I did not forget you...

I will post something new tomorrow...cross my heart.
xoxo

NO sir!

NO luck on the self-portrait...will try again this weekend!

COMFY!

Don't get too comfy! Things are changing left and right and more changes are coming soon! I'm going to be doing a couple "tweaks" to the new logo and colors...well on my way to something I can stick with for a long, long time! (If you knew me, you'd know how very hard that is for my short attention span and ever changing mind...LOL!)

Anyway...working on a self-portrait tonight, so, should I be successful you'll have that to look forward to tomorrow!

Also, coming soon...new product offerings for my highschool seniors! I hope you'll be as stoked as I am!!

Until then, xoxo

Sneaky Peeky!

You may or may not have noticed some changes happening around here. I am planning a complete blog revamp and am SO excited to start unveiling some of my new colors, logos, and designs!

The official blog name of JennPhoto&Design is now: IMAJENN (like Imagine...dig it?)

I've got an idea and I'm running with it. Don't even pretend like you don't like it because I'll know you're lying. :)

Do it up!

JENN Photo & Design is getting a new look!!! News and info coming soon! Stay tuned!

Talk to Me

I'm big on quotes...I always end up scribbling on the backs of receipts in my car when I hear some lyrics on the radio that strike me, or on the back of a magazine at home when I read something in a book that I want to remember.

Words mean something to me...so today, I will share some of my favorite quotes with you.

This is one of my all-time favorites. It's from an author who I really enjoy, although he's admittedley not for everyone. It very much reflects how I feel about my photography and my art though, so it struck a chord with me from the moment I read it.



The infinite wisdom of Bob Dylan's son, Jakob. Love it.



Something that really resonates with me and the point I'm at in my life right now...

This just makes me smile. A kid (well...young man...I think he was 18?) emailed this to me on what he didn't realize was one of the worst days of my life. He just thought I looked like I needed some cheering up. Well done, sir. I will never, ever forget this.



I'm a big promoter of two things...hope and peace. The first time I saw this quote I FELT it. What a powerful, powerful statement.



I have so many more, but these are a handful of my faves. Anyone else have some favorites to share? I'd love to hear them if you do!

Winner #2: Aiden Zadurski

I have spoken with winner #2's mom, Annie, and she gave me permission to post a little bit about them on my blog!

Here is a little bit of Aiden's story from his journal on his Caring Bridge site:

"My name is Aiden Zadurski. I am a 3 year old boy from Marinette, Wisconsin. On May 29, 2008 I had my first ambulance ride with my Mom and that is where my journey begins. I was diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on May 30, 2008."

To read more about Aiden, please visit his caring bridge site at www.caringbridge.org and type "aidenzadurski" in for the website name.

Aiden's mom Annie and I have spoken both via email and on the phone and we're both looking forward to a spring photo session for Aiden and his family. Aiden is adorable and sounds like a fighter! Keep him and his family in your good thoughts, as I will!

There she is...

My Tony J. original...I love her so. (**Please note...the actual image if you click on it is HUGE. I will resize later, but you've been warned if you try to view the full-size.)

Anyone interested in tattoo work, let me know...I can put you in touch with one of my oldest and best friends ever. He is so talented!

101 in 1001

"You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream." -C.S. Lewis

I have chosen to participate in a self-exercise of setting and accomplishing goals. 101 in 1001 is the practice of setting 101 goals for yourself and giving yourself 1001 days to get all of them accomplished. There are websites with rules and forums and different people do things different ways, but this is my plan.

I have my list all ready to rock...101 in 1001. (You know me and my lists!!!)

I will post the list here, and will edit this post crossing things off as I accomplish them. I will also create a new post each time I conquer a goal, hopefully with a photo of my results! Fun, right? Fun AND fulfilling!

I hope others can take inspiration from this and create your own goal lists...whether it's 101 in 1001 or 1 a week or WHATEVER works for YOU!

That said...off we go!!!!

Start date: 01/07/2009 (tomorrow)
End date: 10/11/2011 (if anyone wants to check my math, please, feel free!)

