Hello all blog friends! So, this is just a quick little post to announce my lack of blogs for this upcoming week. I will be in Las Vegas for WPPI! What is WPPI you ask? Well, Wedding & Portrait Photographers International, or my favorite way I have heard it described is Disneyland for photographers. If you have been following my blog lately I hope you noticed how hard I have been working to constantly push myself creatively and bring you high quality original work. I’m not going to lie, the life of a professional artist is absolutely a wonderful way to live. However, it can also be a tasking one. We are subject to constant comparison to our peers. Not to mention, openly sharing our work is also an open invitation for criticism. And most importantly, our jobs don’t just rely on being able to physically complete a task. We also have to be creative visual thinkers, and some days this is more tiring than running 13 miles. I have heard some people who have been in the industry for much longer talk about this field weighing on them. They’ve lost the spark and it does become a job instead of a passion. Well, I never want to let this be me and if it ever does, I believe it is my failure as an artist. Part of my responsibility as a professional is staying motivated and taking care of myself. This is why there are things like WPPI… and yoga (which I need to do more of). Just before wedding season is in full swing, I plan on coming back to you more inspired and more motivated than ever. I am so so excited and I look forward to sharing it all here with you when I return. If you want daily updates, remember to follow me on twitter! http://twitter.com/jenwillphoto
peace, love, and a photo for the road…
jen
Oldie but goodie. Self portrait of Brad and I, originally created for Artini. I thought it had a bit of a Vegas flare.
Brad completed the video of our shoot Sunday and I must say he did an amazing job! It took me a second to get over the initial shock of seeing and hearing myself on camera. Yes, I really am that big of a nerd. No, I don’t think my shoes look good with that outfit (It was really muddy). Yes, I often lay down, climb on stuff, touch people, and invade there personal space during shoots. However, it’s all in the name of art!
Originally I wanted to make a promo video and try to make myself look as cool as possible. Then in all my planning for the shoot, planning for a video didn’t really happen. Instead, Brad just filmed the shoot from his point of view. So this is me, and this is what it looks like while I work. Now, to rave about Brad some more…when I saw how he so beautifully pieced together the music, the photos and captured such a feel for what I do… oh… *tear.* I love it! If you like it it too, leave Brad some comment love. I hope I will get to feature much more work from him in the future!
March 3, 2010 - 9:58 pmFan - I cried, your captured true love with your music and video.
March 4, 2010 - 11:43 amgpa - You made us cry....so touching!
March 4, 2010 - 12:08 pmGma - Brad, you sure captured Jennie's sweet spirit. Every thing went together perfectly. Seeing Jennie at work with the stunning couple just got to me. Thanks for your great work, gma.
March 5, 2010 - 12:35 amApril Tyson - Jennifer- I've decided that when I finally get pregnant I'm going to come to you for my maternity shots! You are amazing at what you do!
Brad- What a great video!
You two could take over the world with your artistic ability! =)
This weekend I went back out to one of my all time favorite locations for the engagement photos of Debbie and Jim. It was a beautiful day. I’m pretty sure the weather must have known we were shooting in the name of love and cleared up just for us. Debbie and Jim are one of those couples with that special spark. I cannot wait for their wedding! It is going to be beautiful, classy, sophisticated and most of all fun… just like them.
As I was sitting here blogging Brad and I decided to dub the location “the neon graveyard of the central valley.” Seriously, where else can you find this much beautiful eclectic junk all in one place? Of course, since I was heading out to my absolute favorite location, I also brought my entourage of talent. Mary-Ann once again did a fabulous job with make-up. Alan Urquhart shot along with me and I was super excited to have Brad there filming. He is making a little video of the day I hope to share with you soon. I should also say a big thanks to all three of them for watching my back. They only let me wander into mud puddles twice and saved me a few times from tripping or falling while I was super focused on shooting. AND – a big thanks to Debbie and Jim for being so fabulous and stylish!
March 3, 2010 - 2:32 amLauryn Marette - These are great Jen! I always love looking at your engagement shots.
March 3, 2010 - 9:02 amCoy Townson - Excelent images...beautiful lady and a handsome man. I never thought that my childhood playground (dad's junkyard) would be a set for photography someday. Can't wait to see the video.
March 3, 2010 - 10:49 amgpa - Another set of great pictures Jen!
March 3, 2010 - 12:44 pmJessica Frey - Stunning! The light was fantastic for you guys...and I'm now in love with the yellow VW bug..how cute!
March 4, 2010 - 12:49 amJanet Fadale - What gorgeous photos!!!!!AND...what a very handsome couple!!!I just love the vintage anything and the site you chose is just amazing!!! Truly Beautiful!!!Thank you for sharing!!!
XXOO
Janet
March 4, 2010 - 2:20 pmCarol Hoppert - Absolutely breathtaking photos...congratulations to the bride and groom.
