Head over to FotoTale Designs to enter in the CASH giveaway they are having!! There are a bunch of chances to win!!
If you don't enter and I win.......Don't say I did't tell ya!! haha!!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
FotoTale Designs Birthday Bash Giveaway!!
Hey folks!!! This is a short and sweet blog post, but who doesnt' like short and sweet......with CASH????
Head over to FotoTale Designs to enter in the CASH giveaway they are having!! There are a bunch of chances to win!!
If you don't enter and I win.......Don't say I did't tell ya!! haha!!
Head over to FotoTale Designs to enter in the CASH giveaway they are having!! There are a bunch of chances to win!!
If you don't enter and I win.......Don't say I did't tell ya!! haha!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
I'm Bringing Sexy Back!!
Ok, So I have been struggling all week as to what my latest and greatest blog was gonna entail. I'm pretty sure I have driven my Husband insane with running ideas by him and unless it involves the Military, the Military channel, History, or things of that nature I usually get the "that sounds great" answer, But when I brought up the subject of the Boudoir Shoot I did back in December...well that got his attention, lol!! What can I say my husband has great taste in women....well in A CERTAIN woman...ehhhemm!! HAHA!! But seriously he has been one of my biggest fans when it comes to my Photography. Sometimes, though, he feels a little left out because I have not yet quite fiqured out how to balance my time. Sometimes, I find myself editing on days I had said I wouldn't and that takes time from him and the kids. So that I gotta work on, but he is still right there pushing me along, telling me not to give up when I feel like I am not getting anywhere or that I am not learning as fast as I think I should be. But we all gotta start somewhere right??
Anway, back to the Boudoir Marathon I did back in December. I decided this was going to be my topic this week at the last minute because I had a few different subjects I had been bouncing back and forth from. But then I had a "lightbulb" moment when chatting with my new online BFF triangle, yes triangle because we are 3 and not quite a circle:-) I will get back to that "AHA" moment a little later first let me tell you a little bit about that day when I met 10 AMAZING women.
In December, I decided to venture into the world of Boudoir, not only to gain the experience,but I thought what a great gift for some very lucky men to receive. So I teamed up with a local stylist and makeup artist, booked a room, created the event, and before you know it the whole day was full and I even added an extra hour for extra women. I'm not gonna lie, the day got off to a rough start, the hotel was late getting me checked in which made me late in setting up the room the way I wanted, the first 2 girls were early and my stylist was late. So we had already gotten off to a hour late, but once the day and sessions started to roll, it wasn't long before I was in the zone and having a blast!!
The girls for the most part came in a little self concience and a little shy. But as we talked and they began the process of getting their hair and make up done, then moving into their outfits and after the first couple of shots and a whole lotta laughs, they relaxed and so did I. I was nervous too!! I wanted to make sure I portrayed these women in tasteful yet sexy ways and for them to feel fearless and confident in me as their photographer. I would take a few shots, say things like "OH MY GOODNESS GIRL!!" "OH,WOW!!" "YOU ARE ROCKIN' THIS!!" and then they became more and more comfortable. Even these girls that had one some might consider the "perfect" body type I found were the most insecure. It was my goal that day to make them realize that they were gorgeous inside and out!!
I was determined to get all the "Money Shots" so I think I climbed on every piece of furniture in the room that day!! We made use of the whole room! I had women of all body shapes,sizes,ages and ethnicity that day and it was one experience I will NEVER forget and I hope that the ladies that attended won't forget it either. I was especially touched by one of the last women I was able to have the opportunity to photograph. She was a beautiful woman in her 30's that was engaged, and as she began to tell me her story as she was getting dressed, she began to tell me about the journey she had been on for the last year. You see, she had Breast Cancer and had just 3 months before the shoot had opted for a double mastectomy. She warned me of the scars and asked if I would be ok and comfortable with shooting her bare breasted....SHE was ASKING ME if I would be ok with it!!! She had no shame or low self esteem about the scars, they were her reminder of what she had been thru and how precious life is and how incredibly strong she is. Her and I had so much fun during her session!! We laughed til we cried and then in a gentle moment in which we took a picture to use in a BC Awareness ad we cried tears, but they were mixed with the fragileness of life and the power to overcome. It was one of the most powerful and meaningful sessions I have ever had the privilage of shooting.
