Helene's 75th Sneak Peek

Jensen Family Sneak Peek

What do Teachers and Photographers Have in Common?

Yes, I lead a double life.

one of my 5th grade students rocks out on the drums

I'm a teacher AND a photographer.

I'm passionately living my dream of teaching math to students with learning differences and of photographing children, including those with exceptional needs (in Austin, my favorite city, no less).  Not to mention my glorious (but messy, and loud) home-life as a mother of three little boys.  My life is full and fulfilling.

So the question is, what do successful teachers and successful photographers have in common?

Daddin' it Up

My grandmother's friend, Dion McInnis, wrote a book called Daddin': the Verb of Being a Dad. It's a loving, thoughtful book about the joyful journey of fatherhood, and I just love the idea of daddin' as a verb to balance out mothering. So, I'd like to take a minute to spotlight some guys in the act of Daddin'. Expectant fathers, watchful dads, playful papas...

Hands & Heart

Hands speak volumes... what do you think of when you think of your Mama's hands? Your husbands hands? Your child's hands? Eyes may be the window to the soul, but hands whisper secrets from the heart.

Top 3 Locations for a Family or Newborn Photo Shoot

As an on-location photographer, one of the number one questions I get asked is, "Where should we do the photo shoot?" There isn't one right answer to this because it depends on what you want from the shoot, but here are my top 3 suggestions for a family photo shoot.

{Your Home}

Your home is the prime location for newborn photos for several reasons. 1) You're exhausted and don't have the energy to go anywhere, 2) You don't want to take your tiny bundle of joy out of the house yet, 3) You're exhausted and don't have the energy to go anywhere... yes, I said it twice. It's just true.

The home is a great choice not just for newborns, but also for family sessions. When your children are grown up and look back at their pictures, they'll have more to look at than their own young smiling faces, they'll have the memory of their childhood nest.

Most importantly, your children will be comfortable in their own space. Comfortable kids = cooperative kids = great images that reflect true personality. Whether you live in a modest apartment or a sprawling mansion, using your home is the easiest and most meaningful choice.

{Your Favorite Park or School Playground}

Where do your kids like to play most other than at home? Their favorite park. The same ideas apply here... they'll be comfortable and the location will add a special significance to the photos. "That's the park where you first learned to swing," you might explain to your little one a few years from now as you look back at your photos. You can get creative with this... do your kids like to play in a creek? Play GaGa ball? Hang upside down from the monkey bars? These are things you might like to remember.

{Somewhere Distinctly Signifying your City}

If you're in Austin, and LOVE Austin (and who doesn't?), you could choose somewhere that epitomizes the city: Auditorium shores, Barton Creek, the 360 bridge, the cows at the Arboretum... whatever it is that makes your city special to you and your family. Do be aware that some locations require special permits, but your photographer will be able to help you figure out if your desired location requires a reservation or permit.

In Memory of Mimi

I love my job.  Everyday I'm thankful that I get to help families capture a few fleeting moments in their lives.  Time flies so fast. This month has brought an even deeper sense of gratitude for my occupation.  Several of my clients have scheduled sessions to include grandparents.  This is in the wake of losing my beloved Mimi.  The circle of life really slapped me in the face last month as I kissed Mimi away while holding baby Flynn in my arms.  I have all the comfort of knowing she lived a full life, comfort from the memories of the year the twins and I lived with her, comfort in knowing that she died peacefully in her home surrounded by loving family members.  I also have the selfishness of a little girl who wants what she wants.  And I WANT MY GRANDMA!  I want Flynn to get to know her as my other children did.  I want to walk into her house and breathe in the smell of Tea Rose perfume and home.  I want to hear her laugh and to kiss her goodnight.  But I can't.  And that's okay.  But I can recall stories, talk to family, and look at pictures.

We were two peas in a pod.

Below are some pictures of Mimi as well as some pictures from some client shoots that include grandmas.  If you get the chance, kiss your grandma today... then take her picture!

Sweet Baby Clara

My goal during maternity leave was to pull together my blog.  Though I have many previous sessions to go back and add in, I am thrilled to start with this one.  I couldn't think of a better way to end my leave than with baby Clara's photo shoot.  This new bundle was only two weeks old, but already full of charm.  And what a loving family she joined!