Jenny Sun Photography - Sydney Wedding Photography and Lifestyle Photography Blog

JSP has moved!! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:07:00 +0000

Hello everyone! If you do not already know, JSP has a new home!

We will no longer be updating this blog here at this URL. Instead, our new blog is now parked at:

http://www.jennysunblog.com

All future blog posts and updates will be made there, so please save the new URL, subscribe to the RSS feed at the new blogsite and we hope to see you there frequently!

Also, our website has had a COMPLETE makeover. And it also sits pretty at a new URL. The new website is located at:

http://www.jennysun.com

So please bookmark that too, and do visit it regularly as we are in the process of adding new photos every few days to the official JSP website! :)

So in summary....

NEW BLOG: http://www.jennysunblog.com

NEW WEBSITE: http://www.jennysun.com

See you there!! :D

xox

Jenny

A New Home Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:46:00 +0000

Sooooo so very very sorry for those who have been asking where I have been. Things have been really crazy here at JSP - PLEASE follow us on Facebook. I can't stress that enough, because while JSP is moving to a new home (that's right, a completely new website and a completely new blog), we will be doing all future updates there until then! Our facebook page is: www.facebook.com/jennysunphotography - so hop on over and subscribe to the page by pressing 'like' and you'll get all the new photos, updates and news until our new sites launch!

We just finished the new blog yesterday, and I was tempted to press 'printscreen' just to show you all a sneak peek, but that would just spoil the fun. But I promise the wait will be worth it. We've already shared the page with a few people and I'm excited to share it with the rest of you in a couple of weeks! In the meantime, we're working on the website which is the main cake baking in the oven - its a HUGE amount of work to be trawling through 3 years worth of photos and putting them all into the website. So stay tuned!

And thank you so much for your patience! I promise to launch soon!! Remember to keep track of us on facebook in the meantime!

Wedding: Jon and Hwee Yen

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 30 May 2011 01:31:00 +0000

I was in Kuala Lumpur city over the weekend shooting a wedding. As with alot of weddings in this corner of the world, there were alot of cultural aspects to the day like the tea ceremony, and the door games to win the bride. And I am going to profess - it is rare for me to be putting up wedding photos on the blog, so soon after the wedding has happened, but I was asked to put together a same day edit slideshow (ie. images shot on the wedding day, and then shown on the same night to the guests) for the wedding over the weekend, and after looking at the images, I felt I had to share. I hope you don't mind Hwee Yen and Jon. I was just so encouraged by what I witnessed between you and your families, that it left a rather deep impression within me.

After shooting so many weddings, I can say that today, weddings are all about how 'beautiful' it will look... they are all focused on how much decor can be sprinkled throughout the day...or how many details will furbish the big event. And as a girl, I have to admit, I do love those things very much, but at the end of it all, they mean absolutely nothing if the heart of the wedding is void.

So, when I walked into Saturday's wedding, and what met my camera was a multitude of tears, big hugs, even bigger smiles, and a very palpable love - it was refreshing. So very very refreshing. Like solace or a breath of fresh air. The emotion and the closeness between the between the bride + groom and their family and friends was so real, you couldn't help but sigh a little and maybe even swallow a forming lump in the throat. It is the moments that really get me at weddings.... without them, a wedding is so empty. My pictures would speak nothing. I don't know about other photographers, but for me, these genuine instances and snippets are like food for the soul.

So thank you for letting me into your lives for that day Jon and Hwee Yen and allowing me to tell your story. I don't think I did your wedding any justice with my blog post in words... but I am hoping the images will do better than my limp verbal account.

ps: A huge shoutout to the bride's family - thank you thank you thank you sooooo very very very much for making sure I had as much natural light and pretty light as possible to work with all throughout the day and night. It made all the difference. I hope you know that :)

Here is their same-day-edit slideshow - for better view, press the HD button! And if you are on a slow connection, please press play and when the slideshow starts to load, press pause. Once the slideshow is fully loaded, press play for a smooth viewing experience. And lastly, for those reading this post via RSS, you can watch the slideshow here: http://www.vimeo.com/jennysun/jonhweeyensde

And for those who are wanting a glance into the night's celebrations - here are a couple of sneak peek frames :)

Hope you all have a lovely week ahead! We have to get back to a very manic schedule now!

Chilli Red

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 27 May 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Just a little touch of spice to warm up your screens :)

I'm not really a car person, but honestly? Vintage cars like this, make me happy :D Have a lovely weekend ahead everyone!

Jenny Sun Photography Workshop 2011: KL

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 18 May 2011 23:19:00 +0000

I'm really thrilled to be able to announce that our second Jenny Sun Photography Workshop is launching today! It will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this time around over 3-5 August 2011. The last one was held in Singapore earlier this year in January, and it was a completely full class with alot of great feedback. If you want to read about what some of the participants of the last workshop said about it, have a look here:
http://www.lauragoodwinphotography.com/?p=44
http://vanillafilm.wordpress.com/vintage-wedding/
http://oliviaoonphotography.blogspot.com/2011/01/fruitful-weekend.html
http://synkronize.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/aeron-sharon-jsp-inside-out-workshop-part-1/
http://synkronize.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/ee-va-edwin-jsp-inside-out-part-2/
http://levinphotography.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/jsp-inside-out-workshop-2011/

That's right, it is a 3-day intensive (and I mean INTENSIVE!!) workshop where we will be covering aspects of shooting/posing/lighting, workflow/editing, and business/branding. I am not joking when I say this will be a very packed 3 days - the syllabus is very full, with ALOT of information to take in, and then apply and execute, so expect your brain to be hurting a little by the end of it all :) The participants of the last workshop in Singapore all mentioned that they likened the workshop to a bootcamp - that is how intense it is. Be prepared to be pushed, to do alot of hard work, and to be challenged.

