First a little business…

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.

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.

This family with two little boys gave me a workout! Good thing it was a little cooler than usual on this Atlanta morning. I did work up a bit of a sweat, but this is what it’s all about for me. Kids being kids, and families doing their thing.

I was excited to hear that the boys’ grandparents would be in town for their session. I absolutely love it when I get to work with multiple generations of family.

And I mean quick. I just have a few minutes to share some shots from the last few days in Atlanta. Full posts to come AFTER my vacation. Families, I will be racing to get your galleries to you as soon as I get back!

If you are in Atlanta and missed me this time around, please join me on Facebook or check back here to see upcoming return trips. I will be posting travel dates in the next couple of weeks.

I’m not afraid to admit to you one of my deepest fears. If all goes well, it is bound to happen. It is my girls becoming ‘tweens and teens. I have fretted about how I will handle it since before they were born. Seriously.

Last week, I met an amazing 11 year old girl who gave me hope. Sweet, smart, talented, athletic, mature and self-confident. Wow. I was so impressed by how at ease she was with herself and how gracious she was with me. I wish I’d been that together at her age. I pray that my girls will be.

Here are highlights from a session I had with a  sweet tree-climbing, spiderman loving big brother and his spunky princess of a baby sister.

Big brothers rule. Thank goodness, K seems to use his power benevolently.

I often joke with CM that a princess’s life is pretty boring. I mean, what do they actually DO? Miss L informed me that they dance with princes all day. Then she showed me her moves.

First, Happy New Year to all! I am very aware that 2009 was not a kind year to many. I am filled with gratitude that I was able to start a business that I LOVE in such a tumultuous time. Huge thanks to all of you who have worked with me, encouraged me,  spread the word for me and generally cheered me on. Exciting things are coming soon as I approach a year since launching this blog which quickly (more quickly than I expected!) turned into my business.

May 2010 be a good year for all of us. May we cherish every good thing, especially the people, in our lives, and may the bad be bearable, short-lived, and meaningful in the long run.

Here is a sneak peek from my first session of 2010! I know since mom and dad are on my Facebook, that they are anxious to see them! You may remember this little guy from here.

This time, big brother joined us. And, oh my goodness, they were so sweet together! I swear I did not ask them to pose for any of these. I just plopped them on the grass…

Baby B is one very loved, and kissed, little boy.

This one with mom made me want to cry. I just know (and LOVE) that feeling.

Lastly, a couple of big brother. As a friend of mine says of her daughter, this look feels like a little preview of the teen years…look out!

And then just like that, he’s back to little boy.

I am honored to be invited into the homes and lives of amazing families through my job. The H family has so much going on, but it is clear that family is their priority. They have three boys. One in utero, one with special needs, and one with a brand new puppy. As if that wouldn’t be enough to keep you busy, they are in the midst of a MAJOR home renovation. So major that when I arrived I wasn’t sure where the front door was!

You know what’s important to them when the first things to be done at their house are the playroom, pool and outdoor play area. They even have their own ball pit!

Unfortunately, our shoot got cut short by a health scare that was both terrifying yet normal to them. Full plate, I told you. I can’t even imagine. Still, in the short time I got to spend with them, it was clear that this family is full of love and optimism despite their challenges.

K and M, good luck with the weeks ahead. I hope to get to pick up where we left off, next time with the new baby in the new house!

I recently got to photograph one of my favorite young families. We first met back when big brother L and my own CM were both still in the womb…a few years and states ago (for me). I am lucky enough to still see them occasionally when they come down to Jacksonville. It’s always fun to check in with them, because when we met we were in that twilight period of expecting our first babies, entering that unknown world of parenthood. Now they have their beautiful two boys, we have our two girls, and we’re comparing notes on kindergarten and sibling rivalry….oh, and college football. Some things don’t change (guess their team by the their wardrobe).

You just know that it won’t be long before these  boys will be too cool for PDAs with daddy, or to take their lovies anywhere and everywhere with them. But for now…

The last time I saw J he still had that baby look to him. This year, I was surprised by what a little man he’s growing into!

D and J, I’m so glad that our paths have continued to cross. I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed spending the time with you. See you again soon!

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BOOK NOW for Holiday Mini Sessions! See Investment page for details.

Spaces still available for the Fort Lauderdale families! Contact me at jenmen@gmail.com

JMP is on Facebook! Become a fan to see expanded galleries from shoots and find out about special events and offers.

She sings, she dances, she’s bilingual, she’s charming, and she’s a SURVIVOR. I could eat her up.

Not to mention the glasses!

Miss R is a Patrons of the Hearts beneficiary, and the newest member of an amazing family. If you are not familiar with POTH, check them out. It is truly an admirable organization.

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