How weddings can turn you into a better person!

Image by Irish Coffee Studio - Scarborough Renaissance Festival 2016

Wedding days!

(me, as the rainbow fairy at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival capturing a wedding) 

You might be thinking to yourself... 

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!?!

A wedding day in a couples' life is literally the most challenging AND rewarding day I'll ever work in my life.  (so far).  I have learned so many things about myself and the human race at a wedding day celebration.  In that respect, I feel I've also grown as a human being and became a better person because of it.  Let me break it down for you!

#1 - Weddings bring out more love than you imagine!  
I've seen weddings that have been overly dramatized because of turmoil, but most of the weddings I'm a part of are literally EXPLODING with love!  I have learned to loved deeper being around people that truly are there to support and love during the entire event.

#2 - Weddings bring out everyone's inner creativity!
I've noticed these days instead of following a cookie cutter list of things a couple should do, we are actually getting creative with expressing ourselves MORE!  I have seen endless hours put into DIY projects all for the love of the ideas & creativity the families & friends possess to make a day fun and decorative.  My favorite kinds of weddings are those that allow folks to dress in costume or a theme!  This allows everyone to express not only their LOVE, but their creativity!  It is seriously the best!

#3 - Weddings enhance TIME management skills!
If you have ever wondered what it is like being a wedding photographer...do we know the times?  The schedules?  Sometimes yes and no!  I am now to the point of being able to better use my time with the couples as we plan out their day for the images they want.  It has made being a small business owner more thrilling because I've learned to manage time for things that are VERY important.  Have you ever talked to a wedding planner?  Ask them about TIME management!  It has made me far better of a planner and using my time better.

#4 - Weddings help us work in TEAMS!
I know going in I'm only ONE of handfuls of vendors there to serve the couples and the family on the big day!  In talking and reaching out to the other people working there - you learn better teamwork skills.  Communicating thoughts & ideas and then DOING them is a brilliant wedding day!

#5 - Weddings help you appreciate the life you have!
Every single time I capture a wedding I am thankful for my husband.  I remember how we met, how we courted and when we got married.  I get to re-live those moments during the days I'm shooting pictures.  I get to see how 2 people committed before their respected family and friends and have a bond of unity.  I go home a better person in gratitude than I ever could in being jealous for someone else's life.

Staying THANKFUL for who you are, what you do and the life you have is powerful.

I hope you enjoy these little bits today - I'm pretty obsessed about things I learn and grow with.

The next time you are at a wedding day, take a moment to look at the photographer differently.  You might just see something in yourself and in them that unites us all!

To hire me for your wedding day:
Contact Jen at www.pinklightimages.com

I specialize in creative/unique/themed weddings as well as a handful of
destination weddings throughout the year. 

SUBSCRIBE to my YOUTUBE for "Punches of Pink" -  a series that inspires, encourages and helps others to aspire.

Have you tried something new?

(LtoR:  Jane Love, Me, Chelsea Goers, Mary Poll and Dale Ralph)

 

 When was the last time you tried something new?

In life I've found most comparisons we hear on podcasts, teachings, preaching, video blogs, live feeds and more....we hear life is like a mountain range.  We have peaks and valleys.  Have you ever considered that in between those two points and ON those two points you may have to try something new?

There are a lot of emotions and challenges that come with pursuing our passions.  In that time of trying, questioning, doing and doubting we may find simply that we need to TRY something new.  The word try to me doesn't say "succeed or fail", it simply says TRY.  The action word.

REAL LIFE
In this behind-the-scenes main image (above)  I was starting to have a miscarriage.  I didn't let it stop my creativity while I was in the moment with my awesome creative cohorts.  I tried something very bizarre and new in the space and time I had been given as a photographer with a model.  I took the time to TRY something that seemed like it would lead to nowhere.  In the end, it led to LAUGHTER and many new weird ideas forming.
You can tell we are ALL engaged in the moment and trying to figure it all out together.

What is a new thing for you?

Is it a new class to learn something?  A new area around your city to explore?  A new recipe to cook?  Maybe a new fitness style class?

BURN OUT
I find myself burned out as a photographer only when it comes to education in my industry.  I value the instructors and their time and talent, but I get so burned out easily when it is something that doesn't inspire me to grow or be challenged.  I step away and find something ELSE creative to learn that enchances my OVERALL skill-set and I find a happy place.  That happy place my friends is trying something new. 