Just like the last one, I'm kind of biting my nails as I write this announcement - I'm hoping there will be a group of you cool people to hang out with in Kuala Lumpur. I know the food is amazing in your city, so I'm excited to meet you guys and make friends with you at the workshop! :D The last workshop sold out in less than a week, so do get in early to get your place and also take advantage of the early bird rate we have!

Anyhow, here are the workshop details! :D

Date: 3-5 August, 2011 (9AM - 5PM each day)

Where: The Gardens Hotel, Mid Valley (This is RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the awesome Midvalley Megamall Shops :D That means you have direct access to the train, various options for accommodation if you are coming from out of town, shopping, and lots of food :D )

Capacity: Limited to 20 people. First come first served basis.

Investment:
- $750AUD/ RM2300 (early bird rate, until 23rd May 2011) - If you need more time to get your leave approved, please email us immediately!!
- $850AUD/ RM2600 (normal rate, from 24rd May 2011)

So, what is the deal with this workshop?
I have honestly, always always believed that the success of a photography business rides on how well a photographer does two things:
(1) produce their art, and
(2) run their business.
My philosophy has followed the strength of that marriage and this workshop is about those two very things. We are going to spend 3 very intense days working from the inside-out. Working out who you are as a photographer and your style, and helping you carry that through to your photos as well as your business and brand. Sounds scary? It is! But that is the fun of it - Learning to be a better photographer AND a better entrepreneur! :)

Our aim from the workshop is to help you walk away with the skills and confidence to shoot better photos that you love (that is covering use of posing, light, composition and post processing), AND book clients that love the photos that you shoot! :) Win-win! :) Time will also be spent learning about how I work with my clients from the moment I meet them, to the shoot, to the finished product, as well as opportunity for 1 on 1 time with me for questions and feedback/critique :)

Who is this workshop for?
Anyone who loves photography and their craft, and is wanting to develop their style and business. This workshop will be a best fit for amateurs wanting to start a business/gain regular paid work, or photographers who are wanting to become full timers. The workshop will also suit photographers who are already running their business and want to improve and fine tune/update/change their brand or clientele. While we will be talking about how to see and use light, it is also best that you have a good grasp of manual exposure before coming into the workshop as we will not be teaching basics of shutterspeed, aperture, and ISO during the 3 days.

The Itinerary For the 3 days:
Day 1 - All about style (yours and Jenny's!). Discovering and developing your own style of photography and hearing about how Jenny molded hers. We will also be covering and teaching how to pose/engage with your clients, composition, how to see light, wedding day run through, how to get a maximum number of shots within a small space or short period of time, workflow/editing, elements of business and branding will start today and continue on day 3, and Q&A session.
Day 2 - Demonstration shoot in the morning (to see how Jenny shoots), followed by a shooting/Assignment day for all participants (this is a surprise! Be prepared to be challenged and pushed out of your comfort zones! :D )
Day 3 - The day will be split into two. One part of the day will be spent going over and critiquing photos from day two on aspects of posing, use of light, composition and style. The other part of the day will be spent learning valuable branding and marketing techniques that will help bring you in touch with the right clientèle, bring you business and strengthen your consultation/sales confidence :) If you have prior and current marketing material, that is encouraged to be brought to the workshop as well for critique and feedback.

Please note that this is a highly practical 3-day workshop so be prepared to do ALOT of work!! There will also be plenty of opportunities allocated on each day for Q&A, as well as 1 on 1 time with Jenny at one point of the workshop :)

I'm ready! How do I sign up??
Perfect! Here are the step-by-step instructions!

(1) All you need to do from this point is to press the 'PAY NOW' button below to make payment and reserve your seat.
(2) Once you get to the next page, you will have the option to pay via PAYPAL or CREDIT CARD. If you do not have a paypal account, please select the 'PAY BY CREDIT CARD' option (which is the option to the left of the paypal login section - see picture below the PAY NOW button below).
(3) Enter your credit card details/log into your paypal account and follow the instructions.
(4) Once payment has been finalized, THIS IS IMPORTANT - please drop us an email (at info@jennysunphotography.com with a printscreen of the payment confirmation and the following details: your first name, your surname, your studio name, your studio website, phone number, and email address.

You MUST complete the above steps to be properly registered! You can click the below 'pay now' button to make payment and get your registration process started :)

For those who do not have a paypal account, and wish to pay via credit card, please press the above PAY NOW button, and use the 'pay using credit card' section next to the paypal login section. Press the CONTINUE button. See example below:

OR please contact us at info@jennysunphotography.com for information on how to make a payment via bank transfer. Thank you!

Please note that once full payment has been made, your place at the workshop is secured and non-refundable (You may however, transfer your place to another person, but you will be responsible for organizing the exchange). An email confirmation will be sent to you within 24 hours of payment, with another email following that will have the full workshop details including what to bring, hotel recommendations (if you are coming from out of town), full workshop itinerary, and more! :)

If you have any questions about the workshop, please drop us an email at info@jennysunphotography.com and we'll holla right back at you! :D Hope to see you in Kuala Lumpur peeps! :D

Just Because: Trish and Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 02:28:00 +0000

"I carry your heart" by E. E. Cummings.
Probably my favourite poem in the world.

