The Hours Before a Wedding

While many men golf, play paintball, smoke cigars and drink scotch before a wedding, the bonding ritual of women is infinitely more precious and special (IMHO). On Saturday before my friend's wedding, I got to hang out in the hotel room with the girls...we giggled, drank champagne, and watched the bride and her maids get beautified. It was so fun to be there and I just had to share these adorable pics!

Not so ready to give up her cousin, yet!

Lots of laughs with this group!

Her dress was AMAZING...a Carolina Herrera!

Big sister had no problem with her sweet cousin getting married. She got to be a flower girl, afterall!

One last smooch for Jen Jen before she became a wife.

Go visit Sweet Shot Tuesday to see some other beautiful shots from this week!!! I'm also sharing this with Angry Julie Monday's Wordless Wednesday...even though I included words. ; )

Warning, everyone I know is preggers...you could be next!

How not fair is it that she's due in June??? She's a total peanut and this is her third!!!

I've linked this post up to Darcy's Sweet Shot Tuesday and Angry Julie's Wordless Wednesday!

PhotoFANatic Friday: Secrets of Perfect White Balance

Do you ever take photos and feel like the tone/color is WAY off? That's a white balance (WB) issue, and once you explore you SLR a little more, it can easily fixed!

I like to blog about my house and recipes...which means that a good number of the photos I display here on my blog are taken indoors, which means that I don't have much control over lighting.

As an example, here's a photo taken in my kitchen straight out of the camera with auto WB. See, it's a little warm and yellow/orange-y.

In most kitchens, the light source is either florescent or a tungsten tone...and guess what, your camera can modify for that! All you need to do is adjust your settings.

Here's an example of my kitchen with the WB setting on Tungsten.  (Not too bad, but still a little yellow-y.)

Here's an example of my kitchen with the WB setting on Florescent. (Too overcorrected - almost peach.)

Makes a big difference, huh?!  If you're a homie (house blogger) or a foodie (food/recipe blogger), I highly recommend that you try playing with your WB in camera, so you don't have to worry about it when you upload the photos to your computer...it takes a lot less time on the backend and you can get the tone/temperature of your images closer to perfect without any additional work.


NOW, if you're a gadgety kind of person and don't mind spending a few bucks for PERFECT WB every time you shoot, there are a couple of great options out there that are decently priced. As a photographer, I prefer to spend less time in Lightroom and Photoshop, so when I first heard about, then tried the ExpoDisc, I was HOOKED! For about 100 bucks, I've been consistently happy with my images.

To get a killer custom WB, all you have to do is place the disc over the edge of your lens and take a shot (in manual focus, and Av mode) at the light source where you'll be shooting from - for me, it's the other end of the kitchen - then select that custom color and start shooting. Voilà - DONE. Perfect WB from that angle with that light source. Need proof? The image below has had no Photoshop or Lightroom temperature enhancement. For me, 100 bucks was worth it for consistently perfect WB! And maybe it will be for you, too!

There are other products out there, like the Photo JoJo white balance lens cap, which Dawn raves about here. And if you're interested in a custom WB for much less, you can use a grey card, which usually retails around less than $40...but that seems a little more complicated and less consistent to me.

If you're interested in any of these products, I encourage you to check out Adorama. In my opinion, they have the best prices and customer service out there! Happy shooting!

All reviews were provided by the blogger on her own accord. Products were not provided for review, but were rather purchased by the blogger.

I Heart Faces: Angles

I attended a wildly fun couples baby shower yesterday...yes, I realize that seems unusual, but it's true. Probably because the guests of honor are wildly fun, as are their friends!

However, this post isn't so much about the couple, but rather the angle. This week's i Heart Faces challenge is all about angles, and while I typically enjoy shooting "down" on clients, this time I knew their attitude, attire, and the venue called for something more unique. I placed them at the top of a staircase and shot "up" instead, and I LOVE the result. I'm definitely going to be keeping this image in my gallery because I just LOVE it! To see more, images from their shoot, please check out my photoblog!

And to see more amazing images, please check out i Heart Faces!

I'm also sharing this image at My 3 Boybarians for Sweet Shot Day. Head over there for some awesome images, too!

Sweet Shot Day: Las Vegas Desert Shoot

Last week, I was in Las Vegas for WPPI, the largest photography conference and trade show in the world...I think. It was an AMAZING experience. I learned SO SO SO much and had a great time.

I also got to do a few shoots and this is one of my very favorites. I'll be posting more images over on my photoblog, but in the meantime, I wanted to share this one here! I hope ya like it because I was in freezing cold wind for hours in order to get this shot! : )

I'm also sharing this at Angry Julie's Wordless Wednesday. Head over there and check out some other gorgeous pics!

PS - Hi Katie, if you're reading this!!!

Off to My First Photography Conference

I attend conferences all the time for work. I do public affairs for a large developer and began my career in politics, therefore I can talk to just about anyone. Celebs don't freak me out and I always like to find things I have in common with folks...just to have a real conversation, instead of forced fake stuff.

