Visual Poetry

New Blog!

2008-12-12T08:56:00.002-05:00

Hi, folks!

I just wanted to inform you that this will be the LAST POST on this blog.
I started up a new blog and will continue to upload my most recent work, specials and news on it! The new blog can be visited at...

http://jenkniivilablog.com

So - add it to your favorites and check it often for specials!

Furry Portraits now available!

2008-12-11T09:27:00.002-05:00

I know how much of an impact our animals can play on our lives. For some people, they ARE the children. With efforts to appreciate their compassion and loyalty, I am now offering a Furry Portrait session!

I've decided to offer free Furry Sessions up until January 31, 2009! All animals welcome.

Book your freebie session today! Because after January 31 - the price is $150.

Gift Certificate Special!

2008-12-05T09:49:00.002-05:00

Brrr...

2008-12-02T22:12:00.002-05:00

Michigan is so beautiful in the winter. This is my view from my front door:

The old historical seminary.. my neighbor.

Kole (19mo)

2008-12-02T21:34:00.002-05:00

This little handsome man is Kole. He's the son to one of my best friends. They asked me to take some holiday inspired protraits of him so I drove on over for a few hours of play time! These are a few of the less traditional holiday looking photographs..

(Brooklyn has a crush on him..)

Gobble Gobble!

2008-11-29T22:04:00.006-05:00

I love Thanksgiving. I love the food and having time with the family. The WHOLE family. It's rare we're all in the same room at once.

SO! Thanksgiving is a good time to appreciate all the great people in my life. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away Thanksgiving morning. It's been really hard on us all - but I'm thankful for all the wonderful memories. I am very happy Brooklyn had the opportunity to meet him. RIP Raymond Umlah.. you will go on in our memories.

*phew!* Let's get back to the gathering..

My husband, me, Brooklyn, my mother and father.

My sister Amanda and her boyfriend, Will.

My mother with Brooke.

Ken's father.

She's on the move!

My sister Mya's new dog.

Baby Mason: 4 weeks old

2008-11-23T18:30:00.002-05:00

Meet Baby Mason!

His parents hired me to take a few portraits of him and the fam for the Holidays. He was SO good (minus the peeing on mom episode) the entire time. What a sweet face!

go-go cruiser!

2008-11-19T08:50:00.003-05:00

My little baby girl crawled for her first time yesterday! She has been scooting around for a while, spinning around in a sitting position. But, she's actually crawling now! She cruises so fast.. it's time to put up the breakables! It's amazing how fast they grow.. it feels like yesterday when I had to support her little head.

My little girl is turning into a toddler! A beautiful, smart toddler. She truely is my reason for everything. See post below for a few album pages for her 0-1yr album!

Album Design

2008-11-17T20:30:00.005-05:00

I am in the midst of putting together an album to display at my daughters one year birthday party end of January and thought I'd share some pages of it...

Special!

2008-11-10T16:08:00.005-05:00

Do you have a daughter that will be under 18mo old this summer? If so, I have a proposition for you! I recently purchased some ADORABLE tutu's that I want to use for some sessions once the weather is warm again. So, I'm offering a special discount!

SPECIAL! MUST BOOK SESSION BEFORE JAN 1, 2009 TO GET DISCOUNT!

Childrens portrait session (ONE child) $175.00
Includes on-location shoot (up to two outfits for child, the tutu being one of them), Digital Negatives with rights to reproduce and I'm throwing in a freebie.. a 5x5 premium album! *6% Sales tax applies. Deposit of $100 required to book your date.

The normal cost for a childrens session is $200 and that DOESNT include the album. Needless to say, this is a GREAT DEAL! Remember, you must book before January 1, 2009 to get this special deal and you must mention it by name...

"TUTU SESSION WITH ALBUM"

This is perfect for a child with an upcoming birthday - for invitations, of course!

Now - who's interested?! The clock's-ah-ticking!

Patrick, Kim and Madysin

2008-11-08T23:16:00.004-05:00

Okay, so you'll have to forgive me for posting so many photos. I just love them all! Patrick, Kim and Madysin joined me in Fenton today for a family session. I went to high school with both Patrick and Kim and just adore their little girl! Along with catching up, we created some really beautiful images. Check them out!

