Blog | jpaulus

When a Portrait Tells Too Much of a Story

This portrait was meant to celebrate teamwork. Celia, the chef, and Sonia, her assistant, came in for a professional portrait — confident, proud, and clearly comfortable working together. The energy was great, the connection was natural… and that’s where the fun part came in. After the print went out, people started asking if they were a couple. They’re not 😄 What people were really seeing wasn’t romance — it was trust, familiarity, and years of working side by side. Still,

2 hours ago1 min read

Market Days at The Broken Sprocket

— A Night Full of Color, Community, and Creativity Last night I visited The Broken Sprocket , one of Brownsville’s most unique hangout spots — a place where good food, live music, art, and local businesses all meet under one sky. What I found was more than a market… it was a celebration of community. From handcrafted items to amazing artwork and delicious food, the entire place was alive with energy. Here are some moments from the night: Every table had its own personality. F

Nov 20, 20252 min read

Crystals for the Departed – A Día de los Muertos Story

In the quiet morning light at La Palma Cemetery in Brownsville, Texas, I found myself surrounded by stories — not just those written on the headstones, but in the gestures of the living who come to remember. This year, I had the honor of filming my friend Teresa Stern , a children’s book author whose kindness and spirituality shine in everything she does. Teresa visited the cemetery carrying flowers and small crystals , one for each resting soul. Each crystal was placed with

Nov 1, 20251 min read

A Night of Frights & Fun at Texas Southmost College’s Halloween Bash!

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a vibrant Halloween event hosted by Texas Southmost College , and although I arrived a bit late, I still managed to capture the spirit of the night through my lens. The event transformed the campus into a mini Halloween festival filled with energy, lights, and creativity. From spooky walk-through tours to costume contests, face painting, and even mini-golf, the night offered something for everyone. As I walked through the dimly lit p

Oct 30, 20251 min read

A Historic Milestone: 175 Years of Faith and Community

This weekend I was invited to photograph a very meaningful event — the 175th Anniversary of First Methodist Church in Brownsville. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the warmth of the congregation and the deep history within those walls. After the morning service, families gathered for a lovely dinner where I witnessed so many touching moments — smiles, conversations, and generations coming together. It was a pleasure to document such an important celebration, and I’m

Oct 13, 20251 min read