Life Lately as a Texas Photographer: Travel, Family, and Big Changes

Life lately as a Texas photographer has been full of movement and perspective, and anything but slow! Let’s just call it what it is: HECTIC!

I’ve spent more time on the road—or in the air—than at home. Still, I’ve found space to reflect in between the chaos.

Life Lately as a Texas Photographer: Travel, Family, and Big Changes as Jama plays in the snow for her Texas Tech Graduation Pictures in Lubbock Texas

Traveling Across Texas for Sessions and More: Life Lately as a Texas Photographer

Texas is massive. That’s something I’ve been reminded of again and again.

In just a short span of time, I’ve traveled to:

South Texas for a high school senior session and again multiple times for a family emergency
Southeast Texas, near the Louisiana border, for a funeral
College Station to photograph a proud Texas A&M graduate
Lubbock, by way of Dallas, for a Texas Tech graduation session
Austin and Buda for headshots and a sweet 9-month milestone session

Soon, I’ll be heading to El Paso this summer for more work.

Throughout these travels, I’ve worked with clients both new and familiar. Some have been with me for years, or since birth, while others I met for the first time. Each session brought a unique story. For that, I’m truly grateful.

Health Setbacks and Family Emergencies

Not long ago, I got sick and was completely knocked out for nearly two weeks. During that time, I still managed to deliver for my clients.

Just as I began feeling better, I got a call—my dad had been admitted to the ICU. That moment changed everything.

I packed up and headed straight back to South Texas. Thankfully, he’s doing much better now. Still, it was a reminder of how fast life can shift.

Business Highlights Worth Celebrating

Despite everything happening behind the scenes, a few professional wins came my way.

Featured in Voyage San Antonio

I was honored to be featured in Voyage San Antonio. The interview gave me a chance to reflect and share my journey with a wider audience.

Voyage San Antonio Rising Star Jama Pantel — Screenshot

Guest Speaker on a Portrait Photographer Panel

I joined a panel of working photographers to talk about the industry. That experience reminded me how much I enjoy meeting with and also mentoring others.

Building a New Photography App

Behind the scenes, I’ve been developing an app for those who want help learning photography. It’s something I wish existed when I started out. Launching it soon feels exciting—and overdue. And, when it launches it will still be a work in progress.

Stepping Back to Recenter

After being sick, managing a family crisis, and juggling travel, I had to pause and ask myself a question:
What actually matters?

That question led me to take a break from social media. I needed space to breathe. I needed to focus on real life, not the algorithm.

However, I’m still recording podcast episodes for anyone who wants to stay connected. That space has remained a real outlet for me.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is step back. That’s where clarity starts.

Thank You for the Support as Life Lately as a Texas Photographer has Been Hectic

In conclusion, I just want to say thank you! If you’ve reached out recently—thank you. Whether you asked how I was doing, cheered me on, or just sent a kind word, I felt it.

Your support during this season has meant more than you know.

Also, below, I’m sharing a few favorite client portraits and some personal photos from the road.

Finally, if you want to catch the recent interview or the photographer panel? The links are below.

Watch the Photographer Panel on YouTube → [YouTube: Shoot Edit Deliver]
Read the Voyage San Antonio Feature → [https://voyagesanantonio.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-jama-pantel-of-central]