Lifestyle | Mack & Winston

Friday morning, I had the pleasure of photographing these guys - Mack and Winston. Cute, right? There really isn't much more to say than that. Unless of course, you're in the greater Santa Fe or Albuquerque areas and would like some fun portraits of your pets.  Or your kids, your event, your spouse.  You get the idea.  If that's case, I have a lot more to say. Send me an e-mail and we can chat.

First Days

I spent much of the weekend preparing myself for the first day of school. Typical "OMG. its. the. first. day." behavior for someone as Type A and obsessive as me. You had already realized that was the extent of my personality, right? Type A and obsessive? 

Organizing my backpack, purchasing highlighters, getting a haircut, cleaning the house, and struggling over what to wear (I went with hot pink pants, in case you were wondering).

Then, yesterday, as I sat on the bus, the real, public, Albuquerque bus, I felt almost sad to be beginning my graduate career. Not the least bit sad because I didn't want to return to school - or sad because I was terrified of taking the bus alone - but sad because I thought for a moment that this first day of school would be my last.

But, I realized I still had a doctorate degree to begin.
And with that my first day woes were all but gone.

Then, I was handed a camera and the last of my worries disappeared.

Exploring | Tent Rocks

When the New Mexico wind blows, it sweeps the sand from the desert, the dust from the roads, and the tumbleweeds from the fields. Our adventuring souls are carried on the gust as if they were part of the desert itself.  Spring weekends find us blown to nearby places, places that leave us feeling lost, looking around at a world that seems unfamiliar. Views so grand, so expansive, that they don't seem to be of the Earth we know. Sunday's winds carried us to the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks for afternoon hiking, a few warm hours in the sun, and a view from what seemed to be the top of the world. With sneakers full of sand and a bag weighed down from the picnic packed inside, we trekked nearly three miles through canyons and rock formations, braving a steep 630ft climb to the top of the mesa.  We drove home with sun kissed shoulders, windburnt cheeks and a respect for all that can be created and destroyed in seven million years.

Portraits | Eddie & Amanda

Despite the eight degree weather, we ventured out for Christmas portraits this weekend. Since the beginning of my weekend was spent finishing a 51 page paper, the cold air felt like a nice break.. at least for the first few minutes.This beautiful stream location is just minutes from our house, on the premises of an all but abandoned airport. Trevor and I used this location for some of our own Christmas photos and thought that it would be great for this session, though I always get nervous - nervous that a plane will try to land on the runway while I'm photographing a happy couple, or perhaps worse, the Anaconda police will arrest me for being there. Can you tell I worry a lot?

Luckily Eddie and Amanda were brave enough to come out in the less than desirable weather and even managed to walk on thin ice for their photos, quite literally. While we hoped to get a photo of everyone together, it was a bit cold for the pups and we all know that some dogs are simply camera shy. But can we just stop for a moment to talk about how cute that Pomeranian is? And Jagger? He's 15, and the snow didn't slow him down a bit.

The holidays are quickly approaching. Our own Christmas cards were sent out this week but if you've procrastinated, there's still time to have photos taken for your own cards - but you'll have to act soon. Our countdown has been hit or miss with closed coffee shops, and rainy days but we're hoping to get more into the spirit soon. Trevor starts a new job tomorrow, and I start new classes - the last of my undergraduate career - next week so it seems as though the rest of December is going to fly by. 

So tell me, what have you been doing to get ready for the big holiday?

Snowy Saturdays

This weekend proved full of winter adventures.

Wednesday night, the snow started to fall. On Saturday morning, it was still falling. After nearly three days without seeing the sun, Trevor and I decided to take Saturday as our day - a day to drive around, play in the snow and attempt to take a reasonable Christmas card photo. Not hard when you live here.

In some areas, the snow was above my knees. And yet, we ran across a group of ten campers - campers who were worried they might not get out without the help of a few pick up trucks. They had been hunting for elk. It seems to be the time to do it. The other day, deer crossed through our fenced yard in town. On Friday, Trevor saw a moose on his way to pick me up from work. Unfortunately, our pups aren't enjoying the snow as much as the other Montana wildlife seem to be. 