Recently I just completed one of my favorite "Punches of Pink" episode 15.  It has one of my favorite people on the planet in it.  Because of her, I've learned more about storytelling than photography.  There is just something about passions at the core and what we try to communicate as artists.  I tried something new taking her courses on just that.

In that token as well, starting the new webseries "Punches of Pink" has been the most enlightening and rewarding experiences of my life.  Mostly because its not all about ME.  I like bringing in the community of people I'm surrounded by to hear and share their stories of inspiration or encouragement.  This is something I jumped out and TRIED this year, 2016.

Have you tried something new that has NOTHING to do with yourself? 
What strengths do you possess that you have not ACCESSED because you haven't tried something new?

NEW THINGS = NEW COMMUNITY
I found a new avenue of creativity and community when I stopped thinking of only myself and what I know.  We should ALL be sharing things we know with each other!  We can all be celebrated in this moment that our life story should be shared with each other.  Our hurts, our deepest desires, fears, joys, strengths and weaknesses.  The moment we start to worship someone that seems so perfect and has their life together - is the moment we forget we have our own life to live and make GREAT. :)

Today, get out there and try something NEW.
It can be anything that has been hounding your heart/mind...
I'm betting you know exactly what it is!

Get out there, and find your greatness!

Love Jen


NEWS:

 You can now listen to my podcast with NERD OUT LOUD episode 127 to hear how being a Blue Man Fan for the past 20 years has been a part of my story & art.


 

Punches of Pink: Episode 14 - Angie on Writing and Comfort zones!

in case you missed this yesterday...i'm sorry it was SO LATE!!!!



"Punches of Pink" episode 14 - Angie - real talk about writing and comfort zones!




This is a dear long-time friend of mine whom I just adore! She is sharing a tad about some writing exercises she walked through as well as some insight on staying in your comfort zone. Hope you enjoy! I just love her giggles and smile!

Pink Light Images www.pinklightimages.com

going through LOSS without getting LOST!

“going through LOSS without getting LOST”…

In these moments leading up to what the calendar says is Mother’s day I felt it only fitting to share where we are now and the journey of healing since our 2^nd miscarriage. 

I find it hard to be in any sort of spotlight about this personal experience…but I also know that so many people have dealt with, are dealing with or WILL deal with this type of thing.  Not everyone can say they were in the same city, same time of year and around some of the same people when they had their miscarriage.  For whatever reason, I was. 

Both times I was surrounded by many creatives and we all had various purposes for being there but one unified theme… to CONNECT. 

Now that I’ve come through the worst part which was so physically hard…  I have come to the emotional stage of healing.  I started the process at the last video I shared online.  We already had received the news and begun grieving the day of the news.  It hadn’t meant I gave up, it simply meant emotions came POURING out of me.  I updated you on the actual week of the miscarriage and now I’m going to talk about where I am now. 

Over the last few weeks I’ve had plenty to keep me busy!  Being a full-time photographer and artist I am always accessing this gift in any token at any given time.  April was my busiest business month.  I had much to think about while preparing to serve my clients.  The grief and doubts were overtaken by my love of photography and servanthood to my couples.  If I did have a moment?  It was a private one in the comfort of my own home or driving to the bridal show.  I broke down in tears when I was driving because I was jealous that God got to meet my children and I didn’t.  I don’t even have a face of them…only their spirit. 

My biggest challenge will always be to walk through the vices of comparison.  We know it well.  Our good friend *comparison*  that tells us we are “less than” because we didn’t get that THING whatever that THING might be.  I am watching all of my baby buddies have no issues and all the other new babies being born.  AGAIN.  Déjà vu?  Didn’t I go through this last year????… YEA.

At first, I couldn’t look at ANYONE’s pictures.  The online world makes everything looks SO perfect.  I had to stop and shake myself up a bit realizing again that my story is MINE and theirs is theirs.  I’ve had to have MANY conversations with others that want to lay things on me that aren’t mine.  I have already had so many fears and doubts about being a mom anyways – I don’t need any more heaped on me than I already heaped onto myself.  I’m doing better at this – I can look at pictures with less triggering of deep emotional pains.

