Senior Photos in Salado, TX: A Beautiful Senior Session with Summer from Copperas Cove High School

May 03, 2025

As a senior photographer serving Central Texas, I was so excited to work with Summer, a senior from Copperas Cove High School. Summer is not only sweet and outgoing but also a talented dancer on the Copperettes, the dance team at Copperas Cove High School. Capturing her vibrant personality was such a joy, and I’m thrilled to share the images from our session!

We met in the charming town of Salado, TX, and started our session at Salado College Park, a location known for its stunning ruins and lush surroundings. The soft, natural tones of the ruins complemented Summer’s beautiful skin tone perfectly, and her white dress was the ideal choice for creating timeless, elegant photos. The combination of the rustic backdrop and her graceful presence made for some truly classy shots that I know she’ll treasure forever.

One of my favorite moments from Summer’s session was when she put on her blue cap and gown. The rich color really popped against the rustic ruins, adding a vibrant contrast that made the photos even more striking. It was such a perfect way to mark this milestone, and the combination of her gown with the historic backdrop created an iconic, memorable shot that feels both celebratory and timeless.

After we explored the park, we took a short walk to another local gem. This spot, with its quaint, intimate feel, gave us the chance to capture Summer in even more unique and candid moments. It was the perfect addition to her senior session, showcasing her personality and the excitement of this big milestone.

I’m so honored to capture memories like these for seniors in Lampasas, Copperas Cove, Killeen, Harker Heights, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re in Central Texas or beyond, I love helping seniors create beautiful, personalized portraits that mark this special milestone. If you’re looking for a photographer to help tell your unique story through photos, I’d love to work with you! Get in touch with me to book your own senior session.

UT Graduation Portraits | A College Grad Headed for the Skies

April 26, 2025

Graduation is such an exciting milestone—it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of something brand new. Recently, I had the joy of photographing my nephew, Alejandro, who just graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Economics.

We took his graduation portraits around some of the most iconic spots on the UT campus. From the beautiful architecture to the historic steps of the Main Building, every location felt like a reflection of his college journey. He proudly wore his cap and gown, flashing the classic "Hook 'Em" sign in front of the Tower, soaking in the moment.

What made this session even more special? Alejandro isn’t just closing the college chapter—he’s getting ready to open a brand new one as he heads to flight school with the United States Air Force. I couldn’t be prouder of him, and this shoot felt like such a meaningful sendoff.

If you’re graduating from UT Austin, UMHB, Baylor University, Texas State, St. Edward’s, or any college in the Central Texas area, now’s the perfect time to schedule your own graduation portraits. These sessions are more than just photos—they're a celebration of everything you've accomplished.

I serve grads all over the Austin area and love helping you capture your personality and pride in this major milestone. Whether you’re tossing your cap, hugging family, or just taking it all in, I’ll help you remember the moment forever.

Ready to book your grad session?
Let’s plan something fun and meaningful. Reach out through my contact page or send me a DM on Instagram—I’d love to help you celebrate your big day!

From 2nd Grade to Senior Year: A Full-Circle Session in Lampasas, TX

April 21, 2025

Every now and then, a session hits you right in the heart—and this one definitely did.

I had the honor of photographing Lance, a senior I actually taught back in second grade! He was such a kind, thoughtful student even then, and seeing him now— with a lifted Chevy truck and a bright future ahead—was honestly a little crazy to wrap my brain around.

We started his senior session right at the Lampasas High School parking lot, where his truck took center stage. We snapped photos outside, inside, and even on top of the truck. It was the perfect mix of laid-back and bold, just like him.

After that, we cruised down to Lampasas Square for a few photos in front of the Keystone Hotel. Built in 1856, it’s one of those town landmarks that just feels timeless, and it added the perfect contrast to his modern truck photos.

We made a quick stop at the Humble gas station, a little roadside gem that’s full of vintage charm. It's not every day you find a gas station that makes for such a cool backdrop, but it totally worked.

