Where has Snapshots By Jess been?  The places are endless!  :-)  It’s amazing how life changes when you bring a little one into the mix of things.  The time just seems to fly by faster than it already did.  Can you believe it’s almost May?  I have a few sessions which I should be sharing with you, including an awesome studio session I did with Kathryn a while back.

I met Kathryn through the DYW program, which I’m proud to be the official photographer for.  What is DYW you ask?  It’s formerly the Junior Miss Program.  Simply put, the program (Distinguished Young Women or DYW) awards college scholarships to young women who have distinguished themselves at school and in their communities. It is our goal to provide the DYW experience to every eligible young woman in our region. Those who participate in DYW programs develop interview skills, self-confidence, and other life skills that lead to future success.  If you’d like to stay up-to-date on the happenings with the Lancaster County DYW Program – bookmark our website!

Kathryn contacted me in the dead of winter looking for senior portraits.  As you know, I do most of my sessions on-location and outside.  That’s basically because my studio set-up is very minimal and small.  I explained this to Kathryn and she was fine with it.  She just wanted a few shots – nothing too fancy.  I said okay – let’s give it a shot.

After almost two hours of shooting and a lot of laughing we decided we did way more than she needed!  Proof again that it really doesn’t matter where you set-up for photos…  as long as your subject is ready to have fun anything is possible!

Continuing with my DYW post I thought I would share some images from the program we had last weekend.  Each year we get a step closer to have a full Lancaster County DYW Production.  This year we rented the Farm and Home center, worked with an actual stage, microphones and a real audience.  Our goal for next year is to have at least five local girls ready to put on a night of entertainment!  Current high school Sophomores…  please let me know if you’d like information for next year.  It’s never too early to start thinking about it.  I can connect you with Susan and she can give you all the information you need!

Below you will find a slideshow from Saturday’s event.  It’s a big lengthy as I wanted to showcase as many photos as possible since the three young ladies put so much time and effort into the day.  Hope you enjoy the fun and please share this with any young lady you feel would be a great candidate for the program.  It’s open to high school juniors – so current sophomores – you are who we need for next year!

First I have to say “hello” again as for about the last month this blog has been MIA.  You may have noticed some dead links if you happened upon me in a search or through Facebook…  Something went crazy with a WordPress update and next thing I know I deleted my database and all my posts were gone!  (That’s what I get for messing around with things I don’t understand!)  I had just about given up hope that it was ever going to come back when I found some advice on the Googles and I contacted my domain hosting company…  and Ta-Da!!   I’m back in business!  Lessons I learned — don’t be quick to update WordPress and figure out how to back this thing up!

So now that I’m live again we have to celebrate with a blog post!  I thought I’d pull another one of my fall mini-sessions from the archives.  This adorable family had some fun wandering around Lancaster County Park and the girls loved playing in the leaves!

I think this is one of my favorite family shots from the session.  This was actually mom’s idea.  In our email conversations prior to the session she told me she envisioned some photos of them casually walking with the sun shining through the trees…  I think we pulled it off!

These two young ladies were a joy to work with.  They were a little unsure at first, but warmed up quickly and we strutting their stuff in a matter of minutes!  Here they are being “sassy”!

You have to follow a sassy shot with a lovey, sister shot!  Doesn’t this just melt your heart! 

Of course mom and dad have to strut their stuff a little too!

Another great family shot!  Fall is such a pretty time for photos-the colors are amazing!

What a beautiful family and a fun session!  I hope to do it again this fall!

]]> http://snapshotsbyjess.com/blog/2012/01/31/fall-family-fun/feed/ 0 http://snapshotsbyjess.com/blog/2012/01/07/a-lauxmont-wedding/ http://snapshotsbyjess.com/blog/2012/01/07/a-lauxmont-wedding/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:24:50 +0000 Jess http://snapshotsbyjess.com/blog/?p=1232

Back in September I have the opportunity to work with the staff at Lauxmont Farms for a wedding.  I was more of a second shooter for the day, but it was still a lot of fun.  I personally have never been to Lauxmont, it’s a neat place.  The views are the best part of it all!

This wedding was at the Japanese Gardens and the bride was delivered by horse and carriage.  How romantic!

Especially when they are brightly colored!

