Shelley Jean Photography

My webpage has a new home!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:32:00 +0000

I've finally finished my new website! It is still located at www.shelleyjeanphotography.com, but you might have to update your bookmarks.

Please let me know what you think by commenting on this post (on the new blog!), or you can send me a Twitter, Facebook message or email.

Check out my twitters:

And be sure to add me as a friend, become a fan, and join my facebook page:

And last but not least, you can also sign up for my newsletter (sent about 4 times a year):

Newsletter Sign-up

Something else that is new is my referral program. When you refer a friend, and they book a photography session, you get rewarded with a discount towards your next photography session with Shelley Jean Photography. Not bad, huh? Just a way to say thanks for spreading the word.

If you are looking for a password to a gallery on the new homepage, just send me a note and I'll forward it onto you.

Announcement: Two-Day Boudoir Marathon in Guelph, July 18th and 19th!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Definition: n. A woman's private sitting room, dressing room, or bedroom.

Why boudoir?
to celebrate & empower yourself
as a gift to yourself, or loved one

When is it?
Saturday July 18th & Sunday July 19th, 2009

What’s Included?
unique boutique hotel suite
private one-on-one photo session
professional makeup artistry by Carrie Tibbs
custom designed, and professionally printed 5x5 photobook album
online password protected gallery
30 high-resolution images on disc
gentle retouching
an experience of a lifetime!

How do I find out more?
contact Shelley at 519.362.8672 or
email: shelley@shelleyjeanphotography.com
www.shelleyjeanphotography.com

The cost for a session is $350 plus GST & PST, and includes all of the above.

Please share with anyone you think may be interested in treating themselves to the experience.

New Website Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:59:00 +0000

Just a note to let you know I've been working on a new website design and hope to unveil it later this week - that is, of course, if I can get the kinks worked out before then!

A Littlest Hero: Maggie

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:23:00 +0000

Maggie and I met in May, and the first time she saw me she came running at me full speed to give me a ginormous hug! It was heartwarming to be accepted so quickly and without a second thought. Maggie and her sister Ella joined their parents as a family for this Littlest Heroes Project session. For more information on this amazing organization, check out their website

In the fall of 2004 Maggie's family learned that she has a rare genetic disorder, a deletion in her 15th chromosone. Maggie has Angelman Syndrome. AS, as it is commonly referred to, is associated with serious, lifelong disabilities.

These are words from Maggie's mom: "It has been difficult for us to match the profoundly sad reality of AS, with our loving, happy little girl. Maggie is much more than her diagnosis. We are still caught by moments of heartache for our little girl, but it is impossible to stay down when you are around Maggie." I couldn't agree more! Maggie has a way of exploring her world and embracing life with a vigour that attracts you. From the short time I spent with her I could tell that smiling is one of Maggie's favourite things to do!

Engagement Photos in Ottawa!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:07:00 +0000

A couple of weekends ago I had the chance to meet Megan and Paul - a couple who are engaged to be married in August. And guess who gets to shoot their wedding? ;)

These two were so much fun to work with! Both of them have a great sense of humour. They brought along their little furbaby who was so cute I couldn't stay away.

The Littlest Heroes Project

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:14:00 +0000

I haven't told you about the Littlest Heroes Project yet. An amazing idea, and a wonderful organization, the Littlest Heroes Project matches photographers from a team of volunteers worldwide to the world's 'littlest heroes'. They define 'littlest heroes' as 'children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses'.

Their mission:

Our mission at The Littlest Heroes Project is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. We understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long. Through Littlest Heroes our photographers understand each and every case, and cater it to fit and honor each child and family. Our photographers are on hand to travel to homes, hospitals, clinics, fundraisers, and benefits to help capture your child’s journey in a “Day in the life” sort of style and work personally one on one with your child and entire family to get those special family photos and moments that you can cherish for years to come.

I signed up to be a photographer with the Littlest Heroes Project back in January, and was quickly matched with not just one, but with two families!

Tomorrow I meet with Maggie for a day outside (we are hoping the skies are blue for us!) playing, making new friends, and living life the way it should be lived. Oh, and I'll take some photos too!

I can't wait to meet her and her family.

Boudoir Session - It's all in the eyes...

