JEN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY » personal

MY JOURNEY: WORKING WITH FRIENDS

JEN — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:00:35 +0000

One of the joys of my photography career has been meeting wonderful new people and having them become friends. I met Ally Michelle this last year and we became fast friends. She’s got a great personality, a huge heart, and the BEST tattoo I’ve ever seen. : ) At WPPI, we cemented our friendship and she’s started to come to my church, too.

I’m shooting a wedding in August and emailed her a month ago to see if she’d be willing to second shoot for me. As it turned out, she had a wedding last night and needed a second shooter, too, so we worked out a trade! I LOVED working with her. She’s got a great eye, keeps the day moving quickly, and is just a lot of fun. She isn’t afraid to shake her booty on the dance floor, either!

At one point in the day, during portraits with the bride and groom, the videographer handed her his equipment quickly and then went to speak with the bride and groom. I caught this hilarious photo just after it happened. It was one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever seen at a wedding, but she handled it with grace and humor!

Later, after dinner was served but before the cake was cut, Ally had a chance to visit with some friends that were guests at the wedding. I walked over and offered to take their photo and this is what happened next! What fun people!!!

Ally, thanks so much for inviting me to work with you last night! I can’t wait for my wedding in August…I know we’ll have a ton of fun once again! XOXO!

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MY JOURNEY: PHOTO CAKES

JEN — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:02:03 +0000

This weekend, I attended the first birthday of a very special client. I took his parents’ maternity shots, his hospital arrival shots, newborn shots, and their family Christmas photos. He’s also the son of one of my dearest friends!

When I arrived at the party, Clare told me that she’d used one of our favorite shots on the cake! What a joy it is to have my photography loved by others and to continue to be used as time passes on!

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MY JOURNEY: CONFESSIONS OF A PERMANENT BRIDESMAID

JEN — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:23:29 +0000

If you’ve ever read my bio, you may remember that I referred to myself as a professional bridesmaid. I don’t say that out of bitterness or sass, but because I’ve been in 14 weddings and helped with countless others. I love all the weddings I’ve been in…out of state, backyard, fancy hotel, or ballroom, because each of them celebrated the joy and love my friends have found.

So yes, that means I’ve been a bridesmaid FOURTEEN times…and I kinda feel like I’ve seen it all. So, as I’ve recently launched my new blog branding (look and feel), I wanted to begin a new series to share more about my life and the experiences I’ve had being in weddings, because really, this is a way to remember and celebrate my friends once again…and share some funny stories!

So, do you see that adorable couple on the right? That’s my big sister from my college sorority. In October 2001, she married her best friend on a cold night in Texas on a beautiful golf course. Yep, Jamie Kay Kleinsorge married Michele Poltronieri surrounded by family, friends, and some crazy Italians. Wait, what?!

Yep, out of all the boys in Texas, my dear friend found an Italian pilot who was in town for training and snatched him up…and years later, they’re still in love and still flying…only his English is far better and her Italian is, well, okay. : )

Sadly, because of the September 11th tragedies and attacks, most of his guests opted not to come to the US. It was less than a month later, and the world still lived in uncertainty…

But that wasn’t going to stop the party!

I have this image framed on my bookshelf and everytime I look at it, I wonder who those little girls are! It’s almost been ten years since they were married, which means we were all in our young 20s…just babies!

I look at this photo of myself walking down the aisle and I can remember the wind like it was yesterday…October in Texas is usually blazing hot! I was so happy to be reunited with my college friends; we had a great time celebrating and spending time together…I can remember how surprised they were to see me show up in Texas with brown hair. Up until that point, I’d been a blond…but a bad one. Do you ever see someone and say to your friends, if I ever look like that, you’ve GOT to tell me? Well, I saw a photo of myself as a blond that year and was horrified that noone mentioned that I looked terrible!

When it was time for Jamie Kay to throw her bouquet, her little sister’s friend (a very tall valleyball player), spiked it down right into my arms. Look at the intensity (or whoops) on her face! Everyone else clearly thinks it’s hilarious…I hope she has forgiven me for being in the right place at the right time! : )

When I am embarrassed, I often laugh loudly and shriek. Here it was caught on film. Nice. I have to laugh at the poor guy’s facial expression. Doesn’t it look like he’s worried he’ll get smacked? I was a nice Christian girl and even though he had to get the garter onto my leg, I wasn’t about to let him take any liberties. Ha!

So, what did I learn from this bridesmaid experience???

The evening may not have had all the friends and family that were expected, and it may have been unusually cold, but there was joy, love, friendship, good food, good wine, GREAT dancing, and a beautiful bride and groom…and THAT makes for a perfect wedding!

MY JOURNEY: CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

JEN — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:43:35 +0000

So, if you look around here a bit, you’ll notice things are starting to change…some new fonts, new colors, and SOON, a whole new look and feel. In the meantime, thanks so much for your patience…if you’ve even noticed. If you haven’t, bless you, there’s nothing to see here, folks! : )

Part of this journey into a career in photography includes identity and branding. I really liked my pink and green, but it didn’t really feel like it was “me.” But for a long time, I didn’t know who “me” was…after a lot of thought and discussions with a designer, who happens to be a dear and life long friend, I’m a little closer to figuring that out…and I hope this blog begins to reflect that.

