Fab Four

A quick preview for this fabulous foursome . . . .

I have to say that this family, collectively, have some of the MOST beautiful eyes I've ever captured. They are striking. Stunning, really. Take a peek: This is 'A' - I've been told that he is not a smiler. Yes, I have some of him smiling away, but this one seemed appropriate. He's one of those kids that when you see him, you say "oh, that one's gonna be a looker . . ." Do people say that anymore? Hahahaha. I'm sure somebody's gramma does . . .

And here's 'B' . . . . this kid cannot STOP smiling. And he shouldn't, either, cause it's gorgeous. These two are total cuties.

Now I'm realizing that I haven't posted a close-up of Mom and Dad for you to see where these peeps are comin' from. Oh, is it because maybe one or the other of them have their gorgeous eyes CLOSED in every shot? 'A & A' win the award for best staggered blinking ever. They were hilarious. And I can give them a hard time because they can take it :)

Here's the whole fam:
I have lots more that I can't wait to show you guys . . . until then -- thanks again for the fun!

Jenny

Little 'A' . . .

Here he is, little baby 'A' !

The hair, the hair! The eyes . . . this little one wins the all-time award for most awake newborn during a photoshoot! But look at him, so calm and peaceful . . . he's just checking things out, I think.

His Momma belongs to the most recent beautiful belly posted below. But 'A' has settled into his new home out in this big world, and he has been welcomed with open arms. When I got to meet him, he was actually being welcomed by an additional 8!

'A' had four very proud grandparents around him during his first few days. What a lucky little guy . . . But I think all of the grandpoppas and mommas live a little ways away so 'A' needs lots of paparazzi to keep them all caught up! That's where I come in . . .

I love this shot with all that love around him. Wish I had one similar from when my little guys were born . . .

A quick snooze . . . .

And yes, I have lots with Mom and Dad too . . . .

Sneak Peek of a Sneak Peek . . .

Okay folks, this is one of my most anticipated sneak peeks in a while as it is for my photographer pal, and guru extraordinaire, Dana. She and her family came just before Thanksgiving for a "trade-sies" shoot following an awesome shoot that she did for me in August. See that here. Whew . . now I feel doubly exposed. This is good for me.

Anyway, we had total fun despite the FREEZING COLD. The whole clan looked fabulous. We seriously shot in so many locations that I have a ka-billion favorites, but thought I would start with these!

Aw, someone is not feelin' the love . . . okay, now he's in there . . . .

I have to say that I really tried to focus on getting Dana in a lot of shots because as a photog, she's always on the other side. And here's what you have to know about Dana (aside from the great photographer part). Her laugh is the best laugh ever. And she laughs all of the time. I wish I could have recorded it to play along with these photos. Oh, and she can really sing too . . .

Total Pugh moment - goin' for a coffee and pumpkin loaf. This one is of Georgia before she did a jig for the afternoon coffee-sippers! Seriously. She stopped and did a jig for the entire place.

And Jack contemplating his outlook on life . . .
I love this one of Dana and her hubby, just wish I had gotten the coffee in Bob's other hand in the frame! Maybe I was distracted by getting bounced out of the coffee shop due to my paparazzi-like behavior . . .
And, no photo shoot is complete without placing small children in a shopping cart and running down a back alley.


Told you they're fun! More to follow . . .

The brakes and a belly . . .

Hi! An incredibly quick update here. First off, want to let you listen to something:

SCREEEEECHHHH!!

Ha ha. That's me puttin' the brakes on a little bit. I haven't been blogging so much as I've been out taking pictures!! My fall got a little out of control on me there, so quickly so that I didn't even get to announcing my mini-shoots, etc. before they were gone!

I did get outside into the leaves and crispness, but also spent some time indoors with a couple of new babies. Oh, how I love new babies!!!! Their little scrunchiness, their downy little bodies . . . but don't let me get ahead of myself . . .

