Monthly Archives: October 2009

San Antonio Weddings Publishes Article About Top 10 Image In Brides Magazine/WPJA Competition

San Antonio Weddings were very kind to write an article about my top 10 Brides Magazine photo. Check the full article out here.

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WEDDING: NOELLE AND ERIC

Last Saturday, I drove just up the road to The Vineyards to shoot Noelle and Eric’s nupitals. I love shooting weddings up in my neck of the woods. No traffic to deal with and it was a gorgeous October day. The light was just fantastic although quite challenging to shoot in as we now start the slow process back to winter. It’s quite different from shooting in the summers high sun and requires a shift in thinking as those long shadows start to advance.

During the toast, Noelle’s father summed up his hopes for their future and I loved it so much, I thought I’d share it here. It’s coined from a well know toy company. “Play, laugh, grow”.  A great way to live life, no matter how old you are.

Most images shot with a Nikon 35mm f2, 50mm f1.4 and Nikon D3 and D700.


November 12, 2009 - 12:56 pm Brenda Tate - Your photographer is wonderful - he captures different poses that most photographers aren't looking forward. I love the pic where you see the side view of Noel in the mirror - WOW truely impressed. I am so glad that I was able to share this special day with Noels family. I really would like to see the pics when they become available! Please email me the information on how to obtain the pictures to purchase. thanks, love, Aunt "B"

November 3, 2009 - 5:07 pm Kathy Hubish - My mom LOVES THE PICTURES SO FAR! ME TOO! Does he travel to Ohio?! lol He's really awesome! I can't wait for them all! So far my favs are you two kissing and then the 2 of you walking away. SOOOOO sweet! Awesome, classy job! Describes you both to a T! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! We're DEF buying some of these! Love you guys!

Three Weeks And Counting

We’re expecting our second child around November 14. So, the final count down is on and I’ll keep you all updated on her progress. Here’s a few pictures of Marcie and our little one, Lily who’s two taken just last week.

You know, I don’t remember Marcie being as big in the belly as she was last time…maybe it’s twins. The mom is doing great considering she’s lugging around all that extra weight-us guys have it way to easy.
~Philip

Lily in a wind tunnel.

WEDDING: KATIE AND JUSTIN

LAST SATURDAY, KATIE AND JUSTIN TIED THE KNOT AT ALAMO HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH.
Here’s a few of my favorite pictures from their day. The reception took place downtown at the Blue Star Contemporary Art Gallery (of which I’m a member there).The weather held up beautifully. Unique locations with even the formals taken off Broadway near some old warehouses. Just great fun with some serious party folks. Loved it.


WEDDING: SARAH & AARON

The lovely Sarah and Aaron tied the knot at the Don Strange Ranch just north of Boerne last Saturday. Sarah just has this infectious bubbly personality was just fun to hang out with.

Here’s a few of my favorites pictures from their special day.

The ranch was just absolutely awesome along with a near perfect afternoons weather and a lovely sunset. Just a few weeks ago I was in Luckenbach for Abby and Blake’s wedding and this place reminded me a little of it with its Texas rustic charm.  I loved Sarah’s Doc Martin’s she wore after the ceremony into the night-which reminds me I have to dig my pair out for the oncoming colder weather.

A fun day.



October 27, 2009 - 4:44 pm Philip Thomas - Thanks Erin. It was lovely seeing you the other day.

October 27, 2009 - 4:44 pm Philip Thomas - Thanks Shaun.

October 17, 2009 - 7:59 am Shaun - Press submit too early! Plus how much the general public think its very easy and you just point the camera from afar with a big paparazzi lens.

October 17, 2009 - 7:57 am Shaun - Nice shots - they have a very documentary feel to them. As another wedding photographer I know how difficult that can be!

October 16, 2009 - 8:59 pm Erin McLarty - I can't wait to see more! I love the shot of her walking down the stairs, it's just beautiful. And of course the capture in the reflection of the mirror when I handed her the bouquet. :) Just amazing, all of them!!!

Top Ten Image Winner For 2009 Brides Magazine/WPJA Contest

I’m excited and humbled to share news with you that I received a top ten image (actually scored 9th) for the 2009 Brides Magazine competition in the ‘Parents’ Category. This is the third annual wedding photojournalism contest in collaboration with Brides magazine and the WPJA-Wedding Photojournalist Association. The international contest is open to only WPJA members, of which I’m honored to be a member.

Happy times. Here’s the link to Bridal Magazine’s 1st place winners and the rest of the runner ups can be found here.

JUDGES COMMENTS  ”In a truly touching shot, a mother and bride stand cheek to cheek. Looking towards each other, with their eyes closed, you can almost picture them swaying back and forth. While the wedding reception swirls around them, the bride and her mother seem completely isolated in their own world for a moment. Well crafted to show the environs but not to lose the importance of the emotion shared between the two.”

Top Ten Image in Brides Magazine 2009-Parents Category

Top Ten Image in Brides Magazine 2009-Parents Category

October 27, 2009 - 4:43 pm Philip Thomas - Thank you, Denise. You're very kind.

October 19, 2009 - 10:51 pm Miguel Mayo - Congratulations, amazing image!

October 19, 2009 - 1:06 pm The Wedding Lady in San Antonio - Philip, you truly are a master of the art. Your work is always outstanding. Great shot!

October 16, 2009 - 8:55 pm Erin McLarty - Congrats, Philip! It's a beautiful shot. :)