Our Blog is MOVING!!!!

While I absolutely love the ease of using Blogger, I am shifting my entire photographic focus from "Photography by Jessica Noelle" to "Portraiture With A Purpose."

Portraiture with a Purpose is intended to help people and the community get "more bang for the buck."  As Portraiture With a Purpose, I enable people to invest in heirloom photography while donating a portion of every session, order &/or event to the charity of their choosing.  Together, we can invest in memories of today and the dreams of tomorrow.

There is a bit of "construction" still happening on the new Blog Site, but new information and highlights are being added regularly.

Please come on over to the new blog.
You may also become a fan/like our Facebook Page.

See You soon!!!
- Jess

How To Get the MOST of Your Photography Sitting

No matter if you are a High School Senior, an Expecting Parent, a Corporate Executive or the Grandchild of 16, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure your photography sitting not only yields awesome photos, but is FUN!

(1) RELAX & LET'S TALK/PLAY:   You are amazing, your child is amazing, your family is awesome- even if a zit popped up on the tip of your nose this morning, the baby is crying when you arrive or you spilled coffee on your lap on the way over.  (Not a big deal in this age of technology and Photoshop.)  Our goal is to see YOU, the subject, in a photo.  A good photographer can get around just about anything you can throw at them. When you simply "show up" as the relaxed version of yourself, we get to see the light that is you shinning brightly.

(2) LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS:  Ok, not literally.  What I mean by this is that you need to let go of there being a "perfect" photo or a "perfect" sitting for a 14 month old.  The "perfect" photo will happen without you trying to be perfect or scolding your child to smile.  Sometimes it's the sweet closed eyes or an infectious laugh which leap out of the photo and grab our hearts, let those moments be the perfect moment they are.

Seriously, I wish it had occurred to me to have a hidden camera in the studio to video tape parents during their child's session. Parents would be appalled to see themselves sometimes.

(3) BRING A JUST IN CASE BAG:  If it's just you, bring a change out-fit just in case you aren't "feeling it" in what you showed up in and a water or snack.   Sometimes just knowing you have options you like puts you at ease.

If you are bringing children I suggest:
     - FOOD & TREATS: to both ensure they aren't hungry and as bribing tools if necessary.
     - EXTRA CLOTHES:  kids are messy & a clothes changing opportunity often yields adorable images.
     - FAVORITE TOY or DOLL: a good photographer will have the toy or doll help take the photos and keep even the least cooperative kid entertained for a minute or two-  Long enough to capture at least ONE spark of joy.

The key is to just be yourself and think of your mini-session as your opportunity to SHINE. Tell the kids it's their time to be a star or simply play with "Miss Jess" or whomever your photographer is.  If you are enjoying yourself and allowing the children to enjoy themselves,  you will be floored by the phenomenal images that result

Family Sports Day

Kids are funny. It does not matter if it's raining, cold, yucky or otherwise not pleasant outside. If you've been away from the kiddos for one or more days at a time, all they want to do is play with you.

These are the moments worthy of your walls, with everyone in them.  

This is my family, but I would love you to think about setting aside an hour to simply play with your children.
Take a walk and see all the 'cool' things they see.
HINT to DADs: Mom's LOVE it when you think to organize a play date with the family. 
We moms especially LOVE if you also hire a photographer to stealthily capture this awesome family time & present us with amazing family photos as a gift. (Mother's day is right around the corner really.)

Indoor Pond

I love children. I love them when they're happy, I love them when they're sad. 

I love to photograph children just being children. 

I really love photographing children as they teach us to remember to find the joy in things like your basement flooding. Today I accomplished almost nothing I wanted to do and everything I needed to do. Enjoy this little snip-it of our day. 

It's Time to Reserve Your Iris Garden Photos

IMG_3194MusictoLord, originally uploaded by jessicanoelle.

I am certain that if you live remotely near the Presby Iris Gardens in Montclair, NJ you may think I am a bit insane in starting the reservations now, but I have found that if we wait until the Crocus has broken through the snow most people have to scramble to make their session be what they want it to be. This year, we are planning ahead and marking our calendars in pencil.

I will be shooting just 16 Iris Mini-Sessions this year. Each mini-session is a steal at just $95. Sessions are 30 minutes and include an 8x10, three rights released jpegs and the option to purchase eco-conscious prints at the "friends & family" rate. 

Don't miss your opportunity to create an eco-heirloom album from your session.
This year we are offering the GP Albums "The Green Album" at a low introductory rate as well.

I will be driving by the gardens regularly to keep you posted, or you may follow the Iris Garden Web-Cam to keep you up to date on Spring's progress.