101 IN 1001

1. Take the boys to Chuckie Cheese. -DONE!
2. Revamp my blog. -In Process
3. Redo my logo and make it something I can stick with for years to come! -In Process
4. Launch a new website.
5. Quit smoking…for good. -DONE!
6. Get back into my size 7’s (comfortably!) and STAY there for at least 6 consecutive months. (0/6)
7. Hang “peace” pictures of the kids in the living room.
8. Create and hang “photo strip” of Adam and I in our bedroom.
9. Print Luc a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
10. Print Mikey a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
11. Print Will a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
12. Print McKenzie a photo of herself doing something she loves. Hang it in her room.
13. Finish McKenzie’s room.
14. Paint the kitchen.
15. Buy the kitchen prints I want from Etsy!
16. Paint the living room.
17. Replace the linoleum…all of it!
18. Buy a new mailbox and customize it.
19. Create a planter for the front porch.
20. Create a patio area in the back.
21. Get another puppy to keep our Mr. Oliver company. -DONE!
22. Make a paper crane garland for Christmas.
23. Organize my finances.
24. Buy new glasses that I LOVE! (Eye glasses we’re talking…) -DONE!
25. Make soap.
26. Write a short story for my kids.
27. Color my hair in some funky and fun way!!
28. Talk mom and Troy into getting their photo taken.
29. Take a STELLAR self portrait that I love!
30. Take a great photo of me with the boys.
31. Commission a photographer for killer family photos!
32. Design new marketing materials.
33. Find (and purchase) awesome eco-friendly packaging!
34. Paint the dining room/office and add ART!
35. Buy/Build the perfect desk/office area for myself.
36. Get a manicure!
37. Donate a photo session/photos next Christmas (2009)!
38. Finish the boys’ room.
39. Redo the kids’ bathroom in a fun theme!
40. Fence the back yard.
41. Paint the laundry room and add art!
42. Replace living room flooring.
43. Replace curtains in my bedroom.
44. Take the kids to the zoo.
45. Create a “day in the life” book of the boys.
46. Replace countertops and build a breakfast bar!
47. Drywall around the “chimney” and create my BUILT IN!!!
48. Replace the hideous ceiling fan with something…ANYTHING!
49. Attend a photography seminar.
50. Enroll in some kind of class.
51. Start collecting family recipes for a cookbook.
52. Get into a water drinking habit. LEARN TO LIKE WATER.
53. Get my Peace Dove tattoo.
54. Work on at least 6 of my concept photography ideas. (0/6)
55. Plant an herb garden.
56. Plant veggies outside with the kids. -DONE!
57. Build my “chess table” and put it under “my tree”.
58. Put my hammock up.
59. Paint a canvas for the living room.
60. Make a “Peace” canvas for my office.
61. Become debt free, except for the house payment.
62. Teach the boys their address and phone number.
63. Use my cookie press!
64. Get a Buddha and display him to remind me to focus.
65. Have a huge yard sale and get rid of STUFF. -DONE!
66. Travel WEST…California maybe?!
67. Travel EAST…show Adam the East coast and hope he loves it like I do!
68. Travel SOUTH…hit the beach and RELAX!
69. Enter a photography print competition.
70. Set up a system to keep track of clients.
71. Make a new recipe every day or night for one week. (0/7)
72. Buy a piano.
73. Start a photographer mentoring program for kids.
74. Redo the entry to the house with a bench and a place for the kids stuff.
75. Buy and hang at least 6 wind-chimes. (0/6)
76. Start my chess set collection and find myself a place to display them.
77. Get a cell phone…a nice one.
78. Convert to being a MAC USER!
79. Read at least four business books. (0/4)
80. Start a good image backup system for my photos.
81. Start bank accounts for the kids.
82. Upgrade my camera!
83. Get my “Truth” tattoo touched up and get something on the other wrist. -DONE!
84. Help plan a wedding.
85. Do a “master cleanse” type diet.
86. Do a fundraiser for “The Portrait House”
87. Design and print my own shirts, x10. (0/10)
88. Buy or build a swing-set/play-scape for the kids.
89. Get the boys their dirt bike. -DONE!
90. Get a vehicle I can fit ALL of us in!
91. When I have a nice vehicle, get a logo decal for the back window.
92. Don’t complain about ANYTHING for one full week. (0/7)
93. Revamp the back hallway with photos and art!
94. Go fishing.
95. Get Chuck Taylor’s in at least 5 colors! (0/5)
96. Learn to ride a dirt bike.
97. Bake real bread.
98. Pierce SOMETHING! ;)
99. Take (or have taken) some “Nancy Botwin” (in Season 4 of “Weeds”) photos taken!
100. Start journaling (not to be confused with blogging. Blogging is for EVERYONE. Journaling is just for me.)
101. Donate $5 to charity for every item that goes unconquered at the end of 1001 days!

