MEMORIAL for Brian Alguire - Deep Ellum TX

Dear Brian, I hope you looked down and saw all the people that loved you yesterday. We were all touched in the heart by you and who you were. I personally barely knew you - but I knew the connection and I always looked forward to the smiles and hugs that I got from our "hair" encounters. I won't ever forget that. I got to know you a little better after seeing/hearing all the friends/family speak about you. I really like what Breonny said about a space in her heart just for you - and I think we can all agree - some part of our heart was touched by you and has a snippet just for you. I hope in years to come - we can fondly look at all the images of you and re-live the memories we all made with you both small and large. Never regret the time we have......and thankful to have met you.

Memorial: Deep Ellum, June 8th 2014 - on Main Street.

Below are the session images I did in Deep Ellum, December 2009. When his mohawk was still quite small.  Towards the more recent year, it turned to epic heights of which I only got to see in pictures.  I loved watching him volunteer and create at Art Love Magic and I loved seeing the relationship between him and Breonny.  He took a piece of our hearts and we loved him back. <3  

photo by Pink Light Images

Photo by Pink Light Images

Photo by Pink Light Images

Photo by Pink Light Images

Photo by Pink Light Images

Thank you to the WHOLE community for responding to the call for a huge slideshow of images.  If you want to see/scroll the images to help heal - please follow this link:
  MEMORIAL SLIDESHOW 2014

I'm thankful I got to meet him.

Remember, you are not alone!

Love Jen


I entered one of his images into the [F]ramed Network's weekly favorite blog.  He got into the top 10 images.  I can't think of anything more fitting - than remembering that PHOTOGRAPHY keeps memories going even when people leave us. 

How to scare your friends and prove a point!!!

Ah, After Dark!  You’ve heard me mention this many times.  It inspires you!  You meet new people and your start getting into the groove about how far you can be yourself with these new people you have found.  

I was having a great conversation with my roomie at the time the LOVELY Rachel Frank  before all the classes started.  I had mentioned in passing that if I did not have pink hair I would go completely invisible.  I would be completely (and I mean completely) INCOGNITO!  She wasn’t so sure about that though…she seemed to think if someone really knew me, they would recognize me.  I decided it was time to prove that point and get inspired to do something wacky!!!!

I asked this lovely designer if I could have her style me up in her designs really quick like…and even do a touch of makeup so that I would be undetectable but also living my secret desire to be a “character”.  For some odd reason in my mind, I think After Dark was the perfect place to pull this off.  After all – I was only putting into action everything I had been taught. 

I grabbed a black wig I had brought and the rest was all designs & makeup by Rachel Frank. 

My commitment to character:

-completely covered my pink hair

-no glasses at all, I was blind – I mean blind!

-rachel and I wear the same size shoe, I even borrowed her shoes!

-took off my wedding ring and replaced it with her bunny rabbit ring

-borrowed rachel’s black bag and inserted by super color purse into it. 

I basically did everything to shed EVERY object in my personal wardrobe to make this happen. 

I began to get really really really excited to start scaring people.  At first though, I had to walk around like I fit in and was supposed to be there.  Now, mind you – I thought Brooke Shaden would be the funnest to scare, but I wasn’t sure where her class was.  Being blind and all, I was kinda hoping they were in the vicinity with a sign so I would find her class faster.  Would you believe…that as I came down the stairs I heard her voice and saw a blurry figure with long hair?  Her entire class was sitting at the bottom of the stairs learning about the $10 wardrobe.  TEE HEE HEE! 

I couldn’t see if anyone was staring at me because I was blind and I liked it that way.  I had to remind myself to maybe not even smile for a while just in case!  I found my way to the back of the class and plopped down to listen to what Brooke was teaching.  I was half-listening and half-thinking to myself as to WHEN to pop this on her.  I have this thing about NOT wanting to be disruptive so I had to carefully find that perfect moment to appear and “re-appear”.   I remember she took a picture and brought it around…and I leaned in as if I could see the image (I could not) and I giggled in the back asking a question of the girl beside me who DID recognize me when I spoke.  Then I waited some more…oh the JOY of what will happen….what will she do? What will she say? LOL

Brooke took another picture demonstrating the lighting and model and subject.  She asked everyone to come up and take a look at the camera on the tripod.  I slowly made my way up there as she commented “Come on all you slow people in the back!”…

I approached the camera and got in really really really close so I could actually REALLY see the image and then I looked at her with my eyes and said “I’m not slow!”.  The reaction on her face was priceless.  First, confusion for a second…then…a “wait what?’  At this point I can’t help laughing because the look on her face was true surprise.  Then the moment was over! She saw who I was! HAHAAH!!!!!  I told her “I’m just commiting to character, which you totally get right?”  Here is a picture of what I feel parts of her reactions were…they were truly priceless….

