Outside the Box

Jennifer's Faded Sun with TextureI have been so excited for this senior session with Miss Ashley- ever since the booking earlier in the month. The anticipation of going "outside" my areas (or the box) I usually take pictures and travel 20 miles north to their home/ranch where they have horses on 38 acres as well as 5 dogs to roam free!!! When I arrived, I opened my van door to be greeted by a Newfoundland dog- if you do not know what they look like- they resemble a small black bear- weighing around 150 to 200lbs. They are the most kind and loving dogs and love to cuddle and drool :-) I was in heaven being surrounded by nature and animals. Once I met Ashley and her Mom a few minutes later, I knew it would make for a fun morning. I also told Ashley that I know of her "twin" in this world- my very good friend I went to junior high with, Heather. After editing I think she resembles the supermodel in the 90's Niki Taylor. Ok....back to my story-wink, wink.....Ashley is a senior this year and describes herself as a "free spirit" and was loving her new clothes her Mom got her just for our session- I think they (and her) are adorable!!!! She looks beautiful and did I mention is a striking 5'10 swimmer with strawberry blonde hair- lucky girl! Here are just a few shots from today as I am still editing and will have them in your viewing gallery in about a week, but I wanted to give you a sneak peak...enjoy your senior year- it will go by soooooo fast! So really enjoy each day!

Ashley with all 3 of her horses....and Annie sneaking in for the shot

Jennifer's Mocha Color

This is one of my favorite shots!

Ashley with her 2 retired show horses- one is 28 years old

Something made her laugh ;-) Love it! Oh, I remember- he was snorting- I think????

So Ann Taylor-like......or so I think.....

Lovin' the color purple in these shots with her blue eyes....

Annie w/o her cashmere sweater ;-)

Has that "English" vibe.....like, she is going in for some tea

Reminds me of an Estee Lauder perfume ad.... very "English"

When it rains- it pours........

Ok...so now I know why that saying is......I have had 3 weeks "off" now....Two weeks were weather related (raining and Hurricane Ike winds) and then 1 was just a "free" week. Since having so much down time, I have had the opportunity to take a ton of photos of Ralphie, as well as uncover some great editing techniques...... but I have to admit I am getting bored already- of my own son-hahahahaha- taking photos that is!!!!! ;-)
I am excited for my session on Sunday. I will be going to a horse farm with 38 acres...wow! I will be doing a senior session with a champion horse rider, Miss Ashley. And then from that session on it is back to "normal" and I only have a couple slots left for 2008.......October must be the month here in Ohio because of all the request I have for your children's sessions then. Another question I get from clients booking after September..." is there an Ohio State game that day"...hahahahaha!
Some pictures from this week........ and Shannon- yes, I am thinking of starting a workshop for people in the Ohio area for editing- will keep you posted!
Miss Grace and Mark at the zoo- playing in a puddle

Anyone in there??????
Vinnie- 1 day younger than Mark- showing off his belly to the ladies in the park...how you doin'?
Ralphie on the swing- going vintage w/ texture

"Mark" Deere......

Mark loves to ride with Daddy on our John Deere. Sometimes he even falls asleep- I don't know how that is possible, but it happens. He had such a great day today: with a playgroup in the morning at Cheryl's house with Vinny and friends, playtime at the Rec Ctr, and the day ended with a high school football game where he loves watching the band!!!!! He was Mr. Sleepy until the drums started and then he perked right up..... It is so much fun having him in our lives! I will post more from this wonderful day, but I am tired and going to bed ;-0 Did some full color and some bw/mocha.....Oh, I have no idea why Blogger now turns pics- if anyone knows please let me know so I can adjust something- thanks!!!!

Jennifer's Mocha Color
Sleeping...wish I could sleep anywhere! I think this is hilarious when I look out the window and see his head boppin' all around and he is sleeping!!!!!

Let there be light.......

and electricity and phone service again. Oh MY!!!! Who'da thought that a Hurricane that hit Texas could devastate parts of Ohio? We had 70-90mph winds for 5 straight hours this past Sunday. It devastated some beautiful homes,etc.... and OLD trees were uprooted- and I mean HUGE trees. I pray that you are all recovering and safe. I know that 1 family we rescheduled still doesn't have power and are staying w/ family. The 3 families that were scheduled this past weekend, we will work together to have your creative session. i look forward to things getting back to "normal".....

Here is a picture of Mark on Monday at the Delaware Cty Fair. We were all over the place since we couldn't really go home. He got to sit on vintage tractors, see goats, turkey's and cows and run around aimlessly- hint the picture I am posting. My little boy is on the RUN......he will be an athlete that is for sure!!!!!

And at Scioto Park checking out what Hurricane Ike left behind......

Rain, Rain....Go Away! Or maybe not??????

Being inside today, I have had the opportunity to really go to town with my editing and I am very excited about some of the things I am uncovering.....Here are just a few examples of new techniques:

Faded sun with texture
Tin-like texture w/ sepia tones added
Antique Suede Crackle w/ sepia tone Vintage twist w/ fade

First Cancellations of 2008

This is actually the first time I am forced to reschedule creative sessions for today and Saturday due to the weather. We will work together to get you in before the end of the month. To make it a positive- we really NEED the rain ;-) I know you all understand and would prefer to have pictures of your children dry and smiling and not wet and miserable. ;-)
Enjoy being indoors for the next couple of days and I know my lawn is soaking it up!!!!!