Fred turns 80!

2008-11-06T16:15:00.005-05:00

Meet Fred. His loving family threw him a huge suprise birthday bash this past Sunday. They some how convinced him that his dog Taffy was winning an award - so he showed up at the banquet hall, dog by side, and walked in to about 80 of his family members and closest friends. They even hired a band that sounded JUST like Frank Sinatra. I was there to capture the fun!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-06T15:57:00.003-05:00

This year was Brooklyn's first Halloween! We spent that morning cooking and baking because we had my family coming over. Our day in a nutshell:

Her favorite snack - Cheerios!

I let her make the rice crispie treats.. and she had to taste test them to make sure they were safe for everybody else!

Again, testing their safety.

mmm.. mellows!

Here auntie Mya - I will share my donut with you!

My Ducky!

Grandma and Brooklyn

Grandpa and Brooklyn

Finger paints are NOT food!

2008-11-06T15:29:00.004-05:00

With my week off, me and my girl had lots of play time. We decided to paint daddy some pictures to hang on the fridge. What little miss thought was delicious was luckily non-toxic.

Behold! The artist!

Tutu!

2008-11-06T15:10:00.004-05:00

A made a purchase I think you all can enjoy! Well, all of you with small children that is. I have purchased 3 childrens tutus with a motive to use them in our portrait sessions! They're bright, bold.. and completely adorable. I have lime green, violet and pink! (Sizes very)

Here's my girl Brooklyn modeling one off for ya!

Beautiful Alivia

2008-11-02T09:31:00.005-05:00

Stacey is a good friend of mine, so when she asked me to snap some photos of her daughter Alivia I was extatic! We met up last Sunday and drove out to Ann Arbor where we visited the Wave Field on campus and went shopping at Urban Outfitters! We had lunch at Chipotle (my first time ever going there) - YUM!

I am designing an album for Stacey and Alivia. REMEMBER that if you book a portrait session you do have affordable album options. They're leather, flush mount albums with either 5 (10+ photos) or 10 (20+ photos) pages and come in 5"x5". A perfect way to display your family photos!

Here are a few of my favorites! Aren't the girls beautiful?

The life of me...

2008-11-02T09:17:00.004-05:00

I took this entire week off work (both full time job and photography) and it's already over! I have an event to photograph today in Grand Blanc a little later.

I am SO thankful I picked this week. Not only because it was my daughters first Halloween, but because she hit a few milestones while I was here to witness them! She cut her first tooth and said MOMMA! That's right folks. She finally says momma. Her little tooth is so adorable - but it's been causing her alot of pain. I can tell because she's extremely fussy and will wake up in the middle of the night and scream bloody murder. My husband brought home Tylenol so hopefully it ends the tears. Poor baby..

Halloween was a lot of fun! We didnt take Brooklyn trick-or-treating like we planned because of her crabbiness from teething. But she got to greet trick-or-treaters! She loved it. She was the cutest ducky around! I'll post pictures hopefully within the week. My mother, father and two sisters came over that evening. I cooked an awesome dinner (which if you know me, you'll know it to be VERY rare that things come out awesome... let alone edible). Home made chicken pot pie and sweet potatoes. YUM! I totally messed up my brownie bars, though. Brooklyn made rice crispie treats - they look kinda funny which explains why they didnt get touched.

She's becoming mobile! She scoots all around and pulls herself up on furniture and legs. It's time to retire my glass end tables. I think I'm going to opt for a nice, soft leather ottoman in it's place. I need to protect her poor melon.. and think I'd get some funny looks if my girl wore a helmet around the house. ha!

SO - back to work tomorrow. Well, today. It was definitly a nice break. I needed that time with my beautiful girl. :)

Friendly Faces and A Beautiful Back Yard

2008-10-25T20:19:00.005-04:00

This family welcomed me into their home on October 19th for an extended family session. We included the adults, children, dogs and even a couple of motorcycles. Fun! The location is at their home in Holly - I wish my backyard had a view like this!