At this point, I could have gotten LOST in that negative pattern of self-doubt and critical thinking.  By lost I mean, LOST in thought…in emotion and completely de-railing myself from my original purpose anyways.  My purpose will always be to submit to God’s will for my life and the journey I will take as his friend and daughter.  I had to take a moment to realize that it is THIS journey that will speak volumes to those hurting and lost in their own worlds of emotion, despair and pain.  Purpose is so much more than you can ever put on paper.  Purpose keeps me alive and going.

How to not get LOST?

Shift your FOCUS: 

I have found that walking through this has left me finding focus into my many missions and purposes here.  I don’t have just the “one”.  I didn’t dream of being a mom a gazillion years ago.  We just decided it was time to walk that path!  I didn’t worship that desire nor did I completely shut it down.  I think there is a healthy focus when you remember that you have purpose and get focused on walking that purpose.  Find that great in between place where you don’t obsess about it but don’t necessarily shelf it either.

Walk THROUGH it not around it.

My biggest revelations to my own self while walking this has been to NOT avoid emotions and the feelings involved with this.  (or avoid this blog & video) You have to walk through the challenge and not around it.  Strength comes as your work these “muscles” in spirit, emotion, body and mind.  Not once in this space will I say “oh this is sooooo easy”.  NO NO NO NO.  It is the hardest thing I’ve done so far.  Working through dealing with people AND my own emotions have been soooo BRUTAL. 

Give yourself time.

I’m the kind of person that really really does want to move on.  Whatever it takes?  I like moving on and forward.  I like sitting still sometimes and really being IN that moment, but ultimately I want to move forward and not fall into a pit of despair and stay there.  I am just at a month out from my actual physical miscarriage and I can say I feel like it has been 3 months.  My mind, body, spirit have been steadily filled and growing as I move actively in my healing process.  I even took myself to a movie to have a big huge cry!  Yep, I took myself to My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 and cried almost the whole movie. 

Look for the LIGHT:

When I’m in creation mode I am consistently using light as a focus point just as much as shadow.  I like diving into dark things, but I don’t want to live there.  The light in my life has been God’s love every step of the way.  In that light, I know I have the freedom to do all of the above and MORE.  Healing is not a one-person job…it takes help and it takes asking for help to heal.  I’ve been so blessed to have amazing angels around me that help me sort things out and LET me process the way I know I can.  The artist in me knows that creating ART through pain heals.  I get out my best emotions and ideas in places of strain, struggle and hopelessness.  Find that light in your life…and shine bright like the star you are!   The light will also help guide you through the dark forests and mountains. 

Make LOTS of artwork:

Even if you are not an artist…using art as a medium to heal is super powerful.  I have dived into paper mache, photography, writing and movie watching as many tools that help me process things.  Your inspiration and story can come through various mediums so don’t limit yourself to just ONE.  Even a silly little jewelry making event can be so liberating to your creative soul.  Feed that creativity, don’t starve it.  Do something using your hands!  Create through the deepest fibers and watch how your heart soars.

Where are we now?

Healing.  I am healing in all the ways I can heal.  I am processing one thing at a time.  I am moving forward.  I am talking to my midwife/doctor.  I am continuing to live with purpose.  I am making artwork and I am RESTING.  I got a tattoo for my 2^nd baby over a week ago.  I am healing from that too.  

Take the time to reach out to someone today if you know they are struggling with loss – tell them you care and are thinking of them. 

On Mother’s day, think just a tad bigger than having the physical children.  Some of us “mother” many other people in this world and that too, should be celebrated. 

Much love to you,

Jen


Watch "Punches of Pink" episode 13.

Punches of Pink episode 10 : Virginia

Presenting: “Punches of Pink” episode 10!

I met the LOVELY Virginia at a photography convention in North
Carolina.  I found from the get-go she was a wealth of life, knowledge and experience unlike
any other person I had ever met!  I was SO happy to connect with her in California
while I was in the area for a business academy.  I think her message is timely to not only myself but to so many of us artists who may daily struggle with who we are and HOW we are created.   

I’m so happy to present “Punches of Pink” episode 10!   
Please share with friends that need this inspiration!  

Subscribe to the playlist:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWGjtKIVDRgugchsRp9slMPRf4EDmm5Do

Pink Light Images

www.pinklightimages.com
Weddings– Portraits – Conceptual Artwork

What happens when you have no answers and no clarity? Well, you create ANYWAY.

