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!

And then there were five . . .

I had a Sunday morning walk in the park with this great family. It reminded me of why, someday, I would like more children. Seriously. Every moment holds something new. Somebody is always needing a hug or cuddle or a boost. There were limbs everywhere. Total fun.

It also made me realize that I haven't shot many families with lots of kids (well, more than two) and there are challenges that come along with that perfect family shot. But here's the thing. Imperfect is perfect. What family with three little ones really sits still and smiles directly ahead? This, I love:

And the kids all had such distinct personalities, as little ones always do. Big brother 'B' and I could have chatted for hours about all things kindergarten and Playstation. Check out these eyes . . . And I always immediately identify with the middle child (gee, I wonder why?). 'S' was a bit of a tough one to catch with the lens - I do have lots of sweet shots of her face, but am drawn to the ones where you can sense her shyness . . .
Baby 'P' was a sweet 'P' for sure -- so cute. So on the go . . . .

Thanks guys for a great time, can't wait to get the rest done for you. Enjoy the summer sun!

Holida-ay . . .

That was sung Madonna-style, if you couldn't tell . . . .

I'm going to be away for about a week -- lake-side, family-side, what could be better? So I won't be checking email during that time (well, I might cheat on Thursday as I'll pop back in) but I'm hoping that my mind will be elsewhere - a la relaxation mode.

So take care, have a cold one for me (I'll have one for you too . . .)

Big smiles,
Jenny

THE wedding . . .

So the wedding I went to a couple weeks ago was GORGEOUS. We were in Chittenden, Vermont at the Mountain Inn and Resorts and it was an event.

The location:

The dress:

The newlyweds:

I have to give props to my husband Kevin for snapping pictures while I was otherwise detained . . . I was in the wedding party, groom's side, for my best friend Chris. I took to calling myself the "best woman" for most of the weekend.

And let me tell you, is it ever fun to be an honorary guy at a wedding! You eat, you drink, you show up in what you're supposed to be wearing, and then you go back to eating and drinking! Coo-ool. But I have to say that I had many other duties as well -- I of course toasted, cried, and danced the night away.

But the best part of all was watching my darling friend marry the absolute love and joy of his life. Megan, you are lovely. You make him sing. Love you, love you. Love you both.

The moments:

Sigh . . . .

Disclaimer: I do not shoot weddings as a general rule. I kept thinking "phew!" as I watched the wedding photographer running around taking thousands of pics. Love to be a guest, love love. Do not love the possibility that I may mess up capturing precious moments that could never truly be recreated. Cheers!

ROCK-a-bye, baby!

Let me introduce you to a little rocker dude that I met a couple of weeks ago. Not only did he rock the session, he clearly rocks his parent's world . . . in the very best way!

The session with this family was great - they were up for anything! Love that. Clothing flew off . . .

. . . a little visitor flew in . . .

. . . and time flew by because we were all having such a good time. I had so many images to choose from, I thought I'd just preview a few.

Are these guys not gorgeous??

Thank you, thank you to little P and his parents for a rockin' good time. Can't wait to share the rest with you.

And a little sidenote - I won't be checking my emails for the next few days as I'll be at a wedding extravaganza (guest, not photographer). I'll be back next week -- until then . . .

Wee wee wee all the way home . . .

Hello there. Just thought I'd give a quick update for those who may think I have forgotten them!



When I started seriously throwing around the idea of getting into the photography business, I kept running into the same advice from various people and sources: don't rush it. Take your time. Learn alot. Ask questions. Have balance.

So . . . that is what I'm trying to do. Dramatic pause. HA HA HA HA HA HA. No, seriously. That is what I'm trying to do. I'm taking it slow. I'm making sure that I learn something new every time I pick up my camera or turn on my computer. I'm asking alot of questions (but I should ask more). I am striving for balance.

And, I am also learning lessons (that I was warned I would learn) about not taking on too much (but I can't help it, it's so much fun!!!), and finding what it is in all this that I love. I'm blathering a bit - but the whole point is, I am getting a bit behind, because I want to do it all RIGHT NOW and I simply can't. So one thing at a time.

And if you think I have forgotten you, I really haven't. I most likely think about you all the time. Please be patient with me. You know who you are.

And, while I'm going on and on, I'll add this: thank you thank you thank you for all of the support and feedback I've been getting from many of you. I love the emails and the calls and the "so I checked out your blog" shout-outs that I am receiving. But hey y'all out there, throw me a comment (click on COMMENTS at the end of the post and make sure you type in the code word thingy AND use an identity/anonymous button). I would love to hear what you think - all of it, don't edit.

SO MANY people have said "I was going to leave you a comment" but didn't . . . uh, DO!!! And I know that there are those of you who I don't know directly, but who are checking out my stuff . . . I would totally love to hear from you too. Introduce yourself. Send me a picture that you have taken. Whatevuh -- I'm totally diggin' all of it.

Jenny