I haven't shot a roll of film in probably 10 years.

I learned my love of photography on a Pentax K1000, 26 years ago and I’ve had an itching to get out that old camera and go back to those moments in time when shooting a roll of film was about nothing--and everything. It was all I ever wanted to do.

So recently, I went and bought a roll of B&W film. I felt like a little kid. It was so exciting talking to the store owner about developing and printing my photos myself again, the old way. I was back in my element and it felt so comfortable. That little box of film made me so happy.

The next weekend, with my kids and a friend in tow, I headed off to spend time in a cabin. A perfect place for me and my roll of film. The kids thought my old Pentax was a cool little camera and they were surprisingly understanding when I couldn’t take 10 pictures of the same exact thing without wasting my roll of film. I had to rely on my skills to get it right the first time. Out of habit, I kept wanting to view the back of the camera but there was no image to look at. I would have to wait until the film was developed.

After taking a couple of pictures, remembering the feel of the camera, all those little dials with their numbers, my instincts kicked in and all the fun of shooting came flooding back to me. I discovered something I had lost so long ago. These pictures didn't have to be perfect, the moment was already perfect. I just had to capture how that moment felt. I didn’t need to look at every picture the instant I took it. The freedom to just shoot was something I didn't realize I needed so badly, a renewed excitement I wanted to bring to my work to trust my instincts.

I will be shooting a lot more film.  I already have a roll of color loaded in the camera. 

TWERKING!, natural, water, birthing center, cookies, punk rock, and breathtaking mama. Those are just some of the words to describe my latest birth photo session. The doula Rosemary Beyer from Sweet Birth Maternity Services, had that room crazy and rocking. The wonderful energy was enough to make mama start dancing even while experiencing contractions. I usually love black & white images, but with the colorful personalities in this room, and with mom’s blue hair, full color images was the only way to go.

Photographing a birth inside a birthing center was wonderful. Seeing a baby being born is just the most incredible experience but watching a mom listening to her body, and being able to give birth in a loving environment while being surrounded by nothing but support and the perfect birth plan of mama’s choice is beyond amazing..

I met Melissa and Michael, the proud parents to be, on a Monday for the first time and by Wednesday, Ely was born. I am so happy that it worked out the way it did because I might have missed out on meeting some incredible people.

Congratulations to Michael, Melissa and big brother Emery!  And make sure you leave some love at the bottom for Michael and Melissa.

​I absolutly love documenting births.  If you are going to be having a baby and would like to have all the details captured please contact me jennifer@jenniejamesphotography.com

Here is the link if you would like to check out Rosemary Beyer from Sweet Birth Maternity Services.   http://www.bestdallasdoula.com/

My recent storytelling session was with Victoria and her boys.  Victoria's family is so amazing and full of energy.  We added cousins to the mix and went to the pool, where Victoria showed off a penguin dive.  Documenting a day in Victoria's life was a wonderful experience.  I enjoyed spending time with her and her family

She is such a beautiful and attentive mother. I adore how open and honest she is with her sons when they ask questions.  She must be doing something amazingly right since she is still getting snuggles from her oldest. 

When I first consulted with Victoria about her storytelling session she was worried that she wouldn’t have anything for me to document and that her day was boring. I assured her that everyone has a story to tell, and the days are full of beautiful details we just need to slow down and look for them.

EVERYONE  has a story every day to tell.  I would love to help you tell yours.
you can contact me at   jennifer@jenniejamesphotography

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What I love most about photography is documenting.  Taking everyday moments and freezing them.  Not just what is happening but the emotions.  Being able to bring alive a moment that has already passed.  I love hearing a client tell me that they just love their photos. And seeing posts about how much emotion that the photos have evoked.  Then I know that I have done my job well.  

​Being at Anna's house to her was just another day but with a photographer tagging along.  But for me it was a story unfolding it was exciting. Watching her go about her daily tasks to me is just beautiful.  Taking care of her family mothering two little people to mold them into adults.  Anna and the boys were perfect subjects because they pretty much just ignored me for the time that I was there.  The boys had things they had to do so they could have tablet time and for them it was very important business.  And I love that one of their chores was mandatory play time.   I always walk away from my sessions with a little piece of my clients in my heart.  This family was no exception.  The soul of this family is filled with kindness and love.   
To see all of the images in this family's documentary session follow the link
jenniejamesphotography.pixieset.com

I would love to tell your family's story whatever it may be. I would even be willing to go on vacation with you *wink* wink*.   Jennifer@jenniejamesphotography.com

Finally, some well deserved tablet time.

New York the city that brought out so many emotions in me.  I was terrified and excited to be walking among all of the people.  I found a braveness I never had before and asked a few people if I could take their photo.  I saw things that made me so sad that by the end of the trip I had to try so hard not to look which stung in a different way. Just writing this brings the rush of feelings back and makes me cry.

 We had so many laughs and fun that I will never forget.  Middle eastern spider man will be forever ingrained into my mind.  Sydney using her feet to do weird things and putting on a comedy show for us.  (some day I will start booking her for gigs  :-) )  Staying up till the wee hours in the morning and trying to find our way on the subway.  

What I will remember the most will be the amazing time with my daughter, mom and sister.  The laughter was the most wonderful part of this trip.  We all laughed so much. And seeing my mom so happy was worth the trip.   ( Thanks mom for the opportunity to go on this trip)

Picking photos to share was so hard so let's just say that this is part 1.    

I must begin with the preface that weddings are not something that I normally do but every once in a while a very special couple will come along.   When  David and Anastasia asked me to document their wedding and told me I could do whatever I wanted (yes they are this cool!!!)  I knew that I had to document this very special day for them.

They are clients that have become friends.  I have done their son's newborn photos and his one year birthday.  Anastasia even let me come and hang out at her house for hours and document their morning and afternoon routine.  

Their wedding was beautiful and the celebration was fun. The excitement for these two was just unreal.  They were surrounded by such a loving group of family and friends.  I had such a hard time picking photos to show there were so many that I loved.  I have added just a few.

I am truly blessed to have a job where I get a glimpse into peoples true lives.  I am invited among friends and family for the most private moments of life. 

Don't let your daily moments go by with out documenting them.  Life happens in the blink of a eye and soon you will be saying "Remember when....."   Contact me for a life session.
​jennifer@jenniejamesphotography.com