Then she was like, you totally have to leave my class!!!  I actually DID want to step out of the way now that I had proved my point and had a laugh.  She continued with the class and I continued on my way giggling that I’ve had so much fun just putting this together and proving a point to myself and teaching myself about character.  It was truly priceless.  I won’t ever forget that.  (yes, she DID forgive me later out of character---hahah She thought it was BRILLIANT.)

I began to move forward in a few of the other areas at Union Station and scared a few more people.  Brian Demint walked past and gave me a friendly hello til I pushed him further to recognize me.  Then he exclaimed “you look norrrmalll!!!! There is hope for you!!!”.  Haahahah!!!  That too, was priceless.   I definitely got a few more giggles in as I moved forward with my quest.  While I was finishing my scare with Dan Frievalt…Brooke Shaden walked past again and completely gave me that look of “you are totally freaking me out I’m SO not talking to you!!!”  Bahahah!!!  Ah, life is good!

I scared both Dena and Brian Demint - and this was a still from a small video capture by Muja Rupam

This next one I couldn’t stop laughing – even when I re-tell the story.  My friend Kelly told me I should follow Presley around and see if she would recognize me.  I took it a step further.  I obnoxiously tail-gated her while walking behind her.  I remember she walked into the room but then had to run back out for her phone charger!  I stayed literally on her until I bent over laughing at the stairs outside because she turned around and was like “excuse me!”  Then I said “heeeey”.  Hahaah!! I was like telling her I was purposely following her soooo close to the point of “personal space” being invaded that it was just too funny to bear.  She recognized me and forgave me, I think ? Did you Presley? LOL haahahaha  

Ok so after all the shenanigans – I realized I needed a decent picture of myself to capture this moment.  Thankfully the lovely Tonja was going to her next class and I asked her for a few minutes of her time and she obliged!  I finished out my character with a quick photo shoot and the results were so amazing! THANK YOU TONJA!!!!  

Image by Jason & Tonja - Designs/Styling/MUA: Rachel Frank, RFD

Thanks to everyone that made that last After Dark special.  I know I can be a handful, but doggonit I had a blast!!!! WOW!!!!!  Thanks to everyone that made this happen.

Credits:

Clothing/Makeup: RFD by Rachel Frank

Photography: Images by Jason and Tonja

Location: After Dark Education, Union Station Hotel St Louis MO

p.s. thanks to EVERYONE i scared - it was a blast. :) And to those that recognized me? THANKS! 

Full body shot by Jane Love (on her phone) 

And for the words in a more ANIMATED version, less texty............
herez a quick video comment!!!

New ART piece!!!!

I decided to make some time this evening for some art works that I've been needing to re-visit.  I try to live a life of balance and diversity....so I have to sometimes remind myself..." Hey Jen, get back to your ART too!!!"  ....

So here I am tonite...revisiting my images from the Underwater class at After Dark Education Union Station 2014.  The lovely Brooke Shaden took us through simple tips and tricks she learned over time, trial and error.  When it was MY turn....I envisioned something "geometrical" with her hands....nothing too floaty and nothing too whimsy.  I had 2 opportunities to shoot...and I had to just be ok with playing around and directing those 2 images. :)

So, this was my "first" image....she took a breath...and went down with her hands positioned. 
I snapped a few images...the lighting was setup great (overhead sunlight through skylight)...and a black backdrop was already in the water.

As I stared at the art - I wanted to bring my style into this image...but giving her 4 hands instead of 2.  I just liked some of my "test" images with her reflection at chin level too.  So i had a few images to play with here. 

