Beth Jansen Photography Blog

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2009-05-04T18:25:00.002-06:00

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MAY DAY - Oklahoma City Children's Photographer

2009-05-01T07:44:00.016-06:00

April showers bring May flowers.... and i'm lovin the flowers! It's been a great week. Not only did my new friend Brandon feature my stuff on an amazing blog, I got a call yesterday from my sales rep at Southwestern Publishing that they chose one of my photos to be the cover of May's issue of Nichols Hills News. May is always the 'Hot Mamas' issue so I was excited when they decided to couple the annual recognition with the 'Babes of Nichols Hills' featuring many of my newborn clients from 2008. And every single one of the babes featured (that were all shot within their FIRST week) have been clients again (or will be within the next few weeks!). One of the BEST parts of my job is seeing those babies grow in to chubby, drooling, smiling people that make us laugh. PINCH ME - this is my JOB :) The magazine was delivered, (coincidentally) within hours of me posting Ms.(cover girl)Mia's 8 month photo shoot. Here's the cover and here's Mia a few months later!

I also want to give a special THANKS to this family. Marsha See has been a premier photographer here in OKC and this is her grand baby. She has all but retired her camera and has been such a blessing to me - she refers all of those, 'Marsha, can you just do one more shoot of my baby????' requests to me. SO much so I'm shooting her own grandbaby. THANK YOU, I'm lucky to know you and your amazing family. My graditude is endless!

Shot of the day...

2009-04-30T08:03:00.004-06:00

So this young man is a senior at Heritage Hall and needed a last minute picture done for his graduation announcements (that's from HIGH SCHOOL, ladies...;). Anyway, when I invite people to my home for sessions Leah the cat ALWAYS needs to take part in the action, seriously it's like she watches Animal Planet through the windows and dreams of being on 'Pet Star' or the like. Don't judge, she's no CHARTREUX (totally had to look up 'fancy cat breeds' in google) but we all have our dreams. Anyway, thought it was a fun capture! 'NOW SHOO lil' kitty!'

Check it out!

2009-04-27T13:07:00.005-06:00

Very honored to be featured on this cooler than kick a** photag blog :)

http://x-equals.com/blog/

Few of my faves from the week... - Oklahoma City Children's Photographer

2009-04-27T12:39:00.020-06:00

In case there was any doubt....Spring is HERE :) It's weird that I survive without all of mother nature's gift of color during the dark and cold months. Makes my job a little easier having her assist me ;)

And here she was ONE year ago...these remain two of my favorite little newborn shots ever!

TGIF

2009-04-24T10:02:00.002-06:00

Just posted the gallery for this family (there are FOUR of these beautiful girls...) Isn't she lovely?

Where to Begin - OKC Children's Photographer

2009-04-22T08:06:00.021-06:00

It's been busy!!! I was in DC and had a ton of clients there and am finally catching back up to OKC folk. We also added a family member to the farm - Little Ms. Ries... our new puppy. And all who have animals KNOW that puppies are some work. I've been telling everyone that the dog is EXCELLENT birth control. It cries and poops a lot, she's little and sweet so we're working on getting attached....kind of screwing up my daily schedule, blah blah sound familiar, moms? I joked last night as she's following me around and ankle biting that I just need to put her in the baby bjorn, worked with my boys to keep em quiet. I'll post a pic of that soon! She's sweet though, so I think we'll keep her. ANYWAY, don't want to be that CRAZY dog owner person that can't stop talking about their pets....so here are some cute KIDS too ;)

And here is my favorite lil' baby from DC :)

Mother's Day shoot - SOLD OUT

2009-04-22T08:04:00.001-06:00

Thanks for the crazy response to this, we sent out an email and filled 15 spots in 2 hours! YIKES, there is a big waiting list so if I can swing it, I may add on another day. Stay Tuned!

Mother's Day

2009-04-18T09:21:00.007-06:00

So sorry for my lack of posting - Spring has come in like an Oklahoma STORM. It's crazy busy and I have so much to share/post but for NOW I'm going to let you in on a little special I'm running... Mother's day is just around the corner so I'm going to do a marathon mom's day of shooting. This is an EASY gift your hubby can get the boss of the house - that's you ladies... Here are the details

Mommy & Her babes..
Friday, May 8th
20-30 minute mini-sessions
1 free 8x10 WITH order
$100.00
Location: Mi Casa (while the unkept landscaping may make my husband's skin crawl, it's gorgeous for pics..see below :)
** if you have more than two kiddos please inform us right away...

Please email infobethjansenphotography@gmail.com if you want a spot. Spaces are limited and it will be first come, first serve basis.

What makes me cry

2009-04-18T09:19:00.003-06:00

I'm pretty much a rock, i really never ever cry...truly. This had me in tears
ALWAYS been a fan of the underdog (and ALWAYS have been a fan of Les Miserables)...If you haven't seen this please watch :) Sorry for the link but they won't allow me to embed it.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

Just one of those days

2009-04-09T09:04:00.013-06:00

Yesterday was one of those days that makes me appreciate the fact that I don't live in Southern California. It was GORGEOUS, 80, sunny, no wind...not too hot, no bugs... After long cold winters and windy windy weeks it's such a pleasant surprise EVERY SINGLE change of season when you have that day that just makes you want to roll around in the grass (ok not literally, near the grass maybe, i did have white jeans on, people and bleach is bad for mother earth). SO the boys got home from school and we took their Star Wars toys outside, I took a few magazines and we sat for a few hours enjoying the afternoon. They caught lady bugs, played fetch with Kahlua the dog, GOT ALONG, it was so very pleasant. SO I decided to pull out my new camera and document the contentment. Sadly, it's a rare day when I do this, it seems the camera stays in it's bag if I'm not working. SO here are a few 'snaps' of our afternoon. Wish i could have got the kitties but I think due to the feelings of 'SPRING', Obi Wan and Leah are feeling the 'heat' and they were likely busy chasing tale... quite literally, gotta love Spring ;)

Oh, and if there was a picture of me from yesterday I would have had a purple flower behind my left ear from sweet Wesley and I can guarantee I acquired a few more freckles squinting in to the sun. Donations for BOTOX are accepted at any time, cash, check, credit cards are welcome ;)

Spring

2009-04-07T09:39:00.003-06:00

Just got back from DC, I was there during cherry blossom festival... i got pretty lucky with the weather - The rain stopped the second my plane touched the ground and started again about an hour b/f take off on Monday. It was absolutely gorgeous all weekend. If you are waiting on proofs I'll be working hard to get them to you! ENJOY THE BLOOMS :)

Newborn Needed :)

2009-04-02T10:03:00.008-06:00

Know anyone having a baby? I am in need of a newborn model either April 13th or 14th. Free session, free proofs.... baby just needs to be under 2 weeks old! If interested please contact me @ infobethjansenphotography@gmail.com :)

How about this girly overload..

Keep looking at this image and you'll find the baby :)

When art is made..

2009-03-27T12:07:00.032-06:00

So, like any kind of job, some days you're better at your job than others. Some days I can put a finger on it, other days I just don't know what circumstances surround the feelings of inspiration (or lack there of). But TODAY is a good work day. I can't tell you how much I dreaded going to work in my basement office at my corporate job for 8 or so years... don't get me wrong, it was a good job with a good cause but THIS job is my baby and such a privilege. It's raining and dark today, we're supposed to be getting 4-8 inches of SNOW tonight, crazy crazy weather.. Anyway, it's a computer day, no shoots just proofing etc. I sat down at my desk at 8:30 and just looked up and it was 1:00! Today, together with my delicious coffee i've been listening to Ray Lamontagne (if you haven't picked up this disc, you should!!) for 5 hours and proofing away...

UPCOMING OUT OF TOWN SCHEDULE:
For potential mentees and or clients: Possibilities for shoots and or mentoring
I will be in DC first weekend in APRIL 3-6
I will be in PORTLAND APRIL 24th-26th
I will likely be in ATLANTA in JUNE (dates TBD)
I will be in OMAHA MAY 28-31st

So here's a little bit of everything..and all but two of the newborns are repeat clients :)

The first three are of my neice Norah Grace, aka dragon. We LOVE her spirit..the first was take at about 6 months..

And now she's THREE :)

Remember these guys? I still LOVE this first shot of her! And big bro is SO patient, we had MUCH better luck with her not running away from us this time!!