Before the babies, were the bellies. Here is a quick sample from one of my favorite belly-shoots to date. We had a totally great time and this couple just were so comfortable in each other's arms that they made it easy.

Are they not stunning? And then baby 'A' showed up within a week! Hmmmmm . . . I will let you see baby in coming weeks!

Also in coming weeks, my website. It's going a LOT slower than I had anticipated . . . for various reasons, not all (but some) photography related! My boys, Will and Jack, are keeping me hopping. Will turns four this week, can't BELIEVE it. My husband threw out his back. Oh no!! Poor Kev. And the list goes on, people! So I'm not booking anything further in October. As I have further info, I will roll it out to you!! But it may be a slo-o-o-o-o-o-w roll out. Slow is good, right?

I'm on my way to Saskatoon for a little prairie celebration with some of those that I love the most. Have a wonderful thanksgiving and may your hearts (and tummies) be full.

Playdate!

So last week I had a playdate with two new little friends in East Edmonton. As I got out of the car, a little ball of three year old energy (who I had never met before), came running over yelling "Jenny's heeeerrrrrrrreeeee!!!" What a greeting! And her little sister came toddling right behind, looking for some fun.

We played, played, and played some more. Now, I have two active little boys right around the same ages and they can keep me pretty busy. But let me tell you, these two little ladies were not still for even a moment. Ha! But it made for some great action shots and lots of exercise for me (which is always lacking), so go go girls.

I love that these two beauties had expectations of me. There would be no standing still or sittin' pretty - that would be just plain old BORING. These girls expected me to keep up! And you can tell that it's because their great momma knows how to play and have fun. It's contagious, you know.

Look at these girls -- taking in the fall . . . .

Thank you ladies for a beautiful morning in the park and a totally fun playdate.

- jenny

Under the boardwalk . . .

Okay, it wasn't a boardwalk, it was a bridge. But I think it's going to be one of my new favorite-ist places to shoot. And what is better than an awesome new location? Oh, I'll tell you - my first shoot with TWINS!

These little feet belong to two of the sweetest little girls I know. Truth be told, one of them is my 4 year old son's girlfriend from playgroup.

I personally think he is sweet on both of them because he talks about them all the time.

And let me tell you, these two have the type of wonderful imaginations that can only come from wonderful parents who help them experience the world all sorts of ways. I love to watch them all play together.

And, what I like most about spending time with 'A' and 'T' is that you can so clearly see their differences. I let them pick where they wanted to sit and they totally picked opposite art. Take Miss 'A' here, for example:


And now Miss 'T':



And their sameness comes in a shared peace, and comfort, in eachother's company. It's quite moving, really.


And look at my lovely friend Trish, with her hubby. In the time that we spent together, their love for eachother and their family was palpable and I think that rocks.

Thank you, gals & guy, for letting me capture your family. I cannot WAIT to share the rest . . .

Trish, see you tomorrow night for chips & dip and a whole lotta spandex! :) Man, great friends are priceless. Thanks, lady.

- jenny

From belly to baby . . .

These recent shots are of my very pregnant friend, Shannon. Doesn't she look amazing?

I met Shannon through my prenatal class when Will, my oldest son, was born. Shannon's oldest and Will are not even a month apart! And they both share a particular shyness and sensitivity that have bonded Shannon and I over the years. I feel like she gets me as a Mom and more importantly, as a person. Yay me.

Anyway, we both have gone on to have another son and, now, she has a third! Oh yeah, you heard me right - she has her third little person. Baby has been born!!! But I won't spoil the surprise as I am hoping to get my camera on the sweet-pea soon . . .

Anyway, I am hoping these pictures come a little close to capturing Shannon's wonderful family and the deeply rooted love that they share.

Shannon is like . . . supermom . . . she and keeps me and the other mommies out there organized, on-the-ball, and convinced that we too can be as awesome as her someday. Really. She makes it look sooooooo easy. But I know that she works really really hard and has a wonderful husband who values the simple things as much as she does.