Meet Trish + Joel.
Thank you for your beautiful faces that gorgeous afternoon, across a random patch of backyard in the hood we both grew up :)

Vincy and Jose: Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 05:51:00 +0000

For those that don't know yet, Vincy is a resident photographer and PA at Jenny Sun Photography, and the wonderful news is that she is now hitched to her man, Jose! :D I had the pleasure (and scary task!!) of shooting their wedding day portraits on their special day! Unfortunately, it POURED like it was going to be the end of the world (Im not kidding!! It rained ALLLLL DAY)... so their portrait session took place the following day. Thankfully, although a little cloudy, it was dry enough to shoot, and the sun peeped out just long enough for us to take some photos for the newly minted Mr and Mrs!

And, for those wondering, or saw on facebook, there is a story behind the dress and makeup. Because the portraits were pushed to the day after, we were down a makeup artist, so.... erm... I ended up doing vincy's makeup. I don't profess to be a professional...not at all!! I just didn't want to see the bride go makeup-less for her wedding photos :)

And the dress... hahaha..... there is an epic story behind this... while I won't go into the nitty gritty details, let's just say the old dress wasn't quite right... so what eventually happened was that I got the task to design a new dress for vincy - which ended up being so much fun! I think after seeing soooooo many gowns at so many shoots over the last few years, I had an idea of a dress that would suit perfectly for her height, build, shape, and the place she wanted to take photos...the mood was to be soft, romantic, and classic...and you'll what was created in the photos below. Thank you to Pretty In White's designer, Steph for creating what was in my head - your tips and advice was perfect and made the dress all the more better :) Then I borrowed Vincy my own veil (that I wore on my wedding day), and my hairpiece (from the FABULOUS Pinmeup Couture ) for that extra touch of 'glam' I thought would look lovely on our Vincy! :D

I ABSOLUTELY ADORE ADORE ADORE, tulle material in dresses - it really has to be one of the most romantic and soft looking fabrics.... and I've ALWAYS thought that one shouldered dresses were very pretty.... :)

Although shot in Sydney, I really felt at points during the session, we were shooting in some European corner :)

The sun came out for about 30 seconds.... Just enough for the flare shots vincy wanted hehe :) Sorry peeps! But I will never ever ever promise flare shots for any session... its so weather dependent... so if the skies are kind that day, you know I'll definitely shoot it, but if not, I hope you trust me enough to make some pretty piccies regardless? :) xox

Hope all of you are having a great week so far!! We have to get back to the crazy busy at JSP now! :) Back soon!

Love Story Session: Ivy and John

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:35:00 +0000

Love story sessions at JSP are a little different... Instead of going to beautiful locations, with spectacular views, or amazing props and decor, these sessions capture couples just as they are.... that is, what they love doing, things that are important to them, and just documenting their essence in their day to day lives. It could be in their home, or following them on a date, to washing dishes or fixing car together, doing laundry together, enjoying coffee, listening to music, cooking, or just shooting them doing whatever they love most. The heart of these sessions are really to show who the couple are in their daily lives so that they can look back at the images and say, this is really us to the core.

I had the pleasure of documenting Ivy and John's love story awhile back and it still brings a smile to my face everytime I see these images, because I know it really is THEM. There is nothing fancy or artsy fartsy about these images, but what I adore seeing is just Ivy and John being who they are in their home, doing what they love in pure simplicity. Thank you for inviting me into your home and your lives for just one afternoon, Ivy and John. It really was an honor... so relaxing that it almost felt like I was not working :)

I loved their house - cosy and homely, but at the same time modern and full of beautiful natural light!! :D

Inclusive of a cool and very big vege garden out the back! :D

Pretty kitchen with lovely window light :)

Alison and Owen: Eloped!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Alison + Owen.

It was just the two of them, and a very stormy ocean raging behind, that accompanied the day they decided to get married. Away from prying eyes, and in a ceremony on the beach to seal their love in a private moment, Alison and Owen eloped, and then headed on the rocky moody shores for some photos.

I was reminded by their session that getting married is not about the big grand wedding, but about the marriage... it is about the love and more importantly the commitment between two people, and the lives they have chosen to build together for the rest of their days. It was really sweet to see that there are lovers in the world today that choose the road less travelled and really just want to celebrate their love and nothing more.

It was really lovely to see that despite the crazy stormy weather, Alison and Owen just enjoyed one another.

Happy Tuesday everyone! And hope you all enjoy the mini blog sessions we'll be putting up this week - you voted for it on facebook, so we're giving what you asked for! :D

Los Angeles Pasedena Engagement: Ron and Doleen

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:51:00 +0000

Today's mini blog session (as voted by all of you who follow us on facebook) comes all the way from the other side of the world, in Los Angeles where we roamed the charming streets of Pasedena - I LOVED the place. It was full of spanish charm, colour, and not to mention the famous Californian sun. I still stand to this day that Californians get to enjoy some of the most beautiful light in the world :)

Anyhow, meet Ron and Doleen!

Their session was shot a little more glamorous than I would normally shoot, but really?!! When you check out Doleen's amazing feather dress, you can't help but shoot a tiny little bit more sophisticated and sassy :) We even had other photographers we met that day, trying to grab a few shots of the dress while Ron and Doleen's session was underway. It was so funny! :D

Alright, lets move onto the images - hope you enjoy some of my favourites from their lightning quick session around the town :)

Umm... hello? I LOVE people who express their personality through fabulous SHOES! :D

A little fun off the Pasedena Bridge :D

Doleen was so sweet and insisted I take her shoes (we're the same size - size 37 hehe!!) so they are sitting nice and pretty in my shoe cabinet now. love!!! thank you soooo much Doleen!

