Obnoxious Hellos

I usually have in mind how photo sessions will go....therefore, never did I expect to be hanging out waiting for my client and holding a parrot 2 minutes later!

Blake and I were waiting for my clients to change outfits, when I heard this obnoxious "HELLO"!  My head whipped around trying to find who was talking...and I locked in on this one lady from who I assumed it came.

"HELLO!!!"

Again, I looked over at the lady and sort of half-waved a hello back to her, then rolled my eyes at Blake as if to say "who IS this woman and why does she keep talking to us???"

Duh.  Of course not until a few moments later did I spot the source of what I then realized was parrot talk.  I got a few shots of the beautiful bird while I could...thinking it might possibly fly away at any moment, when I heard someone ask me if I'd like to hold it.  Super observant, Kristen.  Its owner was sitting (I'm gonna go ahead and claim she was camouflaged because she came outta nowhere) back a few feet behind the bird.

"Um YES, of course I want to hold your parrot!!!!!"  Actually, first I tried to get Blake to, but then thought better of it and told him to get a picture of ME!  It was so cool how the bird easily stepped onto my arm and hung out.  We were instant buds...I took the liberty of naming him/her Charlie (in my head).  Who knew I'd get a fun experience like this in the middle of a photo session!?!  I sure as heck didn't.

So moral of the story?

Don't ignore obnoxious voices who just want to say "HELLO"...you never know who it might turn out to be!  (wink, wink)

>>> Hoping everyone is having a fabulous week!  More Mom-On-The-Go Summer Series coming up this week!  Stay posted!!!!



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Fist Pump Friday 2.27.15

Yay for Friday!  This week seemed to fly by!  Usually that only happens coming off a super busy weekend....oh wait, yep.  Here's what I'm fist pumping about this cold and dreary (I'm loving it) Friday:
1.  Tonight Blake and I are going to the San Antonio temple...not only a spiritual way to kick off the weekend, but some much needed couple time.  I love getting to attend the temple and the peace I feel when I'm inside...a little bit of heaven on Earth.  This is a photo of the Salt Lake temple I took when we went to General Conference a few years back.

2.  I have a feeling we're looking at one of our last cold blasts here in the ATX.  Boo.  So I'm taking advantage of warm and fuzzy things by making homemade marshmallows and taking delivering them to friends with some hot chocolate!  #GIVE #WordOfTheYear #FistPump  (p.s.  I use Alton Brown's recipe HERE.  No need for candy thermometers....works perfect every time, except of course for the sticky mess if you're not careful!)

3.  My Spring is booking up nicely for photography sessions!  Actually, I have very limited dates open due to a busy family and vacation schedule, so if you're a local and want to snag a spot, contact me asap to ensure availability (March is full, but April and May still have a couple of dates)!  Also, my package info and portfolio can of course be found on my website www.kristenjansenphotography.com.  Fist Pump! xo!
I hope you're heading into a fabulous weekend ahead!  What are you fist pumping about today? Follow me on:  Instagram|Twitter|Facebook|Pinterest|Bloglovin

Fist Pump Friday 1.30.15

1.  Tutus & Tennies 5K:  Months of planning and preparation have gone into this fundraiser event for tomorrow and I'm both super excited that it's finally here....and super excited it's almost over.  Hoping everything goes smoothly for our inaugural event.  Any of you local friends who might be interested in the run/walk, walk up registrants are accepted.

2.  As of yesterday, ALL of my photo editing and related projects are complete.  This is BIG people.  I kind of got a little burnt out from the fall/holiday craziness of sessions and needed a breather...one that I didn't get.  So now is my breather.  Until March.  I'm giving myself a month off.

3.  Our Disney cruise is just around the corner and I'm getting excited about shopping for all our Disney attire.  Forever 21 (surprisingly) has some pretty cute ones for both adults and kids.  So does Old Navy and Gap!

Forever 21 Disney Tee

Old Navy Girls Minnie Tee

Gap girls Mickey tee

>>>What are you fist pumping about this fabulous Friday???



