The Covid-19 Pandemic is terrible. It's struck a chord inside of people across the world, instigated political unrest, made everyone a scientist, and pitted a lot of great people against each other. We will never forget the toilet paper and paper towel shortages, bottled water and pasta flying off shelves like a hurricane was about to hit, daycares closing, businesses small and large shutting their doors for good, and labor shortages. Despite all of the terrible loss people have faced, I mean, like real loss, loss of loved ones, loss of freedoms and for some a loss of a life they had before, LOVE prevails. 

Ultimately, love wins. People have leaned into their marriage, friendships and family during these difficult times, and people have continued to love each other. I was witness to watching many couples still choosing to marry their better halves in smaller, private and very intimate ceremonies. With people needing to limit the number of guests, almost every single ceremony I have been a witness to since 2020 has incorporated very meaningful, sentimental and intimate vows, commitments and messages. People have really opened up and become vulnerable in all the right ways, sharing their commitments to children that were not born of them to personal struggles in their relationships that have built strong foundations in faith, and each other. I have seen people who haven't spoken with each other in years come together for the people they love the most. 

As things started to open back up, I expected a surge in larger weddings, instead, I have seen people appreciate the smaller, intimate weddings and elopements. People are also booking on important dates, rather than the busy summer Saturdays (saving money, and putting more meaning into their wedding day). My brides and grooms are really focused on each other, and their close loved ones, incorporating them into their ceremonies in new and creative ways. Some have been completely separating their wedding ceremonies from the "party," and hosting a reception at a later date. They tell me it's less overwhelming and allows them to really enjoy the union that they are making that day.

In the larger weddings I have been shooting, I have begun to see some of these elements added in as well. But at the end of the day, I see people appreciating the opportunity to come together and celebrate their loved ones. I think we might have taken that for granted for awhile, and for some people, weddings might have been a chore. Now, people are really showing up. 

To all of my clients who have invited me into your lives during such a trying time, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your most intimate day, moments, and your health. I do work with the public and did decide to get vaccinated, and I wear a mask if my clients would like me to, but I do not put my personal beliefs on you. For future clients, please let me know what I can do to help you feel safe or comfortable during these times of uncertainty. Let LOVE prevail. xoxo 

For more information about wedding photography, bridal portraiture sessions and more, please call Jennifer direct at 208.721.0658. 

It's fun to capture the moment in action! It can be tricky to get the timing just right, however, I have a few tips to help. First, have your subject warm up. Watch their "line." The line is their projected course. Get to know their line, timing, and the sounds associated. When shooting skating, it can be tricky sometimes because you can't always see them coming into the moment. For example, below, Phebe Ericksen completes a backside grab over a large bowl. You can't see her until she comes up over the roller. The image below is shot in Al Servo mode, with a 70-200mm F.28 with IS lens, and leads me to my second tip...Listen.  I am able to capture Phebe by having my finger ready to trigger the shutter at just the right second, and in this particular case, by knowing her timing, and the sounds of her skate trucks coming up over the backside of the bowl.  A half second too late, and you lose the effect of the epiphany moment in the action shot.  See the image on the bottom for a shot taken just half a second too late....If you have questions about action photography, feel free to reach out! Again, my biggest tips are to know your clients line of action and to find your cues-whether it be sound, time or something visual to capture the right moment.  

First, I have to say, Claire is such a beautiful person, inside and out. It was my joy to be selected as her personal photographer to take her senior portraits.  I do free consults for the seniors so that we can make sure I am the right photographer to capture  their senior pictures.  We talk about what things to wear, what not to wear, their hobbies and personal interests. I then cater to each senior's needs.  And everyone is different.  I also advise that the senior bring an outfit that the parents picked out, one of their favorites. and then something basic, and maybe a little bit flow-y. It's also important to bring any special hats, sporting gear/equipment they would like to have in their senior portraits. I could go on forever about Claire, but this is will I will leave it. Your senior portrait session should be tailored to you, and you should have fun with it! Like what you see, press the like button on Facebook for 208 Images & Media. xxoo

What a fun summer? Shooting weddings in Idaho has been a great experience. From photographing a wedding on the Payette Lake in McCall to photographing in Stanley, Idaho, my summer has put on lots of mileage on this photographer. My new goal is to book six more weddings for next summer.  And I look forward to those adventures. For questions or referrals for wedding vendors, send me a message at [email protected]. To book your wedding, call 208.721.0658. 

This summer has been wonderful! Great weather, and love in the air! I have been busy shooting weddings with another phenomenal local photographer, Kat Cannell. Kat has mad directing skills, and a very relaxed vibe. So we get along great!  Shooting weddings can be stressful, as there is typically a lot going on, a tight time schedule, and the stress that you can''t exactly re-shoot a wedding. Having another local photographer to partner with is crucial (and there are lots of amazing photographers in the Wood River Valley), so again, I am blessed to be working with Kat.  I have lots of great stories of shooting weddings with Kat Cannell already this summer, but I am out of time! Maybe more next blog post! In the meantime, if you decide to say those magical words, "I do," give us  a call, and we will get you sorted! Enjoy the rest of your summer! P.S. Now is the time to also book senior portraits!