Jen Johnson Photo Blog

YOUR ANTICIPATION.LISA AND STEVEN.

JJ — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:53:16 +0000

About 6 months ago, I got a phone call from my oldest friend Lisa. There was an unusual excitement and joy in her voice…it was different enough for me to sense that some amazing big news was on its way. Sure enough, she had called to let me know that she and Steven were expecting their first child!

Lisa and I were best friends before we knew was best friends were. Our moms and dads met at church and became fast friends and at my 5th birthday, they all came and we’ve essentially celebrated every birthday and milestone together ever since. While I was in college in TX, then moved to DC, we stayed close and blew up the airwaves with phone calls. Then we found instant messenger and discovered a new way to chat. When I moved back to CA, Lisa was back in grad school in LA and let me know she met someone special. Not long after that, I wore a long pink dress and stood up with them under a tree on a beautiful afternoon in Malibu. They’ve taken their time in starting a family and neither side of the family can wait to meet the sweet little guy!

Tomorrow is Lisa’s first baby shower and I knew that I wanted to gift them with some images, so we met up last week in the Orange Circle for a maternity session. I have the images in hand and think they are amazing. I know they will be thrilled to have documentation of this sweet time in their lives and encourage any expectant couple to memorialize this wonder as well! If you’re interested in a maternity session, please do not hesitate to contact me!

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MY JOURNEY.I’M A MAC NOW.

JJ — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:19:35 +0000

Well, I’ve done it. I’ve made the big switch. Last week, after a LOVELY visit with my accountant, I found out that Uncle Sam owed me BIG TIME, so on Monday evening, I made my first visit to the Apple store with my friend Becker. And I left with a very heavy box.

Fast forward to roughly an hour after I got home. I’ve downloaded all the programs I needed, and I’ve started to play with all the fun functions; and I’m in love…with my computer.

I was a judger. I was committed to my PC. I was SO WRONG.

Thankfully, the people at the Apple Store welcomed with me open arms and I’m now on my way to learning how to live my life as I should have all along. And my “office” has never been the same. But I do have one problem.

What on earth am I going to name him???

I welcome your suggestions. Here he is in his new home. Doesn’t he just look exquisite?!?!?!

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YOUR JOURNEY.SHANNON.

JJ — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:00:01 +0000

My sister in law, Shannon, is BEAUTIFUL. I can still remember the first time my brother introduced us to her. She was so tiny, giggly, and beautiful…and she had big dreams.

It’s been almost 10 years since we’ve had her in our lives and she still has big dreams. She is raising two of those dreams right now…my gorgeous niece and nephew. They are wonderful children with happy dispositions and are incredibly bright (in my humble opinion! ha!).

While she’s an “executive homemaker” (just heard that phrase recently and loved it), she’s also pursuing some new projects and since I was just in Denver for the niece’s birthday, I told her I’d take some profile photos of her. And I think they fit her to a T. She’s spunky and beautiful and also very committed to her passions. I admire her for that.

Shannon, I love ya to pieces and am so excited to see you pursue your dreams!

I also had to sneak in a darling pic of Shan and my brother. I was trying to get them to do some fun poses, but they started laughing and then this happened naturally…and that brings joy to my heart! : )

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YOUR JOURNEY.KIMM.

JJ — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:26:23 +0000

I recently traveled to Nashville for a conference on blogging. Yes, they have those! It was a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting women who I’ve been connecting with online for the last year. One special friend, Kimm, asked me if I’d take some profile photos while we were there. I jumped at the chance. She’s sweet, talented, and beautiful and I couldn’t wait to shoot her. : )

For those who have blogs, twitter, or Facebook, it’s important to connect with readers and social contacts through words and through images. Having a photo that shows your personality and style helps connect even more. If you’re interested in profile photos, please contact me and we can schedule a session.

As for you Kimm, I’m proud to call you my friend and I’m so glad you love your photos!!! XOXO!

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MY JOURNEY.LUNCH WITH FRIENDS.

