FAITH TEPOEL PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’ve ever felt unsure in front of a camera or worried about not knowing what to do, you’re not alone. Most people don’t do this every day, and it’s completely normal to need a little guidance. The good news is, feeling natural in photos isn’t about being “perfect” at it. It’s about how the session is approached! Here's some tips on how to feel natural in front of the camera. 1. Stop Focusing on the Camera The quickest way to feel stiff is to constantly think about where

Dylan + Bekah + Griz, a maternity session in Memphis. Ugh, I am just so thankful for sessions like this. I got to shoot this maternity photoshoot in Memphis for some of our close friends, which always makes things even sweeter. Dylan actually officiated our wedding last year, so getting to document this season for them felt extra full circle. We kept things pretty simple. Met up at Shelby Farms in Memphis, one of my favorite locations there. It started out cloudy and rainy ne

One of the coolest things about Texas is how wildly different the landscapes are depending on where you go. Within a few hours you can go from desert mountains to white sand dunes, coastal beaches, deep canyons, and rolling green hills. Because of that, Texas is honestly one of the best states for destination photoshoots. Whether you're planning engagement photos, portraits, family, or just documenting a season of life, there are so many places that create incredible backdrop

A Little Editorial, A Lot of Romance This session was EVERYTHING! We started as the sun was setting and when the sun got lower, the session started to have a really dreamy feel. The movement of the water, the way the light wrapped around them, and the quietness of the lake created such a romantic atmosphere. It almost felt like something out of an editorial shoot, but still very natural and real at the same time. That’s always the balance I’m chasing when I photograph couples

A Local Photographer’s Guide to My Favorite Locations One of the most common questions I get when someone books a session is“Do you have any location recommendations?” The short answer is yes. Lots. One of the reasons I love photographing in Central Texas is because there is such a huge variety of landscapes within a short drive. We have lakes, cliffs, creeks, fields, downtown areas, and some really beautiful hidden spots that photograph incredibly well. Whether you're planni

One of the first questions I get after someone books a session is always the same. “What should we wear?” It’s a good question!! What you wear can completely change how your photos feel. The goal isn’t to show up in something trendy or perfectly styled. It’s to wear something that feels like you , photographs well, and lets the connection between you and your people be the focus. Whether you’re planning engagement photos, family photos, portraits, or just a couples session, h

Whimsical Portrait Session in Belton Texas | Belton TX Photographer If you are looking for a Belton Texas photographer who captures portraits that feel natural, creative, and a little bit magical, this whimsical session in Belton was the perfect example of what is possible here! Belton, Texas has some of the most underrated portrait locations in Central Texas. With soft open fields, golden evening light, water everywhere, and woodsy forests backdrops, it is the perfect place

I had the absolute best time photographing these two at Crater Lake National Park  in Oregon. The scenery didn’t disappoint, beautiful blue water, towering cliffs, and that peaceful setting only nature can give. This session was all about connection and adventure. We explored, laughed, and let the moments happen naturally, capturing genuine energy between them. I love when a session feels like a little escape, not a photoshoot, just two people enjoying each other and the inc

Every year, I get the honor of photographing Rebecca for her birthday, and this session might be one of my favorites yet. We kept things simple and intentional with a styled portrait session in an open Texas field, letting the space, light, and movement do the work. Styling the session from start to finish gave us creative freedom while keeping everything effortless and true to her. As a Texas portrait photographer, I love creating sessions that feel personal, relaxed, and ti

I recently shot an editorial fashion session in downtown Memphis , and the city did not disappoint. Every corner added energy and character to the photos. We focused on a bold outfit, natural movement, and capturing the city too. It was moody, dramatic, and editorial all at once. Tips for shooting editorial fashion in a city: Scout interesting walls, alleys, and textures ahead of time Use golden-hour light for warmth and drama Let outfits move naturally to capture energy Incl

