Mary Jane Photography Blog http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/ Mary Jane Photography Blog en-us ...Catching up... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=141 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=141 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:32:51 -0700 For the past month I have been working soooooo hard - but I have somehow managed to get in a little fun as well. I have a lot to report...some of it is happy, some of it is sad - but it all makes up my life. I decided to make a nice numerical list in really no particular order.

1. I turned 30! I didn't have a big blow-out party because I've learned that I get a lot more cake by having a lot of little parites. See, the older you get, the wiser you get. Here is me celebrating with Mark, Amy and Emily. Then we went to see one of my all time favorites- Wynonna Judd. She just sends me.





2. If you remember, I introduced our bird Seamus to you awhile back. Well, you haven't seen or heard much of him lately because he is no longer with us. We are not sure why he died, but we know that he is still singing his song somewhere. We miss that little green guy.

3. Have you ever seen grown "adults" play kickball? And I say "adults" lightly because I think we all loose about 18 years of maturity when we step out onto the field. My shins throb after every game. We almost made it into the finals - but we lost in the playoffs in the final minutes by one point!

4. Here is a photo of the Shoot with Beckstead workshop that I hosted in Santa Barbara at DJ's Freedom House. I am so thankful that it is still standing! A good time was had by all! Thanks David and Kass adn DJ!

5. Mark and I are going to sign up for another triathlon. Are we crazy?!?!?! It's at the end of March. Stay tuned for updates on that one. I still hate swimming in the ocean - and we were just watching the DVD series Planet Earth - and if you've seen it - you know the scene I'm talking about with the Great White! OH MY!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT - it is unbelievable!

6. Isn't Asia Beckstead the darn cutest thing you've ever seen?



7. Is weird that Mark and I still take self-portraits of ourselves before we go out? I mean how many of these things do we have? And we always have to take 2 because neither of us like the way we look when we're taking the photo. You know, it's that "self-portrait face". We all do it. I am definitely stilll mastering the art of looking natural while taking my own photo.



8. Here is fun little slideshow that I did of my Phoenix trip. Kids are such a hoot. They cry, pick their nose, urinate, scream, whine, I happen to capture it all...but they are still just so loveable nonetheless - and for some reason or another the photos in this show made me laugh.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOW!!!

9. I am thoroughly convinced that bananna gelato is the best thing on earth.

10. We are headed to Michigan for Thanksgiving! It's snowing there and I can't wait to pull out what few winter clothes i have and layer them on! So FUN! I love snow.

]]> ...Day #4, part 2... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=140 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=140 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:47:43 -0700 I can't believe it! I will be posting my last two sesions from Phoenix...today...right now! Whew...14 sessions later and yes, I still want kids...can you believe it? After sifting through thousands and thousands of images, I started to see so clearly that sometimes the most imperfect images are really the best. They are the images that make me laugh out loud...the images that make me want kids, the images that make families unique and wonderful. I decided I am going to make a compilation of all of those images, as well as some behind scenes shots - so stay tuned for those.

Now, without further ado...

The Walker Family is one of a kind. Lily has been one of my favorite subjects since my camera first laid eyes on her over 2 years ago. It seems almost impossible to me, but she just keeps getting cuter and I can never get enough. She calls the slideshows I make, "The LILY show!!" But, this year, it's going to be, "The Lily and Eli Show" and it just doesn't get any better than this...!

The Walker Family

CLICK HERE FOR SLIDESHOW

















I was so fortunate to meet the Hansens this year. Their little boy, Tyler is 110% boy. He is the most active, coordinated 3 year old I've ever seen. If he's not playing professional ball someday - I'll be darned. He is so animated and has priceless facial expressions. He definitely tired me out after he showed me everything that he can do. Soccer, baseball, football, bikes, scooters, 4 wheelers, trains, etc. It was a blast. I think he and Lily should meet someday - they would be a hilarious pair.

The Hansen Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW

















]]> ...Day #4, part 1... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=139 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=139 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700

I photographed Lexi last year. She was one of the chunkiest, jolliest babies I'd ever seen. She has grown up so much! She loves, loves, loves her dog, Oli - they are like two kindred spirits. I feel so fortunate that I get to see this little girl grow up.

I mean, take a look at those cheeks people?!?!?!?

The Polachek Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW















I am so glad I meet the Crossland family this year. They have two adorable little girls that braved the heat of day with me. It was 2 p.m. and the Phoenix sun was doing it's thing. I was afraid the heat was starting to get the best of them - when...we found an OASIS! Cool at last.

