More Than a Trip to the Park {Tucson Child Photographer}

I love them. Every single day of my life I’ll love them- my kids. Sometimes I wonder if I’m giving them enough- especially my time. I know the days are fleeting, and oh how cliche’, but I truly don’t know where the time has gone.

What’s becoming even more clear to me as each day passes, is that time is really all we have. Our lives are so very short-too short. I don’t always enjoy being a parent, I’ll admit. There are so many choices to make and I get overwhelmed.

I am easily overwhelmed. In fact, I can’t even make simple decisions anymore because there are simply too many choices, like which toothpaste to buy. Seriously!  I wonder, “Is this safe, economical, efficient, fun, effective? My head starts spinning just from buying toothpaste!

So, once in a great while, I have an epiphany! It. Does. Not.  Matter. I will never make ALL the right decisions, but one thing I CAN control is how I spend my time. And really, do I want people to remember me by my decision-making skills or what type of toys I bought for my children- not so much. I want my family and friends to have fun memories with me. My hope too, is that my photos will always be there to remind all of us of the fun we had together.

These images from the park will always remind me of my son’s silly giggle and his shy demeanor around strangers. They will take me back to a time when my sweet girl followed her brother around everywhere and mimicked his every move because she simply adores him. They will also remind me of Annabelle’s first ‘drink’ from a water fountain, Chris searching in the car for 20 minutes for a bag to pick up our dog’s poo with, and my kids thinking it’s hysterically funny to bump into me at the bottom of the slide.

Parenthood is challenging,  but mostly marvelous!

Enjoy your families this weekend. We (Chris) will be building a sandbox!

Jenna

PS- These were all taken on the same day, so you can imagine why it’s been sooo hard to keep up with my 365 project. I have way too many choices… and yet again, I can’t decide! Hahaha! 😉

 

Dancer {Tucson Child Photographer}

A star. That is all.

Family Breakfast- {Tucson Family Photographer}

This session was near and dear to me. The mother of this beautiful family was my labor nurse when I delivered sweet Annabelle.

Most of you who know me, know that I’m quite passionate about natural childbirth and know how much I treasure my birthing experiences- good or bad. I’m extremely saddened by the fact that we’re done, merely because I want to experience a birth again. I guess that’s why I’m drawn to birth photography- it keeps me connected to the birthing community without having to have 10 kids of my own.  Ha!

I can’t begin to describe how much it meant to me to have a nurse like her- really there for me. In fact, I remember her fanning me so I wouldn’t throw up, while Chris and my sister rubbed my back- pure dedication. My birth experience with Annabelle was magical and I owe it to the people in the room for honoring all of my wishes and making the experience the best it could be for my family and I.

My hope is that these images of her family will be treasured as much as my memory of her, and others who supported me during such a life-changing moment (or moments, let’s be honest).

Let me add that this session was completely and utterly lifestyle in nature. They went about their morning as they normally would. The only difference- I ate with them. 🙂

Mom is Funny {Tucson Family Photographer}

This session was sooooo easy- probably one of my quickest sessions. I think it’s mostly because the light, the mood of baby, and the fun being had  were working together all at the same time. It’s rare that all of these variables are harmonious from start to finish. This little man was so so cute- smiling nearly the entire time.

I have been searching for an active crawler for this book for a few weeks now, and alas I found an avid crawler! The grass was  inviting- soft and plush, rare for Tucson I’d say.

Anyway, I hope this post makes you smile. I couldn’t help but doing so the entire time I edited them.

 

Nearly Three Months… {Tucson Family Photographer}

I may have winced a tad, at the initial call from a client to photograph this age group last year. I really didn’t know what to do with a baby this age -I was absolutely stumped.

However, I’ve been overjoyed to discover over time ,that EVERY age has it’s pros and cons. So if you’re on the fence about your child’s photographic stage, stop stressing. There really isn’t a bad age to photograph, in my opinion!

We started this session in this client’s home and snapped some shots of them talking and playing with their sweet girl. Then we headed over to the park for some sunshine and fresh air. Baby M was lulled to sleep in the car, and let us wrap and move her as she peacefully slept. It was a dream!

 

 

Hannah, The Beautiful! {Tucson Family Photographer}

Not to get all emotional on you, but while editing this image of my baby sister and my daughter, I felt such gratitude- and I’ll tell you why.

Hannah is eleven years younger than me and 14 years younger than my older sister. When I think about how hard that must be- to constantly feel like an only child, but not be- I realize how much I want to make her feel included in my life. I want her to know how much it means to me, that she’ll go to the movies with me, hang out with my kids, and camp out like a true “Polm”.

Although she’s quite young in my eyes, I think she does an amazing job of keeping her priorities in check and making time for family, even when she really has none to spare.  I’m so proud of her! I’m lucky she’ll still  hang out with an old, not-so-hip sister, such as myself! (and even bring her friends-yes you, Claire!)

Growing Up- The Book Project {Tucson Lifestyle Photographer}

Sorry for taking so long to catch you up on my book project. I know you all probably hover over your computer just waiting for my next blog post. HA!

The wait is over… here are some images from the past few sessions that were especially moving and/or made me proud!

Thanks for taking the time to look. Oh, and if you have a sec, I’d love to know which session is your favorite thus far. 🙂 I can’t wait to compile them all into my book- which did I mention, my lovely, talented sister will be writing! You’ll want to have this one in your collection of keepsake books for your children, grandchildren, etc, -of that, I’m sure!

PS. I am still in need of teenagers and young adults for this project as well. And please, if you know of anyone that can add culture and diversity to this story, send them my way!

Valuing the Art of Everyday {Tucson Lifestyle Photographer}

I’m currently reading a book for a Mama Book Group, and came upon a passage that REALLY shook me, and at the same time, made me proud of what I do. I’d love to share it with you.

“I think I learned the most about the value of ordinary from interviewing men and women who have experienced tremendous loss such as the loss of a child, violence, genocide, and trauma. The memories that they held most sacred were the ordinary, everyday moments. It was clear that their most precious memories were forged from  a collection of ordinary moments, and their hope for others is that they would stop long enough to be grateful for those moments and the joy they bring.”

Author- Brene Brown

Title- The Gifts of Imperfection

It isn’t easy to slow down in this world, especially when you’re trying to get the kids up and out the door. However, when I do take my time dressing my 2-year-old and when I do actually listen to what my incessant-talking 4-year-old has to say, you know what I feel?  I feel gratitude! And that my friends, is what life is about.

Here’s a picture share of an ordinary day that I’m so grateful for! What are you grateful for today? Please share!

Dreamy- Book Project {Tucson Child Photographer}

It’s been a loooong day, and although I’d love to go on and on about how easy this session was and how much I LOVE this book project, my bed and I have a date.  🙂 I’m so glad I am able to share these images with you tonight though, perfect segue to dreamland…

Thumbs Are For Sucking- Book Session #3 {Tucson Lifestyle Photographer}

This was my third session for my book, and I’m beginning to wonder how on Earth I’ll be able to pick just a few pictures for each page. Each two-page spread was supposed to represent an age-group and developmental milestone, but I’m just not sure how I’ll be able to narrow down the photos to just a few per spread. Even with a normal session, I have the HARDEST time culling it down to 20-30 images. Lifestyle photography is even more challenging because sometimes a collection of ten photographs tells such a beautiful story- it would be like leaving out an entire chapter in a book.

With that said, I guess it’s no surprise that this blog entry is such a BIG share. I can’t help it- this baby was SO photogenic!

I hope you all enjoy her story.