Finley Turns 2

So my little girl is two, how did this happen so fast? From when she was born until now, she has changed so much into the little gem that she is today.

I have no other kids to compare her to, but I think she is nuts. I love it. She giggles at funny noises, Elmo, Bubble Guppies, and her Mom and Dad. She likes to roll around on the floor with her Dad, walk in circles in her footy pajamas at night.... while trying to dodge over the toys that cover the carpet (thank god we don't have plastic legos right now), and read books with her Mom. When you are reading certain parts in each book that she likes, she looks only at you and smiles as you read.

She loves to eat and try new foods. She may love something one day and hate it then next. She decided to boycott blueberries for a month and then decided she liked them again. She eats popcorn just like Grandpa and crunches it like a little champ. Her favorite food, a food that she will pick over everything else....is CHEESE! What can I say?...this Wisconsin-born girl has it right.

She likes little character and animal toys right now. She knows all of their names. She carries them around, kisses each one, and sometimes puts them on top of her head. She is a tornado. I'm sure our living room will never look tidy again. She will empty toy baskets entirely before she decides what she wants to play with...like it's her job.

She likes to sleep in the morning...(just like Mom) and drags her blanket to her bed when she is ready to retire at night. She is EASY and we are so blessed to have such a good girl.... OH, she has her moments!...be they are usually short lived (like when she has to get over that she cannot empty the entire dvd collection onto the living room floor). It hurts her feelings...be she survives.

I don't know what she will do, or where she will go....all I know is she will always be LOVED unconditionally. I hope she understands what a difference she has made in all of our lives and how her little arrival in this world gave so many of us hope; she's a new chapter. She will put her own unique imprint on this world and it will be fun to watch. I've learned that this life is much bigger than just me.

So now that she is two, I wanted to document that milestone with some pictures. I shot her 2-year photos in a couple sessions because she was close to napping in the first one and I didn't want to push it. My indoor setup is working quite well and I am still using natural light even though I should be exploring flash a little more. Taking her 2-year photos were actually easier than I had anticipated. I have a couple more 2-year sessions coming up soon and was glad to get a little indoor practice.

Enjoy.

Photography

In the last few months photography has taken over my life in a way. It is that new creative outlet that I have fallen in love with and not only because it brings joy to take pictures of my daughter, but it brings happiness to others too. I originally bought my camera to document my daughter's milestones, but that has now changed. I am also able to share my gift with friends and family.

I feel myself choosing photography more and more over other mediums. I now have a little more experience shooting weddings, families, seniors, kiddos, and even animals. I've experienced the pros and cons of each!

You are under so much pressure at a wedding.... so nerve-wracking. You only have one chance to get it right. But when you are taking those photos, you can feel so much love and you can't help but smile the whole day and feel good. It's great!

Senior photos can be fun and personalized. You can bring the beautiful from the inside....out. It is fun to see individual personalities glow. I've learned that it is fun to take random pics with farm cats who keep "photo bombing."

Shooting little kids is different; they can sometimes be little stinkers and make you work harder to get the perfect shot. This doesn't bother me, I like candid photos of kids being who they are.

My daughter usually has a pretty serious face when I'm taking pictures. When I can do something silly to make her laugh and get that smile, at least I know it is a real one. Too many people are concerned with getting that photo where all of their kids have the constant "perma-grin" and appear to be the perfect, happy family. Not me. I look for the real....the now.......

The next few are pics of my friend's daughter. This little cutie has the biggest.... beautiful.... eyes and cutest.... chubby.... cheeks. Can't get enough :)

 

I am happy, almost giddy when I am able edit a photo and it turns out to be the coolest thing I've ever done.....until I top that with something else. Sometimes I surprise myself with some shots and think that they could be the result of a "happy accident." But I would never tell the client (they think I have some mad skills). And I like to play along.

Sometimes I take pictures that are just cool and hope that the client likes them just as much if not more than I do. "Cool" is the only word that fits these next couple photos.



My editing style is slowly evolving...it takes a little time of tweaking, but I think I'm getting there. I'm happy with how my photos look, but I know that there is always room for improvement.

I want to thank everyone who has given me the chance to document an important time in their life if only for a moment. Time goes by so fast and sometimes we forget how precious the every day can be. Enjoy your loved ones...... the giggles, the smiles, and even the really serious looks.

I am enjoying the journey as my photography evolves. I'm looking forward to improving my "indoor" photography skills over the winter months. Baby steps...stay tuned!

~Jenna

Lastest Children Photography

Photography is a medium that I am sinking into more each day. I've struggled with finding my editing style. I know how I like to crop and balance the images in my photos, I just am unsure of the "feel" that I am looking for or if I can have a couple different styles and just use those. I like bright and airy, I like bold and colorful, I like vintage washed and faded....so many ideas! Does it depend on the setting or imagery?

I feel as if my collection of photos look as if a eight different people sat down to edit. There is no consistency because I like many styles. If you have an opinion or insight on how you found your style....please help! I am still struggling and trying to develop or understand where I want to go.

Here are some of my photos from this summer in no particular order...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking.

 

I am enjoying the process, but am always looking for tips!

 

 

~Jenna

 

Art on the Green Results!

Art on the Green at UWL was a success! YAY! I even received a purchase award...cool!

I wasn't overly optimistic thinking I would sell everything or even half of everything I brought. I was hoping to at least make my entry fee back and break even. But I was pleasantly surprised on the pieces I sold and made a little money. It was my very first fair and enjoyed spending the afternoon among other artists and spectators.

 

 

 

 

Sometimes I feel like this misfit art maker with eclectic style and no one "gets" what I make. But I actually have a lot of supporters who reminded today me that what I am doing is so "cool." I want to thank all of the people who came to see me and also the new people who I met in the last couple of days!

I updated the sold items in my last post but you can see there are still many artworks available for purchase. Just email me if you have any questions or want to know pricing.



Several people were interested in this dripped painting. The coloring is so much better in person and this image does not do it justice as you can see!  A few people took cards and were going to measure a space for it....it is 30x40 inches. I would be happy to make arrangements for a local delivery but first one to contact me on it gets it!

Thanks again for all of the support! I hope to do some more fairs in the future.

~Jenna