We ended the session at this gorgeous little spanish residence (or restaurant - we couldn't figure it out! haha) that we just happened to stumble pass while looking for parking :D Yay for random location finds and happy accidents! :D

Hope you are all having a lovely week so far! We hope to squeeze one more mini blog post before this week is out so stay tuned! :D

xoxo

Picnic and Fields Engagement: Shae and Richie

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:32:00 +0000

The sun has not been behaving in sydney lately, but sometimes it doesn't really matter.... when sessions are as sweet as this one, full of simplicity, love, and just because kisses, you will never find me complaining behind the camera. On a very cloudy and grumpy weather day, Shae and Richie just enjoyed the beauty of being together. And the camera adored it :)

Thank you for such a gorgeous afternoon, you two lovebirds! I can't wait to capture your special day soon! :D

xox

Vintage Sunset Engagement: Eva and Kah Wui

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:12:00 +0000

This is what happens when you mix yummy cupcakes, gorgeous dresses, the most fabulous vintage details, and incredible incredible light :)

Meet Eva and Kah Wui, in a session where the light was so amazingly delicious that I had to pull my chin off the ground and pinch myself to check that it was real!

Enjoy my favourites from the day! :D

The most beautiful details and decor was brought to the shoot! I love my brides who have the most impeccably exquisite taste for their shoot and the things they bring to it! :D

Gorgeous colour-matching fans! So so pwweeetttty! :D

I LOVE it when my brides do NOT bring roses to the shoot! hehehe :D

Then a change of attire, and the sun really came out to play for a rare date with the camera!

Seriously, the light got so amazing at this point, I nearly didn't know what to do with myself! :P

Happy thursday everyone! And have a lovely weekend ahead after that!

Til the next post! :D

Three

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:26:00 +0000

Dear hubby...I know we have seen the turn of a decade and then some together, and been through 11 new years, christmases, birthdays, and valentines hand in hand, but today celebrates our 3rd as husband and wife.

Happy anniversary :) I am so thankful we are still here, and that I can still call myself yours after all these years. Really. Here's to many more runs of How I Met Your Mother together in our jammies, and laughing ourselves silly over those Barney Stinson jokes :)

143.

Thank you to our beautiful and talented friend, trish for this picture of us :)

Wedding: Jenni + Gun

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:45:00 +0000

He was incredibly nervous, as he slowly stepped up, and walked towards the microphone to give his wedding speech. He had been thumb-twiddling about it most of the day because public speaking was something he dreaded with a fire, but he got up that day, because she meant everything to him, and he knew this was something important to her.

"I. Love. You" he mouthed silently to her..."I. Love. You. Too" she quietly whispered back in a hushed tone, while her eyes spoke of depths of love and confidence for her man. And so he continued with his prepared words, recounting words of thanks, holding back tears of gratitude for his parents who had given him so very much, and reminiscing with shy embarrassment their love story to every eye and ear in that crowd.

They had come a long way. For two people that began their history together by hating each other and then parting ways for many years, they had come a very long way. However a little spoonful of chance, and technology in the form of the internet brought these two lovers back together. You see, one fine day, for no apparent reason at all, Jenni decided to search for Gun on google, and had just so happened to find his details in the returned results. We all laughed a little at the fact that Gun had even let his details appear on the internet in the age we live in, but that is the magic of fate and serendipity. It sometimes works in your favour. And in Jenni and Gun's case - it allowed for the seeds of their love story to plant, then grow, and then blossom.

While it rained almost the entire day on their wedding, it didn't dampen what was being truly celebrated that afternoon - how much they loved one another, and how incredibly overjoyed they were to be able to look forward to the rest of their lives together.

Enjoy my faves from the day! It really was an amazingly sweet, emotion-filled wedding that really left some footprints on my heart. Adding to the fabulousness that day, was the pleasure of working alongside the uber-talented Papercranes Production team who did the video on the day :)

I love brides with fabulous taste! Truly adored the Amsale designer gown that Jenni chose for her big day! :D

And how cute is this?! The perfume "Daisy" from Marc Jabobs matches the band around Jenni's dress! :)

Classically pretty Salvatore Ferragamo shoes :) So happy they weren't white! :D

David was with the boys as they got ready :-)

Then it was off to the beautiful Gunners Barracks grounds for the ceremony. We were so lucky! It was raining all morning, but it cleared up just in time and just long enough for the vows to go ahead outside :)

This moment really got so many of us choked up. It really was beautiful.

Now THAT, is a real kiss!! :D

Pretty pretty details everywhere! :D Including a lovely cake by Faye Cahill - her designs are always so beautifully and tastefully detailed! :D

Then to end the day, just some pictures of the lovers themselves. It rained like cats and dogs, so we were left to hide under shelter.

Thank you so much to Santo, from Papercranes for letting us use your deliciously awesome rainbow umbrella! And being crazy enough to run in the rain to shoot these shots!! heehee!! Neither Santo nor I had an umbrella over us while doing these pics - Santo was crazy enough to go first, and I was like - hey, if you're going, then I'm coming too!! haha :P

And, ring shots to end. I can't pick which one I like better, so why don't you choose and tell me :)

~JS

Stealing time, and personal thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 01:31:00 +0000

This will not be a popular post. I know it. But I felt it was important to share what has been on my mind because it matters, as it doesn't just affect my work, but who I am to the very core.

Stealing time. That is what it has felt like of late. Like I have had to steal time... time to sleep. time to eat regular meals. time to spend with my family. time to be with my husband. And in those instances, I was never far away from being plagued by a sense of guilt. Like I was not allowed to have that time. In my head, there lurked an evil voice that kept whispering to me "you should be sitting at that computer, editing away, replying every email, and looking at all those photos!" and it would come again, and again, and again. I would see families hanging out in parks, laughing and enjoying life together when I would be working, and tiny seeds of envy would grow.