Brittany

2008-10-25T19:27:00.005-04:00

Brittany and her mother drove almost two hours to Fenton for our shoot last weekend. She's a gorgeous 16 year old girl that is going to make it big - you can quote me on that. We had perfect weather for the shoot and some amazing photographs...

Lana: Senior Session

2008-10-18T21:11:00.002-04:00

Lana is a senior at Fenton High School. We met up this past Friday for some photos. Here are a few of my favorites!

I have two sessions tomorrow (fashion & family) so expect more postings within the next few days. Yay!

Nicole: Class of 2008!

2008-10-17T10:34:00.003-04:00

This is one of the 2 shoots I had at Spicers this past Sunday. Nicole is a high school senior this year at Howell High! I've worked with her a few times before with efforts to get her modeling career off the ground. She's a beauty!

Krista

2008-10-15T20:45:00.005-04:00

I met Krista on Model Mayhem and with efforts to add some flare to her portfolio we met up for a shoot in Fenton last Saturday. Krista is a gorgeous girl and had some killer poses. Take a look for yourself!

Tim & Christina

2008-10-13T23:07:00.004-04:00

Meet Tim and Christina. They're getting married on October 17, 2009. Tim is a financial advisor (we work together) and Christina is on her way to become a attorney. On Sunday we were one of the hundreds of faces at Spicers Orchard. I actually had two sessions this day (more to come!). Look how cute they are..

Hillary, part two.

2008-10-11T21:50:00.002-04:00

I took Hillary's photographs for the second time this past Thursday. She's a lovely model I met off Model Mayhem. We were trying to focus on 'high fashion' but, in my opinion, they came out a little pin-up-ish. I like them, none the less! Hillary is always a pleasure to work with.

My sister's a SENIOR!

2008-10-05T22:07:00.004-04:00

My little sister is a big senior. The sure sign I'm getting older. I ventured over to my parents farm in Pinckney to do her senior session. I wanted to make sure this shoot captured who my sister truely was.. beautiful. (Pinckney High School)

(she's going to hate me for posting this one.. ha!)

It's official - fall has arrived!

2008-10-01T08:28:00.002-04:00

I'm breaking out my turtle necks and hot chocolate and welcoming the fall! My favorite season. I brought my daughter Brooklyn outside yesterday to play in the leaves.. and of course the camera came, too!

More! (Devils Ridge Cont.)

2008-09-29T21:45:00.003-04:00

Wasting time..

2008-09-28T21:29:00.001-04:00

I'm just wasting time with my Shootsac and f/1.8 lens. I don't use this lens enough!

Devils Ridge

2008-09-27T23:10:00.003-04:00

Sarah and Jeff got married today at Devils Ridge Golf Course in Oxford (Metamora), Mi. (I'm fast, huh?!) We had the most perfect weather for the occassion! I had so much fun.. even got to drive a golf cart around. I guarantee I'll be posting more from this wedding when I get more time; for now I'm headed to bed. Look at this sky..

Precious Christopher..

2008-09-26T12:50:00.005-04:00

Justin & Kelly had a beautiful baby boy two months back and named him Christopher. We met up yesterday for some photographs. Christopher is precious; lots of hair, Shar Pei rolls and big, beautiful eyes. Here are a few from the shoot..

(Look, folks! Adding 'Muliples' as a print option! Available in virtually any color background.)

8 Months and Counting!

2008-09-26T11:07:00.001-04:00

My baby girl is a whopping 8mo old already!

She WAS going to be a ducky for Halloween. But, I ordered the costume on Ebay and it came back barely fitting her. There's no way she'll be able to get into it in a month. Off to the Halloween store! Too bad, it was pretty cute!

E-Session on MSU Campus!

2008-09-22T16:21:00.011-04:00

Meet Jackie and Rob - getting hitched August 22, 2009!

This past Sunday we met up on the Michigan State University campus (after me getting LOST on the way..) for their engagement session. What a neat place to not only attend school, but for shoots! Every where I turned was a photo opp.

