Eric Kotara Photography

New, New website

2009-11-18T07:50:00.003-06:00

So I decided to make use of a domain I have been holding just to have it when I need it. It was my name... dot com, and since I already know of at least two other Eric Kotaras, I didn't want someone snagging it :) I will be using this new site as a blog to house more personal non-wedding related photography musings. Expect it to have equipment reviews, business articles, advice, tips, philosophizing and other sundries.

Check it out: EricKotara.com

New Website and Blog

2009-07-17T22:21:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't noticed, or your just stumbling in wondering why the lack of updates, there is a new blog for my wedding and portrait photography up at downtownimagery.com. This will one day be the sole site for wedding and portrait photography side of this business. It is still being built out so expect changes in the look and layout from time to time until I get it all smoothed out. Thanks for looking and enjoy the new site for Austin Wedding Photography

The best camera straps in the world

2009-05-11T15:38:00.007-05:00

I can't remember how I found these people, but boy am I glad I did. I have been wanting new camera straps since I switched over to digital, and here's why.

It used to be Canon would provide you with a comfortable strap that was supple and soft, wouldn't get in your way or make you fumble about untwisting it. It was a bright super advertisement of your brand, which was somewhat lame... well, ok, really lame. The strap was soft enough you could overlook the lame ad factor, though, so it was a keeper.

Then digital came along and that strap changed. What is it now? Well, it's a piece-o-junk. Not only is it brighter, with your cameras type emblazoned across it with marketing flair, but it is stiff as a board. The edges are rough and uncomfortable. It gets all tangled up in itself. Can I complain about it more? Yes, but I won't other than to say it has delved into the depths of lameness.

What to do. Most after market straps have a quick release. This, in my opinion, is a big no no for international travel. Not to mention you have to trust the thing with your gear's life. Umm, nuh uh.

I really wanted something that could show some style too.

Then I found Souldier. This little outfit really has it together. They offer re-purposed seat-belt fabric camera and instrument straps with all sorts of fabric overlays to really tie it all together. Of course, I went with the more "mod" patterns for my two camera straps, though lots of vintage and traditional patterns were available. The straps have metal bracketing with no quick release mumbo jumbo. It's a solid strap you'd be hard pressed to remove from my person.

They are perfect in every way. Stylish. Strong. Durable. SOFT, I mean REALLY soft. They flop around like a strap should, and the edges don't remove skin from your neck. No kinks to get in your way and make you fiddle around foolishly when you could be taking pictures.

All in all I am sold. These guys will have my business from now on. I like them so much that I'd like them to have your business too. One more link in case you missed the first one: Souldier Straps

Gruene Engagement

2009-04-28T16:34:00.005-05:00

Beth and Justin are a great looking couple and they picked a neat spot to do their session. Gruene, TX is a tiny little town north of San Antonio that prides itself on gently resisting change. Very quaint and bucolic, it offers a nice palette of rustic textures and lush river valley greenery. It was definitely a good time. Here are few from the shoot:

Kissing

More Kissing

and just a bit more Kissing

It was fun. I like Gruene. It's not that far from Austin. That's worth mentioning, seeing as how I am now an Austin Wedding Photographer.

WARNING!!!! Gratuitous, flagrant keyword dropping and linking to follow!!! Proceed with Caution.

Eric Kotara, Austin Wedding Photographer, is an Austin based photographer specializing in contemporary photojournalistic wedding coverage that preserves the story of your day with style, elegance, and contemporary flair. He is ready to serve your wedding and event needs in the Austin and surrounding areas. Did we mention that Eric is an Austin Wedding Photographer, shooting Austin weddings, go figure. Eric Kotara loves wedding photography and wants to capture your wedding day.

Stephanie and Brian

2009-04-26T14:28:00.005-05:00

The last photo post on the blog was Steph's Bridals at the Japanese Tea Gardens. We had a great time doing that and her wedding was even more of a blast. They were a great young couple, VERY happy and in love. It was a fun filled day that I am glad to share with you all.