Deep down, I felt it should not have to be this way. Really. I can be the most organized and hard working and right on top of my game, and I honestly do have the best team of people working for me, but at the end of the day, it doesn't change the hard fact that I am working in an industry that does not give allowances for things that are so important - like regular family and rest times when everyone else is resting and having fun together, or attending my friends' weddings, or birthday parties, enjoying long weekend BBQs together, going on spontaneous last minute dates or holidays, grieving time if someone I know has died, celebration time if someone close to me has given birth, being there if someone I know is really unwell or needs my help, or when I get really really sick. We photographers are expected to pick everything up, suck it in, and carry on because our time is never our own.

Still, I love my job and what I do. I don't think that will every change, however over the last year, I have felt like I have lost little pieces of who I am along the way because I have had to sacrifice so much that mattered to me...and I didn't realize just how much so until the last couple of months where several things shook my world down to the ground, and left me shattered. As a result, they have acted as a megaphone to what I have always felt wasn't quite right. And so, it is the reason why I have been so quiet lately. 2010 as amazing as it was on a professional front, the year really left me spent and sitting on the fence looking at the greener grass on the other side.

So I spent much of the end of the year and beginning of the year doing what normal people do, on a daily and regular basis. While the time was never my own, I allowed myself to borrow it back for the time being. And it felt good. I remembered what it felt like to have time with the people that matter in my life, time to prioritize them and show them they mattered, and not just say it with my lips. And it felt very good. Because I knew this was the way things should be... I should not have to feel guilty for sleeping at 1030pm, or being able to sit with my family all night after dinner and just hang out, or spending the weekend enjoying life over some beer and wine, or being able to sit and watch an entire run of 30 rock together...it is what everyone else gets to do and most take it for granted. Me? I cherished it...every last fibre of it.... no one will ever ever ever fully or truly understand the gravity of that, but know that it meant the WORLD to me.

To those photographers out there who are snickering and think I am weak, go ahead and scorn. I know I am being the stronger person here by choosing to say no, or choosing my family and friends over my work when it calls for it.

And don't worry... I am not leaving the industry, or quitting. Far from it.

What it does mean though, is that I am re-prioritizing....because I have always been a firm believer that a happy and enriched person will always make a better photographer... and that means that I need clients who understand that....who grasp that deeply. Who care. Because I need them to understand that when I shoot - I give ALL of my self and more because I care and love my clients THAT much. It is about so much more than just delivering the photos when I am working with a client....And I have realized when I work with clients who 'get' that, the images naturally, and organically turn out better because of that unspoken but magical affinity we share. Because these clients give me what I need to be the best person I can be, what results is that I can be the best photographer I can be :) At the end of 2010, I realized these are the people I want to work for.

I am hoping 2011, will be the start of much more of that, and the start of taking back my life for myself.

I thank all my clients who do fathom and appreciate this about me - it sounds selfish, but you understand that it is a part of me that makes ME better. And as a result, it makes JSP BETTER. And because of that, it makes our photos SO MUCH BETTER. To me? that is a win-win :) Because you understand that, I want to give you nothing but my very very very best. You have been blessings from God because you have given me the allowance, grace, and time for me to really 'see' :)

With love,
JS

EDIT: Since this post was published yesterday, in light of this entry, I received ALOT of messages afterwards telling me to hire people to look after my work and stop working alone. I have not been working alone since the first year I started full time, and I am very blessed to have the people that work for me, do what they do. They work very hard to add to JSP and service our clients, so we would appreciate if you could understand that this post is not so much about time management on a day to day basis (as the JSP team is fabulous and I love each member of our team), but more so about the kind of people we would love to work for long term - clients who understand that at times, things happen that are completely out of my control (I dont want them to happen - like, getting very sick, or someone passing away, or someone important to me giving birth, etc), but that if they do, to be generous enough to give us allowances to heal, or cope, and step away from the business for a little while - because in turn, we want to deliver the very best photos possible. Our goals are exactly the same. To those who understand this - thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those who have been scorning and seeing this as a weakness, I am also okay with that and respect our differences. I know where I stand, and I truly believe that I am doing the best thing here for myself and JSP, out of love :)

Engagement: Jenni and Gun

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:05:00 +0000

Happy thursday everyone!

I know I have been very quiet and absent of late... maybe tomorrow's blog post I'll share a little more about what has been on my heart and mind :)

For now, I wanted to share this session with all of you. It made me happy while looking at all the smiles dotted throughout all these images. This is what happens when you combine giggles and laughter, sweet love, peonies, pink, and the most gorgeous light :)

~JS

Engagement: May and Vuitton

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 01:34:00 +0000

I could write a million words, and I want to, but in between all the crazy that has filled the start of 2011, I thought it would be better to let the pictures do the talking. Because it won't be the last time you'll see these faces on the blog :)

Meet May and Vuitton :)

An engagement session filled with classy style, bow ties, sparkly shoes, scooters, and a stunning Annasul Y designer gown :)

And their slideshow for TONNES more photos with another fave fave fave song of mine!! :D Remember to press the HD button when viewing for best quality, and if you are reading via RSS, you can view the slideshow HERE.

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:47:00 +0000

I think I have read my fill, my complete fill of wrap up blog posts from everywhere. Seriously. So much verbal verbosity had gone through me that I threw out on facebook and twitter yesterday to describe your 2010. But in one word. One single word to sum up your whole past year. Because we can so easily hear about one's life if given a thousand words. But how fascinating is it, to be able to know one's life for the last 365 in just a single word. I learnt so much from all of you. So thank you for sharing. Now it is my turn. My year, was saturated.