The Crossland Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW

















]]> ...Kelly and Scott... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=138 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=138 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:20:17 -0700 It was so much fun photographing Kelly and Scott. They are so easy to be around and they giggle when they look at each other and that is one of my absolute favorite things to photograph. It's just so spontaneous and real - and it makes me laugh behind the camera.

Kelly and Scott are getting married at the Santa Barbara Zoo next summer. I can't wait! I swear, only Santa Barbara would have the MOST incredibly gorgeous zoo. This zoo is a green, lush paradise with rolling hills and vegetation that looks straight out of an African jungle. It is so beautiful!

CLICK HERE TO SEE A SLIDESHOW

























]]> ...Day #3 - Phoenix... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=137 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=137 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:42:37 -0700 I love seeing these families grow. The first two families I've photographed for the past two years. They both have little boys named Jack. They are two very different Jacks - but they are each loveable and adorable in their own unique way. The first Jack is ALWAYS on the move - it's hilarious trying to get the family photo done - it's almost impossible. The 2nd Jack is so adorable and we think he has a little crush on me because he does whatever I ask and will even come up with his own creative poses. It is hilarious. They both have adorable little sisters too...

The Sebald Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW



















The Spiekerman Family

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It was my first time photographing the Chamberlin Family. They were such a joy and I love working with kids of all ages!

The Chamberlin Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW

















]]> ...Day#2 - Phoenix... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=136 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=136 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:46:01 -0700 After my 5 session day on Sunday, I had a "leisurely" day of only 2 sessions on Monday.

The Cook Family is like a second family to me. I shot Kylie and Josh's wedding back in 2005. Little did I know that was only the first of many photo sessions to come. They are the reason that I started going to Phoenix and have met so many wonderful families that keep bringing me back. I am so grateful for their friendship and for being some of my biggest fans! I love you guys! They have two adorable daughters and I have a feeling that I will be shooting their weddings someday. LOL.

The Cook Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW



















The next family, the Baileys, are what you might call a "photographers paradise"...two adorable blonde girls, willing and ready to do anything and go anywhere. We went from bikes to the trampoline to their favorite pink tutus! I couldn't have asked for a more photogenic and incredible family. Watch this show - it will make you want to own at least one pink tutu.

The Bailey Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW

























]]> ...Pushing Myself... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=135 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=135 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:40:29 -0700 While going to Brooks Institute - I learned rules, rules and more rules. I learned to appreciate technique and all the scientific aspects of photography. But, for the last two days - guess what?!?!?!? I BROKE them all - and it was REALLY liberating - and I remembered just how fun it is to step back, take a breath and just PLAY!!!

I attended a photography workshop with David Beckstead. He is an incredibly inspiring man - he is goofy and off-the-wall and just plain AWESOME!!! He is so passionate about his art, the light, the lines, the DRAMA... I am so thankful that he and Kassandra and little Asia made it out to Santa Barbara. Over the years it has been so fun getting to know them, they are the warmest, kindest, most down to earth people...I am so glad that we are friends. I think Asia could me mine - she looks just like me!!! LOL.

The style of photos I took at the workshop are SOOO different than usual style - but that's what was so fun! I think it will be fun to figure out how to fit little pieces of what I learned into my wedding photography style.



















]]> ...Day #1... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=132 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=132 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:41:49 -0700 Sunday, October 19th, 2008 was a first for me...I shot 5 children's sessions in one day! I went from one end of Phoenix to the other and then to Scottsdale and back. I photographed ballerinas and baseball players...families in love...laughing, crying and running.

In between fleeting moments of exhaustion, I fell more and more in love with what I do...and more and more in love with each of these families.

I count my blessings each and every day!

The Bayless Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW







The Moore Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW





The Dempsey Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW





The Didonna Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW





The Melton Family

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW





]]> ...Last stop on the L.A. tour... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=131 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=131 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:37:41 -0700 This family was full of activity - we went from the swings, to the slide, to the scooter, to the bikes... They were full of life and I can tell that they keep their mom and dad very busy! I don't think they were even the slightest bit tired towards the end of the session - I sure was...!!

It was great getting to know you guys - thank you for inviting me into your home and sharing an hour with me!

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW













]]> ...Laughing Queen... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=130 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=130 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:33:10 -0700 It was love at first site. Katie and I are kindred spirits. I think she laughs as much as I do. She jumped into my arms the fist time she saw me at 6 months old and we have been friends ever since.

She is the cutest, most precocious little girl! She just makes me laugh.

I am so fortunate to know this adorable family. I can't wait to see their family grow and see what hilarious things Katie is up to next year...

CLICK HERE TO SEE A SLIDESHOW















]]> ...happy halloween... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=129 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=129 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:46:14 -0600 The Strong family carved pumpkins the other night. I remember it being a lot easier as a kid - maybe the expectations were just lower? LOL.