If you have not yet already booked your Spring/Easter Photos, I will be using my RI & NJ Home Studios for 2010 Spring/Easter Photos this year. There are a few spots left in each state. New Jersey has openings on March 13th, while Rhode Island has openings the afternoon of March 20th & 26th.

Tips on how to get the most from your 30 minute sessions are coming in the blog this week.
See you all soon!!!!

Remembering It's the Little Things

Sometimes (ok often) I get so caught up in trying to figure out how I can best serve and trying to figure out where the path is leading me, that I completely forget to just "Be Here Now" .

Today, as Cadence was taking the time to sit on the Potty and just be her little self... It occured to me that THIS is special. This is a special moment between a Girl and her Mommy talking and playing while she learns to use the potty.  So I reached up, swept her growing out bangs off her face and asked her  if I could take her picture.  No sooner did she get "sure Mommy" across those precious lips was I literally RUNNING down the two sets of stairs to get my good camera from the car.  I seriously made it back to the bathroom in less than a minute...

 
And then, a moment in the bathroom turned into a full photo shoot for Cadie and her animals (This girl LOVES to stage!) Here is the rest of our shoot through the end:

And then, Rene of MakeItRain, Inc came to ME to discuss how we could work together in an Agent/Talent kind of way- It was AWESOME!!!  The "show" Cadie put on for us in my kitchen was even better. Next time, VIDEO!!!

Stewardship, Guess How Much?!?!?!?!

 I believe strongly that we are each to be responsible for all the amazing assets and skills we are blessed with.  I believe that as a business woman it is my responsibility to charge my clients a fair and reasonable rate at all times, to never require more for my services than is needed to cover my actual expenses. I also believe that every cent you and I spend needs to garner the most it possibly can for the investment.

I believe my favorite "game" on the planet is one many of my married friends "play" with their significant others when we walk in the door with some fantastic item that makes us smile from ear to ear.  I believe the item itself can be what is bringing us so much pride and joy, but even more so, for many of us, is the AMAZING DEAL we got on this little peace of Heaven!!!

I call this game, "Guess how much?!?!?!?!?!"    The more significant the savings for this quality product, the more points the finder earns. The higher the point tally, the better we are at being good stewards.

So, with that said, I want to introduce you to LivingSocial Deals.  If you don't know about them yet, here is the introduction you've been missing.   LivingSocial Deals has a daily "coupon" for the major cities of the US, every day. The coupon can be for facials, Spas, Gift Cards to restaurants, discounts to activities you've always wanted to try, etc..  My first LivingSocial Deal was 80% off indoor sky-diving in LA, I am going next week with my brother and a friend of ours from High School.   I am certain there will be a blog and photos from that experience!!!

Click here, to sign up for LivingSocial Deals. You'll get a $5 credit towards your first deal and I will also earn $5 credit towards my next deal- Fantastic isn't it?!   The link will pop up Providence, but after you sign up you will be able to change your city of preference- it just so happens that Providence is my city of Preference. I check LA and Boston every day for deals I can use when I am shooting there as well :-)

Enjoy playing Guess How Much?!?!?!?!?!

I can't pick a favorite

So we'll pretend that I have model releases in hand for these already :-)  

I LOVE working with Creatives on Non-Traditional portrait sessions.  So here you go...
(these are REALLY low res for the blog)

S 

 

    

 

And her band, SEXCoffee, ROCKS!!!!  

Where would you have me go????

My over-arching Goal in life is to serve as many people as I possibly can through my photography. I was inspired to officially declare myself a Concierge Photographer as we rang in 2010, a concept which is becoming increasingly defined as the year moves forward. 

I realized two weeks ago, while sitting in sacrament meeting, right in the middle of church, that not only do I need to be a Concierge Photographer but I need you to be involved in helping me serve.  

This week, during the portions of the night that I have been sleeplessly laying in bed from the flu, a fantastic lecture on Manifest-ing by Gabrielle Bernstein came to me in my email.

 

Watch the Manifesting Video Here

Last Night, I stayed up significantly too late to take advantage of my printer's amazing free product offerings. I was blessed to be able to create phase one of  Portraits for A Cause last night, Senior Portraits. (Thank you Luc & Victoria!!)

 

This morning I purchased the related domains for Portraits for a Cause to officially exist on the internet.     In the coming days I will be creating the physical materials & web-site content for all the Portraits for a Cause Programs.   I will not decide which cause you choose to support with your portraits, but it is my hope that Portraits for a Cause will be the parent of the Non-Profit I intend to build during 2010 and launch in 2011.

In 2011 I plan to launch "Six Weeks Home."   Six Weeks Home will be a program where-by mothers who could not otherwise afford for both parents to take at least three weeks off, six weeks off for mom, following the birth of their child to have the means to do so.   My daughter's dad was home with me for 21 days and I had my mother to help me for just over a week, that bonding time was invaluable. It is my goal to help give the means for time home to as many families as possible.