I also had made a trip to the Missouri Botanical Garden and snapped some textures and objects to maybe use in future.  Little did I know....one of these snappy pictures would become her hat.  What do you think her hat is? :)

Enjoy this new piece. 

CREATIVE RETREAT promo video - from the beginnings to the finishing point of your dreams!

I wanted to capture a visual of how I feel about the creative processes we go through.  Our biggest dreams start with the smallest tasks.

To sign up :  RETREAT REGISTRATION  -  
July 18-20th.  Only 7 slots open, 5 left.

Part of the backstory of this concept goes way back into childhood...when I used to draw and doodle....when I had a season of painting....a season of moving into photography...and other creative things I've witnessed in my short life time. :)

I used Carrie as my muse & model because as much as I've seen myself blossom...I've seen her blossom just as much.  Towards the end, those are part of her blossoming.  Writing and creative dance expression is something she has embraced.  My desires are to see YOU blossom into the creative being you are meant to be and LIVING the dreams/realities you are supposed to live. :)

Enjoy the video!
Please pass to a friend that NEEDS this....I love connecting !

All the best to you today,
Jen

Creative Idea for your wedding - What to DO with your wedding dress "train".

I've captured quite a few weddings....and i'm THRILLED when things happen at each event that adds fun, laughter and additional stories to tell AFTER the event is over!!!!  AHHHAHAHA!!!! This is so great.

So, first of all - I have to say many thanks to Don & Ashley for bringing me out to capture their wedding! It was short, sweet, amazing and pretty warm outside. :)  It being "springing" into summer....we know how full suits and gowns can get stifling hot.  So THANK YOU for letting me capture you guys despite the heat!!!!

We had a lovely lovely time creating...and this wedding was pretty short with just a handful of events going on.  Once the night was towards the ending...people were starting to say goodbye...I happened upon one of the kiddos SITTING on the back of the bride's wedding dress.

This idea? turned into one of the BEST games i've ever seen!  Each kiddo wants a "ride" on the bride's train...and i could hear the chugga-chugga-chugga wooot wooot!  I was mesmerized how well this idea turned into a great time you don't normally see at a wedding!  Especially ON the wedding dress!!!!

So, without further delay....

I give you the WEDDING TRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I put them in order of how it all played out....started with one brilliant idea....that catapulted into the other two kiddos wanting to also ride the train. :)  The last 2 pictures i swear to you...she was dragging them and they were all holding onto each other to ride it all at once.  It was hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, and also...............we have a couple of great teaser images from our handfuls of moments at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens....<3

Much Love!

Congrats you two!!!!! EEEEEK!!!!!!

I will write more about this image later...this was one of the most challenging *dreams* I had to make happen....

Wedding: The Antique Rose Emporium - full of love, laughter and LOTS of flowers.

I can't begin to GLEEEEEE about how much fun we had at Matt + Jessica's wedding!  They let me take them into an amazing field of yellow flowers...which were one of their wedding colors anyways....when you see Jessica - she is laughing for MOST of her pictures which only made ME giggle even more as her photographer.  I met these two through another wedding in the past you might have remembered.

Ian & Amanda.    (featured on Offbeat Bride and Unique Bride Magazine) 

I knew I just HAD to shoot their wedding...so we made it all happen!  The glorious venue was setup just for perfect days like an overcast day with gorgeous blooms and some lucious greens.  We had threats of rain all day - but the rain did not come until that evening when the entire thing was almost over. YAY :)

I wanted to share more teasers from their day...and talk about how much I appreciated their time with me and our adventure!!!!

Location: Antique Rose Emporium

I wanted to highlight the awesome yellow flowers in some closeups for them....so I made them almost sit right down in the field :) heheh!!! GORGEOUS turnout!!! So cute!!!!

I found this "tunnel" path as I was walking around the grounds.  I was inspired by the leading lines here as well as the greens and vines that tied right into their garden themes. 

I was giggling as I found myself asking..."what do we do in the middle of a field?"...we did portraits, we did dancing...and lots of laughter here.  Just a huge huge rolling field of yellow flowers.  And we didn't get kicked out! :) This was so fun!

Huge thanks to Ian & Amanda for introducing me to these two.  Huge thanks to everyone at the wedding for helping us with their smiles, dancing and poses for pictures for the bride & groom.  We had a blast and should you need us - please let us know!!! <3

The many snippets of the ceremony! Gorgeous day!

