I was super excited when I spoke with this Mama about this session because she was open to having a relaxed session at the park with the kids and their bikes. We had a blast! The kids were so busy exploring and playing, I’m not even sure they knew I was there to take photos.
A memorable moment during our session was when the little boy asked to hold my hand. “Of course I’ll hold your hand!” I replied. It made my heart melt!
So far, I have to admit, I LOVE this challenge. Even with it taking up a great deal of my time and forcing me to bring my camera EVERYWHERE, I am enjoying this 365 project so much. It has really forced me to try new things, because otherwise I would have already jumped ship from sheer boredom. I hope you all are enjoying this peek into my chaotic life with an almost 2-year-old and 4-year-old. Thank you for sharing my year-long journey. It’s going to be amazing for our family to have so many memories captured!
Happy Tuesday!
Let this experience of mine be a lesson for all of you, who let your nearly 2-year-old play with your phone. I totally missed this birth because A put my ringer on the quietest volume just before she went to bed. I didn’t know this until 7:34 am, when I discovered I had a missed call from 4:35 am that morning. I was beyond sad! The baby was born at 7 am sharp.
What can I say, other than labor is totally unpredictable. Had it been a different labor (like mine), I still would have had plenty of time…
Regardless of whether I made it to the birth or not, I am certain I will never forget this special day. It is truly an emotional experience for me, and for those who allow me to be a part of such a momentous occasion, I am forever in debt to you! For me, photographing newborns and births is comparable to winning the lottery… it’s tremendously fulfilling and unforgettable!
Sooooo… let me introduce to you baby J- two hours after delivery at the Birth and Women’s Health Center.
-Session II of the Book Project
I’m excited to share this spectacular birthday with all of you, for this family sure knows how to throw a party! They live right next door, and my hubby and I have always been pretty captivated by their lavish birthday extravaganzas.
The theme for this party was “Ice Cream Social”, complete with an ice cream truck, life-sized ice cream cones, and more. It was beautiful, and so is this family. I also love their dog Luke, he’s such a beauty! Happy Birthday to our sweet little neighbor, who is now a big 10-year-old!
Grandpa said this bike is the same one they took a picture of her on as a newborn! How sweet, right?
My Best,
Jenna
Hello All!
Before I begin this post, I just need to thank all of you who have offered to help with my book project. I am so excited about this personal project! It is allowing me to express myself as a photographer and stretch my imagination. So, thank you!!!
I shot my first session for this project on Saturday. It was a wonderful beginning for so many reasons. I was able to catch up with an old friend from high school and meet her two sweet girls. After the session, I felt so happy on so many levels.
Because my children are 4 and (almost) 2, I don’t spend that much time with other age groups. I found myself REALLY enjoying talking with these girls and hearing about their interests. I really thought I had a favorite age, but I’m beginning to think that I love all ages for different reasons, which makes me even more excited about each stage my children will go through. And that, ladies and gents, is the entire purpose of this project, to capture those AMAZING stages, and SAVOR them.
So a small share…
Hello everyone! Today is a very exciting day for me! I will be receiving my new camera, which means I can finally begin my book project! Woooohoooo! Are you excited yet?
If you’ve been following my blog, you may remember me mentioning something about a book I’m “writing”. It actually won’t have many words, because the whole idea is that the photographs will tell the story. I think I have changed directions with it soooo many times in the past several weeks, but finally, I have my ideas written down and now I’m seeking models.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
~ a couple that just found out they’re pregnant.
~ a pregnant woman in her 3rd trimester.
~ a birth. Preferably, a home birth or at a the birth center, but not necessary. (Birth is unpredictable, of course)
~ a newborn, preferably within his/her first two weeks.
~ 4 mo. or near that age.
~ 8 mo. or near that age.
~ 12 mo. or near that age
~ toddler 18mo- 2.5 years
~4-5 year old attending preschool or kindergarten
~ 7-9 year old, preferably one that is missing front teeth.
~ 10-12 year old
~16- 18 year old who is learning to drive
~18-21 year old who is still living at home
For each age, I have a specific session planned, so please contact me for further details regarding location, timing, etc.
All models or parents of models must be willing to sign a model release. Participants will receive one 8×10 of their favorite image and a CD of low-resolution images of the session. Plus, you can purchase any additional products I offer for 50% off.
Please e-mail me @ jenna@GenerationsPhotographyAZ.com if you’d like to participate.
Thank you all so very much!
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite images this week…
My Buddy
Where to begin… hmm. This is a HUGE share in terms of images and honesty.
I’m a HORRIBLE writer and I know it, this is why photography resonates with me. I have the power to tell a story with my images, and yes that’s powerful to me.
A year ago today, I was just starting out in the photography world. Many photographers like myself, begin their journey without knowing exactly where they’re going in terms of style, type of clientele, and specialization. Alas, I know… I know what makes my heart sing!!!
I started off my career as a teacher. I looooved teaching, really, I did. If you ask anyone in my family, they’ll tell you that I have been attached to babies and younger children since I could pick up a baby doll. I adore everything about them; their honesty, chubbiness, compassion, naivety, creativity, their wonder, and on and on. It’s a thrill to talk with them and hear them laugh. There has never been any doubt that I will always want a career that allows me to connect with children.
As I started my photography business last year, I knew I’d try to focus on children and families, but one thing that I’ve struggled with for the entire year is how I should photograph them. I knew all along that studio work wasn’t exciting to me, but I couldn’t really tell you why. The past several months, I have gone over almost all of my sessions looking for similarities between the sessions I LOVED and the sessions I didn’t.
And what did I discover?
I like simple.
I like life and I think it’s beautiful as is.
I like using ‘props’ that are meaningful to the family or that help tell their story.
I like to simply sing songs and play games with the kids while capturing their smiles.
I like connecting with my clients and getting to know them.
I like using the client’s blankets, hats, etc. because it’s special to them, not me.
And I LOVE THIS SESSION! The session below is my latest and greatest, and I’m proud. Why? Because it’s me; natural, simple, and emotional.
This image makes me giddy inside. Look at her cute little fingers twirling her Mommy’s hair. *GASP*
To me, this is all things beautiful. And this “stuff” is what I’d want to remember.
To 2012, a year of enlightenment and fulfillment!
Cheers,
Jenna
This was my first mini-session in November. We began at the crack of dawn, not even joking, and it was wicked cold. The session from start to finish was a mere 15 minutes since we were so concerned about this sweet lil’ dumpling being out in the cold for too long.
To my surprise, this baby girl was INSANELY happy despite the frigid temps. I have never had a baby at her age smile soooo much. She literally looked at me and smiled the entire time.
So, although early morning sessions can seem daunting and totally unappealing to adults, they are GREAT for babies. My advice- grab a Venti and schedule an early session, although I would consider waiting till April or May if you want your limbs to have feeling. 😉
Oh my goodness! Just look at her smile!
Happy Saturday, Everyone!
Jenna
Hello again! I am so proud of me for catching up on all my blah, blah, blogging. In addition to the normal story about my session, I want to take the time to announce a couple GREAT things I am working on for 2012.
1. If you’ve been keeping up with the blog, you’ll have already read about my amazing new session I offer- the Lifestyle Session. It is a beautiful and dedicated session that captures YOU doing things YOU do everyday. It’s an image-story about your life as it is right now- if you will. It’s more than a portrait session because I spend a great deal of time with you via e-mail and phone to collaborate and plan for it. Plus, there are twice the number of proofs to choose from after our session. Just because the session is a raw interpretation of your family, doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Contrarily, it’s even MORE special and unique. Some things I may capture during our session- brushing teeth, pillow fights, building towers, painting tiny toes, taking a bubble bath in the backyard, finger painting, riding bikes, playing dress-up, reading books, and I could go on for hours. Oh no, are you asleep? So anyhow, I would LOVE to meet you and your family and create something beautiful for you to cherish always.
So with ALL THAT said, I am looking for a couple of families that can appreciate this style of photography and would be ‘over the moon’ about having their lives documented to use for portfolio-building. I am especially interested in shooting a birth story, bringing home baby, and/or a family hanging out at home. I would offer a couple of prints along with the session, and the gallery would be available for ordering additional products. Please contact me via e-mail if you’re interested in participating in this casting call at jenna@GenerationsPhotographyAZ.com.
2. One more thing! In 2012, I will begin working extra hard to publish a children’s book. While my idea for the book is ever-changing, one thing is for sure, I will need many models AND many props! I am calling upon all my peeps to help me out with this HUGE project. As the images I need for the book become more clear to me, I will let all of you know. If you are interested in participating in this project, GREAT! Let’s chat! E-mail is above. (Models must be willing to sign a model release.)
Now for some photos of a gorgeous family to finish off this ridiculously long post. Are you still there?
This family was A-DORABLE! I fell in love with them, seriously. I felt like we had been friends for ages. I love how they laughed at themselves and were so in love. It was truly magical for me. Thank you, Jen for a wonderful time with your oh-so-adorable fam!
Peace and Love,
Jenna
Okay, I guess it’s back to business here in blog land. I don’t really mind though, hooray for loving your “job”.
This session was one of many mini-sessions I had in November.
I photographed this family last year too, and it’s amazing how much changes in just a short year. This Mom here is happier than ever now that she’s doing what she loves, teaching! She is perfect for the job too, patient, laid back, comical, and tremendously happy. Even after a long detour (eh em, she got lost), she arrived at the session laughing and ready to have fun.
This guy here is such the entertainer. He has met Robin Williams in person, and perhaps it sparked a real passion for performing. He had “moves like Jagger”, this one!
Perhaps I’ll be able to keep up this week and get ALL my November sessions on the blog. Hmmm…
Generations Photography 