Okay, I think this shot is sexy . . . . woo woo, rock that beautiful belly girl!

Shan, thank-you to you and yours for being in my life. You are cherished. Really.

And welcome sweet one.

Fall is . . .

I love fall. So much. Crisp morning air. Cozy sweaters and chilly hands. I've always felt that way . . . and while I would say that sometimes I'm not so good with change, I think it is the transition of fall that I adore.

And right now, I have a lot of changin' goin' on! I'm SO excited to have finally decided to officially start a small photography business . . .

I've spent time with some awesome families over the summer who have helped me to build my portfolio and learn just what it is about photography that I love. And while I feel like I am still learning everyday, my families have made feel that the work that I have done for them is valued and cherished . . .

So please stay tuned as I roll out what is happening with me! I am working on my website, my pricing, and the collections and product I will offer. I'm going to have a day (or two) of mini-sessions for those who want a few captures for Christmas cards and the like . . . those are going to have to happen soon! And amidst it all, I'm going to take a breath and enjoy fall. I hope you are too . . .

p.s. the bluejay image is for my son, Will - I know it's not the greatest shot, but it was his little thrilled face as we snuck closer that made it so beauty-full

Sneak Peek!

So I was emailing this great Mom the other day about where we might take the pics of her boys. I suggested something close to home as she has two boys (like me!) and we needed a combo of child-friendly, yet fun.

And she emails me back that, pretty much in their backyard, they have a park, a tireswing, a tree-fort, a ball diamond, a hammock . . . hello? Little boy heaven! Or should I say photographer heaven? I love it when I can capture families in their own space . . . and this was perfect.

All of that and I made 'Z' lie down on an old deck!

This family family shoot was minus Dad who was away at work. We'll get you next time Dad! But Uncle 'D' stepped in and was a total sport! It was really awesome to take pictures of adult siblings. I never do that. I love this shot of big sister and little bro. Sorry about the rest of your face, D, but just look at how beautiful your sister is! I couldn't help myself.

. . . they reminded me of me and my little brother. It got me to wonderin' how we might behave together at a photoshoot? And this one should be entitled little brother. I love how their comfort with one another shows in their hands . . .

This is little 'S'. S is for sweet, sweet, sweet.

Thanks, 'Z', for the race and for hangin' out with me on the couch. Thanks Mom and Uncle 'D' for sharing the boys. I can't wait to share more than just a sneak peek!

Gotta have the feet . . .

A couple more 'secrets'

-- too cute not to post! Enjoy.
Peekaboo!

Sleepless in Seattle . . . .

So much to post on!! Where do I start?

Earlier this month, I had the absolute pleasure to attend the Secret Workshop in Seattle, hosted by the very talented and very business-savvy Cheryl Muhr. I learned ALOT. Graciously, Cheryl shared all of her experience and her 'secrets' in a very hands-on workshop . . . and she surprised us with a 'secret' guest that knocked everyone's socks off. The one, the only Tara Whitney! Are you gasping? Check her stuff out and you will be.

I was star struck. I honestly don't think that has ever happened to me before. I so admire the spirit in which Tara captures families in her work. Her images often leave me happily teary-eyed as you can truly feel the emotions in her images. I honestly had trouble falling asleep the night before the course because I was SO excited to meet her. I was sleepless in Seattle.

This is Tara during the child model shoot portion of the course:


We had the amazing opportunity to observe both Cheryl and Tara work. It was simply awesome and inspiring. And then we had the chance to shoot the child models that were there. These kids and their parents were total troupers in crazy hot weather with a bunch of crazy-making photographers running around. Here are some of my shots:

This little girl was a total sweetie, so shy and gentle.

This little guy was a cutie-patootie and made me work for it. Good on him.

And these two sisters were infectious with their giggles!

I had a total blast being surrounded by fellow photographers and a couple of great friends (shout out to Dana and Steph). I have LOTS more to say about Seattle . . . to be continued!