The various location requests from the couple!  We were all in love with the grounds!!!!

Good times, Good memories.

Love,

Pink Light Weddings

Pink Light Images: Wedding captures at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival! To the Lord and Lady!!! Huzzah!

We had a great time heading over to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival this year again to capture a wedding locally.  Lisa & James were super great to work with and had a love for EVERYTHING faces and moments!  Their trinkets and decor was adorable and believe it or not - the bride bought her "princess sleeves" the day of!   I couldn't believe how perfect they were and rounded out her look !!!!  I wanted to share some AMAZING teasers with you!!!!!  I can't wait to give them ALL their pictures! There were lots and lots of happy faces both in dress and not. :)  yay!!!

I really felt a golden glow when editing some of the pictures....and some of them I just left as is to capture how green everything had gotten this year at the faire. :)

Here are some of their details!!!!

The lovely trinkets & favors!!!

taking a walk through the misters!!!!

This dragon was on the cake....lol

A few moments at the troll bridge, minus the troll :0

This was super hilarious!  Thanks to them for being so open to explore!!!

I am thankful to get to go out there and work every year! Thanks to all my supporters!  We love shooting the Renaissance Faire and creating fun images for each couple out there. :) Hire Pink Light Images for your 2015 wedding!  We would love to create for you! 

There's no easy way out.....There's no short cut home....

I spent the weekend with a long-time friend of mine 2nd shooting a wedding.
On our way home - in all silliness we started talking about movies and inspirational music that went along with some of the cheese of the 1980's.  Now, all kidding aside-  some of those moments did have an impact....lol!!!  But upon further depth you realize there in many many cases a struggle of fighting for yourself, fighting for others and being who you are.

Being who you are, doesn't come easy and it does involve FIGHTING!

The title of this blog is from the song we were playing on the phone during Rocky IV.  Rocky is going through everything in his mind of everything that happened from the moment he became a fighter/boxer up until that moment that his friend was killed.  It shows a good comtemplation of everything that brought him to that place of a decision to FIGHT for what was right.  In the movie - you see towards the end of that moment....he sees his friend falling and sees himself falling.  It is with great respect where I can say - I feel that pain! :)

It is in that darkness and in that decision making that we press forward to be ourselves and keep the passion a-flame to do this mission we have been put here to do.  For him, it was going up against a seemingably unbeatable foe and sending himself through training to confront that foe.  How is this NOT like our fights in every day life?  We fight for our time, visions, dreams, friends, relationships......love

I wanted to move forward today inspired....and I pulled up images from March (right before After Dark)...and pull out a couple of images that spoke to the distorted darkness that we can all deal with.  We feel our reflection is contrasted against the dark and light...and the boundaries we have set upon us does NOT free us - it simply keeps us in a place sometimes of bondage. Your reflection matters in how you see yourself.  You cannot be FREE to create if you have a distorted view of yourself or how you have perceived yourself.  Put on a new pair of glasses to correct the distortion...see yourself for the beauty within...and that darkness....is contrasted with LIGHT.  Make a point to see the LIGHT in your image - not just the darkness.

There is no EASY way out.....(letting yourself go, letting yourself BE - it is worth the FIGHT)
There's no short cut home....(the journey you must walk) 

Peace out.

Model: Carrie Sumner

Lyrics/Song by Robert Tepper, from the motion picture Rocky IV.

The REGISTRATION is live!!!! - your time to shine!

My first RETREAT for the Creative women !!!! This is open for all creatives that want to jump-start kick-start re-start and be inspired. ♥
#encouragement #womensretreat #livethedream

#notaphotographyworkshop

REGISTER HERE

GOALS of this RETREAT:

---leave empowered, inspired and with renewed strength of mind/body/soul/spirit.

---leave refreshed & peaceful.

---leave ready to take flight with your purpose in life.

---leave with creations you have hand-crafted, written or made in your time with other women.   

These are your tokens, your awards – your tangibles.

---walking a “whole” creative journey using all the tools we are given to create.   

(including: writing, photography, crafting & other tools)

"Take my Hand"................

