So! SEATTLE!

I had the pleasure of taking a very very VERY quick trip to Seattle and hang with my friend Becka and go to a Con at the Seattle Center.  It was really really fun.  I almost wish there had been more time for me to bounce around between all the workshops - because I only got to go to a few.  And it would have been neat to learn some more stuff - but there were some DISTANCE issues between several of them, and I just coudn't walk fast enough - nor did i bring a compact mode of transportation to make it FASTER! Either way, I had a blast...here are some highlights!!!!

This was my view coming towards Seattle the last minutes of the flight! AMAZING!!!!

The Fremont Troll - thanks to Becka for us finding it - sad to say he was vandalized...so he looks like he is wearing some bad makeup. :) lol!

Made it to the Pike's Market to see flying fish and we bought FABULOUS vintage hats. :)  I almost gave up til we found the Duffers store and found my AWESOME pink hat!!!!

This is Becka's ab-fab tea hat I like to call it. :)  It is a fabulous orange with ribbony tulle feeling stuff woven around it. She got TONS of compliments!

If it is not rainbows seeking me out, I thought it was hilarious that I found another green stripey shirt!  I love it, so I took a picture! of course! :)

A puppeteer from the movie Labyrinth!

From the PUPPET making workshop - I only had 10 minutes to make a puppet cause I was SO late.  But I made it in time to see a few other awesome puppets people had made!  SO FUN!

Me, with the OE girls.  I stood first in line for an hour to see their panel and meet them.  Then i was fortunate to hang for a bit later that nite after the Con.  Good thing too, they played the WHOLE movie Labyrinth at the end! WOW!

It is moments like this - that i love!  A random mini photo shoot in the bathroom at the Con!  A Monarch Henchgirl....and I could NOT pass up this amazing tile and coloring with her yellow and orange fabulousness. Thank you!

So, I had PLENTY of spare time since I missed the YODA PUPPET workshop...and they wouldn't let me in...so i went to the space needle and had a few great moments with just me and my camera. :)  The view was really great too! (from up top) and got my obligitory souvenir photo in the blog post below. ;)

OK! and SHE didn't miss the Yoda puppet workshop, so I took her picture!  This way I can make my own sometime.  You know, just for fun!  She also had an r2d2 HAT plus made a Yoda and R2D2 stick puppet!  The large yoda is a paper sack. :)  It all works out in the end, and was GREAT fun.  I vote for a longer workshop next time.

Thanks to everyone!  I think you are all awesome!!!!
My trip was fast and fun.

I hope to go back someday. :)

Where was I ?

You have 1 guess!

My green screened token tourist photo. :)

I will expound....later.... :)

Lalo+Vi - in a stunning night of calm, peace and FUN!!!!!!

I was verrrrrrrrry excited to be brought in last minute for this wedding.  This is one of my new interns passionate about learning photography and what it will take to make things happen.  I've never met someone with the passion to make things happen like this woman.  It just so happens - I tossed her into a wedding - in which she had no knowlege - no experience....and she came out overwhelmed and learned a lot!  Just the fact she had the courage to do it- reminded me of me.  Sometimes you just gotta DO IT!  Anyways - back in July she was still a bride-to-be and actually taking "notes" at the wedding.  But here she is now, on the other side - the BRIDE and GROOM got married yesterday...and they celebrated all night!  Enjoy some teasers!

Jen

A brief moment in between wedding/reception - AH beautiful!

Exploring their room at the NYLO

As the night was closing down - I stole this light moment.

I think this was my first official Catholic wedding, so being far away was difficult, but manageable!

I hope yall have a WONDERFUL DAY!!!!!!!!!!
It is time to have some great down time...and go see a movie with my husband!

The Memorial Bride...

In my short sweet trip to DC - to see my lovely friend...(and fellow BLUE MAN GROUP lover)....I was able to see her perform in Batala, see a baseball game and then drop her into a wedding dress for a casual photo shoot involving some *monumental* areas. :)

a quiet moment, where she didn't know i was shooting...just yet. :)

another moment, in between moments.  I did have to photoshop a light pole out - it was just in the way, no matter what.

making our first walks towards all the monuments....but i saw this tree....

beginning, at Jefferson - again - removed light pole that came out of her head. :) 

A sweet moment at Lincoln - but please, the reflection pool was DIRT! omg!

another pretty moment walking through the FDR memorial....

We visited all sorts of locations, moving around - walking around.  Probably walked a couple of miles and hurt a little after, but WHAT FUN.  What city do you live in?  What can you explore around you that you have not before?  Go out, and play!

if you are in the DFW Area................

go to Northpark Mall.......and go to their MAC store!!!!!!!!!
cause you will see THIS poster!!!!!

