Summer Road Trip | Austin, TX
Austin, thank you for the fun time. xoxo
Austin, TX | June 2014
Summer Road Trip | Marfa, TX
Marfa, you charmed your way into my heart forever. The Prada art installation in Valentine is what drew me to the area first and the eclectic trailer and tent campground known as El Cosmico in Marfa beckoned me the rest of the way (note: make sure you book with plenty advance notice — this place books up weeks in advance!!). Fortunately my husband is pretty much up for anything as long as it involves adventure. Marfa was quiet on the Monday afternoon that we arrived, due to the fact that the art galleries that the area is known for are closed early in the week. So, we instead checked into our accommodations, booked a reservation for dinner, and then made our way into town to take a peek around. The architecture is simple but beautiful, and many a time my mind wandered into “wouldn’t-that-make-a-cool-place-to-live” mode. If only Marfa was closer to the ocean, we’d potentially have ourselves a deal. After the busy week behind us, Mr. Sweethardt was ready for a nap (pretty sure this was induced by a monster-sized DQ root beer float, but who am I to judge?) so we headed back to the camp where I curled up in a hammock with my book and a beer and napped in the drizzle that followed. Refreshing! Dinner at Cochineal was absolutely superb and we made friends with the neighbouring table – a father escorting his daughter by car to university in L.A.- while we dined on a number of small plates before digging into dessert and taking our leave in the fading light. Back in our chic little safari tent, slumber came quickly (albeit along with some crazy dreams) and the heat of the morning sun prompted us to continue our journey. Next stop….. Austin!!! See you there!
Marfa, TX | June 2014
Summer Road Trip | White Sands, NM
White Sands…. thank you for not disappointing. We hiked. We took photos. We scrambled up dunes. We sledded back down. We picnicked. We ran. We jumped. We cartwheeled. We played like we were 10 again. And, we watched the sun drop below the horizon. Best. Day. Ever.
White Sands, NM | June 2014
Summer Road Trip | Page, AZ
After 11+ hours on the road from Reno, we landed at our next destination late in the evening on June 12…. Page, AZ. Near beautiful Lake Powell, the area attracts more than 3 million visitors per year (thanks Wikipedia!). Waking up bright and early the next day, we set out after breakfast for a hike overlooking Horseshoe Bend. Given it’s 300 m drop to the Colorado River below, I was pretty hesitant about getting too close to the edge, especially given all those warning signs at the beginning of our hike!! We later learned that a few people die each year from getting too close so if you’re planning a trip, be careful out there!!! Hike complete, we returned for a quick and refreshing dip back at the motel pool before heading into town for lunch. After all, we needed nourishment for the afternoon fun…. a Hummer Tour of Secret Canyon, chosen to avoid the crowds of nearby Antelope Canyon. Since there were only 5 of us (including guide) on the tour, I think we made a pretty good choice!!! Still suffering from post-move burnout, I’m not sure I did the area a lot of justice through the lens, so thanks to my husband for rounding out the montage with a few iPhone photos of his own!
Page, AZ | June 2014
Summer Road Trip | Reno
Warehouse sold, and responsibilities temporarily cast aside, Mr. Sweethardt and I made plans to hit the open road on an epic 5 week adventure before returning to settle in a new apartment back in San Francisco. As soon as the new owners took possession of that key on June 10th, we hopped in the beast and beelined to stop #1 on our journey… RENO!!! The first time I visited the city was back in my late teens, and all I seem to recall of that time was a downtrodden town with nothing much to offer. Fast forward to 2014, and imagine my surprise to discover a charming, vibrant little city with beautiful homes and tree-lined streets (although of course we naturally gravitated towards some of the older warehouses too in keeping with our industrial-like aesthetic). Hubby nor I are gamblers, so the casinos didn’t interest us in the least, but the beautiful revitalization of Reno’s Riverwalk sure did!! People of all ages were outside midweek enjoying the Truckee River – I cannot even imagine what this place looks like on a weekend! The river was bustling with swimmers, kayakers, rafters and sunbathers; and restaurants with outdoor seating as well as a skate park down the street completed the vibe. Our vacation was off to a great start!
