Heavenly Moments
A young woman in sunglasses and an Interstellar sweatshirt under the hanging branches of a willow

Photos that feel like a scene worth remembering.

Relaxed, friendly photography in McKinney and across Dallas–Fort Worth. Made for people who have never had a photoshoot, and anyone who wants their moments to look like a still from a film.

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Recent work

Portraits

Just you, or you and your people. Easygoing sessions outdoors around McKinney.

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A couple cheek to cheek, smiling, in the shade of a tree
Cheek to cheek, and the easiest smiles of the day.
A couple kissing in the sun, holding pink gerbera daisies
A woman holding up a heart-shaped birthday cake on a picnic blanket

Celebrations

Birthdays, gender reveals and holidays: the big smiles and the quiet in-betweens.

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A family lined up between the two inflatable baby costumes at a gender reveal
A gender reveal in the park, and my first paid shoot.
A birthday cake, flowers and number candles on a gingham blanket
A dad lifting his toddler toward the evening sky

Pets

The family members who never sit still, caught when they finally do.

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A Siamese cat stretched out in a sunbeam on a wooden floor
Some of my regulars work for treats.
A tabby cat asleep on the arm of a blue couch
A toddler reaching out to pet a Bernese mountain dog

Never had a photoshoot? That's most of my clients.

Here is how a session goes, from first message to photos in your hands.

  1. Say hello

    Send an inquiry with what you have in mind: the occasion, who is coming, and a date or two that works. I will write back to talk it through.

  2. Plan it together

    We pick a spot around McKinney, settle on timing for the best light, and sort out what to wear. No posing experience needed.

  3. The session

    Mostly walking, talking and laughing. I guide you the whole way, so it feels like hanging out, not performing.

  4. Your photos

    You get an edited online gallery to download and share. Add 4×6 prints if you want something to hold.

What I photograph

Every session includes planning help, an edited online gallery, and the option to add 4×6 prints of your favorite shots.

See services and pricing

  • Portraits

    Individuals, couples and friends. My favorite thing to shoot.

  • Small events

    Gender reveals, birthdays and backyard parties.

  • Cars and products

    Show cars, project builds and the things you make.

  • Pets

    Dogs, cats and every other family member with a tail.

Angel Calix Barrera, the photographer behind Heavenly Moments, in a mustard hoodie at golden hour
On the other side of the lens, for once.

Hi, I'm Angel.

Heavenly Moments started with my name and a simple idea: the best moments in our lives deserve to be kept like something sacred. I'm a 26-year-old photographer in McKinney, and a software engineer when I'm not behind the camera.

Most of what I know about light I learned from the movies, especially Christopher Nolan's. I shoot with soft, cool tones and a lot of patience, waiting for the sweet, unguarded seconds in between the poses.

More about me

Have a moment in mind?

Tell me what you are celebrating and when. I photograph within about 60 miles of McKinney, which covers most of Dallas–Fort Worth.

Send an inquiryor email photographer.st.angel@gmail.com