The ares for photos around the gardens are almost endless.  Unfortunately we were a little pressed for time so I didn’t get to really explore as I would have liked.  I did love the yellow door though!  Not only did it give this photo a little extra pop, it matched her colors!

This was one of the best entrances I’ve seen in a while.  I’m sure there was quite a back story to this because it was well received by the guests!

The bridal party took to dollar dance seriously at this wedding.  The Maid of Honor and Best Man were keeping tabs on each other, seeing who could raise the most money!

This is the first time I worked in a tent for a reception.  After the sun went down I ventured out to play around…  love this shot!

This was a fun day…  maybe I’ll have the opportunity to shoot there again this year!  Thanks Katy for the opportunity!

Super behind in the blogging (as usual)…  so I’m going to try and do a little catch up!

Back in October (yes, October) I had my second annual mini-session marathon.  I might continue this so keep your eyes posted come fall for this year’s location and details.  I did a couple family sessions, including these awesome people.

A little sales pitch!  Once you find a photographer you like, or shall I say that your kiddos like, then it’s important to to work with them year after year.  Children usually need time to warm up to strangers, especially in a situation where they are being told to stand still and smile on command.  If you stick with your photographer (assuming the first session went okay) each year it’ll get a little easier for your children and sessions will be less stressful for mom and dad and result in even better photos.  I’ve been told by most of my clients with children that they loved working with me, and the photos usually reflect that.

The goal to working with children is to be flexible and willing to let them be children!

Sure, mom had no intention of actually purchasing this shot, but they were thrilled that I let them do what they wanted for a few photos, makes them more willing to do what I want for a few more.

So, back to the little ladies and how they’ve grown  (mom will probably love this!)  The photo below is from our session 2009…

and from 2011…

If this doesn’t show you why you should have photos taken of your little ones regularly, then I have no idea what will!  Two years – what a difference!

This one just blows me away!  Two years ago (even last year) I had a hard time getting her to tolerate me for solo shots…  this year I could have worked with her all afternoon!

I’m sure we’ll be back later this year with more fun with Carrie and her little ladies!

Boy do I have a lot of blogging to catch up on!  It’s been a crazy few weeks here at Snapshots By Jess!  We’ve had a bunch of senior sessions, some engagement fun and even some last-minute wedding excitement.  In the mix of all that our little guy is still growing and has started moving!  It’s amazing how fast these little buggers can crawl!  So when I do find a few free minutes I tend to be chasing him around the house and keeping him out of the various things he loves to get into!  7 1/2 months and still a joy each day!

We met early on a Saturday morning and we actually had some fog issues to deal with.  I woke up to what many would call “thick as pea soup”, yet Robyn’s house was fog-free.  We had no idea what the location looked like.  Thankfully the back and forth to determine what area was fog-free allowed the fog to lift and we ended up having a pretty nice morning.

I’m sure Robyn loves to hear this…  but I can tell she’s Nicole’s sister!  I’d have to search the archives, but I have a shot of Nicole that looks a lot like this!

We had a lot of fun exploring the area, getting lots of great shots!  Best of luck in your senior year Miss Robyn!  Have a blast and create lots of great memories!  Thanks for letting me be a part of such a special time!

It’s time to do a little blog catch-up!  About a month ago (tomorrow to be exact) Kristin and Zach tied the knot!

July is a tricky time to plan a wedding as it can be rather warm.  Kristin and Zach got a true summer day for their wedding!  We struggled a little with the heat and humidity, but we still got through the day and had a blast!  Plenty of water and fans around to help keep everyone comfortable!

This was a fun day, even though it was so stinking hot!  Everyone still had a great time, especially the new Mr. & Mrs.  A huge congrats to both of you!  I hope you share many years of happy times and remember the fun you had as you started your new life together!  Thanks for allowing me to share in your day!

I’ve had a busy few weeks here at Snapshots By Jess.  I recently hooked up with Photography By Jamie to do a wedding here in Lancaster.  Since it wasn’t my wedding I can’t share too many photos, especially photos of the special couple – that’s for Jamie to brag about…  but I had to share a cool bouquet shot I got!  I had a feeling since all the ladies had these cool “feather boas” with their stuff, they had to have some significance to the day….  I later found out I was correct!  I’ll just say the bridal party put on quite a show during the reception!