Same kiss, different angle:

Here's the group shot, after some relaxing:

And by relaxing, I mean this, these yunguns really know how to live it up:

but first the formalities, champagne:

and cake:

COOLEST Groom's cake EVER!!!!

and what goes thru every guys' mind after seeing such a cake, yep:

We go outside:

for a little dancing:

Steph knew where the party belonged:

so we took care of this:

to get back to this:

and this:

The end, sort of:

Congrats Steph and Brian, hope to see you sometime in the future when we decide to visit the mountains.

Ciao

Keep Austin Weird! Your NEW Austin Wedding Photographer

2009-04-26T14:09:00.003-05:00

A while back my loving wife took part in a national experience known as "match day". Across the country, every 4th year medical student drinks a lot and then reads the result of their residency match on stage in front of their peers, leaving a dollar in a jar for the poor soul that has to wait till the end and gets called last. Well, to our extreme pleasure, Susie was accepted to her first choice program in Austin. Congrats to you, dear, or should it be dear Dr. now?

So you know what that means, right? Uh, huh. I am soon to be Austin Wedding Photographer. What else changes? Starting May 1st, new packages and prices will be in place. This should follow shortly with some new galleries, and lots of me mentioning that I am now an Austin Wedding Photographer, you know, shooting Austin weddings and such because the more I can mention Austin Wedding Photography, the better. So if your not into reading senseless, link filled, keyword loaded, about me paragraphs, skip the next one. :)

Eric Kotara, Austin Wedding Photographer, is an Austin based photographer specializing in contemporary photojournalistic wedding coverage that preserves the story of your day with style, elegance, and contemporary flair. He is ready to serve your wedding and event needs in the Austin and surrounding areas. Did we mention that Eric is an Austin Wedding Photographer, shooting Austin weddings, go figure. Eric Kotara loves wedding photography and wants to capture your wedding day.

Stephanie's Bridals in San Antonio at the Japanese Tea Gardens

2009-04-16T16:36:00.005-05:00

Now that she is married I can show off her lovely bridal portraits we took at the Japanese Tea Gardens. We had a grand ol' time and got to do a lot running around the koi ponds. Stephanie had a wonderful dress and a hat that gave a great vintage look to her. I'll be posting her wedding next after a big announcement, the evidence of which you may already see.

And we did some work with IR camera.

And you never know when I am going to pull out the nerd glasses.

Canyon Springs Golf Club: A great San Antonio wedding

2009-04-07T22:21:00.004-05:00

These guys were a bunch of fun and they had a great outdoor wedding here in San Antonio. Outdoor weddings are WONDERFUL in the springtime. We had outstanding weather and all were in good spirits, including the longhorn. The Groom's cake was a Chef's hat, in case you were wondering. Lately I have been seeing lots of interesting groom's cakes and I can't wait to show the next one (Bucket of a particular bottled beverage, hint, hint). Stick around for a bit too because some big announcements are coming in the next couple of days.

Enjoy the show:

Wedding: Travis Park Church and Pearl Stables

2009-04-01T12:25:00.004-05:00

Stephanie and Valentin were just a marvelous couple and they chose some really nice places to spend there day at. Travis Park Church in downtown San Antonio is a beautiful church with lots of character and good light. Their reception at the Pearl Brewery Stables was a blast. Lots of fun and dancing. I like dramatic reception lighting, A LOT!

Ellarie Anne, a quick black and white series

2009-03-16T10:16:00.004-05:00

Ellarie got to work it for the camera the other day. Isn't she a cutie? I thought I would show a short black and white series from the afternoon.

Ireland and such

2009-02-23T12:44:00.002-06:00

Second leg of the trip was Ireland to visit Susie's side of the family. They were a great bunch of people, the epitome of hospitality and generosity and they almost had to sweep us out the door to get rid of us. Still coming off of a pretty strong "full Irish breakfast" addiction, but I think all will be well.

