Candles as a lighting source

Occassionally a bride will ask me to come out to a venue with questions about nighttime lighting. This happens mostly with parks, backyards and other unique non traditional locations. During these meetings I am honest to a fault- mostly because I want there to be a clear expectation of what can and cannot be accomplished.

Hence the posting about candles- votives, pillars and floating candles will not produce enough light for anything except some grainy artsy photos of still objects.

Yes they are romantic, cost effective and can double as favors. If you plan to use a facility with poor outdoor lighting- invest in a dj that has lots of lights or check out the party rental locations for lighting options.

Twinkle lights are nice- but to have any real useful effect think Grizwold for quantity.

With the right amount of light, used creatively and effectively, you can sufficiently illuminate a nighttime reception. My biggest advice- look at nightclubs and how they do their lighting. Good Las Vegas nightclubs have creative light sources that still allow for a darkended atmosphere while allowing guests to see what they're eating and drinking.

Floodlights reflecting off ivory fabric is always a nice touch- can really class up a low key affair at little cost. So can hanging lanterns in trees, or fun lamps as centerpieces.

If you have a suggestion, or recommendation of something that you used that illustrates what I'm talking about- please leave a comment. This is to help everyone :)

Pittman wedding at the Chapel

Rachel and Rob got married at the Chapel last weekend and this adorbale couple is expecing in late March early April. Rachel is absolutely stunning and I hope to hear back from them shortly about belly and baby photos.

It was actually a really humour situation that ocurred- which demonstrates just how on top of things I am.

Upon arrival at the Chapel, Amy (who has performed over 200 weddings) was showing Rachel the vows to make sure there weren't any changes when she tells Amy "those aren't our vows". Amy goes into a panic, so I ask "did you email them to her" Turns out they were sitting in Amy's email. So I whip out my blackberry, log into Amy's account and VIOLA- wedding vows at hand. Amy did a great job of hiding the blackberry in her book, and fortunately it's small enough, that unless you go looking, you can't really see it in the photos.

Fortunately, the new Mr and Mrs Pittman were incredibly kind and took it in stride, laughing it off. Amy and I were both greatful, but again, they were two wonderful people in love, and it shows.

Adrianna's Maternity Session

Adrianna is one of our associate photographers who is expecing her first baby in early March. As the baby's Godmother, I was overjoyed that she wanted to do belly pics- because she is so gosh darn pretty. I will be adding these to the site shortly- as soon as I find a day off ;)

But in the meantime, this is a great demonstration of why it's okay to do belly pics and how a good photographer can make pregnancy (which tends to make mom feel like a house- I speak from experience) look as beautiful as it really is.

Contact me immediately with an email and the subject "bump me" for special maternity and newborn offers

Engagement session at the Phoenician

Prior to this, I had never been to the Phoenician- all I saw when I heard the name was $$$$$$.

Last weekend Angela, Ron and I had the opportunity to roam the grounds and take some really fun engagement photos. With lots of fun hidden nooks and crannies we spent well over an hour there- which is really long for an engagement session- but hiking up part of camelback and the majority of the property would allow for that time range.

My favorite pics were when I asked them to dance in the gazeebo- you can tell from their smiles they weren't the most surefooted, but boy did they have fun. I know I did :)

Kelly & Tim's Engagement photos

So we were all set to take advantage of "Chuluhly" at the DBG- until I arrive early and found out the place is PACKED every day until like April. So instead we turned around and went down the street to Papago park- now I know what you're thinking- ugh, that park is gross. Well if you're not focused on the couple, yes the park is a bit murky and not picaresque. Fortunately, Kelly and Tim allowed me to be creative and have fun with them. Below are some of our photos from the session.
Thank you both for trusting me putting you out on that palm tree- those were just too cool!

Center for Progressive Leadership

I've been photographing for CPL since it started it's Arizona operations 3 years ago. I provide them with headshots of their students as well as photos documenting their classes and events which are occassionally used for promotional materials.