After Mary-Ann stepped in front of my camera for the Valentine’s Day Pin-Up shoot, I realized how perfectly my favorite make-up artist photographs. I did warn her I was going to make her model again…. and again. So, this weekend when she made a surprise visit to Bakersfield for her mother’s birthday, we decided to set up a shoot too. We didn’t give our selves much time to organize. So Mary-Ann stepped in and did a beautiful job as Dorothy. Rigo was once again my go to guy and filled the role of the Scarecrow.
In case you didn’t know, I happen to love the Wizard of Oz. I even brought out my old Halloween costumes from junior high and used elements from them to style up our modern take on the classic. Then once we started collaborating, we decided there would be no ruby slippers and blue gingham for us. However, I would like to point out Mary-Ann is kicking it old school in some stunning silver shoes, just like the original book. I absolutely love creating these fairtytale shoots. It begins with a story for inspiration, and grows from there. Here are three images I created from our shoot today.
With the thoughts you’ll be thinkin you could be another Lincoln if you only had a brain….
Come along, Dorothy. You don’t want any of those apples.
Monday morning I took a little drive out to Visalia to meet a very special couple. Kelsey, the bride to be, invited me out to her family’s dairy for an engagement session.
It was a beautiful day at a beautiful location. The valley fog welcomed me as it sat atop the fields, and was soon on it’s way to make room for the sunshine. Kelsey and Nic were full of laughter and made the shoot a lot of fun. We chatted about how they met, chased some birds and even did a little off roading through some orchards.
It seems like it’s been forever since Kelsey booked her wedding with me. She based her decision from a referral of her cousin, who is one of my closest friends and we handled everything over email. So, after all this time we still had yet to meet. I must say Monday’s shoot was way past due and after finally meeting them I am even more exciting about their wedding! I think you can see why in the photos…
February 18, 2010 - 4:11 pmTherese Dozier - They are cutie patooties!! You did such a good job! Love Love the shot of the tree with the birds!!
February 18, 2010 - 4:14 pmPatrick Ang - Wow. Where do I start? The field shot, the frame, the ring, the barn... This is your best yet.
February 18, 2010 - 4:53 pmMonica - I love this engagement shoot! I too love the bird pics!
February 18, 2010 - 8:43 pmNick's Parents - Great photos and GREAT looking couple! Of course, we're biased.
February 18, 2010 - 8:49 pmMarci - These photos totally reminded me of home. I really liked the almond blossoms and the barn with the hay bales, its things like that i don't see up here.
February 18, 2010 - 11:55 pmKelsey Faria - LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!! <3
February 19, 2010 - 8:21 amLinda Rangel - Jen, love the photos.
February 19, 2010 - 11:33 amJen - Wow! Thank you everyone! :) You all made my day. Can't wait for the wedding!!
February 19, 2010 - 8:39 pmAmber Christian - Jennie, I love them all. You're amazing! My fav is the one of them sitting in the grass holding the frame. What a great idea!
February 20, 2010 - 1:46 pmGma - Stunning photo's Jennie. what a darling couple! I love the setting too. The photo by the shed took my breath away.
Last week I ordered a photo book of one of my all time favorite shoots. I’m returning to the fabulous salvage yard location later this month for an engagement session, and I wanted to get the owner of the property a thank you gift. I thought it would be nice to design and order a photo book of my Bonnie and Clyde shoot for him to have as a keepsake. I was super happy with my design and anxiously awaited it’s arrival. Then, my day was made when I opened up my order and found a note from my print lab. They often include hand written thank you notes in orders. However, this one was not just a thank you note (for spending money with them), it was actually a note to give me kudos. Well, Sadie T in the color department, even if you wrote a dozen notes today, thank you for taking the time to let me know you liked my work! It’s always an amazing feeling knowing your work can connect with people you’ve never even met.
February 18, 2010 - 1:28 amJessica Frey - Wow...Jen, that's awesome! What a great suprise, and it's true...you've got style and talent :)
February 18, 2010 - 2:51 amLauryn Marette - The book looks awesome Jen! Very classy/elegant/grungy/love :)
February 18, 2010 - 10:42 amTherese Dozier - I love this shoot too! Did you ever submit it? You should it is so on point!
February 18, 2010 - 12:09 pmCoy Townson - I'm speechless...dad is going to love this. His junkyard being used for art. That will make him very happy. Thanks Jen
February 18, 2010 - 2:59 pmPatrick Ang - Awesome work Jen!!!!
February 14th, 2010 was more than just Valentine’s Day for Garrett and Shelley Lubben. It also marked their 15th wedding anniversary. To help commemorate such a special day, I was honored to be asked to take sweet heart photos of the two of them. This was not my first photo shoot with Shelley Lubben. You can see much more of my work with Shelley, and learn about her cause at www.ThePinkCross.org.
I think it’s pretty apparent, but whether Garrett and Shelley are rockin their glam style or snuggling at home, the love radiates between them. Their playful side also came out when we made a stop at the delicious Moo Creamery mid shoot. After all, what sweet heart session would be complete without sharing some sweets?
