Jenn Smith Photography

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Thank you to all my clients, family and friends!

Well to say it has been awhile would be an understatement to say the least. I have enjoyed my much needed break! Enjoying my time with my family in our new home, especially during the holidays. I am looking forward to getting back to work this spring, although it will be at a much slower pace. I had a stern talking to from the doctor today, with a big warning - "Slow Down or suffer the consequences!" Easier said than done, I am afraid! Especially for me, I have always been a do-it-yourselfer, strong, determined, and just plain hard headed at times (Most times)! It is hard to set limits on myself!
I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus over four years ago. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the bodies cells and tissue. It has been a challenge and life changing. My body is declaring war on all of my organs, so far everything has been affected. I may go through a remission and get a reprieve for a period of time. After having an eight month remission on my kidneys, it has decided to flare back up my kidney failure. Not only was I given the news about my kidneys, my liver is also in a downward spiral, and I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. Great visit, huh?!
After being told that I couldn't keep going at the pace I am used to, I was heart broken. I will have to slow down this year and take on fewer clients. My time with my family is and always will be the most important thing. I have noticed that it is taking longer to do edits, due to the fact that I lose circulation in my hands and my fingers turn purple. I get more fatigued than I used to, during and after a session. I want to be able to give my best to my family and my clients and I can only do this by scheduling fewer sessions.
I want to thank you all for your understanding!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Wardrobe Wednesday {Families with Teens} http://ping.fm/PGRTH

Wardrobe Wednesday {Families with Teens}

Teens with their own style doesn't have to mean a traumatic family session for all! Check out this week's Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} post by Minor Impressions Photography for advice on making sure there's a little less drama while still looking fantastic!!

Here in Texas, the outrageous heat is gradually making its exit, and we are starting to see a little bit of fall-like weather. For me, this always means that clients start calling to schedule their family session before the holidays get near. While us Wardrobe Wednesday ladies have been giving everyone advice for almost two years now, it can still seem so overwhelming to put together your entire family’s wardrobe, and you can’t help but tinker with the idea of just doing one solid color. Add in a few older kiddos who are already highly opinionated with what they want to wear, and I’m sure you’re already stressed just thinking about it. That is why I chose to put together an ensemble consisting of mom, dad, and the possibility of a few hard-headed kiddos.

My first piece of advice is to decide which kid will be the most challenging when choosing his/her outfit. (I highly recommend that you don’t tell him/her why you chose them first!) J Once you’ve got the most difficult selection out of the way, start building everyone else’s outfits to complement it. If the first outfit you choose has a pattern with different colors, then choose solids to balance it all out. If it is one solid color, then the next outfit you select should have a few more colors, one being complementary to the first selection.

When teenagers are involved, keep in mind that your biggest challenge might not be about the colors, but rather the comfort, specifically theirs. While one daughter might love being in a dress every day, the other may be all about her jeans. You will have a lot less resistance if they can relax in their attire and allow their personalities to show a little while still trying to keep with a similar theme.

In the example below, I started my collection with, the more reserved, Girl # 2’s shirt. After adding Girl # 1’s dress, I was able to piece together the remaining outfits.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Music Monday http://ping.fm/CpDIs

Music Monday

I missed out on Friday's post, I will get that one up at a later date. I have been feeling a bit under the weather and today I am lucky enough to be working on 3 hours, if that, of sleep. So please excuse any major grammatical errors!

Here is my playlist for the last week, you may take note that I watch a lot of TV. As usual, you check them out and decide if it is to your liking, I am just sharing my playlist. Would love for you to share yours in the comment area below.

1. To start off with, many of you may have noticed the commercials for the new Gears of War 3 video game, well they are playing one of my all time favorite artist, Mazzy Star's Into Dust. So needless to say that has put me in the mood to rock her cd, the entire album is great! Good, relaxing, soulful music!

2. Secondly, the other new video game Dark Soul's has another awesome band playing their trailer soundtrack. The Silent Comedy is the name of the band, Bartholomew is the name of the song. Really enjoying this tune as of late.

3. This one is an oldie, Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie. Watched it's a Funny Story, and they played this sound, which you can't help but sing and dance to, so thank goodness for itunes (download it when you feel the need to hear it).

4. Another band that I am enjoying right now are the Sleigh Bells, particularly Rill Rill.

5. Colours by Grouplove

6. Raise Your Weapon by Deadmau5 featuring Greta Svabo Bech, really enjoying rocking this one!

7. Some new Feist!! How Come You Never Go There

8. Norwiegn singer Mr. Little Jeans (actually a chic) covers Arcade Fires, The Suburbs, and does it well. You can nab this mp3 over at http://rcrdlbl.com. Check out other great artist while your there!

9. Today on Siruis XM U was blogradio, featuring Hipster Runoff, www.hipsterrunoff.com. He played this little tune that I really dug, Desire [Remix} by Desire.

10. Lastly,we have- Cowboys in the Void by Quilt

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Thrifty Thursday http://ping.fm/qxVUH

Thrifty Thursday

In today's economy we are looking for ways to save a buck or two, hopefully more. I have always enjoyed sharing bargains with others, so on Thursdays I am going to share some deals and bargains that I have come across. Please feel free to leave a comment below about some deals that you know of.

To start off, Jenn Smith Photography has a Deal on Facebook. When you check in on Facebook, during any session, you will receive 8 free wallets. This deal is valid thru October 31st. We will be having monthly Deals on Facebook, so keep a look out for those. If you leave a review for Jenn Smith Photography, you will earn 1 free credit. If you have purchased a collection from Jenn Smith Photography, you know what credits are (those valuable little things)! Also in the new Family Welcome Packets, you receive 5, $75 toward prints coupons to give to friends and family. For everyone that redeems their coupon, you will receive $75 to spend on a new session. And as always every Senior Session comes with a complimentary Family Session ~ waived setting fee, one free 11x14, and 20% off collections. These are just a few ways to save with Jenn Smith Photography. Keep an eye out for more Deals and specials.

I have ran across a website that I have found extremely useful for tips in saving some money. Feedthepig.org has some helpful tips for breaking spending habits. My spending addictions are Magazines/books, shoes (I was in denial about this one until we moved) and music downloads. I have found some pretty useful advice, like the one for Magazines/books ~ Got a library card in your wallet? Use it! (my mother and mother-in-law will appreciate that one, they are both librarians). My music downloads have slowed down a bit, thanks to some great music bloggers out there and some useful apps (which I will discuss on Music Mondays). As far as my shoe addiction goes, my husband will be glad to know that I haven't purchased a pair since we have moved, I have looked and drooled, but the debit card has stayed in my wallet.

I have however purchased a few new shorts and a super cute top at Dillard's, which I scored for an amazing $8.00 a piece, thanks to the clearance rack and seasonal clothing changes at the stores. So stop by your favorite store and check out the clearance rack, and please share your latest bargains! If you read yesterdays Wardrobe Wednesday post and signed up with Zulily, then you know that toady's events are Pink & Powerful Boutique with up to 70% off (Support in Style! Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in style), and Olive Kids with up to 40% off (Sheets, drapes and wall art).

Hope that these few little tips have helped, I will keep an eye out for more tips, links, and bargains to share with you next week.