Jane Johnson Photography Journal :: Baby and Child Photographer :: Bend, Oregon and Scottsdale, Arizona http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog Jane Johnson is a creative, portrait journalism photographer specializing in lifestyle photography of babies, children, and families in Bend, Oregon and Scottsdale, Arizona. Visit www.ethniphotography.com to view more of her work. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:10:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Introducing Jayden - Pictures of Hope Foundation http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2839 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2839#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:04:11 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2839
I received the phone call just a few days before making the trip into the NICU.  I chatted with her dad (a youth pastor at a local church) for a few minutes, got some general information and, before hanging up the phone, I asked one last question: “What’s your daughter’s name?”  ”It’s Jayden,” he said.  I wrote it down, circled it (because somehow I think it will help me remember), and set it alongside the model release form on my desk in preparation of the upcoming shoot.

As I entered the only home she has ever known, I found her curled up snugly in Mom’s arms, erroneous wires snaking out of her blanket and finding their way to their various monitors.  Dad was busying himself on the laptop right next to the recliner before getting up to introduce himself.  The lights were dim, the room quiet.

Even though it wasn’t necessary, I found myself whispering.  Whispering pleasantries.  Whispering adorations over how perfect Jayden is.  And quietly asking her if she was ready for her big modeling entree.

As I began shooting, they shared their story.  Married for nine years, and having tried for a few years to get pregnant, they finally got a positive result.  From the day Jenn found out, she called her growing child their miracle baby.  It didn’t take long to decide on a name.  One that would hold so much more meaning than they ever anticipated.  Jayden, meaning “Jehovah has heard.”  He heard their prayers for a child of their own.  And He would hear their prayers, and the prayers of countless others, as Jayden’s birthday approached.

About a month before her due date, Jayden’s parents went in for an ultrasound.  It was at that appointment that they discovered Jayden had a form of dwarfism.  Her arms and legs were growing much too slow, falling 8 weeks behind in measurement. Even more heartbreaking was the fact that her chest cavity was also much too small.  There was a possibility that her lungs had not fully formed and she would be unable to sustain life on her own.  The original diagnosis?  Less than 1% chance of survival.

From that appointment, Chris and Jenn traveled two and a half hours west to Eugene to meet with a specialist.  The initial consultation again indicated that Jayden had the type of dwarfism that develops no lung tissue.  As a result, she would be unable to survive after birth. However, after doing some digging and looking more closely at the ultrasound of her tiny little body, the doctor was able to find some lung tissue.

Enough to possibly sustain life?  They couldn’t say, but suddenly, there was hope.  And there was waiting.  And there were tears.

And there was prayer.

On June 16th, Jenn was induced.  And later, she would have a c-section.  With 45 friends and family in the waiting room, hundreds of others praying from remote locations, and a number of doctors surrounding her, the moment came.  And everyone held their collective breaths.  Waiting for the cry.

Waiting for the miracle.

And it came.  And the tears came.  Not only streaming down the face of Chris and Jenn, but on the doctors bringing her into the world.  Her lungs were still small, needing a push to deliver enough oxygen to her body, and the first few hours were questionable.  But she was breathing.  And that, in itself, was a miracle.

I met her when she was two weeks old, already free of any oxygen assistance whatsoever, and continually showered with kisses from her parents.  Tucked into her crib was a small stuffed bunny that has been with her since her birth.  Jenn held it throughout her entire labor and when it came time for Jayden to go to the NICU, it went with her, carrying her mother’s scent.  An act of faith from a mother filled with hope.

The initial prognosis was that Jayden would be in the NICU for at least twelve weeks.  She went home in four.  And it’s no surprise why.  There have been, and continue to be, over 2,000 people praying for her - the proof is on her the Facebook page dedicated to that very thing.

As I drove home from the shoot, I cried.  Not for sorrow, but for joy.  Joy at the stories I get to hear.  The lives I get to document.  And the miracles I get to witness.  God is so good.  I’ll leave you with a quote from a friend of Chris and Jenn’s:

“I have always pictures angels to be 8 feet tall and have 10 foot wing spans.  Today I met an angel named Jayden.  She was only 5lbs, 15 inches tall, and dressed in pink with a wing span that wraps around my heart a million times.”  Phil Price.

For more information on the Pictures of Hope Foundation, visit their website at www.picturesofhopefoundation.org.

poh-jayden-3

poh-jayden-4

poh-jayden-8

poh-jayden-9

poh-jayden-12

poh-jayden-23

poh-jayden-26

poh-jayden-28

poh-jayden-34

poh-jayden-35

poh-jayden-19

]]>
I received the phone call just a few days before making the trip into the NICU.  I chatted with her dad (a youth pastor at a local church) for a few minutes, got some general information and, before hanging up the phone, I asked one last question: “What’s your daughter’s name?”  ”It’s Jayden,” he said.  I wrote it down, circled it (because somehow I think it will help me remember), and set it alongside the model release form on my desk in preparation of the upcoming shoot.

As I entered the only home she has ever known, I found her curled up snugly in Mom’s arms, erroneous wires snaking out of her blanket and finding their way to their various monitors.  Dad was busying himself on the laptop right next to the recliner before getting up to introduce himself.  The lights were dim, the room quiet.

Even though it wasn’t necessary, I found myself whispering.  Whispering pleasantries.  Whispering adorations over how perfect Jayden is.  And quietly asking her if she was ready for her big modeling entree.

