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 Article →From 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 Article →Shooting High School Football: Settings, Gear, and Timing
Friday night lights demand a specific approach. Jeremy breaks down the exact camera settings and positioning strategies he uses at Texas high school games.
Read Article →Why 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 Article →What 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 Article →The 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 Article →How 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 Article →Drone 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 Article →Logo 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 Article →Ready to work together?
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