We took a ton of photos, so I have a ton of favorites! Here's.. well.. alot. Enjoy!

Mason Wedding

2008-09-17T19:57:00.010-04:00

I had the privilege of photographing Scott and Mary's wedding day in Sterling Heights on Saturday, September 13th. Both the ceremony and reception were held at Sterling Inn and Banquet Centerl. The ceremony was originally planned for outside, but if you live in Michigan you'll remember that day; a continuous downpour that led to flooding. I'm thankful I survived the drive home. I was assisted by Tony Aria and it was a pleasure working with him. Scott and Mary were so very sweet and I wish them the best!

Take me with you!

2008-09-16T11:08:00.000-04:00

Ally Noelle

2008-09-12T21:46:00.004-04:00

Meet Ally Noelle. She was welcomed into life by her parents Colette and David around 3 weeks ago. Isn't she beautiful?

Bath Time Fun!

2008-09-12T21:25:00.002-04:00

Brooklyn taking a bath with her ducky.. I had to share!
(7.5mo old)

And another one..

2008-09-10T17:20:00.001-04:00

Another image I just had to share from the McFarland anniversary..

Photobooth Sessions

2008-09-08T21:03:00.002-04:00

As promised, here are a few images from the Photobooth session at the McFarland anniversary party!

Demolition!

2008-09-08T15:00:00.002-04:00

With my lack of space I have been doing the majority of my photog work in my living room. Now that my daughter is getting older and has the will to GRAB everything in sight and yank as hard as she can, the cords and equiptment are a hazzard. My bedroom is the largest room in my house. Thank god my dad's a carpenter! I am planning on throwing up some walls in our oversized bedroom to make some office space for myself and my equiptment. FINALLY!

I'm having some fun with design ideas now. Anyone know of anywhere to buy some crazy wallpaper? I'm on a budget.. and the ones I found are insanely expensive. Ikea.. here we come!

McFarland 25th Anniversary

2008-09-01T22:25:00.004-04:00

Meet Bruce and Deborah; a sweet couple from West Bloomfield that after 25 years are still so in love that their eyes light up every time they look at each other. I know because I saw it.. many times that night. On August 30th they celebrated at their home with a close group of friends and renewed their vows to each other, then to a hunting/fishing catalog and a box of Jimmy Choo shoes.

My husband assisted me for the first time that night. It was SO nice to have him there. He was so much help with setting up my insanely heavy studio lighting. We set up a photobooth session in Bruce & Deborah's basement (fun!); I'll post one from that a bit later.

Here are a few shots from that evening..

There's no place like home.

Maid of Honor & Best Man

Renewing Vows..

Candid. A great example about what I was talking about..

Are you sick of our faces yet?

2008-08-29T15:01:00.003-04:00

Just because she's so darn cute.. 7 months old already!

Sienna Sage

2008-08-29T14:31:00.006-04:00

My friend Katie gave birth to a beautiful baby girl around two weeks ago. Yesterday Katie, Sienna and Gage paid me a visit and I got to snuggle up to these precious faces. Sienna's tiny; weighing in around 7lbs! Her big brother Gage is 4 years old and SUCH a good brother.

Tawas, Michigan

2008-08-27T17:18:00.002-04:00

We headed up to visit family in Tawas over the weekend. The weather was on/off but we still enjoyed the fresh air.

My husband walking the pier.

I'm jealous of Ken's mother. She keeps plants alive.

My daughter and I on the beach of Lake Huron (self port)

Finally! A night out with ADULTS!

New Service Offered!

2008-08-26T09:17:00.002-04:00

I've recently added a new service to our list and it's called BABY STORY.

With a new daughter of my own, I can't even begin to explain how fast children grow. You blink and their sitting up on their own.. saying their first word.. crawling.. walking.. they accomplish so many milestones in the first year of life not to mention over triple their size!

With efforts to document their growth, both physical, mental and emotional, I have added a new service to our ever expanding list. It's called BABY STORY.

