Hi, I’m Mario Leal.

A TACO OBSESSED SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER, EDUCATOR, & TASK SLAYER.

I am a senior photographer in Waco, Texas. I specialize in providing dynamic and STUNNING images for stylish, happy, and colorful seniors. StunningGradPhotos.com was built to deliver a unique custom senior experience.

This is our blog–our place to showcase some or our work and help you! I hope to have meaningful conversations here. If you have a question, please leave a comment or send us an email at hello@stunninggradphotos.com.

We’re glad you’re here.

Photography, Senior Photo Tips, Senior Photos

September 10, 2024

Passing the Torch: Celebrating Legacy with Alumni Family Discounts

Education is a legacy that transcends generations, a precious gift passed down from one class to the, binding families with a common thread of academic achievement and shared experiences. At StunningGradPhotos.com, we understand the significance of celebrating this enduring lineage. That is why we are proud to offer special alumni family discounts to honor the multi-generational graduates who continue to make education a cornerstone of their family tradition.

The Legacy of Learning

The corridors of academia are filled with the echoes of past generations. It’s not just a journey of individual growth; it’s the formation of a familial tapestry woven through decades of learning and achievement. Multi-generational graduates embody the spirit of education, their degrees serving as beacons of dedication and perseverance. Their stories inspire, and their legacies deserve to be celebrated with the utmost reverence – a concept that StunningGradPhotos.com, nestled in the heart of Waco, Texas, deeply appreciates.

Alumni Family Discounts: A Token of Appreciation

StunningGradPhotos.com, where Mario Leal and his wife, Windy, bring their shared passion for photography and take pride in acknowledging the accomplishments of alumni families. Our alumni family discounts are a small token of our appreciation for the trust placed in us to capture the momentous occasion of graduation, marking both an end and a beginning. We offer:

Exclusive discounts for families who are repeat customers.
Personalized sessions that reflect your family’s unique educational journey.
A celebration of tradition and achievement through timeless photography.

Embracing Tradition

Capturing the essence of these time-honored traditions, our sessions are designed to showcase the pride and joy of families as they add another graduate to their lineage. With a keen eye for detail and a heart full of enthusiasm, we strive to ensure that each photo tells a story of legacy, love, and the pursuit of knowledge.

The Stunning Senior Experience

Our Stunning Senior Experience is a customized photography session tailored to each graduate’s personality and preferences. The process is intimate and attentive to detail, ensuring every graduate feels comfortable and celebrated. Here’s what to expect:

Contact & Meet N Greet: A one-on-one consultation to set the stage for your personalized session.
Booking: Selecting the perfect date and location that resonate with your family’s history.
Session Prep: Professional guidance on wardrobe and accessories to complement the significance of the occasion.
Session Day: A journey through a series of locations, encapsulating the personality and academic success of the graduate.
Image Selection & Ordering: An opportunity to select your favorite moments from the session for keepsakes and legacy pieces.

Join the Tradition

As you plan for the significant milestone of graduation, consider the value of preserving these moments with StunningGradPhotos.com. With services starting at $527, our alumni family discounts provide an affordable way to honor your family’s commitment to education. Take the step to immortalize your graduate’s achievement and perpetuate the legacy of learning that defines your family. Visit our contact page to learn more and book your session. Together, let’s celebrate the torch being passed to the next generation of scholars and achievers.

Disclaimer: The alumni family discounts are subject to terms and conditions. Please visit the discount page and contact us for more information on how to qualify for these exclusive offers.

Photography, Senior Photo Tips

June 24, 2024

Tips for a Memorable Graduation Photo Experience

As the caps fly and the tassels turn, graduation marks a pivotal moment in life – a rite of passage that is as fleeting as it is significant. Mario Leal of StunningGradPhotos.com understands this deeply. His artistic vision and technical expertise come together to create a senior photography service that doesn’t just capture images, but encapsulates the essence of your achievements and the joy of your youth. In this blog post, we’ll share some essential tips to ensure that your graduation photo experience is as vibrant and memorable as the milestone it represents.

