Judy & Larry :: 50th Anniversary

Fifty years of marriage. It’s a rare sight in this day and age, but today I was able to see it for my own eyes. Fifty years of marriage involves a trust, a kindness, and a respect with one another that carries you through the thick and thin. Imagine it…sharing 50 years with a person. They know you better than you know yourself. They know your quirks, your fears, your regrets, your passions. Everything about you and your life is wound up in this other remarkable person that you have chosen to share your life with. I am often asked to photograph newly engaged couples…two people at the beginning of their love story. Today I was lucky enough to see the other side. I was able to witness love and admiration pour from a couple that has spent basically their entire lives together. I was also able to see the badgering :) “Do I really have to get closer?” teased Larry, as he lovingly cuddled into Judy. Sorry to all of my other couples, but I think Larry and Judy have become my favorite. They are precious and I can’t wait to see them again.

{they invited me to the mountains…I will be waiting for my official invite!}

I feel so blessed to have been able to capture their love…I hope they love their pictures.

Brandon...I can't wait to spend 50 years with you! 47 more to go...brace yourself! :)

2011 Seniors :: Pricing

Attention all 2011 Seniors!

Here is my senior portrait pricing for this summer.

Also offering:

Senior Snap Session :: $75

Includes: 30 minute session / 1 location (photographer's choice) / 1 outfit change / disc w/ edited images / online proofing gallery

Additional products:

5 x 5 or 5 x 7 Coffee Table Book Album :: $130

Professional Prints :: email me for pricing details

Customized Graduation Invites :: email me for pricing details

Email me today at jrphotography@gmx.com to book and discuss your session!

Andrea & Mark :: Engagement

Mark, or Boom as we call him, and my husband were on the same team during training for their job in the Air Force. While Brandon and I were dating, I met Boom and I couldn’t help but realize he looked JUST like my BROTHER! He is still in denial about this, but yes, Boom…I still think ya’ll at least could pass as cousins. And Boom, not only do you look like my brother, you are a brother to me. While Boom lived with Brandon and me for about a year, he always mentioned a girl named Ann. Every date he went on or every girl he met never compared to Ann. Ann, or Andrea as I know her, was the girl Boom had grown close to and dated before he enlisted in the military. Andrea and Boom knew of each other in high school, but ran with different crowds. Boom and Andrea graduated high school and went along their separate paths. It wasn’t until college when they reunited and realized there was a spark.

The summer of 2007, Andrea came to visit Spokane. Andrea and I hit it off instantly. Her down to earth, relaxed personality and consistent smile is impossible to not love. It was obvious that there was no other girl in the world for our Boom. Seriously, if anyone ever asks me “do you believe in soul mates”, I would say yes because of my friends Boom and Andrea. It is hard to imagine two people more compatible. I mean come on…who else is going to put up with Boom playing video games until 4 am :) A few months later, Andrea moved to Washington. We all lived together for a year and then we went our separate ways once Henry was on his way. We have and always will remain close friends and they are our family. This Christmas when Andrea sent us the text, “We’re Engaged!” we were ecstatic! This summer in August, Boom and Andrea will become husband and wife in Cancun, Mexico. I am thrilled beyond belief to be able to join them and capture one of the most important days of their lives.

Now Andrea was not too keen on the idea of engagement pictures, but of course I forced her into them! Look how marvelous they turned out! What a beauty! The location is Manito Park and the light was beautiful that day. It was a little chilly and I made them trek all over the place. They were champs about it and I think the end result was worth it.

Here is the invite I designed with their inputs. I think it is unique and perfect for their Mexico beach theme.

I love you two and I can't wait for your wedding!!

Hubby is Home

Thank goodness, my fabulous husband is home! Henry and I missed him so much! He was at Travis AFB, CA for two weeks having PRK (corrective eye surgery). Now I can finally catch up on homework and (most importantly, ha!) editing pictures! To top off my husbands wonderful arrival, he returned bearing gifts. All of my friends & family know I'm a wino...I can't help it.

A glass (or two) of white wine is the perfect ending to a rough or wonderful day. Since my hubby knows me so well, Brandon brought me home the most perfect, adorable wine glasses!

{my fav}

So thoughtful!

I came home today for lunch and after we ate, my boys drifted off into a peaceful sleep. You can tell Henry missed his daddy.

Life doesn't get any better...

Life Documented

My goal is to start blogging everyday...or at least every other day :) Sometimes life gets in the way of sharing life, but I know it will be such a great reward to see life documented. I think this is why I am so drawn to photography. It is life documented in its truest form. I love digging through my old, often unfinished, weathered away scrapbooks that ooze with memories of photographs and scribbles. I've always loved journaling and scrapbooking. Journaling began to die away for me when I realized my brother and sister were sneaking to read my private thoughts and share them out loud with the world. This embarrassed me out of jotting my thoughts down on paper. Ah, siblings! Many people don't know this about me, but when I was young, I loved to write. I was inspired by the Baby Sitters Club and the twin sisters of Sweet Valley High...silly, I know, but true. I know my mom has a secret stash somewhere of all of the books I started writing. My grandpa saved a few of my stories before he died, but I don't know what happened to them. He would always mention them to me with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye...it was so sweet! I wrote newsletters, yes, I was a weird kid searching for a creative outlet, and my mom admitted to me a week ago she still has them. How did she find those? I am still wondering! I was sure I had destroyed all evidence! My mom always thought and dreamed I would become a writer...maybe one day mom...you never know!



