Just wanted to say thanks to all of you who check in regularly to see whats new! I can’t believe 2011 is almost over. I have my final two shoots of the year tomorrow and then I’ll enjoy a nice, relaxing New Years weekend with my family and friends. I counted the portrait sessions I photographed over the past 12 months and my jaw dropped. I honestly had no idea how many, I’m just on cruise control all year until I actually sit back and look at my calendar. I am so thankful to have all my clients support and also the support of my friends and family who spread the word about my photography business. Last year I started blogging everything I shot. Weddings, Rehearsals, Special Events, Portrait Sessions, some Personal photos, etc! It’s fun for me to look back on this past year and see my work here on web. Blogging in my last step when editing someones session. My work is not complete until that’s done :) That’s why when my website was giving me trouble last month, I almost had a heart attack. Needless to say, I was a bit lost!

I am currently booked solid for the month of January, I have a couple more spots for February, and mostly booking for March and afterward. My “Grow With Me” kids always get top priority with scheduling, so that’s the great thing about signing up. Their availability is guaranteed. If you are a past client who didn’t sign up for GWM, but still would like 6 month or 1 year photos, please be in touch at least 2 months in advance to book your date.

Also, just a heads up… after 2 years of having the same portrait pricing, my regular sessions are now $350. I changed this about 3 months ago for a few reasons. With the cost and time of travel, the hour long shoot, all editing, photo CD of high-resolution photos, and blogposts of the session – I had numerous people tell me it was time to raise before I wore myself out. I spend between 5-8 hours on each session. I am slowly learning to say no and to only take in what I can handle. I hope 2012 brings lots of new and old faces to photograph. I am truly blessed to call this my job. I work hard because I enjoy making people happy. I hope that my dedication, patience, and consistency shines through here on the blog. Without you all – there wouldn’t be anything to share. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas, I really enjoyed spending time with my loved ones. I took some time out to make a couple of small appetizers and desserts from pinterest! I can’t wait to get back to working out and eating healthy. The Holidays are filled with splurging left and right. One last weekend to make it all count and then back to focusing on being healthy :)

Much love to you all! Here’s a few things I made last week…..

Greek Appetizer Stacks! (Feta, Cucumber, Kalamata olive Olives, Grape Tomatoes)

http://pinterest.com/pin/123215739774671502/

Mini Bacon and Egg Desserts! :) How CUTE are these?!

http://pinterest.com/pin/123215739774659779/

Festive Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods!

http://pinterest.com/pin/123215739774613458/

Most of us run around everyday trying to make sure we get everything done on our to-do list. Wearing ourselves thin, not remembering to take a step back. That is until you get a wake up call. Whether it be hearing about a sick friend, someone getting into an accident or just a story that reminds you to be thankful for life. Some people may not understand why I chose to start cutting back next year and honestly, I’m okay with that. My faith is what leads me to make certain moves in life. I’ve learned to wait for God’s presence before making life changing decisions. If you pray hard enough and focus, you will hear your answers. There are times in life when you just need to slow down. I’m learning how to do this and trying to reprogram my brain. I spoke of all this a few days ago when I talked about needed some balance in my life. It’s funny the people who texted me, called or emailed just to say hello or check on me after reading my blog. I am fine and I so lucky to have people in my life that care so much about me. I’m just wearing myself out chasing my dreams. But honestly- isn’t that the best way? Things could be way worse.

I wanted to share a story with you guys that touched my heart. I debated talking about it in yesterdays post, but I figured the more prayers the better. Do you remember the session I posted yesterday of The Trouard’s? Scroll down to the post beneath this if you missed it. Since Renee left me such a heartfelt blog comment, I figured it was okay to share their story. I received an email several weeks back from Renee asking for a photo shoot for her family. Her Dad had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. My heart was breaking for her when I first read the email. So, without a doubt in my mind- I made time for their session and we drove up to Bay St. Louis, MS last Saturday morning. It was my first Saturday off in 8 weeks from shooting all those Weddings. It didn’t matter. This family and their story mattered way more than having a day off. I photographed their session that morning and Renee’s father smiled the entire time. His whole family was together and he was happy. I was so incredibly honored to be there to document this special time. Here’s Renee’s comment she left on the blog after viewing her pictures.  I read this and had tears in my eyes.

Jen,

They came out AWESOME!  We can’t thank you enough.  I wanted to tell you that the timing was perfect.  On Sunday he began to run a very high fever and has been in the hospital all week.  He is doing much better now though.  He started losing his hair and his beard on Monday and is almost bald with no facial hair now.  It is crazy how fast it happened.  He was teasing telling me that he wanted me to take a picture and send it to you. He said you would really would have had to work some photoshop magic if he had looked like that on Saturday.