As each woman began to leave that day I got a tone of hugs and many many thanks from each of them and how they thanked me for making them feel fabulous and how considerate and fun it was to have had the opportunity to work with me, they were thanking me!! But really I am the thankful one because they inspired me to want to do more for women and making them feel like this! I had so much joy and greatfulness in my heart for having the ability to have such a session that I have been chomping at the bit to do more of these sessions. I knew I was going to have to raise the prices though because as much fun as I had had and as much joy that it brought to me and those women, I barely made enough to cover my expenses for the day, but it was totally worth it.
Which brings me to my "AHA" moment. I have joined a little triangle of my online bffs as I mentioned above and while reading ones blog last week about being able to reach those people who might not be able to pay for or have these types of experience that I think EVERY woman should have at least once in their life, I decided that I would have people, husbands, friends, family,co-workers, etc, write to me via email and nominate a woman they believe is deserving of a little pampering that may not take the time or spend the money on themselves to have a total day of beauty and have pictures to look back and remember the felling that they felt in doing so. I have had a few of the women that I photographed in December write to me and tell me how the session changed their lives and that they no longer have some of the self esteem issues they once had and those type of letters truly make my cup runneth over!! I have been looking for a way to share my little talent and love of the art and I cannot think of a better way the to give a woman...or maybe 2....this type of experience!!
So I am now accepting nominations from anyone and everyone who wants to nominate someone the know and love to receive this beautiful session. I am also VERY EXCITED to announce that I have a top notch makeup artist and stylist that has joined my team so for this marathon we are having in March is gonna be rewarding for not just myself but these women as well and its kinda gonna ROCK!!!
Well, thats all I got for this post stay tuned in because who knows what my next topic will be about!! LOL!! I leave you with some of my favorite shots from the December marathon.
XOXOXO
Jessica
Anway, back to the Boudoir Marathon I did back in December. I decided this was going to be my topic this week at the last minute because I had a few different subjects I had been bouncing back and forth from. But then I had a "lightbulb" moment when chatting with my new online BFF triangle, yes triangle because we are 3 and not quite a circle:-) I will get back to that "AHA" moment a little later first let me tell you a little bit about that day when I met 10 AMAZING women.
In December, I decided to venture into the world of Boudoir, not only to gain the experience,but I thought what a great gift for some very lucky men to receive. So I teamed up with a local stylist and makeup artist, booked a room, created the event, and before you know it the whole day was full and I even added an extra hour for extra women. I'm not gonna lie, the day got off to a rough start, the hotel was late getting me checked in which made me late in setting up the room the way I wanted, the first 2 girls were early and my stylist was late. So we had already gotten off to a hour late, but once the day and sessions started to roll, it wasn't long before I was in the zone and having a blast!!
The girls for the most part came in a little self concience and a little shy. But as we talked and they began the process of getting their hair and make up done, then moving into their outfits and after the first couple of shots and a whole lotta laughs, they relaxed and so did I. I was nervous too!! I wanted to make sure I portrayed these women in tasteful yet sexy ways and for them to feel fearless and confident in me as their photographer. I would take a few shots, say things like "OH MY GOODNESS GIRL!!" "OH,WOW!!" "YOU ARE ROCKIN' THIS!!" and then they became more and more comfortable. Even these girls that had one some might consider the "perfect" body type I found were the most insecure. It was my goal that day to make them realize that they were gorgeous inside and out!!