Just wanted to be sure and share my latest Punches of Pink - episode 9.
A very personal part of my story.

Introducing "Punches of Pink" my new inspirational web series!!!!

I cannot believe I forgot to BLOG about this!  Maybe it is because I've been so engrossed in meeting people in real life...that I've forgotten to take a few minutes to talk about what is happening in the NOW for 2016.  

For a lot of years in getting to know myself - I found that deep inside all along I've been an encourager.  When someone is sad or low...I want to help them up out of it...
When something is a battle...I will find ways to inspire myself or others to "punch" through and keep going and NEVER GIVE UP!  

I've waited a long time to figure out where my voice fits in an over-saturated world with too many noises.  After much thought and consideration...I felt it best to do a video "blog" web-series to showcase what I'm all about and what I would like to accomplish! 

Punches of Pink was a thought back when I would have many wisdom meetings with girlfriends.  I would always tend to share my life experiences or any wisdom I may have picked up along my life path.  Originally it was going to be a book, but last year I realized... I hardly READ books so why would I be in a hurry to WRITE one?  Not saying a book won't happen....but in reality...a video is much more "me!".  

THE BEGINNINGS

My good friend Angie sat with me at dinner one night.  We were doing our usual catch-up and wisdom passing of knowledge when she blurted out... "your book should be called Punches of Pink because these really quick pieces of wisdom are like a little PUNCH".  We also envisioned a pair of boxing gloves as the lead graphic.  At the time..i said "yea!"...and then filed it away as something for "ONE DAY". 

Now, what you don't know is...YEARS LATER...I would be introduced to boxing classes.  At the time I was meeting with Angie, I didn't know anything about classes like that nor had I sought them out.  But, my amazing friend Karla introduced me to it.  She felt it was probably my "soulmate" workout!  Boy, was she right!  I don't know what it is - but it is SO empowering to take charge of that bag for an hour of time.  Dripping sweat...so focused...so intense...knowing that you are fighting for your well-being in that time frame.  

In 2015 I had this DEEP DESIRE to want to be an inspirational (and creative) speaker.  I started sending out applications to events that  I would complement the lineup.  I never heard a yes or a no, but I sent them.  I put together at least THREE solid classes but didn't have an avenue to share them yet.  In October, during the attendance of the Promoting Passion convention in Boone NC...I started to see something forming in my mind.  It was like years upon years of dots were starting to connect.  Combined with inspirational speakers that I look up to like Brooke and MeRa Koh...I started seeing flashes of where I need to go next.   A podcast was too vocal.  A book was too "plain" and visual for me.  BUT a web-series... Yes, I think I found my outlet!  A visual representation of me, the passion and the PEOPLE I love connecting with.   

Punches of Pink was officially launched January 7th of 2016.  

In order to keep things simple for myself as a full-time photographer AND artist I wanted something that would be under 5 minutes long, give a "PUNCH" of wisdom and also bring in my community of friends to share theirs as well.    I also decided that releasing videos 3 times a month would give me enough diversity of content and challenge me as well on my personal artistry.  The reason I didn't pick a day of the week to do WEEKLY videos is because I felt that it wasn't me.  I'm random, I'm not scheduled, I'm not a robot or a routine...but I chose instead to focus on a number that inspired me.  "7".  So every video is released on the 7th, 17th, and 27th.  EASY.  Easy to remember and easy to diversify! 

These videos had an underlying purpose even from when I started my business in 2006.  
To Inspire.  
To Encourage.  
To Aspire.

I took a year long business course that helped me stir up ground for my business and WHY I wanted to start my business.  Those three key words were the depths of my heart and soul.  Photography was my tool!  So now, I'm adding speaking as another tool - I believe that when we use our voice - we change the atmosphere.  So, I'm going to do just that!  

Please subscribe to the Youtube channel if you want to keep up with the episodes.
Or on my Pink Light Images facebook page. 

I would love to hear what inspires you, encourages you and helps you to aspire to BE all you can be!  We all have a voice ....and we all have "punches" of wisdom to share!  

All the best to you,

Jen with Pink Light Images




Newest released episode :  Episode 3!
Becky with Irish Coffee Studio takes a few moments to share about her art & life.