And then there is Ms. Ella, the first two were taken when she was just about a week old, now she's ONE... still the prettiest little newborn I've had the privledge of shooting, and now she's walking!

The Mentor Session

2009-03-19T16:11:00.027-06:00

Had the chance to use these three as models for my most recent mentoring session in Omaha.... all three of them were so amazing, the best little models! We had a great time (I was told that they 'played' photographer when they got home - how awesome is that?). Wanted to share another urban session - and for all of those still learning this whole shoot was done in FULL sun, from about 1-3 PM. Full sun should not intimidate!! Contact me if you're interested in the mentoring opportunity!

For potential mentees and or clients: Possibilities for shoots and or mentoring
I will be in DC first weekend in APRIL 3-6
I will be in PORTLAND APRIL 24th-26th
I will likely be in ATLANTA in JUNE (dates TBD)
I will be in OMAHA MAY 28-31st

I also told them each of them HAD to have a 'jumping' shot for their room :)

East Coast / West Coast ..... Next stop DC

2009-03-13T14:13:00.003-06:00

I'm a midwestern girl, through and through but I LOVE to travel to the coast and feel quite at home when i do. I have a few trips planned for both the east and west coast and will be booking appts. for each. My first trip back to DC in 2009 is scheduled for the first weekend of APRIL. If you or someone you know is interested in a booking have them contact me asap @ infobethjansenphotography@gmail.com!!

isn't she a doll? More of her to come..

Little of Everything - Oklahoma City Children's Photographer

2009-03-11T16:01:00.022-06:00

No real excuse for not blogging - other than you know that when I slack in the blogging world it generally means i'm busy in the real world (not that blogging world isn't real ;)... here is a little taste of what i've been doing this past week or so!

Happy Birthday Sweet Wesley!

2009-03-05T11:39:00.005-06:00

It's my Wesley's birthday today - he is SIX. Never in a million years did i imagine having a six year old. The child is really nothing like me but he may be the sweetest most sensitive little dude you'll ever know. I just adore him. Just wanted to post a few from the archives.... lots of parties ahead for the day :)

TWINS - Beth Jansen, Oklahoma City Newborn Photographer

2009-03-04T08:29:00.010-06:00

One of my best friends from high school had twins a few weeks ago so I teamed up again with friends Kelley & Tracy for another phenomenal shoot. There is NO way I could have done this solo, takes an army to get shots like these! But when you do.... OH SO REWARDING. For inquiring minds, Kelley & Tracy host a baby posing class, get the inside scoop on how to pull this off, I'll be the FIRST to say, it is NOT easy... :)

The Bestest Age of All - Beth Jansen OKC Children's photographer

2009-02-21T09:47:00.014-06:00

If I've said it once I'll say it a gazillion times - I LOVE THIS AGE. I won't even babble on and on about it but I could have posted every image of this sweet girl. Enjoy!!

BOY VS. GIRL - Beth Jansen, OKC Newborn Photographer

2009-02-20T13:37:00.019-06:00

So, earlier in the month I sent out an email begging for a newborn boy. I bought this scale that weighs like 8 million pounds. I had to get a baby on it b/c otherwise it's just a decoration in my family room, albeit a cool one, but unless I get in to the old fashion grain business it doesn't really serve much purpose. SO, JOSH McCULLOCK to the rescue.... Josh and his wife Katie just had a baby boy and I was so pleased to have them over. Josh is an amazing wedding photographer, his style is surreal and chic, makes one gush over all the artistic edge he brings to love. Awesome combo... anyway, this is his bambino. It was great hanging out and trying to get Mr. Gavin to SLEEP (he tried and tried and TRIED to resist..).

OH, and little Gavin stole his dad's line - Josh always signs off, 'to life'! So I thought it'd ONLY be appropriate to start Gavin off right, like father like son..

And then there was a newborn girl named SARA - every once in a while I have a little baby pull at the heart strings - Little Ms. Sara did just that. She is SIX weeks old for this shoot and still the most precious little thing on the planet. Loved her.

I don't think her weight is accurate but I thought it was fun to clone out what was really on the scale ....

VEGAS BABY :)!!!

2009-02-15T10:20:00.006-06:00

Funny this, I uploaded this to my Flickr Blog and everyone thought it meant that Vegas = BABIES. And i've never been good at math but I think It would need to be Vegas + Martinies = BABIES; Vegas + BABY is just VEGAS, BABY!!!! SO, I'm not planning on making any babies in Vegas (since my husband isn't going he'd be kind of upset if that was the plan). And the old cliche, 'What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas' will not apply. I'm going for WPPI - this MONGO photography conference that is full of education opportunites and new product offering etc etc. I'll be there through WED, FEBR 18th! I won't be having ANY fun, AT ALL, not even for a second ;) Talk soon ~B

Valentines Day - It is what it is...

2009-02-13T20:45:00.019-06:00

I really love these boys...

Just this morning, Ewan climbed in my bed (for the 2nd time in the wee hours of the AM) and I said to him,

'You need to learn to stay in bed little bubba, it's ridiculous that you always come in here in the middle of the night.' Without another response he shook his head with positive certainty and said, 'Well, anyways.. i just wuv you mom.' So what do you say to that? I suppose if we all tried to be less gaurded and we just said, 'well, anyway, i just wuv you' it would make the world a lot better place.

On a funnier less sentimental note, Yesterday, Wesley was running around crazy in nothing but his underwear and I said to him, 'Wes, c'mon, go get some PANTS on'

'MOM, you don't understand my mind, I'm having fun without pants'

'WELL, you can still have fun WITH pants on, Wes'

Simply put; 'Mom, NO you can't'

Well then - a six year old take on fun for males. He's right, I don't quite understand his mind BUT i do get that it starts way too young .... lol

So anyway, Happy Valentines Day! Simon Says Do what you love, love what you do and DO WHO YOU LOVE ;)

A few of Wes and Ewan from today (cupcake shots at SaraSara Cupcake!)..

Tag on..

2009-02-13T15:09:00.007-06:00

So, in the post before this one little Eliza was NOT herself, she was actually quite sick so we had a mini-reshoot to get some ZaZa pictures. Eliza's Grandpa owns the super chic boutique, Hotel ZaZa in Dallas and Houston. If you are looking for a trendy hot spot to stay, ZaZa is your destination. If you're looking for one of the cutest babes I've shot in a while, Eliza is your baby :)

MONSTER post

2009-02-09T21:08:00.021-06:00

It was about 6 months ago when I had the chance to shoot Eliza and Henry within their first few days.. They've grown to be SO so flippin cute. I so love shooting this family - they request the unexpected and want funky out of the ordinary images (match made in heaven), so it was so refreshing to be at Untitled Art Space downtown for this one...We had fun. Always a great time with you guys - and it was nice to meet the whole fam!

A few months back...

Belly Laughter..

2009-02-05T20:59:00.000-06:00

this nearly made me pee myself.

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Addendum to Cribs

2009-02-05T14:19:00.005-06:00

SO, I'm excited to announce that Apartment Therapy (this super chic website that features urban every day living..) has decided to feature my house as one of their 2009 tours. Pretty exciting for me! Here are a few pics of my guest room.. for the full tour click here: tour

2009-02-04T08:08:00.016-06:00

NEWBORN NEEDED: I need a little boy newborn, the babe must be under two weeks old...I want to try a few shots and I don't have any baby boys on the calendar! Lemme know if you've talked to one and their schedules are open btwn poops and boobs...

One thing I still find amazing about babies is how fast they grow. We had friends in from Omaha this past weekend and they brought their darling little 12 week old Matilda with them. Compared to a newborn she's HUGE! We actually had a real conversation about the new the Stimulus package and how it would effect the brand of formula she drinks... it's crazy how fast they grow in to real people! Snapped a few shots of her as well, first one was from their LAST visit, still baking :) MISS YOU GUYS!

Now for NOT so little Matilda..

Romance & Candy..