While everyone is running around cooking up their New Year's Eve plans, and gearing up for the annual countdown to the dawn of the next 365 days, I'm going to admit here that I am a little scared of 2011 creeping around the corner. New years, always mean the bringing of the new. Yeah, that's stating the obvious, I know... but tied up with the word new, are words like unknown. Or change. Or expectation. And to a creature of comfort and security like myself, those words are scary. Because change, expectation, and the unknown can also bring about disappointment. And for a dreamer who dreams and hopes so much...so very very much...that is scary - scary times three.

I'm sighing as I am writing this you know. The sigh is my way of relinquishing the fears, and just keeping my eyes on the hope and excitement of the other side of 2011 stepping through the door. Because sometimes change can be good. Better in fact. And that is my hope for the next year.... the next 365 days...to be good. Better in fact :)

On that note, 2010 was amazing. Crazy, delirious, lightning quick, and noisy, but all round amazing. Most of you won't know it... in fact if you have been following my footsteps the last 365 days, all you probably would have felt from my vibes would have been my extreme busyness and the search for air from time to time... but behind the scenes, it was a year of transition. A year of lessons. And a year of challenge. I felt pushed like I had never been pushed before... personally, professionally, and creatively...and I won't be shy to say that it was hard. Extremely hard. But in looking back, I have learned much, and I am so grateful to be standing on this side of the year with the eyes I now have to look at the world and people in it because it means that I stand a little wiser, and a better photographer for it. And praise God for getting me through in one piece.

So thank you to everyone who filled my 2010. God for giving me everything. Every last molecule of it. He continues to give give give, and I still don't know why. But I stand blessed because of Him. My husband and my family who fill all the in betweens with their love, support, honest reproach, and especially normality - because although I never knew it, I needed it.

And to my clients. Without your beautiful faces, and amazing love stories, what would fill these pages? Absolutely nothing. So for your friendship and trust in my camera to capture your essence, thank you. You are the faces of JSP and have made it what it is today.

To everyone else, happy New Year :) I hope you are exactly where you want to be as we all count down, and hope for the next 365 days. I know I am exactly where I want to be as the last page of 2010 closes.

**Below: From probably my favourite moment of 2010. I was shooting an amazing session at Santa Monica beach in Los Angeles, California earlier this year....watching THIS most beautiful sunset...it was the most incredible I had ever seen in my life. By my side was my husband at that moment. And we were enjoying life. That's what it is all about :) **

And lastly, MY 2010 SLIDESHOW - SHOTS FROM EVERY SESSION THIS YEAR :)

*If I have forgotten you in this slidshow, please forgive me! It's the end of the year, I'm in holiday mode, and I've just dug through 20TB of files to try and include everyone possible. My brain is a little fried :)* Enjoy!! :D For those reading via RSS, you can view the slideshow HERE. Don't forget to press the HD button for proper viewing quality :)

Chronic Romantic

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:56:00 +0000

I shouldn't be up at this hour. Let alone blogging! But I can't help it. The thought has been stewing in my mind for the last few days. And sadly, I was not born the type of person who could bottle things in for long. I am THAT person who buys the perfect present and then HAS to tell the recipient before Christmas because I can't keep my excitement in.

What am I rambling about? I'm a chronic romantic. I won't show it. In fact, talk to me long enough, and you won't even breathe a hint of it. But existing in the crevices of my veins, in hidden spaces, I am a chronic romantic.

A chronic romantic. It means that even at the age of 28, I still love fairytales. I still love the fact that serendipity can throw your life into a frenzy, but as a result you 'accidentally' meet your prince charming against all odds. I still love that you can spend years searching, only to realize the one for you was the one in front of you the whole time. I still love the idea of kisses in the rain. I still love that moonlit walks on the beach while the warm summer breeze gently wraps its wings through your hair is one of the most lovely adventures you can go on in twos. I still love the notion that first loves can also be your last. I still love that it is never too late to tell the one you love them. And I still love that you can hope for any of the above while waiting for love to hit you in it's own unique way whether in sentimental glittery, or steadfast determination.

I've spent the past few days lost... LOST in decision. Because frankly I can't make one. I'm elbow deep in submissions from real-life couples for my upcoming workshop in Singapore, and one of the questions I asked each pair of lovers was 'Tell me your love story". Most photographers would look at me with a raised eyebrow and go 'why do you care? Just pick the best looking ones and use them for your workshop'. But you see, when you are a chronic romantic, you can't help but care. You can't help but want to know what draws two people together. What trials and tribulations they have gone through together. What joys they have shared. And how the tides of life join and then lock two souls as one despite distance, or personal differences, or breakups, or even just the weathering of time.

To me? To the chronic romantic? It all matters. Every last drop of it matters.

Hollywood throws at us so many concoctions and portrayals of how love is, or how love weaves through our lives, how love gives birth, and how love departs....but in all honesty, with my job, and the lovers I meet on such a frequent basis, I say it is the real life lovers that win. Hands down. Because they are genuine. Validated by the honest rawness of life . And that is what makes it oh-so-palpable, not to mention inspiring to transcend in photos.

So that is why it is hard. So hard. All because I am a chronic romantic. Who cares.

I have to make a decision soon, but I wanted to tell you that. So that next time if I ask you to tell me about the two of you, or share your love story. It is because deep down in the marrow of my bones, I cherish the story of the union. I love hearing. It makes me smile, and it continues to prove to me that despite all the ugly that can arise from love, it can still be the most wondrous and beautiful experience, and that real true love (though hard), can definitely undeniably last.

Thank you to any of my couples (past and present) who have shared your lives and love story so openly with me, and then let me translate that to the photos that hang on your walls. Please know you have left footprints on my heart.

