Portrait Photography in New Braunfels and San Antonio: The Complete Guide to Getting Photos You Actually Love
If you've ever walked away from a photo session not loving the results, or you've been avoiding getting photos taken altogether, this guide is for you.
I'm Erin Valkner, a portrait photographer based in New Braunfels, Texas. I work with women across the Hill Country and into San Antonio and Austin who are done waiting until they feel ready, look different, or have a reason good enough to justify getting in front of a camera.
This is the guide for anyone not sure about taking the time or spending the money on a photoshoot and for the people who have convinced themselves it won't work for them.
The Thing Nobody Says Out Loud About Having Photos Taken
Most people avoid getting photos taken because they've been in front of a camera before and hated what they saw.
Or they've spent years trying to stay out of the frame, and after doing it long enough it starts to feel like the right call.
Here's what I know after years of working with women who walk into my studio convinced they're the one person this won't work for: The problem is not you.
It's the session not being intentionally designed. It's a photographer who didn't know how to direct. Not enough time to warm up. An environment where you felt like you had to perform instead of just exist.
When those things change, the photos change. Every time.
There’s no such thing as not being photogenic.
What I Actually Do (And Why It Matters)
I am an intentional direction-first photographer. That means before I pick up my camera, I'm thinking about how to create the conditions for real moments, not how to document you trying to have one.
I’m paying attention to the details so you don’t have to worry about them, like making sure hair is not going crazy or clothing bunched or rumpled.
I'll tell you where to put your hands, and give direction throughout. That's not a small thing. For most people, that direction is the difference between being able to relax and not worry about what to do and also having images they love versus images they never use or share.
I work specifically with people who don't necessarily feel comfortable being seen.
That's not just a line, I've built my entire approach around it.
Camera-shy, camera-avoidant, convinced they're not photogenic; those are my people.
What a Portrait Session With Me Actually Looks Like
A portrait session is an intentional experience designed to capture you: how you carry yourself, what lights you up, the version of you that people who love you already see but that you might not have evidence of yet.
Sessions can happen at my studio in New Braunfels or on location throughout the Hill Country. If you're not sure which makes sense for what you want, that's exactly what the consult call is for.
Here's what you can expect:
If you feel nervous beforehand, leading up or even the first few minutes of the session… That's normal. It's not a sign that it's going wrong. It passes, and there’s no reason to pretend it doesn't happen.
You won't have to figure out how to look natural. That's my job. You show up. I'll handle the rest.
I'll direct you, but I'm also listening. If something feels off, say so. I’ll ask for your opinion and always be open for changing something that’s not working.
Who Gets Portrait Sessions?
The short answer is anyone. But if you're a woman in New Braunfels, San Antonio, or the surrounding Hill Country and any of these sound like you, you're exactly who I had in mind:
The business owner who needs photos that actually look like her. Images that show the person behind the business, because that's what builds trust. If this is you, there's a full guide to brand sessions here. [link]
The woman marking a milestone. A birthday. A divorce. A career change. Something you finished that was hard. You don't need a reason that sounds significant enough to other people. If it's significant to you, it's worth documenting.
The mom who's been out of the frame for years. You have hundreds of photos of your kids. You are almost entirely absent from the visual record of your own family's story. That's worth fixing before another year goes by. [link to moms and kids section or post]
The woman who keeps saying someday. Someday…when she's lost the weight. When she feels more like herself. When she's less busy. I've worked with so many women who said “maybe someday” for years. The ones who finally booked all say the same thing: I wish I’d have done this sooner!
The woman who has genuinely never had professional photos taken and isn't sure she'd be comfortable. That is the exact right reason to book. You don't need to feel confident before you book. That's what the session is for.
"I'm Not Photogenic": Let's Talk About It
Not even joking, this is the thing I hear most often.
And I want to say something that might sound blunt: “not photogenic” almost always means never had a photographer who knew how to work with her.
Being photogenic isn't a fixed trait. It's a response to direction, environment, time, and trust.
When someone tells me they've never liked a photo of themselves, I don't hear "I'm a hard subject." I hear "nobody's created the right conditions yet."
I'm not promising you'll love every frame. But if you've made it this far in this guide, you already care enough to make it work. That's more than half of it.
Photoshoot Locations in New Braunfels and the Hill Country
One of the things I love about living in this part of Texas is that you don't have to go far to find beautiful locations for photos.
For outdoor sessions, I work throughout the Hill Country, Gruene, New Braunfels, the beautiful areas are everywhere and I’ll help you choose a location if you don’t already have one in mind.
If you're coming from San Antonio, there's no shortage of options within 30 to 45 minutes that feel completely removed from the city.
Studio sessions at my New Braunfels location give the option for more control over the elements, where we don’t have to worry about wind or rain or gloomy days. Plus there’s air conditioning for those hot summer days!
A lot of clients do a mix, we start inside, and then move outdoors for a second look.
