Dog days of summer

I love all animals, but if you asked me to choose one pet to have, I'm definitely a dog person. I came across this list of "Lessons from a Dog" awhile back (I think it was one of those email forwards) and it pretty much sums up why I think dogs rock.

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
6. Take naps and stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp, and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. If what you want lies burried, dig until you find it.
11. When someone is having a bad day, be silent. Sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
12. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
13. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
14. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
15. No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…run right back and make friends
16. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.

This past month I had the joy of taking care of my friends' two dogs for a week and of course I had to take some pictures...







We enjoy all the dogs that have come to the studio for a portrait session...if you want to see some of them they'll be featured in our August e-mail newsletter so make sure you're signed up for it! (you can sign up here on the blog by clicking the link in the right-hand column)

Happy Thursday!
~jess

I shoot people...

Ok - not literally - but it made you think twice. :)

One of the dreaded tasks you may have is to get a good headshot. One that you will be proud to share because it looks good ... not like a deer in the headlights school yearbook picture.

How to get a good headshot? Find a photographer whose work you like - make sure their style of headshots is what you are wanting. Interview them to make sure they know how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Make sure you know the cost involved. Arrive a few minutes early to your appointment to speak with the photographer before she begins the session. Let her know where your headshot will be used.

This past week Susie came into our studio. With the changing times she is going back into financial planning and needed good headshots for her marketing pieces. Nervous, she asked a lot of questions before the appointment. What should she wear - style of makeup - accessories, etc. After the shoot she posted her headshot choices on Facebook. Her friends all sent glowing feedback to her.

One friend in particular wanted images for her high school reunion and for Facebook. Sharon called and we walked through all her questions. She "never" gets a good picture. I reassured her she would be safe in my hands. Her session came and Sharon was delighted with the results! She chose an additional image as she was so pleased with her headshots.

It is always a great feeling to know that a great headshot we have done is set on business cards, in marketing pieces, on Facebook pages... Knowing how important a headshot is in putting your best foot forward, I make sure you look great. I shoot people... well!

Look - A Deer!

There is a joke in our family that comes from our many travels. Jonathan was the main driver - I was the one who read the books... kept the peace. It was our kid's job to behave - HAH! As we traveled along, the kids and I would be engrossed in the book or game of the moment.

On many trips, Jonathan - who has keen eyes - would see a deer by the side of the road. As we whizzed by, he would always say - "Hey - look at that - a Deer!" Because of the speed we rarely saw the "phantom" deer and from there came the joke. We said many times that he must be seeing things. When we did see one, it was a source of great joy as we kidded Jonathan that this time there really was a deer.

Because that has been a joke in the family for so long - Dad saying there was a deer when clearly there was none that we could see - I find it ironic that our back yard studio is now filled with them. From the next room, Jonathan will call - Come on out - a deer is in the backyard! And this time there is one to view.

While the people who will most enjoy this story are my family, I still wanted to share - and to post pictures so that there is proof of the deer this time! A Doe and her twin fauns have been happily grazing on our grass. So – to our kids – Look, A Deer!

Cousins

When both of your parents are only children, you have no aunts, no uncles, and no first cousins...which some people find fascinating. I believe it was my sister who turned in a family tree project for a class, only to have the project returned to her because she forgot to list her aunts and uncles. I've always wondered what it would be like to have a crazy Aunt Julie, or a cousin or two to hang out with, so when I see sisters/aunts/cousins/daughters all together....I find that fascinating.

Cousins, Heather and Sarah, came in with their moms for a fun indoor/outdoor portrait session last week. We've photographed Heather before, so it was great seeing her and her mom again, along with meeting her cousin and aunt. Beth captured some great images of everyone...


The girls together...



Some of Heather...






And some of Sarah...






This is my favorite of them together



Sarah and her mom



And Heather and her mom...