Infrared Ancient

Guinness store house. This place was fun, mainly because of the promise of free beer at the top. Kinda like a grown man's Willy Wonka.

Of course we did a lot of this:

Just another countryside.

Of course, you have to stay in a castle if you can. This is Lough Rynn Castle, known far and wide for having a thermostat to control the temperature of the shower.

Walled Gardens at the castle.

Aged boathouse.

I wish all my sunrises were like this... well, without the cold.

All in all a grand ol' time in Europe, but spring is here and it's time to get busy. Be back soon.

Ciao

Some more Rome stuff, eh

2009-01-22T17:54:00.007-06:00

Still chuggin' through the Rome photos, here is another select few. Dublin will be next, and there's lots of cool stuff to show everybody from that leg of the trip.

Most of the shots in this post are details from the trip, architectural shots, and such. Rome is the kinda place that you can just blindly wave your camera around shooting and you are bound to get interesting shots. The whole city is a postcard...well, ok, a fair chunk of the city is a postcard. I wish I had more information about the places we visited, and I may be asking some of you travelers questions to get it all sorted out, but for now...

Enjoy.

Nativity in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral

Forum

Metro, or OOOO OOOO that smell, can you smell that smell

Our UD vineyard

Arches.

Nero's fire. I have tons of these New Years shots; it went on forever. You really got the idea that not a single Roman citizen was indoors, but all were outside blowing stuff up in their backyards or from their balconies.

Ummm.... a church.

That walkway, along the river, just past the gold store alley in Florence.

They have palm trees TOO!!!

A shot of the choir I traveled with: Collegium Cantorum of the University of Dallas. Lovely bunch of people. Good luck to everyone and I can't wait to travel with you all again.

Dublin's up next, see you then.
Ciao

Hey Emily, I've updated my blog.

2009-01-15T18:44:00.004-06:00

Many great times across the pond these last few weeks and here is the first sampling of what came back. Of course, thanks must be given to Emily Alexander of Emily Alexander Photography for her so very motherly guidance, without which this blog may have never been updated, EVER!!!

Getting over the Atlantic was a bear, but not quite as trying or say, life threatening as some of my previous travels, so not too many complaints there. Once there the food was warm, the company good, and the times memorable.

Oh yeah, my award ceremony for surviving 17 days in Europe with just carry on luggage, including camera gear, is to be held this Saturday. See you there.

So here you go, a taste of our travels:

Bas Relief

Random mind boggling architecture grab.

St. Bartholomew

MMmmmm, gelato...

The walking group, stopping for a group shot under the Pantheon Oculus.

On from the Infrared Camera, thanks Susie.

Interesting faces appear in walls in Assisi at Four in the morning, did you know that?

Walk this way, and if you don't...

A traveler's days are long.

"You need to update your blog, no seriously"

Tea Garden Engagement

2009-01-13T03:09:00.003-06:00

Had a lovely time a couple of months ago shooting this great couple's engagement session. They really made the job too easy. Great fall colors on the maple trees and wonderful smiles made this one a winner from the beginning of the photo shoot. Best wishes to them.

Let's dust this baby off: Wedding; LDS Temple

2008-11-18T13:52:00.004-06:00

Holy Cow, haven't been around here in a while. It's been a busy few months and I have lots to post about, so let's start with a wedding.

Had a great time photographing the "after ceremony" outside of the LDS Temple in San Antonio. This temple is a beautiful building and provides some wonderful photo spots around its campus. All in all, a very photogenic couple in a stunning location. It was night time, so you know what that calls for: Silhouettes!!!

Saint Anthony de Padua, Fresno, Ca

2008-08-16T22:53:00.004-05:00

Here is one of the many beautiful churches we got to visit in California this past week. I had the extreme pleasure of studying this place for two uninterrupted hours and came out with some neat stuff for sure. Enjoy.

