j e s s i e o n e a l p h o t o g r a p h y

Mini Session

2012-01-31T12:43:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to reserve your spot for your child's mini session, this Saturday!

It will be one like never before!

I only offer mini sessions at this price each year at Valentines, so if you need cute pictures... now is the time!

(Expect something similar to the above pictures. This year we are throwing out the props, and going for simple. Dress over the top in valentine colors, or not... you decide.)

More details found here.

announcing

2012-01-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

D Family

2011-12-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

W & Baby M

2011-11-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

My beautiful sister in law and her new babe.

Call me one proud Aunt.

I also wanted to pass along this article

Such an important topic that needs to be addressed by Photographers and Parents.

D Family

2011-11-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

D Family

2011-10-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Little K

2011-10-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

M Fam

2011-10-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

M Girls

2011-10-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Family Time

2011-10-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

In full swing of Fall.

Aka: family picture time.

Enjoying meeting new people, and getting reacquainted.

Pregnant. Oh yes. Did I forget to mention that!?

I have been extremely MIA around here for good reasons.

Not to fret. Lot's of little previews on there way.

Baby H

2011-10-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

MT

2011-09-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Baby Z | Orem Utah Baby Photographer

2011-08-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Jen

2011-08-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Baby V

2011-08-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

My Little Loves

2011-08-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Baby C

2011-08-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

W + J

2011-07-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Heart Strings

2011-07-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

This picture pulls on my heart strings.

Living

2011-07-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

I've got a lot to do today before I'm off to Girls Camp for the next couple of days... but all I want to do is sit here and laugh at these pictures.

Oh how I miss being a little kid... being care free, playing all day long and being silly while we do it.

Not caring what others may think. At what point do we let the world take this from us?

Really living has been on my mind a lot as of late.

Not just getting by day to day.

All or nothing... I'm giving it my all.

So here's to turning up the volume on the music.

I'm gonna enjoy a little more and care a little less!!!!

Relax. Because really, what's the big deal?

Who's with me!?

Happy Weekend!

I'm starting a day early.

Exercises

2011-07-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

I watched this segment back in May and have been waiting for the right moment to try out exercise #2: Take a Picture of Your Bed. The idea of the assignment is to help you pay attention to the light around you, it's direction and how it changes throughout the day.

Now I'm off to start another project with the kids.

Justin's first assignment: Find the Alphabet in the Everyday.

What a fun way to work on the alphabet sounds with my little ones while inspiring their creativity & imagination.

Exercise #3: Take Just One Shot... will be another day. Although I have taken this concept to heart in effort to slow the happy trigger finger. ;)

T Girls

2011-07-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

... always love seeing them.

C + J

2011-07-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

A little of what i've been up to:

Loooove this couple & can't wait to for our next encounter together.

Jen is one of those people you just love to be around!!

Gorgeous

2011-06-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Isn't my sister in law a beauty!?

2011-06-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

I'm liking the contrast between the two of these pictures!

Every so often I love to share some "out-takes" if you want to call them that.

Really these "out-takes" are often among my favorites.

More to come from all of these little beauties.

Baby E

2011-06-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

These pictures were made for talkin'

and that's just what they'll do...

Film

2011-06-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Kiera invited me to shoot film with a group of other incredibly talented photographers. The idea was for us all to get together and shoot a roll of film. I am head over heels in love with the door that I just opened. The potential growth that can be achieved from taking my shooting back to film is overwhelming and exciting all in one breathe.

Today.

2011-06-04T22:20:00.001-07:00

Today was perfect.

It started with a little of this:

And ended with of little of that:

Happy sneak peeking!

B Rocks

2011-06-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Meet my BF. My go to girl for everything.

She is an amazing Woman. Wife. Mom. Friend.

I am amazingly blessed to know her & have her in my life!

Water

2011-05-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Have I told you that I have a slight infatuation with water?

I do. I LOVE it. I have for as long as I can remember.

I would beg to be at the pool.

I would sit outside with a hose, spraying the water. Mesmerized by it.

I would dream of living near the coast.

I feel like I'm at peace.

Like a part of me is found when I am in/near water.

So naturally the thought of pictures involving water excites me.

It floods my creative mind. ;)

Here are some of the pictures we took the other day when I fb that I needed some willing subjects to let me photograph them in the rain. While it didn't end up raining on us, we still managed to have some fun with the puddles.

More rain pictures to come.

(And THANKS to those who volunteered! It isn't too late. I need more models for upcoming shoots. Contact me to get on my list. I will need all ages of children, single women & men, families & couples. Basically I need a variety.)

