Behind the Scenes with jenX

Through the years I have occasionally had clients who capture images of me working.  I thought I would share a compilation of some of their captures, to show a hint of what it is like to be hanging out on a session with jen X photography.  Here are some behind the scenes images and the portraits that were shot at the same time.

Alex Baker - Senior Portrait Session

Alex Baker 2 - Senior Portrait Session

Kaitlyn Thompson - Sweet 16 Portrait Session

Kaitlyn Thompson 2 - Sweet 16 Portrait Session

I captured this next shadow of me, shooting on a cattle gate. 

Pierce Family - Family Photography Session

Brennan Milligan - Senior Portrait Session

Erin Fox - Family Photography Session

Special thanks to Cathy Inman, Dawn Cornett, and Eileen Fox for sharing their kids with me, thinking to capture the whole story, and for sharing their images with me.  I don't often have pictures of myself, so I appreciate it greatly.

International Destination Maternity Photography

This week I had the great pleasure of shooting a Corporate Vacation for The Delta Companies on one of the Turks & Caicos islands.  Congratulations to Brandon Boyd for working hard enough in 2013 to win the vacation.  He and his wife Kerrie, also an employee at The Delta Companies, are expecting twins in just 7 short weeks.  While we were having a day on the beach, we made time for a mini maternity session.  Here are a few of my favorites from that afternoon.  The turquoise water is absolutely staggering there!  Bermuda triangle be damned!  It's worth the risk!  Stay tuned for some breathtaking moments from the rest of the vacation coming soon.  Meanwhile, enjoy! 

Destination Photography

What would you consider icing on a fantastic weekend at the Winter X Games?  An Engagement Photo Session on top of a mountain with two beautiful people…inside and out!  Congratulations to Frank Bauer and Nicole Lee on their upcoming nuptials in Aspen Colorado!  I can't wait to be back for the wedding.  Aspen is a charming town, full of fun loving adventurous people.  

First a shot from a beautiful sled day with Frank's daughter, Sloan.

This quick capture of the sunset was taken on the patio of the VIP tent that overlooks the Winter X Games.  By the looks of it, the sun is not the only thing melting the snow!  

We ventured up to the top of the mountain that overlooks all of the town of Aspen, and has a perfect view of the mountain range.  Absolutely breathtaking up there, and we got lucky with some unseasonably fantastic weather in January.

The outstanding DJ, Tiesto (tiesto.com) was down in the town playing a show for the X Games.  He was tearing it up, and the music was echoing off of the mountains.  It truly felt like we were having our own little private party up there on top of the mountain.  Spectacular, for sure!

These two are so adorable it is hard to pic favorite images.  Beautiful couple inside and out, and you can definitely feel the Love.

 Below is a good example of me being indecisive.  Sometimes I want to catch a moment in every light possible.  I want to see the mountain, but I want to see the couple, but I want to see the blue sky, but I want to catch a silhouette…oh hell, let's just make it all happen!  That's the beauty of knowing how to make your camera work for you, quick fast in a hurry! 

See?  "Can you feel the Love tonight?"

This last image brings to mind The Princess Bride for some reason.

As You Wish.

Looking ever so forward to being back in Aspen at the end of the month for the big event.  

We will be shooting at The Mountain Chalet, and I feel honored and blessed to get to play a part in it.  It is a real joy to capture some of the happiest moments in peoples lives.  Stay tuned for images from the Wedding coming soon.

"You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile!"

What to Wear Wardrobe Wise

 The most common question I get before a shoot is "What should we wear?"  In an effort to help explain what works best during a photography session, I have put together some samples of what photographs the best.  

Keyword: Coordinate, not Match.  

The days of all white or all black with jeans or khakis has passed.  Let's face it, it's kind of boring.  My favorite things are bright colors, layers, textures, and accessories.  Think "complete outfit."  Go the extra mile.  It pays off.  Matching tights, bows, hats, glasses, scarves are a must.  It's good to put bright colors and patterns on the kiddos, and then adults wear a coordinating solid.  Here are some family outfit ideas, and some color schemes that work well together: 

Things to AVOID:

1.)     Try not to be "Matchy Matchy."  Every persons unique personality should come through.  We were not all built to wear the same thing.  

2.)     No all white or all black...again, boring!  Also white is super light reflective, and black is super light absorbent.  You run the risk of standing out from the crowd in one of these.  If you must go dark, go Navy or Brown.  If you want to go light, go tan or pastel.  

3.)     Try to avoid greens and yellows for outdoor sessions.  They tend to clash with the grass.

4.)   Clashing Reds.  If more than one of you are wearing red, please make sure they are the same red, or at least coordinate.  No purply red, and orangy red together. 

5.)   No big logos, unless it is the clothing brand, i.e. Gap or Polo.  In other words, no Sponge Bob t-shirts!

Here are some great "boy" ideas that I found on Pinterest.  Great places to shop for complete outfits like these are The Gap, Old Navy, The Children's Place, Gymboree, Nordstrom, and Nemaan's.

Here are some cute "girl" ideas, also found on Pinterest.  Time to accessorize!  Think hats, scarfs, tights, bows, matching shoes, even purses or teddy bears can be fun accessories.  

The exception to the bright color rule is a Newborn Photography Session.  In this case it is preferable for the parents to be wearing all black.  Most newborn photo shoots are done in studio.  New moms are not usually excited about showing off their figure, and the baby needs to be the focal point anyhow.  When Mom and Dad wear all black, and the baby is naked, it makes for a nice display of the baby, which is the whole reason we are doing the shoot in the first place.  Shooting newborns this way ensures that we capture elated/proud parents and beautiful new babies.  Here are a few samples from my studio that illustrate this style:

Lastly, and most importantly: "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile!"

Happy Shooting.

How to keep your bridal gown clean during bridal portraits.

I had the pleasure of shooting bridal portraits for a brilliant bride this Memorial Day weekend.  She had an ingenious way to keep your bridal gown clean during bridal portraits.  Take an old sheet that you are okay with trashing.  Cut a hole in the middle and step into it.  Wrap your dress up in the sheet.  Voila!  Now we can walk all over God's green Earth, and not worry about getting your bridal gown dirty before the wedding.  Priceless.  Check out the results:

National Family Photographer

I got to have a family session in the country this past weekend.  East Texas makes for a great backdrop, and kids in boots are irresistible.  I had a fantastic time.  It's not every sitting that I get driven to the next location by a 12 year old on a 4 wheeler!  That's my idea of a great Sunday in East Texas.  Here are some of my favorite shots from a family photography session that I'll call Pure Country.  

My thanks to the Pierce family for having me out on their beautiful property and spending their Sunday afternoon with me.  Getting 7 children to "look & smile" may be a bit like herding cats or trying to rope a tornado, but I treasure being a part of helping families capture memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.