As I began shooting, they shared their story.  Married for nine years, and having tried for a few years to get pregnant, they finally got a positive result.  From the day Jenn found out, she called her growing child their miracle baby.  It didn’t take long to decide on a name.  One that would hold so much more meaning than they ever anticipated.  Jayden, meaning “Jehovah has heard.”  He heard their prayers for a child of their own.  And He would hear their prayers, and the prayers of countless others, as Jayden’s birthday approached.

About a month before her due date, Jayden’s parents went in for an ultrasound.  It was at that appointment that they discovered Jayden had a form of dwarfism.  Her arms and legs were growing much too slow, falling 8 weeks behind in measurement. Even more heartbreaking was the fact that her chest cavity was also much too small.  There was a possibility that her lungs had not fully formed and she would be unable to sustain life on her own.  The original diagnosis?  Less than 1% chance of survival.

From that appointment, Chris and Jenn traveled two and a half hours west to Eugene to meet with a specialist.  The initial consultation again indicated that Jayden had the type of dwarfism that develops no lung tissue.  As a result, she would be unable to survive after birth. However, after doing some digging and looking more closely at the ultrasound of her tiny little body, the doctor was able to find some lung tissue.

Enough to possibly sustain life?  They couldn’t say, but suddenly, there was hope.  And there was waiting.  And there were tears.

And there was prayer.

On June 16th, Jenn was induced.  And later, she would have a c-section.  With 45 friends and family in the waiting room, hundreds of others praying from remote locations, and a number of doctors surrounding her, the moment came.  And everyone held their collective breaths.  Waiting for the cry.

Waiting for the miracle.

And it came.  And the tears came.  Not only streaming down the face of Chris and Jenn, but on the doctors bringing her into the world.  Her lungs were still small, needing a push to deliver enough oxygen to her body, and the first few hours were questionable.  But she was breathing.  And that, in itself, was a miracle.

I met her when she was two weeks old, already free of any oxygen assistance whatsoever, and continually showered with kisses from her parents.  Tucked into her crib was a small stuffed bunny that has been with her since her birth.  Jenn held it throughout her entire labor and when it came time for Jayden to go to the NICU, it went with her, carrying her mother’s scent.  An act of faith from a mother filled with hope.

The initial prognosis was that Jayden would be in the NICU for at least twelve weeks.  She went home in four.  And it’s no surprise why.  There have been, and continue to be, over 2,000 people praying for her - the proof is on her the Facebook page dedicated to that very thing.

As I drove home from the shoot, I cried.  Not for sorrow, but for joy.  Joy at the stories I get to hear.  The lives I get to document.  And the miracles I get to witness.  God is so good.  I’ll leave you with a quote from a friend of Chris and Jenn’s:

“I have always pictures angels to be 8 feet tall and have 10 foot wing spans.  Today I met an angel named Jayden.  She was only 5lbs, 15 inches tall, and dressed in pink with a wing span that wraps around my heart a million times.”  Phil Price.

For more information on the Pictures of Hope Foundation, visit their website at www.picturesofhopefoundation.org.

poh-jayden-3

poh-jayden-4

poh-jayden-8

poh-jayden-9

poh-jayden-12

poh-jayden-23

poh-jayden-26

poh-jayden-28

poh-jayden-34

poh-jayden-35

poh-jayden-19

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2839 The Strength of Two Women & a Race for a Cure http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2798 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2798#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:36:49 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2798
For my first six or seven years of life, my Grandma lived just down the road from us.  And after that, she was just across town.  We saw her multiple times a week, and there aren’t many childhood memories I have without her involved in some way.  She used to pay me 25¢ to dust and vacuum her house, and I was meticulous.  I even dusted the chairs, and family members have been known to slide right off of them once I was done.

I spent the night at her house after I had some teeth pulled and, just like every other time, we got fresh sheets and blankets out of the cedar chest at the foot of her bed, and put on new “pillow slips”.  As I settled in for the night in the “pink room”, my teeth were solidly under my pillow, and my hand was solidly wrapped around the container.  I was determined to catch that Tooth Fairy in the act.  I woke up multiple times only to find the teeth still there.  To this day, I don’t know how she managed it, but by morning the teeth were gone and money lay in their place.  And as I ran out to show off my spoil, I was greeted by the scent of burnt toast and freshly brewed irish cream coffee.

For a short time, she was a Jafra representative.  I don’t know how long that gig lasted, but I do know that she had two full cases of nail polish samples that my sisters and I would raid regularly.  And I could always count on her having my favorite foods: Tato Skins, curly Macaroni & Cheese, thin bread, and pudding pops in the freezer outside.

She was always on hand for a good back scratch, a quarter for the offering plate at church, another quarter for a donut after, and a Starlight mint forever on hand in her purse.  She was ever ready for a good card game.  She faithfully repeated her cherished peanut butter ball recipe from heart when I called (every Christmas).  And she always had a perfect manicure.  Always.

The summer my family moved to Oregon, back in 1991, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Six or seven years later it came back.  Another six years went by and I had a dream shortly after Josh and I were married and moved to Bend.

 In my dream, she told me she had breast cancer again.  Sure enough, just a few days later, I got the call.  She came face to face with breast cancer (a disease that has killed nearly 40,000 women this year alone) three different times.  And she beat it every single time, and had the scars (and double mastectomy) to prove it.

