Cruz Astudillo Book a date

Photography byCruz Astudillo, Houston, Texas

Black and white portraits, couples and weddings in Houston, Texas. Shot on Fridays and Saturdays only.

Portrait of a woman with long wavy hair and a shearling jacket over her shoulders, at golden hour
Move across the glass to clear the fog

I photograph people the way the night finds them: unposed, half in shadow, half in light.

Woman in a dark sequined dress leaning against a brick wall, looking over her shoulder
Bride and groom walking away hand in hand down a dark street
Woman in a leather jacket crouching in front of a wall of string lights

Selected work

Seven frames from weddings, portraits and nights out around Houston. Keep scrolling to walk through them.

Wedding Under the arch Ceremony, after dark
  1. Bride and groom kissing under a floral arch while the officiant reads
    Under the arch. wedding ceremony, after dark
  2. Woman in a leather jacket and boots posing against a wall of string lights
    Light wall. portrait, holiday lights
  3. Woman sitting on railroad tracks in wide-leg jeans and a shearling jacket
    The tracks. portrait, golden hour
  4. Groom dipping the bride into a kiss, lit by flash against the night
    Last dance. wedding, flash after dark
  5. Woman in a corset dress standing by a canal under arches ringed with lights
    Tunnel of lights. portrait, night
  6. Woman with curly hair standing under an arch of snowflake lights
    Snowflake arch. portrait, holiday lights
  7. Woman on railroad tracks holding a shearling jacket over one shoulder
    End of the line. portrait, golden hour

Same frame, different nights

One crop, many people. Every portrait is made the same way: close, unhurried, in whatever light the evening gives. What changes is the person. Tap the frame or pick one below.

Laughing at the wall

Sessions

Every session is photographed and delivered in black and white. Pick one here, then choose your Friday or Saturday below.

  • One person, one or two spots around Houston. Brick, concrete, a quiet street. We walk and talk and the pictures happen in between.

    Book a portrait session →
  • The last hour of sun, low and soft, on the railroad tracks. Book the 6 PM slot for the best light in summer, earlier in winter.

    Book golden hour →
  • String lights, light tunnels, holiday arches. The darker it gets, the more the lights do the work.

    Book a night session →
  • The two of you, walking, talking, close. Engagement announcements, anniversaries, or just because.

    Book a couples session →
  • Small ceremonies and backyard receptions, the kiss under the arch and the last dance in the flash. Book a Friday or Saturday to talk it through first.

    Book a wedding call →
  • Birthdays, graduations, quinceañeras, family nights. Cruz moves through the room and keeps out of the way.

    Book an event →
Woman posing against a wall of string lights

Book

Pick a Friday or Saturday and the time that fits your light. Cruz is notified the moment you send it.

Woman on railroad tracks at golden hour

Shoot

Meet at the spot: the tracks, a brick wall, the lights, your own place. You talk; Cruz watches for the moment.

Woman laughing in black and white

Develop

Your photographs are edited in Cruz's black and white and sent to you as a private online gallery.

Book a Friday or Saturday

Two days a week the fog lifts. Pick one, pick your light, and leave your details. Cruz gets your request right away and reaches out to confirm.

 

Fridays and Saturdays only. Weekdays stay in the fog.

Next open dates

Questions first?

Send a message on Instagram and Cruz will answer you there.

@ByCruzAstudillo
Houston, Texas · Fridays and Saturdays Instagram ↗   Book a date

Before you book

Why only Fridays and Saturdays? Those are the days Cruz keeps for shooting, so every session gets his full attention instead of a rushed slot between other things.

Where do we shoot? Anywhere around Houston: railroad tracks at golden hour, brick walls, holiday light displays, the city at night, or your own place. Put your ideas in the notes when you book.

What time is best? The last hour before sunset for soft light; after dark for city lights and flash. The times on the calendar cover both.

What should I wear? Texture and contrast read beautifully in black and white: leather, denim, knit, sequins, a dark dress against a light wall. Bring a second outfit if you like.

Can I bring someone? Yes. A partner, a friend, family. Couples sessions are made for it.

Are the photos only black and white? Black and white is the look of this portfolio. If you want colour versions too, say so in the notes.

How long until I see my photos? Usually within two weeks, delivered as a private online gallery you can download from.

What if it rains? Cruz will text you to move to the next open Friday or Saturday.

How do I pay? Nothing is charged online. Cruz confirms the rate and any deposit when he reaches out about your date.

How do I change my date? Reply to Cruz's message, or write to @ByCruzAstudillo on Instagram.