Black & White

2011-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Why is it not always easy to see things in black and white?

This is what I should do.

Is this what I should do?

This has got to be it!

Is this it?

What am I doing?

What do I want?

How do I get there?

The worst part is I KNOW what I want.

But how do I get there?

Try.

Fail.

Try again.

And again.

I'm on a new adventure to get myself to where I want to be.

As a person.

As a photographer.

As a whole.

J

2011-05-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

This sweet little gal was so full of personality.

& I can't get enough of her beautiful little face!

Loved every minute with her.

Cousins

2011-05-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

I literally can not WAIT to get back out into the world and start shooting more sessions like the following. I'm hoping (like everyone else) that the sun will finally be around to stay and that we will all be able to get out and enjoy her warmth.

K

2011-04-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

K is kute! That's for dang sure!

Cones

2011-04-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

I've drawn two conclusions:

One: that my son is incapable of taking a good picture while eating an ice cream cone.

two: that I am incapable of directing him to be able to take a good picture while eating an ice cream cone.
I'm still wondering which of the above it is! And I'm also wondering why in the world I carry on a separate family blog on top of my photography blog, when really a lot (I dare say most) is going on over there. I'm considering merging. hmmm.

(Pics taken on a recent family trip down South. Not like to the real South where I REALLY want to go. Southern Utah).

Kaaihue Family

2011-04-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Spring is upon us and I am starting to feel back in the swing of things.

Taking pictures. Check.

Blogging them. Double Check...

Everything about this family was enjoyable!

Love me some Kaaihue's!

P.S. Side note... Dad is being deployed in the next little while.

Special thanks to him and all who serve to protect our freedom!

Spring

2011-04-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Her birthday presents have finally emerged from their slumber.

If you can't tell, she is thrilled.

More over here...

Baby E

2011-04-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

There is a new baby in my family. My sister & brother in law had a darling little girl, who I must say is beyond perfect. Just look at her little face, and her beautiful skin. She behaved like an angel for me while taking these. Can you believe she didn't wake up once?! That is something with all the moving we had her doing. ;)

B Kids

2011-03-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Smile

2011-03-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

These pictures make my heart feel happy.

Green Grass

2011-03-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Anyone else dying for green grass and sunshine?

Anyone else up for a shoot. Just for fun?

If I can't have one, I will just have to get the other.

I need a creative outlet.

I need some fun shooting.

Let me know if you want to shoot or if you want to be shot (only on a photographers blog can you get away with that)!

Ready, set, let me know.

Magic

2011-02-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

There is something magical about the snow when it's falling.

Could be the softness of it. or the fact that it's just down right beautiful.

What ever it is I will admit that I love it.

My Girl

2011-02-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

I realize this isn't focused on her eye where I would typically focus, but I love this picture I awkwardly took while holding her this morning. Actually, I think I like that the focus is more around her pouty mouth and my heart.

Soph | Utah Childrens Photographer

2011-02-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love when this little cutie comes for a visit.

Sincerely

2011-02-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

A BIG thank you to everyone who made Saturday's Valentine shoot the best day possible!!! Your kids are all the best!

To the adults that got in on the action... you rock!

It was raining love I tell ya:

LL

2011-02-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

Called to Serve.

Good looking missionary I would say!

Goals

2011-02-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

Achievement has been on my mind for the past couple of months.

Could be the new year. Probably is.

For whatever reason it's been weighing on me more so than normal.

There are too many things I find myself wanting to improve on and never seem to find/make the time to do so.

I've committed to making a simple monthly goal, in hopes that it will cary over into the next month as I start another. You know, the whole "it takes 21 days to create a habit"

I'm crossing my fingers there is truth to it.

As a new month has already crept up on me, I've been considering what this months betterment should be.

My decision is that my focus will be on documenting the moments that are passing quickly.

Journaling. Picture style.

Making sure I document the small day to day things I forget to soon.

I feel strongly that if I look deeper for an idea to take a picture that sums up something significant that happened that day, It will force me to pay more attention.

Which in effect, applies last months efforts to slow down and really look at my life with appreciation.

To follow my month of documenting, visit my family blog here.

Baby June...

2011-02-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

is perfect.

Reminder

2011-01-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

My little lady here to remind you:

With only two spots left, remember that this is a great time to get pictures of your little ones at a discounted rate. This only happens once a year peeps.

For a reminder on the details go here.

