Texas House of Representatives
I worked full time, (and then some - hello 3am!), as a session photographer for the Texas House of Representatives in 2024-2025. The house, often the ‘problem child’ of the Texas legislature, is full of personalities, drama, and history-making. The Texas capitol building itself is breathtaking and historic. The role allowed for a near-all-access pass of the capitol and house chamber. Two of my photos of the capitol are featured in the official 2026 Texas House of Representatives calendar. I’m flattered to have my photos included in the calendar, but those are not the shots closest to my heart. The photos I’m most proud of are featured below.
Shooting for the Texas House of Representatives was an amazing experience and I am beyond thankful I was blessed with this opportunity!
Candid documentary shot of Gene Wu, chair of the Democratic caucus. He is signaling to vote 3, or 'present not voting'. Speaker of the House, Dustin Burrows, and Parliamentarian, Sharon Carter, are on the Dais behind him.
Candid documentary photo of an honorary page losing his grip on the gavel on the Dais, as he gavels with all his might. Speaker of the house, Dustin Burrows, seems to express surprise and maybe a little fear.
A candid photo documenting the late night drama in April 2025 regarding a school voucher program bill. Representative Jolanda Jones speaks against the proposed legislation.
A large group photo of both Democrats and Republicans honoring Texans in the gallery. These bi-partisan moments are not as rare as you might expect.
A documentary action shot of DJ Daniels, a child with terminal cancer, shaking hands on the Dais with DPS officers.
A documentary candid photo of Representative Briscoe Cain being animated, as he often is, on the house floor.
A candid photo of a favorite fashion on the floor - All business up top, all comfort below. Freshman Representative Hickland rocks a pair of sneakers in the chamber.
A posed group photo of freshman representative Richardson's staff. Most staff photos are in the chamber, but this was a little different - shot across the Texas Capitol rotunda.
A candid documentary photo of freshman representative Holt. I was playing with the 300 lens (super zoom) from the House gallery. I was 'an eye in the sky'. I liked the line of boots here, unposed.
Black and White Photo of the Texas State Capitol. It was hard to take a photo without a lot of scaffolding, which was in place to replace the aging copper roof.
Entrance to the House Chamber, shot from across the Capitol's rotunda. A page mans the entrance for visitors. My son helped me on this shot since he didn't have school, centering the tripod and moving signs out of the shot. (So many signs at the capitol!)
Moody window light photo in the house chamber. Representative "Mando" Martinez and Representative Romero have a chat.