I was determined to get all the "Money Shots" so I think I climbed on every piece of furniture in the room that day!! We made use of the whole room! I had women of all body shapes,sizes,ages and ethnicity that day and it was one experience I will NEVER forget and I hope that the ladies that attended won't forget it either. I was especially touched by one of the last women I was able to have the opportunity to photograph. She was a beautiful woman in her 30's that was engaged, and as she began to tell me her story as she was getting dressed, she began to tell me about the journey she had been on for the last year. You see, she had Breast Cancer and had just 3 months before the shoot had opted for a double mastectomy. She warned me of the scars and asked if I would be ok and comfortable with shooting her bare breasted....SHE was ASKING ME if I would be ok with it!!! She had no shame or low self esteem about the scars, they were her reminder of what she had been thru and how precious life is and how incredibly strong she is. Her and I had so much fun during her session!! We laughed til we cried and then in a gentle moment in which we took a picture to use in a BC Awareness ad we cried tears, but they were mixed with the fragileness of life and the power to overcome. It was one of the most powerful and meaningful sessions I have ever had the privilage of shooting.
As each woman began to leave that day I got a tone of hugs and many many thanks from each of them and how they thanked me for making them feel fabulous and how considerate and fun it was to have had the opportunity to work with me, they were thanking me!! But really I am the thankful one because they inspired me to want to do more for women and making them feel like this! I had so much joy and greatfulness in my heart for having the ability to have such a session that I have been chomping at the bit to do more of these sessions. I knew I was going to have to raise the prices though because as much fun as I had had and as much joy that it brought to me and those women, I barely made enough to cover my expenses for the day, but it was totally worth it.
Which brings me to my "AHA" moment. I have joined a little triangle of my online bffs as I mentioned above and while reading ones blog last week about being able to reach those people who might not be able to pay for or have these types of experience that I think EVERY woman should have at least once in their life, I decided that I would have people, husbands, friends, family,co-workers, etc, write to me via email and nominate a woman they believe is deserving of a little pampering that may not take the time or spend the money on themselves to have a total day of beauty and have pictures to look back and remember the felling that they felt in doing so. I have had a few of the women that I photographed in December write to me and tell me how the session changed their lives and that they no longer have some of the self esteem issues they once had and those type of letters truly make my cup runneth over!! I have been looking for a way to share my little talent and love of the art and I cannot think of a better way the to give a woman...or maybe 2....this type of experience!!
So I am now accepting nominations from anyone and everyone who wants to nominate someone the know and love to receive this beautiful session. I am also VERY EXCITED to announce that I have a top notch makeup artist and stylist that has joined my team so for this marathon we are having in March is gonna be rewarding for not just myself but these women as well and its kinda gonna ROCK!!!
Well, thats all I got for this post stay tuned in because who knows what my next topic will be about!! LOL!! I leave you with some of my favorite shots from the December marathon.
XOXOXO
Jessica
Saturday, February 23, 2013
My New Favorite Company!!!
As Photographers we all know how important time is to us all. Most Photographers love when they can find tools and ways to save time and still end up with beautiful images. That’s why is seems that alot of photographers have fallen in love with Actions and Presets these days. You can create a beautifully crafted image and cut your workflow in half with just a few clicks of the mouse. And my oh my, Have I found my go to company for all things Action and business related, Envi Photoshop Actions.
Envi Photoshop Actions, formerly Rock My Edits, has rebranded their company and amped up their new website. It is easy to navigate and you can easily find whatever it is your looking for, whether its actions,templates, tutorials or business materials, Envi has it all!! Given the Framed Award 2012 for being one of the top 7 companies in the Industry, and I can see exactly why!! Envi has some of the cleanest,easy to use, and most affordable actions I have come across. Most companies charge you a arm and a leg for a small set, but Envi’s prices are affordable for everyone!! With sets like Rock My Vintage, to give you that old world,movie star glamour feel to your portraits, to Rock My Makeup that gives your subject a complete full or light makeover!! Then there is Twinkly Eyes…now there are ALOT of actions out there that are similar to Twinkle Eyes and one might wonder what is so great about Envi’s….well let me tell you …..NEVER have I ever found it SO easy to add sparkle and twinkle to the eyes with out looking like its been overdone. You can even add catchlight where there was none!! And the best part of Twinkle Eye?? You can buy it and find out for yourself at UNDER $10!!!!
