Derrick & Shawna

I wasn't really nervous, as I could have been. This was my first time shooting a Wedding with my new Digital Canon 30D. I knew from the months of research and studying that the most critical part was the lighting. I had shot two previous weddings years ago with my film camera. I wasn't as nervous as I could have been, because the bride was my cousin Shawna. She already had a photographer taking some shots of the wedding and making a digital movie. I was there to try my best to give her some amazing memories to cherish from my point of view, because I love her! Being a Wedding Photographer has long been a dream of mine. I couldn't have asked for a better first subject than someone very close to my heart that was family. I knew if the pictures came out absolutely horrible, she'd love me anyways. But I was determined to put my heart and soul into doing my best. It was an awesome learning experience, and I had a wonderful time catching up with other members of our family where visits are few and far between. Life has a way of slipping by way too quickly, and before you know it, another year has passed. We

all made a vow to visit more often...again. I will do my best to keep my promise.

Before you know it the wedding is over, the food devoured, the decorations taken down, the dress packed safely away, the only way they will have to walk back in time and remember their treasured day, is with their pictures. I am so happy and honored that I am able to give them a lifetime of memories. Here are a few from their day.

CowGirl Up !!!

"Oh NO, It's pouring down rain!" I said looking out the back door while talking to Sean and Carrie as we were getting ready to leave. "Should I call and ask if it's canceled?" Carrie asked, almost afraid of what my answer would be. "No, let's just drive on out and see what's going on". I grabbed my umbrella anyways and we headed off.

About half way through our half hour drive, the clouds parted, the roads dried up, and the sun peeked through the mist. Whew! ! You never know with Ohio weather, it can be pouring rain on one side of the street and completely dry on the other. That was close!

We pulled into the farm and they were already in the arena warming up. With my new Cochlear Implant I could hear the snickers and neighs of the horses greeting everyone and all the activity with excitement. I love the smell of horses! I've owned many through out my life and had two of them up until last year when finances forced me to sell my last one. I still see him since he is boarded by his new owners at my friend Michelle's farm, The InnisFree Horse Farm in Canal Winchester, Ohio. http://www.theinnisfreefarm.com/ She raises, trains, breeds and boards all kinds of horses.

Twice a year she has her own horse shows for her boarders and their families to gather for fun, games, and free food (my kids' favorite part!) It's a really fun atmosphere and the kids and a chance for all the boarders to get to know one another. We had a blast. They had the cutest games and won prizes.

Of course I took my camera to capture pictures of my favorite animal in the world! I'll own horses again someday I can't live without them! Until then, here are a few of my favorite from the day.

This is Nate, a HUGE dapple grey Percheron/Thoroughbred, he was mine for his first 5 years of life. Now he has a wonderful new owner and is thriving under her love and care. He is such a gentle giant that Michelle is able to use him for riding lessons.

There were several super cool games, like this one, trying to run your horse around a barrel and grab the wooden spoon without knocking anything over, or Falling OFF!

Michelle's barn accommodates any age range or level of experience, from beginners to advanced, from little baby jumps......

to Bigger Jumps.........

My daughter Carrie having a blast, stealing a ride, while cooling down "Mister" after the show

My son Sean was just smitten with the babies.....

Young Family Portraits

"Be prepared for the girls to be a bit shy at first", said Nikki. "That's fine", I said, "we can go as slow as we need to". I only schedule one photo session per day. This allows us to be relaxed and in no hurry to finish so that I can capture the best shots of all the little looks and emotions that mean so much.

I was shooting the Young Family Portraits after a day of playing email tag with Nikki who was trying to schedule a shoot around her husband Sean's work schedule. Finally it was set and we met in a beautiful Library setting of Nikki's choice. While Nikki dressed the girls and did their hair out of the back of their family van, I chatted with Sean, the Dad and husband. I had brought two of my own kids with me and we were teasing about them being my "caddies" and lugging around my camera bag and light reflectors behind us.

The fun thing about shooting family portraits in a creative, photojournalist style is that I could play with the girls at first, get them relaxed used to me. Soon they all but forget about me having a camera and this is in fact a "photo shoot". Shooting outside in natural light is a challenge, but it's my favorite way to do a photo session. Having the great outdoors as your backdrop has limitless possibilities of beautiful pictures that this family will forever be able to treasure. The girls are growing fast at this age! I am honored to be the one who captured their youth and the love of their family. Although there are way too many to post on here, here are a just a few of my favorites. Thank You Sean, Nikki, Caitlyn, and Alexis for letting me be a part of this special day of capturing your beautiful family memories!

Are We There Yet?!?

"Are you on your way?", read my text message. "YES", I quickly typed back and clicked my phone shut. We were in the right general area, now we just had to find them. Ever notice how when your trying to get somewhere on time you hit every single traffic light or get behind the slowest person on the road. Today was one of those days! "This can't be it" I said to the boys as we pulled in front the parking lot and found it deserted. "Let's try to go around back and see if they are back there", I said as we pulled back out on the street and sat through what felt like another 10 minute traffic light. We turned down a few more streets and found the back parking lot of the grounds. "I see them!" yelled out my son Damian. "So do I", chimed in Sean.

I parked the car and pulled out my phone again. "We're here", I typed in, knowing my friend Cherene would start looking for me at the entrance. I checked my camera settings as I walked up to the field, spotting Cherene's husband and son Jason parked under a shade tree. "Now you two have the right idea!" I chided as I walked past looking for my friend.