Well, I head out today for WPPI, the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International conference. I'm SO STOKED and excited to be going. I'm taking workshops on boudoir photography, night photography, and I'm going on a shoot out in the desert. I couldn't be more excited. I'm also excited to go to seminars and learn from the greats. This is seriously a trip to Vegas that I'm thrilled about...and I'm not even a gambler!

I can't wait to share and implement the things I learn. In the meantime, please head over to my photoblog to check out the maternity shoot I did for my best friend last week!

Photo Resizing & Watermarking

Bloggers who are photographers know the benefit of Photoshop. It's a pricey program, but it can work miracles. But all those miracles can make your images pretty big.

Some time ago, I was introduced to a WONDERFUL PS action called BlogStomp. It's inexpensive and perfectly sizes your images. It also watermarks your image and sets the width. On this site, I use a 700 pixel width (watermark printed on image) and on my photoblog, I size my images to be 800 pixels with a white border (watermark printed below image). Below is an example of both!
If you have Photoshop and want a solution for resizing and watermarking images that takes TWO seconds, you've GOT to check out BlogStomp. You won't be disappointed!

I'm sharing this over at Works for Me Wednesday. I think it will work for you, too!

Wordless Wednesday: Vintage Beauty

I went to a super fun photo shootout on Saturday. We were surrounded by vintage cars and models dressed to the nines. When I got home, I worked on some new editing vignettes and I think I'm in love! Don't you just want to jump back in time when you see this pic? I sure do!

SHOOTSAC GIVEAWAY

Hey BlissDom attendees, want to win a Shootsac? If you own a SLR camera with a couple of lenses, DO NOT miss out on this amazing opportunity!

If you want to win, but aren't exactly sure what a Shootsac is (smiles), why don't we start with an explanation from their website:

The bag is made of the finest wetsuit grade neoprene available, providing the ultimate in comfort and protection for your lenses. The Shootsac is lightweight, weighing just 7oz., and built to conform to your body and move with you. Unlike traditional bulky camera bags which transport your gear and then end up on the ground in a corner, the slim Shootsac is designed to be worn while you shoot providing quick and easy access to 3-6 lenses, flashes and other shooting necessities.

But wait, there's more! (Do I sound like an infomercial, yet?)

The bag comes with an interchangeable neoprene cover, which does two things. For those fast paced lens changing shooters, the cover keeps the glass covered so you can work cap free. The cover also does a great job of camouflaging the tell-tale bumps and bulges of a bag full of camera gear.

I've had a Shootsac for just about a year now and I can remember how excited I was to receive the adorable damask box. It was like Christmas and I couldn't wait to use it. I'm a cheater and use it to hold more than just lenses. I always keep a mirror, hair clip, chapstick, and business cards in one of the pockets. In another pocket, I keep extra CF cards, my ExpoDisc, and cell. In the third back pocket, I carry my speedlite. In the front three pockets, I carry lenses, and SOMETIMES even jam my camera body in the center.

Having said all that, the Shootsac is meant to carry lenses during a shoot and is not designed to replace camera bags. When I'm shooting, I LOVE the convenience and ease of having my lenses ON my body. And, let's be honest, the fact that there are interchangeable covers makes the Shootsac a fashion statement, too. I have three covers: Baroque, Lively, and a fun one of a kind cover that I got at their holiday trunk show and party! Holla!

So, I've got you convinced that you need one now, don't I?! Are you ready for the rules on how to enter?

GIVEAWAY RULES (3 Ways to Win):
1. You must be attending BlissDom to enter.
2. Go to the Shootsac website and then come back here and leave a comment telling me which cover is your favorite!
3. Tweet about this giveaway, then come back here and leave another comment. (Example: Hey #BlissDom attendees, are you a photographer? If so, win a @Shootsac here: http://bit.ly/aF0G3b.)
4. Blog about this giveaway, then come back here and leave another comment.
5. Entries must be received by Thursday, February 4th.

I'll be selecting TWO WINNERS at BlissDom, so be sure to subscribe to the BLAH BLAH BLAHger and watch your feeds and twitter throughout the weekend!!! AND, come find me during the conference so we can meet in person and you can see my Shootsac in action! These premiere lens bags retail for $179 and covers run an additional $29-$59, so this giveaway is going to make someone VERY happy!!!

Oh, and as an extra special extra giveaway, the wonderful Keats Elliot and Jessica Claire, the inventors, designers, and rock stars of Shootsac, are donating Sprightly Gift Totes to the attendees of the i heart faces photo walk in Nashville on the 7th. Yep, if you signed up for this extra, you're coming home with something fun, too!

Disclosure: Products provided for giveaway. Opinions are based upon my own experience with a previously purchased product.

Wordless Wednesday

Laguna Beach in the winter. JEALOUS?!?!?! Check out my photoblog for more fun snaps! And check out AngryJulie for more Wordless Wednesday fun!

I Heart Faces Challenge: Tooshies

I'm participating in the i Heart Faces challenge this week on...TOOSHIES! I've snapped a few shots that would work for this challenge, but this is one of my all time favorite shots from Sara and Hector's Day After shoot. There's something about the hold and the angle that I just love...so dreamy!