2009-02-02T20:32:00.011-06:00

NO REALLY, I'm SO romantic.. ;)

I'm a sucker for holiday candy, a big sucker (no pun intended). I think this is due to my mother's up-bringing. She was kind of a health nut, we never had sugar cereal, there was never a candy jar around the house. For school lunches we were only allowed HALF of a Little Debbie snack, like I would take only one of the two amazingly delicious nutty bars. Do you ever wonder how Debbie got the name 'Little'? Let's be honest, if was I was eating several nutty bars a week, coupled with a few Oatmeal cream pies there would be nothing little about me. Tangent, sorry...but my mom did buy holiday candy. I love holiday candy, I love candy corn (BRACHS ONLY), I love Starburst jelly beans, I buy every new color that M&M puts out, and this time of year I LOVE DOVE chocolate and conversation hearts, really love them. I'm a total snob about it though, the hearts HAVE to be the NECCO brand, the ones that come in the cute pink box with the see through window. Please note: Brachs conversation hearts may be good for conversation but for nothin' else, they are WAY TOO soft. Necco converstation hearts are simply delightful, I buy the boxes by the dozen, seriously. And ever since I was a child I also loved the conversation aspect of them. I gave my boyfriend in 1st grade several different versions of conversation hearts on the playground. I think that was before guys were taught to be scared of commitment, Jeremy Goaley (who was a great break-dancer) loved the 'marry me' hearts i gave him. There may have been a few 'kiss me' and 'hug me' ones in the mix as well. What can I say, he was a good dancer!! Anyway, this year as I made my way through my first box of hearts and chocolates I really analyzed the messages. Some of the messages have remained classic but some are very 2009..., like, 'text me' and 'LOL'.. so I thought well, what would make me 'LOL' is if someone confiscated this candy and had their way with the msgs.. So i got my hands on a few. Ya know, a conversation heart for the mature more jaded audience.. IMHO, it made me 'LOL' :O!

This did say, 'Remember your first crush'...

S.A.D

2009-01-29T11:49:00.021-06:00

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most (most being the operative word here ;) of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter.

Sound familiar?

I can't really complain, it was 75 a few weeks ago and I'm from OMAHA, which is bitter cold and dark all of the dang time but the OKC just got a pretty good ice storm and we were told not to leave the house, so the boys and I hunkered down and did a whole lot of nothing. School was canceled, my car was iced over.... it was dark and dreary. Coincidentally, during the enclosure a moderate flu bug was also being freely distributed. So just when you thought you'd enjoy a nice glass of wine by the fire, you were interrupted by a not so pleasant stomach bug, prohibiting any fun. WINTER. WE WILL PREVAIL, YES WE CAN....

I'm always grateful for the clients that book shoots in January and February, i mean, c'mon, the ground is brown, my skin is seriously translucent and one may lose a finger or two from frost bites on some days, but hey, no better time for a session ;) Here are a few of the brave ones...And really, being inside in a nicely heated space makes for easy sessions! And photoshop will take care of the tan..

As for these guys, SIX kids, can you imagine? MAYBE in the summer... And as if it's not amazing enough that these kids were so amazingly behaved, mom home-schools them. I'll have what she's having!

A brand new Day...

2009-01-20T16:14:00.002-06:00

WHAT A DAY!!!!!

To Truly Inspire....

2009-01-19T12:10:00.006-06:00

Sneak a peek of this one.... Unfortunately they just cut if off and only a bit of it is available, I saw the full stream on CNN. Amazing video.. Hope everyone was able to tune in to watch MLK's full speech today!

And then for a good laugh, from an interview with Chris Rock on his LACK of comedy surrounding Barack Obama..

As the DVD readies for release on January 20, CNN talked with Rock about his lack of Obama jokes, Inauguration Day and why racism will never die. The following is an edited version of that interview:

CNN: I watched the special last night, and I noticed that you did a lot of jokes about John McCain -- his age, his war hero story -- but not so many about Barack Obama. Is it harder to make fun of Obama?

Chris Rock: He's just one of those guys, you know, like Will Smith. There's no Will Smith jokes. There's no Brad Pitt jokes. You know, what are you going to say? "Ooh, you used to have sex with Jennifer Anniston. Now you have sex with Angelina Jolie. You're such a loser." What do you say? "Ooh, your movies are big. You make $20 million." There's nothing to say about Brad Pitt.

CNN: Why is Obama like that?

Rock: It's like "Ooh, you're young and virile and you've got a beautiful wife and kids. You're the first African-American president." You know, what do you say?

CNN: As time goes on do you think it will get easier?

Rock: Of course, as time goes on. At some point he's going to -- there's always slip-ups. No one can survive that level of scrutiny without occasionally making it easy for a comedian.

CNN: Let's talk about the inauguration. Are you going?

Rock: No, I have to go to Sundance [Film Festival]. I've got a movie premiering at Sundance. So I have to go to the whitest place in America -- Utah.

CNN: What's it going to be like for you on Inauguration Day?

It'll be a cool day. It's weird. I've never watched an inauguration. I've never watched anyone get sworn in. You know, it's like Election Day and then you look up and somebody else is the president two months later. It was never like, "I can't wait till tomorrow. Oh my god! They're going to swear in Jimmy Carter!"

My little models...

2009-01-18T16:27:00.019-06:00

I'm BAAAAAACKKKK....after a nice 3 week break over the holidays. I'm tellin ya, it was way overdue, only issue is I'm having a bit of trouble getting back in to my crazy, work all the time, don't have time to eat or sleep phase. Still rather relaxed and enjoying the calm. Here are a few of my darling models from recent mentoring sessions - we've had some fun. Oklahoma City and surrounding southern areas are so nice, you really can shoot all year, who needs the Myriad Gardens after all? Flowers, shmowers... give me some trashy spot or a cool boutique hotel and i'm set!

1-2-3 TEAM

2008-12-31T15:19:00.015-06:00

So, as you may have read in my last post, I had the opportunity to do some shooting with Kelley Ryden and Tracy Raver. We had two little newborn boys and we spent 5 + hours trying some of our new ideas on them. The sling shots are the brilliant ideas of K&T (Tracy makes the slings and she made the fun red basket)!! We had a lot of fun... Wish I had these brilliant minds with me at every shoot. How many photographers does it take to shoot a newborn? Ummmmm, well, on Sunday it took THREE. Thanks guys for the fun fun day!

My MERRY Christmas Shoot..

2008-12-25T10:21:00.015-06:00

This was a special shoot for two reasons:
1. I haven't seen my niece, Vivi for many months - last time I really had a good shoot with her was at 5 days old.... So now that she is at my absolute favorite age (8 months) I was excited to capture the perfection. She is the happiest most joyful baby. And, YES, her eyes are REALLY that blue, who wouldn't want to photograph her?
2. Reason #2 the shoot was fun; I got to be the first 'guest' photographer to shoot at Kelley Ryden's new studio. Kelley was my original mentor and while our styles really couldn't be more different I still credit her for all the initial tools to get me moving (seriously the best money I've ever spent!). Kelley and her twin sister Tracy are seriously AMAZING newborn photographers, if you're not already a fan, I encourage you to jump on the bandwagon. All these (aside from the newborn pic) were taken at her new studio space. My sister prefers the simple approach (I can do simple!! ;) and for babies this age I can't disagree, GORGEOUS LIGHT and hardwood floors - what else do you need?

Kelley, Me, Tracy (and her bun in the oven..)

The art of Graffiti

2008-12-22T14:33:00.012-06:00

Back in high school when i prepared for my senior pictures by spiral curling my hair and pegging my colored jeans I didn't anticipate that Arnold Clark Photography Studio would drop a 'graffiti' back drop behind my back lit over hair-sprayed 'do' in order to create dimension. I believe that was what they were trying to do...some sort of juxtaposition of a well dressed teenager in front of a beat-up spray painted sheet....the result didn't really do it for me but using graffiti as part of these portraits to add dimension/color/texture was my intention as well. The difference is using REAL graffiti. I find graffiti and the history of graffiti pretty amazing - the true artists that are able to create these masterpieces (IN THE DARK) are inspiring to me. All the different political rebellions expressed through graffiti or just the people that wanted their art to be seen, intriguing stuff. As for my senior pictures..well, i threw away the spiral curling iron but MAN would I look good in those dark green jeans, they are SO back in style ;)

Lesson for the day:
Graffiti has existed since ancient times, with examples going back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire[1] and may range from simple scratch marks to elaborate wall paintings. In modern times, spray paint and markers have become the most commonly used materials. In most countries, defacing property with graffiti without the property owner's consent is considered vandalism, which is punishable by law. Sometimes graffiti is employed to communicate social and political messages. To some, it is an art form worthy of display in galleries and exhibitions, to others it is merely vandalism. There are many different types and styles of graffiti and it is a rapidly evolving artform whose value is highly contested, being reviled by many authorities while also subject to protection, sometimes within the same jurisdiction.

