Monday, August 29, 2011

New Packaging!

What do you think of our new packaging for the discs??


Friday, August 26, 2011

Ginger & PJ are ENGAGED!!!

Immediately, I fell in love with Ginger & PJ.  So unique, and fun.. Ginger is a FIRE HOOP DANCER!!  And PJ loves to surf and dress up in funny costumes and outfits!  Ok, be honest.. Didn't you just fall in love with them too?  During our consultation, we were brainstorming on some eshoot ideas.  Being the fabulous and unique couple that they are, a plain jane shoot wouldn't do.  No, no no.  I think it was PJ who brought up the surfboard idea.  As soon as he mentioned the word "surfboard", I was all about it.  GENIUS!!!! 

The day of the shoot rolled around.  I was so excited, I couldn't contain my excitement.. until I looked outside.  It was dark, and it was hours before sunset.  We decided to give it a shot anyway & we'll make it work.  I was so bummed because I had this beautiful SoCal image in my head.  Yes, I realize I'm in FL, but I had a image in my head.  So let me be.  But you know FL weather, one spot will be rainy and a 1/2 a mile down the road, it's completely sunny.  I was still worried, because I know how fast things can change.  Luckily, not only did it stay rain-free but it was completley cool.  It hasn't been that nice since early March.  And just wait till you see the sunset!

I don't normally have my clients pick me up and drive to our location, but I'm so glad we did this time, because I got this picture.
Hehe, don't try this yourselves!  I was scared out of my mind, between PJ's driving and this gigantic surfboard, which literally touched the back window and the front windshield.








Bryan laughed at this picture.  He said, "Where are they going to surf?  There's not one wave!"  Party pooper, I like this picture very much, thank you.







GINGER!!!!  You are STUNNING!  Ugh, I both love and hate you.








SO glad we didn't reschedule the shoot.  I want to keep this sunset in my pocket. 

We were wrapping up, when PJ spotted some dolphins in the water.  So into the water they went.  LOVE THEM! 





My favorite.  Two dolphins playing together.  <3 <3 <3

So the park is closing.  We need to leave.  But this sunset is so beyond perfect, I'm still snapping away.  I couldn't resist.  Besides a slight vignette, this photo is untouched.  Gorgeous, right?

So, we're walking to the car and Ginger looks at me.  She takes a deep breath, and says, "Jessica.  Don't. Move."  Those are dangerous words.  I know what those words mean.  There is a bug on me.  I looked down, and on my shootsac, there is the world's largest grasshopper/locust monster, literally staring at me, so ready to pounce.  I go into panic mode.  I try throwing the bag on the ground, but I know any slight movement, it's going to jump on my face and eat my brains.  I try to shrink, duck my head, shut my eyes as tight as they can go & flat out panic without moving.  Ginger, my hero, with one swift movement swipes it away.  I don't know how she did it, mentally.  I wouldn't have been able to do it.  Hero.  There are no words..  Ginger, I owe you.
And no, I did not get a picture of the monster.
But I did get one more shot...

This shoot is defintely one of my all time favorites.  A gorgeous couple, surfboard, amazing sunset and wild dolphins...  How in the world does it get better?
Can't wait for the wedding!!!!!!!!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Hope

When I knew photography was what I wanted to do, I couldn't sleep.  Literally, I would stay awake all night brainstorming on shoots..  who, where, poses, etc.  I couldn't turn my brain off.  And I would often be thinking of photographing my good friend Hope & her boyfriend Jason.  (Did that sound creepy?)  Gorgeous redhead & total rocker guy.  What photographer wouldn't be obsessed with them?

Hope & Jason are such dear friends.  Bryan and I always have the best time when they're around.  Jason plays the drums for Soul Circus Cowboys, a country band about to make it big.  They just came back from Nashville, where they made their first video.  I can't wait to see how it comes out.

Hope came to me, wanting to do something for Jason.  So we combined a Trash the Dress session with a Boudoir session, and we came up with this.  Hellooooooo gorgeous!













Working with one of my best friends was so much fun.  I can't wait to do it again, and next time it will be with Jason!!!  Ohh, that will be awesome.  Just wait.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Kenisha and Marcus are MARRIED!!

Kenisha was one of the first people who started following my blog, when I started my business.  She wrote me, saying that she's getting married but she had no idea when, and she wanted me to do her wedding.  I remember thinking, "OMG!  SOMEONE LIKES MY WORK!!"  It was an amazing feeling, and she was so super sweet.  Fast forward a year later, and I get an email from her, saying that they set a date!  I was so excited, and thrilled that she remembered me!  It was such an honor to meet the two of them and their little girl, Victoria.  So, so cute, let me tell you.

My awesome friend and former bride, Jeanine, was my second shooter for the day.  She's an amazing upcoming photographer in the area.  I LOVED having her assisting me.  She is a dream!  Thanks again, Jeanine, for everything.  I can't wait to work with you again!




















Jeanine and I were getting ready for Kenisha to put on her dress, when someone turned on some music and they all started dancing!!!  I LOVED IT!!!  I can honestly say, that's never happened to me before, and what a perfect way to shake off some nerves.




Probably my favorite picture.  Jeanine, you rock.  And Kenisha, your legs are KILLER!








I took Kenisha down to the lobby and took some pictures before we left for the church.  This lobby is gorgeous!  I love this fabulous wall! 




Victoria sees her mommy for the first time.  She said, "Mommy, you look beauuutiful!" 










I'm in love with the movement in these pictures.


I love this idea that Kenisha & Marcus had.  Since their last name is Madison, they wanted to take pictures by the street sign in Downtown Tampa.  Love this! 
Also, let me say that this is the bridal party of the year.  So much fun, and so incredibly helpful.  It was SO HOT, but they were amazing and chose to have fun instead of being miserable.  Seriously, best bridal party ever.  Thanks guys for rockin' it!!! 











The reception was at the Tampa Club.  This was an experience in itself.  You shot up 41 flights within SECONDS.  I had no idea we were going up so high, and all of a sudden, my ears started popping!!  I'm thinking to myself.. well, that's weird.
In this picture, you can see we are higher than the Sykes building, aka The Beer Can, and you can see the University of Tampa in the background!







My favorite part of the night.  Marcus belongs to Omega Psi Phi.  At one point in the night, the brothers gathered around Kenisha and serenaded her with the sweetest song, while Marcus was at her feet, singing too. 



And there was some stomping....... 
It was something I've never experienced before.  It was quite amazing.  I loved every moment of it. 


Marcus got some air!!! 






Night time view of the city, with the reflection of the dance floor.  I love this picture, Jeanine!! 




Jeanine, you rock.  I'm in love with your talent and so blessed to have you come with me!

Kenisha & Marcus, you finally did it!!  I was so honored to be there, and I had so so so much fun.  The whole day really flew by.  I can't wait to do your Rock the Dress session.  It will be AMAZING!!!  Yall are the best!


 
© Jessica Charles Photography
CoffeeShop Designs