**Sneak peek from one of my last shoots of 2010. A love story that truly moved me :) **

Merry Christmas 2010 :)

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:41:00 +0000

I'm sitting here on our cream coloured sofa, and surrounded by kleenex. ALOT of it. It seems that there is a very unforgiving virus going around, and I happen to have been the recipient of it... TWICE :(

So, while work has halted as a result of this and I am stuck on this couch coughing and sneezing, I thought I'd share with you Project Christmas Tree 2010. Yes, it became a PROJECT this year. Why? Well, because the last two years, my husband and I have had a legless tree sitting in the house. Every year, we plan to find a new way to support the tree - we've used vases, pots, and even a drum seat stand! :) And the drum seat stand served perfect... until we took it out from storage recently, and it fell into an uncountable number of pieces :(

So this year, I waved the white flag and begged Ju for a new tree instead of having to find yet another tree-leg replacement. He said yes! :D So while he was away for work, I started Project Christmas Tree 2010 with a blue and silver theme (which was the same theme we had for our wedding 3 years ago!). 3 hours later, voila! All done! Have a look! :D I'm so happy! All it needs now are some presents to go under it!! hehe ;) ;)

On another note, it is the close for another year here at JSP. I'm contemplating and looking back over the year that has gone, and so much has filled the 365 days. It's likely that I'll write a more reflective post once the new year comes, but for now, I just want to say thank you. We have been to Phuket, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, London, Germany, Austria, and next year is looking exciting for shoots in some lovely places which I am truly excited about! With the calendar about 3/4 full already for 2011, I just want to thank all our beautiful brides and grooms who trust us with your most special day - I can't WAIT to see you at your wedding and making some pretty pictures with you. It is YOU who make this job so so so amazing.

To my gorgeous 2010 couples, THANK YOU for making the past year so vastly incredible. I can't even begin to put down in words how much is in my heart for turning 2010 the craziest, fullest year to date. But just know that I have ALOT of love for you, for choosing me of all people, considering how much insane photographic talent that exists out there - it means THE WORLD to a girl like myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you :)

To those that leave me messages and comments on my blog and facebook (but especially my blog because this is my personal space!), please know that there is a bottomless pit of gratitude that goes out to you for reading my writings and looking at my photos, and then telling me your warm and encouraging thoughts. I need it more than you will ever know or understand :) I sometimes feel that I am writing to a big wide open space, all by myself, so thank you for plucking up the courage and leaving me your comments. I love each and every one of them, I read them all, and treasure each word. Thank you, thank you, thank you :)

Merry Christmas, and hope all of you have the most amazing 2011 out there :) Remember to celebrate it with your loved ones, and those who matter the most to you. I know I will be.

~ Jenny

ps: For those that will ask, yes that is our new logo in the photo below. The new brand will unveil sometime next year :)

London Engagement Session: Nadia and Sam

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:12:00 +0000

Sometimes love gets a second chance.

At least, I like to think so. In a world where everything is temporal, and few things last the test of time, it is somewhat God given and a miracle when two people are brought together again.

Nadia and Sam were two hearts that found each other in their younger years, in the days where school uniforms ruled, and curfews were a norm. She was the sweet, innocent, and fresh faced girl, and he was the bad boy on the block - complete polar opposites to one another, but like all proverbial love stories, their differences drew them together, and they held on as all dear first loves do. They held on...at least until life decided they both needed serious doses of growing up, and shaping of the soul. It was then that their ropes unwound and their love said goodbye.

Over the years as the orbit of life brought them across to different places and different people, Nadia and Sam despite their separate paths, always remained close, keeping as each other's best friends until a realization one day that even though their love had said goodbye all those years ago, it had never really disappeared. Rather, it sat there patiently on the shelf, waiting for the day that it was time. Where they had learnt their life lessons, grown up, and were better ready for each other. Better ready to love one another.

Sometimes love get's a second chance.

.....and I think that is what makes them beautiful. They are each other's best friends. And lovers. I could see that in every frame, the way they talked to each other, they way they laughed with and at each other, and the way that they smiled to each other.

Thank you Nadia, and Sam for sharing a snippet of your lives with me. It was an honor :) You two are the luckiest.

Enjoy some of my favourites from their sweet engagement shoot in the beautiful city of London - I LOVED the city and will definitely be back with the husband :)

Nadia told me before the session that she is the most un-photogenic girl in the world. Judging from below? I think she is a liar!! haha :)

Their slideshow, to my newest favourite tune. It's a perfect first dance song, for those who are wondering!! :D (Remember to press the HD button for proper quality viewing!! For those viewing this post via RSS, you can view the slideshow via this link HERE. )

Engagement: Paul and Caroline

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:46:00 +0000

Just something sweet and simple to brighten up your tuesday with, filled with sun + foresty goodness + wine + balloons and more :)

Enjoy!

See you when the pre-Christmas crazy dies down a little! I hope by then, my full voice will be back too, and I can go back to blogging in its entirety like I normally do! :)

The dog you see in this session is their's :) Brought all the way back from Caroline's home country, Germany :D

Bubbles look so pretty when the sunlight hits them! :D

The sun really was spectacular on this particular day... its been a rare sight of late, and I know alot of photographers are crying because the sun hasn't been behaving, but it was gorgeous during Paul and Caroline's session :D These last few frames were my fave :D

Have a happy Tuesday everyone! :D

Paris Inspired Engagement: Danny + Becki

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Hello everyone! I just thought I'd detour from piles and piles of deadlines at the moment, and share with you something sweet that just made my heart so happy :)

Meet Danny + Becki.

Classy, cool, and completely raging with style :)

I was so thrilled when they turned up with a whole vintage paris themed shoot. If you know me, all things old, european, vintage, and stylish sit very close to my heart - so when these two lovebirds surprised me with a whole bag of these goodies, along with their incredibly dashing attire, I was sold! :D They looked like a pair that would fit perfectly on the streets of Paris, really.