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

I had the most amazing Christmas spent with family tucked away in the woods.

A & C | Orem Utah Child Photographer

2011-01-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Mickisha had a big addition to her family recently. Before her upcoming move across the country she had me photograph her two little ladies.

blogging

2011-01-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

First of all, thanks to everyone who supports me in this thing we call photography. I love it. I love all of you!

Second of all, apologies all around for not posting pictures from our sessions together here on the blog. After much harassment from family and friends, I am going to give it a go and recommit to blogging. I will be honest, I've really enjoyed the absence. What started out as being too busy with the remodel of our home on top of keeping up with my business in it's busiest season, the holidays, and my Mom's wedding.... turned into a long vacation from anything on the computer that wasn't absolutely necessary. I would be a liar if I didn't admit that I loved it!

(Blog posts, back to a priority)...

Here are just a few images you may see soon on my updated website.

Announcing

2011-01-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

Everyday

2011-01-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

Officially my favorite magazine EVER.

The layout is incredible.
The stories and poems alway make me contemplate the things that really matter in life.
The photography is beautiful.

Thank you Ellen for introducing me to it.

Thank you Cole for the best Christmas present ever.

Me & Mine

2010-12-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Thanks again Kiera for the lovely pictures

Light

2010-12-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

She's crying on my lap right now, so no words. Just pictures.

2010-12-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

I was hired to photograph a family while they went to cut down their Christmas tree!

How awesome is that?!

(Ok It was my sister in law, and we were going anyway... but still what a fun idea!).

P.S. For a little explanation on why I've been MIA on this blog, click here.

Christmas Cards

2010-12-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

To see the cards available this year look here.

Contact me for pricing if you are interested.

Baby L

2010-11-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

There's something about a picture of a baby in black & white that I am so drawn to.

Any thoughts on what it might be?!

Happy Weekend!

O Family

2010-11-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

MMMM....

Tori & Billy

2010-11-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

I blog like I fell off the face of the earth.

I feel like I fell off the face of the earth.

I didn't. (Not yet at least).

Luckily.

Because then I wouldn't be able to catch good times like this:

Happy Haunting

2010-10-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now go fill up those pillow cases with some goodies!

10 Sessions

2010-10-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

One post

Candid

2010-10-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

Can did | 'kandid |

adjective

1 truthful and straightforward; frank : his responses were remarkably candid | a candid discussion.

2 (of a photograph of a person) taken informally, esp. without the subject's knowledge.

How I love a candid picture.

Baby Love

2010-10-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

D Fam

2010-10-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

One more to share.

Baby H | Utah Newborn Photographer

2010-10-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

My good friend's newest addition to her beautiful family, meet little Hazel:

Maija Rinne Family

2010-10-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Family that just knows how to rock it in front of the camera, check.

I did nothing to get them to pour their love out for each other, and had the honor of being there to witness as it so naturally just flowed.

Perfect evening, check.

Durrant Family

2010-10-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I've had the pleasure of working with this beautiful family and put it together this time around that I went to school with Jen's little brother and his wife. I love it when I make a connection, it seems like there is always one once you dig into it.

About 20 minutes into this session the storms started blowing in, and they stuck around for the whole next week. Luckily there is no wasting time with this bunch, for Dad's sake I guess. :) We were able to blow right through this and finish just as the wind really started to blow.

Lifestyle Photographer

2010-10-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

...I call myself.

To me, that means I want your pictures to be real.

I try to make your pictures pretty and artistic, but more than that - I want your pictures to make you feel something.

I want more than just a perfect picture of you standing with your family smiling for the camera, and while I think shots like this are important they aren't what speak.

I want your pictures to say something about who you are & what you love.

That is why a little portion of each session is now going to be devoted to just that.

"YOU & TRUE"

Our goal is to go outside the NORM and do something for 10 minutes, that may be a little more unconventional.

Lyric

2010-10-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful and unique name for a such a sweet little baby girl.

She was awake for most of this session, but didn't cry once.

I think I'm in love.

Robison Family

2010-09-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

Beautiful family right here I would say! I have to admit I was a little anxious for this session when Alison contacted me and said she has five children. :) The nerves settled the moment I got there and met them. They were much better behaved than I had it played out in my mind! I think I imagine things worst case so that I feel prepared, and not let down. Enough about me, back to the Robison gang. Awesome family!!

