright 2023 M Hampton Photography

Summer

by Michael

My latest senior shoot involved a beautiful country girl named Summer. She had some specific shots she wanted so we went to work to recreate them as best we could.

Things she wanted included in her photos were her truck, her dog (Rip), archery, shotgun, and of course, cap and gown. We were able to accommodate all of those quite well here at Hampton Haven.

We started out with Summer and her truck, and worked from there.

Summer has a very nice and photogenic F-150
Who doesn’t love a good black & white image
This idea was one that Summer had in mind and seems to be a favorite of everyone who sees them.
Just a country girl and her truck. Notice all the academic awards as well!
A girl with many talents
Relaxing in the country grass with Rip
Summer and ‘Merica!
The look.

Just a reminder, if you are in the Overton TX area, I do a limited number of portrait shoots each year. I love doing them but my “day job” prevents me from going full-bore. My goal has always been to provide great photos for a good price for the people in my area. So hit me up and we’ll see what times I have available. Seniors, Family,

Until next time,

Michael

All words and photos copyright 2022 MHampton Photography 
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses and Godox flash equipment

Cristina and Lucy

by Michael

Remember back in 2019 when I posted that changes were a-coming? The idea was that I would be adding more portrait photography into my work. Then, just as things were picking up, 2020 happened and we all know what that year brought. 2021 wasn’t much better and the last thing on most people’s mind was new portraits. The economy was tanking and a large portion of the world was hunkering down in their homes. Now we are in 2022. And while still having its own challenges, it is starting to see people get out and mingle once again. And for me, I had the chance to get out and mingle “wildlife” and portrait photography together in one session when I was asked to do a senior shoot for Christina and her horse, Lucy! Of course, you know I jumped at that opportunity!

We met at a local ranch where Lucy stays, and the shoot began. We started by allowing Lucy to get used to me and the equipment. As much as I love animals, I also respect them, especially when they are much larger than me. I let her smell me, my camera, exposed her to the flash, and all went well. I might add, we did all that BEFORE Christina got on her back.

Then we started the photography with a few shots of Christina riding Lucy. We were still letting Lucy get comfortable with the camera equipment and me just to make sure there would be no surprises.

Once we were all comfortable with each other and how each of us worked we did a few closeup shots.

And since this was a “senior shoot” after all, the obligatory cap-n-gown shots were a must. At this point we are all feeling pretty comfortable together and Christina and Lucy are both being total professionals and easy to work with.

Then came time for a wardrobe switch and a change of scenery. We moved inside of the stable and got a few studio type shots. This is the first time I’ve used a stable as a studio, but in this case, it was the perfect setting.

Time was wearing on, but our goal was to get some shots during the sunset, so we continued. We took a few in a few more settings and then the sun began its descent out of the sky. This brought us that beautiful sunset light we were waiting for. So we set up our position and let God light the scene.

At the end of the day, Christina and Lucy were great to work with. I had the happy chance to combine two styles of shooting, and Christina ended up with some portraits that she can be proud of. So, a win-win for everyone!

So, just a reminder that now things are starting to return to normal, I still do portrait sessions, with or without animals. If you are in need of portraits, be it for a senior, a family, or other, give me a shout and we’ll see what we can get scheduled! I am based in the Overton, TX area and look forward to taking your photo!

Until Next Time,

Michael

All words and photos copyright 2022 MHampton Photography 
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses