The Journal
Behind the lens — stories, tips, and insight from our team in Houston & beyond
How We Light Outdoor Portraits in Houston's Harsh Summer Sun
Houston sun is no joke — especially in July and August. Craig and the team have built a go-to toolkit for beating the heat and the light: timing, diffusion, reflectors, and embracing the golden hour.
Read MoreFrom Raw Footage to Final Cut: Our Wedding Film Workflow
A peek inside how we handle 6–10 hours of footage and shape it into a cinematic film your family will watch for decades.
Read MoreShooting High School Football: Settings, Gear, and Timing
Friday night lights demand a specific approach. Craig breaks down the exact camera settings and positioning strategies he uses at Texas high school games.
Read MoreWhy Your Brand Photos Are Costing You Clients
Tasha breaks down what she sees across Houston business pages — and why investing in intentional brand photography pays off faster than you think.
Read MoreWhat to Wear for Your Photography Session: A Complete Guide
Colors, patterns, fit, and layering — everything you need to know before your shoot so the focus stays on you, not your outfit.
Read MoreThe Best Locations for Couples Sessions in Greater Houston
Buffalo Bayou, Hermann Park, Galveston Seawall — our shortlist of go-to spots and the best times to shoot each one.
Read MoreHow Far in Advance Should You Book Your Photographer?
Wedding season books fast in Houston. Here's our honest guide to lead times for every type of session — and what happens when you wait too long.
Read MoreDrone Footage 101: What You Can Expect From Our Aerial Coverage
Drone shots add production value no ground-level angle can match. Here's how we plan and execute aerial coverage safely and legally in Texas.
Read MoreLogo vs. Brand Identity: Why Most Small Businesses Get This Wrong
A logo is not a brand. Craig explains the difference and how CLJ's design process builds a complete visual identity — not just a mark.
Read MoreReady to work together?
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