Below is my favorite shot from today.
And some more fun ones:
Which one is your favorite?
I’ll check back in about 18 days and see what you said…just as soon as I recover from all the bending over, sweating, squatting, hunching, panting, walking up and down hills, making silly faces and photographing I did today in the hot and exceedingly humid (but thankfully not rainy) weather here in the Frozen Tundra.
Your favorite is my favorite, too, but I also love the third one from the bottom – such a cute kid!
the next to last one is my fave!
MckMama, great pics!! What a cool pic of B in that orange lounger! And the others are fantastic as well.
Can’t wait to see the rest of the pics from Saturday … love your work! Blessings on the week ahead…
What do you charge for a shoot like this? What does it consist of?
OOOOOHHH I love the 9th down, black and white little boy by a fence, so cute!
Thanks for all the accolades for the little boy in the chair-he’s our son.
Jennifer-Here’s a pic of you taking the pic!
http://twitpic.com/2076c0
I love the black and white of the little one with his thumb on his lips. Love all your pictures!
My farorite is the little boy with the purple flowers, and the fence and red building faded into the background. I have yet to perfect the background blur. I also like the little girls in front of the Miller building. Great photographs. Makes me want to get my camera out and take a few hundred shots.
From a fellow photograpy client of Jennifer’s:
I’m going to give my 2 cents on JM’s photography.
In early 2009, I was a bride in search of a photographer. Being sucked in completely to, then, 4 month old Stellan in the hospital, I thought (like many, sadly): how can I help? I thought, “If I hire Jennifer as my photographer for my wedding, I could help her by hiring her for a service.”
Yes. I was blinded by her ways and actually wanted her as a photographer for my wedding.
We wrote back and forth over e-mail. We wanted a package that could be split between our wedding (in May) and our reception (in Sept). She was up for that. Cost with approximately 6 hours of photography, rights to all the photos, editing, engagemet session, etc. was going to be around $2000. She talked about sending me a contract after I sent my $200 deposit.
For the record and in my own defense: I was flying blind with vendors and contracts and the like. Everyone is different in our area and it can be very overwhelming. I took her word that once a deposit was sent, she would send us a contract to sign and have a session in place.
Yep. You guessed it.
I mailed in my deposit.
NO CONTRACT EVER ARRIVED.
And I had second thoughts.
What did I do?
Why didn’t I ask to see the contract first BEFORE sending the deposit?
I felt so stupid!
I e-mailed her (I didn’t have a phone number) consistently over the next few months asking for a contract. I had questions (“What is your back up plan if you can’t be there?” etc) that went unanswered. It got to the point that I had to fire her. I sent her a letter in the mail as well as an e-mail. She replied with a “no worries! I understand”.
We also tried to get our deposit back…which we were unsuccessful. Her reason, “Since I held the date and didn’t find anyone to fill it, I can’t refund your deposit.”
Funny. My e-mail and letter to her stated that we had a change of heart, and I quote: “…It isn’t fair for us to hold these dates, and cancel with such short notice that you can’t rebook the dates with another event.
Should things change, and those dates are still open with you, we’d love to discuss the option of rehiring you…”
So, for her to say she “held the date for us”? An excuse. And it has sealed the deal as to why I will never, ever, EVER recommend her for a photography session. Not so much about the photo quality (I actually kind of like it!–sorry, I do!), but because of her terrible business practice and lack of professionalism. In fact recently, someone I work with was looking for a photo referral and I told her , “I can tell you who NOT to hire!”
I went with a girl who I work with who gave me 2 more hours (8 total), split between our wedding and reception and I paid $700 total. I got great photos and couldn’t be happier.
Jennifer, did this really happen? It’d be nice if you responded to this.
I’m quite surprised it’s even been left up this long for someone to ask about it. No, she will not respond to her naysayers.
directly anyway.
Fascinating story! Not exactly true, but fascinating.
Will you counter it with the other side of the story?
I think Kelley, the bride, would disagree. That’s exactly what happened. Looking forward to seeing how you spin it when she shares the proof.
Now THAT’ll be fascinating!
‘Fascinating’ story? ‘Not exactly true’?
1) Did you take a deposit but delay in sending a contract to the bride (enough to make her feel uneasy about your commitment, considering your circumstances)?
2) WITHOUT A CONTRACT, did you keep the money?
I don’t think this is a naysayer problem. I think this is a genuine situation where your compassion as a believer, especiallly if you didn’t make good on your side of things (how TRUSTING she was to send you a deposit WITHOUT a contract!), should have been paramount in the situation. I’m sure you could have used the money, given all that has gone on in your lives.
Wow. I just don’t know what else to say.
Do you ever seek counsel with your pastor or some other mature Christian, as to what a believer with integrity would have done? DO you send contracts to each of these people in this photo shoot, who prepay for your services?