Happy Anniversary Garrett and Shelley! Thank you for not only giving me so many opportunities to document once in a lifetime experiences, but for also sharing the intimate special moments in your life with me and my camera.
February 17, 2010 - 8:24 amCarrie - Wow....beautiful work with a beautiful GOD filled couple. May God continue to bless them and you in your work.
February 17, 2010 - 12:14 pmTherese Dozier - Really Sweet!! I love the Moo Creamery part of the shoot!! Awesome work Jen!
February 17, 2010 - 1:01 pmJaylee - Oh my goodness....Shelley, you are so beautiful!! I envy you the relationship you have!!!
February 17, 2010 - 2:19 pmJan - Beautiful work Jen, Shelley and Garrett are an awesome God filled and blessed couple. Keep up the good work. I wish you were closer, I would ask you to do a shoot for me and my family. God Bless!!
Jan
When fabulous make-up artist Mary-Ann approached me to do a pin-up themed Valentine’s Day shoot I was so excited. Then, her fabulous hair stylist Jena wanted to get in on the action, and before we knew it, we had a full blown pin-up party! Thanks to my good friend and fellow photog Jessica Frey, I even got some shots of me! (Check out her blog to see photos of me and more photos of the girls.)
I even happened to have the perfect place for a Vintage Valentine’s Day Baking Theme- my kitchen! This is part of the reason I love my apartment. It is the coolest apartment ever, and my love for it is part of the reason I have yet to join the adult world of home ownership. It has a bathroom that would probably rent out as a large bedroom in New York City and a classic stove that came straight from the original Be Witched TV show. No matter where I live in the future, I will always love this place. I am so glad I got to document it in such a special way!
Make Up by Mary-Ann Jones
Hair by Jenna of Styles by Jenna over at the Contere Salon at 4441 Ming Ave.
February 2, 2010 - 2:15 amchristina looker - cute. cute. cute. thumbs up to jessica too, dig that look on you chicky!! ;) that looks like it was a blast to shoot!!! you ladies rocked it! jen you know i loveeee it! good times, good times!
February 2, 2010 - 10:31 amTherese Dozier - SO CUTE!!! I LOVE JESS"S Shoes!! Jen you so rock, it's not even funny!
February 2, 2010 - 10:43 amJessica Frey - Thanks Jen for making me look so vintage-y good! :) Had a blast working with all 3 of you lovely ladies!!
February 2, 2010 - 6:15 pmGma - Fantastic, Jennie. I love every picture. Your kitchen is so neat. Love your story too.
February 6, 2010 - 1:03 pmRock 'n Roll Bride · Retro Pin Up Valentines Lovelies - [...] have been inundated with Valentine’s themed submissions, however this retro/pin up shoot from Jen Will may well be one of my utter [...]
As some of you may know, Brad and I have done some video projects together before. We made our infamous stop motion video, various 5D tests, and basketball highlights for our work with the Shafter basketball team. Well, this time, I must say Brad has really out done himself! My work on this project is minimal… if any. Actually, I really can’t take credit for any of it. I just think it’s totally awesome and want to share.
This video is Brad’s submission for a scholarship contest at Musician’s Institute. If you like what you see and wouldn’t mind taking a few minutes to go vote at this link, I would really appreciate it! : MI Full Ride Link
Steps to Voting:
1. Go to this link and sign up as a fan. http://fullride.mi.edu/
2. Then go to brad’s profile page at this link and select vote for this musician.
I also got the chance to snap a few photos while I was hanging out at the studio with him. Big thanks to B2 Studios for being so accommodating and providing such a cool backdrop.
Last month was the Kern County Bridal Association Christmas party. I originally intended to just blog about that. Then, I posted the photos on my facebook page first where they have been tagged and commented and shown much love. So instead, I thought I would take an opportunity to discuss something I think is super awesome to consider including on your wedding day…
The Photo Booth! – Seriously, photo booths are the coolest!! Last month at the Christmas Party a photo booth was provided by Sit n Grin and it was lots of fun.
There are lots of different versions of photo booths now days but no matter how techy they get, my favorites all include a curtain and a printed photo strip with four frames. I love the nostalgic charm, especially in black & white. Cozy up to a friend or loved one, or hop in solo. Either way when you sit behind that curtain everyone seems to let their personality shine through. There is something about a photo booth that can’t help being candid, even when you know it’s coming (or think you know). It’s a really great way to snap a head shot of every guest in a fun yet classy way. Not to mention how it allows your photographer the freedom to focus on capturing the story of the event and keep her mind on creatively capturing beautiful moments.
Just before wedding season is in full swing, I plan on coming back to you more inspired and more motivated than ever. I am so so excited and I look forward to sharing it all here with you when I return. If you want daily updates, remember to follow me on twitter! http://twitter.com/jenwillphoto
Come along, Dorothy. You don’t want any of those apples.
Poppies… poppies will put them to sleep…
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