"Take My Hand" - inspired by the Galveston Beach this morning as we stood and watched wave upon wave come in.  The surf wasn't just the one wave coming in to crash - there were about 5-6 simultaenous waves that came in all curling around each other.  The beach was scattered with the weeds of the sea...giving this great bulbous texture mixed with greenery. 

The challenge for you now:  Where are you going in the next 3 months?  Where is your art taking you?  Who is holding your hand?  Who is the partner that is taking you on the journey?  No matter how much ALONE we feel - we are not alone.  So I'm taking the hand....and walking forward!

I feel that in some ways - the girl on the left is walking forward facing backwards. Not in a way that stops her walking - but looking behind for anything coming up to pull her back. Both girls move forward, both with missions to do going in the SAME direction.

~Pink Light Images~
Galveston 2014
"Take my Hand"

BEHIND THE SCENES:

When the storms wake you up.....

Part of our journey we shared in Saint Louis this year was impending tornados that apparently came through the city and caused alarms to ring in our hotel at 5:30am.  I had just gone to bed at 4:30am working on backing up all of my images onto an external hard-drive and making sure my laptop was a bit more cleaned off.  I was enjoying the last few moments I had in my room with the roomies asleep and the darkness filling the space. 

At 5:30am...and crazee siren went off and said there was a tornado warning ...and that we needed to proceed immediately to the basement.  I woke up....at first confused....was this a TEST????

No, it was not.  I scrambled around FREEZING cold cause it was chilly in there...and digging for my shoes cause I figured wherever I was going...I would want shoes, a light jacket, the hotel room key and my phone.  At first, I was just going to laugh it off and hide in the bathtub, but mama Jane insisted that her phone said this was all legit and that we needed to leave FAST! 

I'm not a morning person. 
I'm not a nice person with lack of sleep.
So I was angry.

Not at anyone.....................
AT THE TORNADO.

We got to the basement....and about 60 seconds later...the warning had passed.  We walked through passageways like ... THIS - you know tons of skylights, windows and things that break when tornados come through.  The entrance to the basement was down the stairs and through a door...whilst passing through atriums, sky lights and more.  You can see how that might have fueled my anger.

 I should have just crawled into the bathtub i'm thinking..................

We make it back to the room and make insanely loud sobbing noises because the tornado has robbed our sleep and we silently pay homage to our 5:30am wake up call with a funny pictures. (Thanks to Rachel Frank)  I love these ladies. Through the madness of the storms - we still found much laughter.

We also had a casualty of war....when the sirens were hitting Rachel lost a nail in the bathroom.....lol

Morning came fast...and so did our checkout time....we awoke around 10am and I was just like OH CRAP!!!!! we have to check out!!!! I got a late checkout by a miracle and we spent the next 3 hours singing, packing and getting ready to say good bye. 

In my moments of "despair" I figured in order to laugh at myself later - I would "save" my camera gear before I left the room for the tornado .  Mind you, the window is RIGHT THERE and so are the curtains.  I merely scooted it around the table...and abandoned it.  *facepalm*  Notice the dissaray of the stuff...and the forcibly thrown shoes and props around the floor.  Yes folks....
Here is what I did when I left the room....

I found that we could have a good laugh....and being that my whole season this spring has been NOTHING but freaky deaky storms every time I travel...I had to do nothing but laugh...and pack...and sing En Vogue all that morning.  When they say FREE YOUR MIND and the rest will follow?  For realz yo.

For fun moments...and waking up moments....I relied on my sense of humor to give you what I call..."Fashion-ado"....or "Rachel-nado"....because our room did look like a tornado anyways.  Such great fashion to be had and much fun to have followed those 4 days at after dark.

And this my folks...is the beauty out of storms....you may be ANGRY....frustrated....a little delayed....but you are guaranteed to have laughs and stories to tell for the rest of your life.  I wouldn't take that back for anything.

But there's MORE.

Because apparently the storm system was ongoing.....I was at the airport for my flight and we had THREE warnings of tornados while there.  Every time I turned around...there was a warning and telling us to get away from the windows.

I should have been a storm chaser, in another life.

Thanks for letting us fly out....even with all the tornado storms....so glad that the system passed so I could get home for Adventure part 2. :) 

I end this story with this.....you WILL have storms...........
you WILL have delays...............

but find a way to laugh - it always helps. :) We did!