For this first image - I'm getting in to some mixed media expression - this was a fun one, printed it on metallic paper...looks pretty darn cool if you're in to the whole modern art thing.

The ART of newborns...

2008-12-17T08:45:00.022-06:00

"Get wrapped up in the Little Things this Christmas!" - Mommy of little Ms. Elle ;)

Vacation Home...

2008-12-14T13:31:00.002-06:00

"Mom, I wish our house looked like this" - Ewan
'You and me BOTH ;)'

Me and the boys had fun with this one!

Time - a funny phenomenon

2008-12-12T06:09:00.019-06:00

So in the past few days something has happened to me..... I have experienced something I haven't felt in many many moons - I have time. I went shopping the other day and as I was walking through Pier One I found myself humming the melody to whatever Christmas jingle was playing and as I caught a glance of myself in one of the decorative mirrors I had a small epiphany, 'Holy crap, it's Christmas!..' (Even caught the happy moment with a picture on my I phone, I do realize that's a bit odd but us photographers take pictures of EVERYTHING, so I had to document the euphoria). I'm doing things that are unbeknownst to me, like thinking about what I want to eat for dinner (i'm not to COOKING that dinner yet, but thinking about it is a big step), I've been going running mid-morning instead of 6:00 AM which would typically cut right through the middle of my proofing. Yesterday I stopped at Coco Flow on Western for a truffle (!?!?!?!?)...and one of the most insane things I've experienced is getting annoyed with people not calling ME back, i mean let's be honest, my friends affectionately (or passive aggressively) refer to my absenteeism and inability to use the phone constantly. Sara said, 'if you want to talk to Beth you have to get up at 5:30 am and go running with her.' SO, this week when people haven't corresponded with me i'm like, 'Seriously, people, how hard is it???' Little dose of my own medicine i guess. Point being, I'm enjoying the time! And I'm going to be posting A LOT, I just looked back at my schedule and I haven't shared images from over 25 galleries...so get ready!

This one is was fun - these guys own In The Raw Sushi - They have a couple spots across Oklahoma but most recently they opened in bricktown...right next to the Ford Center, right above Red Pin (my favorite place to bowl..). Anyway, a lot of these images were taken inside the restauraunt. Best sushi in town and if you go on a game night, it's full of people wanting to have a good time! Great drinks and the best Edamame i've ever had!

MINE

2008-12-10T16:51:00.022-06:00

You've seen my crib...now see the boys that live in it! I rarely post my boys, so here are a few (many of you have seen some of these on my holiday card!) I always laugh when clients ask if I have kids...can't imagine doing this without having had a few! PLUS, I have complete and total empathy for all the crazy boys I have to shoot - they keep me in shape! These are my loves; Wesley will be SIX in March and Ewan just turned 4! YIKES.

Cribs

2008-11-27T15:07:00.038-06:00

This post is dedicated to Cami..

So, I was inspired the other night...watching Cribs. I watched 50 Cent's tour of his 50,000 square foot home and it reminded me a lot(not) of my house - I mean the part having a 5 and a few zeros somewhere in the square footage. Me and 50 have a lot in common, I mean we both like to dance, and entertain, he serves Cristal, I serve 'blue tape' wine (explanation below). He has a room where 'the magic happens'...so do I.. I heard he has a party room that houses 2,000 guests, and i can get AT LEAST 20 in my crib. He has lots of fast cars, we have a fast scooter (goes like 55, 0 to 15 in like 10 seconds) and we both like to celebrate women, he's such a feminist, that 50. SO, all in all I thought my friends from home (that haven't been to visit the OKC) would like a mini-tour. And maybe when 50 sees my crib I'll be on the fast pass to one of his parties (2,000 guests is A LOT, 50, you can invite one more?!! BETTER IDEA, heard of party pics? I could be that photographer for a night..).

I also had a client not too long ago ask, 'Is it weird showing up to stranger's houses and making yourself at home to take pictures?' Made me think, 'am I supposed to feel weird?' Then i thought, gosh, i wonder if THEY feel weird, I did witness several bodies in bed on Saturday mornings but other than babies pooping on me and my blankets I don't feel that anything was too intrusive or awkward. SO, i thought I'd go ahead and let my clients inside the tour too. You MAY be able to see where I get my love for color by the way I decorate... I'm no professional, i mean, I can't afford, '50 Cent' interior designers but it works for me!

Entry Way

THIS IS WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS,...THE OFFICE

One of my favorite rooms (closets) in the house; Don't you love this decor? Note the BLUE TAPE. My very methodical husband puts blue tape on wine that is considered, 'good' - i guess that means, scoring over 90 points in Wine Specatator or costing over 90 bucks or something. Funny thing is, he never forgets a label, so the tape isn't there for him. SO, blue tape means, 'BETH, use caution when grabbing this bottle of wine - it's expensive' BUT I INTERPRET it as, 'pick me, pick me!!'

My very masculine pink(it's SALMON, people!) and green bdrm.

Some bamboo...

Some more bamboo...

In case you're curious, watch a bit of 50's tour. Let me say, 'BETH JANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY DOESN'T CLAIM OR AGREE OR APPRECIATE OR SUPPORT OR ENDORSE 50's lifestyle' (So if you're easily offended by dancing women in bikinis don't watch) BUT I DO ENDORSE A GOOD LAUGH and I appreciate anthropology, so this is just a little lesson on gangster cribbage... ;)

Telling people you're being sarcastic deprives you of the fun of making people wonder. -Sawyer Neely (VIP somewhere on some hip street in Dallas Texas...)

MTV Cribs - MTV Shows

Edible babe and Wedding Post

2008-11-27T10:17:00.018-06:00

OK! I literally have hundreds of images to share as I've had SO SO many clients these past few months. But THIS one stole my heart today! I'll be posting a TON soon!

"Marrying for love may be a bit risky, but it is so honest that God can't help but smile on it" :)

I can't imagine shooting anyone else for my first wedding - these guys are SO laid back and fun. So it's official I guess, 'I DO' weddings ;) Here is your sneak! Love you guys!!

PLEASE READ

2008-11-18T11:50:00.019-06:00

Most of you may not know that BEFORE my career as a photographer I spent seven years working for the American Red Cross and National Marrow Donor Program. I both recruited volunteers to join the Marrow program and coordinated unrelated stem cell transplants for people with blood diseases. When someone is diagnosed with a blood disease and regimens of chemo and radiation fail, the last hope for a cure is often found in stem cell and bone marrow transplants. If a match is not found in the patient's family they are forced to look else where for a donor. The National Marrow Donor Program registry houses hundreds of thousands of willing donors waiting to find their match. On a daily average there are 6,000 patients searching for donors. Over the course of those years I met MANY families that lost loved ones to blood diseases. I also witnessed the triumph of people that survived these diseases... never a dry eye when you get to witness patients meeting the donor who saved their life! And I have to say the people i was surrounded with at the NMDP changed mine!

So when I was asked a few days ago to shoot the Spady family there wasn't really a question. This family has been challenged this year. Not only has Kim fought breast cancer these past two years, Caleb was diagnosed with a brain tumor called a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma ("DIPG") on April 3, 2008. See below for Kim's synopsis of his condition;

"Caleb has a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. We call it a brain tumor, but what it really is is cancer that is spread through the pons area of his brainstem. It is inoperable because the brainstem is the center of operations for the body – everything that goes out goes through that area. Dr. Warren explains the cancer by using this analogy: Picture a handful of sand tossed into a patch of grass. Now try to remove every morsel of sand without even touching a single blade of grass.

That is impossible, of course.

The only treatment that reliably knocks back a DIPG is radiation therapy. This is not a cure for the vast majority of children – it just buys them more time. After radiation is complete, the children have what the doctors call a "honeymoon". The honeymoon often lasts between 6 and 9 months. At some point, the cancer usually starts growing again.

Until that happens, though, there is nothing that can be done. The doctors have not found any way to get ahead of the cancer to keep it from growing and consuming the brainstem. That’s why Caleb isn’t on any treatment right now. There isn't anything available to him that has shown any promise.

After radiation is complete, the parents of a child with a DIPG always ask "What now?" It’s so scary to think that we are just going to do nothing but wait for the cancer to start growing again. We are invariably told "There is nothing now. Just go home and enjoy the time you have with your child."

