Anyone who books a Fall session (September through November) with me BEFORE September 1 will get $100 off their session fee.

Fall has been my busiest season in the past, with so many wanting portraits for holiday presents and cards, not to mention taking advantage of the cooler temperatures. Just like all of you, in addition to work, my time in the fall is FULL with school, sports, holiday and other activities so it is a great idea to plan ahead. In order to qualify, I will ask for a 50% deposit and a  tentative commitment to a date and time.

For those of you who took advantage of my holiday offer in the past, this means you could get a full session for the same price of last year’s mini-session.  Whereas the mini-sessions tend to be geared more towards getting “the” image for the Christmas card or Grandmother’s gift, a full session is an opportunity for us go farther and get a wider variety of images, in addition to that great group shot.

And because I hate to post without an image, here is what my calendar from last October looked like. If you want to get on it for this year, you better claim your spot now! For investment information, scroll over the Details tab above and then click on Services.

For this family, the baseball field is a second home. So it was a natural location for their portraits. We braved an impending storm, and a not-thrilled to be photographed ‘tween, and managed to squeeze a fun session into their busy as usual day. This group had such a great dynamic about them. They are a team unto themselves.

We squeezed in the above session just before the skies opened up. With the one below, we were not so lucky. We did manage to get a few good shots in anyway, which I will share soon. In the meantime, here is a grainy, rain spotted, little gem. I love how this family made the best of the situation!

Happy Independence Day, everyone!

After many moves myself, I believe the title above is so true. I imagine military families would especially understand this. The crew of the USS Vicksburg were able to make it home just in time for Memorial Day. The G family were one of the many anxious to be reunited. Here are a few of the “befores”.

They arrive! Everyone has to strain to find each other, and then wait several exciting and torturous minutes while they go through safety and ceremonial procedures.

Finally, hugs and kisses for everyone.

Congratulations, G family. I hope your Memorial Day was wonderful, and that Father’s Day will be even better.

]]> http://www.jennifermendoza.com/2010/06/home-is-where-your-family-is/feed/ 0 http://www.jennifermendoza.com/2010/05/lil-g-2/ http://www.jennifermendoza.com/2010/05/lil-g-2/#comments Tue, 18 May 2010 18:47:26 +0000 Jennifer Mendoza http://www.jennifermendoza.com/?p=2733

Okay, I know I’ve been giving this family lots of blog love today, but I just had share a few more of their family shots. They are some of my favorite ever. That I’ve shot, that is. On the kitchen floor, cat and kid going this way and that. Lots of tickling, chasing and jumping. I love it.

In case you missed it, here’s more about this fun family.

ATLANTA DATES: I will be available for sessions in and around Atlanta from June 14 to 18, and again from July 5 to 11. Call or message me if you are interested in discussing or reserving a time slot!

MOTHER’S DAY is THIS Sunday. Do you have a present yet? Gift certificates are available in any denomination and can used towards session fees, or prints (for future or past sessions).

This grandmother called me a few weeks ago in anticipation of her daughter’s visit and her two grandchildren being together at her Ponte Vedra home. I’m always thrilled to get to photograph not just one, but several branches of a family’s tree. Lots of family means lots of pictures, here are a few of my favorites.

Three things about this boy:
1. He’s got some of the biggest, roundest eyes I’ve seen in a long time.
2. He was a Cubs fan in the womb. At least, he better have been!
3. His family ADORES him.

I got to be a guest at his first birthday party and then followed up with a quick session at home the next day.

I’ve mentioned several times how much I treasure grandparents, and especially how grateful I am that my girls get to have such a sweet relationship with theirs. Here is a series of shots I captured of VC with my mom, whom she calls Lola, hanging out in the shade on our last visit. I loved them so much I thought they deserved their own post, and probably a special place on the walls of my home.

I enthusiastically encourage families to consider doing family sessions that include multiple generations, or where it’s specifically grandparents with grandchildren. Mother’s Day is coming up, and a gift certificate would be a wonderful gift for moms or grandmothers. The photos that result will be treasures for generations to come! Consider this, too, if you have out of town family coming to visit this summer. Gift certificates can be purchased in any denomination.

Even if you don’t have me come over to take them, or until you do, grab your camera and take a few of your own pictures. Not only the ones in front of the mantle with the kids in your or your parents’ laps. The moments where your favorite people are enjoying and loving one another are, in my opinion, so much more meaningful.

…that is what this baby girl’s name means. She is the newest member of my extended family. Lucky for her that she is so photogenic, because T and I joke about how the rest of the family’s photos are always so great, that they look like the sample photo that comes with the frame! I apologize for including SO MANY pics in this post, but I am just so excited to share these with some of my favorite people.

Let’s not forget about big brother. If you were meeting this family in person, you would never have to worry about him being a wallflower to his baby sister. I bet his parents are surprised that I got any photos of him that aren’t a big blur. This boy is always on the move!

Lately I’ve been working mostly with families with boys. It’s made me realize that if I ever were to have a son, there would be whole new learning curve to endure, but also a lot of fun to be had. This guy was quite the charmer. Did not need a second to warm up. In fact, he was less than thrilled when Mom and Dad wanted to get in on his shots.

Love this father-son moment. I must say that it’s not uncommon for dads to be the most reluctant member of the family when it comes to picture time. It’s amazing how the kids relax when Dad lets his guard down. And I guarantee that Mom will be so happy to get this shot.

He took the old “watch closely and my big lens will wink at you” trick very seriously.

What a cutie.