This was my "i'm so mad at that tornado for waking me up at 5am look"............

Thanks for reading everyone.............

What the latest funniest travel story for you? <3

Jen

Ode to Union Station!

So, as you know by now - I attended what we did call the LAST after dark education experience.  A place where you can make your OWN experience what you want it to be.  A place where you are challenged to not just take but GIVE of yourself at any given moment.  BE a part of something.

Because it was my understanding this was the FINAL after dark I wanted to put into play a few concepts that I dreamt up....and one of them I dreamed up during a class session.  I believe I was in one of Brian Demint's classes and I thought to myself.....

What can I do to show homage to this space? UNION STATION? 

We all know and love the grand hall - but the grand hall was all tore up from the floor up.  My lovely arch was guarded by ropes and walls were missing. :(  But every day....I walked in and saw something unique - and perhaps no one else saw....

THE CARPET.

Did any of my other fellow after darkians see this madness??!!!  It was golds with highlights of reds and shading of blues and blacks.  I thought to myself - what about this homage to the carpet?  What would THIS look like? 

I jotted down a few ideas....and approached Dena Demint about it.  I was like hmmm...and she was like hmmmm!!!!  And then I found Erin and talked to her at one of the adventures wandering around the hotel.  She had this PERFECT golden dress that matched up with the concept perfectly!!!!  This was kindof a secret project I put together to show my love not only for after dark, but an inspiration of the hotel.  We have been taught many times over to be inspired and follow through with your ideas be it a success or a failure.  I definitely wanted this to be a success!  I didn't care how tacky the carpet looked - how could I make this amazing!!!???!!!!

Erin hopped in with her ideas and styling...and we got the makeup done to mimic the flowingness of the flooring.  We left out the reds on the face because we made her lips red.  By the end of it all - I felt this glamourous feel to it and the flow of Erin's modeling plus the styling made it super duper fun.  I am still working on finished artwork for these pieces - but as you can see - the ideas were formed....and I'm executing with full-forced-passion!!!!

Here is a close-up of the work Dena did.

This was sooo amazingly fun to not only BRING ideas to After Dark - but concieve them on site with wonderful teams of creatives all over the hotel.  It turned out SO COOL and I look forward to the final series I'll be doing for this homage. :) 

Was anyone else truly inspired by spots in the hotel?  
Share your thoughts and inspirations!

Love Jen


Photography: Pink Light Images
Model: Erin Leigh Pribyl
MUA: Dena Demint
Styling: Erin Leigh Pribyl (dress)
Location: Union Station Hotel, St Louis MO
After Dark Education

The art of self-portraits during self-portrait class - with Brooke Shaden & After Dark.

Ok! so one of the things we got to do at not only Creative Live but at after dark was SELF PORTRAITS.....now mind you - I have notes somewhere about everything Brooke taught us about shooting the "self". :)  What is the ART of telling our story? LOL  Good question!!!!

Ok, so like I said in previous posts on Facebook - I wanted to take all of Brooke's classes that I had never previously taken....one being underwater and one being SELFportraits. :)  I remember seeing the fun that everyone had in past classes and thinking I should probably do it - or i would regret it. :) 

We started in the special hallway upstairs that looked out over the archways of the grand hall.  It was such a shame the grand hall was under construction, but you could still enjoy the archways of the ceiling. :)  We went through the location...the thoughts...the whys....the hows...and the lack of tripods and how to think about using stuff when you don't have a tripod.  :)

So we were taken to a room with lots of storage and old christmas trees...it did have an eerieness and quietness to it...along with crazee darkness.  I know that in some cases using a long shutter would do the trick...but good lordy what about focus!!!! :0

A good number of people were positioned here.  For good reason i know! Look at it!!!  But I felt that I couldn't get enough thought time or thinking into what i really wanted with the time i had....so i moved on....I moved to the storage room with all the crap laying around...to see what i could come up with.