The thing with cancer is always something that’s been a little bit further removed from me.  Sure, I was close with my grandmother, but hearing her diagnosis at age 11 wasn’t much of an impact on me.  Everyone that I’ve known of who’s had it is usually a generation or two older than me.  It’s always someone’s grandparent, aunt, or long lost uncle.  And that’s sad enough.

But it recently hit much closer to home.  And it’s that much more real.  And it makes me that much angrier.

The same year that my grandma was first diagnosed, I meet Hannah.  We were in the same grade, attending the same elementary school (she was in my twin sister’s class).  We became fast friends, and remained that way through junior high, high school, and even college.

A year and a half ago she found a lump in her breast.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28, and underwent a mastectomy.  Just four months ago, they found the cancer in her other breast.  Nobody should ever have to deal with cancer, but suddenly someone my own age fighting this vicious disease is a reality slap in the face.

Hannah has her own team for the upcoming Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Portland on Sept. 19, and my mom and I are both on her team.  If you happen to be in Portland that weekend and want to join us, you’re more than welcome.  If not, please make a donation to help find a cure, or to pay for one Komen funded mammogram for an under-insured woman.  You can make a donation by clicking here.  Together, we’ll find a cure.

n656280383_3718553_8584

n656280383_3718598_3190

]]>
For my first six or seven years of life, my Grandma lived just down the road from us.  And after that, she was just across town.  We saw her multiple times a week, and there aren’t many childhood memories I have without her involved in some way.  She used to pay me 25¢ to dust and vacuum her house, and I was meticulous.  I even dusted the chairs, and family members have been known to slide right off of them once I was done.

I spent the night at her house after I had some teeth pulled and, just like every other time, we got fresh sheets and blankets out of the cedar chest at the foot of her bed, and put on new “pillow slips”.  As I settled in for the night in the “pink room”, my teeth were solidly under my pillow, and my hand was solidly wrapped around the container.  I was determined to catch that Tooth Fairy in the act.  I woke up multiple times only to find the teeth still there.  To this day, I don’t know how she managed it, but by morning the teeth were gone and money lay in their place.  And as I ran out to show off my spoil, I was greeted by the scent of burnt toast and freshly brewed irish cream coffee.

For a short time, she was a Jafra representative.  I don’t know how long that gig lasted, but I do know that she had two full cases of nail polish samples that my sisters and I would raid regularly.  And I could always count on her having my favorite foods: Tato Skins, curly Macaroni & Cheese, thin bread, and pudding pops in the freezer outside.

She was always on hand for a good back scratch, a quarter for the offering plate at church, another quarter for a donut after, and a Starlight mint forever on hand in her purse.  She was ever ready for a good card game.  She faithfully repeated her cherished peanut butter ball recipe from heart when I called (every Christmas).  And she always had a perfect manicure.  Always.

The summer my family moved to Oregon, back in 1991, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Six or seven years later it came back.  Another six years went by and I had a dream shortly after Josh and I were married and moved to Bend.

 In my dream, she told me she had breast cancer again.  Sure enough, just a few days later, I got the call.  She came face to face with breast cancer (a disease that has killed nearly 40,000 women this year alone) three different times.  And she beat it every single time, and had the scars (and double mastectomy) to prove it.

The thing with cancer is always something that’s been a little bit further removed from me.  Sure, I was close with my grandmother, but hearing her diagnosis at age 11 wasn’t much of an impact on me.  Everyone that I’ve known of who’s had it is usually a generation or two older than me.  It’s always someone’s grandparent, aunt, or long lost uncle.  And that’s sad enough.

But it recently hit much closer to home.  And it’s that much more real.  And it makes me that much angrier.

The same year that my grandma was first diagnosed, I meet Hannah.  We were in the same grade, attending the same elementary school (she was in my twin sister’s class).  We became fast friends, and remained that way through junior high, high school, and even college.

A year and a half ago she found a lump in her breast.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28, and underwent a mastectomy.  Just four months ago, they found the cancer in her other breast.  Nobody should ever have to deal with cancer, but suddenly someone my own age fighting this vicious disease is a reality slap in the face.

Hannah has her own team for the upcoming Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Portland on Sept. 19, and my mom and I are both on her team.  If you happen to be in Portland that weekend and want to join us, you’re more than welcome.  If not, please make a donation to help find a cure, or to pay for one Komen funded mammogram for an under-insured woman.  You can make a donation by clicking here.  Together, we’ll find a cure.

n656280383_3718553_8584

n656280383_3718598_3190

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2798 Vintage Tea Party: Napa Children’s Photographer http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2784 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2784#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:26:26 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2784 As I write this post, it occurs to me that I never blogged a recap of the last Be Thou My Vision retreat we had in April.  I am officially firing myself.  How in the world did that happen?  Since you have no back-story, I will just begin by saying that I met Miss DeAnna when she came to the last retreat a few months ago, very last minute.  As in she scrambled three days before to get here because God made it very clear that He had her here.  And I’m so glad He did, because we instantly connected.

DeAnna is the beautiful mommy of two just-as-beautiful little girls, living in Sacramento with her handsome husband, Freddie.  When she heard that I was going to be in Napa in June, and I realized that she was only going to be an hour away from me, we quickly began brainstorming the best possible way to take advantage of the scenario.  So, on my last evening in Napa, I met the Gallardo family in the parking lot of The Meritage Resort & Spa for a different kind of portrait session. With cupcakes, petit fours, a vintage table, a mini porcelain tea set, and a few stuffed animals in hand, we set out to create our world of make believe in the field alongside the resort.