Reno | June 2014
Newborn Session | Rylan
With this beautiful baby boy’s 6 month session just around the corner, it seems like the perfect time to post his newborn photos. I am bewildered that he is almost at this next milestone because I remember this session like it was yesterday. Photographer’s love a sleepy newborn, and at just six days of age, this sweet little guy was an absolute dream. Are you expecting a newborn soon? Just a friendly reminder to schedule your session well before baby’s arrival to ensure photographer availability when the big day arrives! As for Rylan… can’t wait to see him again in less than 2 weeks!
Newborn Session | Rylan
Cake Smash Session | Nora
Cake smash sessions are a wonderful way to celebrate the final milestone in baby’s first year, and while this sweet girl was tidier than most, it was no less enjoyable! These sessions take place in my SoMa studio and always start out with a few simple shots of baby alone before moving onto the grand finale… the CAKE!! All cakes are made to order from Pretty Please Bakeshop here in San Francisco and my little clients (and their parents!) love ’em!
Cake Smash Session | Nora
10 Month Session | Viggo
Hooray, I’m back! After upgrading some software, the workhorse program that creates these beautiful photo storyboards mysteriously went *poof* into a black hole. As an already next-to-non-existent blogger, I really didn’t need any help falling off the map!! Now that it’s restored, it’s business as usual once again and I’m eager to show off some of my recent (and not-so-recent) work. But let’s start with the more recent stuff…. this adorable little guy travelled with his parents (and grandmother) all the way from Belgium at the beginning of January! As a photographer, I find that my style is constantly evolving, and I find myself becoming more and more drawn to the intimacy of home sessions. I love to sit back and observe life in general – plop me in any outdoor cafe with a hot cocoa or a glass of wine and I’m golden – and so hanging out in the corner and capturing real moments alongside those that are loosely posed definitely suits my quiet calmness. Apologies in advance for the mile long photo post (it started out being two miles long!), but choosing between all the cuteness was next to impossible! Oh, and I hope you like my new logo!!
10 Month Session | Viggo
7 Month Session | Cam
Hi… my name is Jennifer and it has been 4 months since my last blog post. Uh, yeah. Really. I’ve already ‘fessed up to being the World’s Worst Blogger on more than one occasion, so it’s time to move on already. Heck, it’s a new year and a new day and I’m eager to play catch up and show off all my ah-mazing clients from 2013, in addition to my new clients in 2014! At least there is no shortage of material! Anyhoo…. since I’ll be photographing this little guy’s cake smash session later this week, let’s start by showing off his 7 month shoot. Could he be any cuter? Probably not. I fell in love with him at his 3 month session and can’t wait to see him again! Word on the street is that he’ll probably be walking soon. Enjoy!
7 Month Session | Cam
Family Portrait Session | J Family
Now that I’m back from holiday, I am so delighted to finally share these images from the recipient’s of January’s Olivia’s Act. When I first reached out to Michelle with the news of a photography session, she was so touched that our mutual friend Kim – a classmate of hers – had nominated her. I simply couldn’t have asked for a more deserving and gracious family.
Michelle and her husband Corey rekindled their relationship over a year ago after a 1.5 year separation, during which time Michelle was struggling as a single mom. Not only was Michelle raising three children, but she also worked full-time while attending school part-time. That’s why it took so long for us to settle on a date for our session – this is one busy mama! Michelle couldn’t express enough how incredible it is to be back with her husband and how amazing it is to be a real family again. I think the looks on their faces says it all… this is a couple in love! I was so grateful at their willingness to receive this gift and to capture their beautiful family at such a wonderful point in their lives. Thank you to the J family for a lovely morning in the park!
Family Portrait Session | J Family
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