Ok, I lied.

No tattoo pictures today. I made dinner last night and then passed out on the couch watching CSI with the man. Tomorrow though...I'm on it! :)

In the meantime...my little friend will tide you over. (Luc made this at school and I had to throw him away eventually, but he adorned my desk for a good long time. I just love him!)

2009

It's 2009...the New Year is always so "refreshing" to me. Like a new start...like I can do ANYTHING.

I hope I maintain that enthusiasm all year long.

A list of goals and a picture of my new tattoo tomorrow.

Ciao!

Happy New Year

I have New Year's Resolutions...but they're a secret. I WILL post them as I accomplish them though, so be watching for that. I have a couple more lists I'll be posting upon my return as well.

Anyway...I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!!! I will be back to blogging Monday, January 5, 2009!!!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! (hahaha...I always loved saying that when I was kid!)

Michael Michael Motorcycle

One of my goals in 2009 is to feature one of the kids in a post of their own at least every other week...just a couple pictures and a chance for me to brag about one my dudes. :) And I will try to make it even, but some kids like having their picture taken more than others, so cut me some slack.

That said, I realize '09 isn't here until tomorrow, but I won't be online tomorrow, so here is my BABY...my "Michael-Michael-Motorcycle".

He is going to be beating girls off with sticks. My "pretty" eyed boy...*sigh*...


And a glimpse into this kid's personality...he is a bright and shining light. He is funny and goofy and joyful. I love him.

Winner #1: Kathy Lafave

Let me again say THANK YOU soooo much to EVERYONE that submitted an entry for the "Giving is Awesome" holiday giveaway. I had no way of anticipating how hard it would be to decide how any one person or family is more deserving than another. Absolutely, all the of the nominees were wonderful people who are all more than deserving of good things coming their way.

Let me share with you a little bit of the nomination letter I received regarding my first winner:

"Kathy Lafave and her family lost their home and nearly everything in it on Wednesday, December 10th 2008. Kathy is a single mother raising 3 children. Her son is a senior at Marinette High and he had just received his graduation photos 1 week before the fire. These were one of the many losses from the blaze. Kathy has two other daughters younger than her son. Along with the graduation photos lost were her family photos which carried a lot of history with them. I can't even imagine what it must be like to experience a house fire especially right before Christmas. "

Kathy, if you're reading this...Thank God you and your family are safe...but I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your home. I know that I cannot give you back all of your old family photos but I hope I can replace some of your sons graduation photos as well as give you some new family photos as a fresh start and a point to start rebuilding your life.

Kathy was very excited when I spoke with her and we are working together to set something up for early spring! I am excited to meet her and work with her family. Congratulations Kathy!

Giving is Awesome Update

I am updating again...I have decided I can't choose just one winner. It just doesn't feel right. So I chose two.

I'm working on contacting them today and will hopefully be posting their stories soon!!

Again, happy holidays!

Next Week.

I will be absent from blogging next week, but want to wish all of my reader's and their families HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I will return Monday, December 29th and will be announcing the winner of the GIVING IS AWESOME holiday giveaway, so keep the entries coming! (Email entries to: jennstevens@ymail.com)

The stories I've heard so far are very touching, and I am realizing how hard my choice is going to be.