As soon as it was set up, the girls happily played, and I photographed away.  I was amazed at how long they sat there, and wanted to jump into their brains (if only for a moment) to see what was taking place in their imaginary world.

Then, when the light began to fade, we packed it up and spent the remainder of our time in the vineyards trying to convince an almost two year old that it really is ok to sit still and smile.  Good luck with that one.  And finally, when she just couldn’t take it anymore, we cut them loose and I caught the last bits of yummy Napa evening light with just Freddie and DeAnna.  Where this family all began.  And judging from the way they look at each other, their love is only getting stronger.

DeAnna, thanks for making the drive from Sacramento and indulging my desires for a vintage tea party shoot.  If only the miles between there and here were smaller.  Much smaller.  I’d be a happy girl.

Happy Friday!

dg-01

dg-02

dg-04

dg-09

dg-11

dg-20

dg-21

dg-22

dg-23

dg-35

dg-47

dg-49

]]> As I write this post, it occurs to me that I never blogged a recap of the last Be Thou My Vision retreat we had in April.  I am officially firing myself.  How in the world did that happen?  Since you have no back-story, I will just begin by saying that I met Miss DeAnna when she came to the last retreat a few months ago, very last minute.  As in she scrambled three days before to get here because God made it very clear that He had her here.  And I’m so glad He did, because we instantly connected.

DeAnna is the beautiful mommy of two just-as-beautiful little girls, living in Sacramento with her handsome husband, Freddie.  When she heard that I was going to be in Napa in June, and I realized that she was only going to be an hour away from me, we quickly began brainstorming the best possible way to take advantage of the scenario.  So, on my last evening in Napa, I met the Gallardo family in the parking lot of The Meritage Resort & Spa for a different kind of portrait session. With cupcakes, petit fours, a vintage table, a mini porcelain tea set, and a few stuffed animals in hand, we set out to create our world of make believe in the field alongside the resort.

As soon as it was set up, the girls happily played, and I photographed away.  I was amazed at how long they sat there, and wanted to jump into their brains (if only for a moment) to see what was taking place in their imaginary world.

Then, when the light began to fade, we packed it up and spent the remainder of our time in the vineyards trying to convince an almost two year old that it really is ok to sit still and smile.  Good luck with that one.  And finally, when she just couldn’t take it anymore, we cut them loose and I caught the last bits of yummy Napa evening light with just Freddie and DeAnna.  Where this family all began.  And judging from the way they look at each other, their love is only getting stronger.

DeAnna, thanks for making the drive from Sacramento and indulging my desires for a vintage tea party shoot.  If only the miles between there and here were smaller.  Much smaller.  I’d be a happy girl.

Happy Friday!

dg-01

dg-02

dg-04

dg-09

dg-11

dg-20

dg-21

dg-22

dg-23

dg-35

dg-47

dg-49

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2784 The Nearness of You http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2764 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2764#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:53:57 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2764 Its not the pale moon that excites me
That thrills and delights me, oh no
Its just the nearness of you

It isnt your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation, oh no
Its just the nearness of you

When youre in my arms and I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams come true

I need no soft lights to enchant me
If youll only grant me the right
To hold you ever so tight
And to feel in the night the nearness of you

dg-461

]]> Its not the pale moon that excites me
That thrills and delights me, oh no
Its just the nearness of you

It isnt your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation, oh no
Its just the nearness of you

When youre in my arms and I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams come true

I need no soft lights to enchant me
If youll only grant me the right
To hold you ever so tight
And to feel in the night the nearness of you

dg-461

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2764 Introducing Violet: Pictures of Hope http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2752 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2752#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:50:16 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2752

One of my favorite things about my job is very quickly becoming the time I spend in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Charles Hospital with the Pictures of Hope Foundation.  And, lucky for me, I was able to have two visits in the few weeks!  I love entering the little world these families have been immersed in for weeks at a time, and hearing their miracle stories.  This is Violet’s.

As I entered the NICU building, was buzzed in by a nurse, scrubbed my hands and arms up to my elbows, and got buzzed into the second security door, I was greeted with a somewhat tense silence that tends to accompany a NICU.  Understanding that parents have spent days, weeks, even months within these walls, praying for their little babies to fatten up and gain the strength to go home is heart breaking and somehow slightly heart warming all at the same time.  Because of that ironic fact, I want to hug the neck of every nurse that walks by.  God created something special in them.

I quietly entered Room 1 and introduced myself to Violet’s mom.  And she, in turn, introduced me to Violet–a strong little warrior who was in the middle of her 67th day in the only home she has known since she was born.  Ironically, it would also prove to be her last day in the NICU.  Just a few hours later, she would be transferred to a family birthing room for the next two days while being transitioned for the monumental trip home.

She would be going home on oxygen, but still… she would be home.  And that, in itself, is a miracle.

As I got to know Violet’s mom, I also had the pleasure of meeting her big brother (who has 17 months on her), and her dad–the kind of man with a deep, soothing voice that you could listen to for hours.  Not only would Violet be saying goodbye to her home at the NICU that day, she also got to meet her big brother for the first time, and I had the pleasure of capturing the moment.

