Heather's Makeover Session - A new mom gets Glamourous!!

 Heather came to me when I put out the call for my 'white sessions' promotion. She has a new baby boy who is just 6 months old, Rowen, and felt like she really wanted the chance to feel "beautiful again".  As any new mom will tell you, often you feel like your time is spent covered in fluids, trying to find clothes that will still fit you, and generally aware every moment that your life is no longer your own and is totally upside down. And you wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

However, that doesn't mean you don't miss feeling girly, pretty, well dressed, and getting some alone time. Add to that the idea of having lasting portraits to hang in your home for your child to see what a HOT mama they have...and most moms really love the experience of a day of pampering in the studio. Heather was no exception.

Heather also volunteered to be recorded for my 1st promotional video the day she was in the studio!! I am really excited to be sharing that very soon. (I also have a new website coming that is dedicated just to my Glamour Photography!! Big things are in the works!!)

She was so very much fun to be with. I loved her laugh...it's contagious. And I loved getting the chance to remind her how stunning she is...I think she looks so much like Selma Hayek! Here are some favorites from her session. Though I could really post them all!

A huge thank you to the wonderful Julia, owner of Andrea's Bridal, who provided the amazing gown for Heather to wear. Julia is an awesome person. I can't say enough good things about she and her staff!! Go visit her for your prom or wedding gown - her customer service is exceptional.


                                                                                                            In love and life. - Jen

Strength and peace. A portrait session with Karen

We all have our stories. Our daily life weaves a path and soon we look back and it seems that the path turned into a highway at times, flying by so quickly with so much happening on it! I have been asking more and more clients to share their stories with me in writing so I can put their own words here on the blog. I always want to get to know who you are. Why did you choose to have portraits done right now? What is it that you want to remember about where you are right now in your life. Let me back up a bit and set the stage though..

Many people come to me at the start of something. For many families it's about the beginnings. A wedding is all about bringing two groups of family and close friends together to celebrate the beginning of a shared life. Babies (and children) are such a wonderful celebration of everything about being alive...you get to watch them experience all the details and sensory interactions of being alive and live through their reactions. It is SO much fun!

I have found that over time though daily life, the business of it, as well as the tragedies and triumphs of friends, family, and careers really shapes a lot about who we are and how we interact with others. Our experiences help steer how we feel about ourselves. I think that we decide though how to react to every situation. How to act or react is always a choice. The bravery and peace with which some people face things is truly inspiring.

When Karen initially reached out she told me her story. I loved getting to know Karen a bit better. She has faced a lot. I will let her words describe where she is at now and why...

  "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

"I was married for 27 years. A caregiver for my terminally ill husband for 32 months and a widow for over 2 years. I wanted to do this for myself because I thought it would make me feel good.  Feelings are so important.
The photo session with Jen brought such grace beyond my expectations.  I felt like a princess. As she spoke to me, I could feel joy and compassion illuminating from me. She coaxed it from me. The preview session of the final images was another amazing experience.  I thought choosing my favorites might be difficult. As we viewed the images together, it became apparent that Jen had truly captured my spirit with glimpses of the strength, gratitude and joy I had gained over the years.
Thank you, Jen! You were great!! "


I am grateful that Karen chose to have me preserve who she is right now in her life. She lived through a great loss and is still so full of happiness and compassion. It was really such a fun session to be part of because of who she is. I hope you see some of that in these portraits.


                                                                                       In life and love. - Jen

Julia's White Session Portraits

Julia is someone I had met last year when she visited from Russia. During her visit this time I have had a chance to really get to know her better. She is truly beautiful on the inside and out. She is also a spitfire! It takes awhile to see this side of her since she is pretty quiet most of the time. But I love it when she says something totally unexpected!! 

I asked her to come model for me and she did an amazing job. It doesn't hurt that you could put her in a paper bag and she would look amazing. Here are a few of my favorites from the day. 

                            In life and love. - Jen