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A Few Of My Photography Faves

Since today's November Blogathon prompt references a post I've already written (here), I thought I'd just share what I've been up to the past month...what has consumed nearly all of my time.  In a good way, of course.

This time of year for photography is super busy, as everyone wants pictures for their holiday cards and basically, it's just a really great season for layered clothing, fall-colored trees, and the overall feeling of nostalgia.  So today I'm sharing with you a few of my favorites of late.

In related news, my photography website will be up and running soon!!!!  I'll be sure to post the big reveal here first!  Happy Tuesday Friends!

p.s. Are you ready for tomorrow's blog prompt.  It starts getting deep this week!


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What To Feed a Pig When You're Trying To Make Friends

The other day I posted this on my Instagram account...because well, I just cannot resist little baby piglets.  I want to eat. them. up.  But then my aversion to pig feces brings my senses back and I end up just snuggling them for a bit while their mommas freak out over why she only has 11 piglets in the pin when she KNOWS she gave birth to 12!!!!  The stink eye from a momma pig is nothing to take lightly...these gals mean business.

We had our Jansen Show Pigs annual pig sale last weekend, which was a hit!  It's especially fun for me (and Blake) this year because Tyler Bree is finally old enough to show (shows don't start until early next year).  She already has a couple picked out, named, and on a diet of Nilla Wafers whenever she visits in hopes of creating a strong bond...because you know, pigs and cookies...How can she go wrong?

Being her first year in 4-H, I'm also going to strongly suggest she submits a photography project as well.  I think with a few pointers she can capture something beautiful...maybe even of one of her pigs.
We will see...and I'll be sure to post updates on her wafer-eating swine. Oink, Oink.  :)

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An All-Nighter, Dreamcatchers, and 21 Day Fix...Etc.Etc.Etc.

Yep, that about sums up my life right now...with a few extras such as photography bookings, my new blog design, and our family's bread shortage issue.  Read on...

>>> new blog design <<< It's past due time for a new design...one that reflects my personality and the tone I want to set for my brand.  Also, as this space has evolved into a lifestyle blog, new subject matters have arisen...such as homeschooling and life in the great city of Austin...but still interspersed style posts too.  I can't wait to see what Danielle comes up with!!!!
>>> holiday minis and sessions <<< In a matter of 24 hours, my fall calendar went from mediocre busy to vrooom! Almost completely booked for photography sessions!  This girl is pumped!  I'm offering holiday mini sessions on two dates (Oct. & Nov.) and then full session packages as well.  If you're in the Austin area, I'm offering a 15% discount if you book before October 1!!!

>>> bosch mixer <<< When we got married one of the must-have items we registered for was a Kitchen-Aid mixer.  Our little mixer has been such a trooper the past ten years, but I'm seeing some age come out...meaning, it's starts smelling like smoke if I work its little motor too hard.  Plus, it's too small for some of the bread recipes I make.  //  Oh about the bread...since school started (read: packed lunches re-entered my life), we CANNOT keep a freakin' loaf of bread in our house.  Why do these kids eat so much!?!  My kid was literally begging me to eat the heel today!  The HEEL! Okay, rant over. //  Well WHO KNEW that there was something better than a Kitchen Aid???  My friend enlightened me on the Bosch Mixer and I've been crushing on it ever since.  This baby ain't cheap though...so it'll have to get in line behind the camera lenses, trip to Scotland, and implants I'm jonesin' for.  TMI??  Sorry, I'm not sorry.
>>> all-nighter at a jumpy place <<< Around back to school time, a big group of friends (entire families) go in together to rent out a jumpy house in Austin...and between me and you, jumpy houses kinda give me the creeps when you think of all the germs there, but this one is actually really nice.  We all bring a potluck dinner, our sleeping bags, and most importantly gourmet junk food.  These women can cook!  Then we spend the whole night running around the place like crazy people until one by one everyone eventually passes out on one of the blow up things.  Oh and the adults have obstacle course competitions...serious business, that is.  Pretty much a blast for both kids and adults. It's tonight....wish us luck.
>>> dream catcher party <<< Tyler Bree's birthday is coming up REALLY soon and we have yet to plan anything for her party.  She wanted a mermaid party, but we don't have a pool...so that was out.  Then she wanted a Harry Potter party...which I ain't got time do that justice, so a big fat no.  And then last night, as I was thinking of things she loves, dream catchers popped into my head...she's obsessed.  Once I started looking up dream catcher parties on Pinterest (because really, who doesn't heavily rely on Pinterest for everything?), it was a gold mine!  So what we've decided on is a "Glamping" party called "Camp Dream Catcher."  She doesn't like the glamping idea, so we're not calling it that...but I'm totally still moving forward with my glamping ideas <insert evil momma laugh>.