Stay warm, safe and happy this holiday season.

xoxo, Jenn

How we roll.

Santa came early for Adam this year. (Early=no WAY we were moving his gift TWICE! As it stands, it took three men to get it up the stairs...and should I sell my house someday, this will be included, because it's never coming back down!)


This is how we roll...13, side pocket.

Giving is Awesome.

You know someone.

You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – over $800 worth in fact!

Jenn Photo & Design is GIVING away a portrait session including a digital set of files with full printing rights to one deserving person or family in the area, and nominations are coming from YOU…the readers.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a free session and a $50 print credit! What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Wisconsin or Upper Michigan. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well. (Please note, if you know someone to nominate who is from out of the area, please visit http://www.givingisawesome.com/ for a list of other photographer's participating in similar programs.)

* You must e-mail me the full story : jennstevens@ymail.com

The winner will be announced on Monday, December 29th. I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Jenn
xoxo

FYI (pricing)

I've had some recent inquiries about pricing. I am unveiling a new price and product list in 2009, however, if you book before 1/1/2009 (even if it's for a session next year), I will honor current pricing.

As it stands, my session fee is $75 which includes up 2 hours of custom photography at a location of your choice. 5x7 prints start at $12 and all prints 11x14 and up are mounted. Fully retouched digital files are also available for purchase (including full printing rights) for $800 per session(which includes all proofs from that session).

Check back tomorrow for an exciting announcement and the chance to GIVE the gift of custom portraiture to someone that you know who is deserving this holiday season!

Cheers!
-Jenn

A conversation with my boys...

Fa La La La Laaaaaaaaaaa

The time has come...Photographer Skye Hardwick (http://www.workofheart.typepad.com/) inspired me to post my MUST-HAVES from 2008…just a few of my favorites I want to pass along to you to “share the wealth” on some goodies I just can’t live without!

Who knows? Maybe you’ll find something to try that YOU will end up loving or something that may be the perfect gift for someone you know…

Without further ado…JENN’S MUST-HAVES OF 2008!!!!

1. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Owl Candle Holder from PartyLite! (http://www.partylite.com/ ...locals, hit up my amigo Jennifer (jenniferwilch@yahoo.com) if you need your very own partylite lady!) He is the perfect addition to my bookshelf and just looking at him amuses me for some reason. I typically use a Champagne Pear votive with him. It’s a delicious light citrus-y scent that I’ve recently fallen in love with!

Isn't he the cutest!?!?!

2. Call me a nerd, but I ADORE my Bostitch Antimicrobial Stapler in CELERY GREEN! (http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/Stanley%20Bostitch/BOSB326CEL.html?source=froogle2&utm_source=froogle2&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=parts&utm_keyword=BOSB326CEL&utm_content=Office) It stands on end and stares at me in all it’s antimicrobial glory all day long! (And the green color just totally cheers me up!)

3. Buffalo Chicken Dip is the PERFECT addition to any football party or family gathering. It’ s like a hotwing on a chip…how could life get any grander? (Is grander a word??) I use a variation of the recipe found on the Frank’s Red Hot site. (Here: http://www.franksredhot.com/recipe/rds/franks/?rn=RE1242) but I use one cup ranch dressing, one cup hot sauce, and one cup shredded CHEDDAR. I mix it all in a crock pot and keep it warm and perfect for dipping our Frito’s Scoops in! YUMMY!

4. Any book lover’s in the house? I love reading…LOVE it. And I am a self-professed “self-help” book addict, with a particular fondness for self-help for ARTISTS books. I just love to read about other people’s vision and how they found their own way and how I TOO can find my own way. This past year I read “How to Think like Leonardo DaVinci”.(Buy here: http://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Like-Leonardo-Vinci/dp/0440508274/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229100292&sr=8-1) It was a wonderful book, FULL of exercises…my favorite kind! Check it out!

