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 ;)

Happy New Year!

This has been my best year yet, and I feel that every year life is going to get better and better. I have a precious one year old who amazes me every day. I have the best husband a girl could ask for who supports me and listens to my "zack morris" ideas, and doesn't tell me I'm crazy (even if he's thinking it!). I also have the best mom and sister in the world...besides Brandon and Henry, they are my number one fans and I love them dearly for that. I have amazing friends who are always encouraging and motivating me. I'm taking my love for photography to the next level and I'm so excited about it. I cherish memories and love to capture the special moments for my family and for other families. This is what gives me life fulfillment. I love to capture the sincere emotion of a couple in love. I love to document the look of awe a mother gives to her new baby and the warm hugs a father gives to his children. I am so lucky I am getting the chance to do what I love. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me along the way in starting this up! Especially Brandon and Henry who allow me the time to shoot and edit on the weekends for sometimes 10 hours (or more) a day! They are patient and understanding and I couldn't do any of this without them.

The New Year is bringing new things to Jess Renee Photography. I am in the process of creating and ordering templates to use for save the dates, birth announcements, invitations, thank you cards, etc. For a low additional cost, these will be an option in all packages. Next Christmas I will have an assortment of customizable templates to choose from for holiday cards, which will really save you time during the holidays. There will be more customizable goodies that I am very excited about. I will keep you posted on the details as they are finalized!

I'm hoping the New Year will bring me many more clients and many more shared adventures ;)

Happy New Year...bring on 2010!

Sammie & Craig

When Sammie let me know her and Craig were for sure coming to visit, we both knew we had to fit in a couples shoot. Early in the a.m., I drug Sammie and Craig out of bed and we headed to Airway Heights. Airway gets a lot of flack for being run down, and yes, the buildings could use an update, but it is a photographers dream! The colors on the buildings are heaven and contrasted perfectly with Sammie and Craig's attire. What a cute couple they are! :) Here are some images from their shoot.

Christmas - the G family

Meet the G family! I have been friends with Krystin since I first arrived at Fairchild AFB...when I was 19! I love her dearly and I was so excited when she asked me to take her family Christmas pictures. Such a cute family! Thank ya'll for sharing your home and family with me! I hope you love your Christmas pictures!

T & J Engagement

I know I am a little behind on my blog as my mom and sister have both made me aware. Love ya'll! Thanks for keeping me in check!

A few weeks ago on a freezing Sunday afternoon, Tiffany and Jake gave me the great pleasure of photographing their engagement pictures. I dressed in thermals, gloves, jacket, head scarf, and more, but Tiffany and Jake toughed it out in only their super cute clothes. It was definitely worth it in the end because we got some great shots and Tiffany and Jake look amazing!

We took a few shots in front of the Bing Crosby Theater, but I am not posting these (can't ruin the surprise for when they send them out!) We got some great shots using the awesome backdrops the downtown buildings provide. The rest of the shoot was at the park where I pulled out glitter hearts and Jake looked at me like I was crazy. An added bonus, I had them lay on the ground covered with ice. :) It was cold, but fun, and a shoot I will never forget!