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 . . .