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:43:00 +0000

We had a lot of fun during this session - in fact, we spent too long doing it and were politely asked to leave the studio! She and I met when she asked me to photograph her family (I also blogged about that session) and when I announced the boudoir marathon through my newsletter she jumped at the opportunity!

As she says - you can say a lot with just a look in your eyes... HOT!

January Boudoir Marathon: a pin-up beauty!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:26:00 +0000

Another of my January boudoir sessions was trying to create a retro pin-up look. Carrie (of Beauty Marked makeup) did a wonderful job of creating the 'look' and then we had a great time modeling and taking photos.

Boudoir Marathon: a destination bride!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:05:00 +0000

The first of my boudoir sessions from January was leaving on a flight the very next day to get married! We were able to work out a plan so that she could get her photos in time to bring them with her. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but we managed to make it work and he loved the surprise gift. Makeup by the talented Carrie Tibbs of Beauty Marked.

A new graduate!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Congratulations to my good friend who finished her degree last year. Before the snow fell last fall I was fortunate enough to be able to get out with the leaves and take some photos to commemorate the milestone. Good job, lady!

Engagement Photos in Ottawa

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:56:00 +0000

In early January I was lucky enough to be able to meet an uber-chic couple for their engagement photos in Ottawa. The frigid temperatures kept us from going outside, but we were able to make do with their very tastefully decorated new home!

A few pics from their session:

Family Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:49:00 +0000

Before Christmas I had the pleasure of taking a wonderful family's portraits in their home. Parents of two energetic boys, it was easy to see they hadn't lost their love for one another. Here are some of my favourite expressions from the session:

Contest Announcement Coming Soon and... Ottawa!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:58:00 +0000

Well, I've decided to run a contest! I will be announcing it in just a couple of weeks, but if you want to hear about it first, you can sign up for my newsletter.

I can't say too much about it right now, but what I can tell you is that the winner will receive FREE photography. Not too shabby, huh?

Also, I mentioned earlier I would be expanding into Ottawa on select weekends this winter. The dates I will be in Ottawa are:

JANUARY 24TH
JANUARY 25TH

and

FEBRUARY 28TH
MARCH 1ST

You can always check to see what I'm up to by viewing my calendar (thank you Google!) at the very bottom of this page.

I've already booked off several weekends for 2009 for weddings. It looks like it will be a great summer - I can't wait.

On another note, my brave little (well, he's not so little, I guess! He turns 22 this month!) brother came home from the hospital today. He's been working hard at beating Hodgkins' Lymphoma. In his honour, I am almost 100% certain I've decided to run the Ottawa Marathon this year. More on that later.

But now, I need sleep.

Boudoir Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:28:00 +0000

My Boudoir Marathon session is coming up in 15 days, and I have some more details. There isn't much time left to book, so do let me know soonest if you are interested! Last week I met with the wonderful Carrie Tibbs of Beauty Marked Makeup (Beauty Marked) and we are definitely on the same wavelength for this shoot. Let me promise you won't be disappointed with her work. Check out her website and take a look at her portfolio. This girl has talent!

Also on the Boudoir Marathon topic, I've finalized the room we will be using. It is a tastefully decorated suite at Guelph's only boutique hotel. With a four poster bed, and lots of natural light I can't wait to get in there and be creative with you ladies. If you'd like to see photos of the room, just send me a message.

Eeeee! I'm very excited about this.

December Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Now that my followers have had a chance to open and read my newsletter, I will post it for all to see.

Thank You: My Best Wishes to You and Yours!
Here’s wishing a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my lovely models of 2008. It was a pleasure to work with you this year! May all your dreams come true for 2009 and always.

During the season of giving, let us not forget the importance of family and loved ones, and let us all give thanks for the love we have in our lives.

Valentine's is Just Around the Corner: Intimate Portraits
Just in time for Valentine's Day, I will be hosting a Boudoir Marathon!
What is that, you ask? Boudoir photography is an intimate form of photography. It is often arranged for those wanting to give their significant others a little something ‘for their eyes only’. I will be offering a series of mini-sessions on January 17 (and 18 depending on interest). Included with your session will be 30 high-resolution images on CD and a 5x7 ‘brag-book’ of prints. Please let me know as soon as possible if this is something that interests you and I would be happy to offer further details!