This is me trying to set up the shot to get the luggage cart in there.  Without a tripod I felt my angles were waaaaaay off...and I wanted to act like i was flying a bit on the cart...so i moved the camera!

as you can see, complete miss!!!!!!!!!!!! heeheheheeehh
I found (IN THE DARK) mind you - a desk semi-across from the luggage cart and attempted to move my image over there.  It helped a lot - and then with my long (probably 10 second) shutter I waved my arms...to see what I could get.  I honestly had no idea what was in focus...but being at 24mm...i figure...WHATEVER!!!! hahahaahahah

Yes, i only shot this about 2 times...before i got the look that i wanted.  Kinda looks a bit more like daylight now....even though it was night-time. :)  I wanted to feel like i was flying and/or moving in some way...because I felt this whole season of just movement forward....and pushing forward...so I was happy with this shot as I ended the first phase. :) I then moved on.....
TO STAIRS.

I liked the curves of the stairs - but wasn't sure where to put myself or position myself.  Again, no tripod...and the tiny tiny one i brought couldn't hold the camera anything but straight.  I think I ended up propping it up on something in my purse....then making sure it didn't slip by letting the lens/filter rest on the concrete. :)  I thought to myself....why don't i just run down the stairs to that window and balance on the beam.....SURE??? THAT IS EASY RIGHT?  noooooooooooooooooo

Sure, my arm is flying - but what does that tell me?  NOTHING!  It was a really narrow staircase with high steps...and CURVED...so running up and down wasn't super super fast....:)  I thought to myself...head down...and moving...this is SOOO not me. :)  Maybe this is the me going up the stairs in real life...but really, i don't hide that often.  So I did it again....and thought to myself - why don't i just run up the stairs...and smile! :)  That sounds easy right? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I already told you - this was narrow and curved...meaning the stairs were EASY to trip on....and i had a hard time looking UP to shoot....notice, i'm still looking down...and then i thought...ok no wonder people didn't choose THIS for their portrait! HAHAHAHAHAAH  I tried it one last time....running UP the stairs....and looking at the camera....and this was my final image. 

Yep folks, that is about IT!  Class was literally ending....and I needed to get it done.  This was the last image I took....and I got my smile...and I got my running...and I didn't fall! :)  I came real close though....ya had to time how far to run downards before running back up....so there you go....my results from Brooke Shaden's "self portrait" class. :)  I think if I had more time to think even more...I would have re-visited the junk room and found a corner to say something...but honestly?  

I like the idea of flying on a baggage cart...and running up the stairs without looking...I think they portray me in a way I have not seen put into picture. :)  

When was your last self-portrait? 
What would you want someone to know about YOU that you are afraid to tell?
Tell it.

AFTER DARK Education - huge blow out, the LAST of the last and embracing new changes.

Dear God, what is Jen talking about now? :)

I'm talking about the little big thing we call AFTER DARK.  A place where I have thrived and challenged myself as an artist and business person.  To grow within and move forward to my future.  I have met people that have changed my life for the better and have accepted me for being myself and my art as unique and completely UNIQUE to me.

I have been encouraged, disappointed, enlightened, enraptured and ENJOYED every minute that After Dark gave me.  I feel that every single emotion I could name I might have felt before, during and after.  I know that they had been announcing the END, but I think most of us know.....

it is only the beginning.

I have to thank a huge number of people that I just can't list off here....I've met great models, designers, photographers, artists and more at this place.  I have been truly taken aback at how I could find a place to feel like I fit into this crazee art world....and push myself beyond my greatest limits.  I truly can be my biggest obstacle.  The obstacle of comparison and the obstacle of fears have plagued me in the past....but I say....NO MORE!!!! :)

I am home after about 2 weeks of traveling - and I have barely any edits to show for it yet...but I can tell that this will be some of my most inspired work yet.  I truly believe that I'm here for a reason and I've met the people I meet for a reason as well.  I'm truly thankful to you all - I know you don't know this - but i am! :)

Thanks to the naysayers & questioners.
Thanks to the believers & the encouragers.
Thanks to the darkness & light.
Thanks to the light makers & shadow creators.

You are inspiring.

New posts to come...and I'll work through them one by one...to share the back stories, ideas & concepts....or not....BAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

SHOCKING Sidenote: 
I also took it up a notch with everything I've learned.  I literally SHOCKED a few people and inspired quite a bit of laughter and amazement.  I can't wait to tell the stories. <3

I love you guys.
 Images and ART to come.....................