Wow.
How soon before the actual day of the wedding did you cancel? It seems normal to me that someone you hired and had asked them to hold the date for any amount of time would in turn keep your deposit for loss of possible other job/jobs. From what you said it was months that she held that date. Hmmm…. Jennifer seemed nothing but accommodating and answered her emails quickly when we were talking back and forth about the photo shoot this past weekend. I would recommend her to anyone and we drove 10 hours to get there. My son was also half way to a melt down through the entire process and she still did a fantastic job. I would make the trip all over again! I would think if it was in the middle of her son being very ill I could understand her not emailing back quickly. Maybe I am wrong but I would not have expected my deposit back after that long…
Some people will defend Jennifer no matter what she does. Too funny.
And some people will pick on me no matter what I do. Too funny.
Truth be told, I’d much rather be found thinking the best of someone than finding the worst in them. It’s a much more pleasant way to live. I’m thrilled that most of my readers prefer to give others the benefit of the doubt rather than seek to find flaws in others. And I’m thankful for a Lord who sees us as spotless, even though we are far from it. I try to do my best to see the best in others, too, because I know that’s what Jesus does for me. May sound funny, but it’s how I live:)
True or False: DID YOU KEEP THE MONEY?
I’m a big believer in trying to give people the benefit of doubt in most things.
But this isn’t really a matter of seeing the “best” in someone. This is someone who is saying that she wouldn’t recommend you to others because of how you did business with them. If it’s not true, then you’re doing yourself a huge disservice by not addressing it, since you use your blog to promote yourself as a photographer and lots and lots of people read here.
If I was in the market for a wedding photographer, and I read that story, I wouldn’t be sitting there trying to think the best of you, I’d be thinking, hm…that’s not cool, especially since MckMama’s just responding with “fascinating” and “people are picking on me”.
I am honestly just telling about my experience and it was nothig but great =)
I think the problem is that Jennifer kept the money without a contract ever being signed. Doesn’t matter if she saved the date or not, if there wasn’t a contract, there wasn’t a photography agreement…which would then mean that Jennifer stole $200.
And, if everything were on the up and up, why wouldn’t Jennifer respond to her emails?
I wish Jennifer would give her side of the story…
But if you sent your deposit PRIOR to getting a contract, and the contract was delayed in getting to you, would you not want to be certain that you indeed had a photographer for your wedding?
I think by not sending the contract, Jennifer voided her own verbal contract — for WHATEVER reason. It seems here that Jennifer’s ability to keep the date was far more in question than anything. Given that she could have had to be with Stellan and that she didn’t provide the contract in a timely manner, I bet even a small claims judge would agree the deposit should have been retured to the bride.
Had the bride signed and returned the contract, that would be a whole different story on the cancellation.
I’m glad to know you had a good experience. It doesn’t change this bride’s experience or perspective at all.
How horrible! I don’t see how she could keep the $200 without a contract. Weddings are costly and stressful enough, without throwing $200 away for nothing. Thankgoodness I had a wonderful photographer/friend that would never try to pull something like that.
If there was no contract, Jennifer had absolutely no right to keep the two hundred dollars and it is NOT too late to give it back now. Contracts are meant to protect EACH party. So McMama, if you didn’t have a contract it would be best that you give the money back,,,,,what would Jesus do?
I think the fact that Jennifer has not actually explained her side of the story says a lot, unfortunately.
If money was exchange because of a verbal agreement, pending written contract… it’s a legally binding agreement. From the information above the money should’ve been refunded. It’s the fair and right (and Christian) thing to do.
I do a bit of photography and out of goodwill I would’ve returned the money…. otherwise it comes back to bite you in the bum!
I guess I’m wondering why you’re choosing to post this now on her blog (a public space) as oppossed to addressing it directly with her and why everyone else seems to care so much?!? I was just looking through to see peoples’ comments about the photos she took on Saturday, not a debate about what a contract is or isn’t and whether money was sent or wasn’t.
Probably because they are trying to make me look bad, so they choose to do it here. And maybe they know that confronting me via email would serve no purpose, anyway, since I their assertions are false. That’s my guess:)
I’m curious as to what constitutes “hot and exceedingly humid” in a place you often refer to as the frozen tundra.
It was a lovely 98 degrees here in SC today with a heat index of 110. But honestly, I wouldn’t even consider trading that in for a place that contains the word “frozen” in its description. When it drops to 50 degrees around here everyone starts busting out their heavy winter coats. Seriously. I mean we might as well, we only get to wear them a few times a year. Stay cool!
It was 82 degrees with 80% humidity yesterday. Anything over 60% humidity is considered “tropical”. So yes, it was hot and sticky and hardly “frozen”.
The little boy in the balck and white photo is SO cute too! (why do I always think of something else to say after I hit ‘submit’?