Check out i Heart Faces for more great entries!!!

Wordless Wednesday: My Gorgeous Parents

During a recent trip to Temecula, I was able to snap a few pics of my parents. They've been married for nearly 36 years and are the epitome of a faithful, beautiful, and loving marriage. They make me proud to be their daughter in the ways that they relate to one another, support each other, and laugh together. Someday, I hope I am blessed to find a fraction of what they have. Love you guys! PS - more pics of them on my photoblog.

Clickin Moms GIVEAWAY Winner!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, that's YOU Heidi Pocketbook! For those of you interested in learning more about photography, Clickin Moms is a great forum! It's a community of over 3,000 women who have a passion for photography. The site is for all degrees of photographers - amateurs, professionals, and some are just moms with cameras who want to take awesome photos of their kids!

So, even if you didn't win, please check out Clickin Moms! And, be sure to visit our lucky winner at her site, too! Congrats again, Heidi!

Photography GIVEAWAY

Ever heard of Clickin Moms? Well, if you're a fan of increasing your photography skills, you need to be a member!

Clickin Moms is a community of over 3,000 women, who have a passion for photography. The site, which boats numerous forums, is for all degrees of photographers - amateurs, professionals, and some are just moms with cameras who want to take awesome photos of their kids!

The forums are a great place to post images for feedback, ask questions, watch tutorials, get advice on camera bodies and lenses, etc. And guess what?! I'm giving away a ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP!

In order to be the lucky winner of this ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP, all you have to do is comment and tell me what kind of camera you have by Monday, October 19. Is it a DSLR? A point and shoot? Or are you old school and rock one of these?

Photo Mentor Day

When I was in Texas, I did a mentor day with some incredibly talented photographers that I met through the blog and twitter world! I featured them on a PhotoFANatic Friday post, but having since met them, I can say while awesome online, they are even more amazing in person!!! Jessica and Vanessa, thank you SO MUCH for your generous spirit, all your advice, and also for the darling Texas goodies! I can't wait to make TX shaped cookies or some of the recipes from the Cordon Bull cook book. But more so, I really hope that our paths cross once again. You blessed me so much with your time and talent and I could never thank you enough!

To see some of the images I shot at my mentor day, please visit my photoblog here: www.jenjohnsonphotography.com.

Wordless Wednesday: You're Beautiful, So Deal With It!

In Texas, I took some pics of my friend Robin and her darling family. I sent a few sneak peeks to her last night and she said, "Good job, but I don't look good in pictures." Well guess what, sugar...YOU'RE WRONG. Sincerely, The Management.

i Heart Faces Challenge - CONTEMPLATIVE ENTRY

I love everything about this image. I love how beautiful the lighting was that day. I love how easy/breezy the bride and groom were. I love the angle I captured. I love how perfect this wedding went for me as a second shooter (my first real wedding to shoot). I love the emotion on the groom's face.

I'm entering this image in the i Heart Faces Challenge this week in the contemplative category, because that's what this shot makes me think of! Jump on over to see the other entries when you get a chance!

Two New Posts on the Photoblog...Check Them Out!

Do me a favor and stop by Jen Johnson Photography today and check out a couple of family shoots I did this past weekend. It sure helps when you've got gorgeous subjects!!!

PS - yep, that gal on the right is Kara from Eli's Lids. If you haven't bought one of her precious kiddy hats, please go do that immediately. You won't be disappointed!

A Great Day for Snappin and Shootin

Yesterday was a great day for snappin and shootin. I met up with Kara-Noel (from Eli's Lids - the cutest kiddo hats in the whole world) in the morning AND my friends the Fitzgeralds for family photos in the evening.

It was a HOT day, but it's worth it when you get to see loving families running around enjoying one another!

It's also well worth it when you get to have snuggles and giggles with one of these...Followed by a couple of these after the kiddo goes to bed!

Thanks to the Fitzgeralds and the DeCaros for an awesome night! I laughed more than I have in a long time! XOXO!

Announcement: Jen Johnson Photography is Open for Business

Sorry for the lack of communication this week, dear readers! Yes, I've been lame. Work has been quite busy, but productive, and in my down time (if there was such a thing), I've been focusing quite a bit on my photography, too.

And speaking of photography...

I've got a little secret! A while back, when I decided to pursue a side career in photography, I began a photoblog. But I didn't really tell anyone about it because I wasn't quite ready to display my portfolio, etc. I wanted to get a few more shoots under my belt so you wouldn't have to look at the same five pictures over and over again. And you know what? Several of you found me out in spite of all my secretiveness. : ) See, about a month ago, that little button up there on the top that says "Snappin & Shootin" was relinked to my photoblog. Some of you are super sleuth's and figured it out.

In order to be transparent and let you in to my life even more, I'd love to share www.jenjohnsonphotography.com with you. If you're based in Southern CA and are looking for a fun photographer, I'd love for you to look around my site a little and consider using me! I promise it will be a fun experience!!!

And to show you just a taste of what's on the photoblog, here's a snap from last week's wedding that I assisted on. I give you Liz and Brock: