VACATION

Wow, do I need one!  And what do you know, I just happen to be making my way down to the beach tomorrow and won't be back until Sunday (May 4th).   What a coincidence! :)  Seriously, Adam and I are past due for a little R&R.  I love you all, but if you need me, I won't be available until Monday.  This is one of those turn-off-the-cell-phone/leave-work-COMPLETELY-behind type of vacations.  Adam's orders.  He said (and I quote), "Jessica, mental checklists are not allowed this weekend.  Work is against the rules until Monday."  I said, "sir yes sir!"  So I hope you all have a glorious weekend and I promise to show some extra photo love when I get back.

As Laura, her mom Carol, and I walked and talked Monday evening, it seemed the excitement in the air just continued to grow.  With graduation only a couple of weeks away, Laura is on the verge of new beginnings.  As we talked about college roommates and dorm life and majors and careers, it brought me back to my senior year of high school.  It is such a time of possibility and anticipation.  Laura is an incredibly bright, talented and accomplished girl, and I know she has a myriad of opportunities and experiences awaiting her.  She is poised to take advantage of her college career in a way that I wish I had been when I was her age.  I was truly blessed by my time with Laura and her mom, and wish them only the best in the exciting years to come.

Laura

I met Laura and her mom at Botanical Gardens this afternoon for Laura's senior portrait session.  She is absolutely gorgeous-- I ended up editing almost every single picture that I took, simply because Laura cannot take a bad picture.  

It's time for bed!  More pictures to come soon.

Jeff and Alisa,

I can't tell you how thrilled Adam and I are that your wedding is almost here.  We remember the time when we could only secretly wish for "Jeff and Alisa" to become reality.  :)  Thank you both for being such a huge and wonderful part of our lives.  We are praying for your marriage--we know that it will bless so many people in the years to come.

  

With much love,

Jess

Cade's 1st B'day

I cannot believe that Cade is already a year old!  He is possibly the cutest 1 year old I have ever seen.  His disposition is both sweet and serious at the same time.  He intensely observes the world around him, yet just loves everyone he comes in contact with.  He's also the spitting image of his mommy.   Happy birthday Cade! 

Sweetness

Precious.  That's all I can say about these two.  More to come soon.

To Have and to Hold

Textures

I've recently discovered the use of layered textures in photography.  I have seen this process beautifully accomplished by this man.  I wish I could go back in time and invent this process before he thought of it....but I'll just have to settle for ripping him off.  He actually has his set of textures for sale, but alas, I am but a poor aspiring photographer who has to make do with a homemade version.  Which I am ok with...it makes me feel a little less like a copycat!  There are actually alot of photographers that I admire who use his textures on their wedding and engagement photos.  I'm not that skilled/experienced/brave yet.  I'll do some behind the scenes work and see what I come up with--if there is a happy ending, I'll post for all to see.  Otherwise, just know that the world of textures didn't give me a warm welcome! :)

So here is my first attempt--not perfect, but it's a start!  Notice it is on my newly bloomed hyacinth (which I am so pumped has survived my absolute neglect) and not people.  I haven't gotten the hang of textures over skin tones yet.  

Just for comparison's sake, here is the image straight out of the camera. 

I used my new macro lens (another fun photography first--definitely a new world for me) to photograph the flower and the layers.  I tested out a few different surfaces, and the rusty sewer cover seemed to work the best.  To add another dimension, I photographed the lace from my going away dress and used that layer to parallel and complement the lines of the flower.

 I'd like to do some kind of series with this....maybe with a "new beginnings" theme.  Selfishly and superficially, I just need something to hang up in my house--any of you who have been to visit know that the walls are painfully bare.  But for the sake of art, let's run with the idea that there is a journey to be had and creativity to explore.  Any ideas for the next addition?

Starbucks and beyond...

Brandy emailed me about a month ago inquiring about wedding services.  We decided to meet halfway at the Starbucks in Trussville, just to get to know each other and talk about possibilities for her wedding photography.  From the moment I sat down at the table with her, I knew I just had to photograph her wedding.  Everything was.....right.  Conversation flowed easily, we had the same tastes, the same vision for her wedding photos, the same sense of humor.  As we went our separate ways, she said that she'd get back with me in the next few days to follow up.  I'm sure she didn't see me cross my fingers, hold my breath, and pray that she picked me!   You see, I've learned that chemistry between photographer and client is imperative.  They have to feel comfortable, to trust you, to believe that you have their best interest at heart.  If they don't, it shows.  Big time.  And if they do?  You get the most captivating photos because they feel free to just be.  So Brandy and Kris, thank you for picking me...I am indebted to your trust.

My new favorite

Isn't she the picture perfect baby?

And she has the most adoring big sister I've ever seen.  

Just wanted to show the Browns a little extra love!

For Leslie

Before our session Saturday morning, Leslie said, "I'm scared that we're all going to look like dorks just sitting there in our pictures."  In my mind, I thought, "Seriously?  Because I think y'all are one of the most personable families I've met...you won't have a problem being natural in your photos."  I tried not to build up the pressure before the shoot...the more natural I can act, the more comfortable my "subjects" (can anyone think of a better word?  it sounds like I'm about to inflict pain on them when I use that word) will be.  

So the Brown's photos ended up being really sweet and endearing, just like they are.  Leslie, I haven't gone through all of them yet, but I wanted to post a few just to ease some fears...

*A special thank you to Jeff, who encouraged us all to brave our fears of bad weather and continue with the shoot, despite the ominous rain clouds looming above us. We had good light and free reign in Botanical Gardens-almost unheard of on a Saturday in April!!

Community's Spring Seminar Event

Come one, come all!  Community's yearly spring seminar event is just a couple of weeks away, and it promises to be loads of fun.  Kim Hill is putting on a "What Not to Wear" session (count me in, I need all the help I can get); Laura Morgan's famous book review seminar is also making a comeback this year.  Lunch is divine, as well as FREE (which makes it even more divine).  Call 640-5698 to sign up!

Bride & Groom Portraits

Some fun portraits from Laura and Matt's wedding....

Sweet Weaver Gray

What a blessing little Weaver has been to our family.  I have always had a distant fondness for babies, but I've never really been around one this tiny.  I love everything about him, down to his tiny toenails.  I really could sit and watch him breathe all day.  I never thought baby watching would be this fascinating, but the fact that he is my nephew changes everything.  I can't imagine what being a mother is like.  Katie and lee are such naturals with him.  What a beautiful little family they are!

I almost threw out this last photo when I was editing...I thought it was too funky for a baby photo.  It grew on me, though.  Now I love the flare and sun rays and warm tones and all that makes it funky.  What do you think?