We talked for awhile, I shot for awhile, and soon it was time for big brother to go home for a nap.  As the session came to a close, the monitor gave a small warning to mom.  In the silence of the room, mom gently swayed Violet, staring at the monitor and rubbing her back.  As quickly as it began, the alarm stopped sounding, and I stopped holding my breath.  ”It’s nothing unusual,” she said.  ”She just forgets to breath occasionally and needs to be encouraged.”  Nothing unusual for her.  She’s grown accustomed to the warning signs.  But for me, it was yet another reminder of how fragile life really is.  And how strong Violet has become in all of her 67 days of life.

For more information on Pictures of Hope, please visit their website at www.picturesofhopefoundation.org.

poh-v-1

poh-v-3

poh-v-8

poh-v-20

poh-v-23

poh-v-29

poh-v-32

poh-v-40

poh-v-42

poh-v-50

]]>
One of my favorite things about my job is very quickly becoming the time I spend in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Charles Hospital with the Pictures of Hope Foundation.  And, lucky for me, I was able to have two visits in the few weeks!  I love entering the little world these families have been immersed in for weeks at a time, and hearing their miracle stories.  This is Violet’s.

As I entered the NICU building, was buzzed in by a nurse, scrubbed my hands and arms up to my elbows, and got buzzed into the second security door, I was greeted with a somewhat tense silence that tends to accompany a NICU.  Understanding that parents have spent days, weeks, even months within these walls, praying for their little babies to fatten up and gain the strength to go home is heart breaking and somehow slightly heart warming all at the same time.  Because of that ironic fact, I want to hug the neck of every nurse that walks by.  God created something special in them.

I quietly entered Room 1 and introduced myself to Violet’s mom.  And she, in turn, introduced me to Violet–a strong little warrior who was in the middle of her 67th day in the only home she has known since she was born.  Ironically, it would also prove to be her last day in the NICU.  Just a few hours later, she would be transferred to a family birthing room for the next two days while being transitioned for the monumental trip home.

She would be going home on oxygen, but still… she would be home.  And that, in itself, is a miracle.

As I got to know Violet’s mom, I also had the pleasure of meeting her big brother (who has 17 months on her), and her dad–the kind of man with a deep, soothing voice that you could listen to for hours.  Not only would Violet be saying goodbye to her home at the NICU that day, she also got to meet her big brother for the first time, and I had the pleasure of capturing the moment.

We talked for awhile, I shot for awhile, and soon it was time for big brother to go home for a nap.  As the session came to a close, the monitor gave a small warning to mom.  In the silence of the room, mom gently swayed Violet, staring at the monitor and rubbing her back.  As quickly as it began, the alarm stopped sounding, and I stopped holding my breath.  ”It’s nothing unusual,” she said.  ”She just forgets to breath occasionally and needs to be encouraged.”  Nothing unusual for her.  She’s grown accustomed to the warning signs.  But for me, it was yet another reminder of how fragile life really is.  And how strong Violet has become in all of her 67 days of life.

For more information on Pictures of Hope, please visit their website at www.picturesofhopefoundation.org.

poh-v-1

poh-v-3

poh-v-8

poh-v-20

poh-v-23

poh-v-29

poh-v-32

poh-v-40

poh-v-42

poh-v-50

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2752 Napa & City Model Management: The Final Recap http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2714 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2714#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:27:12 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2714 One thing I tell potential clients on my portraits website (that has proven to be true over and over again) is don’t be surprised if your children are new BFFs with me by the time your session is over.  My time spent shooting in the vineyard at the NAPCP shooting clinic in Napa is another classic example of that fact.

As the children (professional models with CITY Model Management) gathered in the hotel lobby with their parents, I started chatting with one of the moms, and soon began chatting with her daughter.  Isabella was shy at first.  I’d ask her a question, and she would blink and look away, unsure of how to answer (or even if she liked me enough to).

But by the time we left the resort lobby and began making our way up to the vineyard, we were stomping on each other’s shadows.  And when it came time to split up into groups, she made sure I was in hers.

The point of the shooting clinic was to spend 2 1/2 hours wandering the vineyards, getting shots of as many children as possible that they can then use for their portfolios and call cards.  Their portfolios are then able to be shown to any one of CITY Model’s high end clientele including Anthropologie, Chanel, Pottery Barn, Bumble & Bumble, and Nordstrom (just to name a few).  As a matter of fact, Isabella will be featured in the next Pottery Barn Kids catalog–keep your eye out!

My time in the vineyard didn’t quite end up like it was supposed to.  Ok, I’ll be honest.  I got so attached to Isabella that I spent 90% of my time with her.  And it was worth every second, because when it came time to part ways she hugged my neck in a “best friend forever” sort of way.  Not the “I’m hugging you because I have to” kind.  Many thanks to Miss Heather Thorne for proof of the moment–dirt on my back and all.  Don’t judge.  Just doing what’s needed to get the shot!

napcp-bella

napcp-1

napcp-6

napcp-21

napcp-22

napcp-311

napcp-34

]]> One thing I tell potential clients on my portraits website (that has proven to be true over and over again) is don’t be surprised if your children are new BFFs with me by the time your session is over.  My time spent shooting in the vineyard at the NAPCP shooting clinic in Napa is another classic example of that fact.

As the children (professional models with CITY Model Management) gathered in the hotel lobby with their parents, I started chatting with one of the moms, and soon began chatting with her daughter.  Isabella was shy at first.  I’d ask her a question, and she would blink and look away, unsure of how to answer (or even if she liked me enough to).