5. Dove makes a new “grapefruit and lemongrass” scent. It is fresh and light and citrus-y and delicious… it’s definitely a must-have for me! (I have the body wash, the shampoo and the conditioner. YUMMY!) (http://www.dove.us/)

6. Everyone who knows me KNOWS I’m a music-aholic. My current fave is Avenged Sevenfold’s self-titled album (http://www.amazon.com/Avenged-Sevenfold/dp/B000V6BE6C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1229102064&sr=8-2) It is so WEIRD and quirky and fun and fantastic. (I know…I’m over describing everything today but seriously…it’s out there, and I LOVE it.) Check it out!

And my 2009 WISHLIST!!!!

1. DKNY Be Delicious. It’s on my Christmas List…it smells YUMMY and I MUST have it. (http://www.dknyfragrances.com/templates/bedelicious_landing.tmpl?ngextredir=)

2. For you Etsy lovers…you’ll dig this. This store: (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5691356&section_id=5498619) has SO many shirts I love. I don’t know how I’m going to pick, but they’re definitely on my shopping list for the new year!

3. Have you seen the Cadillac Escalade HYBRID commercials?? It’s my dream vehicle of the moment…green AND spacious??? *sigh* And yes…it will stay in my dreams, BUT I will show it some blog love anyway. (http://www.cadillac.com/)

4. “I’m dreaming of a greeeeeen macbook…” (ok …so I can’t sing. But I so love the new environmentally friendly macbook pro!) (http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/environment.html)

5. Did you see ROLE MODELS in the theatre?? Ahhh…I WILL be buying the DVD when it comes out so I can indulge in the smart humor that is Role Models over and over again!! Read about it here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0430922/

6. IKEA makes me heart happy, and their TROFAST storage will make me AND my kids happy when their room is all organized and happy and fun! I can’t wait to (hopefully) snatch this good stuff up in ’09! (http://www.ikea.com/)

There you have it folks! Anyone care to share some favorites with me?? I’m always looking for new and fun things to check out!!

D is for...

As promised...

McKenzie and Mackenzie...best friends (and, interestingly enough, the cutest Niece and Aunt I know!) We had so much fun at their "photo shoot"...they were great little models!

A present for her parents for Christmas...(lucky for me I don't think they read the blog or the surprise would be ruined!) MACkenzie...one of the goofiest, funniest little chicks I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. :)

And of course, our lovey-girl...MCkenzie...working the camera like only she knows how..."pretty hair" and all!

The sun will come out...tomorrow.

Pictures of the Kenzie's (yes, plural) tomorrow. Should be fun! :)

In the meantime, I've had a couple people recently ask about "before and afters"...wondering how different my photos from the moment I press the shutter button to the finished print.

Long story short...it depends on the photo. Awhile back though, I put together a couple examples of before and afters that were fairly typical for me so I will share those.

This first shot is pretty much "the norm" as far as editing goes. Not a lot to be done. Warmed it up a little bit, cropped it in a little bit, added a vignette and not a whole lot else. (Remember...click on the image if you want to see a larger version...and for non-photographers, SOOC=straight out of camera)

This second shot involved a LITTLE more effort...it was taken in a fairly dark hallway, but it added some "moodiness" which I felt benefitted me in the end. Obviously, I converted to black and white and added a border, but other than that, all it needed was some brightening.

Anyway...almost time to head home and SHOVEL our several inches of snow, but as promised, Kenzie's tomorrow, and by the end of this week I hope to be sharing my MUST HAVES of 2008 as well as some other goodies!

Stay tuned!

Snow Days

It snowed on and off this past weekend...BRR!!! I am not ready for winter...not even close. The rest of my family on the other hand, is PUMPED. The boys have been having fun shoveling and making snow angels (photos sooner than later, but not today). They'd play outside all day if I'd let them. And Oliver, while confused at first, has seemed to find some joy in the snow also...he pounces around and sniffs and licks the snow...SO cute!

Adam and I took him out for a good game of fetch a few days ago and got a couple snapshots of us with our "fluffer" while we were out there. (He loves giving me kisses!!!) :)

I also conned Adam into letting me snap a few of him while the snow flew...one of my faves from that mini-session (tried something different from my usual post-processing...not sure how I feel about it yet, but here it is anyway.)