And a post isn't a post unless we post a picture. Here is Mark in the garage this morning on our John Deere since we cannot go outside due to the rain.....

New "Look" on Life....through my Camera!

I was so excited to get some pictures with my new lense's. So Mark and me packed up to Scioto Park right down the street. From the moment I looked through the viewfinder- I saw the difference and was ready to start taking some amazing pictures! Mark was thinking otherwise-ha! He wanted to watch ducks and swing, play on the slides and eat sticks????? HHHmmmm. Being my first priority is Mom and a photographer second, I packed up my camera and put it in the van to spend some quality time with Mark. We sat on the rocks at the River and watched ducks fly in/out of the River and come right up to us (w/o bread)- and soaked up every second! He would point and say..."what's that....duck????" And then I would say "yes, ducks" and he would clap and say "ducks, ducks"...and smile!!!! Even with the few I did capture, I am so happy with the new lense's and I am excited to start shooting away on another day that Mark wants to be a ham- off to the ducks for NOW! Same picture- done with a vintage twist and full blown color below.
Mark was moving all over the place and could not stop running to the ducks and cleaning his hands so it was hard to get a real good shot of him, but I can still get a feel for the new lens and I love it!!!!!! Will post more later- when he is cooperating-hahahahaha!
It was also the last sunny day for a while (with rain the next 4 days- which we need) so we went to the pool and for a long bike ride where I also met a really nice neighbor on my route- Judy! I look forward to taking some pictures of Mark with your antique, vintage John Deere and old vintage Thunderbird on your wonderful property that is 1/8 mile away- or less...that is why I LOVE Powell- so diverse and full of amazing places (and neighbors) to capture pictures! With all the things Judy said she had, I was like a kid in a candy store- thanks so much for the wonderful opportunity! It was nice to meet you and we will be in touch! Thanks again!!!!! Contact me anytime!!!!! My hubby is jealous that Mark gets his picture taken on such a cool piece of equipment and not him-hahahah!
Eating sticks- such a boy!!!!!

The famous ducks on the River down the street. Before I packed up my camera- I snapped this picture. I claim NOT to be a landscape photographer ;-) Also, Mark was on my knee and I was sitting on a not so comfortable rock! All we needed was some fishing poles and we would have been Forest and Mrs. Gump ;-)

It's a Small World....

I finally got to catch up with an old colleague of mine back in Atlanta, and I am amazed by how much our lives are the same! First, our babies (both our first) were due on the same day in May (21st) 2007. Then, my son Mark was born on her hubby's birthday (May 6th- born 15 days early) while her daughter- Aubrey was born May 14th, and now we are both aspiring children's photographers and have started a home based company. We were on the phone for 4 hours last night- until midnight- and for me, I could have talked much longer!

Erin, it was so good talking to you and getting your thoughts on your new business and all the things that come along with it! Thanks for also walking thru this process of "eye sparkle"- I think I will incorporate this into my upclose pictures! Now, if I can get you to shoot in the RAW!!!! ;-) Let me know how that goes for you and we need to catch up monthly if not weekly!!!!

My Gerber Baby- Mark.....
Photos taken Sept. 4th of Mark....... my poor child can never escape my camera ;-) Or as my hubby calls it- my "binky"...... ;-)

Birthday Parties......

My website and blog have been updated as of Sept 1st and is up to date. I am pleased to formally announce a new package, something that was in the works- Bithday/Party Pictures!!!!
I shot my first party a month ago as a "test" and from the feedback, it was a SUCCESS and something that was fun for me and the family. My "test" birthday session was with the Conner Family. Mom and Dad Conner got to enjoy their son, Luke's special day on his 2nd birthday, and allow me to take all the pictures for his scrapbook and the family. Here is the info below or you can go to my website at http://www.jenniferleaphotography.net/ and go to the "Birthday Parties" tab. Thanks Lisa for allowing me the opportunity to share Luke's 2nd birthday! I think Elmo was a hit for the kiddos too ;-)

Birthday/Party Package: Many parent's find that throwing your child's birthday party is a stressful experience- Me included!!! From the planning stage, to finding that perfect location and praying the weather holds up if outdoors. It seems we are thinking about the next party, the day after their 1st party! If you were like me, you found it frustrating to take pictures of the event, on top of everything else you are doing that special day. And you, as the "photographer", were absent from most of the pictures. I have a "Party Package" that will allow you to relax on your child's special day and allow me to take all the pictures for you- including a 15 minute private shoot before the party starts. This will allow you as a family to all get together and have a family shot. I will stay for 60-90 minutes to ensure you get plenty of party pictures to share with family and friend's. I will put the images, that I edit and enhance for you, onto a hi-resolution CD for you to process and share at your leisure. An additional CD to pass out as a thank you gift to your guest's are $10.00/each. My pricing starts at $150.00 for people that are 20 miles to/from my home office. Pricing will be based on location there after. Please contact me for pricing and additional information at jenniferleaphotography@live.com
Thanks!

Stay Tuned....

It has been a VERY busy (and exciting) week and a half; with a wedding, duathalon and family in town during the week. My husband's brother got married this weekend and had a beautiful wedding, I completed my first duathalon on Sunday, and we visited with family and friends we do not see enough. I will have these creative sessions done by the weekend. Thanks for your patience!