(or door/wall decoration)

check it out! omg! i'm on there!!!!!
THAT IS SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wedding fun.....

It was REAAAAAAAAAL FUN this weekend at the wedding we got to capture!
Good down-home yummy BBQ meal, with vintage postcards and glass jars and tablecloths!
Pink petticoats, A well-dressed dog, Crocodile boots...and lots of smiles!

This wedding was a blast, can't wait to share more art...as it comes! :)
PEACE!!!!

Reaching for your dreams!

When reaching for your dreams...there are so many things that will come against you, distract you and move you off the path that you were trying to walk.

The question is: How long will it take for you to find your way back?

Who knows, it is different for all of us i'm sure right?

For me, these days I'm starting to re-embrace the things that God laid out for me.  The desires of my heart for many things are bubbling up to the surface and every step of the way I'm fighting for what I want and making things happen.  I am carefully navigating the waters of the things I know I can say yes to, and the things are a *no*. :)  At some point during our lives, we have to say NO.  Also, at some point, we have to stand up for ourselves.

I find myself doing this more often.  Communicating who I am, what I want to do and where I would like to go!  I say to those doubters WHY NOT!  I say, let's get going and have some fun while doing it!

Think about your dream for a moment...where have you gotten off track? Where have you found yourself?  Are you even dreaming anymore?  Are you doing the things you want to do...or the things you only HAVE to do?  Are you growing?  Are you learning?  Are you making a difference?

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend.
I challenge you to make a small list of things you want to do...and then pick one and go do it...THIS WEEK!  Obviously, make it a realistic goal - but don't fear to dream big!

Talk soon.

Oh, and don't forget - I have some specials up right now!
Here are the flyers!!!

Finding me. Finding Light. - all in Grandma's bathroom.

I made a quick and fun trip over to see my Grandma this weekend....and to pull up double fun - we did a mini party for my mom's birthday this coming week. :)  What I found when doing my makeup in the bathroom was the strip lighting on the sides and how it popped into my eyes.  :)  I thought to myself, man - I need to capture this.  But really, I ended up capturing a little more of me. :)

Grandma's Bathroom - me in Black & White (the only time you will see me this way) and then in Technicolor.

Again, finding the light in the bathroom...I see something I don't see often...amazing catchlights! That, and my effect turned my eyes 2 different colors. I think it looks awesome! HAH

After a great day with family, we ended up in the Art Alley and I reached out for the wave.

another image...with great catch light greatness...I grabbed as many as I could to join me in the bathroom to capture the eyes.  It is harder than you think....and this was probably about shot 4 or 5 i guess? :) 

Also, took my family into the bathroom...and decided to list off words to express part of who they are
and their gifts within!!!

Week 2.

but, acutally from week 1.

Our creative dreams and yearnings come from a divine source.  As we move toward our dreams, we move toward our divinity.

from "The Artist's Way".  10th Anniv. edition.

I need your ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING referrals!

Hey all,
I'm BUSTING at the seams for the rest of this year to get my goal of ONE wedding a month!  AND to start booking for next year!!!!!  If you are getting married in 2012...please consider me to take your photographs..and capture your day, the ONLY way I know how - by using my creative gifts. :)

I shoot weddings of ALL sizes, looks, locations and LOVE!

If you have already booked your PHOTOGRAPHER?????? then.....

I am also available for "photo booth" style portraits for your reception!  I always give 100% when working with you and do my best to capture everything you want to keep FOREVER! :) 

If you are still stuck in finding a photographer, check out my work at my gallery:

www.pinklightstore.com

Hope to hear from you!

Something special.

Ok! whether YOU realize it or not...I am hard on myself when it comes to photography...AND sometimes i have expectations of situations - that in most times - they turn out different. :)

CASE IN POINT:  newborns!!!! (and bebes)
I do love taking the time to capture newborns in their environments.  Some would say, I'm a less "proppy" person.  I am a fan of the lovely pictures that folks take of babies in baskets, blankets and goodies like that.  IF the parents want that.  But that is not my first choice.  I tend to take their environment and capture that.  If we get really lucky - we get to do both.

In the handfuls of newborns I have gotten to shoot, I realize just how somewhat difficult it can be.  Cause most times, I either screw up on my part (for lighting, posing) or the babies are just fussy.  I once had a session where the baby would feed and feed and then cry immediately.  He did this for 30 minutes, which turned my 30 minute session into an hour.  BUT I did get that ONE amazing shot that we waited patiently for.

I "worked" for about 45 minutes to get this! lol :)  After the fussyness left, we got this amazing face right before he started getting "sleepy face" - where he wasn't asleep, but his eyes were open and you could see the sleep!!!!
2 Months Old.