Prepare Your Look

The right outfit and grooming can make a world of difference in your photos. Here’s how to prep for the big day:

Choose outfits that reflect your personality and style. Bring a few options to the shoot for variety.
Consider professional hair and makeup to ensure you look your best under the lights and lenses.
Accessorize carefully – select items that add to your look without distracting from your face or the gown.
Check out this short video for more info: https://youtube.com/shorts/IKqvVU_px_k?si=KyW8kjE8hUDBvlj0

Scout the Perfect Location

The setting of your photos can tell a story all its own. Whether it’s the classic steps of your university building or a place that holds personal significance, choosing the right background is key.

Here are some great options:

Strike a Pose

Feeling natural in front of the camera is not always easy, but don’t worry. Mario will guide you and help you find fantastic poses. Remember to:

Practice in the mirror before your session. This helps you know which angles you like best.
Trust your photographer. Mario’s experience with finding the right poses will shine through in your photos.
Relax and have fun. Genuine expressions make for the best photographs.

Timing is Everything

Good lighting is crucial for stunning photographs. Scheduling your session during the golden hour – the hour after sunrise or before sunset – can provide a soft, warm glow that will make your graduation photos truly stand out.

Bring Your Personality into the Frame

Graduation photos should be as unique as you are. Mario encourages you to bring props or items that highlight your hobbies, achievements, and dreams. Whether it’s a musical instrument, sports equipment, or books, these personal touches add depth to your photos.

Featured Image Capturing the Moment_ Tips for a Memorable Graduation Photo Experience

After the Flash

Post-production is where the magic happens. Trust in Mario’s skill to retouch your images, enhancing colors and ensuring you look your absolute best. With an eye for detail, your photos will be meticulously edited to bring out their full potential.

Preserving Your Memories

Finally, consider how you want to preserve and display your graduation photos. From high-quality prints to personalized graduation announcements, Mario offers a range of options to ensure your memories stand the test of time. Photo albums are a great way to save your photos!

Graduation is more than just a ceremony; it’s the culmination of years of hard work and growth. With StunningGradPhotos.com, your graduation photo experience will be personalized, dynamic, and as special as the day itself. To book your session with Mario Leal, visit the website and step into a world where every snapshot is a page in the story of your success.

Ready for STUNNING photos?!

Book NOW

Senior Photo Tips

June 17, 2024

Capturing Golden Moments: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Stunning Senior Photo Album

Senior Photo Tips, Senior Photos

June 10, 2024

Capturing the Moment: Your Ultimate Checklist for a Flawless Senior Photoshoot

Welcome to the final chapter of your high school journey! Your senior year is full of memorable moments, and capturing them through a photoshoot is a tradition that marks the transition into your next phase of life. At StunningGradPhotos.com, we understand the importance of this milestone. Hence, we’ve meticulously prepared a checklist to ensure your senior photoshoot is nothing short of perfect. Let’s dive into the details and make sure your personality shines through in every snapshot!

1. Outfit Selection - Showcase Your Style

Choosing the right outfits for your photoshoot is crucial. They should not only reflect your personal style, but also be comfortable and photograph well. We recommend the following:

Solid colors as they tend to photograph better than busy patterns.
Varying outfits to capture different facets of your personality. Include both casual and formal options.
Layers and accessories for added texture and interest in your photos.

2. Grooming - Look Your Best

Your appearance plays a vital role in how confident you’ll feel during your shoot. Consider these grooming tips:

Visit your hair stylist a week prior to your session to avoid last-minute surprises.
Men should shave or trim facial hair the morning of the shoot to look neat.
Ladies, think of professional makeup that highlights your features but still looks natural.

3. Props and Personal Items

Props can add a unique touch to your photos. They should relate to your hobbies, achievements, or plans for the future. Here are some prop ideas:

Sporting equipment for athletes
Musical instruments for the musically inclined
Books or art supplies for the academically or artistically talented

4. Location Matters

The right location can set the tone for your entire photoshoot. Together, we can choose a place that resonates with your spirit—be it urban streets or natural landscapes. Consider locations that are meaningful to you and discuss them with Mario in advance.

