Alexis, take two . . .

Do you have those kind of forever-friends who have just been in your life for . . . . well, forever? I am blessed to have a handful of these girls, now women, who started their friend-dom with me simply because our mothers, or parents, were the best of friends. One of these girls, in particular, has been in my life literally since before I was born. We grew up as playmates, have become heartmates, and our lives have always been intertwined as if we are family (which deep down, I think we are).

Now, because we remember playing together when we didn't know how to tie our shoes and when we thought boys were disgusting, it somehow seems unfathomable that we have grown up to the extent that we could possibly have children of our own. But we do, and it's just how we always knew, deep down, that it would be.

This is my second shoot with Miss Alexis and she is being very patient with me. The first time I took some newbie pictures of her, it was on film, and truthfully neither of us were having our best day. We did better with round two although she taught me a thing or two about why all good photographers should never forget the manual for their fancy new camera! Anyway, I hope to capture her each month as she grows and her Mom is a willing participant in Jenny's school of digital children's photography. So, yay! And without futher ado . . .

Isn't she GORGEOUS? Those blue eyes and yes, oh yes - the hair is going to be red if Miss A has her way. Which I think she does most of the time. You go, honeybear!



I love the newborn tongue-thrusty thing in this one . . . She was actually telling me to buzz off, she was tired.

This is Alexis and her Mommy -- my forever-friend and her beautiful girl. Yup, they just belong together.

A work in progress . . .

My first official blog entry . . . yay! First off, I have to relay my insecurities about even titling my blog Jenny Drake Photography. Mostly, it feels very bold to label myself a 'photographer' and beyond that, seeing my name in type leads me to ask "Jenny Drake -- who is THAT?" But let me explain. This blog, similar to my life at the moment, is a work in progress. Boldly, I am attempting to create time and space in my life to indulge my passion for photography - and specifically, children's photography. At the moment, my excitement far outweighs my skill, but I'm learning?! So please stay tuned and bear with me -- I would love any comments, or critique, and heartily welcome feedback.

But before I begin, I already need to do an introductory shout-out to my friend Dana who has, thusfar, been my guru in the children's photography world. Dana, who knew? - on so many levels, who knew? So to you Dana, a heartfelt thank-you for your generosity, for your knowledge, and for your laughter. I can totally hear you cheering me on - "fly, Fleance, fly!" Thanks, honey.

And the gorgeous girl in my current header is my Hailey -- well, she's not actually mine, she's my niece and my god-daughter. She's also one of my daily inspirations to live life OUTLOUD because, simply - it is way, way more fun that way. I know the picture is not very seasonally appropriate, however, it is so cold and I thought we could use a little sunshine. And what a little sunshine she is. I'm sure you will be seeing alot more of Miss H.! Love you sweetpea.

Here goes nothing . . . .