To wrap things up, we stopped by the Santa Fe Train Depot, another local treasure that dates back to 1904. The rustic textures gave us a whole new vibe—something classic and rooted, just like this small town we both call home.

Getting to photograph a former student as a graduating senior was such a gift. Moments like these remind me why I love being a Central Texas senior photographer, especially here in Lampasas and the surrounding towns like Copperas Cove, Killeen, Harker Heights, and Burnet.

Let’s create something fun meaningful, and totally YOU just like Lance. Contact me here to start planning!

Family Portraits in Salado, TX

November 02, 2024 in family photography

This sweet military family traveled to Salado, TX for an 8 AM photo session in Salado, TX. The kids, Tristan (5) and Hadley (3), were an absolute pleasure. I’m not sure what helped more - the questionnaire Mom filled out beforehand so I knew their interests or the fact that I’ve been an elementary teacher for so long and my love for kids - I just adored these two kiddos!

We started out our morning session at Pace Park in Salado, TX. Interestingly enough, the Barrow Volksmarch event was going on nearby, which according to Google, is a 5k fun run/walk that passes by the Salado Creek, historic sites, and public art. The race ends at the brewery, where an Oktoberfest party is held all day. I only had a few Volksmarch racers to edit out of photos! Thankfully we were not in the way because Salado Creek was absolutely beautiful paired with the leaves changing colors in the background.

In the questionnaire, Mom said she’d like a mix of candid photos as well as smiling. No problem, Mom! It was easy to get nice smiles when kids are being tickled or playing games with the photographer - like look at the person who has stinkiest fart! They thought that was funny. (By the way, they looked at Mom - haha!)

After that, we started our walk over to Pace Park Road, and the lighting was gorgeous, so I snapped a few shots of Tristan and Hadley loving on Mommy. I’m a sucker for some black and white photos. I love having a variety of photos for my clients to pick from!

A few minutes later, we arrived at Pace Park Road. I will admit, I had to edit out a few things, such as a mailbox, a stop sign, and even a golf cart BUT it was totally worth it!

Family portraits Pace Park Road in Salado, TX

Our last location was Salado College Park. Did you know Salado College was built in 1859? It was incredible walking around those ruins! And wow did it make for some beautiful backdrops.

Salado College Park was not only beautiful, but it was also the perfect location because it allowed the kiddos to run around while I got some photos of Mom and Dad!

And then we were finished! This session took exactly 60 minutes. Here I am with my two new little besties. They enjoyed a treat (with parents permission of course) as a thank you for being so cooperative!

Sarah Schoonover family photographer in Central Texas

Sarah Schoonover with Sarah Schoonover Photography is a Central Texas based natural light photographer serving Lampasas, Kempner, Coppears Cove, Killeen, Harker Heights, Killeen, Salado, and surrounding areas.

Hi, I'm Sarah!

October 26, 2024

My name is Sarah Schoonover (pronounced like scoot-over is what I tell my elementary students), and if you’re in the Central Texas area, I want to be your family photographer.

Why choose me?

I’ve been doing this photography thing for over ten years. I’m by no means perfect, but I love what I do, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it for so long.
I’m an elementary teacher, and I have been for fourteen years. I love working with kids, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it for so long.
- The second bullet needs a sub bullet. Having been a teacher for so long, I’m pretty good with kids. I’m patient, and I can usually get them to open up and get comfortable.
Giving you and your family photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime is truly what’s most important to me. I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was just ten years old, and I am so incredibly grateful she had us take so many family photos. I want that for your family. For your children. For your grandchildren.

Exhibit A. I’m on the bottom row between my mom and dad. Man, do I miss the 90’s.

I’d love to work with you and your family and answer any questions you may have! And I truly appreciate you reading this article. I hope to hear from you soon.

Let's book a session!

Sarah Schoonover with Sarah Schoonover Photography is a Central Texas based natural light photographer serving Lampasas, Kempner, Coppears Cove, Killeen, Harker Heights, Killeen, Salado, and surrounding areas.