I currently have a few people who have asked if they may share the word of my work and goal with their friends and clients, if you too would like to carry Portraits for a Cause business cards, place a flier or two up in places you go, have a portrait fund-raiser for your group or  would like to link to our future web-site... we would LOVE to hear from you!!! 

Next Month, when all products are organized, web-site is live, daily schedule is created & has been analyzed,  I will be visiting local churches, businesses, country clubs & press-releasing our launch.  If you are potentially interested in creating an event for something you are involved in, let me know!

The Beauty of Woman

I had a most amazing and fantastic time shooting with one my new photography partners, her awesome HERO of a hairstylist friend who saved us when our classic make-up & hair artist didn't show & so many amazing women... all of whom exude physical and true beauty in every way. 

By way of reminder, The Beauty of a Woman by Ardem, highlighted by shots from today. 

The beauty of a woman
Is not in the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries,

Or the way she combs her hair. 

The beauty of a woman
Must be seen from her eyes,

Because that is the doorway to her heart,

The place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman
Is not a facial mole,

But true beauty in a woman
Is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring she lovingly gives,
The Passion that she shows.

If you thought about shooting with us today, but could not make it, we look forward to seeing you in the coming months. 

Pin Up and Boudoir shoots are the last Sunday of every month at the JM Kennedy Dance and Pole Fitness Studio.

We are located in the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI.

It's Cool to Brag about Your Spouse

Normally I would be blogging to remind you that Valentine's Day is less than three weeks away, that we have a pin-up/boudoir session this Sunday (Jan 31st) in Rhode Island if you want to sign up and do photos of you for  yourself or your love and that if you'd simply like to do some cool, fun photos of you, I am at your beckon call. However, I am not here to tell you those things. I am here because I would love to introduce you to this awesome t-shirt company with a mission to promote strong marriage & the pursuit thereof.

I know that no t-shirt is instantly going to heal an unstable relationship, but it sure can uplift our spouse and remind us how totally awesome we believe each other to be... good times!  The only thing that would make these better  would be if they were made of bamboo fiber instead of cotton... man oh man is bamboo SOFT!!!!  But, they are VERY, VERY, VERY cool- in my book.

Here is just one of the samples:

http://www.union28.net/

And guys... you too can tell us how much you dig your wife:

http://www.union28.net/

 So please do re-post and share this with your friends & family.... everyone deserves to know how much they are loved.

* And here is a litte incentive for you.

If you each buy a shirt for yourself (or as a gift for each other) & are willing to wear them for a photoshoot with me before April 1st, 2010. (I intend to be in California between now & then so everyone may take advantage.) I will deduct the cost of one shirt for each of you from the normal sitting fee of $125 & give you a session with one change of clothes. I will give you ALL the final images from your Union28 shoot and my six favorites of your 2nd outfit on DVD (a $475value.)  

Make it Your Own

From location to Jewelry,  your wedding should scream this is the first day of _________ & _______'s lives together.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how this couple did it!!!!

About this awesome couple on OBB

 

Seriously, How Could ending up in the pool be bad???

A Life Well Lived, A Testament of Hope

The Essential Writting and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. have influenced my life almost as significantly as the Bible.   I  stumbled upon the collection at a Thrift Store in my teen years, it took me almost five years to read them all. I let each speech speech, sermon or writting stand on it's own two feet and sink in.   In  my opinion, "I had a dream" was actually one of the lesser poignant speeches Dr.King made.    If you aren't familiar with the vast field of works by this great mean, I highly suggest you pick up A Testament of Hope. It is worth EVERY cent & hour you invest.

I am so in awe of how significantly this great thinker changed the scope of so many people's focus that I had these grandios plans to schedule a service project my daughter & I could get all her neighborhood friends involved in to honor the spirit of the late Martin Luther King, Jr..  Alas, in my head this morning I am hearing "the road to He*L is paved in good intentions and non-action."   So, instead of feeling bad, I am just moving the day to next week for my daughter & I.  (She's still young enough, she'll never know  & the lesson won't be lost)
 
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!!!!

Enticing Fitness for Women, New Classes begin 1.18.10

Bring the girls and have a GREAT time getting yourself ready for "the big day" or just come on down and empower your inner Goddess to come out & play!!!! 

The next session of fun & enticing fitness classes begin Monday, 1.18.10 at JMKennedy Pole & Fitness Studio located at the Hope Artiste Villiage in Pawtucket, RI.

There are classes in Belly Dancing, Begining Pole, Advanced Pole, Chair, Polates and Zumba.

This Session Class times are as follows:  Sign Up online, it's easy!!!!

Looking forward to seeing you there Ladies!!!!

