Jen Amato Photography Blog »

Hi, my name is Jen and I am a Natural Light Photographer based out of New Orleans! Welcome! I specialize in Engagement, Maternity, Family, Children, and Birth Photography. As a wife and mom of 5, I understand how important capturing those fleeting moments are. Making my clients feel comfortable in front of the lens, photographing priceless memories and building relationships with people in the process are my main goals. There's always lots of fun couples, sweet families and precious babies gracing the presence of my site! Be sure to check back, I'm always posting new sessions! Click the "Information" tab above to email me if you're interested in scheduling a shoot :) I can't wait to hear from you!

Lily :: Newborn

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 Posted in Newborns

Meet little Miss Lily! Soo, the past few newborn sessions I’ve done- I’ve really been spoiled! They have all been wonderful. Barely any fussing, they all just nap so peacefully in this warmth outside. As you all know, I do all of my sessions outdoors in natural light. Even my newborns! I just love the contrast of baby, with bright colored blankets/baskets set against the natural color and texture of the outdoors. Every now and then I photograph inside if there’s really pretty window light.

Lily was an angel and she did so well for her session! I’ve known Blake and Ashley for a while now, so I was excited to photograph their new addition. My ‘soon to be’ sis-in-law made some adorable headpieces for Lily. The rosettes are my favorite kind and the jeweled embelishment made it even prettier! She is in the process of making about 10-15 of them right now and I will most likely feature them on the blog soon. Email me if anyone wants to purchase some for their session or just to have! They are so cute with any outfit.

So here’s Lily, sweet as pie :) Check out those leg warmers! haha

New baby feet!Smile :)Lily has the most precious features!The hairpiece, LOVE!!!I think I see a little smile in the right picture :)And another smile! Cutie!

Posted in Newborns

The Zadeh’s :: Family

Monday, August 1, 2011 Posted in Family

I love getting the opportunity to photograph large family sessions like this one! Most of The Zadeh’s live in different cities, but this particular weekend…. the kids were in town at the same time! I can thank facebook for this session. Sima, one of the girls in this family is friends with a client of mine. She saw her photos online and that was that! It’s crazy how much facebook has helped me to meet so many new friends! It’s pretty cool if you think about it. I am so fortunate to get the pleasure of meeting so many beautiful people, who then turn into my clients.

This shoot made me want to get all my family together and take photos like this! One of these days, I will quit talking about it.. and make it HAPPEN! Thank you Zadeh family for allowing me to take your pictures, but MOST importantly for reminding me how special family is. I left City Park that morning and my heart was full. Family is everything. I hope these photos will be provide lots of smiles and happy memories. Thanks again!

All the Zadeh children – grown up!Mom & Dad with their 6 kids! This photo makes me want BIG FAMILY!Beautiful!The 3 little ones, cute as can be!Love the oaks in the background!Sisters!Mom with her gorgeous daughters!The guys!Dad with his sons and son-in-law!Dad with his sons!All the Children!Mom & Dad with their grandchildren!LOVE this last group shot!

Posted in Family

Ryan & Casey :: Wedding

Friday, July 29, 2011 Posted in Weddings

Ryan & Casey tied the knot on Saturday, July 16, 2011! Preparation began at the Hilton Riverside, the Ceremony was at St. Stephen’s Church on Napolean Ave, and the Reception was at the Audubon Tea Room. It sprinkled off an on all day, but as you all know- it just means good luck! :) It’s been great getting to know Casey and her family over the past several months. From her Bridals, to the Rehearsal Dinner and then the Wedding Day.

Thank you Ryan and Casey for allowing me to capture your special day!! The funny hats towards the end of the Reception were awesome! I laughed out loud numerous times while editing. Those hats were unreal!! :)

Casey’s prep suite was beautiful, it overlooked the River. Boats were passing by the entire time. Loved the shot of her dress with them in the background.Gettin’ beautified!Casey and one of her good friends Lauren. I grew up with Lauren, small world!! She is due soon, and she is the cutest pregnant lady ever :) These two were goofing off and trying out some sweet Maternity session poses ;)The exterior of St. Stephen’s is just beautiful!All the guys looking sharp!Almost time to walk down the aisle! Love these shots that my second shooter Kacie gets!Loved the favors!!Here come the silly hats!!!Awesome!Every single guest was wearing a silly hat, so much fun!

Posted in Weddings

Ryan & Casey :: Rehearsal

Friday, July 29, 2011 Posted in Special Events

Ryan & Casey’s Wedding Rehearsal Dinner was held at Mother’s Next Door on Friday, July 15, 2011. As most of you know, this is my uncle’s Restaurant in the City. It’s become a great place to have any type of special event! I was excited to hear that Casey and Ryan chose the private party room for their Rehearsal!! :) I love photographing in that space, it has such New Orleans character and charm. Every now and then, the couple will ask me to photograph both days for them. Lots of times, it’s when they know they are going to have a good bit of out of town guests visiting. It gives us a chance to get lots of group shots that we don’t always have enough time to get on the Wedding day. Ryan and Casey are adorable together! I enjoyed photographing their Rehearsal Dinner. Look out for the next post up, it will be their Wedding Day! :)

Ryan & Casey!! :)Greg & Brittany to the bottom left. Their little man Tyler is part of my “Grow With Me” club and he is soo cute!!Speech time!Loved those photo towels, GREAT gift idea!!! I want to get some of those made ASAP!

Posted in Special Events

Cara Beth & Brent :: Anniversary

Thursday, July 28, 2011 Posted in Engagements, Portraits

I had the pleasure of photographing Cara Beth Buie, a photographer based out of Arkansas and her husband Brent! They were celebrating their 3 year Anniversary in New Orleans! I was humbled that while they were here, they wanted me to photograph them in the French Quarter! It’s always important for the photographer to remember to take time and have photos taken of themselves! We go through life capturing beautiful memories for everyone else, it’s easy to forget to get in front the camera every now and then!!

Cara Beth & Brent, thank you thank you for giving me the opportunity to document such a special time in your lives. I’m happy to hear that these photos will be used for your Christmas cards the year, makes me happy! I could tell from your tweets that you guys really enjoyed your stay here in New Orleans! It’s the city that’s always got somethin’ goin’ on! :)

I hope you enjoy the photos! Now I’m headed to Covington, LA to photograph a sweet little newborn. This rain better not get in my wayyyy!!

Love this time of day! The sun was gorgeous!A home divided! LSU vs. Arkansas…… womp womp womp! ;)