So January 2012 has come and gone – note to self: don’t make declarations of a commitment to your blog and then fail to follow through!

To be fair, January proved to be unpredictably busy (packed with client web projects and a move) and February flew by while I tied up unfinished work and took care of administrative duties. One of which, I am happy to report, is a new blog/website/online service facelift – keep an eye out for that! But I can’t let all that keep me from sharing some of the beauty I’ve witnessed this past year. Today I’d love to start playing catch up by highlighting my growth into the wonderful world of wedding photography…

I’m lucky enough to be able to share with you a select set of images that I took shooting for Michael Tallman back in September. The beauty of New England in the fall certainly has no bounds, in my book. Add a group of family and friends brought together by a couple’s love and commitment to one another – magical evening.

This breathtaking wedding location is appropriately titled, “Castle in the Clouds”

Happy Holidays from Jennifer McKenna Photography!

Starting in the new year, I will be back to blogging again. Start checking back in after the holiday season and until then have a safe, cheerful, and cozy few last weeks of 2011.

Jen

It is high time I sneak in a rare post! I’ve been meaning to blog about the amazing time I’ve had so far working for the Dolphin Organics™ team… Creating visual pieces to accompany their brilliant (and benevolent) brand of baby care products has been really special. Not only are these shampoos, bubble baths, and conditioners safe on the most sensitive of skins, but they also come with a wealth of knowledge-nuggets that we as health-conscious consumers will value among the highest of priorities for ourselves and our families. How often is it that we read the labels (or even can, upon attempting) of the products we’re using in our lives… We care about the quality of our air and the safety of our food, so why not be savvy too about the products we’re using on our skin! Dolphin Organics makes this all too easy with their “truth in labeling” mission to educate, but also simplify the process, by providing the clearest of labels and messages. You can check out the bottle in my images below and see for yourself.
This commercial work was a wonderful fit – happy, real, and personality inspired. How about those genuine smiles and gorgeous faces! Cheers to happy and healthy children, and a whole lot of giggles and fun…

It’s been week full of rain so I hope I can find the time to go take some dramatic shots before the sun comes out again. Monday morning I passed over the Tappan Zee bridge, driving into a navy/grey storm cloud that brightened the beams against its darkness, and made them mysteriously disappear ten feet above the roof of my car. It was as beautiful as it was eerie… the words “Life is Worth Living” stuck out on a sign to my right, and rain drops steadily fell to my windshield as the wipers continued to sweep them away.

Whenever it’s unnaturally dark for a particular time of day, I always get this odd calm feeling, like there is something frozen and different about the moment, leading us to unwed our minds from that hour to hour minute to minute routine. I like new perspectives like this (even when I’m not shooting); Chris knows – I’ll stand on a chair or lie down on the floor… Before you say I’m crazy, let me remind you that this is healthy for your brain! The novelty helps sharpen your mind:) But back to the memory… what really struck me was that rather than the grey, colorless, muddy hue that sometimes comes with this kind of weather, I was surrounded by a brilliant, blue soulful tone, like those you see at twilight, and it was extraordinary. I only wish that next time I won’t be the one holding the wheel!

On to the photos.

In between the few commercial assignments I’ve been working on for a new, amazing company who will launch later this spring/summer, I was able to make a quick trip up to the great city of Boston. Talking business and catching up with my friend, Mimi Phan, was such a treat! We discussed branding, photography, and future growth of Jennifer McKenna Photography – and I’m lucky to have her input and talent. We also had time to sneak in a brief styled shoot, complete with twirls and a very photogenic sundress :) Here she is, charming and chic:

Mimi shoot Part II includes quite possibly my favorite shot of the day, along with a quick trip to the Apple store (which of course seemed photo worthy, despite potentially unoriginal)

Hi all – posting a small set of photos taken for the “Billy the Kid” webpage I created last month. It is finally up online and can be accessed here.

Meet the lovely owner and talent of Lovia Beauty, Ruth. I have been working on a number of promo shots for her work, and to showcase one of her ‘bridal’ looks I’ve posted a favorite and (I might be biased as the model is one of my dearest friends! but) I think she looks stunning.
I will be posting a more extensive album on Facebook as soon as I have the time, so keep an eye out if you’re interested in that. If you “like” my page on Facebook you will be the first to know, when it comes up in your newsfeed!

It’s been a while since I posted… here’s the latest!

I flew to the city of lights this past February – Las Vegas! and WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) trade show and convention allowed me the opportunity listen to and meet some of the best in the business as they spoke about their various paths to success, inspirations, and photography careers in general. So wonderful to meet the new people that I did. It might be hard to miss next year… it is an annual event.

(shout out to my brother Mike for being the best Vegas host a girl could ask for!)

I also published that facebook page I’ve been meaning to use (finally!) and you can view it here: facebook.com/jennifermckennaphoto.

On to the subject of this post: a preview from yesterday’s shoot in Chelsea, Manhattan. And she said she was worried about modeling… Get out of here, gorgeous girl!

I will have a Facebook page out in the next day or so… excited!

Up to this point, all my work has come to me via word of mouth. Whether in reference to design or photography, I was so pleasantly surprised and genuinely amazed by the power of a network of friends and satisfied clients. Nevertheless, my cautious personality (multiplied by an unhealthy drive toward impossible perfection) left me shying away from marketing on my own.
Holding back led to feeling the weight of “live and learn” hard, and I saw just how “waiting” turns into missed opportunity. But if not for experience, where would any of us be? From every misstep, grew a greater sense of urgency, and a better understanding of myself, my work, and what needed to be done.
The culmination of all that my work and I have been through in the past year has led me to conclude that regret isn’t something with which any of us want to live. So, world, I’m going to be better about blogging. I’m going to connect with you online and I’m going to put myself out there. I’m going to smile when I stumble and jump up with vigor and grace ;) I’m going to be me, confidently, and love that you love doing the same.
Let(‘s) go.

Window to my world:

At this moment I am…

slowly checking off items on an enormous to do list.

keeping winter temperatures at bay.

enjoying the sunshine… wanting to dive headfirst into it, but remaining productive indoors.

thinking about the new year, what it holds, and how to make things happen.

Happy Sunday the 23rd, world. I’m ready for us to meet!

* be fearless… anything less will hold you back. *

Girly pinks and pastels… check.   Cupcake the size of baby’s head… check.   Baby… beautiful beaming baby… can you let me know if this Doesn’t make you smile?