Can you guess which one is mine and which one is Mark's?

]]> ...sweet madison... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=128 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=128 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:18:59 -0600 I have always loved the name Madison...but now, I REALLY love it!!! This little girl was playful, happy and fun from the very start. But, I loved it because I could also sense that she could find a little bit of mischief if she really wanted to... :)

Now as I've learned, all kids LOVE mom and dad's bed - but she had an especially fun time jumping in the pillows and running around being silly. If I was a parent, I would cherich times like those forever...

It was such a pleasure to be able to photograph this family and document a little glimpse into their lives and their love for each other. I really hope we get to see each other next year.

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW





















]]> a ballerina and a chubby guy http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=127 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=127 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:37:49 -0600 I had so much fun photographing this adorable family in Redondo Beach. How photogenic are they? When I first arrived, Ryan (the little girl) wasn't quite sure about the whole thing and she kept looking at me with these curious eyes. But, by the end, her mom was calling the shoot, "The Ryan Show"! It was hilarious.

Ryan was most adorable ballerina I ever have seen and her brother Brody might get the award for the chunkiest thighs! OH, how I LOVE a fat baby - there is just nothing better! In my opinion, these two are the perfect pair.

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW






















]]> ...100% Boy... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=126 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=126 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:23:07 -0600 HI EVERYONE!!!!!!!

I have almost 20 sessions to post - so I'm going to keep these all short and sweet!

2 year old Jared is 100% boy. I think he swings a hockey stick harder than I can. He is busy, busy, busy and just plain adorable. He loves sitting in his parent's car, while pretending to drive and change CD's - it is hysterical. But, you're going to have to watch the slideshow to see all of the hilarious and cute things Jared does. He is very multi-talented. :)

Thank you guys for letting me partake in a tiny part of your lives. You have a very fun, sweet family and I can't wait to see all the things that Jared is doing next year!

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW













]]> ...Leslie .and. Nate... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=125 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=125 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:52:20 -0600 PINK, PINK, PINK!!! If you know me - you know, I LOVE PINK! I used to always laugh because I would look in my closet and there would be a sea of pink - every different shade and variation - but there is one pink in particular, that is so me... My mom has since named the color - Janey Pink.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I saw Leslie's brilliantly pink bouquet! It was beautiful and it meshed so well with all of the natural greens at the Biltmore.

Leslie and Nate tied the knot at the ever fabulous Four Seasons Biltmore. It was a gorgeous day in October (and a lot of people don't know this, but October weather is Santa Barbara's best kept secret..shhhhh, don't tell anyone). The weather just can't be beat.

They had a wonderful, intimate party with close family and friends. Mark and I had such a good time getting to know Leslie and Nate. They are one of those couples that you know is going to last forever. I feel so fortunate in getting sharing in their most special day!

The day flowed effortlessly thanks to the very sweet and talented Sonia Hopkins with XOXO Bride. Angelique Trump did her usual fabulous hair and make-up job and Anthony Ybarra rocked his guitar for the entire party! It was a blast.

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW



























]]> ...a new season... http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=124 http://maryjaneweddings.com/blog/index.php?link=124 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:54:05 -0600 I love seasons and that is one thing I really miss about Colorado. I love it when the temperature begins to slowly creep down the scale, the leaves begin to turn brilliant colors of red and orange and yellow, the winds change and there is this smell...! It's the most wonderful, captivating smell - it just says...FALL. I remember growing up and waiting for that smell - come on, come on, I'd think. It will never be my birthday unless I can smell...that smell...of fall, of change, of warmth - the smell of racking leaves, your favorite turtleneck, hot apple cider, fresh pumpkin seeds...

I guess you could say I'm entering a new season in my life! I turned 30 on Saturday. Mark and I ventured into Santa Ynez to experience a little taste of Fall - because afterall it is time for a new season. It's funny because I don't feel 30...I don't feel like what I thought 30 would feel like, I don't look 30 ( do I?), or sound 30...

Hmm, I'm really convinced that age is just a state of consciousnes. It just seems so unimportant. But, that doesn't mean I don't love celebrating life!

I loved sneaking away for the day with my hubby and getting a little taste of everything we love...we...ate fresh walnuts, picked apples, strolled the pumpkin patch, got lost in a field of corn, indulged in an amazing romantic dinner, walked aimlessly...and I finally settled down after a perfect day in the most perfect set of warm, loving arms. I am so grateful for the most loving, adoring, goofy, incredible husband. I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!!!! OH, and he got me an iPhone - so hello!!?!?!?!?!?!?! SO EXCITED!



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