Now is the Time!

For Holiday Cards, of course.

Check out the designs below featuring my wonderful clients, and order your own holiday cards in the online proofing gallery. All cards can be customized to fit your needs, and come in several styles: flat; folded; Luxe (die-cut); or as a photo card.

Email me at jessica@js-p.com for more details on how to order!

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Die-cut Luxe card.

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Two-sided, flat card.

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5" Luxe, scalloped round card. Add a pre-punched hole and give your card as a personalized ornament.

Girl Scouts

Every now and then, I get an opportunity do something out of the ordinary. Something unexpected. Something rewarding. Most recently, that something came in the form of girl scouts ― eight to be exact ― gathered around a dining room table. 

Erica and Cydnee, troop leaders and super-moms (girl scouts, basketball, and homemade cider - all in the same afternoon), asked if I would help the girls earn their photography badge. The idea thrilled me. I was even further thrilled to find that my friend Judy Larson would be there. With the help of Judy's slide show, we worked together to present what we thought the girls should know. It was our hope that when it came time for them to try their hand, they would know more about composition, equipment, and the digital darkroom. I was even thanked for not making my explanation of shutter speed too boring! It was then that I knew just how inspiring I really am.

The highlight of the meeting followed, when it came time for the scouts to split up and roam the hills with camera in hand. I was delighted to hear wildly excited chatter about light, posing, and how they thought dried thistle was beautiful and therefore worthy of a picture.

Rewarding, indeed.

Thank you Erica and Cydnee for asking me to share what I know, and for letting me borrow the top two photos below. Thank you Girl Scouts for being an enthusiastic audience. And Judy, thank you for being such a generous teammate.

Checking out the difference between wide angle & telephoto.

Ready to shoot! Photo by Judy Larson.

Megan

Megan is a good kind of shy, with a creative side and shining blue eyes. I was able to spend some time with her and her brother Jacob, exploring alleyways and train cars in Chadron. 

Megan is a junior at Chadron High School, and wanted something other than the usual school pictures. She was the reason for the adventure, but Jacob―our tour guide―was willing to jump in for some sibling shots when needed. (Extra long side note: Small world! While talking with Jacob, I found out that his grandpa does a pancake breakfast at Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground where I used to work in the summers. Conrad brought me pancakes and sausage when I was lucky enough to work the morning shift. It was several years ago, so I doubt he would remember me, but it made me smile to recall his kindness. Much shorter side note: I live for pancakes.)

Chadron has a fantastic downtown for photos, and we seemed to find a new backdrop around each corner. Megan brought spirit to an otherwise lifeless brown wall, and polish to tired brick. Chipped white paint sparkled with her standing near it. And the best part about Megan? I don’t even think she knows she is capable of such things. She is not the girl who will tell you she’s smart or beautiful, but you can’t help but notice on your own. And that’s what I call the best kind of shy.

Thank you, Bradley family, for inviting me to spend an afternoon downtown. Hope you enjoy my favorites.

Will & Hayden

I could hardly contain my excitement when Katie called to schedule their session. Surely I spoke too fast and sounded oddly eager. It is possible that I may have even stuttered. I get that way, especially when it comes to all things perfect and tiny, and most especially when it comes to photographing babies with temperaments like those of Will and Hayden.

I am always thrilled to photograph any baby, but I have never had the opportunity to work with newborn twins and don't believe I've ever said that we allotted too much time. Katie and Aric were prepared to spend three hours of quality time with me. I was prepared for breaks and feedings. But the twins did not see the need, so we were finished after only an hour and a half. This included clothing changes, a family portrait, and living room re-arranging. And yes, they were awake.

Hayden has the most beautiful long dark hair, and would grab onto it tightly and forget to let go. At times this got uncomfortable for her, but I couldn't help but smile. Will has bright eyes and less hair, but with adorable swirls and cowlicks. He decided that he was ready for a nap when it came time to take the photo of the whole family. They loved snuggling and looking at each other, and are clearly the best of friends. It will be exciting for their parents to watch their individual personalities emerge, but for now, I'm sure they're enjoying a time when all is perfect and tiny.

Aric and Katie, thank you for letting me spend the morning with your family. Posted are a few of my favorites.