On November 12th of this month they found out that Caleb's tumor is growing. Now, I spent a little over an hour with these boys and you would NEVER guess that this little man has such a monster growing inside of him - or that the family has faced such pain-staking times. They were full of life and joyful. JOYFUL.

SO ~ Here is where we come in. I took the pictures - here is the sneak peek.... They are going to need these pictures.... and we all know that Beth Jansen Photography can drain the pocket book. SO, I'm asking YOU guys (anyone and everyone) to donate some dinero for their 'pictures'. My goal is to raise $1200 (the cost of buying the digital prints). I will GIVE them lots and lots of pictures & digital copies and hand them the donated money from you to use towards Caleb's treatment, research, a night out... So, if you'd like to help out email infobethjansenphotography@gmail.com and let us know who you are, what you'd like to say and what you'd like to donate. 100% of your donation will go to the Spady's! Cortney will then contact you and the Spade's will get a the full list of donors! PEACE!

Build a workshop....

2008-11-16T20:07:00.012-06:00

SO ~ I will NOT bore with you the gory details but the workshop in April is OFF. After facing some unnecessary drama the four of us decided to put plans on hold. Let me make you aware that the decision to post-pone was not due to any differences among the group but rather some negative outside forces that made us re-evaluate the worthiness of the endeavor. Having said that, I am still excited to do some mentoring. I have a few individuals flying in from all over the country for intense, two day, one on one mentoring. You tell me what you'd like to learn and I'll teach it! I WILL travel for groups. So, if you've anxiously been awaiting news of the workshop I apologize for the delay...I will say that anything covered in the workshop can be covered by yours truly. SO, let me know if you'd love to travel to the OKC (kind of like the OC, but without the ocean, or the palm trees, or, well, the weather and fresh seafood....:). Unfortunately I am NOT offering the one on one mentoring to anyone in OK. AS FOR THE PICS IN THIS POST - I never shared much from this gallery - it's one of my absolute FAVORITES. These girl's mom is a good friend and she let me have full creative control...in the end we all were happy with the results! Aren't they stunning?!?!? We had so much fun!

Contact me at bethcjansen@gmail.com for pricing and availability for mentoring in 2009!

The east coast..

2008-11-15T14:14:00.032-06:00

A little over a year ago I made my first trek to DC for work. Since then I've shot a LOT of clients living on the east coast. I'm very lucky that my job allows for travel, i always feel a tinge of guilt that i have so much FUN while i'm working (I get over it pretty quickly). This particular weekend posed a challenge however, it was raining and dark ALL WEEKEND. The forecast called for sunny skies Sunday so I batched all 6 clients in to one 6.5 hour time frame at the National Cathedral b/f hopping on a plane to head home..... luckily we had our way with the weather and managed to capture some stunning little faces! I always have the urge to travel so DC manages to hit the spot.. every time!! Thanks for being such amazingly flexible clients!

Where's the REDBULL?!

2008-11-13T21:13:00.029-06:00

At about 2:30 this afternoon as my stomach started it's rebuttal on why I should make a deposit of food and my bladder screamed for a life jacket I knew I had to peel my expanding butt off my chair and take care of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. I was hungry, I had to pee, and my eyes were crossing. I quickly made myself a peanut butter sandwich and grabbed a bag of Fire Hot Cheetos and a diet coke. (my weakness definitely revolves around the 'tos' family - Cheetos, Fritos, Doritos, Tostitos - seriously, who can deny their love for the Tos' ...ok, ok, and then there was the invention of 'Munchies' - good gracious, talk about heaven in a bag. Cheetos, doritos, pretzels, and sun chips all wrapped up in one tiny little saturated fat bag!). Anyway, as I wrapped up my 2nd gallery today and headed off to two more shoots I called 5 of my neglected friends and family to alert them of my state of livlihood - simply put, i am still alive. POINT BEING - us photographers are insanely busy right now...And I PROMISE you, I am working as hard as I can to get your galleries to you! And as for the expanding rear (I guess I'd have to remember to EAT to allow expansion) but 2009 is JUST around the corner and I can't abandon the Tos' until then. Break-ups suck. ANOTHER REDBULL, POR FAVOR!!!! :)

Take a Chance on Me

2008-11-06T06:41:00.008-06:00

Who doesn't love Abba in all of their sweet sweet Swedishness.. Can't help but hum the melody to 'Take a Chance on Me' when posting this blog spot ;)

'Gonna do my very best and it ain't no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me try

Take a chance on me
(that's all I ask of you honey)
Take a chance on me...'

LOL..

Anyway, I'm headed to San Diego tomorrow to shoot my first wedding for this beautiful couple. So without a doubt, they are taking a chance on me!! I'm very excited for the opportunity! And, hey, marriage is a leap of faith, right...so they are practicing their faith a little with the photographer! Can't wait!

I'll be out of the office through TUESDAY. After that I will proofing my life away until Christmas. I am 250% overbooked for 2008 so start calling Courtney for 09'! Have a good one!

VOTE 4 CHANGE

2008-11-04T08:37:00.003-06:00

Color me Gorgeous...

2008-10-31T12:09:00.045-06:00

I was in a sorority for a bit in college, it was a short bit but I have a few distinct memories...

'If you could describe yourself as a color, what color would you be and why' said the president of Theta Phi Alpha sorority at a retreat back in 1997. As I looked up at the ceiling a few things came to mind, first was, 'seriously, this is the cheesiest 'ice-breaker' i've ever been a part of, am i applying for a job at TGIFridays?'... second thought, why would I have to pick just ONE COLOR?! 'Smithberg (maiden name), it's your turn, what color would you be?' ... 'Well, I'd have to say in all honesty that I would be Rainbow Brite, that chic has it goin' on!'

Since it IS Halloween I'd HAVE to say again today that I'd be Rainbow Brite...check her out, she rocks in all of color wonder craziness. I LOVE HER STYLE. So much in fact I thought it'd be fun to google Rainbow Brite and see what I came up with. There are all sorts of songs out there, one particular tune left me with a quote AND a good laugh, 'Rainbow Brite brings a shiny light to every face, shines for all to see, and makes the world a better place, Rainbow Brite and ME (that's ME!!!).' Anyway, it's no secret that I love color in ALL of it's form. I use loads of color when I dress, loads of color to decorate my house, and LOADS of color while proofing pictures - do I always match..not so much but it's my thing. How can you deny love for color? Who doesn't like a beautiful orange, red, and yellow sunset over a bright blue ocean, or seeing all the leaves change from green to glorious reds, oranges, blues, yellows?? How about seeing someone with beautiful brown skin with big green eyes? After a rain when a big ol' rainbow appears - I challenge you not to smile!! I LOVE color (and redundancy obviously ;). SO roll around it, it'll make you a better person. I'll leave you with one last quote for the day taken from my favorite new designer, pretty much sums up my way of thinking;

"Color is the most accessible, over-the-counter, mood altering substance I can think of. Overdose on color." - Jonathan Adler

Thirty-Something

2008-10-13T17:38:00.019-06:00

I had a birthday on Saturday... I'm thirty-something. So I got to thinking about birthdays as an adult and what it means to be thirty-something. When you ask my Ewan how old he is, he'll likley say, 'I'm free or somesing (three or something)..". Sounds an awful lot like thirty-something doesn't it? So the little guy isn't so proud of his age. I find my boys fighting this 'i'm too young insecurity' every single day. When there is a birthday at school Ewan will come home and cry, 'Now COOPER is 4 and I'm still JUST 3...'. Then there is Wes who cried the other day when he heard his cousin lost his first tooth. 'It's going to take FOREVER for me to lose a tooth'. As an adult you can smirk at the mere thought of being jealous of someone who's older. But it happens for a good long while.. jealous of the first person who can go on a roller coaster, the first person to drive, the first person to turn 18 (apparently that means 'adult'), and then ultimately (in my quest for age) was the first person to turn 21. At that point I think I stopped wishing my youth away for another year. I remember watching the show 'Thirty Something' and I thought the characters were all SO depressing. But as a 'thirty-something' I don't really find it too depressing. Maybe it's biological but I find women in their thirties pretty damn empowered. Maybe it's that we've all been shamed by men a time or two, we've gained (AND LOST) the freshman 15, we've had several jobs, maybe even been fired by one, kept life-long friends, been pregnant, gained the 'rookie' pregnancy weight, birthed babies, had post-partum depression, lost that pregnancy weight, mothered children, established a career, still mothering, and HAPPY with how the years have shaped us... I think it's pretty amazing what women in their thirties have accomplished and I still LOVE to dance, still want to travel the world, still love my job, LOVE my boys, love good wine and talking to strangers on the street ... So I don't think I'll wish for my 40s or 50s right now b/c the 'thirty-somethings' are alright. As for the kiddos, there is no stopping them from wanting to be older, but at least we can DOCUMENT them along the way...