But by the time we left the resort lobby and began making our way up to the vineyard, we were stomping on each other’s shadows.  And when it came time to split up into groups, she made sure I was in hers.

The point of the shooting clinic was to spend 2 1/2 hours wandering the vineyards, getting shots of as many children as possible that they can then use for their portfolios and call cards.  Their portfolios are then able to be shown to any one of CITY Model’s high end clientele including Anthropologie, Chanel, Pottery Barn, Bumble & Bumble, and Nordstrom (just to name a few).  As a matter of fact, Isabella will be featured in the next Pottery Barn Kids catalog–keep your eye out!

My time in the vineyard didn’t quite end up like it was supposed to.  Ok, I’ll be honest.  I got so attached to Isabella that I spent 90% of my time with her.  And it was worth every second, because when it came time to part ways she hugged my neck in a “best friend forever” sort of way.  Not the “I’m hugging you because I have to” kind.  Many thanks to Miss Heather Thorne for proof of the moment–dirt on my back and all.  Don’t judge.  Just doing what’s needed to get the shot!

napcp-bella

napcp-1

napcp-6

napcp-21

napcp-22

napcp-311

napcp-34

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2714 Wishin & Hopin: Portland Engagement Photographer http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2676 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2676#comments Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:37:40 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2676 I met Jordann in college through our college ministry, and we’ve been friends ever since.  Most recently (in the last year), we quietly schemed her engagement photos and discussed the details of her wedding as she waited for the moment she would remember for the rest of her life.  We exchanged many emails, photos of rings, gowns, and gorgeous tropical wedding locations.  She sent me status updates of the ring she was having made just for her.

Finally, after much wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’, plannin’ and dreamin’ each night of his charms… he dropped to his knee.  And she said yes.  Luckily, Jordann happened to be the grand prize winner in my 12 Days of Joy giveaway last Christmas and knew exactly how she would be using her session!

A few weeks ago, I walked into our starting shooting location 26 stories above Portland in an empty penthouse apartment.  Beautiful hardwood floors led me to the main room with gorgeous light and floor to ceiling windows, and one lone prop: a gorgeous Anthropologie chair that made me giggle with excitement.  We went from there, to the balcony, and then spent a few hours exploring the streets of Portland during their engagement portrait session.  Jordann and Brian will be getting married on Azul Beach in Cancun in January, and I have so many ideas for their wedding and day after fashion shoot that I might just explode.

Brian and Jordann: congrats on being well on your way to becoming Mr. and Mrs! Happy 4th of July weekend, friends!

jh-11-small

jh-08-small

jh-09-small

jh-16-small

jh-14-small

jh-19-small

jh-24-small

jh-25-small

jh-27-small

jh-28-small

jh-33-small

jh-31-small

jh-34-small

jh-35-small

jh-39-small

]]> I met Jordann in college through our college ministry, and we’ve been friends ever since.  Most recently (in the last year), we quietly schemed her engagement photos and discussed the details of her wedding as she waited for the moment she would remember for the rest of her life.  We exchanged many emails, photos of rings, gowns, and gorgeous tropical wedding locations.  She sent me status updates of the ring she was having made just for her.

Finally, after much wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’, plannin’ and dreamin’ each night of his charms… he dropped to his knee.  And she said yes.  Luckily, Jordann happened to be the grand prize winner in my 12 Days of Joy giveaway last Christmas and knew exactly how she would be using her session!

A few weeks ago, I walked into our starting shooting location 26 stories above Portland in an empty penthouse apartment.  Beautiful hardwood floors led me to the main room with gorgeous light and floor to ceiling windows, and one lone prop: a gorgeous Anthropologie chair that made me giggle with excitement.  We went from there, to the balcony, and then spent a few hours exploring the streets of Portland during their engagement portrait session.  Jordann and Brian will be getting married on Azul Beach in Cancun in January, and I have so many ideas for their wedding and day after fashion shoot that I might just explode.

Brian and Jordann: congrats on being well on your way to becoming Mr. and Mrs! Happy 4th of July weekend, friends!

jh-11-small

jh-08-small

jh-09-small

jh-16-small

jh-14-small

jh-19-small

jh-24-small

jh-25-small

jh-27-small

jh-28-small

jh-33-small

jh-31-small

jh-34-small

jh-35-small

jh-39-small

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2676 Recap 1 of 2: Napa Childrens Photographer http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2643 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2643#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:26:19 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2643 This last weekend officially brought me into the season I’ve been mentally preparing for since January.  I came back from Napa on Wednesday evening, had one full day to recover, and then met the weekend with two back to back sessions.  I am now backlogged on editing about six sessions, while also juggling all my branding design and custom blog projects.  I will more than likely be looking for both photography and design interns in the very near future, so if you’re looking for something like that (or know of someone who is) please throw me an email!

As I scramble to pull all the photos from the stacks of memory cards on my desk, I do have another peek for you of what I was up to in Napa!

