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.

Honored in 2009 as an Outstanding Alumna of UNF, Jen is passionate about giving back even while she works tirelessly for her business and her family. What I love about Jen is that she is so positive, encouraging, optimistic and yet real. She acknowledges challenges yet looks for possibilities. I always enjoy talking with her and getting her perspective on art, business, family, and the intersection of the three. Jen reminds me that focusing on relationships is the key to surviving, and succeeding, in both business and personal life even during challenging times.

It was a joy to photograph Jen’s three beautiful kids. Each of them has a distinct personality which I hope I captured. We met at a friend’s riverfront condo which provided colorful, amazing backdrops to these equally colorful kiddos.

To find out more about R. Roberts Gallery:

Located in Historic Avondale

3606 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville FL, 32205

904.388.1188

http://www.rrobertsgallery.com/

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/2010/06/new-life/ http://www.jennifermendoza.com/2010/06/new-life/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:49:54 +0000 Jennifer Mendoza http://www.jennifermendoza.com/?p=2750 Be warned: this is a LONG one!

Between the beginning of summer and the near demise of my computer, I have let the blog sit idle lately. I thought it was worth backtracking a bit to share some of the images from one of the most amazing photographic opportunities I’ve had so far, capturing the birth of a child.

This was mama’s first baby. She was so sweet and concerned for all her visiting friends and family that she barely got any sleep for herself before the main event. I was a little worried for her. I kept thinking, “Sleep! This might be your last chance to get decent sleep for a long while.”

In addition to her husband, doctor, and great nurses, mama had a doula to guide and care for her.

I needn’t have worried. After finding the strength she needed to push for 3 HOURS, baby boy arrived with the sun.

I sometimes think that I overuse the word honor to describe how I feel about being invited into the homes and lives of my clients. In this case, I’m at a loss to think of  better word.  What an honor to be there, to be asked to capture this monumental moment in a family’s story. I’m still amazed.

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.

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.

“Barcada” is a word in tagalog (Filipino) that means “a group of friends,” but for me, and the barcada that I was fortunate to grow up with, it means family. The family you see here is a special part of that larger group.

One of the reasons I love to photograph multiple and older generations of family is that respect for the eldest members is something that was ingrained in me. Lolo A was a great buddy of my own grandfather. All of my grandparents have been gone for several years now. I so wish that I had been able to spend more time with all of them, done a little better job of being appreciative and respectful (youth is my poor excuse), and that I could have captured some portraits like these for my family.

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.