Right now I will stick to writing about my adorable family, the ups and downs of my photography business, and whatever else life brings to the table. I'm pretty sure my mom and sister are the only ones that read this anyway :)

Does anyone have any advice on shooting kids in manual mode? This is proving to be impossible for me. I cannot move my dials and switch my settings fast enough to keep up with my constantly moving 15 month old. This causes me to miss some really great moments and I want to kick myself in the rear. I eventually give up and shoot in auto so I can relax and not miss anything. The pictures turn out okay, but nothing compared to a beautifully exposed manual shot. Henry is my number one subject to practice on because he is a constant challenge...too bad I can see the discontent in his eyes when I pull out the camera.

Anyways, today was a surprisingly warm and beautiful day, so we headed to the park. Here are some shots of our day. In regards to dreaming of what Henry will be when he grows up, this picture may prove he will become a professional rock climber...or maybe a model, who knows ;)

Henry is close to the age of 5...or maybe he's really mature for his age? ooops!

Speaking of shooting in manual, the image below was shot in manual mode...i love the richness and contrast.

Hey mom, get that camera out of my face! It is funny how he will be playing and giggling with me, but as soon as I bust out the camera he ignores me and runs away. *sigh*

I'm trying...

So my mom has been texting me with criticism in the form of love about how she definitely does not approve of my new watermark. I have changed it around a little bit, so maybe this will please her...goodness!

Ooo La La

Check it out ;) My new logo at the top of my blog! Let me know what you think! I love it! It was designed by the graphic designer, Stephanie Reid. If you need anything customized, a logo for yourself, invitations, anything, let me know and I can give you her contact info.

I reeeaaaally love my watermark, although my mom misses my old one...love ya, mamma!

(i don't think she likes change!)

Here it is on an old picture of my little Henry bug.

I adore this watermark...thank you, Stephanie!

Today I met up with my photographer friend, Tara. I stalked her on facebook for a bit and we finally met in person today! She has a daughter a few months older than Henry and we have a ton in common. I'm pumped to hang out with her again! Check out her work at taradelacruzphotography.blogspot.com. I am a big stalker when it comes to photography. I email pretty much every photographer I see and like their work so I can pick their brain. I'm surprised at how many actually write back, even though I'm pretty sure they think I'm a nutbag. I'm really not, I swear. :) Right, Tara? You'll vouch for me! Haha!

Now off to make my hubby practice poses with me. I have a couples shoot tomorrow with my lovely, delightfully fun friend, Ashley and her hubby. I can't wait! It helps that the weather is surprisingly warm considering it is January in Spokane.

Bridal Show & my Future

Yesterday was the Bridal Show in downtown Spokane. It was so much fun checking out at all of the originality (and unoriginality), venues, centerpieces, color schemes, and photographers. I can't wait to renew my vows ;) I mainly went to the show to support my two friends that are brides, rachel and andrea, but I also went to hand out business cards. I was a great supporter, but not a great business marketer! I could not bring myself to go up to someone and hand them my cheesy card (i really need to make new ones). What a wimp! If you know of anyone that needs wedding photos on the cheap, tell them about me :) I think weddings is where I will shine and prosper, so my main goal is to build this into my portfolio, style, and brand. If you know any marketing ideas, tell me! (nothing outrageous, i'm poor folk!)

Last night, I talked on the phone with my long lost high school friend, Wendy. (loved talking to you Wendy...you are hilarious, and I couldn't stop laughing the whole 5 hours! haha) She is currently in school for photography and has a great business. She gave me a lot of insight. You can find her facebook fan page by searching Wendy Whiting Photography. Now I am in a struggle with my future. I am currently in school full time for my degree in elementary teaching...my dream job since I was a little girl. But you know what, people change and times change...I'm not 100% this is what I want anymore. I'm thinking that at the end of this semester I will postpone my teaching degree and use my gi bill to receive my degree in photography. I have my whole life ahead of me, so at the moment, I feel photography is what will make me the happiest...especially after being in the military for so long. Job and life satisfaction is of utmost importance to me at this point in my life. But will I make it? Will I fail? Do I have what it takes to start my own business? I guess time will tell. All I can say is even though I'm terrified, I'm excited about the adventure. Luckily I have my amazing support system, my husband. I know with him by my side, I can do anything.

Now that I have laid it all out there and let out my frustrations, I will indulge in a glass of wine and head to bed. Thanks for listening..if anyone is ;)

To finish this post off, here is a pic of bath time at my house. Aren't my boys precious? Yes....yes they are...

First Booked Wedding for Summer 10

I booked my first two weddings...heck yes! This is a huge deal for me and I am beyond thrilled! Remember this astonishingly beautiful couple?

I get the honor of being their wedding photographer and their photos are going to be fab! Stay tuned for the sneak peek of their images on June 1st.

I will also be photographing my awesome friends Mark (Boom) and Andrea's wedding in August. Engagement photos coming soon.

New equipment is coming my way in about a month...thanks to my wonderful hubby...he rocks!

Everything is starting to come together and I am constantly thankful.

Even though we are still in the middle of winter and it is a long way away, summer is starting to look oh so good....

Wedding Invites

Tonight I had my first taste of working with a bride to customize her wedding invitations and RSVP cards. Her colors are red, black, and white, so I think we came up with a really good look! This is another bonus item Jess Renee Photography will be able to provide with your wedding package! When the invitations are complete I will scan and post the invite. While you wait, here is a glimpse at their RSVP postcards. I'm proud of these ;)