The photo below is blown up the size of a door and is one of my photos from long before I had fancy lenses and knew all my new editing tricks.

It's a really exciting opportunity for me and I hope it will deliver me more extensive photography work that is seen nationwide, and maybe even some travel opportunities too :)

Catching up

So, if you haven't noticed...I'm not the best about regular postings and when there are multiple shoots in a week- I'm down right terrible at posting.

So here are some updates on really neat things going on with MIFP
1. We've officially hired one new photographer, her name is Emily and her bio will be posted Sunday (since I'm not interested in the superbowl)

2. I have recently photographed and created an ad that is going to be featured in North East Mesa Lifestyle Magazine- starting in March

3. I have photos from the Center for Progressive Leadership that are being printed and distributed nationwide

4. I am developing a mothers day event at Inside the Bungalow which we will be providing photo sessions

5. We have babies due from some of our brides and Adrianna (asst photog) so expect to see lots more babies on here.

I've been a busy girl, plus there are some special thing happening here at home that I'm spending quality time on. My dad's 50th b-day is 2 weeks before my hubby's 30th.

So, now that you're all caught up- onto more fun posts with pictures

We're Wedding Wire Rated

We've been "officially" Wedding Wire rated since June of '08. I'm just finally getting around to posting it.

If you've used Wedding Wire and would like to comment on our services, we'd certainly appreciate it.

We offer generous referral bonuses before and after your wedding. So if you're happy with us, feel free to spread the word.

Estrella Mt Park and Melissa

I love shooting at new locations, that's not to say that I don't have a few favorites up my sleeve, but it's always exciting to see a new location. Especially for engagement photos.

Melissa invited us to Estrella Mt Park and the Yacht Club they have over there. Talk about a dream- fountains, architecture, rolling green hills, stair cases, and a pier with a huge lake- not to mention mountain view.

Well, I didn't do this session, Melanie did, but we all had a great time and Melanie did a great job!

Britney & Chase at Freestone

Britney is a referred bride of Mrs. Willes- I got to meet her finace Chase in their wedding, as he was the best man who rapped "Brad & Stefani" an ode to their love as his speech- which had us in awe, laughter and a few tears.

Chase is one of those guys you love because he's an absolute goof, surprisingly enough, he was willing to have the engagement session the same day the Cards played the Eagle- and was pretty serious about allowing me to flex my creative muscle, and see what we could do.

I only hope they had as much fun as I did. I came home high off of some of Chase's energy- the guy is perkier than the energizer bunny. It makes me eager to shoot the wedding in March.

My favorite shot of the day

Promotional Video Clip

Need your feedback

Letter of Recommendation from "Inside the Bungalow"

"Jacquelyn's passion for photography, artistic approach to capturing a moment, and extreme professionalism are just a few reasons why she is one of our preferred vendors at Inside The Bungalow. I am grateful to have found a photographer that I can confidently recommend to my brides and grooms knowing they will get more than they paid for!"

Carrie Hensley

Looking for high school seniors and juniors

I'm getting ready to propose a campaign to a couple of different high schools and need m & f class of '08 and '09 models who are interested in some kick butt senior photos- know of anyone interested- have them send me an email!

Photographer at work

Thank for taking this shot Louva. It's always nice to have behind the scenes photos :)

Travis and Renee Lemons

Melanie and Adrianna recently photographed the wedding of Travis and Renee. The love these two share is more than obvious in their photos. From the stunning watch Renee gave her groom to the single roses Travis had delivered throughout the day.

After going thru all of the photos, the most outstanding and unique thing had to be the live goldfish in the centerpieces. I don't know if there was some sort of symbolism or just really cool, but WOW. Who'd've thought to use goldfish in wedding decor! Kudos on originality.

One bride leads to another

I love this story...

Back in October of 2007, I photographed Jennifer's wedding (1st photos). One of her guests (Hillary) was a futuer bride to be and not only fell in love with the style of work, but the personality behind MIFP. So much so that she sent me an email that week telling me her wedding date and that I was going to be her photographer.