Speaking of the Rock My Vintage set…with actions that give you that Old World feel and pictures that look as though you plucked them straight out of your great grandmothers albums, this is the set to own!! I use these actions on a lot of my Boudoir shoots and weddings. With actions like Love Letters,Old World,MaryJanes and Scarlets Pearls, just to name a few, there is no reason not to have this set!
On this edit I used Perfect Skin(Found in Rock My Makeup),Retro Color(RMVintage),Lip Gloss(RMMakeup) and Finishing Gloss.
Then there is Envi’s Magical Light & Matte set. This set truly is Magical!! It is one of my favorites sets!! With 27 actions you can give your photos a wonderful dreamy color along with subtle sunkissed images. And again, one of the most affordable sets I have seen!! Actions by the names of Seven Layer Cake, Dripping Pearls, and Sweet Taffy, one would have to try it out!!
- This image of sweet Landon was edited using Gold Warmth,Perfect Picture Fix, Seven Layer Cake, and Finishing Gloss all from the Magical Light and Matte set.
For the lovers of a GREAT black and white photos, there is the Matte Black Finish action that can be bought a-la-carte, or you can buy the Classic Black and White Action set that has over 20 different takes on your average black and white.
On this picture of the beautiful Emily, I used Perfect Skin,Twinkly Eyes, Black Matte Finish.
These are just a few of my favorites from the wide array of actions that Envi Photoshop Actions has to offer! There is the ever popular Photographers Toolbox, for those who are just starting out in the world of actions or just wanna give Envi a try and see how instantly they fall in love. Of course, most if not all sets,because I have yet to fulfill my wish list, include the famous Flatten Me and Finishing Gloss. You can buy a set, a few or go all out and buy a bundle!!
This is a edit Stacie,Owner of Envi,sent me. To fine out the AMAZING actions that were used on this photo you are gonna have to check out the website 
Now, just because I have been rambling on about the crazy good actions that Envi has to offer, doesn’t mean thats all they are about!! You can purchase a vast array of templates for a price that is just to unbelievable to share now, for that you are gonna have to see it to believe it!! Or if you are just starting out your business, or maybe you just wanna take it another level, you can purchase one of the many business tools that Envi has to offer. I gotta say, I have purchased almost all of the Client Questionnaires, and they are ABSOLUTELY one of my favorite and go to tools to give to my clients. It has every question you have ever thought to ask and then some maybe you hadn’t! It’s GENIUS!! There is also a very valuable FAQ Document , that saves me and the client SO MUCH TIME!! I just include that in my Welcome Packet and all of their questions,that we all get asked at almost every session, and it gives us so musch more time to focus on their session.
Another goodie in the treasure chest that is Envi, is an AMAZING Accounting set. It tracks your sales,purchases, taxes and much more and is a ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE for all photographers who want to lose the headache of tax time. The tracking system was built by Stacie in Excel,whom has a extensive background in database developing, and I gotta admit at first glance I was EXTREMELY terrified, but after plugging in my data into the cells and watching the program do all the work, I was blown away!! Print at the end of the tax year and I bet your accountant will love Envi as much as I do!
There is also an abundance of knowledge to be gained from the many blog posts, tutorials and the new “How to Achieve that Look” section on the website. If your more hands,or eyes, on you can book a 1 on 1 with Stacie or join one of her Webinars, which I was able to do just recently and I learned so many tips and tricks and they have cut my workflow time in half!! I gotta say it was the best $5.00 I have ever spent!! Yep, you read that right,not a typo…A Webinar class for $5.00!!!!!! and its a full hour and a half class!!