5. Learn Some Poses

Being familiar with posing will help you feel more relaxed during your photoshoot. Research poses online or look through Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration. Feel free to practice in front of a mirror, and remember to communicate with your photographer about what feels natural to you. Now, a good photographer will be comfortable teaching you so don’t get too worried about posing.

6. Rest and Hydration

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated. Rest up and drink plenty of water the day before your photoshoot for a fresh and vibrant look.

7. Day-of Checklist

Finally, here’s a quick checklist for the day of your shoot:

Outfits, accessories, and props
Grooming essentials for last-minute touch-ups
Water bottle to stay hydrated
Snacks to keep your energy up
Know what music you want. Mario is going to ask you. 🙂

At StunningGradPhotos.com, we’re committed to making your senior photography session a seamless and enjoyable experience. With these preparations in place, you’re all set for a photoshoot that celebrates your high school career with style and grace. Ready to capture the moment? Visit our website and let’s make your senior photos as extraordinary as you are!

Ready to book?

Book NOW

Senior Photo Tips

June 3, 2024

Cap, Gown, and Beyond: Stylish Tips for Picking the Perfect Graduation Outfit

Welcome to the latest entry on StunningGradPhotos.com, where today’s highlight is your graduation day ensemble! While your cap and gown are essential, the outfit you choose to wear beneath those iconic symbols of achievement can greatly enhance your confidence and how you remember your graduation photos. With our expertise in senior photography, let’s dive into some stylish tips to ensure you dazzle on this monumental occasion.

Understanding the Importance of Fit and Comfort

Graduation day can be long and filled with activities, from the ceremony itself to celebrations afterward. To ensure you not only look your best but also feel great throughout the day, pay close attention to the fit and comfort of your outfit. Opt for well-tailored pieces that flatter your body and allow for movement. Remember, your graduation photos will capture these moments for a lifetime.

Choosing Breathable Fabrics

It’s not just about style; the material of your outfit plays a crucial role in your comfort. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk are breathable and can help you stay cool under your gown. This is especially important if you’re graduating in a warmer climate or season.

Accessorizing Wisely

Accessories should enhance, not distract. Keep jewelry minimal and elegant, and choose shoes that offer a balance of style and practicality. If you’re wearing heels, make sure you can walk confidently across the stage.

Dressing for the Venue and Weather

Always consider the location and weather forecast when selecting your graduation outfit. If your ceremony is outdoors, layers might be necessary to adjust to changing temperatures. For indoor events, understand that auditoriums can sometimes be chilly, so select an outfit that will keep you at a comfortable temperature.

Outfit Ideas for Different Weather Scenarios

For sunny days: A lightweight dress or a crisp shirt with dress pants.
For cooler weather: Consider a stylish blazer or a classic cardigan over your attire.
For unpredictable weather: Layer with a versatile wrap or shawl that can be easily added or removed.

Color Coordination with Your Gown

While the graduation gown covers most of your outfit, the color of your clothing can still peek through—and it will definitely show in photos before and after the ceremony. To ensure a cohesive look:

Choose colors that complement your gown and the colors of your school.
Avoid overly bright colors that might clash or draw attention away from your face in photographs.
Consider the symbolism of colors; for instance, blue can represent loyalty, while white could signify a new beginning.

Reflecting Your Personal Style

Graduation is not just a formal event; it’s a personal milestone. Your outfit should reflect your personality and the unique journey you’ve embarked upon. We at StunningGradPhotos.com (That means Mario) emphasize the importance of individuality in senior photography, suggesting that your graduation outfit should also showcase your personal flair.

Remember, your graduation is a day to celebrate your hard-earned accomplishments. By choosing an outfit that’s both stylish and true to you, you’ll ensure that you look and feel your best as you walk across that stage. Just as we capture the essence of every graduate’s personality in our photography, your graduation outfit should encapsulate the essence of your achievements and the exciting future ahead.