So, yesterday, we took off from Anaconda and headed toward Montana's capital, Helena. Trevor had fallen in love with the view from atop the Cromwell Dixon Campground but unfortunately, the snow had made the campground all but impassable. Still, we pulled to the side of the highway for some scenic shots and to throw snowballs down the mountain side with strangers taking a rest stop from their drive home to Missoula.

While I was excited to take our photos, I was more excited at the chance to browse through Target. Unfortunately, though, I left the store with only a box of my favorite chocolate covered cherries and new makeup brushes. But, I made up for it with an hour spent in the Christmas section staring at ornaments, convincing Trevor that our pups need pajamas, and making a list of all the things we need before December 1st arrives. And, after our "shopping," we managed to find a good lunch (and Angry Orchard on tap!) at the Brewhouse Pub and Grill.

In the end, we captured a few Christmas card photos - some silly, some serious - but you'll have to wait for those. Until then, you can enjoy our snowy view from the warmth of your home. As for us? It's 16 degrees and windy, but for now we're enjoying it with hot cocoa and an even hotter fire.

Photography Wishes

When my boyfriend not-so-subtly hinted that I create a photography wish list for my upcoming birthday, I thought it would be a fun exercise. While I struggled to find 10 birthday wish list items, I found that my photography wants were already decided. If you're interested in photography, perhaps you will find a new item to add to your own wish list.

1// After falling in love with VSCO Cam for the iPhone, I starting wishing for the same effects for the photos coming from my DSLR. Luckily, Visual Supply Company has created two film packs for use with various photo editing software. A copy of Film 01 for Adobe Lightroom 3 is at the top of my photography must-haves.

2// Though I prefer to photograph with natural light, I'm beginning to realize that learning to correctly use flash might be a good investment in my skills. I'm hoping to buy an external flash with ETTL and this Canon Speedlite Flash seems like a good choice.

3// Even though a Lightroom update doesn't top my list, I do like some of the new features included in Lightroom 4.

4// After buying my 60D, I never got around to purchasing a fun new camera strap. My great ruffled strap still remains on my Rebel XT and this time around, I'm looking for something more classic. I love all of the geometric and bohemian designs from iMo Camera Shop but this one is my favorite.

5// This Bamboo tablet from Wacom could likely tie for my top, reasonable, photography wish. Though I haven't used a tablet for my photography, I'd love to learn how to edit this way - plus, I'd love to use my own sketches, doodles, and handwriting in my blog designs and images!

6// Though I own a remote shutter release, I've quickly learned that a wireless version would be much easier to use. As you know, I'm not one for having my picture taken but perhaps with this cheap investment, I would find myself on the other side of the camera more often.

7// This is the second time in a week that the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens has appeared in my wishes. I've been lusting after this little lens for quite some time but after buying myself a plane ticket to Pennsylvania, it probably won't make my purchase list anytime soon.

8// After reading rave reviews from some of my favorite bloggers, Totally Rad Actions' RadLab showed up on my radar and has stayed ever since. I love the effects of these fun, colorful, vibrant actions. I also love the idea of simplifying my workflow.

9// To the same effect as the camera strap wish, I'm hoping to invest in a more professional and stylish camera bag soon. Though I love my colorful striped bag from Photojojo, this bag from JoTotes has room for my camera bodies, lenses, my laptop and other much needed photography accessories.. like snacks, lipgloss and my iPhone.

So tell me, what items are on your photography wish list? Do you have any recommendations of "must have" items to keep in my camera bag? Favorite lenses or flashes? I'm always looking for other photographers' opinions and recommendations! 

Autumn Mini Sessions

Are you located in the southwestern Montana area and looking to have photos taken of yourself and your significant other? of your family? of your children? A mini-session is a great way to get update photos for a fraction of the time and for a fraction of the cost! With the holidays coming up, and a new school just starting, it is a great time to commemorate.

Since I have just relocated to the area, I am looking to build a clientele in the Butte and Anaconda area. For that reason, I am offering three months of discounted portraits - plus a special giveaway at the bottom of this post! For just $75, I will meet you at any location of your choice and provide a thirty minute session! Perhaps we will even be able to take advantage of some early snow.