I hope over the next few days to re-introduce myself to you. I’m excited about this process and am glad that you’ve decided to come along.

MY JOURNEY: VICTOR SIZEMORE MENTOR SESSION

JEN — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:33:45 +0000

One of the fun parts of going to WPPI this year, was taking advantage of all the opportunities it had to offer. I knew that I’d enjoy taking classes and visiting the trade show, but it was also important to me to find shoots with other photographers whose work I admired. I was fortunate to be on a [b] school chat one afternoon, when Victor Sizemore announced his mentor session out in the desert. I jumped on the opportunity quickly and made sure to get my ticket before it sold out…and sell out it did!

Aside from the opportunity to shoot in the desert and have a mentor photographer available for questions, etc, I was really excited about attending because Summer, from Grey Likes Weddings was styling it! I’ve followed her work for a while now and she has impeccable taste and style! When we arrived, I knew that she hit this one out of the park again!!! What isn’t there to love about chandeliers and mirrored sideboards in the desert?!?!

And then I saw the models…smokin’ hawt doesn’t begin to describe them, but I believe the images below will! Thanks SO MUCH to everyone involved in the shoot…especially Victor and Summer. I had a phenomenal experience and am so grateful for this opportunity!!!

Shoot Organizer/Mentor/All-around Rad Dude: Victor Sizemore Photography
Styling: Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings
Jewelry: Historical Jewels
Make Up & Hair: Jill Guin of Darling Bride
Video: Elysium Productions

I LOVE this shot. It could be one of my all time favorites!!!

James Bond, anyone???

This lil cowgirl (Victor’s daughter) was an ice cube…but she still knew how to work it!!!

Give 50 photographers amazing sets and models and it begins to feel like paparazzi stacked up outside The Ivy waiting for some celebrity action! Thankfully, our models were all patient, fearless, and willing to let us get the perfect shot!

Does it make me a geek that I had my pic taken at the end of the day with Teach? If so, I don’t care!!! Victor was super cool and organized a great afternoon for us. Aside from the amazing three sets, he had a beverage station all set up for us…I just wish it wasn’t so cold, otherwise, I would have helped myself! : )

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MY JOURNEY: BOUDOIR WORKSHOP

JEN — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:34:39 +0000

For a long time, I’ve just been in LOVE with boudoir shoots. I believe that they can be classy, romantic, sophisticated, and sassy. Many people gasp and feign shock, but when a boudoir session is done for a woman’s husband, I believe it’s a beautiful gift. THAT is the reason why I am so compelled to become a boudoir photographer.

Certainly, over the years, there have been photographers out there whose work has inspired me. I was THRILLED and SO FORTUNATE to be able to attend the workshop of one of my idols – Jennifer Skog – this weekend when I was in Vegas for WPPI. It was every bit as exciting and informative as I had hoped. I can’t wait to start pursuing new shoots and this type of photography. I have a vision for my clients that is classy and artistic and if YOU are ready to take that plunge for your husband or fiance, let’s take this journey together!

Here’s an image of my idol in action! I hope to do a full (and tasteful) blog post in the next few days.

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MY JOURNEY: I’M A MAC NOW

JEN — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:19:35 +0000

Well, I’ve done it. I’ve made the big switch. Last week, after a LOVELY visit with my accountant, I found out that Uncle Sam owed me BIG TIME, so on Monday evening, I made my first visit to the Apple store with my friend Becker. And I left with a very heavy box.

Fast forward to roughly an hour after I got home. I’ve downloaded all the programs I needed, and I’ve started to play with all the fun functions; and I’m in love…with my computer.

I was a judger. I was committed to my PC. I was SO WRONG.

Thankfully, the people at the Apple Store welcomed with me open arms and I’m now on my way to learning how to live my life as I should have all along. And my “office” has never been the same. But I do have one problem.

What on earth am I going to name him???

I welcome your suggestions. Here he is in his new home. Doesn’t he just look exquisite?!?!?!

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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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MY JOURNEY.WORKSHOP WONDERS.PART DEUX.

JEN — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:23:16 +0000

My workshop growth continued when I spent the second day learning about off-camera flash. Once again, we had incredible models and AMAZING instruction time by Zach and Jody. I am SO thankful for the opportunity to attend this workshop and would recommend it to any photographer!!! I can’t wait to get out there and practice what I learned and I already know what I need to add to my list for Santa – LIGHTING essentials!!!

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MY JOURNEY.WORKSHOP WONDERS.

JEN — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:30:32 +0000

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in the Gray Photography In-Camera Workshop. Jody and Zach were not only adorable, but incredibly informative! I had several “ah ha” moments and truly felt like I made a giant step forward in my career.

We spent the first half of the day in a classroom setting where I took pages of notes, then had lunch in downtown Laguna Beach. After filling up on greasy food, we spent the next few hours shooting in two groups with models, then finished the day working on processing and workflow. I was so thrilled by the workshop and am SO EXCITED to be going back today for round two!!!

Here is Zach explaining how to capture the image perfectly in camera, while other participants look on.
The workshop wasn’t all business, though. There may or may not have been a little goofing off…Hi Tira!But at the end of the day, I learned to get incredible images like this one!

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