)
Love the OFamily!
Adorable pictures….all of them. Too hard to pick a favorite! Hope you got to rest up today and stay cool.
They’re all gorgeous. Great photography.
I especially like the little boy in the flowers with the barn in the background. All are super!
I love all the pictures! So many different backrounds, it’s hard to believe they were all taken at the same place. Porter looks so cute in the purple flowers! He was such a good smiler, I figured they were going to turn out good. Thanks again.
I’m a sucker for curly hair on boys … I love the last one! They are all so cute!
I love them all. Such great work! But I really like the one of our little boy following us down the gravel road. Thanks for all your patience yesterday! My boys weren’t very cooperative….What a neat place to have a photoshoot. We enjoyed looking around and of course meeting you!
They are all great (still think you need to come to NJ) but my favorites are the boy in the lounger in the field and the girl with the pink flower in her hair! GORGEOUS!
great work! I love them all , but the last one with the curls and cute smile get my vote! Just something about the curls!
They’re all adorable, but I think my favorite is the cute blonde in front of the thermometer…too cute!!! As usual…you do good work!!!
How great when blogs I read combine! I love the O Family picture just because I enjoy Allison’s writing so much, and therefore kinda feel like I know them!
I’m kind of partial to the first picture and the little boy in front of the thermometer …
I love the little boy peeking over the fence too – so adorable!
Thanks for putting up with my “terrible two” nephew yesterday, he needed a nap!! Ha. I honestly don’t know how you did what you did in the heat and humidity, but we thank you. You ROCK!!
Can’t wait to get the rest of the pictures!
Whew!
Thought my little fake smiler was not going to pull off a good pic…the one of the girls you posted looks great!
Hope you were able to enjoy relaxing the rest of the afternoon after the shoot! It was SO HUMID! Thanks a million!
I love the little boy in front of the purple flowers and the little girl with the pink flower in her hair. They are all fabulous though!
Very difficult to pick, but the one with the Daddy “flying” the little boy and the Mommy laughing is very precious. Also LOVE that little dark-headed girl with the flower clip.
But they’re all awesome! Hope you’ve had a chance to relax and put your (no doubt swollen) feet up!
Love them all but my fav is the little boy in front of the purple flowers. It just pops and he has such a natural smile.
Definitely the kid sitting in the field on the couch!!!! Great picture!!!!!!!!
Definitely the B&W of the boy peeking over the fence. Adorable!
they are all amazing, as usual! My favorite is the same as yours. We’ve used a half dozen different photographers to shoot Violet in her 21 months of life, but I wish we could use you every time! Hopefully someday something will bring you back to CO again!
Love the little guy in the 4th one down. And LOVE that you describe the “frozen tundra” as hot and humid! Ah, the irony!!
My fav is the fourth one down — that little boy is adorable and I love the background too!
Definately the chair shot, love it!
I love the 10th picture down, the two girls sitting in front of the building. I love the colors and I love that they match the building!
The black and white peekabooing one is stunning.
Nice work.
Love your pics. The one on the chair in the field might be my fav.
Love these photos!! Now you just need to come to Wisconsin and do a photoshoot here!!
I love all the pcitures they are beautiful! But my favorite is the 2nd picture, the one in the chair!
WOW gorgeous pictures! I LOVE the chair one, very unique! I also love the closeup of the little boy in black and white, so beautiful! I so wish I lived near you so you could take pictures of my little ones!
Love the ones of the girl and baby in the grass, so sweet! Wish we would have been available for this shoot…hope you’ll have another here in the Tundra again in the fall…afterall we’ll have two new beautiful pumpkins to photograph!
I personally LOVE the one with my daughters, Emily and Gracie (little girl and baby in the grass) You did an amazing job even while my son spent most of the time screaming (he came to th hotel and spent the entire night smiling at us saying cheese… How ironic ehhh?!?) thanks again I would make the trip all over again!!!!
I love the black and white one! So clear and crisp!
I love the one that is a close up in black and white!
I love them all, how cute that you got to photograph “O my family”! Little O Baby is so adorable and I just love reading her blog!
Jennifer,
While the “posing” in the picutres is very nice and each of kids cute, I have to say I think you are so concerned with making your BACKGROUND colorsor certain elememts of the picture POP that you are taking away from the subjects natural skin tones. They just look washed out to me. Sorry, I wouldn’t pay for your services, I just don’t think you have it when it comes to editing.
The little guy walking behind the men! It’s such a picture of how we should be conscious, as adults, of the little ones who follow our example! The memories of my adult interactions as a child run so deep and shaped my life. Today I wrote about my 8th grade English teacher! http://www.livewithflair.blogspot.com/ (that’s an old memory from 1988)
My fav is the boy in the chair – makes you wonder how the chair got out there, and he is so cute!