WORKSHOP UPDATE: thanks for a great PRE-release response!! May fill this one up FAST. We're having a bit to trouble with the darn website, so we'll get er' up soon! Keep checking back! (for inquiring minds, other workshop hosts are Kelley Ryden, Tracy Raver, and Jael DeYoung).

Sanity..

2008-09-29T20:08:00.021-06:00

What makes me crazy keeps me sane....

It's been a weird couple of weeks. My Saturday AM kind of sums it up. I woke up, got the boys ready (in our guest bdrm shower b/c our master bathroom is out of commission due to OLD HOUSE plumbing issues), I then decided breakfast wasn't happening b/c our kitchen sink/dish washer isn't working either (separate but equally frustrating issue). As I stared at all of the dishes piled high and my inability to muster up energy Starbucks came to mind (naturally, yes?). So I threw the kids in the car, ran through Starbucks (tall dark roast with cream and ONE Splenda), and drove quickly to good ol' Sara's house to drop my younglins while I ran off to a photo shoot. Once I got them inside I went back to the car to discover that Ewan had knocked over my tall coffee and the entire thing had spilled ever so neatly in to my center console, 12 ozs of dark roast splendor, saturating the stereo components. I quickly opened my hatch and grabbed a blanket in an attempt to clean up but I realized I was late so I hurriedly pulled out. Once I turned on to May Ave my hatch flew open, littering the street with all of my newborn blankets! I pulled over, collected my props, shut the hatch and drove quickly to my shoot. Once I got there I grabbed my camera, keys...and my phone....where was my phone (my FOURTH I phone)... Luckily as I was scrambling around, I saw it resting ever so peacefully on the hood of my car (props to my I Phone CASE that kept it there)... at least the phone was spared, my sanity on the other hand had been left somewhere on May Ave. I apologize to those people I inadvertently involve in my 'frazzle'..upon another recent parallel 'Beth' mind lapse a special person said to me (instead of yelling at me), 'Ok, it's time to let Beth be Beth'. For those words I will kiss you! BUT, for ONE day I could really benefit from a functioning left brain...seriously.

On a positive note, I've been busier than I ever have been, been shooting more than ever...and on a night like tonight when the kids are asleep, the hubby is working, I have my music, a good glass of wine, and my art. I love these nights, my music, wine, and hours of proofing, I get lost in it.... And I can say that I'm proud of a lot of recent work - thanks for being amazing clients! There is so much happening these days so I'll just list a few..

New Employee/assistant/savior: COURTNEY HAMILTON - she has a functioning left brain AND is hip and cool - imagine that?? She'll be scheduling your appts. etc, answering your questions etc. etc., keeping the biz afloat... my good friend Catherine will still be helping out but on more a 'behind the scenes' level.
TRIPS AWAY: I'll be in out of state on vacation Oct 02-05, working out of state (east coast) Oct. 24-26, and then again (west coast) Nov. 6-11.
BOOKINGS: I'm pretty much booked for 2008 ~ we are starting a wait-list now. If you don't care about having stuff for Dec. 25th then it MAY be possible to squeeze you in.
Things coming up: I am hosting a photography workshop in APRIL here in Oklahoma City along with 3 other amazing photographers (website to be launched mid-October) THREE days - one day dedicated to NEWBORN shooting, lessons on creative shooting and a day dedicated to post-processing.
My blog is also getting a face-lift soon --- but it probably won't be ready for another week or two (b/c of craziness..)!
I've taken pictures for NINE billboards in town for my favorite little kids boutique in town, Funky Monkey, so look out for those!!

Energy

2008-09-05T14:10:00.022-06:00

My friends know that whenever I SHOULD have my camera I don't. First day of school...nope, good concerts, ummmmmm, no.....school assembly even after being reminded to bring the darn thing...not so much. Thank goodness for my I phone - little sucker can take a good picture (and Apple should be happy about the 'props' i'm giving them b/c i DEFINITELY have a love/hate relationship with my phone. I sware the sucker has major PMS, some days it just decides to be a brat and not cooperate with anything i want it to do. I threaten that I'm going to toss my I phone in Lake Hefner on my next run and live happily ever after with a Blackberry but I just can't bring myself to it)! Anyway, I've been on a positive energy MISSION. It started about a month ago at the DMB show, carried on to Eureka Springs Arkansas and last stop being Denver, Colorado for the Democratic National Convention. I can learn a lot from Dave Mathtews, seriously the guy plays the same stuff over and over and over and as his jugular pops out of his neck and his violinist thrashes his dreads across the stage I marvle at the energy they produce. Each song feels like the first time they've played it live. They amaze me time and time again, as do Dave crowds...everyone is a friend at a Dave show! Then there was Eureka Springs, one little funky artist town. It's the kind of place that everyone has an interesting story as to what lead them there and how they found this amazing community of artists fueling energy for their work. Some are really talented and others, not so talented but they all seem to be in the right place. As a homeless man played his tune outside our hotel, claiming to be 'the best violinst in the country' my Wesley watched him intently and whispered, 'Mom, I really like his music.' Maybe not the best music in the country but I think all of us enjoyed his music.

So the icing on the cake was Denver - a good friend of mine allowed me the opportunity to be part of history. To see and be part of such an amazing election is truly priceless (as was seeing all the big dogs, The Clintons, John Kerry, Gore, Biden, BARACK, not to mention the amazing 'ONE' show Kanye West put on...that Wed. will remain one of my favorite days ever ;). So witnessing all of this power was incredible but bigger than that was watching all the people there to witness it. Nothing more energizing than being surrounded by amazingly educated, diverse, and politicaly and socially active citizens (that all know how to also have a really good time ;). My friend Cory and I used to call these types, "SJWs" (Social Justice Warriors), people that live by the motto, 'the sole meaning of life is to serve humanity'. Lots to learn from this type of energy. SO, after returning from these 'adventures' as my Ewan put it, you'd think I'd have lots of images to share...but sadly, I don't. I AM hoping that all of this energy passed between state lines will continue to motivate creativity and friendships with all of you... Here are a few of my faves from the past few weeks....

Rain...Rain...is welcome today!

2008-08-11T14:26:00.019-06:00

I woke up in the middle of the night to thunder...I was excited about it since it literally hasn't rained in what seems like FOREVER. The only positive thing about the lack of rain is lack the of mosquitos and weather cancellations. But ALAS, it has rained all night and most of the day.... it's been a crazy couple of weeks, lots of shoots, not nearly enough care for my boys, home improvements, blah blah. So here I am, first picture shows the daily madness here. Sometimes I really don't know how I'd manage as a mom of girls. I know nothing different than having legos, Star Wars, and guns all over the house, not sure anyone would guess i'm such a pacifist hippie at heart. I HATE GUNS, there is really NO NEED FOR THEM...but my boys see it differently. They are in a state of constant war (both pretend and real). Anyways, while I was blogging the previous shots all of these boys ran in my office and i had to snap an Apple computer screen pic!

I've had some good looking clients lately, been having a lot of fun. I have to admit, I'm a little scared for the fall - it's going to be busy but I love fall fashion, so i'm hoping lots of fun layering is on everyone's horizon :) Anyway, someone needs a snack, a drink, a time-out.....when does school start again?

Stunner...

2008-07-29T14:43:00.006-06:00

just wanted to share one of my most recent gorgeous clients :)

Attention to the Newborn...

2008-07-21T21:49:00.006-06:00

Let this gallery speak for itself..Ok, i need to speak a little, when i have a newborn shoot like this one I wonder where all the babies in this city are?! I would absolutely DIE to have pics like this of my boys (yea, hadn't gotten past the point and shoot at that point)...they are only this little for a FEW weeks!