How to Prepare for Your Session
Planning the session: Think about the feeling you're after, how you want your photos to look and how you want to feel. Bold and editorial. Warm and real. Somewhere in between. Looking at photos that stop you, even if they look nothing like what you think you want, helps identify what you're actually after. I’ll walk you through a process for planning it all out.
What to wear: Wear something you know you feel good in. If you’re buying something new be sure to try it on before your session. Solid colors and simple patterns usually photograph better than busy prints. If it's a branding session, wear what you'd actually wear to a client meeting, not a costume version of yourself. Bring two or three options and we'll talk through it before we start.
The day of: Eat something. Give yourself enough time to arrive without rushing; frantic energy takes a while to shake, but, if it can’t be helped, we’ll take a few minutes to settle in, so don’t worry! Come with whatever version of your hair and makeup you feel like yourself in. If you’re having it done at the studio, you’ll have instructions beforehand. Expect to feel a little stiff at first. It passes I promise!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a portrait session cost? Information on session pricing and packages are on the booking page. Payment are available and if you're not sure which option fits your budget or your goals, reach out, that's what the consult call is for! Book your free consult call here.
How many photos will I receive? A curated gallery of images that tell a story and are aligned with your vision. Sifting through dozens of near-identical frames to find the one that works is not part of what you're paying for. The curation is.
How long does a session take? A portrait session typically run about an hour. Branding sessions can run longer depending on how many looks and locations we're covering. I build in enough time that we're not rushing.
Will you retouch my photos? Yes, professional retouching is included. Anything that isn't permanently part of you, blemishes, splotchiness/redness, stray hair, goes away. What I don't do is change your body, smooth your face into something unrecognizable, or edit you into a different person. The goal is for you to look like yourself on a really good day, with great light, and a photographer who knew what she was doing.
Do I need professional hair and makeup? Absolutely not. Some clients love having glam done before a session. It can be its own ritual that helps you show up in the right headspace. Others come exactly as they are on any given Tuesday. Neither is more or less the point. Professional hair and makeup is available as an add-on if you want it.
Do you work with men? Of course I do! You might be surprised to know that men worry about the same things as women when it comes to having their photos taken. I’m here for anyone who’s not comfortable in front of the camera.
What areas do you serve? My studio is in New Braunfels. I work regularly throughout the Hill Country, Wimberley, Boerne, Gruene, Seguin, and into the San Antonio metro area. Reach out if you're outside these areas and we'll figure out if it makes sense.
How to Know If We're a Good Fit
Not every photographer is right for every person, and I'd rather you know that upfront.
We're probably a good fit if you want photos that actually mean something to you.
Not just images that look ok, just check the box, or that just look like every other session you've seen online.
You want to look at these photos and feel something. You want them to look like you, the real version, not a performance.
We're probably not a great fit if you're not that interested in the process and just want something that looks like what everyone else is doing.
That's a completely valid thing to want. I'm just not the best person to deliver it.
The difference usually shows up in one question: do you care what these photos say about you, or do you just need photos?
If it's the first one, we should talk.
What People Say About Working With Me
If you want a photographer who truly 'sees' you, look no further than Erin. She turned what could have been a standard headshot session into a joyful, empowering experience. She listened and captured exactly what I was hoping for. Erin is a perfectionist in the best way, noticing the fine details to make sure I looked my absolute best. The session was easy and fun, and the experience is truly unmatched by other photographers I've worked with. The final photos are stunning, high-quality, and exactly what I needed. Five stars isn't enough!
-Whitney H.
I had my first professional photographs taken today. I came across Erin's studio here in town and gave her a call. She responded very quickly to the message I left. She was very patient and talked me through my photo session. I am not photogenic in the least. Erin explained the process, and we had the shoot. I was happy with the pictures. I was able to use the headshot for a professional profile. I highly recommend Erin. She was personable and friendly and put me at ease when taking photos.
-Gil O.
I have wanted to do a boudoir shoot for my husband for a long time and finally decided to go for it, despite being incredibly nervous about the whole situation. Erin was so sweet and professional and made me feel totally comfortable and beautiful! Still, I was really nervous to get my photos back because I'm just not confident in myself in this type of scenario AT ALL, especially now being a new mom. I was preparing myself to try not to be disappointed because it was going to be me in the photos and not the girls in my inspo pics. But my jaw dropped when I saw my photos! They so far exceeded my expectations. I was absolutely stunned to see them and be so happy with them. Erin is a wizard!!!!!
-Alison E.
Ready to Book?
If you've read this far, you're probably already thinking about it. Here's what I'd say: don't wait until you feel ready.
“Ready” is like confidence, it’s a feeling that shows up after you've already done the thing, not before.
Book the session, show up, and let me worry about the rest.
Reach out through the contact page to start a conversation about what you're looking for. You don't have to have it figured out before you get in touch.
Erin Valkner Photography is a portrait, branding, and boudoir photography studio based in New Braunfels, Texas, serving women across the Hill Country and San Antonio area. Learn more at erinvalknerphotography.com.