These were taken in Sydney, by the way. 90% of these images were taken on one tiny stretch of a street, mainly because it was raining almost all throughout the shoot. But thank you Danny and Becki for rocking it out for me anyway. You two looked like old school hollywood glam stars regardless of the weather :)

Hope you enjoy my favourites from their session! :D

Seriously? Becki?! Gorge :)

Oooh la la - Christian Louboutins! I love the baby blue soles! :D

Happy Wednesday everyone! I've gotta run back to work now (still without much of my voice - boo!)

Travel Destination: Salzburg, Austria

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:46:00 +0000

I've lost my voice. Really. I was trying to ask my husband yesterday to pass me a cup of water, but all that came out was a squeak. And that's when I started to cry.

I'm not normally like that, honestly. I don't burst into tears over something as small as that. But for some reason, in between all the burning pain each time I swallowed, and sounding like a chipmunk on helium, I felt miserable. And not myself at all.

And so, in an attempt to recover at lightning fast speed before my last few weddings for the year, I am prescribing myself a mandatory 48 hour lifestyle that consists of massive amounts of sleep, warm honey water, and catching up on as many of my favourite things. The first being, blogging :) - I know it is going to be a terrifyingly busy month ahead, but it is just 3 weeks away from the year closing and I am hoping to retain the blogging momentum as much as I can while I look forward to weeks of rest, time at home, and celebrating Christmas and New year with the loved ones.

So, here is me, doing what I love. Blogging. Enjoy my personal snaps from Salzburg, Austria. The land of The Sound Of Music - a musical I loved watching, while growing up! It's definitely a place I will love to return to, in the Summer, when the hills are donned with glorious sunshine, and decked with flowers amongst the meadows.

These were just some things that made my eyes and heart happy along the adventure through Salzburg that day :) Note: the first 10 photos or so were taken while I was on a train from my window, so apologies if some shots are exactly perfect.

The mountains really are stunning. Even in the winter.

We saw the first snow arrive :)

And we were lucky enough to see the sun and sky come out for about 5 minutes before it disappeared again :P

When we finally arrived in the city.

These were apparently the grounds where the Sound of Music was filmed. Called, Schloss Mirabell, these are the 2nd most popular grounds to get married on - IN THE WORLD. We have no idea what is the #1 place. If anyone knows, please tell me! :)

We then wandered into the shops in the old part of Salzburg. It was really really pretty!

Including the Christmas Markets that had started already :)

Oh and this cafe - Cafe, Furst - has some of the most DELICIOUS chocolates. Seriously, they cost 1 Euro - worth it! :D

And here is the famous Salzburg chocolate cake, from Hotel Sacher - the only cake that is a STATE secret!

This shop by Henri J. Sillam, peaked my interest because it is only open for 2 months in the entire year. Its apparently been around for ages. No guess as to how much each piece inside costs. Crazy!!

We then climbed the tower in Salzburg to see the views from above.

The views were stunning.

My husband and I, taking turns with the big camera.

Just some interesting things on the way back :)

Wilder Mann - best pork Schnitzel in town. It was filled with red wine, mushrooms, ham, cheese....mmmmm :)

Love all the Christmas lights! :D

And this last shot is not a creative one. Just wanted a happy snap with the hubby and I :)

Adios!!

Travel Destination: Munich, Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:35:00 +0000

It was getting to me. The busyness, that is. Every now and again it does, and believe me, it takes a fair and generous portion of crazy preceding the 'I-want-to-tear-my-hair-out' stage. So before the sinister enemy gets to me, I usually do one of four things to stay on top of the game. I sing. I eat. I facebook. I watch re-runs of one of my favourite TV shows (The Vampire Diaries has been the latest target). This time however, busyness was rearing it's ugly head in quite an unsightly fashion and nothing seemed to be working, so I decided to run. Like, pack-my-bags-and-get-out-of-here kind of run. For real.

Okay, before you get a complete heart attack and think I have entirely gone mad and deserted my work - just breathe :) I decided to just take a short break and getaway, joining my husband in Germany and Austria to soak in the chilly winter air, and regain a little bit of my head back in the process :)

And it was wonderful.

It may have been wintry, with the breeze laced with frost, but the sights were magical, and it was good to be out and about, and away. Even if life back at home had just paused momentarily. It was good. Good to be with my husband, walking the streets of Munich hand in hand with our cold-tipped fingers clasped together. Good for my eyes to be refreshed with different sights to inspire. Good to breathe. And good to just be. In those moments as the first snow of Germany floated in and around my face, and I heard the musicians in their thick winter coats playing classical music under those german arches, I was happy and my heart was full.

Here are some things that peaked my eye's interest the day we spent in Munich.

Yes, it was THAT cold.

And raining.

I LOVED the pretzels in Munich/Germany. I don't know why, but they taste better here! :D

And this was a delight - vanilla ice cream, with hot raspberries, and whipped cream. Mmmmm

Germany and their sausages.

Oh and EVERYWHERE screamed Christmas. I really felt it. The shop windows were beautiful and the Christmas markets sold the most beautiful things!

The sad thing about travelling in twos, is that its hard to get photos together. Most of them are on my husband's camera because the G11 has this awesome flipscreen that makes self portraits so much easier :D Anyway, this is us mucking around with my big camera :P

Munich is pretty at night too. I wish we had stayed out longer to capture more of the Christmas lights, but it was too cold.

Happy thursday everyone! I'll have photos from Salzburg, Austria next (the land of The Sound of Music!)