My Neglect

2008-07-21T21:25:00.027-06:00

So, I fail at the blogging world...her i am 10:30 PM on a Monday, back from a week in Omaha where my only client was my sweet 3 month old neice, it was so nice, but also nice to be home. We've had a gazillion contractors in and out trying to work on this old beast, and aside from being completely loopy from all of the paint laquer the painters left behind this evening we are slowly but surely getting things together. I've had a great range of clients lately, it seems that typically little people come in clumps, like i'll have a ton of newborns or a ton of 2 year old boys (the hard clumps), but lately i've had em' all over, newborns, 3 month olds, 9 month olds, 2 year olds, EVEN a 100 year old - oh, yes, one of my funnest shoots to date! This woman rocked my world! Anyway, enough babble, here are some cuties..

And I'm BACK!

2008-06-26T07:19:00.010-06:00

FINALLY got internet back and I am proofing like a mad woman so never fear, your proofs will get to you soon! The new home is fabulous, although we went from a brand new home to an old home, so my idealistic view of this house has quickly morphed in to the next realistic phase....there are bugs, and broken windows, and uneven floors and WORST of all, BAD COLOR on the walls - so as you can imagine we will have our hands FULL in the aesthetic remodel of the home, but i love it and i have to remind myself of that! I'll post a few pics soon, my office has two huge windows, one of which faces our bamboo forest (truly, we have a bamboo forest), but instead of my view of the Purina Dog Factory of Edmond (coupled with the invigorating scent it bestowed upon us when the wind was just right) I have a view of bamboo and other large leafy trees (i'm not a botonist) that house cardinals, and bluejays and playful squirrels...it's quite lovely. Friends of mine told me that I was receiving some spiritual msg b/c apparently there is a bible verse about cardinals and bluejays and the abnormality of them co-existing in the same area. Email me the verse and I will post it. Spiritual or not, I can def. say there is a unique energy here, one that i'm sure will translate in to my work! OK, OK, speaking of work.....

AND, we're moving

2008-06-17T07:15:00.003-06:00

Well my last blog post was on a SUNDAY, Monday we found renters that need to be in by th2 21st of JUNE, so that gave us very little time to get out of here and in to our new home.....don't get me wrong, I'm completely elated but moving an entire house solo in a week is no easy task. We're closing on our house tomorrow (WED), I will be without internet access until MONDAY, I'm going to feel like my hands were cut off! I will have the trusty I Phone however and will respond to any urgent emails or calls. Until then enjoy one of my favorite family portraits from this past weekend in DC. ALSO, if you have called for a last minute appt. I am SO sorry I can't fit you in right now, but due to the crazy move and my very patient clients waiting for their own gallery posts I just HAD to say no.....which is a very very difficult task for me!

Time Flies

2008-06-08T08:19:00.020-06:00

WOW! I've neglected my blog and not b/c i haven't been shooting, b/c i've been SO busy shooting I don't want to take time away from proofing to post updates. In the past month we've been out of town twice and have done a RECORD number of shoots. Just to give you a bit of perspective in to the life of a gallery, shoots take about 2 hours, from leaving my house to getting back home and proofing a gallery takes 4-6 hours (depending on the size of the family). So one shoot is a full day's work for me. This is why I like to keep my shoots to a minimum so I can spend proper time on all of my galleries (although my 'minimum' now is reaching it's maximum :). Beyond shooting and proofing of course is the ordering and socializing i do with my clients - seriously one of my favorite parts of this gig. I get told all the time what a great job i have and i whole-heartedly agree. I am 100% extrovert, so to be able to wake up every day meet new people and chit-chat about life makes me a happy person - and then of course I get to make art. I really do have the best job. Thank you for being my clients and allowing my social nature to invade your homes :)

So what else is new? My employee Catherine has really made life easier for me...which is why i'm able to do more shooting and less business. Love it. I'm also headed BACK to DC for shooting this THURSDAY-SUNDAY (june 12-15). If you know someone wanting a shoot in one kick-a** city lemme know! And TRUE to Beth Jansen form, I have found the house of my dreams, unfortunately it still remains a dream until this darn house sells or leases - so if you know anyone looking for a hip home in Edmond send them my way! You guys will LOVE the new house, it has everything i need for a new studio space. I already have the big THANK YOU party I'm throwing ONCE we move in planned (i'm really trying HARD to be optimistic in such a horrible real estate market). Time will tell. OK, here a handful of recent clients and this is truly just a handful, just grabbed a few to prove that I've been making my way around town :) Hope everyone is enjoying their summers, what about the TANS these kids have already?! WOW!

PS - YES WE CAN, BO :)!!!

DC

2008-05-20T15:29:00.002-06:00

The more time I spend in DC the more I LOVE it....this is my boys' first trip to the east coast and so far they share my passion. Not sure if it has more to do with getting ice cream at the hotel twice a day or the old ornate architecture ;) Wes keeps asking when hes' going to meet Barack Obama! I keep telling him that he's probably busy. I've also decided that I may just have to move to Georgetown, I have a ton of shooting there tomorrow. Can't wait!

Out of Office

2008-05-17T05:51:00.007-06:00

I'll be headed to DC today-Thursday (17-22), so bare with me, I'll be back to orders and proofing in about a week! Until then check out these darlings...Have a great weekend!

SMART

2008-05-16T06:35:00.002-06:00

SO, the $100 is DOWN and we are waiting for our Smart Car. First time I saw one of these things was in Amsterdam - pretty much thought it was the craziest little thing I've ever seen....but due to the green movement it seems the US of A is FINALLY starting to catch on and SMARTS are now available all over the US. There is even a dealership in Tulsa (AND a VESPA dealership for all of you hippies). Just an FYI on these suckers, they get 40-45 miles per gallon, can you imagine?? SO, OBVIOUSLY Wes, Ewan and the German Shepard dog won't fit in the Smart but I do so much driving during the day it's going to be my commuting car/ accident causer car / attention getter car /that chick is so crazy car... We joked around with friends that on Saturday night when it's was time to hit the town we'd hook it up to our friend's hummer, like a the motor cycle and buggy deal...Anyway, open your mind and think SMART ;)

http://www.smartusa.com/

Hangin' with the little ones..

2008-05-12T20:03:00.012-06:00

SO.....i've been a little busy, but it's a good busy b/c i've been hanging with my favorite ages, 4 months to just over a year! Look at all of these little darlings. They are seriously edible and always so so good to me. I always fall in love with these galleries. All the chub, drooling and smiles make my job so darn easy. Hope you all enjoy all these dimples!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2008-05-11T08:01:00.003-06:00

Happy Mother's Day everyone!!! Yesterday was a great 'mothers' day for me, we went to 1492 for lunch (HIGHLY RECOMMEND - awesome food - great scene! They even had plantaines and Yucca - starchy food I ate loads of when i was living in the Dominican Republic!) Then we headed to the ice cream shop across from Irmas - love these shots... mainly b/c I like real pictures taken in real life...the man next to Wes and the hip couple on the side of Ewan just make this image for me ;) If anyone ever wants to do a shoot here it would be awesome! THEN after ice cream we went to the Oklahoma City Art Museum, the boys LOVED the Chihuly exhibit (glass blower/arist). Anyway, it was a beautiful day in the Metro and I paused from proofing to hang with the family... good times!

Sisters..

2008-05-01T10:15:00.002-06:00

I have such a good time shooting older kids - it's hard to get shots like this of little ones, look how gorgeous these sister's are?! I love making these gallery wraps - they end up so gorgeous, with the artsy edge combined with beautiful images really make great art pieces! I'll be sharing more of this gallery!!

Little sis

2008-04-28T06:47:00.000-06:00

Just want to gobble this one up :)

Lil Spring Flower..

2008-04-28T06:43:00.003-06:00

She was so sweet I had to share a few of her.. not quite done with this gallery! Her little 12 week old sis was just as sweet, I'll post more of her soon.

SPRING FLING

2008-04-27T16:45:00.004-06:00

WOW, we're BUSY.....Thank GOD I have hired Catherine, some of you may have chatted with her or received emails from her but she's doing all of my scheduling, invoicing, making sure I still have my head on, last year at this time I showed up to a shoot without my camera. Friends and I keep talking about how one of these days I'm going to pull out my I Phone and pretend it's my 'real' camera.. say something like, 'do you know how to zoom with this?' My clients are so nice though, they'd probably just nod and smile at me! ANYWAY, I've had some awesome sessions lately and the beautiful colors and flowers are in FULL bloom! SO, b/c of that my May is booked solid. There are still some openings in June but if you're looking for a shoot this summer it's NOT too early to give us a ring!

