JEN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY » family

YOUR JOY: GAST

JEN — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:00:42 +0000

Last month, I was contacted by Jill to take some family photos. She had been referred to me and we had never met prior to our shoot, so I had no way of knowing how stinking adorable her little girl would be or that she and her sisters all have such incredible smiles!

We met at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. It was a beautiful afternoon and I enjoyed seeing this family interact with one another. The inside jokes, immediate laughter, and razzing reminded me of MY family. This is just how a family session should be!

I caught this shot of Dave and Janet flirting with one another…I hope that I can have that same feistiness with my hubby after years of marriage! Okay, Presley is just a total doll. I wanted to keep her! It was so fun to shoot down at the Ocean Institute. There were a ton of great sights to see, including the tall ships! See what I mean?! Presley made a funny face at her parents and we all started laughing, so she kept doing it. She’s 2 1/2, but seemed like a star to me already! SISTERS! The beautiful Gast sisters. Three generations! I told them to laugh and they instantly started busting up. I love inside jokes and family idiosyncrasies!

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YOUR ANTICIPATION: STACY

JEN — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:56:38 +0000

When I first became interested in taking my photography hobby to the next level, I enrolled in a class and was fortunate to meet a lovely woman named Stacy. We had photography in common, but I also just liked her sweet spirit and encouragement. While we were both pursuing careers in the same industry, Stacy had a passion for newborns and children’s photography…I’ve watched her progress and am nothing less than impressed by all she’s achieved.

A few months back, she sent me an email saying she and her husband were expecting their third child! There must be something in the water, because I have so many friends with a baby on board! I was shocked and thrilled when she asked me to document her pregnancy with some photographs as she hadn’t done it with her two previous pregnancies.

In an effort to find a beautiful and nature inspired backdrop, we got in our cars and drove through Laguna Canyon. We found the perfect spot, but were told to watch out for rattle snakes. I’m relieved to say that neither of us had to suffer for our art – ha!

Stacy, you’re a gorgeous mama and I can’t wait to meet the little boy or girl you’re carrying!!! I’m so glad we’ve remained friends and I couldn’t be prouder or happier for you!

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YOUR JOY: JACOB

JEN — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:16:59 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Baez family. Jacob just turned four and it was time to get some updated family photos.

We met at Irvine Regional Park on the first nice Saturday of the season, with Spring just around the corner, we weren’t the only ones with the idea of spending some time outdoors. The park was full of families, enjoying their time together, and after our shoot, the Baez’s were off to ride the train.

Enjoy the following images, shot on a beautiful day!

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MY JOURNEY.HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD.

JEN — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:48:51 +0000

Today is my parents’ 36th wedding anniversary and I couldn’t be prouder to share that with you! As someone who loves love, I have the greatest example of that in front of me whenever I go home. After 36 years as a married couple, they know the buttons to push to get each other going, but they also have a look that conveys sensitivity, fondness, humor, and love. I am so proud of them, and also envious. They are the reason that I find joy in capturing beauty through my camera, and the reason why I pursue happiness at every turn. I thank God for them every day!

And speaking of happiness, I just about leapt out of my skin tonight when I got my parents’ gift in the mail. I’ve mentioned how much I love Thin Wraps before, but just want you to see them one more time! If you’re interested in something like this, please let me know!!!

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YOUR JOY.SIMONIAN.

JEN — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:17:15 +0000

Sugar and spice and everything nice. Yep, that describes these two precious little girls! I had the opportunity to shoot a session for some friend’s just a few weeks ago, just in the squeak of time for Christmas. I hadn’t seen their beautiful daughters in some time and when I arrived, I was greeted by two gorgeous sisters!

We shot at their home and made use out of their beautiful landscaping. But the center of attention were the four beautiful eyes and two bright smiles who found their way into my camera! What angels!!!

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YOUR JOY.LABRADO.

JEN — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:32:02 +0000

While it’s sometimes a challenge being a part-time photographer, it also has it’s blessings! Many of my clients I have known through my day job, including Jennifer and Larry! When I started posting images on Facebook, I got a great message from them asking if I could snap their Christmas photo and some images of little Maddie, who just turned one!

We met at Irvine Park, where the trees were all so colorful and vibrant. There were wonderful areas for kids to play and the Christmas Train was already in full effect! This was a location that I’ll enjoy shooting at again in the future!!! And I hope I get to shoot the Labrados again in the future, too. Their smiles and laughter were infectious and little Maddie is just adorable! Thanks, guys, for hiring me and for putting your trust in me!!!

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YOUR JOY.FOX.

JEN — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:30:10 +0000

Kenny, Bethany, and Cora met me one marathon Saturday. The shots turned out beautifully, which is a good thing because Bethany is like a little sister to me. I’ve known her since she was born and so seeing her as a mommy was a thrill. She and her fabulous husband have a beautiful baby daughter and I can’t wait to see what shots they chose to use for their Christmas card.

Bethany and Kenny, Cora is just GORGEOUS and I’m so proud of the family you’ve created. I can’t wait to see you over the holidays! XOXO, JJ

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YOUR LOVE.GILLILAN.

JEN — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:28:11 +0000

Rebekah, Brett, and Piper came to CA for Thanksgiving and we snuck in a quick photoshoot! We met in Corona del Mar, a longtime favorite location of Rebekah’s, but sadly, dogs weren’t allowed on the sand. Nevertheless, we made due and got some adorable “family” shots!

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YOUR JOY.OCHOA.

JEN — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:04:34 +0000

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting up with an old high school friend of mine in order to photograph her family. It’s hard to imagine that someone I used to dance with and play with after school is already a mom…after all, I’m still a kid. Right, RIGHT?!

LeAnn, your girls are GORGEOUS and I had a fantastic time spending the afternoon with you guys! Anytime you want to come over and “play”, you’re more than welcome!!! XOXO!

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YOUR JOY.SUYDAM.

JEN — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:46:27 +0000

I met up with the Suydam family last weekend at a small park near their house and it turned out to be quite perfect. But that’s not all that was perfect…their darling little girls fall right into that category, too! Lauren and Hannah are completely delicious and love to play and run around. They are girly girls, but also enjoyed running around after a soccer ball. Something tells me they’ll be keeping mom and dad quite busy for the next 15 years or so. ; )

It’s so fun being able to shoot portraits of old friends. I’ve known Mike and Nicole for years and I just love to see how their lives have evolved since the arrival of their precious daughters. They are wonderful parents; the evidence is in their charming girls!

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