Happy Thursday!
~jess

Magical Mystery Tour

For those of you my age (give or take a few years) you will most likely remember the first time you heard the Beatles. I was living in NJ during their first trip to the states for their appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. Too young to really appreciate their music - I still listened to my sister's 45 playing "I Wanna Hold your Hand" over and over!

Fast forward many years and Beatle's music still goes strong. Imagine my delight when I walked into Mojito's in Norcross recently to photograph the reception of a bride and groom. A band - named The Mystery Trip - was there and each song took me right back to hearing Beatle's songs over and over throughout my life. Great music and great sound!

They book in the Atlanta area so if you are looking for live music for a reception or an event, please check them out! http://www.themysterytrip.net/ A few pictures of the band in action - and on break!

HB to our Design Queen

A year and a half ago, I was at a wedding consultation where the couple brought along their friend to see my work and give her opinion. She had studied fine art photography in college and also worked for a photographer in her home town for many years. She was quiet and I focused on the bride!

A few days later our studio was having someone come in who had answered our ad from Craig's List for part time help. As the woman walked in I was sure I knew her - she explained she had been the friend at the wedding consultation (I menitoned earlier that I do tend to focus on the bride during the consultation!!) Her name was Jess - and we hired her on the spot!

I could never have imagined that day what Jess would bring to our studio. Incredible designs for our marketing pieces and client photographic art... a friend to laugh with at life's craziness... album queen who can create a work of art for the bride and groom in no time flat... a woman who knows who she is even at her relatively young age ... a technology whiz who patiently explains that the reason my computer is doing ________ is not because I have discovered a flaw that no one in Microsoft knows about but rather I have my thumb stuck on the keyboard ... someone who shares my obsession with Chick-fil-A sweet tea... and the list goes on.

To Jess - a very Happy Birthday today. Thank you for all you do to make the world around you a better place. I wish you joy for this day.

Isabella: bebé

Isabella came to the studio last week for her 3 month session. She's still as cute as ever, and I can't believe how much she's grown since her newborn session!




















Happy Monday!
~jess

7-Eleven - Great Day to get married!

7-Eleven! used to just mean a "big gulp" Great place to get gas and a slurpie.... growing up in NJ they were on every corner. Turns out it's also a great day to get married! We had two weddings with our studio yesterday so, as they say, this joint was jumping! Jess and I started early afternoon at St. James United Methodist to tell the story of Brooke and Chris' love.

Brooke and Chris met at college. His brother, Matthew, told their guests in his toast, that Chris set his eyes on Brooke very quickly and they began their three year love affair! Brooke and Chris orchestrated the perfect wedding with creative touches added to every part of their wedding. Their joy in finding each other glowed on their faces all day long.



A 57 Chevy was their carrriage of choice to carry them from the wedding to the reception!



Chris and Brooke hand made all of the guest favors.


Their bridal party combined family and friends from childhood and college.

Brooke's parents surprised them at the end of the evening with a '33 Buick to whisk them away to their honeymoon. Bubbles carried them from Primrose Cottage to their get away car!






Melissa and Darin started their day at home in Norcross.





Getting married at Simpsonwood United Methodist and having their reception at The Carlyle House their wedding was filled with their love together with family and friends from all over. Andreas and Steven photographed their day. Andreas sent a sneak peek from their wedding to share with you!

Ashton for President!

Ashton came into our lives shortly after we moved our studio to Historic Norcross. She was a pistol at the very young age of 2 - knew what she wanted - captivated the room when she came in because she took charge! And she loved life. How fun, then, that we have photographed her these past 3 years... and now she has a partner in crime - Callie!

On a beautiful morning not long ago they both came over and posed so sweetly for me. Ashton was bursting with the news that they would be taking a family trip to Washington, DC - and could not wait to go! Phew - it was hard even to sit still for pictures - she needed to get on her way!!

Looking forward to hearing all about Washington DC when they come back to see us - watch out "Ashton for President" - I can see it now!