The six month old

2008-04-25T06:28:00.005-06:00

Have I mentioned how much I love shooting 6-9 month olds? I shot this little guy when he was just a few days old. WOW, he's changed so much. He's is such a little doll face :)

Spring is in the air...

2008-04-25T06:20:00.007-06:00

I have had a FLURRY of newborns lately..it's been so fun capturing all these little ones...and all girls! I haven't had a boy in a long long time! Here are a few from recent sessions.

BUSY.....

2008-04-14T10:22:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I reminisce on the days of college where I truly had NOTHING to do. My friends and I would use Saturdays as a day to drink massive amounts of pop and watch lots and lots of old movies (among the favorites were Cocktail (b/f Tom Cruise jumped off the deep end) and An Officer and a Gentelman). When we were feeling especially energetic we'd walk to the cafeteria for some grub...then we'd prepare for the night..it was a grueling schedule, which is why I gained the freshman 15 + 10 :) SO NOW, when I have 5 minutes to chill I'm so so grateful. Saturdays are often crazy at our house, hubby had to work, Wes had soccer, I had 3 shoots...thank goodness we have good friends here who can cover for our lack of family and babysitters! Anyway, I rolled back in around 2:00 PM and when I came in I found my three boys 'watching' the Masters. This scene NEVER happens but we've all been so busy I think everyone needed a fat nap this weekend.

Funky Monkey

2008-04-10T12:24:00.003-06:00

I'm so excited to be working with Funky Monkey boutique in OKC! I have searched high and low for a good boutique for kids in this city and when I walked in to Funky Monkey I knew I had found it! Let me just say they have the BEST selection around, 100% my choice in dressing kids, especially for shoots! I encourage all of my clients to think FUNKY, as my style is NOT classic so kids' dress should also reflect that! I LOVE lots of color and patterns (mixing colors and patterns) and adding layer upon layer. As you can see I LOVE hats and tights and boots and furs and whatever can make a little one stand out! If you go to Funky Monkey and tell them you have a shoot with me they will help with you in picking out your outfits! TONIGHT from 6-8, Funky Monkey is having a 'Grand Opening' party and everything is 15% off. Check it out, as a mother of two BOYS you will not be dissapointed in the selection for mom,baby, boy or girl! Happy shopping :)

Funky Monkey: 14101 N. May Ave, OKC, OK 478-7066

On the Move...

2008-04-03T07:48:00.007-06:00

WELL, We've been here officially 10 months, so it's time to move :) I love my house, I really really do but I REALLY need more space for my business. We'd like to build a neutral space on the new house that clients can come and see all of my products, get help with ordering, etc etc! We're excited but in no MASSIVE hurry to move, just waiting for the right things to fall in to place. SO here is a little sneak peek of my home. CLEARLY, I love color.... people always see parallels of my work in my house, it's true, I love to put color together! Anyway, the house is over 2,500 sq. ft. 3 beds, 2 dining, 2 Living rooms, 1 office, lots of toilets... :) A MUST SEE ;)
There are more pics on my website, go to proofing, password is 'house'.

Little Ms. Norah

2008-03-25T09:28:00.008-06:00

Lil Blessings...

2008-03-20T09:21:00.003-06:00

I'm traveling right now and on my laptop but for those who wonder why I never update my blog I HAD to post this one. I've done a lot of newborns lately and really have been loving it. It's just so fun to be able to hang out and get to know people b/c these shoots always end up taking 2+ hours, but more than that it's just amazing for me to be able to document the first few days of life for these little bundles. I SO WISH I had newborn images of my boys. Believe it or not, I didn't really know what i was doing at that point (with a camera...or babies ;). My indecisiveness about having a 3rd baby always gets a knock in the positive direction when I think about how many beautiful newborn images I'd have.....probably not the best reason to have a 3rd baby :)

This newborn shoot was so very special to me. I've been friends with Ella's daddy since I was 14...and while i'm not a blood relative to this couple I feel so connected to them and to their new little gal. I get such a high watching parents with their first baby....the world is so rosy knowing this little person is going to be with you forever. For me, that high allows even my worst memories of parenting and caring for infants to subside and I can truly feed off of that new happiness. And then someone poops on me and i'm over it :) Seriously though, there is nothing like a newborn. Love you guys :)

2008-03-05T12:39:00.002-06:00

This was a good session, mainly b/c I'm friends with the mom, which allowed a very laid back shoot...I was there for a good 4 hours :) But how gorgeous is this? First of all, I fell in love with this piece of art so I had to shoot the little man near it, secondly this couple is crazy musical, hence the piano, and lastly little 'A' allowed us to do it - and he wasn't a newbie that liked being messed with so I got lucky on this one.....love this, I really think I'm going to be a big gallery wrap of this for my space, then I can have this piece of art too!! I'm tricky like that ;)

My Babe is going to be FIVE!!

2008-02-27T17:22:00.001-06:00

Little Ms. London

2008-02-24T12:57:00.005-06:00

This is my latest newborn, just 2 weeks old, we FINALLY got her to wake up so we could see those big ol' blues....this looks just absolutely KILLS me :)

2008-02-20T15:37:00.002-06:00

So Febr. is seriously my least favorite month of the year. It's SUPPOSED to be short but it seems to drag on and on...and while we ALL have had enough winter, Febr seems to slap us in the face with those bitter bitter days. Today is DREARY and cool - not cold like it used to be in NE but not awe inspiring either. In a weird way though I do love sitting in front of my big computer, drinking good coffee, listening to new tunes (Jack Johnson's new album today) and proofing away in my digital dark room..... This little guy was the best. His little 2 week old sister came to my house yesterday for a shoot and I was so impressed with his behavior and ON TOP of being good he was dang cute! I'm lucky that my job allows good conversation and entries of new life daily (will post some of little sis soon...), i really am lucky, even if it is zero degrees and more gray than I could possibly stand!

Engaged..

2008-02-18T09:22:00.005-06:00

I LOVE LOVE shooting kids but it is SO nice to have these sessions too! With kids you can be as creative as they'll LET you but with engagement sessions you can spend so much time with a couple and they actually do whatever you tell them to....AMAZING. These guys were awesome, totally prepared with funky finds and great clothes. Makes me wish i was shooting their wedding. Haven't gone down the wedding route yet but these guys make me want to! It was a blast!

2008-02-08T15:44:00.000-06:00

I've been SO BUSY! Here are a few recents..been having some great indoor sessions :)

My Ewan

2008-02-05T11:47:00.000-06:00

I'm SO SO SO BEHIND ON BLOGGING......but I want to post a few of my baby :)

Who says you can't have fun in the Winter??

2008-01-22T09:06:00.001-06:00

I know i sound like a broken record but i love shooting this age, love love love it! I also loved this shoot, there was so much variety involved, we did some fun outdoor BRIGHT stuff, some soft skin shots, and some really vintage takes. This home was beautiful and stacked with little treasures and fun options for me! I just had so much fun proofing this one!

Great kids, great Fam..

2008-01-19T17:32:00.000-06:00

Lots of favorites from this gallery, such a beautiful family..

Lil' darlings

2008-01-16T07:47:00.001-06:00

These guys were so sweet to me...and sometimes I just love shooting all indoors, window light is the best for beautiful portraits! I think people are hesitant to schedule shoots at their houses but if you have windows, you'll receive beautiful images :)

Urban Shooting

2008-01-14T07:47:00.000-06:00

My FAVORITE type of shooting is URBAN, I just love the feel of it.....maybe because peope automatically favor pretty green spaces I like to see how cool I can make dumpsters look! But especially during this time of year when the flowers are lacking it's so nice to have clients willing to try something different. I LOVED this shoot, this little Man was such a trooper and for being 2 years old, a real angel! We had a great time and I'm lovin' his gallery...

New Year, New Clients, New Resolutions

2008-01-11T09:13:00.000-06:00

WELCOME to 2008 :) I'm very excited for the upcoming year, lots of fun new stuff in the works, including a new BLOG! I will be posting sneak peek images here, important news etc etc. Bookmark it and visit often, it will change all the time! I want to start the year by introducing Reid, just 6 days old and so perfect!! Talk Soon! ~B

Reid

2008-01-11T09:11:00.000-06:00