We arrived at the Meritage Resort and Spa on Sunday evening and were greeted with the most wonderfully prepared welcome bags.  I’ve been working closely with Alice to get files designed for the retreat that were beautifully letterpressed by Miss Zida at Studio Z Mendocino, and it was so great to see the final products live and in person.  Zida also recently printed my own beautiful letterpress cards, and I’ve never been so in love with a 2×3.5 card in my life!  Here is a peek at the back of my card (sized down because I used it as the page image for the contact form on my new branding site and, let’s be honest, I’m too lazy to go hunt down the original file):

contact

And here are some images of the beautiful NAPCP collateral from the retreat, courtesy of Miss Alice Park (the photographs can’t begin to do the letterpress products justice):

retreat_all-small

We were able to kick everything off with a wonderful welcome reception where I could finally put so many lovely faces to names, and hug a few clients’ necks as we toasted their new branding over a glass of wine.  I’m sure some photos from the reception will find their way to the blog eventually, but I’m proud to announce that I attended solo.  As in, without my camera.  So I don’t have any to show you.  I’m a little sad about it, but it was nice to have an “off” night.

To be honest, I didn’t do much shooting in Napa, aside from the shooting clinic in the vineyard, and one family session (also in the vineyard) before I left.  However, we did go on a winery tour and I couldn’t resist getting this shot of my place setting in the center of a 40-person table, tucked between a maze of wine barrels at Merryvale Vineyards:

wine-tasting

I’m not much of a cheese person, and I’ll pick white wine over red any day but, surprisingly, my favorite pairing was the one right in the middle: a gouda cheese with a cabernet sauvignon.  Yum!

And finally, to tide you over until I get all my other recent sessions proofed and posted, a peek at yet another beautiful model from the shooting clinic in the vineyard.  I’ll be posting one more round of photos in the next few days from the beautiful Bella (my favorite model of the day).  In the meantime, meet Clara.  It’s ok… you can wish you had piercing eyes like hers.  I kind of do.  Happy Monday!

clara-2-small

clara-1-small

]]> This last weekend officially brought me into the season I’ve been mentally preparing for since January.  I came back from Napa on Wednesday evening, had one full day to recover, and then met the weekend with two back to back sessions.  I am now backlogged on editing about six sessions, while also juggling all my branding design and custom blog projects.  I will more than likely be looking for both photography and design interns in the very near future, so if you’re looking for something like that (or know of someone who is) please throw me an email!

As I scramble to pull all the photos from the stacks of memory cards on my desk, I do have another peek for you of what I was up to in Napa!

We arrived at the Meritage Resort and Spa on Sunday evening and were greeted with the most wonderfully prepared welcome bags.  I’ve been working closely with Alice to get files designed for the retreat that were beautifully letterpressed by Miss Zida at Studio Z Mendocino, and it was so great to see the final products live and in person.  Zida also recently printed my own beautiful letterpress cards, and I’ve never been so in love with a 2×3.5 card in my life!  Here is a peek at the back of my card (sized down because I used it as the page image for the contact form on my new branding site and, let’s be honest, I’m too lazy to go hunt down the original file):

contact

And here are some images of the beautiful NAPCP collateral from the retreat, courtesy of Miss Alice Park (the photographs can’t begin to do the letterpress products justice):

retreat_all-small

We were able to kick everything off with a wonderful welcome reception where I could finally put so many lovely faces to names, and hug a few clients’ necks as we toasted their new branding over a glass of wine.  I’m sure some photos from the reception will find their way to the blog eventually, but I’m proud to announce that I attended solo.  As in, without my camera.  So I don’t have any to show you.  I’m a little sad about it, but it was nice to have an “off” night.

To be honest, I didn’t do much shooting in Napa, aside from the shooting clinic in the vineyard, and one family session (also in the vineyard) before I left.  However, we did go on a winery tour and I couldn’t resist getting this shot of my place setting in the center of a 40-person table, tucked between a maze of wine barrels at Merryvale Vineyards:

wine-tasting

I’m not much of a cheese person, and I’ll pick white wine over red any day but, surprisingly, my favorite pairing was the one right in the middle: a gouda cheese with a cabernet sauvignon.  Yum!

And finally, to tide you over until I get all my other recent sessions proofed and posted, a peek at yet another beautiful model from the shooting clinic in the vineyard.  I’ll be posting one more round of photos in the next few days from the beautiful Bella (my favorite model of the day).  In the meantime, meet Clara.  It’s ok… you can wish you had piercing eyes like hers.  I kind of do.  Happy Monday!

clara-2-small

clara-1-small

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2643 Napa Valley + City Models Children’s Photography http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2637 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2637#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:42:44 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2637 I’m currently sitting on my balcony in the peaceful and somewhat magical Napa Valley.  The air is still, the sky is clear, the Meritage Resort vineyard is just feet from me, and I couldn’t ask for a more restful morning.

I came here on Sunday afternoon after a weekend in San Francisco seeing the sights, and poking in a few vintage stores with Miss Heather Thorne.  We arrived in Napa for the first NAPCP Retreat, and have been connecting with some fellow children’s photographers, enjoying a glass or two of wine, and building new friendships.  I also did a quick 30 minute presentation on some photoshop tricks yesterday that (I hope) provided a few lightbulb moments for the other photographers here.

Yesterday evening was spent exploring the vineyards with about a dozen beautiful child models who currently have contracts with City Model in San Francisco.  I ended up forging a new friendship with a beautiful little girl named Bella, who quickly became my BFF in the short hour we spent together.  I’m kicking myself a little bit for not wandering around a bit more to get my camera on some of the other beauties just begging to be photographed.  I did, however, get a quick shot of this little girl.  I will admit, I’m a little bit jealous of her hair.