I’m working on the final details for this weekend’s wedding of the lovely Kristin and her man, Zach!  You might remember their engagement session from the fall, but here’s a quick shot from her bridal shower…

She’s probably going to kill me for posting this shot!  This was during a great game the bridesmaids put together.  There were questions that her fiance` Zach had answered and for every answer the Kristin didn’t match/get correct, she had to add another piece of bubble gum to her mouth.  I think a this point she was working on her third piece.  You try putting three pieces of “yum” in your mouth!

Tuesday I get to spend a little time with Miss A again!  I had a brief meeting with her last week, if you’re a Facebook Fan, then you already met Miss A.  She became my youngest client July 7th!

Now for the real reason for this post!  The lovely Kendra, Class of 2012.

We met at Rockford Plantation for some senior portrait fun.

We did the typical wander around the area to see what kind of fun we could fine.  The above shot was in a spot I never stopped and shot before, and I now like it.  Throws the tree into the background, really makes Kendra pop!

Then there’s my normal “no smile” look! Awesome!

I love when my client isn’t afraid to wear some color!  A lot of people ask me what’s the best thing to wear.  I always suggest a color that looks good on you.  As a red-head I don’t wear a lot of red – but love purples, greens and blues.  Kendra brought a shirt that hit them all, and I think it looked great on her!

Everyone looks great in black and white, but keep in mind the life some color will bring to your photos! 

Of course, in a black and white photos, clothing color really doesn’t matter!

There was a tree we wandered to that was extra special to Kendra’s family.  When Kendra and her brother were wee-little tikes, they had a family photo taken inside this tree.  Now Kendra is all grown up and mom wanted a few shots with the tree.  We had some fun before we lost the last little bit of sunlight that was left.

Another great senior session down and a bunch more to go!  Thank you Kendra for the opportunity to work with you.  I’m glad you decided to try some photos outside, on the ground and inside a tree!  It was a lot of fun and I wish you the best with your senior year!  Have a blast!

I thought I would share just a few updated photos of our little guy.  He’s just over five months old now and boy is he growing fast!  As a mommy it’s sad to see he’s already sitting up!  Soon he’ll be walking and then he won’t need his mommy.  As a photographer I’m thrilled he’s starting to sit up!  Now it’s time to start having some real picture fun with the little guy.

I pulled out some of his North Carolina State gear for a fun red photo session!  I was surprised how well he did with that hat!  My little guy is so cooperative with the camera – we have many years of awesome photos to come!

I so wish I knew what he was thinking sometimes…  I think here he’s just having a good time…

…but here it’s hard to tell what he’s planning!

Sometimes I get lucky enough to do some extra special sessions.  Leann and I have been going back and forth for a while now about getting her some updated head shots for her auditions.  I think we started talking later in the winter when little Wyatt was new to our home-front and the weather just wasn’t the best for outdoor photos.  We decided to hold off till it got a bit warmer and we’d have more fun shooting outside.  Leann and I had a blast!  It’s been a while since I laughed so much at a session!

I think one of my absolute favorites is this one!  Although I have a few others I really like too!

I’m also partial to this one.  I have a thing for expressions other than the typical smile.  Your mom gets all the cute, smiley photos!  I try to capture the other side of you!  Here’s someone who’s ready to play any role in your production!

Every session needs a few classic black and white shots in the mix!  Even if they aren’t audition-ready, they’re Snapshots By Jess approved!

I have to share this last photo because it’s just fitting!  Leann is working towards a role at Sight and Sound, therefore needs to be able to work with animals.  Wasn’t it just convenient that a stray cat found us!  Had to try and get a quick shot with the guy.  He was much happier just hanging around us – was a little camera shy!

Leann, best of luck with your auditions!  You are a blast to work with and I can’t wait to brag that I was the photographer that took your head shots before you got famous!

I have to share this session because it’s a great example of what we can accomplish with a mini-session.  If you really just want a few shots and don’t want to spend hours with me, that’s fine – we can make it work!

Mom told me this was mostly for his grandparents so the goal was to be as quick and painless as possible so Zane would continue to smile for me!  As most guys really aren’t into elaborate photo sessions I was ready to work quickly and casually so Zane was comfortable.

Well, of course we can’t always smile!  So of the best photos are when you don’t smile!