Will step back to get "The Shot"

I detest having my photo taken. I especially detest having my photo taken by someone I don't know. Sometimes three and a half year old children are absolutely not willing to have some stranger stick a camera in their face within 2.3 minutes of saying hello.

I get it.

Sometimes it's best to just go get the telephoto lens and, in theory, walk away from the session. Walking away to give someone space can create some beautiful moments in the long run. Here is how it worked last weekend.

I'm 100% Jealous!!!!

This is NOT my photo... I sooo, sooo, sooo wish it were (when I figure out who he/she is I'll update with a link).... I want couples this RAD!!!

Click on the photo or title for a slideshow of their photos....
These are the photos I'd take :-)

Loves Surprises!!!!

Last weekend I flew to Colorado to photograph Dave & Ingrid's wedding. Everyone had been so busy that we had hardly had time to communicate the plans for the weekend. All I knew was that I was at their photographic disposal as far as wedding events went.

I assumed the night before the wedding would be the rehearsal, instead it was the small intimate blessing ceremony for Liesl & Shawn. It was romantic & absolutely LOVELY!!!
Here a few little highlights.....

I'll remind you how amazing you are.....

My senior pictures were terrible. Seriously. I had my senior photos shot twice, I cried both times I saw the proofs. I did find two photos I could live with being bound in print for all of posterity to see, if they so chose. I pray I am NOT remembered by my senior photo.

Poor Ms. V's initial senior portrait session, with someone else, left her feeling like I did all those years ago. However, even without editing, she was smiling as she browsed the back of my camera.

You are amazing and beautiful/handsome.... and I'll show you. Here are V's sneaks.


V... "tilt your heeead!!!!" The rest will be upload to my web-site by the end of the weekend :-)

Jessica "Keeps the fun going"

It's not often a photographer's connection is to the groom and the first time the bride actually speaks with you is at the rehearsal, but that was the case last weekend, for me.

A friend of high school flew me out to Colorado to ensure his wedding weekend was captured well. In the process, I bonded with their entire family.

The Bride's Father is actually a Pastor himself & made the statement of this entry's title.
I learned that in their family's opinion, my energy draws people in & kept the often mundane moments from being anything but because my energy keeps everyone happy. He explained to me that he thoroughly appreciated my joy and presence in their family's festivities (and there were many.) Additionally, he told me that he wished there was someone like me near his congregation in Washington state. hehe- I reminded him I travel ;-)

Here are some highlights of his daughter
and my high school friend on their wedding day (click the title for more images):

Jessica Love the Sidelines

There are so many connotations about not living life on the side-lines, but I love the sidelines. I love to see the subtle changes in a players face, the details of the plays and the awesome shots afforded me when there is a 125+ pound guy wrapped in foam & team colors running directly toward my camera and end zone. I love to bring you right into the action and capture your sports story.
I am so thankful to be able to bring memories to life.

*I can't believe I live in this idyllic community!
Sorry Tillers... GO EAGLES!!!!!!