JJ — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:56:48 +0000

I spent the weekend in Nashville at a conference and before I left, took the opportunity to connect with some cousins and friends. UNFORTUNATELY, I was almost an hour late to lunch. Yep, I was lost in the outskirts of Nolanville, TN…without GPS. I called my cousin and my sweet friend Jody and neither of them really knew where I was. YIKES!

Thankfully, I made it to lunch and had a wonderful time visiting with people who have huge, generous hearts. I felt so terrible to leave them all at lunch together, but I bought lunch for everyone, so I’m hoping that made up for it in some small part.

Talking shop and catching up was a great way to recharge my photo batteries. It’s inspiring to know that this hobby, that led to a business, has also led to great friendships. So Jody and Zach, thanks again for meeting me for lunch and for your patience! I can’t wait to see you at WPPI!!!

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MY JOURNEY.PHOTOG SHOOTOUT.

JJ — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:12:14 +0000

This weekend, I had the opportunity to join a number of photographers in Encinitas for a shootout with models, classic cars, and rockabilly flair! I met up with some old friends, made new ones, and even won a raffle. Plus, the rain subsided and we had gorgeous blue skies. It was a perfect day.

As I was preparing the first batch of images to blog, I realized it had been a while since I’ve posted anything. I hope I haven’t lost any visitors to my little online office. Ha! I promise to dedicate more time to posting in the future!

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YOUR JOURNEY.JABEZ SALON PORTRAITS.

JJ — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:51:22 +0000

I got a call last week from a fabulous salon in Yorba Linda, the Jabez Salon, asking if I could come and update the portraits of the staff and snap some images of the salon for a website upgrade. Not having been there before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found a gorgeous salon filled with talented and lovely stylists and administrators.

I also have to admit that while my mom and my sister both go there, I’d been pretty loyal to another salon. But I needed a cut and color and I needed it bad. So I killed two birds with one stone.

My hair turned out beautifully, if I do say so myself, and I’m very pleased with how the portraits turned out, too. Below are just a handful of samples. You’ll have to visit the Jabez Salon website very soon to see the rest! AND, if you live in north Orange County and need a great salon for regular visits, facials, skin care, or for special occasion hairstyles such as wedding, please visit the Jabez Salon (18513 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. (714) 970-Jbez(714) 970-Jbez)!

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MY JOURNEY.HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD.

JJ — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:48:51 +0000

Today is my parents’ 36th wedding anniversary and I couldn’t be prouder to share that with you! As someone who loves love, I have the greatest example of that in front of me whenever I go home. After 36 years as a married couple, they know the buttons to push to get each other going, but they also have a look that conveys sensitivity, fondness, humor, and love. I am so proud of them, and also envious. They are the reason that I find joy in capturing beauty through my camera, and the reason why I pursue happiness at every turn. I thank God for them every day!

And speaking of happiness, I just about leapt out of my skin tonight when I got my parents’ gift in the mail. I’ve mentioned how much I love Thin Wraps before, but just want you to see them one more time! If you’re interested in something like this, please let me know!!!

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MY JOURNEY.CHRISTMAS MAIL.

JJ — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 06:31:40 +0000

I’m not going to lie, all month long I’ve raced to the mailbox to see what the postman had for me each day! Christmas cards are one of my FAVORITE parts of the holiday season…and this year, it was even more special. Since beginning JJP, I’ve felt really good about some shoots and have LOVED several shots I’ve taken, but it’s been so much more fun to see what my clients LOVE and think are reflective of their personalities! As the Christmas cards rolled in, I noticed something different about this year…I took the majority of photos displayed on cards…and that makes me more happy than I can say!

To all of my 2009 clients, THANK YOU for trusting me to capture your family. I’m honored by your support and faith. I can’t wait to see what we can do together in 2010!

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YOUR JOY.SIMONIAN.

JJ — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:17:15 +0000

Sugar and spice and everything nice. Yep, that describes these two precious little girls! I had the opportunity to shoot a session for some friend’s just a few weeks ago, just in the squeak of time for Christmas. I hadn’t seen their beautiful daughters in some time and when I arrived, I was greeted by two gorgeous sisters!

We shot at their home and made use out of their beautiful landscaping. But the center of attention were the four beautiful eyes and two bright smiles who found their way into my camera! What angels!!!

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