With this most recent session, I had hoped for well-rested, well-fed and full happy sleepy baby!
I did get that, but not during the session most times.

To troubleshoot the fussy-ness - I opted to let him just keep laying on his mom...so she could give the comfort he needed while we tried to get some pictures.  I kinda joked..."sometimes the BEST prop is the mom".  I've had this happen several times throughout my career.  There is just something about a sweet calm baby on their mommy! (and daddy too!)  I will walk you through some things I've done....

I just let him lay on his mom - and this was the result! - 1 Month Old

In RARE cases - namely when I have friends that have really really tiny babies....I am able to swing over and visit them.  Mind you, this was my first time in a really really long time to see someone in the hospital!  AND I had tricky lighting!  The baby was not fussy, but in trying to capture that environment- i really wanted to capture this face and in the picture you see the lines & curves of the mom.  One of my favorite images!

Using the mom again, as a backdrop - I get the cuddling and pucker of the 2 day old face!

AND like this picture below - sometimes it is wonderful to have MOST of mom in the picture too!  Especially if the colors are amazing and her look is astonishingly gorgeous.  This is my sister-in-law and my nephew.  Even though he is looking down - I'm simply showing the backdrop (and less proppy) ways to capture various babies of all kinds, no matter the temperament!  You have to just "go with the flow"....

letting mom be a gorgeous background - 4 Months Old

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!  And to all the moms out there! Enjoy your babies!

Jen

The creative journey.

When you get burnt out...and are feeling empty...

Just take some time to regroup, refresh and get motivated to move forward using the steps you know to do. 

For me, I'm going to take some time away from the online world in many ways - and engage the real world around me for a while. I'm supposed to do morning pages (3 pages to just empty myself) ...and also do "dates" with myself to enjoy some time alone AND get creative. 

I'm excited and nervous about this journey - because I know it is life-changing - but I also tend to have this small resistance to change.  But if i can do this for my physical body - i can also do this for my spirit and mind.  It is time to grow up a little bit...and get moving. 

I'm excited for the journeys ahead...and how and when God will speak. :)

remember, go smile at someone today and give them a hug.  There is more to life than YOUR problems - talk to someone else and help & encourage them.  We all need to be interactive!

Peace out.

FAQ: Why Pink Hair?

What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

"Why is your hair pink"?

I used to blend in the background both inwardly and outwardly. I was bashful and fearful about finding out who I truly was. Would I be loved? Would I be accepted? When I started finding myself and what I loved, the pink hair only became a natural choice. Red was too "subtle" for me and hard to keep up. The pink however? EASY! I believe that if you are your own boss AND creative, your looks should add to what you do - not take away. You won't find me just "blending in" anymore. :)

Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

My photography and artwork stands out on its own as a high-contrast color & light filled imagery. I have been given a creative eye to see things that no one else can, including most clients who don't see themselves a certain way! I look into what is beneath and bring out the inward beauty that is there! My images tend to reflect YOU, my client. I am merely the vessel and photography is my tool! :)

See you soon!

Things, are about to get interesting!

Art show concepts.
New creative journeys.
Opening up the floodgates,
freedom is here.
There is a lot more coming in the last part of 2011, than even I know. :)

Stay tuned.

A new journey.

This week starts a new journey....

I'm beginning the book "The Artist's Way".....

I've read the intro....and begun a creative book, but not the morning pages yet....

Let us journey into creative freedom, together!

HOORAY!

go where your feet take you.

HIGHLIGHT REEL:

Here is my NYC highlight reel.

day 1 - i meet a little girl, and i mean YOUNG girl...with PINK HAIR! on top of the Empire State Building!!!!!

DAY 2 - In between our moments of Paul Mole & Central Park....we meet my friend, the designer around Astor Place...before we head to the "Too Much Light" show!  GRAND!

DAY 3 - shenanigans at the Brooklyn Ice Cream factory leads us to a ferry, that leads us to the fan meet evening, where I finally have more than 2 words to say to Chris Wink, after he (and all involved)  came to Dallas and made BMG happen for us down here on the Complex Tour.  I can't tell you the BMMB threads that were started BEGGING for 3 years for them to come.  This is me and the blue man.  And, so true - a founder of wiggling.

DAY 4 - after a quick stop at the Top of the Rock (fabulous view!) - we head over to lunch and then WICKED the musical with Aunt Mary.  A good time was had by all, remember - this is only a highlight.  After that? We went to Brooklyn again, this time Kingston Throop stop.  Holla at me yo.

DAY 5 - We start our journey to Liberty Island and Ellis Island - (i've never done both in one swoop)...Justin ended up finding some of his family in the manifests...while we explored the air conditioned pedastal tour AND inside the main building of Ellis.  It was a hot one.  And here I am, picking her nose.

