Are you IN or are you OUT??

Alight just wanted to chit chat with you guys for minute on 'what the heck is going on'!!  Many of you are probably wondering what I'm doing these days.  You've seen me book sessions out into 2014 and then post a few sessions on the blog...."what Jennie I thought you were done??"

 

Well let me explain....

 

I took what was about 3 months off and spent time with my family and focused on myself for a change!  I was battling a bit of depression and needed to shake it...could have been post-pardom but not really sure.  I love both my kids and would NEVER hurt them so it wasn't the crazy kinda depression it was more like a black cloud that would burst into tears every once in awhile kinda thing.  I began by working on my physical self to see if that would help make me 'feel' better.  Well it got Enzo some socialization at the gym and I learned he LOVED interaction with others.  He would run into the play room....which was opposite my daughter, she would cry whenever I dropped her off.  Anyway...I would feel great DURING the workout but right back under the cloud when it was over.  I knew in the long run it was good for me so I kept going.  I then discovered weight lifting! I don't know what it is about free weights but I LOVE IT!!  Don't worry I'm not going after the body builder type ....but my depression has lifted and I feel GREAT!  While lifting weights I also signed up for a half-marathon...training has been tricky due to a foot issue but it's been a great addition to my weight training!  Losing weight and getting healthy is NOT an easy road...especially if you are doing it the right way.  Mentally I am there...I'm all in...I'm doing this thing...one day at a time!  I don't have those amazing before and after pictures to show you as my journey is ganna be a bit longer to get to the physical state I'm desiring after! 

I'm just happy that I found my release and that it's working for me!

 

"Enough about fixing yourself Jennie what about your Photography Business?  

What's up with that??"

 

OK OK....I knew this time off would either lead to weaning myself from the industry or finding a way back in that would be different and not the cookie cutter portrait sessions everyone is doing. 

I began searching through blogs and websites of photographers that I've always grabbed inspiration from ...some new, some for many years.  I swear it hit me like a TON OF BRICKS.....'jennie just do what you want to do and don't worry about the rest of the industry!!'  So simple, but not in the least.  I am chalking up these last 8 years as learning experience. I have built my name and reputation.  I learned the industry and knew what I was capable of and wear my weaknesses were. These last 8 years have been amazing, but now it's time to do what I want to do!!!
 
I enjoy many things and most of them are DIY or Crafty Projects....I want to incorporate these things into my sessions.  I want to focus on the FAMILY at hand and not worry about booking sessions on top of each other. 

To make a long story longer....a few months back I attended a Crafting Party! 
(Had the best time and totally recommend these fabulous parties to anyone crafty or wanna be crafty.)

BE CRAFTY 

Anyway....there was a studio open next to mine and low and behold guess who moved in?? 
Yep BE CRAFTY!!!  I was soooo ecstatic but needed time to pray it out and get some things going first!!  I have asked Amanda Rydell from Be Crafty to join me on this journey of "Story Telling Sessions"!  She too has been looking to explore this avenue of crafting/sets more....what a perfect fit and what perfect timing. 

I'm explaining all this to let you know that my portfolio will be changing and most likely my prices in the future.  These sessions aren't cheap and I hope to pay a team of people to make my dreams and visions come to life!  I have learned I can't do it all on my own!  I've driven myself nuts trying to juggle crafting, parenting, photography, sets, editing, packaging, studio, wife hood, household chores, etc.  The list could go on and I KNOW you Moms out there can understand!

So look for more blogs that will get more intimate with the clients and more personal.  I hope you enjoy the stories behind these sessions and know that I intend to put my heart into each one!

So now you know what the heck is going on over at JG Photography!! 

Wonderful 13.....

What an adventure this session was!!

We put this together in less then a week and can I say I had the most amazing time!

We used two different locations and carting these two 13 year olds around was a HOOT!

One of these girls in my neighbor and the other is a neighbor up at our cabin....what are the chances that they would become best friends and have birthdays with in weeks of each other?! 

Pretty amazing if you ask me.

 

Seeing these girls giggle all day and chit chat about fun girl stuff made me think of my best friend.

 

Beth and I met when I was 13 and she was turning 14 (I believe).

We have been best friends since!!

We've been thru high school boyfriends, college graduations, our weddings (of course), and everything in between!

We did everything from music concerts, walks on a Saturday afternoon, camping out in backyards, movies, long phone calls, visits at each others work, saying good bye when I moved out of state, to picking right back up whenever we see each other.

We of course didn't' miss each other turning 30!! 

 

     I LOVE YOU Beth and I'm SO glad we met WAY back WHEN!!

 

 

 

 

when I was young....

I never knew I was cute...
I never knew I was pretty...
I never knew I could be anything I wanted to be...
I never knew the price of milk, gas or bread...
I never knew I was from a broken home...
I never knew I was smart...
I never knew allot of things at this carefree age... 

I remember having fun outside...
I remember playing with friends...
I remember teaching myself to ride a bike...
I remember never leaving my brothers side...
I remember the old man that passed out candy.... (Mr. Wingheart)
I remember mud pies and dandelion swirls...
I  remember many wonderful things about my childhood...

 

I also remember striving for perfection...
I also remember failing....
I also remember utter shyness....

I also remember complete HEART BREAK...

I'm not sure what lead me to think of these things...but I do know that as much as people say...

 

'Oh to be young again'

 

....I can only partially agree with them. 

You see ignorance was bliss as a child but wisdom as an adult has opened my eyes to what life really was like back then. 

I would rather be right here right now....then to be young again! 

 

However I do wish I could go back and talk with that little girl and tell her it's OK.

I wish I could tell her...

She IS loved.

She IS pretty. 

She IS smart.

She IS worth something. 

And that life will turn out wonderful if she just gives it time.