Garber

2010-09-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Shannon and I contacted each other awhile back. I don't remember exactly how we found each other, somehow online. We commented on each others blogs occasionally. Time went by without contact and then one day I had an email from her asking me to take her family pictures! Let me just say, when another photographer asks me to take their family pictures I feel an onset of emotions. First are the butterflies. Followed by the butterflies & then some more butterflies. All at the same time! (I do have to throw gratitude in there somewhere as well).

My favorite part of this session was hard to narrow down, but was the blanket that Shannon brought. It was made from pieces of her mothers clothing who passed away last year. I got a little lump in my throat as I quickly choked back emotion and silently connected with her.

On a lighter note, another favorite was watching their dog jump over this little hill of dirt! It was seriously cool and very entertaining!

me mine ours

2010-09-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

family pictures 2010

taken by Kiera

the rest will debut with our Christmas Cards.

have a happy weekend!

Kiera...

2010-09-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Is naturally beautiful, and was kind enough to let me get her wet.

Chipman Family

2010-09-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's always fun when you come to a shoot ready to meet the family you will be working with and you already know them, only didn't make the connection! Candace is a friend of my brother, and because of her married name I didn't connect the dots when we were talking back and forth through email. I was pleasantly surprised when I got out of the car and thought she looks SO familiar!

I loved the light this beautiful location has to offer, the sense of humor this family has, and being reminded how different it to work with a group of adults that actually hold still and do just as you say.

Candace brought this rug (one that I dream of owning I might add) to incorporate into her pictures. I love the idea of bringing something from your home to personalize your pictures, and would encourage everyone to do the same.

I can picture this picture hanging on the wall in the same room this rug is displayed.

Black Family

2010-09-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's a little too easy to get carried away with photoshop.

Agreed? Thought so.

How about a picture today that is straight out of the camera.

You can get away with that (straight out of camera) when you have a beautiful family like this and a killer old school orange truck to sit around!

Sudweeks

2010-09-15T04:02:00.000-07:00

My busy season has officially begun, which means fewer pictures on the blog in order to keep my life in balance.

Get ready for some preview overloads around here.

Louri, and Fam, this one's for you:

Rachel + Jase

2010-09-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Rachel contacted me awhile back to take her engagement pictures. After learning a little more about them, I found that they love to be outside doing things together. I thought the perfect spot for them would be up the canyon. Outdoors, for some picture taking time!

My favorite thing about these two is the way they giggled together. Loved it.

Congrats you two!

H + J Married

2010-09-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

Remember this couple's engagement session?

They are back to debut as Mr. & Mrs. after a beautiful wedding day at the Salt Lake Temple followed by their reception at Somewhere In Time.

I especially love watching the way Jaren makes Holly feel at ease and the way they seem so connected and comfortable with each other. You would think they've been best friends forever!

Labor Day Discount

2010-09-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

With it being Labor Day and all, I'm going to touch on a matter of business.

Think ahead for a moment. Think Christmas.

Remember those cards we all love to send out & get, and how Grandma & Grandpa always love an updated picture of those they love most?

Now think if you've already got those lined up?

Saturdays are almost filled, so if you want one take a moment right now and grab it.

Did you do it?

Weekday evenings are available as well.

Prices are found on my website under details > investment. Remember to check them out as I've made a slight change.

Thank you to everyone who has already scheduled!

Happy Labor Day!

Speaking of Labor Day, how about a Labor Day Special!?!

Schedule a session Monday September 6th - Wednesday the 8th before 10 pm for Fall 2010 and get 10% off your session price.

Now did you do it? :)

And for your browsing pleasure, today I give you my older brother's family:

Rachel & Jase Engaged

2010-09-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

More to come from this lovely couple.

Relax

2010-09-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

...and take a deep breath.

It's going to be alright.

The big day has finally come, my firstborn has officially started Kindergarten.

We documented the morning with plenty of pictures, a few arguments during the process, & possibly some tears shed. (His or mine? I will never tell).

All in all, I can't help but look at the following pictures and think back on when I would dress him and walla, just like that I'm crying again. ;)

Part sadness. Pure satisfaction.

Camryn

2010-09-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

My cousin Tyce and his wife Rachel have one of the most adorable little blue eyed girls around. She was on one this day and we were able to catch so many great expressions that in my opinion will one day look back on and be cherished.

A look at a few of them:

Away

2010-08-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

I will be away for the rest of the week.

And by away I mean away from email and phone.

I will however be back Monday, relaxed and ready to come back to real life.

All contact will be continued then.

A little look at a fun outing I had the other night with a couple of other photographers/friends.