DAY 6-  our tour ended with a quick walk down Wall Street to finally stop at Tiffany's jewelry store...and marvel at the bling bling and enjoying our final moments here.  Lovely day.  And this is me.

New York City, I owe you one more day.

I always leave there wanting more.  The last evening I was there was wonderful.  I made an emergency LAST MINUTE stop at Screaming Mimi's...and a last minute emergency stop to Blue Man @ the Astor.  In honor of my times going home...I stopped in to see the show one last time before leaving tuesday.  Ah, there is such a difference when you are seeing a fan show v. a regular show.  How I love both.  I love the over the top energy (minus the clapping during music)...of a fan meet show....and the stillness and wide-eyed fancy I get watching them by "myself" to embrace what is so blue that I love.  I love it all really.  I think if they were here in dallas i would spoil myself too much.  Thankfully, they are far away - and are a great delicacy to me...and a treasure beyond words.

15 years ago I stepped into this "off-broadway" show called Blue Man Group...that planted a seed...a seed that helped me to blossom into the artist i am...and into meeting the coolest people on earth that I can share random acts of blue man, and more futuristicly - wiggling. :)

Would you like to see videos? :) 

First, we start with pictures.

one person i've known since 2001....several since 2002.....2003....and on and on it goes.  Some people i met for the first time...and still didn't get to meet EVERYONE.  Much love to you all.  You are always in my hearts. 

some of us "older" fans from the BMMB - i met most of these folks in 2001 and on. 

To see what all I did in NYC - you can visit my album at www.pinklightstore.com - VACATION.
but really, is it a vacation if you run yourself tired? LOL!

I think it was amazing. and I honestly owe NYC one more day. 
I will go back sometime soon and do a few things that I had on my list, that I forgot to do. :)

I <3 NYC.

The Fly away.........................

a surprise to most..............
the couple spent their "get away" ...flying in a helicopter!

some teasers are up...........................more to come of course.

Let the DYE-ing begin.

I'm about to let myself embark on a creative journey....much like I take these journeys that are spiritual in nature...the creative journey is inter-connected as well.  I know that I'm meant to unlock more inside. :)  For now...this is what you get...from my creative monday....

blue DYE!!!

Taking some older shirts and giving them some more life.
I took a really really old bmg shirt...and turned it blue..and i'll probably sew it up the back too.
My art shirts kind of just absorbed the color - so it look like blue blobs. : )
my element tee turned out interesting...but i will probably put some art over it...and make it more interesting.
nice to have felt a little "blue" yesterday.

More to come as the unlocking begins. :)

take care Tuesday.

Random.

I have about 10 days til we leave for NYC. I'm way too excited.

This is something kinda fun................................a pendant..............still working on some ideas for this...we'll see...............................today is going to be a creative day.

I deem this CREATIVE DAY MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Documentary project.

I do have to say I'm very VERY pleased with the documentary process I am doing with my lovely friend Becky.  She is undergoing a physical transformation...and any of you that have taken on that task...(be it for life, 3 months, 90 days, what have you)...you know that it changes you inside too. Maybe you learn a new passion inside for helping others...maybe you learn how your decisions led you to a place of discontent.  Maybe you learn....it is not as EASY as you thought to make changes.

Whatever the task...I'm excited to watch the process, because we are always going through SOME kind of transformation...though, those in denial and just in existence don't understand it.  Comfort is their food.  I'm trying to embrace the consistency of change...and get used to NOT be comfy.  But sometimes, I just want to sit still and enjoy a "plateau".................but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. haahahah! 

I guess it is a double-edge thing - we want change, but we are in a plateau...or we are consistently changing...and then we desire that plateau. LOL! HAHAHAHAHA

anyways...........i can't wait to share what we've done so far....at the right time...
probably 2 months in....
and she will finish her last month....STRONG!

anyways....hope you are having a fabulous weekend!!!

Much love to you!

Jen

2 more weeks til NYC!!!

Ever been so excited about something you just can't sit still???
YEA, that is me.

It is a good thing I have various tasks, projects and thoughts to keep me occupied before my trip.  We have TWO weeks til we leave...and I had made a list of things I wanted to do...that I will be doing soon....this week is a deadline week for some contract work....otherwise, next week - I'll be more free to dive into some more creativity!!!!

I have some amazing energy bubbles that tend to surface when I think about NYC and seeing blue man group.  I'm so excited and so blessed by them every time I'm around them or the fans.  I cannot wait to get there and make memories.

So, where are YOU going this summer? :)

me in Las Vegas 2003 - @ the Venetian