Fast forward to summer of '08, contract is finally in place, the engagement session is done and I'm getting ready for the East Valley Bridal Affair. I send a shout out to all my brides to come by for moral support. Not two hours into the event a bride comes to me and says "I've been sent here to see you" At this point with ego stoked I'm bursting with charisma and charm.

I meet with this bride and it is Hillary's sister Emily. And now I have all 3, and Emily is going to also start working for us as a second shooter!

Too cool! Thanks Girls

When a bride lets me play

Every so often I meet a bride who is all about having exciting fun photos- completely different from anyone else's. She doesn't mind a little dirt on the dress, or seeing how far the tulle can fly. With inhibitions to the wind, she plays and the beauty and timelessness of a bride in a white wedding dress comes to life.

Hillary, I can't thank you enough for your enthusiasm and willingness to trust me and just have fun. I'd have killed to have a photographer encourage me do these kind of things!Now I'm not saying some of my other brides haven't been exceptionally fun and playful in their wedding dresses. Just Hillary holds the title for '09. I encourage any of my '09 brides to be just as fun and fearless!

This is also my plug to show off some AWESOME pics :)

Logan & Hillary Koehler

Logan and Hillary exchanged vows at Old Main on the ASU Tempe campus on Jan 3rd. It was a beautiful ceremony filled with special touches, humorous moments and school spirit.

It was obvious these two Sun Devils were full of pride from the maroon bridesmaids dresses, ASU garters, champagne flutes and the groom kicking (actually missing) the field goal at the end of the aisle after saying I Do.

It was a fabulous celebration, and to you both- you wre a dream to work with. You gave us ample time to be creative and allowed me the freedom to flex my creative muscle. I only hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I was sad the night had to end, but I sure don't miss all those stairs I climbed :)

Experimenting with Pete from DJ One Productions

While photographing the Holroyd wedding on the 27th, their dj- Pete from DJ One Productions, told me this idea he had for an image. His equipment from his perspective was in focus and the bride and groom were out of focus.

It's a simple selective focus technique and throughout the night at different intervals we tried it with a group of guests, the bride and her sister, and when we thought we weren't going to get the shot- Pete played a beautiful slow song that brought the bride and groom back on the dance floor and we got the shot! I even managed to leave space for him to add his info, should he use it for an ad.

He's yet to update the photos on his site, but I'm hoping to see it being used very soon.

New Years Eve at the Chapel

Amy and I had a trio of weddings at the Chapel on New Years Eve.

First the Cederbergs who celebrated with cake, cider andtheir three wonderful children (including Emily- who was desperately in need of a nap) She giggled wildly and hysterically while launching petals down the aisle.

Second was the Leuthold couple- who's friends and family were greatful they didn't run off and elope. They emphasized casual down to the jeans and dress shirts- but certainly classed it up by decorating the chapel with columns, poinsettia's and some high end champagne.

Thirdly was the Portillo's who were kind enough to allow me to photograph them finger scooping icing off the back if their wedding cake- even though they hadn't planned on opening it until they got to the resturaunt that evening!

Happy new years to you all and many years of happiness!

Holroyd Wedding

Glen and Sue had made it obvious that they didn't really want to be photographed, but were really grat sports about it, since I did formals lightning fast. At least twice my normal racing pace. The truth is for a couple who didn't really have in interest in being infront of the camera- they took beautiful photos. They were stunning and so in love, just a truly happy couple.

This was also our first dove release, not the easiest stunt to pull off. I thought butterflies were MUCH easier- they move slower :) but it was still a lot of fun.

And whilst my son is tugging my thumb to go play with his toys, we wish both Sue, Glen and the girls all the best!

Melgard Wedding

Congratulations to Jared and Lisa. You have my sincerest apologies I am so far behind on blogging. Your wedding was so pretty- although I'm convinced boycotting the photo policy of the reception hall.

Your bridal party was the best, the kids were adorable and made for so many fun photos. By far the best behaved trio of flower girls I'v eever encountered :)

Hope married life and the new year are treating you well