via
>>> 21 day fix <<< Speaking of stuffing my face with junk food, have I mentioned I'm right smack in the middle of the 21 Day Fix?  Two friends and I pacted together to get through 21 days of good, healthy, portion controlled eating.  And truthfully, we're sucking pretty hard in the results department.  I'm not quite sure, but none of us are seeing anything spectacular happen.  What gives?  Okay so maybe we haven't been sticking like glue to the plan, but I'm pretty confident all three of us are trying our best.  I mean, when I made orange cinnamon rolls and I had JUST frosted those warm, delicious pieces of heaven...you know how much self control I had?  I only ate a half...and then froze the rest.  Ha!  Take THAT cinnamon rolls! But really...I mean.

So there ya' go...my life in a nutshell right now.  (And if you've stayed with me this far into the post, I love you.)  So, if I saw you in real life, I would most definitely talk your ear off about one or more of the above...keepin' it real here, friends.  Oh and homeschooling.  When I see you I'll probably talk about homeschooling too.  And eating.  And maybe how I dream about defrosting those cinnamon rolls in my freezer and not leaving a single morsel behind.
Alrighty, I'm over and out.  Ready to get my jump on...and pretend like I get a pass on my "fix" regime tonight.
Happy WEEKEND!!!!  


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5 Tips For Photographing Kids

Blake and white photos are just the best, aren't they?  I know a lot of people prefer color (I always ask my clients and they generally tell me so anyway), but the timelessness, emotion, and classic look of a black and white image just does it for me.

Several weeks ago, I partnered with Austin Moms Blog for some summer mini-sessions offered to AMB readers...nine to be exact.  I loved how they turned out, but wouldn't you know, the black and white were my faves of all the kids...even in a setting where the vivid colors of the watermelon were one of the main components of the shoot.

Here's a few of my favorites:

Photographing children is both super rewarding AND challenging...and maybe a bit more on the challenging side at times.  Having the experience of both photographing my four children over the years, as well as shooting numerous children/family clients, there are some key pointers I use every single time that help the whole shoot run smoothly and produce the best images possible.

Thus, here are my 5 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING KIDS:

1.  Eyes are key.  Make sure at least one of your focus points is always on the eye closest to you.  Children's expressions come from their eyes...capture that and you're already ahead of the game!
2.  Safety first.  I have a horror story of trying the get the "perfect shot" of Tyler Bree when she was about three years old.  She fell backwards off a 4 foot drop into thorns and brush...I know, so bad...but I sure learned that hard lesson.  No matter if the shot is amazing, do not EVER place the child in harms way.  Not even a tiny bit.  Never.
3.  Connecting with them builds trust and genuinity.  I had a shoot the other day where one of the kids was NOT having it.  His mother was frustrated, he was moody, and the whole thing went south really quickly.  I gave him a little break and then said, "Hey, why don't you and me just walk over this direction for a bit and see what we can find."  Making him comfortable with me without a camera in his face allowed him to relax and let his guard down...and subsequently produced some of the best shots of the entire session.  Take the time to build trust, even if it's just a little wink to let them know you "get it".
4.  Be patient.  This tip applies more so with little ones...babies and toddlers.  It can seem as if you'll never get "the shot" as they're fussing, moving, drooling, basically doing everything that's NOT preferred in a picture, but hang in there and wait. Keep your finger on the back focus button and just be a silent observer.  Remember, patience is a virtue.  (Not one that I'm very adept to, but you know...)
5.  Candid is sometimes (actually quite often) better than posed.  This tip goes right along with the above.  Children rarely enjoy posing (for very long, at least), so being able to recognize when those precious candid shots may present themselves is golden.  This is magnified where siblings are involved...love and relationships are the perfect backdrop for candid facial expressions, positions, and general hilarity.  A great candid shot edited in black and white???...Stick a fork in me, I'm done.
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I hope these tips come in handy whether you're photographing your own children or with photography clients.  It's always a learning experience for me, so I'd love to hear some of your tips as well for photographing kids!



