First Look

This is what's called a "First Look" The bride & groom opt to see each other before the wedding ceremony. It calms some of those wedding jitters, they get a few private moments to themselves before the big show of the ceremony and the reception and all that follows, and we get a chance to take some photos!! More to come in the next post.

Oh yeah, My Vacation

My summer vacation was filled with fun, sun, rain, rest, relaxtion, city parks, national parks, religious monuments, nature walks, miniature golf courses, In-N-Out, outlet shopping, antique shopping, thrift shopping, a lavender farm, a street rod car show, Disney/Pixar's Up, a temple open house, a temple visitor's center, german pretzels, riding Trax, family history teaching moments, visiting with old friends, family, barbecues, small town 4th of July parades, firework mishaps, weeding the garden, monster mosquito bites, playing pool & air hockey, four wheelers and horses, and of course Lehi Mills and Cafe Rio. I'm sure there was more, but I can't remember it all right now.

The only problem was my children refused to put on the cute clothes I packed for them and pose for me for pictures. I guarantee it: Photographing one's own kids is the hardest portrait session. I chose not to argue with them. We were on vacation. Result: not so many "blog-worthy" pictures.

Here is the posh condo we stayed in our first few nights in St. George. This condo was actually in the Coral Canyon area by Hurricane.
I've never seen such tall doors on a closet.
aaahh, we went swimming every day. My four-year-old finally learned how to swim and it was so easy.
Visiting a friend in Cache Valley. What a beautiful place. I could get used to that!!!
My kids love "the Farm".

All Girls

Until yesterday!! These girls just got a brand new baby brother!!! Which is part of the reason behind these portraits. The mom says to me, "The pictures hanging on the wall are from two years ago. If I don't get some pictures taken before this baby comes, Rory (the youngest girl) is going to think I never took any pictures of her!!"

Reason #157 to Get Portraits Done: So Child #3 (and #4 and #5 and so on) will know she is loved.

And love them, we do.

Storytelling

Pictures are supposed to be worth a thousand words right? This kiddo is perfectly content when eating. And he can pack it away! And make a giant mess while doing so. I thought this set-up would be perfect for him. However, he didn't make nearly the mess I had planned on and he wasn't really even interested in eating! Gasp!! Oh well, you get what you get sometimes...

Do you have a story to tell?

I recently saw on another blog the photographer was hired to capture the family in their house and around their town before they moved. I think this is a great idea and will definitely put that one to use (you know, because I plan on moving in the far distant future...)

I am still offering free birth photography so I can build up my portfolio in that regard. I don't think people realize what an important story that is to tell!!! I recently was talking to a group of fellow photographers (about 6 of us) and we each voiced a desire to have a photographer at our next birth.

Over the Mountains and Through the Desert to Grandmother's House We Go

By the way, I am now out of town, until the Fourth of July. I have no access to my email. If you want to talk to me, leave a comment here....

Baby Tyler

I had a few minutes to myself while Mom nursed the baby. While sitting in this darling nursery, I thought "Of course this room needs to be photographed!!" People put so much effort into decorating & arranging & caring for their living spaces, and how many of them actually take pictures of all their hard work???

He may be sweet & peaceful here, but this boy is THE loudest newborn I have EVER heard! He's got some strong lungs!!! But that's a good thing, seeing as he's just a little guy - not even six pounds!

Are you in love with him yet???

I love how he is reaching out for his mom.

And now, if this doesn't make you want to snuggle up with him, then I don't know what will....

Fun Saturday Morning

I was very excited to see this family again. I especially like that the kids recognized me and remembered me - it's very helpful for them to be comfortable in front of my camera :)

This girl is soooooooo pretty!

The most excellent big brother. He's almost a teenager! (gasp!)

This little guy is so funny and friendly and helpful. I love all the different faces he makes!!! He makes me laugh looking at all his pictures. Don't worry, there are smiles, I just really liked these ones:

Turning 2

I love profiles. I really do.

Oh, the random places we will go today.

And I love shooting wide open. This is at f/1.8. Luuuuuuuvvvvve it.

Pictures I Wish I Would've Taken

I recently participated in a contest (no, I didn't win) by answering the question "If you could take ONE picture to remember a moment in your life, what would it be? "

My answer was this:

One afternoon when my oldest was only one, I hung the towels out on the line and walked back to go inside the house. I turned to make sure he was following me. The breeze blew the towels softly as he slowly weaved his way in between them. The sun so nicely backlight his blonde hair. He didn't take notice of me, but I knew I would not have time to run, grab the camera, adjust my settings, & snap a picture, before all that beautifulness was gone. I just stood there and watched. And burned it into my brain because I knew I had to. I guess that's childhood for you. "They" always say - the kids grow up too fast and before you know it, they are gone (adults).

Another photo I wish I would've taken. Not nearly as significant as far as personal memories go. Or maybe it is? Christmas Day 2008 my family and I headed north right into a major winter storm. After getting stuck, getting pulled out, making plans to camp under an overpass, following a snowplow, we finally made our way to the last hotel room in the area and slept all five of us in one bed. That morning, the sun came out, the hotel provided a waffle breakfast, and we were on the road again with smiles. Just as we turned on to the on-ramp, I spied this bright red fire hydrant half-buried in snow with little yellow tufts of dead grass. I didn't want to delay our trip any longer than it already had been, but now when my husband reads this he'll say "We could've stopped!"

What is your moment that you wish you could've captured, but didn't or weren't able to?

BTW yes, these are my actual drawing abilities. Quit laughing.

Coming to a Place Near You

That's right, I'm hitting the road!

What's available: 45 minute portrait sessions for $150 including a disc of your best images.

June 22 - 24 St.George, UT

June 26 - Provo, UT

June 30 - Provo, UT

July 1 - 2 Salt Lake City

Possibly a Richfield, UT date, maybe July 3rd or July 6th

AND......

HAWAII!!! tentatively the week of December 14.

If you are interested, drop me an email - jessica at withoutaplace dot com

Little Landon's Big Blues

Congratulations Class of 2009!