Loud cheers rang out from the other parents sitting on the sidelines rooting for their young players. I was here meeting my friend Cherene to practice my sports photography. Both of Cherene's sons play soccer. Not just any ordinary league soccer team, they play "Elite Soccer", the best of the best. They have been playing since they were old enough to walk and chase the ball, and I have no doubt will be playing Pro someday! Beckham replacements for sure! This morning we were watching her youngest son Jordan. His big brother Jason is the one resting for his game later that day. Just then, I could feel the ground shake as the teams headed in our direction. You can see and feel the intensity of the game. These kids don't mess around!

Sports photography is a world away from Portrait photography and takes a good eye, timing, coordination, and understanding of the game. Cherene is the team photographer for both of her sons and she is teaching me about the game so I can better understand where to aim, how to follow the action, and anticipate how to get the best shots. It's a high action, fast paced, intense game. It will take much practice to master sports photography. What better way to practice than spending time with your friend and rooting for her kids. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Can I really pull this off?!?

I sat this morning going through the phone book trying to figure out who to contact first, or second, or just anyone at all! Caterer's, Bakeries, Reception halls, Bridal shops...where do I begin?
I reached out and asked a brilliant photographer from NC for some much needed advice. Millie Holloman, of Millieholloman.com was so nice and gave me some awesome advice, and told me exactly what I needed to hear. Her pictures are incredible and If I can only reach just a smiggin of her level of talent I'd make myself proud! Reaching out to ask for help is something I'm not very good at.
I'm spent most of my life in "full survival mode" and I'm still learning how to relax and trust that there is a path for me to follow my dreams if only I can sum up the courage to continue on. I literally have to force myself to not get scared and climb back into my safe little hidy hole. Breathe..you can do this. I spent over 4 hours last week emailing every single photographer who had an email listed on Central Ohio's Professional Photographer website. Sadly, I can count the number of responces I got back on one hand. A couple were very nice and gave me some good advice such as "Join" the Photographers Association and attend the meetings in my area. I already plan on doing just that! One person commented back to me that Ohio is already over saturated with wannabe photographers taking the business away from the "REAL" Pros. nice huh! What this person didn't know is that I've been studying photography since I was 14 years old. My hearing loss has been a lifelong progression that started when I was 4 and pretty much ended a year ago when I lost what little residual hearing I had left. Fear of failure, rejection, and not being able to hear my potential clients, or anyone at all for that matter, to properly communicate is what has held me back from pursuing photography on the professional business level this whole time. I've known my way around a camera, lighting, and developing for a long long time. I started out shooting film and developing it in my high school dark rooms. I could tell you a few juicy stories about us young teenager in those dark rooms...*sigh*, but that's another story. I learned photography the old way and was thrilled when Digital became the norm. Now I can shoot as much as I want and get instant satisfaction from seeing instant results. No more wasting costly roll after roll of film trying to work out new lights or projects.
I have spent the last 2 years reading any and every photography and photo-shop book I can get my hands on. Going to a class for me was pointless since I would just sit there staring at the teacher wondering, "what exactly is it your saying". I tried the "interpreter route" in photography classes before only to have the whole class stare at me like I was some weird science project. So I decided to go it alone. Teaching myself the new digital age techniques has been a challenge and a blessing. I don't have to put up with the stares or missing information because the teacher is just going to fast or the class is just too full. I can take my time, make my own mistakes and correct them at my own pace. I love photography! I always have! And I'm here to stay! Yes, I can pull this off......I think so....yes I can....I hope so.....Now if I can just get enough courage to start asking people I don't know to let me take their pictures! Wanna go first?!

The youngest ANTM !!!

A few days ago I was so honored, nervous and excited to be chosen to do a Headshot session for a young actress/model. I had the most amazing time and hardly had to give this young lady any directions at all! She was a total natural in front of the camera and just snapped pose after pose which left me in stitches laughing at her ability to keep it fresh. Mom and her Nana tagged along and quietly chatted while Larissa "did her thing"! Grandma later told Larissa's mom she had created a Model Monster! I can't wait to see this young girl's career take off. Be ready...she is definitely aiming for the stars!!

Introducing.....ME!

Seems like everywhere I look lately...the next biggest thing is to have your own blog! Well I'm not one to be left behind....so here's mine :-)

My name is Jeannie, I'm a Deaf Professional Photographer! I love it!! I now have the most awesome job in the world! And I'm meeting the most amazing caring people on the planet, not to mention..super smart! Being Deaf is an obstacle...but I'm not letting it stop me anymore!

This past May 29th I underwent the knife! I finally was deaf enough to be fitted with a Cochlear Implant. It's changed my life! Slowly but surely I'm coming back out of my shell that I had built around myself while feeling imprisoned by my deafness. I feel like I've been given a new chance at life and I'm taking it full steam ahead!

I've been taking pictures since I was 14 when I received my first camera (a Pentax 35mm) for my birthday. I joined my High School Photography class and found my passion and my creative outlet.

I'm married to a super crafty Mason who specializes in outdoor brick/stone fireplaces. I'm a mom to 5 kids who are of course my most photographed subjects. For over 13 years I worked at a total dead end office job...you know the one where you sit in the depressing "cubicle" without a window in sight. Last year I had enough and decided to pursue a life where my heart really was.

I'll be updating my blog on a regular basis to help Market my Photography Business. I'll post pictures of my work, share my triumphs, set-backs, my family, and our lives.

For now...here's a picture of 4 of the kids at the beach this month. It's hard sometimes to get them all in the same place at the same time...LOL