Third one down, what a smile!
I like the boy in the chair and my fave is the baby sitting on the grass with her big sister! Great sibling love!!
Before I even got to the end of this post, but after seeing the pictures, I was wondering…How in the WORLD did she get that shot of the two girls sitting in the grass?? It looks like it could only be shot by someone laying on their belly!
I guess you did some major bending down for that one! I’m amazed
I was thinking that too! A few of them look like they’re taken from that angle..were you tired and lying down for most of the shoot, Mckmama? Lol!:) my fav is the little girl with the flower clip. except for the odd fake looking flowers in the background, how did that happen? (I don’t know much about photography and editing, sorry.)
I agree! My favorite is the one on the chair but they are all fantastic as always!!
I think I like the little blonde boy in the blue crocs walking on the road between his parents. I LOVE different perspectives!
Love the little girl in the pink and brown!!! The processing on these is so great! I’m really jealous of your skills……
I think they are all lovely. Beautiful children. You must have such patience. I find as someone else noted, some of the colours are a bit green. I thought altogether that the colours were not a brilliiant as you have in photos. Is it because it was a cloudy day or are you more adventurous when it is your own photo?
I hope you manage to get some rest after all that exertion, you are one brave lady.
Today was wonderful! You were so great with Micah, I loved it. I hope you recover quickly, friend.
And the pictures? They are all O so cute! (But I think you probably can guess which one is my favorite…)
the girls in the yellow and teal sitting in front of the teal and yellow building is my favorite….could their outfits BE any more fitting to the location! LOVE IT. .
I don’t think I could love the curly haired boy at the end (last pic) anymore, but I have a soft spot! DARLING
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the B&W of boy peeking over the fence! his eyes are awesome! great moments you captured!
I LOVE the last one, however, I am biased as Landon’s my nephew.
Aww, what a lucky aunt you are! He was a darling…and his mom was nice, too:)
Thanks Jennifer for the kind words! I, too, LOVE the last one, but he’s my kid! All the pictures turned out awesome. I love the angle of the one with the little boy with the weather(?) sign in the background as well as the black and white one.
Oooh! There all so good its hard to choose but my favs are:
The boy in the chair
The baby with her big sister
The b&w one of the boy looking over something
The one of the dad with his baby in the air (I love dad’s face in that one!)
Wow- they are simply amazing! I love the way you color pop your pictures! Do you create you own actions?
Again…ALL of those pics are FANTABULOUS!!!!
WoW! Just incredible and I really won’t ever get sick of looking at kids’ faces. They’re just so cute. Now, favorites….LOVE the 4th one down from Shoot7 and the black and white ‘little peeker’ face. Um, too ADORABLE!! They’re ALL just wonderful though. It’s so hard to choose.
Glad you survived. You were WAY braver than I would’ve ever been and that’s including the fact that I would have NEVER, EVER in a MILLION, TRILLION YEARS done that being pregnant. Sister-friend, I know what it was like here today and I sweat like you wouldn’t believe just opening the door to get from my garage door to my car…what…like 1.5 feet away. HAHAHAHA! Bless your sweet, sweet heart!!
Beautiful job, today! Love ya lots…now I just want to see that vidoe of your precious little (in-utero) babe living it up!!!
I don’t know if it’s my monitor, but a few of the photos look very green. That adorable baby is cute but she looks like she’s sick because of the coloring!
Love the pictures! They are beautiful as always; would love to get up there to Mudd Lake too! My favorites are the chair, the black and white close up of the little boy. Hope you recover well and get back to feeling good soon so you can enjoy these last precious days of McFlurry in your tummy.
Love the little Asian (I hope that is politically correct) dolly with the flower in her hair! Nobody looks sweaty at all. Hope you get to sleep in tomorrow!
Yes, isn’t she a sweetie!? She has a little sister, too…I went to college with their parents!
Ahhhh, you need to come up to Igloo land and do some shoots!!!! Wonderful work…..
I really love the one of the young boy hugging his momma. Boys and their mommas, something special about that! Now get some rest!
I hope you do not go into labor after that one my dear! I was worried about you today!
These are all great pictures. It must have been a long day though. Get some rest.
Yep, the little boy in the chair is my fav!!! I have a bridal shoot on Monday and we live in SC. What to talk about hot? It has been 98 all week! I may just die:) One day I will get you to take our photos.Even if we have to drive all the way up there!
I love the one of the little baby girl in the pink skirt sitting in the grass!
oh, and I also love the sisters in the yellow
SO sweet! love her little hat!
the little boy in the chair is definitely my favorite too
I can’t imagine how hot it was taking all these photos.. you must be brave 
and sweaty. haha!
I love the B&W photo of the little boy holding the fence! Glad you had a fun time!