Looking back across more than a decade of portraits, I’m reminded that photography is about more than moments—it’s about honoring the story that is unfolding right before our eyes. I still remember the first time I photographed her—tiny curls, bright eyes, and a playful spirit at just three years old. Through the years, my lens has captured her laughter, her milestones, and the quiet beauty of childhood unfolding. Soon she is turning thirteen, and as I watched her twirling in her stunning gown with the sun twinkling through the oak trees on the property of my photography studio, I was struck by how swiftly time has carried us here.

Watching her grow has been one of the greatest privileges of my photography journey. Each session is not just about pictures; it is about preserving fleeting seasons—seasons that slip through our fingers far faster than we can hold them. Childhood truly is a whisper, and every photograph becomes a testament to love, to family, to the wonder of becoming.

Every session is a collaboration, designed with your unique vision in mind. Some families dream of an elaborate theme with storybook details, while others prefer something simple and timeless—and both are equally beautiful. We can incorporate multiple outfits to reflect different sides of your child’s personality and capture a variety of looks. At my studio, we have the flexibility to blend elegant indoor portraits with the natural beauty of the outdoors, or we can choose a special San Antonio location that holds meaning for your family. Together, we create not just photographs, but an experience that feels true to you.

As I look back through eleven years of portraits, what stands out most is the unfolding story of a girl growing up before my lens. My goal has never been to chase trends, but to create photographs that feel timeless—images that will still be just as meaningful decades from now as they are today. Whether it’s the soft glow of natural light, the elegance of a handpicked gown, or the candid laughter that spills out between poses, my work is rooted in authenticity and beauty. These sessions are not rushed or transactional; they are crafted with care, patience, and a deep respect for the family story unfolding before me. That is the value I strive to bring—art that captures not only what your child looks like, but who she is becoming.

Photography, at its heart, is about legacy. These portraits are more than images for today—they are treasures your daughter will one day show her children, a tangible reminder of the love and beauty that surrounded her as she grew. Time slips through our hands so quickly, but a photograph has the power to pause it, to hold onto laughter and innocence long after the moment has passed. Investing in photography is investing in your family’s story, ensuring that the milestones, the joy, and the love you share today become timeless heirlooms for generations to come.

Over the course of capturing eleven birthdays, I’ve come to realize that photography is not just about beautiful images—it’s about the relationship we build along the way. When families come back year after year, there’s a sense of joy, ease, and comfort that allows children to simply be themselves in front of my lens. They know me, and I know them, which means I can capture the small, authentic moments that truly matter. This trust and connection bring a deeper value and quality to the images we create together. For me, it’s never just a session—it’s a story we’re writing side by side, one milestone at a time.

If you’ve missed capturing earlier birthdays or milestones, please don’t let that hold you back—this year is the perfect time to begin. As a mom of six myself, I’ve built my photography model with families in mind, creating an experience that is both a blessing and accessible. My heart is to provide beautiful, high-quality work at a price that makes it possible to capture not just one occasion, but several throughout the year—birthdays, holidays, and full family portraits. To make the experience even more special, I offer an extensive wardrobe of gowns for girls and classic suits and tuxedos for boys, so every child feels like they are stepping into a timeless story.

✨ This October, I invite you to create that same magic for your daughter. ✨
If you love the gown she is wearing in her 13th birthday session above, I have a similar one—delicate, whimsical, and filled with the same fairytale charm—available for one weekend only: October 10–12. This version is in a breathtaking lilac hue, perfect for your little dreamer. You can view and reserve your specially discounted session here:
👉 Little Dreamers Session – Size 8 Purple Gown

If this lilac gown is not the right style or size for your needs, no worries. We carry a large collection of gowns in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. From cascading tulle to embroidered florals, every dress tells a story and allows your daughter to step into a world of wonder—whether she is three, thirteen, or anywhere in between.

As this sweet girl steps into her teenage years, I’m reminded how quickly the seasons of childhood pass. What begins as a toddler’s giggle becomes a young lady’s grace almost overnight. Photography allows us to hold onto those fleeting stages and create a legacy that your family will treasure for generations. If your heart has been stirred to capture your own daughter’s story, now is the time. The lilac gown will be available for just one weekend in October, and with it’s special pricing, it’s the perfect opportunity to begin—or continue—your daughter’s or your family’s portrait journey. Let’s create something timeless together.

It is my deepest honor to walk with families year after year, capturing their story in timeless images that will live long beyond today. Don’t let another season slip by undocumented.

👉 Book your session here

With gratitude,

Tracy Gardner, Ph.D.
Love Preserved Photography

Location & Contact Information

Bracken Village 
Love Preserved Photography 
Building #15
18771 FM 2252
San Antonio, Texas 78266

Book Now:  http://lovepreservedphotography.bigcartel.com/

Availability: https://lovepreservedphotography.shootproof.com/booking/30

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