You know, when we are doubting and asking God to show his presence to us during our hardships, I believe he often reveals himself to us through certain people.  Just the fact that the photo shoot was possible, everyone was healthy, and you went out of your way to make yourself available, lets me know He is listening.  He is shinning through you!

Thank you for capturing such a special moment for our family.  You will never know what it means!
Renee

Thank you God for blessing us and allowing the shoot to happen on that particular day. Thank you for bringing The Trouard family into my life. For holding my hand and guiding me, for allowing me to feel your Grace. I will forever be thankful for the many gifts you have brought into my life. I will continue to live in your name, follow you and show my appreciation. I will be praying for this family and remembering how precious life can be. Hold your babies tight, tell your family and friends how much you love them and just be thankful to be alive. Lately I’ve really tried to work on being a more positive person, hoping in turn it will make a difference in my life and for those around me.

Be safe this weekend and remember how much God loves us. Sometimes other people are brought in your life so you can feel God’s presence. I will be praying for Mr. Trouard and his entire family. Please keep them in your thoughts as well. Hugs to you all!

Although it’s just a low-res iphone photo… I took this heading home from Bay St. Louis last Saturday. Sunsets remind me of God’s power and presence every single time!

Well, hello! :) It’s been a while since I’ve written anything personal here on the blog. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been really busy over the past few months. As you can tell from all the recent posts. Alot of time, I meet myself coming and going. There are days were I want it all… I want a successful business, time with family, friends and husband, time for crafty stuff, time to shop, time to workout, time to relax, etc… It’s really hard to find balance when you own your own business though because there’s always something that needs to get done. Always. However, something has to give.

Being the control freak that I am, things need to be done on certain days in order for me to move on to the next thing, or take in more work, or to have time to treat myself to that manicure, etc. I’ve been ignoring my needs and over doing it. I just finished up the busiest 2 months I’ve ever had, I’ve shot a Wedding the past 8 weekends and have had about 3-6 shoots per week. Still somehow finding the time to get Portrait clients images back within 1 week and Wedding clients images back within 2 weeks. To be completely honest, somewhere in the middle of all that work – I had a mini breakdown. It was alot of pressure and I just wasn’t making enough time for myself. I got out some tears and let out my frustrations, fears and emotions all on Randys shoulder one night. I am human and sometimes yes, I hit a breaking point. Which is why some things needed to change. For me. For my marriage. For just plain out living life and feeling normal. I can’t do everything. Sometimes it takes things happening to put whats going on around me into perspective.

I decided to turn some things around when I started feeling blah. I started bootcamp again after taking a few months off. I began going to the morning classes and pushing my shoots back a little later in the day instead of starting so early. I wake up and go there 3 times a week and I am starting to feel good again! I also starting buying more organic foods and really trying to focus on being a healthier person. I’m down about 6 pounds and convinced it’s been a combination of eating breakfast every morning, followed by my vitamins, a bottle of water and then heading to sweat it out at Bootcamp. Small meals throughout the day, portion control and only cheating every now and then. I started keeping a private journal which has helped alot too with just getting it all out of my brain. I also signed up at Massage Envy and really going to try and get a massage twice a month. Between carrying around heavy equipment and camera bags combined with 40+ hours of editing at a desk per week… my back and shoulders are filled with knots. Little things along the way and changes in my routine will help me find balance again.

I am so in love with my job, that it was really easy for me just to keep overbooking myself. Some days I just can’t get enough and I hated turning people away. However, I knew some things needed to change in order for it not to feel like work work work all the time. Starting next month, I’ve decided to only take in 2 Weddings per month and 4 portrait sessions per week. I want each person that books with me to get the proper attention, taking in more than I can handle is not the option for myself or the client. I have turned down dozens of Weddings over the past year. Truthfully, this is a decision I made back in Jan 2010 that is just now coming into effect. Brides book really far in advance, so I knew I needed to make some changes and it’s now finally happening. I am looking forward to the upcoming months and being able to have a little more time on my hands.

I am so thankful for each one of you who has hired me as your photographer, you mean more to me than you know. I am just hoping that this upcoming year will continue to bring in past and new clients in order for this change to happen. I have about 15 people on a waiting list right now in case something opens up before Christmas. When I look at that list is takes me back to the day several years ago when I wanted to just give up because this wasn’t working. Note to self: with enough drive and dedication you will push forward and succeed. You just have to want it. Some days you may even need to eat, live, breathe and sleep that particular goal in order for it to happen. It will happen if you don’t give up. I am looking forward to what the next several months will bring. I will be transitioning into a different work schedule, but deep down it’s for the better.