With each session, you will receive a disk with 8 - 10 medium resolution images - images that you will be able to share online and print in sizes up to 8x10! In addition, each session will include a custom designed e-card for the holiday or occasion of your choice. This is a great way to share your newest family photo via e-mail or Facebook. In addition, I will be offering print services for holiday cards. Since you have to send them anyway, why not include a great new portrait and a fun design? They will surely be cherished by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, no matter how near or far.

For those who would like prints made, a password protected gallery will be online for one week to allow you to select your favorites. Print packages, gallery wrapped canvases, and other photo gifts are also available.

If you would like more information about these sessions or would like to book one today, please contact me as soon as possible. After receiving your session fee in full, you will receive printed information about my prints and packages, ideas of what to wear, or suggestions for unique themes to incorporate in your session.

For those of you who book by September 15th, I will include a free professional 8x10 with any print order! And, for those that book a session and refer a friend, I will be thanking you with a special gift.


Giveaway Information

This giveaway is open to those who are willing to travel to the Butte/Anaconda area between now and November 10th. A winner will be chosen and announced on this blog on September 15th.

To enter, tell me, what is your favorite place in Montana?
You can also earn more entries by liking Jennifer Lake Images on Facebook, following me on Twitter, or sharing this giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For my friends, family and followers on the East Coast, I am hoping to have one day of mini-sessions in the York area. If you are interested, please e-mail me so that I can gauge interest and so that I will be able to notify you as soon as a date and location have been set. 

Portraits: Anniversaries and... Dirt Bikes?

For most couples, anniversaries and dirt bikes are probably unrelated but for my cousin? That wasn’t the case. You see, two years (and one month) ago, my cousin Sarah married the guy of her dreams, Curtis, and with that, came dirt bikes (and Jeeps). When she asked me to take their anniversary photos with these prized possessions, I couldn’t help but laugh. You have to understand - growing up, Sarah and I were more like sisters. It’s this  phenomenon when you lack a sister of your own and have a cousin your age. You know, sister cousins. We had sleepovers every weekend, we went to Head Start together, and before I ran off to Montana, we met for lunch every week. But, that being said, we couldn’t have been more different. Sarah loved pink and dresses and hated to get dirty. On the other hand, I refused to wear dresses, let alone much other clothing, and spent my time fishing with my dad or playing in dirt with my brother. In middle school, Sarah shopped at American Eagle. I shopped at.. well, let’s just say, it wasn’t American Eagle. Up until these photos were taken, I think I had written off the idea of Sarah on a dirt bike. I had heard the stories and seen photos of their off-roading adventures.. But then I saw for myself and now, you see the proof... but seriously, aren’t those pink wheels cute?

Rainy Afternoons

Mondays seem to be our Sundays, lately.

Though Montana’s typically blessed with a dry climate - and therefore, low humidity - we’ve spent the week dodging rainstorms. Some times more successfully than others. For instance, Friday, I developed a case of cabin fever and tried to escape the house for a trip to the grocery store. I no sooner finished my shopping and storm clouds, heavy rains, lightening and deafening thunder rolled in. I can only imagine how ridiculous I looked (I knew how absurd I felt) sitting in front of our local Albertson’s with three bags of groceries and dog food, anxiously awaiting the storm to pass.

Montana is unpredictable - in its weather and our daily happenings. As Trevor says, every day is an adventure. Sometimes a great adventure like offroading on a new mountain or like today, a rainy day trip to the “city”, other times it involves police action or walking home in a thunderstorm but hey, that’s Montana. 

Today we were reminded of that unpredictability when we enjoyed our lunch on a restaurant deck as hail pelted the metal roof above us. That being said, we still enjoyed the world’s best french fries - with garlic, cilantro and parmesan - and some of our best Montana cuisine thus far.

We’re slowly but surely eating our way through Butte in an effort to find a gem. Our adventures last week led us to a subpar cafe in a beautiful location, this week - barbecue. While on our culinary pursuits, we manage to squeeze in much-needed errands that today included job applications, trips to Walmart and finally buying Trevor some much-needed work shoes. But now, after a big lunch and a busy day, I’m happy to say that all three of us are snuggled in at home. There may be drywall mud calling my name soon but for now, I’m enjoying my “Sunday” time with my boys.