Linelle and Vernon Sullivan kiss while Omar and Debra Muñoz hug after they were married during one of the free mass wedding ceremonies held annually on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2014.

First Job, First Month.

Added on March 9, 2015 by Carolyn Van Houten.

After only a month of working for the Express-News, I have already fallen in love with the city, its traditions and its people. I can hardly wait to see what my future holds here. The paper is incredibly supportive of projects and I am working on several, but those are under lock and key for now. Anyway, here are a few images from my daily assignments this month.

Twenty-five doves were released after one of the free mass wedding ceremonies held annually on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2014.  Over 30 couples were married during that ceremony. — Twenty-five doves were released after one of the free mass wedding ceremonies held annually on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2014. Over 30 couples were married during that ceremony.

Brian Joyce, left, hugs Ron Brown of Haven for Hope in San Antonio, TX on Thursday, January 29, 2015 during the city's annual homeless count.

Cash Fretwell practices roping on his friend Brice Bauer's feet at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in San Antonio, TX on Wednesday, February 18, 2015.  They both are 14 and from Pleasanton, TX. — Cash Fretwell practices roping on his friend Brice Bauer's feet at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in San Antonio, TX on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. They both are 14 and from Pleasanton, TX.

A herd of Longhorns walks down Houston St. during San Antonio Stock Show's annual Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive in downtown San Antonio, TX on Saturday, February 7, 2015.

Brahman cattle lay down together in a barn at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in San Antonio, TX on Wednesday, February 18, 2015.

Riders who were contracted to help steer the herd of Longhorns down Houston St. prepare to begin the San Antonio Stock Show's annual Western Heritage Parade in downtown San Antonio, TX on Saturday, February 7, 2015.

Several people dance to a live country music performance by the Sunset Riders at the Cowboy Dance Hall in San Antonio, TX on Friday, January 30, 2015 after the annual Cowboy Breakfast.

All photos Copyright San Antonio Express-News.

JoAnn Thomas stands for a portrait in front of her Civil-War-era home in Salisbury, NC on Tuesday, October 7, 2014.  Her husband, Ron, grew up in this house.  She has lived on Leonard Rd. with her husband for 50 years.  They both have… — JoAnn Thomas stands for a portrait in front of her Civil-War-era home in Salisbury, NC on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. Her husband, Ron, grew up in this house. She has lived on Leonard Rd. with her husband for 50 years. They both have had consistent health problems, including tumors, cancer, and kidney failure. Approximately 70 instances of cancer have been recorded along Leonard Rd. and the land surrounding Duke Energy’s Buck Steam Station.
Photographed for Al Jazeera America.

Recent Work | Fall 2014 Edition

Added on January 14, 2015 by Carolyn Van Houten.

This fall I finished my last semester of college and started my first foray into freelance work. Before going to New York in August to meet with editors, I was not sure how well freelancing would go for me. I was still a full time student at UNC and did not have a lot of experience navigating the freelance world. As it turned out, I had no reason to be concerned. The editors I worked with were all wonderful, the assignments were engaging and the people I photographed were endlessly kind. Anyway, here are a few of my personal favorites from both class and freelancing this fall. Links to the related stories are below each image.

Thankful.

Added on November 27, 2014 by Carolyn Van Houten.

Thanksgiving is, of course, a day for being grateful for the people, food, opportunities and privileges we hold dear. I have been very fortunate for each of those things throughout my life. However, as a journalist, I have realized that every day is a day for thanks.

There are people in this world going through things I cannot possibly fathom. They have experiences, good and bad, that I will never have. They live through things I may not have been able to survive. And they have fought harder and with less than I could possibly imagine.

However, a few of these people have let me bear witness to their life's experiences, their triumphs and their fights. They have given my life context for how blessed I have been. They have welcomed me into their homes and their lives and let me document their vulnerability and their strength. They have taught me what it means to trust, to endure and to love. For that, I am most thankful.

Casey Thayer, 22, grew up on a farm with her parents and two siblings surrounded by animals and fields.  When she was young, Casey was diagnosed with autism.  Casey nuzzled up to Janice next to a horse pasture on their farm in Birdseye on … — Casey Thayer, 22, grew up on a farm with her parents and two siblings surrounded by animals and fields. When she was young, Casey was diagnosed with autism. Casey nuzzled up to Janice next to a horse pasture on their farm in Birdseye on April 27. "I am losing a huge part of my life," Janice said. A few days later, Casey moved out.

Humming a New Tune

Added on July 27, 2014 by Carolyn Van Houten.

Casey Thayer, 22, grew up on a farm with her parents and two siblings surrounded by animals and fields. When she was young, Casey was diagnosed with autism. Casey nuzzled up to Janice next to a horse pasture on their farm in Birdseye on April 27. "I am losing a huge part of my life," Janice said. A few days later, Casey moved out.

First Job, First Month.

Recent Work | Fall 2014 Edition

Thankful.

Humming a New Tune

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