Throughout my life of ups and downs, I am still reminded to put God in the center. Whether I’m doing awesome and things are great, I’m overworked, tired, or just feel like running … God is there. I’ve noticed God working through me several times in the past month. Little instances of people in need and I’ve been given the opportunity to either help or ignore. I’ve chosen to help and I had felt God’s grace poor over me. Sometimes so much that I get emotional and teary. I am so thankful for the many blessings I’ve been given, that my only way to show appreciation is so share my time and talent. I leave those situations with a happy heart and a refreshed mind. I want there to be more good in the world, less fighting, more loving. It begins with a positive attitude. It’s amazing what God can do. I will be right here waiting to see what he has in store for me. Not giving up, just holding on for the ride. Knowing he will provide in my times of need.

Thanks to all of you for continuing to follow my work, my life, my passion. It’s amazing how far this little old blog has gotten me in the past couple of years. It’s changed the way I do business and has helped me grow as a photographer, its helped me make new friends along the way, and hopefully it’s been a source of entertainment or inspiration for you. I am human and this is sometimes my place to let it all out. I am so glad I made it through the past couple of months. Being the sweet age of 26, I often have to remind myself that this is exactly where God wants me, this is his plan. Sometimes you have to come full circle in order to know what is and is not working. This is me and this is where I am right now. I am so thankful and proud. Everyone is in different places and stages in their lives and all I can do is stay positive. As soon as I took a step back, started trusting myself, and quit comparing myself to others and what they have – – that’s when the world seemed to make more sense. I am so happy for what I have and through all this, I’ve found more meaning in life. Hard and hectic times make the good times sweeter. Remembering to thank God every Sunday at mass and a few extra prayers is what gets me through ;)

So it’s that time of year again when the weather is changing and everyone is ready to book photos! I put an announcement up on facebook today that I only had a couple of spots left for 2011 and I got about 15 calls, emails, texts and facebook messages about people needed to be squeezed in. You don’t know how bad I wish there was another month in there between November and December just so that I could make this work for you guys. The second half of January is currently booked too, so please get in touch with me soon if you are thinking about having your session done in the near future. I currently am shooting a Wedding almost every weekend and 4-6 shoots per week. Somehow in there I’m still needing to find time to edit and spend time with my loved ones. Bookings will change a bit next year to make sure I keep some balance in my life, but for now I am working like crazy.

If you are a person that recently inquired and I gave you a few possible dates, please get back with me so you can be guaranteed that spot. They will all be full in a couple of days. Right now I only have about 3 days left in December. I will be taking off for a week or so around the Holidays to spend some time with my family and refresh for the new year. And… also to try and enjoy Christmas :) My lower back is finally healing after time spent at physical therapy, a new back brace to wear while I’m editing, and some light exercises. I am really hoping I don’t hurt it again! It’s hard because I just want to keep my head down and keep moving right along but sometimes our bodies just tell us we need to slow down!!

I can’t thank you all enough for the love and support you’ve shown me. Thank you for hiring me as your photographer or just stopping by the blog to read and see whats new!

Thank you to my wonderful assistant, Kacie for taking these photos for us at my brother’s Rehearsal Dinner. I really got to have fun and let Kace do all the work! It was at Mother’s Next Door and we had a great time! Erin Steen, the same florist who did the flowers for my Wedding, also did the flowers for their Rehearsal. Beautiful! I was so happy to be able to spend so much time with Chris and Jen during this special time. I took a whole week off of work! :) Thankfully they picked a Wedding date that was during my slow season, so I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was able to soak it all in. Now it’s back to the grind! I can honestly say though, I have loved every minute of my free weekends, vacations, time with family and friends, home cooked meals, etc.. The next 3 months are my busy season and I have never been so ready to go for it!! I am feeling refreshed and inspired since I had a little time off. Back on the saddle — here we goooo! I love my job and I am so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people!

The favors we made: little bundles of Hubig pies, Zapps, Crystal Hot Sauce & Barq’s Root Beer – NOLA Favs!We draped their Engagement photos across the favors table. Loved this idea!Beautiful flowers by Erin SteenAll the Bridesmaids! Me and My Momma!!My brother Chris… his sister Jen Amato to the left, his wife Jen Amato to the right! Beautiful couple! Love them!They gave us these adorable painted wine and beer glasses that looked like us!Me and my brother! Can’t believe he’s married now!My family, love them to death!Here comes the waterworks! Speeches! This picture makes me tear up…LOVE LOVE!Chris, Jen, My cousin Erin (my godson Reed is in her belly) & Justin!