AMAZED yet?? INTRIGUED yet?? Well let me tell you a little about the Owner and Customer Service Envi Photoshop Actions that Envi offers.
The mastermind behind this amazing company is Stacie Jensen, Owner of Envi Photoshop Actions and Stacie Jensen Photography. Stacie has got to be one of the most generous and friendly person I have yet to come across in this wonderful, yet sometimes,cut throat business. Stacie is there to answer EVERY email, no assistant or employees, unless maybe her daughter or husband count,sometimes when a email isn’t enough to help explain a question she doesn’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give you a ring. She is very quick to answer any and all questions one might have about any of her products and is willing to share whatever advice or tips she may have! Every bit of her education and knowledge, she puts out there for others to take in and learn from. She is just as brilliant behind the lens as she is behind the computer designing actions.As Stacie puts it “Designing editing tools for other photographers is where I shine. Customer service is my #1 priority.” Boy is she right about that!! After a webinar class, some exchanged emails and other correspondence I feel as though I have known Stacie for years and years and that we have been long time friends, she’s just that awesome!! Stacie has been in the business for over 13 years and has worked as lead graphic designer for multiple magazines. You see, with Envi, your not getting a product that you or I could produce if we worked long enough or had enough trial and errors, you and I are getting products and Actions from someone who knows Photoshop inside and out, knows the proper and most efficient way to edit, and has grown with Adobe. I mean seriously, who wouldn’t want to take the opportunity to learn from someone with such a wealth of knowledge and experience and is willing to share it with you and I??
I know that it is no coincidence that I crossed paths with Stacie and Envi Photoshop Actions. I had been on the search on how I could take my editing to the next level and someone who was willing to help me get there. I have found that with Envi Photoshop Actions and Stacie. I not only have found a great company that is the ONLY company I will use for all my actions and most of my business needs, but I have also found a great friend and mentor in the process!!
So GET TO IT!!! Stop by Envi Photoshop Actions today, give them a like on Facebook and check out for yourself just how AWESOME it is for yourself!! While your at the website, give the blog a look and maybe catch a few video tutorials while your at it. Oh and did I mention FREEBIES?? Envi has a nice collection of FREEBIES for you to try out as well. So don’t walk…RUN to Envi! I PROMISE you will not be unhappy!!
Here are some links to Envi Photoshop Actions blog and website.
Jessica
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Well.....here goes nothing!!! This is my first EVER blog...I am a little intimidated, a little excited, and overwhelmed with what to start out with, but there is a first time for everything, so here we go. I will start off by telling you all a little bit about myself....I am a wife and mother first and foremost. My husband and I have been married for going on 16 years and my children children are 14, 13, 8 and 7!!! The oldest 2 are boys and the younger 2 are girls!! My mom and I have a cleaning business and I recently started my own Photography business. I attend Church on a regular basis and teach a small kids class at our mid-week gathering. So I am slightly busy:)
Speaking of my photography business....that is what this blog will be mostly about. I intend to blog about my endeavors, the good and the not so good days, and what I have and am learning along the way. I decided to start my business about a year ago after a friend asked me to photograph her and her family for their holiday pictures. I had always loved photography and taking pictures...in fact I think it annoyed my family the most because anytime we had a family function, i.e. birthday parties, holidays, I was ALWAYS the one with the camera, running around taking pictures, some candid some set up. I took thousand of pictures of my kids as they grew and on every vacation we took. Then I started taking pictures at our church functions and giving them to the Pastor to use in our media. My husband bought me a really nice Nikon point and shoot and then I went into full photography mode!! I had already had a nice Kodak point and shoot but after I got my Nikon I began to capture any and everything!! I LOVED IT!!! So after I would fill the memory cards and go and print them I realized I could probably print them myself cheaper...So I bought myself a small picture printer. I began to fall more and more in love with photography everyday!!! Then last year after my great friend asked to do her pictures for her and thru the encouragement of my Husband....I started a Facebook page and started to lots of research and reading blogs and forums, watching tutorials on you-tube and talking with a friend who already had an established photography business. I have learned so much more than I could have imagined in the last year. I have never taken any kind of class or had any type of formal training but have had the next best thing in those sources. My Husband surprised me on our last anniversary with a Nikon DSLR!! I gotta say....I have a pretty amazing guy!! The Lord blessed me with an amazing man!! Back to the subject....so in the last year I have been learning and practicing on anything and anybody that would let me!! I gotta thank my family for being subjects and letting me practice on them!! I was slightly discouraged at how long it was taking for my business to take flight, but after alot of prayer, I understand that everything has its season and I had the chance to learn and practice and do things in that year that I may not have had if the business just took off right out of the gate!!