Plus, feel free to spread the word. :)

A Few Things Looking Ahead to 2009
My schedule as you all know is limited to weekends and evenings. This being the case, I do get booked up fast for spring and summer portraits. Currently I am taking bookings for engagement, family and graduation (yes, I do grad photos!) portraits.

And, for 2009, I will be extending my services to the Ottawa area for select weekends. I look forward to the opportunity to travel to my hometown more often!

Considering a destination wedding? Be sure to contact me for my custom pricing for destination brides!

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:54:00 +0000

Happy Holidays everyone! With Christmas just around the corner, I am scrambling to get the last few sessions processed and out the door.

This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting a family in their home for some portraits of their two children. They were the cutest boys, and I can't wait to get their photos delivered in time for Christmas. Thanks again for letting me into your home.

Newsletter subscribers: watch for one in your mailbox this afternoon!

We're back!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:56:00 +0000

Well my 'husband' and I are back from our wedding! We had a wonderful week away with our friends and family, but now it is back to business as usual.

Here are some photos from the 50th anniversary family portraits:

And the little one had the most gorgeous eyes:

And I did promise I would provide a sneak preview to Jennifer and Adam (it's on its way, it will be a separate post), who have been infinitely patient with me over the past three weeks! You guys rock! Plus, you were a lot of fun to shoot, so I can't wait to send you your photos. Congratulations again on your engagement!

November and December are busy!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:10:00 +0000

The next two months will be a bit hectic for me, but not necessarily with photo shoots - I'm getting married! Our wedding is on November 25th, but we will be away for a week. Then the first weekend in December is another celebration for us for our family and friends who can't make it to the ceremony. This means I only have a few weekends with time slots available, so if you are thinking of booking a slot, let me know as soon as possible so I can squeeze you in.

I just spent the afternoon with a wonderful family taking some family portraits for a 50th wedding anniversary. Now that is a reason to celebrate! I'll post some photos soon.

Fall Photography Special

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:51:00 +0000

If you are signed up for my newsletter, be sure to check your inboxes (and maybe double check those junk folders, just in case!) for a Fall Photography Special being pre-released ONLY to newsletter readers.

If by chance you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet, just go ahead and sign up by clicking here: Newsletter Sign-up

If you are shy, and don't want to hear from me through email (I'll admit I am a little sad about it), check back here again later this week to see what you missed.

Maternity Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:13:00 +0000

I am just so excited - one of my close friends just shared some wonderful news with me. She is pregnant again! She and her partner are already blessed with a beautiful daughter, and with another one on the way their family is just bursting with love. So when she asked if I would take her maternity portraits, I was ecstatic! It is such a joy to be a part of the anticipation of a new member joining a family.

Just wanted to share the excitement! Have a happy Friday!

Another Engagement Photo Session... IN THE RAIN!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:40:00 +0000

I had a great time on Saturday with J and L and their engagement photoshoot. They came prepared with an umbrella, rubber boots, and the right attitude. It was so much fun shooting them, here is just a sample of the fun we had.

Congratulations you two, it is obvious you were meant for each other!

These are just a few of the photos that show how much fun J & L had outside playing in the rain. It just proves that the weather sometimes makes things a little more interesting and fun. There are so many great moments I caught, I simply can't share them all.

Why choose an engagement photo session?

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:25:00 +0000

A great article came out online on the WeddingBells.ca website about what exactly and engagement session (e-session) with your photographer really is.

Take a peek!
http://www.weddingbells.ca/articles/article/engaging-idea/

Beautiful Bride

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:57:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to be a part of Kelly and Jay's big day last Friday. Both of them were just stunning all dolled up, and you could tell they had a lot of support by the number of family members who came out to celebrate with them on a Friday afternoon. Congratulations you two!

Here's a little teaser for you.

K and J get married today!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:27:00 +0000

And I get to take their pictures! This adorable couple are getting married this afternoon in Guelph. In attendance will be their children and families in a small ceremony.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that the rain holds off, but as they say - isn't it good luck to have rain on your wedding day?

A few sneak peek pics will be posted this weekend.

Children

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley Jean Photography) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:24:00 +0000

Don't you just love their sweet little cheeks and sparkling eyes? They change so quickly, and grow up so fast, it is nice to capture each moment.

Here are a couple that are close to my heart.