This includes the following:

- Session 0-2 weeks old
- Session 3 months old
- Session 6 months old
- Session 12 months old

Each session includes an online password protected gallery. At the end of the BABY STORY (12 months) you will recieve all of the retouched images in the form of Digital Negatives which will document your childs first year of life. You will also recieve a pastel folio with your choice of 5 prints.

*Visit my website for more details.

Equiptment

2008-08-21T12:24:00.003-04:00

I forgot to mention that the posts below for Alderman, Landreville and Hillary were all shot using my new, rad 40D! Well, that alongside my Rebel Xti. I'm in love..

Secondly, my Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens was delivered today! Oh, yes.. expect great things.

Pump up the contrast!

2008-08-21T10:55:00.003-04:00

I met Hillary through Model Mayhem and she was in need of some professional photographs for her portfolio. We met in downtown Fenton and shot our hearts out. She brought along her friend and I managed to convince her into a few frames, as well.

Landreville Wedding

2008-08-18T12:05:00.004-04:00

Steve & Stacy were married on Saturday, August 16. The ceremony and reception were held at Grecian Towers in Southgate. This couple is big on Japanese Anime and had the coolest decor - like oragami birds instead of flower petals tossed on the isle by the flowergirl. They're headed to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon.

Busy bee!

2008-08-15T09:56:00.005-04:00

I have been so busy with weddings and work. I love days like this when I can come home and relax with my husband and beautiful baby girl. FINALLY! Some photos of me with my daughter.. self portrait style.

Photographs taken 8/13/08 - Brooklyn Solei @ 6.5mo old.

She's got the pout down..

Alderman Wedding

2008-08-14T10:11:00.005-04:00

Denny & Angie were married on Saturday, August 9th. This wedding party was a riot and SO fun to photograph! Especially when they weren't looking..

The Beautiful Bride, Angie.

Pole Dance for Dollars on the Party Bus.

Cheers to the groom!

Priceless expressions!

Romance at Sunset.

NILMDTS

2008-08-11T10:18:00.002-04:00

I was accepted over the weekend as a NILMDTS photographer. NILMDTS is a non-profit company who contracts out photographers to families expecting or who have recently had a child with a good chance it wont survive. This is 100% volunteer work and thought this was a perfect organization to donate my services. However, this is going to be extremely hard for me since I have a 6mo old of my own. It breaks my heart to see any baby or child struggle. But, I know that if I was going through those hardships that I would want something to remember my sweet angel by.

Learn more about the company by visiting their website at:
http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org

They do accept donations.

Pink never tasted so good!

2008-08-07T21:42:00.003-04:00

We stopped the ice cream truck today and Brooklyn had some Strawberry ice cream for dinner..

AND.. as most of you know, Brooklyn said her FIRST WORD this week! DADA!

Movin' on up..

2008-08-06T13:43:00.004-04:00

SO.. My good ol' Digital Rebel Xti is having some board issues and wont really let me shoot in manual. Well, it will.. it's just a pain. It's going to take around 3 weeks to have the issue corrected once I bring the Rebel in. This was the deciding factor in buying a second camera. That Xti will become my back-up cam and my new primary will be this awesome Canon 40D! Expect great things! In the mean time.. now I'm in the market for a battery grip (apparently mine wont fit this body), extra battery (those wont fit either!), 580ex Speedlite, another hand strap, a f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens and a f/2.8 10mm Fisheye lens! I'm starting my Christmas list now. HA!

Island Lake: Part Deuce!

2008-08-04T21:39:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, August 3rd, I met up with a few great friends on Island Lake in Brighton. That's TWO days on the beach in one weekend... so nice! Although, I am a little sunburnt. One of those friends asked me to take some photographs of her son, Zach. BUT, of course I took some of the rest of the kiddies, too..

Brooklyn in Will's cowboy hat

Gabby.. seconds before she spilt my drink

Brotherly love. Have you ever seen anything more adorable?!

Zach. This kid used to throw his underwear at me when he was itty bitty. It's amazing how fast they grow..

Beachin' it.