Yours TrulyStained Glass Up Close

More High Key Produce

2008-07-18T15:59:00.003-05:00

I think the high key look is choice for the produce shots for my gardening blog, Gardening In Converse. It's a gardening blog for the hip so the stylish look seems to fit it. Here are some shots from work I did for two recent posts, one on strawberry jam, and one on giant jalapeños.

Enjoy

Trash the Dress: Big Bend

2008-07-04T20:26:00.010-05:00

One helluva time. I couldn't have asked for a better subject to photograph. Not only were we smack dab in the middle of the blue sky, red rock desert, but we had this dress, hmmm, better shoot it. We got some interesting looks from the other park patrons.

Big Bend

2008-07-04T20:19:00.006-05:00

A few from my recent trip to Big Bend. Exploring different parts of the park is always fun and this time we got to venture a bit more from the Chisos. There still remains vast portions of the park we have not seen, but you can't expect to catch it all in a day. Not to mention that much of the park is out of range for the majority of vehicles. One of these days I am buying a Jeep.

Rick and Pam: A few more

2008-06-27T23:49:00.004-05:00

Just a few more pics from my last San Antonio Wedding.

Wedding RIngs

2008-06-23T11:59:00.006-05:00

A quick one. From a while back. I always enjoy doing the product side of wedding photography. It gives a photographer a chance to change gears and work on something that demands a different approach.

San Antonio Wedding Photography - Rick and Pam

2008-06-19T23:07:00.002-05:00

A had the pleasure of working with Melinda Kurti of Other Than Roses Photography last weekend. Had a blast with this fun couple. Best speech by a best man EVER!!!

Interested in my services? Drop me a line at our client website for San Antonio wedding photography.

Old Wedding Travels

2008-06-12T23:57:00.000-05:00

A couple of shots while traveling in Costa Rica for a friends wedding in late December '07.

Subsequently, this last image has become my new banner. All that empty space was screaming for it.
© 2008 Eric Kotara Photography

Downtown San Antonio with friends

2008-06-01T01:51:00.000-05:00

Got to do some pleasure shooting downtown with four other local photographers. Had a blast and got to do some new things. Certainly learned a few things I can apply to my professional work. Looking forward to second shooting next weekend with Melinda Kurti of Other Than Roses.

© 2008 Eric Kotara Photography

Fractal Cauliflower

2008-05-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

Some not so recent work done for my hip gardening blog, Gardening In Converse. Full Post is here. I have always been interested in product photography so I do use that tool set whenever I can.© 2008 Eric Kotara Photography

San Antonio Wedding - Melissa and Mike

2008-03-31T03:41:00.002-05:00

Great day with these two. Such a lovely couple and very photogenic. I had a wonderful time photographing their wedding and getting to do her bridal portraiture. Best of luck to Mike, and thank you for your service.

Click here to for a San Antonio Wedding Photographer
© 2008 Eric Kotara Photography

Portrait Shoot

2008-03-31T00:33:00.000-05:00

Did a group portrait shoot for some wonderful young ladies today. Tracy, Katrina, and Steph were a joy to work with and the results speak for themselves. Good job girls.

© 2008 Eric Kotara Photography

Sundries

2007-01-20T12:31:00.013-06:00

Photography links directory at FreePhotoGallery

Wedding Photography Finder.com

Photography Directory Project

FEATURED VENDOR
San Antonio, Texas Photographers
Directory at Decidio.com

A link to SanAntonioWeddings.com just to help my own rankings, not theirs, don't click it. And another one, to a different Wedding site but for the same purpose, YAY search engine optimization. While were at it and in context, Eric Kotara is a San Antonio based wedding photographer wanting to deliver for you today. He even does portraiture in San Antonio, bridals, engagements. As a San Antonio photographer he has the opportunity to use a myriad of places to make his portraits. He loves shooting weddings in San Antonio. There are many places to photograph bridals, engagements, trash the dress sessions. Interesting perspectives are key and hey knows how to get it for your wedding. Click the link to contact this wedding photographer.

http://www.dphotojournal.com/photography-directory/