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Dancing Queen

This past weekend Tyler Bree had her dance recital.  She still has a national competition in July, but this was the end of the dance year so to speak.  Being on team, she had to perform in two back-to-back recitals...which meant a LONG day for all of us...especially her three younger siblings.  I'm sure it won't be the last time they have to sit through 5 straight hours of dancing. There will come a day when she has to sit through Bennett's baseball games...he'll have his pay back then...ten-fold.

Well, earlier last week, her dance studio had the genius idea of doing a "showcase" performance of just the teams...a perfect opportunity for grandparents and other family to see a her dance without having to sit through an entire recital.  AND this was my opportunity to get some great action shots of her on stage, because competitions don't allow photography so this was my first chance!  Wouldn't you know I completely forgot my camera and didn't even think to use my phone...ugh.  I can go a bit overboard sometimes with the pictures (shocking, I know), so I guess you can say I was just living in the moment...a very proud momma moment. But still.
So to sort of make up for my lack of foresight at the showcase, I took quite a few of her between routines at recital.  And I just might have had ulterior motives for getting some of these smiling shots, as she gets braces this Thursday.  Bananas.

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Beach Pictures

My mom and I took all the kids down to Port Aransas this past weekend for a quick beach trip.  It was interesting, to say the least, traveling with 4 kids (meaning all the crap little people require) without a husband to help pack, carry heavy stuff, and simply share the load.  But I'm so glad we went and had that time, albeit brief, to make memories and to get away.
I attempted to get some family pictures on the beach of just the kids, and I think I got a few good ones of all four, but gosh...I've never seen seaweed so bad on a beach, which limited which way I could shoot.  HUGE mounds of piled up seaweed, plus three feet of it just to get to the water...creates a rather ugly eye sore in photos.  So the sand dunes it was!
I'll share my favorite one with you tomorrow. I hope you had a fab weekend! Happy Monday and high five for the last week of school!!!!

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Strange Nostalgia

Well, all my senior sessions are now over and done with...which I'm a little sad about.  I love shooting seniors.  They've got this confidence about them that makes me excited to think what lies ahead for these grads.  Everything, truly.

This sweet girl is just beginning her high school career next year...another exciting time.  I loved my high school years...which I think is becoming more rare for kids these days.  (gosh, I sound old)  In fact, I presented my dad's memorial scholarship last night at my Alma Mater's athletic banquet and it seemed very nostalgically strange.  It was like one of those dreams where you know you're in your own home, but it's not your house...you know those kind?  Sitting there last night, I could remember sitting through similar banquets, walking through the same doors, the smell, etc....yet, everything is so different.  I really hope things don't change so drastically before my own children reach that age, where our experiences don't even resemble each other.  I think that might just be wishful thinking, though...

Do you have fond memories of high school?

Oh, and did you know that this graduating class of high school seniors was born in 1996/1997?

The don't even remember the 90's.

They don't really know life before 9/11.

They don't know life without cell phones.

Mind blown.

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In the Bluebonnets

I had some bluebonnet mini sessions last night and it was so much fun with these adorable families...who's mommas just happen to be my good friends, too!

We were out in an open field (read: no shade), and it was fun playing with the colors of the wildflowers in that diffused light.  So gorgeous and blast for me as a photographer!

For this shoot, I had some colored chairs on hand, as well as an old tin bucket that I like to use... What are YOUR favorite photo props and accessories?
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