2008-08-02T22:25:00.003-04:00

Today we headed over to Island Lake in Brighton for some beach time. It's already August and I don't feel like I've truly had the opportunity to enjoy summer just yet. So, with only a month left, I am on a mission to soak up as much sun as possible! We're headed back tomorrow and meeting up with some good friends. Expect even MORE photos..

She just turned 6mo old and all the sudden sits on her own..

My father (Brooklyn's grandfather)

Sporting our name on his back.

Judy (aka sun goddess)

In a field at sunset

2008-07-31T15:34:00.004-04:00

A photoshoot for a bride-to-be..

Is it wrong to be this excited over... a bag?

2008-07-28T16:54:00.003-04:00

I am completely fed up with my Tamrac camera bag. I waste too much time getting in and out of it. SO, with a recommendation from a friend.. I just made the investment to purchase a ShootSac! PERFECT and accessible for weddings and shoots on the run. Look at the design I chose.. pretty rad, eh?

Some amazing friends..

2008-07-27T13:07:00.004-04:00

A few great friends from high school and I meet up (or try to) every month. This month we all met in Pinckney, went to lunch and headed over to my parents farm so the kids could play with the animals and ride some horses..

Brooklyn munching her fingers!

Savanna LOVED the horses..

She kept yelling "yeee-haww!"

Brooklyn with Grandma

Golf cart rides!

Katie's son, Gage.

This is my dad.

Karisa (is ten weeks prego!)

Angie & Denny

2008-07-21T10:13:00.009-04:00

Meet Denny and Angie. They are getting hitched on August 9th. Not only did I get to do their engagement session on July 22nd, but I will be there for their big day as well! They're definitly a fun group of people and I am really looking forward to the 9th. Yeah, I made them smooch a lot...

Pregolicious!

2008-07-21T10:06:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, July 20, 2008, my friend Colette and her (almost) 2yr old daugher Lily wondered my way for a little maternity/family session accross the street from my home. Colette is pregnant with her second child and is 34 weeks along. I had brought my daugher along with us since it was just a couple hundred feet from my doorstep. Lily was infatuated with her and kept kissing her, touching her head and saying 'hi' to sleeping Brooklyn. She even tried to share her doll; so thoughtfull. She's going to make such a great big sister!

Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing.. expecially on such a beautiful woman like Colette!

Janice & Brent

2008-07-20T13:19:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, July 19, 2008, Janice & Brent were married in Swartz Creek at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Between the rain we were able to get a few outdoor shots.. and thankful for that because they turned out beautifully! Best wishes to the happy couple.

Fowlerville Fair 2008

2008-07-18T16:41:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, my family is in deep into 4H. My mother is a Livingston County 4H leader for Horse-n-Around. When the Fowlerville Fair comes around she's crazy busy with getting the groups crafts and animals ready for show. On Sunday, June 13, Brooklyn & I took the drive to Fowlerville and she visited her first petting zoo! Got some quality time with grandma and grandpa, too..

Riding a bull at 6mo old! (8 Week old Cow named Buster)

He's hairy... and she's going for the grab!

Petting the horses with Grandpa

Brooklyn + Teething = Drooooooooooooool

That's a Jenkins face if I ever saw one..

Fun at the office

2008-07-18T15:19:00.002-04:00

Look out.. Jen brought the camera in the office today! Luckily I have some ham financial advisors as my subjects. Mwahahahaha..

Kacher / Hohl Wedding

2008-07-17T13:32:00.010-04:00

On Saturday, July 12, I photographed Andrea and Ron's wedding. This wedding was a bit sentimental to me because they were married at St. Mary's Church in Pinckney. As a child, I attended St. Mary's private school. They rebuilt; it wasn't the same place but had a lot of the same faces. I ran into a few of my elementary teachers and some old friends.

I had a blast photographing the reception.. what a group of fun people!

Meet Julie.

2008-07-17T09:21:00.003-04:00

She has been my assistant on a few weddings. She has a great sence of humor and an eye for creativity. Her ultimate goal with tagging along is to learn and gain experience. It's very possible you will see her face at your wedding. But, when you do, I promise she wont be sticking out her tongue. HA!