She will become a mother of two amazing children and marry the most talented, hard working man.  There will be bumps along the way but she will make it.  

 

But most of all I wish I could just hold her tight! 

 

 

Baby Girl makes 4....

OH MY DEAR Nelson Family!! 

How do I love thee...let me count the ways! 

LOL 

OK enough being sappy and cheesy. 

But in all honesty I love that they get me and I get them...time after time they call me up and say JENNIE we NEED you!!

Such a great boost to my ego...tee hee hee.

Thank you Nelson family for allowing me into your lives and capturing those moments in life that you want to remain still.

 

In home sessions are GREAT as they allow the families personalities to come out and I'm able to capture life as it REALLY is! 

 

I have to share a tid bit from an email Mrs. Nelson sent me....

"So you captured one of the most unexpected things... Bonham's blankie's.  The little boy knows exactly how many he has out at the moment and gathers them all up, so glad this is documented!!

Beautiful as always!! Now I'll stand outside and wait for the disc.:)"

 

I want to introduce to you all you Blog Followers little Baby Dempsey!!!

(She looks JUST like her big brother did when he was a newborn.)

Balloon's for Kyle

This post is written with a conflicting heart. 

Let me start from the beginning.....

My friend Angela Little and I met on Facebook by happenstance. 

I came across an image that I did a double take on as I thought it was my own daughter! 

Low and behold is was a beautiful little girl named Grace and her mother was Angela

(a fellow photographer)!

I contacted her and from there we became friends. 

She currently lives in Florida but has family in Minnesota so she is super familiar with my state. 

She is an amazing Godly women and has more strength then most of us can dream of having! 

She has 3 beautiful children her oldest with many medical issues. 

I can't really go into depth about them as I don't want to miss-speak and say the wrong medical terms but in the last few months of his life he struggled everyday and would come out strong each time.  This type of stress would have made me lock myself away and cry but Angela kept strong and reached out to her friends for support! 

There were days she would post his condition but asked for NO comments ...she just wanted to vent.  We all understood! 

Well on February 2nd her son Kyle was to turn 24 (and he did) but he also went home to see the Lord! 

Kind of the best Birthday gift ever but oh so sad for us left behind on this earth! 

Kyle LOVED balloons and as a celebration of his life on earth Angela has asked me to spread the word about "Balloon's for Kyle". 

She is asking for anyone to share a creative work of a balloon release up to Kyle. 

It doesn't have to be fancy, it can totally be in front of your home taken with your cell phone. 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE spread the word about this wonderful act of kindness.....you may not even know Angela or her son Kyle but if you're a parent you understand the lose one may be feeling and can show your love of children up in Heaven!!

(feel free to post your images HERE for Angela and her family to see....Thank you)

 

If releasing a balloon is something you aren't comfortable with due to the effects on the environment and animals then feel free to fly a balloon from your front porch in Kyle's honor!  

 

I have taken a few images of my time with Ryan after school today.....Ryan is my wise and tender hearted girl. 

She knew exactly what we were doing and gave that balloon a big hug before letting it go! 

Angela....we love you and your 'Little' famiy and pray nothing but warm hugs from the Lord.

 

 

Stolen Heart....

As many of you know I'm part of a great charity organization called 'Inspiration Through Art' formerly known as 'The Littlest Heroes Project'.  I've been with this organization for a few years and truly feel honored that I can say I've been apart of theses young one's lives even for just a moment! 

 

I want you to meat Lilliana!  She is 3 years old about to celebrate her Golden Birthday in February.  She was one of the shiest kids I've ever met.  During our time together I would ask her questions and she would answer me by whispering in her mothers ear the answer!  (too cute)  I knew that I could get some smiles and interaction out of her eventually cuz at least she was answering my questions!  Well needless to say I ended up bringing out my "surprise" early to capture her amazing smile and bubbly personality!  Low and behold it did the trick!!! 

 

Lilliana was born with a heart defect and has undergone 3 open heart surgeries and is on her way to her 4th.  I asked her mother to share a bit in her own words what they have gone through. 

 

"Lilliana was born with a very rare and severe congenital heart defect similar to Hyper plastic Left Heart syndrome. She is one of the most complex and unique cases her doctors have ever encountered.  Within the first year of life she underwent three open heart surgeries (one of which was emergency), multiple heart cath’s, chest tubes, and countless other invasive procedures resulting in very long hospital stays. She has been blessed with countless miracles and has made it though things no doctor thought possible. She will be celebrating her golden Birthday Feb 4th and will undergo her 4th open heart surgery only 7 days later at Boston Children’s Hospital."

 

Her mother wanted to share her blog as well so that anyone wanting to follow her story could!

 

learningfromfaith.blogspot.com

 

Well with out further ado....here is Liliana!!

 

No more FUSS....

Another Christmas post for you all!! 

 

This one I've been PATIENTLY waiting to post. 

This session was done back in October but had to wait till Christmas cards were mailed out as to not ruin the surprise! 

Mama Jordan had a great idea to make Christmas Pictures fun this year. 

We tried to shoot for the "Ugly Christmas Card" but they came out pretty darn CUTE!! 

Due to Mama being pregnant and chasing a one year old ...not to mention helping Dad out with his company and doing business of her own....

finding those "Ugly Christmas Sweaters" didn't quite happen.
The Boots and Hats worked great ...gave it more a Minnesota feel I think. 

I love that there was no fuss about this session! 

It was different then my normal sessions where we try and get great smiles, look for the different angles, be creative kinda stuff! 

We just had fun and went with the flow!! 

I love that they were laid back about the session and were themselves. 

(Such a good looking family it was pretty hard to get a bad picture) 

 

Enjoy the images and remember to relax this Season and not worry about all the FUSS!

 

(Their baby girl is coming soon....can't wait!!)