Monday

6:30 p.m. Basic Pole  (SOLD OUT)

6:30 p.m. Basic Belly Dancing

7:30 p.m. Basic Pole

7:30 p.m. Chair II

7:30 p.m. Zumba w/ Joyce

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. Basic Pole  (SOLD OUT)

6:30 p.m. Basic Chair

7:30 p.m. Zumba

8:30 p.m. Basic Pole

Wednesday

5:30 p.m. Pole Level II

6:30 p.m. Basic Pole

7:30 p.m. Zumba w/ Joyce

Thursday

6:30 p.m. Basic Pole

6:30 p.m. Basic Chair

7:30 p.m. Zumba

7:30 p.m. Belly Dancing II

Saturday

11:00 p.m. Pole level I & II

12:00 p.m. Zumba

1:00 p.m. Polaties

Next Session I will be leading Stroller Fitness two mornings a week, as well as the children's portion of "Wiggle/Giggle" (the kids get to wiggle with me in one studio area while the moms get to Giggle through Pole Class.)

See you at The Studio!!!!! 

Oh!!! I almost forgot!!! For those of you who are interested but live significantly too far away, check out these DVDs.

Down the Shore

I admit that even after five years living in New Jersey, I still do not understand why the locals say they are going "down the shore." However, this past weekend I did indeed go "down the shore" to Sea Bright. It was interesting to see the rock sea-wall separating the beach from the business & houses with the strategically built stairs over it to get to the beach (wouldn't you know I forgot to take a photo!!!)

Lindsay, Jeff  and I took complete advantage of our 54 degree January "heat-wave"!!

Check  it out, bare feet in January in New Jersey!!!!

... yay for friends referring friends. Looking forward to seeing everyone again in August!!!

Your New Image- Profile Photos on Your Lunch Hour

I would like to help you make your best first impression.  In a world where we meet someone randomly and then check Facebook to see if they're on, your professional and personal photos of you build your image.  If you want to ensure your online images of yourself give the best impression possible, "Your New Image" sessions have been created just for you.

Sessions on Your New Image Fridays are half an hour, allow for us to do three different location shots at the studio and are just $75.  Your New Image sessions take place at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI on the 4th Friday of the month from 9:30-Noon and 1-4pm, as well as the 4th Tuesday of every month from 4-6:30pm.

In an effort to assist you in updating your image, Photography by Jessica Noelle will come to your office during your lunch hour and accomplish these same portraits.  Sessions outside of the studio or alternate times, begin at just $125.

Call or email via the contact information on http://www.jessicanoelle.com to schedule your session. Walk ins will only be accomidated if another person does not show. :-/

Valentine's Day Pin-Up or Boudoir Photos & Intro Pole Dancing Class

Yes, you read that right. I have joined the amazing team of women at JM Kennedy Entertainment in the Hope Artist Village of Pawtucket, RI & we would like to help you make this the best Valentine's Day you & your Love have experienced thus far.     

Imagine, a photography session as a magical and empowering moment. Come reveal your inner self  lounging on our decadent couch or simply playing with the camera. Bring your favorite baby-doll nightie, that grab that corset you love or your favorite silk robe...  It is all about confidence and empowerment.

These could be you...

 

 

 You may reveal as much or as little as you want, we will be shooting in a private area of the studio,  noone will be watching. We have lots of props to help you capture your look. (gloves, jewelry, fabric,and fans. You will have the opportunity to get Glamorous and while the session images are being processed you’ll be treated to an introductory Pole Class.

This is a gift party you don't want to miss. Sessions are just 45 minutes long Jan 31st, starting at 12 Noon.  Please come with your hair clean & either curled or straightened. We will help you get it up if you do not already know how to get it pinned up. Sessions are just $75.  If you are unable to make our sessions, private photo-only sessions &/or Boudoir Parties may be scheduled in-studio, in-home or in my home studio.  Private Sessions & Parties begin at $95/person.

"I hated having my picture taken. I turned to Jessica and expected to simply suffer through it. One of my favorite meditations since that day is to recall the experience. It always puts me in a mind to revere who I am. I've never experienced anything like the joy Jessica Noelle brings to truly seeing you. " - Jill Guntur, Author of "I AM A PROMISE: A Practical Guide to the Soul's Journey"

Wedding Porn

No, not really porn, just images that completely turn my passion for photography on.  I absolutely  LOVE when couples are up for anything and want to "play" instead of just getting their photos taken.  I had such a phenomenal time ringing in the New Year with Scott, Jessica & all their guests!!

Here are the sneak peaks... more to follow when I actually sit down to edit the wedding.

The Riverview, Simsbury, CT

 

 

 

 

  Honestly, I could not have asked for a more amazing wedding to begin 2010.