Home Sweet Home

2008-07-11T12:04:00.010-04:00

These photographs were taken on Thursday (7/10) once we returned home from our Dundee visit. Ken's parents, sister and nephew stopped over to relax before the haul up to Oscoda/Tawas.

My husband and nephew Cody played catch.. and Brooklyn joined in the fun. But, all she wanted to do was chew on the ball.

Cody!

Talking to grandma Sandy.

Squeezin Grandma's cheeks!

Being a goofball in her stroller.

I can't get enough of her tootsies!

The bright side of an unfortunate event.

2008-07-11T11:44:00.015-04:00

Sadly, my husbands grandfather passed away. For the funeral, we drove down to Dundee and stayed a few days. Dispite this being a very sad few days for both my husband and I, it was nice to see some family. I don't travel to Dundee very often and didn't realize how beautiful it was out there! Soy bean and corn farms as far as your eyes can see. Since I don't leave my camera at home (ever) I got some shots of the gorgeous scenery and, of course, of the family as well. Keep in mind.. my husband refused to pull over for me to take photos so all of the scenic photographs taken we were driving 45mph while I did my best to shoot!

This is Phillip.. he's only 11 days older than Brooklyn.

We brought Brooklyn's floating swim toy for the hotel pool..

Brooklyn with her cousin Cody.

In her bathing suit!

Me and my baby girl.. self portrait style!

Swimming with dad in the pool!

Fireworks!

2008-07-09T23:55:00.006-04:00

Is it just me or does our celebration of freedom look a bit like war? Anywho. My family and I celebrated the 4th of July in Fenton and the show was wonderfull! Brooklyn's first fireworks.. she was in awe!

ToughLove.

2008-07-08T08:55:00.015-04:00

On Sunday, June 29, 2008 I met up with a friend of mine to take some photos of her clothing line ToughLove. Taryn Scalise, apart from being a designer, is a make-up artist and hair stylist. Pure talent.

I've done a few shoots now in Ann Arbor but this time around we got creative and got the Blind Pig to let us before hours. The mic and speaker photographs you see are on the stage. The location was PERFECT for the punky, edgy feel I was going for.

Lake Fenton

2008-07-07T12:26:00.012-04:00

It was a B-E-A-UTIFUL day for a boat ride. We packed up Baby Girl, swimmy diapers and her cute lil bathing suit grandma bought her and joined Barry, Hip and the kids for some fun on Lake Fenton. Today was extremely memorable since it was Brooklyn's first boat ride, swim in the lake and fishing attempt. Ha! She loved every minute of it.

Our attempt at keeping her little mellon from getting sunburnt!

SO happy.. what a beach bum!

Relaxing.

Cheesin' for mom!

Brrr! I sat this one out..

This is her new thing.. grabbing your face.

One day we'll live on the water.

What a catch! (Look at that chubba face!)

Yes. I am that freak of a mother that paints her baby's toenails.

Cage Fighting / Mixed Martial Arts

2008-06-30T12:22:00.005-04:00

On Saturday (6/28) me and a group of friends went to a Ultimate Cage Fighting / Mixed Martial Arts championship; USA vs. Canada. We had a lower level suite. I snook my camera and 200mm monster lens in and managed to get a few shots before I was seen and told.. "you can't use that type of camera here!".

Photoshop

2008-06-27T16:12:00.006-04:00

Thank's to a friend, I am learning how to do a bunch of really neat things on Photoshop. I am in love with texture! I probably overkilled these.. but I'm having fun in the process!

(Taken at a wedding in 12-2007)

(Taken at a wedding in 6-2008)

Brooklyn

2008-06-20T10:49:00.013-04:00

Apparently, a little fresh air makes us goofy. I brought my daughter outside to play and take some photographs last night and, as usual, she was a HAM! She is going on 5 months old now and gaining more and more personality with every passing minute. Oh.. and yes folks. That is food on her face! haha..

Trying to eat the camera!

Not sure what's going on here...

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, wait.. it's DAD!

Playing with momma's bling!

If only they'd fit...

