Ch-ch-ch-changes

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Ok, I can’t even get through the first line without first apologizing for my cliche blog title. Seriously, how many people do that when they want to talk about change. Moving on.

Ok, I haven’t moved on yet. Cliche or not, things are changing on this blog whether you like it or not! But I really hope you do, or love it. I’ll be happy with either. Let’s make a long term commitment to each other, ok? You come back and read the crazy stuff I write, see the pictures I post, and tell me you drool over the recipes I try, and I promise to keep posting them. No longer will I treat you like a red-haired stepchild, and I mean no offense to the actual real life red-headed stepchildren of the world. There is a place for you here. I even have red hair, sure it came from a bottle, but tomato to-maw-to. Wow, I’ve never had to spell that phrase out, it’s difficult. But I digress.

So the changes I started talking about before gingers entered my mind are as follows; this will no longer be JUST a photography blog. I’ve spent the last few months creating tumblrs, flickrs, twitters, etc. to try to incorporate all of Jen (and believe me, there’s a lot of Jen) on the interwebs. All the while neglecting this blog. It turns out I love photographing everything. But I also like cooking stuff, thrift store shopping, making cupcakes, road trips, and eating said cupcakes. I’ve decided to make jenbeasley.com about Jen Beasley. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, I am drafting my nobel speech as we speak. So from here on out I plan to use this blog to showcase my whole life.

When I shoot photograph kids, fly to Seattle, make beignets, and hear something rocking at church, it will be posted. I’ll share my opinions on things, yeah. . . I have those. I’ll review recipes, maybe give you some tips on babysitting four kids. . . yeah I do that too, booyah! So this is just to prepare you. And to show that I am accountable for rocking your world. Prepare your world peeps.

Jen

I Tried To Photograph a Two Year Old

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And I’m quite certain I burned a few hundred calories. Workout is done for the month. I want to share with you the evolution, and then a prompt de-evolution, of trying to photograph a toddler.

Ok so my lurvely friend (his Mama) helps me by sitting him on top of their picnic bench. Immediately the little man strikes a pose. Well ok, I’ll take that I guess. . .

Oooh man, I thought I nailed it when he looked up and smiled. Until I saw his robo hand of doom in the bottom left.

Now he’s just toying with me. At this point I’m greatful he’s a cheery little fella, and not screaming or crying.

Now he’s seemingly done taking photos.

Mom trying to coax him back up. Notice my friend’s fierce nails. Fierce.

Ummm, he might cry. I’m not sure. Still snapping away though.

Yes! Jackpot! Slightly out of focus, but I’ll take what I can get.

*hallelujah chorus*

Silly, goofy, and out of focus boy. But still cute.

Houston, we’re losing him.

Maybe not?

Yup, completely gone.

These photos were all shot within about 90 seconds. There were many more in between as well. I just continually snapped my camera in hopes of getting one good image. And in the process captured the heart and personality of this sweet little boy! Don’t fear the blurry shots, they’re what make memories too!

Oh Hi. I’m still alive

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So if medals were awarded to bad bloggers, I’d win the gold! I need to revamp this blog. I have a fancy re-design a-comin’! Stay tuned.

And because posts are soooo boring without photos:

Mike and Kelly Engagement

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I had the privelage of tagging along for a very special engagement shoot yesterday.  We started off in Capistrano and then made our way down to the beach.  Mike and Kelly were such good sports and didn’t complain at all when it came time to take a dip in the ocean!  Well not so much a dip as a lounge.  Because everyone sits fully clothed on the sand at high tide, right?   Yeah, I’m gonna go with “right!”  The love they have for each other just radiates off of them.  You can’t help but feel good around them.  Ah, young love makes me want to burst into Disney song.  But I digress.  I know they will have an amazingly blessed marriage, and I can’t wait to be there to photograph them this coming June!

A Baby Story

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A while back ago I shot some photos for Kendyl and Josh.  Together we documented such a precious time in their lives, the journey to parenthood.  It would only be a few short (I’m sure not short for Kendyl) days later that little Isla Jewel entered this world with strawberry blonde curls.  Congrats to Kendyl and Josh, enjoy the ride!

It poured down rain for almost our entire shoot, but we had fun and made the best of it!

Towards the end of our shoot we got about 10 minutes of sprinkles instead of cats and dogs, and we took full advantage of it.

My favorite of the day!