Cancer is ugly, but life is Beautiful.

Cancer is always ugly. Maybe you are one of the lucky ones who still only knows the effects from a friend of a friend. Pretty much everyone I know has a close friend or family member dealing with, recovering from, or has lost someone to cancer. I have several people close to me who have it. So far they are winning and for that I am so grateful.

I find myself infuriated by cancer and why we don't know more about it. I am sure most people feel the same. It seems, so far, that no amount of money thrown at it will be enough. There is just too much still that we can't figure out about this mysterious disease.

So what we do now is fight it the best we can physically and emotionally as well. I have no real concept of what it is like to have cancer other than the observation of my god mother and friend. Who day in and out stay in a positive frame of mind to face a barrage of invasive procedures and sickness with grace and patience.

What I get to do, on occasion, is get to know someone a little bit through my lens. I get to see who they are when they let their guard down. Or when they feel empowered and full. I get to see who they have become after experiencing something as life changing as cancer. That is what I got to do with Holly.

I had never seen Holly before she came to my studio. I will admit that after our session and her telling me that she used to be a blonde I did go peek on her Facebook page since I just couldn't imagine it! (: Personally I like her with the amazing soft brown curls that I got to see in the studio. The curls that grew back in after treatment.

The thing that I could clearly see about Holly, and that I am sure others experience as well, is that she was just so full of joy and love for life. She was so grateful to have her health back, to be going to school, planning a trip, to be doing all the things that the rest of us who are healthy get to take for granted. Today I am grateful that I get to sit here with my head cold and be grumpy about it, but that it will go away and I can begin anew with taking for granted those daily things. (Though I will try not too) I am so blessed with my healthy normal boring stuff. So maybe take a moment and be grateful for your health or pick anything that you are grateful for. It's always a good way to prioritize life and make your heart full.

                                                                        Love who you are. Right now. - Jen

Addison's Dream Session...so very dreamy

Addison walked in and was immediately in control of the studio. She was clear on what she wanted to wear and how she wanted to play and dance. I love seeing a girl her age with such confidence and I hope that it stays with her throughout her life! She was comfortable in her own skin which I respect so much. But then it helps when you are 7 and the world is your oyster. (:

It also helps that mama is also a photographer (an acquaintance of mine) so she is also clearly comfortable posing in front of the camera. She did just what I asked of her and knew how to hold a pose! And that hat was obviously made for her!!

Also I really love the juxtaposition of how grown up a child can look like in that first black and white portrait below and then how a portrait will record such an important milestone like the process of losing your teeth and tell you exactly what stage a child is in. The gift of capturing portraits is not lost on me. I have such joy at working with children and getting them to open up for me. And also in knowing that in even 10 years when Addison is 17 this portrait will mean even more for her mama and for herself when she looks back at it.
 

                                                                                       Love who you are. Right now. - Jen

Glamour or Boudoir Mini Sessions - A Valentines Day gift for yourself! or a special someone!

Have you been thinking about doing a session, but been waiting for the right time? I always say "Love who you are. Right now." So here is your chance to just do it and sign up! (: Sessions are a lot of fun, but don't just take my word for it...see the what other clients have said below.

These sessions are for 3 days only and I only have 6 spots! 

You will get your hair and make-up done while sipping champagne. Then 45 minutes of portraits with one outfit change. 

Take a short break and come back to see your portraits that same day!! You can order something just in time for Valentines day too. (: 

       Call today to reserve your time.  

Sessions start at 9:30am and 1:00pm and are only $95+tax. 

And remember from every session fee and product 10% of all profits will go into my new photography fund for women survivors of domestic abuse. 

What others have said about working with me...

From Laura C (who's dancing in the portrait above!)-
Jen turned me into "queen for a day" at our glamour session. What an incredible experience! As a working mom, I rarely get dressed up, and almost never get photo evidence when I do. Jen made the session so much fun - the hair, makeup, the gourmet goodies...and the amazing pictures she took - wow! I am incredibly happy with the photos and have ordered a gorgeous album to pass along to my daughter. My husband also joined us at the end of the session for a few "couples" photos. He was so impressed with Jen as well. We couldn't be happier with the experience and the wonderful photos she captured. Thank you, Jen!

Malina O  (boudoir session) says-
I decided to get my pictures done for my husband for our second year anniversary. Doesn't everyone look like their perfect selves in every picture that's ever been taken of them? I mean, none of us have experienced an awful, cringe-worthy picture, right? Oh, wait, silly me; nearly all the pictures I have of myself only my mother could appreciate. Except these. They are me. Me. She left me looking like me, imperfections and beauty all wrapped up in one. They were perfectly 'touched' and 'untouched'. It was important to me to give my husband me, my face, my body....as he sees it, not how I wish it looked. She did this beautifully. I feel beautiful looking at the final pictures. Jen's creativity, time and vision allowed me to have a day I will remember for years to come, give my husband a gift he was excited to receive and embrace my body as strong, beautiful and sexy. Her prices are fair, earned and WORKED for. She is invested in getting you the picture you envision. She takes your time and wishes seriously. I will go back to her for sure! I may even make this an every five year gift to myself!! - Malina O.

You can read more reviews on my website www.maineglamourphotography.com

I can't wait to create some beautiful memories and portraits with you.

Love who you are. Right now. - Jen