I have this obsession with her hands and feet.

Meet Ali. Our snugglishious pitbull.

Family

2008-06-18T10:21:00.007-04:00

Thanks to the amazing Amanda Mattila, fellow photographer, I have some amazing family portraits. And since we're on the topic of family, I just want to say how thankful I am of mine. I have the most wonderful parents, sisters, husband and daughter. They have been so supportive though everything and I love them so very much! I have never been happier and it's all because of them.

Here's my little family.. Summer of 2008! Brooklyn at 4mo old.

Candice Renee

2008-06-16T13:05:00.021-04:00

On Saturday, June 14, 2008, I had the privilege of working with Candice for the first time. What a perfect day for a shoot! We met at Island Lake in Brighton and the talented Kristen Bell assisted me with make-up application. Candice primarily does runways so her pose stances were fierce. Here's a few of my favorites..

ToughLove. photoshoot scheduled!

2008-06-13T09:49:00.007-04:00

I am so very excited to help my friend Taryn Scalise on her clothing design endeavor, ToughLove. She's a pretty talented girl and creates funky, punky clothing. All of her designs are hand made, one of a kind treasures. We have scheduled a photoshoot for June 28 to display a few of her newest creations. Keep an eye out for that post!

Justin & Laura

2008-06-13T08:19:00.028-04:00

On Saturday, June 7, 2008, I assisted a friend for Laura & Justin's wedding in Richmond, Michigan. The couple was a pleasure to photograph! This bride had such an amazing personality that shines through in her photos. Take a look!

Batter up!

2008-06-05T08:02:00.036-04:00

With efforts to expand my 'Events' portfolio, I attended my nephews baseball team and shot from the sidelines. Unfortunately, his team didnt win.. but he sure did a great job!! (Kalitta Air vs. Tawas Bay Insurance)

Flower Power

2008-06-03T15:58:00.014-04:00

My family and I are spending a week here along the shore of Lake Huron in Oscoda, Michigan and I'm finding it so very easy locating some great photog subjects. Today we visited Hangers Nursery...

Petting Farm

2008-05-19T16:57:00.018-04:00

A few friends and I packed up our cars with strollers and anti-bacterial whipes and headed out to a petting farm in Howell on Sunday, May 18. Free ice cream; what more could one want?

Brooklyn Solei

2008-05-19T16:34:00.013-04:00

I was in need of some fun wallets of my daughter to hand out to the fam. On Saturday, May 17, I brought her outside with her favorite chair and made funny noises while she giggled uncontrolably. She sure does love the sunshine.. (She should. Her middle name is Solei!) Here's Brooklyn at 4 months old.

Detroit Hip Hop Appreciation

2008-04-23T14:44:00.007-04:00

Meet Tommy, aka RTKUL8. He's a local hip hop artist out of the Detroit area. He's got a lot to say and I love listening. His venues are often Rack-n-Roll in Riverview, The Perfect Pitcher in Taylor, Simons in Allen Park and The Bull Frog Bar in Redford. I did some promo shots for him. Here's a taste..

The Jenny Dawn Collection

2008-04-23T13:42:00.006-04:00

Lisa Neuendorf is a talented woman. She is a seamstress and hand crafted this beautiful wedding apparell. You can find out more information by visiting her website:
http://www.jennydawncollection.com/

Make-up by Kristy Bell and hair by Taryn Scalise. Amazing ladies.

Nicole

2008-04-23T13:34:00.006-04:00

With efforts to expand her modeling portfolio, I snapped a few frames for Nicole. Isn't she a natural?

Danielle

2008-04-22T15:31:00.009-04:00

This has to be one of the sweetest girls I know. Meet Danielle, Nanny; and today, my subject. She did a phonomenal job for being a first time model. Take a look at this face!

Credits: Make-up by Kristy Bell & hair by Taryn Scalise

Mya

2008-04-22T14:51:00.012-04:00

A wedding dress always makes a woman feel beautiful.
Meet Mya, my lovely model (and sister).

Credits: Make-up artist Kristy Bell & hair stylist Taryn Scalise