So, that brings me to today, I am networking and blogging and all sorts of stuff that is new and neat!! I recently got to photograph an AMAZING wedding of the cutest couple(I will blog about that soon!!) and photographed the Dedication of some really cute kids at our church. I just love photography and the moments it can capture. I love the feeling you get when you look at a picture from years ago and instantly you can remember that moment. A picture can take you back like a song does, except the song ends and the picture can last forever. I feel like my song has just begun and I hope to take you all along for the ride. I hope you all enjoy the blogs and photos that i will be sharing with you. I am in the process of starting a web page so make sure to check back to find out when that will launch. But in the meantime you can stop by and visit my facebook page and while your there if you could like my page that would be awesome!!
JW
Visit me @ Facebook stop by and have a look and a like:)
Speaking of my photography business....that is what this blog will be mostly about. I intend to blog about my endeavors, the good and the not so good days, and what I have and am learning along the way. I decided to start my business about a year ago after a friend asked me to photograph her and her family for their holiday pictures. I had always loved photography and taking pictures...in fact I think it annoyed my family the most because anytime we had a family function, i.e. birthday parties, holidays, I was ALWAYS the one with the camera, running around taking pictures, some candid some set up. I took thousand of pictures of my kids as they grew and on every vacation we took. Then I started taking pictures at our church functions and giving them to the Pastor to use in our media. My husband bought me a really nice Nikon point and shoot and then I went into full photography mode!! I had already had a nice Kodak point and shoot but after I got my Nikon I began to capture any and everything!! I LOVED IT!!! So after I would fill the memory cards and go and print them I realized I could probably print them myself cheaper...So I bought myself a small picture printer. I began to fall more and more in love with photography everyday!!! Then last year after my great friend asked to do her pictures for her and thru the encouragement of my Husband....I started a Facebook page and started to lots of research and reading blogs and forums, watching tutorials on you-tube and talking with a friend who already had an established photography business. I have learned so much more than I could have imagined in the last year. I have never taken any kind of class or had any type of formal training but have had the next best thing in those sources. My Husband surprised me on our last anniversary with a Nikon DSLR!! I gotta say....I have a pretty amazing guy!! The Lord blessed me with an amazing man!! Back to the subject....so in the last year I have been learning and practicing on anything and anybody that would let me!! I gotta thank my family for being subjects and letting me practice on them!! I was slightly discouraged at how long it was taking for my business to take flight, but after alot of prayer, I understand that everything has its season and I had the chance to learn and practice and do things in that year that I may not have had if the business just took off right out of the gate!!
So, that brings me to today, I am networking and blogging and all sorts of stuff that is new and neat!! I recently got to photograph an AMAZING wedding of the cutest couple(I will blog about that soon!!) and photographed the Dedication of some really cute kids at our church. I just love photography and the moments it can capture. I love the feeling you get when you look at a picture from years ago and instantly you can remember that moment. A picture can take you back like a song does, except the song ends and the picture can last forever. I feel like my song has just begun and I hope to take you all along for the ride. I hope you all enjoy the blogs and photos that i will be sharing with you. I am in the process of starting a web page so make sure to check back to find out when that will launch. But in the meantime you can stop by and visit my facebook page and while your there if you could like my page that would be awesome!!
JW
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