Every year brings new inspiration, but 2026 feels especially exciting for photography. From how we capture moments to how clients want to tell their stories, there’s a lot I’m seeing that I just can’t get enough of. Here are the 2026 photography trends I’m loving right now, and why I think they’re worth paying attention to if you’re planning a session or running your own photography business. 1. Natural, Documentary Style Continues to Reign People want honesty and emotion in

If you’re planning a photoshoot in Central Texas, you picked a beautiful place. From rolling hills and wide open fields to lakes, oak trees, and golden sunsets, this area has so much variety. It also comes with a few quirks that are good to know ahead of time. Whether you’re planning engagement photos, family photos, seniors, branding, or just updating your photos for this season of life, here’s everything you need to know to make your Central Texas photoshoot feel easy, fun,

(How to choose outfits, pick the right location, and actually enjoy the moment) If you want photos that breath, photos that aren't stiff and truly feel like you, documentary-style photography is it. The connection, the movement, the laughs, the quiet in-betweens you don’t even notice happening. It’s not just standing still and smiling at the camera every five seconds. It’s honest moments captured. If you’re getting ready for your session, or thinking about booking a documenta

If you’re looking for the best photoshoot locations around Temple and Belton, Texas , you’re in the right place. I spend a lot of time shooting in this area, and there are certain spots I keep coming back to because they just work , great backgrounds, pretty light, easy parking, the whole thing. Whether you’re planning engagements, seniors, families, or just want updated photos, here are my favorite spots in Temple/Belton and what they’re best for. 1. Chalk Ridge Falls (Belto

I got to photograph the sweetest surprise proposal in Austin, Texas recently, and it took place at the most perfect Airbnb overlooking Lake Travis. He set everything up on the back deck before she arrived, sweet, thoughtful, and exactly what he knew she’d love. When she walked out, he dropped to one knee, and she said yes right away. Super relaxed, super genuine, and honestly just a really beautiful moment to be part of. After the proposal, we walked around the Airbnb and too

I photographed a cozy Airbnb near downtown Ouray , and honestly, it was the dream setup. I stayed there in exchange for the photos, which made it feel like more than just a shoot, it was a little story I got to live inside. The cabin sits right on the edge of town, surrounded by trees, close enough to quick coffee but tucked away enough to feel completely peaceful. Every morning the light would pour through the windows and hit the wooden floors just right, the kind of glow th

The Slow Magic of Film Photography Film photography has a way of changing the pace of a moment. In a world full of instant everything, instant previews, instant reactions, instant results, film asks us to pause. To breathe. To feel the moment before capturing it. As an Austin Texas film photographer documenting elopements, weddings, families, and portraits, I’ve seen how film transforms a session. It grounds us. It brings everyone into the present. And it preserves memories i

Surprise Proposal at Mormon Row | Grand Teton National Park Photographer There are moments that remind me exactly why I love what I do, and this surprise proposal at Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park  was one of them. Alyse and I had talked about getting together for a shoot while we were both in the area, but before we had anything planned, her mom reached out to officially book me. What Alyse didn’t know was that her mom’s message wasn’t just about photos, it was abo

A Creative Family Session at Home - Temple Texas Family Photographer The Kings welcomed me into their home in Temple, Texas, where their session unfolded in the most personal and authentic way possible. Their vision was clear: no stiff poses, no cookie-cutter backdrops, and definitely nothing boring. Instead, they wanted photos that stood out , images that told their story in a way that was real, vibrant, and full of personality. The unique twist? The dad is a local Temple ar

This maternity shoot in the Austin Hill Country kept things simple and authentic, jeans, an open shirt, and a cowboy hat under the golden Texas sunset. The wide skies and rolling hills made the perfect backdrop for photos that felt bold, natural, and true to her story. If you’re looking for maternity photos in Austin that capture your style and personality, the Hill Country is the place to do it. Ready to plan your own session? Book now and lets start planning!