We met to meet. We shot each other. We had fun.

p.s. see more on Kiera's blog here.

she is so incredibly talented.

A.

2010-08-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

B e a u t i f u l

B Family Preview

2010-08-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

On the way to this shoot I was thinking about how photography has pushed me. I thought back to my first shoot in Salt Lake over two years ago, and how nervous I was to drive in the "big city." I remember google mapping the directions and practically memorizing where I would be driving. It's those one way streets that had me terrified. Once I got over that fear, I learned it's actually nothing to be afraid of. No need to panic if I take a wrong turn. Which I did, I usually do. (Not the panic part, the wrong turn part). Thankfully Ashlie and her family were more than patient. Speaking of Ashlie & her family aren't they a fashionable group!? Mom is actually a photographer herself and knows how to work the whole picture day thing!

Alecia

2010-08-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

One to tease.

Nixon

2010-08-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let me connect the dots between how I know this handsome little guy.

His Dad & my husband work together.

I went to school with his uncle.

His Mom's cousin is a good friend of ours.

And that is where the connections lie.

...and I'm so glad they do because I will tell you, it's a treat to be able to photograph him!

scheduling

2010-08-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

updated

2010-08-12T22:56:00.001-07:00

I'm a little hesitant to draw attention to this.

Let's face it.

I've done it a little too much.

I'm telling you anyway.

I've made some changes to my look.

I know. I know.

Forgive me.

I love change. I can't help it.

I came home from wppi wanting to redo my look.

It needed it to represent more than just my work.

It needed to illustrate something about me.

Me.

What about me?

I knew the answer about as quickly as I asked myself the question.

Letters. Words.

I love the way they look.

It became a matter of how to do it.

Inspiration came. At the movie theatre of all places.

Ideas were written down.

Scratched out. And written down again.

And again.

Until it came together.

And oh how I love the way it came together.

Here to stick around awhile:

My blog.

My website.

You like?

Come on my non commenting followers.

It's your turn. :)

I know, that's so annoying.

ahhh. Should I delete it?

Nope. It's done.

Publish.

H Bridals

2010-08-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be more excited for this upcoming wedding.

I love the way this couple connects and can't wait to capture a little more of it on their big day.

Field of Dreams

2010-08-10T11:20:00.001-07:00

There is a place up high in the mountains where the wild flowers grow as far as the eye can see.

A place that while there, everything is right.

Other adventures from the trip here.

Jarvie Kids

2010-08-10T08:31:00.001-07:00

A sneak peek for you...

And while we did get some with them all looking I'll make you sweat it out to see them cause I just love these ones so much.

Still love me? ;)

Us

2010-08-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

While I considered doing a redo of this picture to have freshly manicured feet, I decided that this is us and I won't pretend that our feet don't look like this 75% of the time.

I actually love it so much it will be an enlargement on the wall. Another pinky swear.

Fruit Dip

2010-08-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Try this little tip and it will take your fruit bowl to a whole new level I pinky swear!

The secret:

Add a little finely grated ginger root to some Limeade concentrate and pour it over your fruit.

Gently stir it around once or twice and serve.

MMM...

The chip dip: (Not a family secret, it's actually from a friend - but it's a favorite)

1 can of white corn, rinsed and drained

1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 or 2 tomatoes diced

1 or 2 large diced avocados

a bunch of green onions diced

1/2 bottle italian dressing

optional: cilantro

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and pour italian dressing over.

Mix together.

Glenn Fam

2010-08-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Kisha and I met through this friend awhile back. Turns out we share a love for photography and have become friends because of it. We went to Las Vegas together and have stayed in touch. Now she is expecting and will be adding another little one to her adorable family.

Wilding Family

2010-08-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

My friend and her family:

Baby Stella

2010-07-30T12:40:00.001-07:00

I'm in baby heaven around here.

My first little premi to work with, only weighing in at 4 lbs. She was so perfect in every way.

I'm sure she will be another blond haired beauty just like her Mom and those cute big brothers of hers!

Here's to baby Stella:

A Good Cause

2010-07-29T11:22:00.001-07:00

Cooper's Run

Saturday July 31st 2010

Police & Fire appreciation 5k & Fun Run

I saw a poster sign for Cooper's Run about a month ago while out on a little jog and knew right then I wanted to participate in this. I grew up with the Koffords, and have always had a great appreciation for their strength, humor, and talents.

I'm terrible with words and could sit here for hours trying to figure out the right things to say. Instead I will direct you here to read what has already been so eloquently written.

Come be a part of it this Saturday!