More of my photos with Bella will be coming later.  Until then, a tour of the wineries is beckoning.

Happy Tuesday!

napa-1

]]> I’m currently sitting on my balcony in the peaceful and somewhat magical Napa Valley.  The air is still, the sky is clear, the Meritage Resort vineyard is just feet from me, and I couldn’t ask for a more restful morning.

I came here on Sunday afternoon after a weekend in San Francisco seeing the sights, and poking in a few vintage stores with Miss Heather Thorne.  We arrived in Napa for the first NAPCP Retreat, and have been connecting with some fellow children’s photographers, enjoying a glass or two of wine, and building new friendships.  I also did a quick 30 minute presentation on some photoshop tricks yesterday that (I hope) provided a few lightbulb moments for the other photographers here.

Yesterday evening was spent exploring the vineyards with about a dozen beautiful child models who currently have contracts with City Model in San Francisco.  I ended up forging a new friendship with a beautiful little girl named Bella, who quickly became my BFF in the short hour we spent together.  I’m kicking myself a little bit for not wandering around a bit more to get my camera on some of the other beauties just begging to be photographed.  I did, however, get a quick shot of this little girl.  I will admit, I’m a little bit jealous of her hair.

More of my photos with Bella will be coming later.  Until then, a tour of the wineries is beckoning.

Happy Tuesday!

napa-1

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2637 My New Home for Logo & Branding Design http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2627 http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2627#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:32:31 +0000 Jane http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?p=2627
It’s finally here!  Yet another culmination of my creative blood, artistic sweat (and, fortunately, not so many tears).  I reserved my domain a year ago, and have finally found some time to put my branding site together into one cohesive peace.  At long last, my branding and logo pieces finally have a home of their own.  And a beautiful one at that!

Many thanks Mike Caston and the fantastic Big Folio crew for taking my creative vision and making it a sparkly new reality.  They built the sketches straight from my ever cluttered brain into a beautiful site that is perfect down to the very last cursive “t”.  Believe me, if there were a way to have rhinestones pop through your screen, they would be there.  But even without them, I think it’s just perfect.

Please feel free to take a peek at this latest extension of my business–one that I accidentally stumbled upon yet God had sovereignly planned from the very beginning: www.janejohnsondesign.com.  And then, if you’re in need of a logo makeover, today is your lucky day!  I’m running a contest until next Friday, and two lucky winners will receive a complimentary logo makeover valued at $500 each!  There are two ways to enter:

1.  Go to my brand new Facebook page and leave a comment as to why you need a logo makeover.

2.  Post the following tweet on twitter: “RT @jjohnson_photo: the new branding site is live!! http://bit.ly/9sg7Sk RT & win a logo makeover! Random winner picked 6/25!”

One person will be selected each from the Facebook page and the twitter entries next Friday, June 25th!

In the meantime, I’m packing up and driving south to San Francisco tomorrow for a much-needed girls’ weekend, and then hitting Napa on Sunday for the NAPCP Retreat!  I have quite a few clients who are also NAPCP members that I have the pleasure of spending face time with, and Custom Photography Blogs is also a key sponsor which means there will be giveaways!  Alice has also asked me to speak at the retreat on Photoshop Tips & Tricks, which means I need to get this post up and go figure out what I’m going to say!

Happy Thursday, friends!  Thank you for all your wonderful continued support!

branding-main

branding-process

branding-contact

]]>
It’s finally here!  Yet another culmination of my creative blood, artistic sweat (and, fortunately, not so many tears).  I reserved my domain a year ago, and have finally found some time to put my branding site together into one cohesive peace.  At long last, my branding and logo pieces finally have a home of their own.  And a beautiful one at that!

Many thanks Mike Caston and the fantastic Big Folio crew for taking my creative vision and making it a sparkly new reality.  They built the sketches straight from my ever cluttered brain into a beautiful site that is perfect down to the very last cursive “t”.  Believe me, if there were a way to have rhinestones pop through your screen, they would be there.  But even without them, I think it’s just perfect.

Please feel free to take a peek at this latest extension of my business–one that I accidentally stumbled upon yet God had sovereignly planned from the very beginning: www.janejohnsondesign.com.  And then, if you’re in need of a logo makeover, today is your lucky day!  I’m running a contest until next Friday, and two lucky winners will receive a complimentary logo makeover valued at $500 each!  There are two ways to enter:

1.  Go to my brand new Facebook page and leave a comment as to why you need a logo makeover.

2.  Post the following tweet on twitter: “RT @jjohnson_photo: the new branding site is live!! http://bit.ly/9sg7Sk RT & win a logo makeover! Random winner picked 6/25!”

One person will be selected each from the Facebook page and the twitter entries next Friday, June 25th!

In the meantime, I’m packing up and driving south to San Francisco tomorrow for a much-needed girls’ weekend, and then hitting Napa on Sunday for the NAPCP Retreat!  I have quite a few clients who are also NAPCP members that I have the pleasure of spending face time with, and Custom Photography Blogs is also a key sponsor which means there will be giveaways!  Alice has also asked me to speak at the retreat on Photoshop Tips & Tricks, which means I need to get this post up and go figure out what I’m going to say!

Happy Thursday, friends!  Thank you for all your wonderful continued support!

branding-main

branding-process

branding-contact

]]> http://www.janejohnsonphotography.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2627