Rush Ranch –
July 8, 2011
I am going to come back and write the text to go along with this post. There is so much I want to say and finding the words for such beautiful people, such a beautiful day full of surprises and good times. Old friends, newer friends, family, and most of all AMAZING LOVE between a bride and a groom. I’ll be back…
Leadership is the Habit of Making Others Successful
May 11, 2011
Leaders in the Photography Profession
Leadership is the Habit of Making Others Successful – author not known
31 years ago the planning of the first ever leadership conference for the Diocese of Oakland was born. I was in grade school and newly elected to student government. I attended this camp and the motto was the above, “Leadership is the Habit of Making Others Successful”. This quote has stuck with me for the last 31 years and I think of it often. Not only did I attend this conference for years as a student but then a counselor and finally as an adult moderator. I just love the message and qualities the camp tries to teach young people. Giving, service, leadership, what is it, why do we need it?
Recently, I have been chatting with my friend Laura Morita about business and success. We’ve chatted about those that seem to be really doing well in their career and we have noticed one important thing. Those that do it together and that are giving of themselves, their time, talents and charm… well they are super successful.
You see just yesterday I got an email blast from Tofurious (Lawrence Chan) and I realized here is a guy doing well, I love his images, love his approach to photography and business and he is a “leader” of the photo industry. He is helping to make others successful. How you ask? Well, his templates, his advice, his wit.
As for some other leaders of my industry I love… Yan and Becky. Both help others, they are on FRAMED teaching for free, they run the Heartshop, they are just beautiful giving women.
There are so many giving people in this industry. There are the forums most of us belong to where -Rock Stars- of photography share secrets and advice without hesitation, we admire them, we strive to be like them and someday hopefully we will all give back just like them.
So… the point!
Giving, teaching, sharing, helping others to become successful… Well it makes you a leader. It makes our industry a better place, it makes our world a better place.
p.s.- I don’t know why I included this image other than I am in the middle of finishing the edits for this wedding and love how the groom is pointing to someone as to say, “oh, yeah… take note”
7 Comments
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Cathy
Love it!!! So true!
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Jason
I was there! I think the groom is saying, “yeah… you wish you were me, dontcha. “
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Laura Morita-Yeun
Thanks for the shout out, Jenn. <3 I hope someday that I can say that I have made other's successful. Being around you makes me feel more successful. Love you, girl.
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amy lenhart
awesome post jenn!! so true!
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Kathleen Weibel
Jenn – you are such a giving person yourself. I’m so thankful to know you and benefit from your knowledge. Great post!
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Sylvia Borgo
Love this post Jenn! Thanks so much for reminding me that giving is powerful, sharing is powerful, helping is powerful. Great lesson!
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Kara Layfield
So true! Thanks so much for posting this today…I enjoyed reading it.
Feeling Lucky?
March 17, 2011
3 Comments
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Great promo, do you get extra % off if you are Irish?
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Sue Allen
Would like to book an appointment / session for soon to be 5 y/o grandaughter.
The 2 pics you have posted here are so natural. -
Shannon
I’m in for a drawing!!! We could use some pictures that include everyone!
This week I am featuring the fabulous Kari Wright of Modern Heartwork by Kari Wright Photography in Smithton, MO. After you view her work and read all about her don’t forget to visiit her site, her blog & her facebook page
About the image…
Q: Why do you love this image?
A: It’s my daughter that has PCS (Photographer’s Child Syndrome) and never lets me photograph her. She was so cooperative this day and I got a ton of great stuff of her.
Q: What were your settings with this image?
A:Aperture 2.8, Shutter Speed 1/640, ISO 250
About Photography…
Q: What do you love about Photography?
A:It would be easier to answer what I DON’T love about photography (editing,hee hee). I love making people look their best by using great light. I love getting boxes of prints from my lab and seeing my work in print – it’s like Christmas every time the UPS guy comes.
Q: What type of Photography do you specialize in and why?
A:Children’s. I love kids! I have six of my own and LOVE to make kids smile.
About your life?
Q: What are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
A:I love to read. I knit, sew, crochet and do about anything crafty. I love to roller skate and still play the Limbo every time I take my kids skating.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A:My kids originally inspired my love for photography. I get inspired everyday by my photographer friends, we push each other to be our best.
Q: Who are some of your favorite singers/bands?
A:I am very fickle when it comes to music, my tastes are always changing. Right now on my MP3 the songs range from Lady Gaga, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Rascal Flatts to the Spice Girls (don’t judge!).
Q: What is your favorite movie of all time?
A:I don’t really have a favorite but I love romantic comedies.
Q: What would your ideal day be like?
A:Warm, sunny, the beach, a nanny…
Q: If you weren’t a photographer, what other profession would you like to pursue?
A:I always thought that I would like to be a Radiologist but I think I would be bored with that now.
One Comment
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I am such a fan of Kari’s work! Thanks so much for sharing.
New Project… Photog Feature
February 23, 2011
I will be featuring a new photographer from around the country and well… world. Liz is going to be my first featured photographer. The details about Liz:
Well her full name is Liz Svorinic, and her studio is called Elizabeth Anne Photography. Elizabeth Anne Photography is located in Freeland, MI. After you read all about Liz stop by her website & blog Also, don’t forget to become a fan of her – Facebook page
Below is one of Liz’s favorite images (shh..mine too)…
So I contacted Liz with some questions about this image, her business and about herself. Here is what she had to say:
About the image…
Q: Why do you love this image?
A: I love everything about this image. I love how peaceful she looks. I love the muted colors and the pose. This is the first newborn session I shot alone without an assistant and I remember being really nervous beforehand. But, as the session progressed, I loved it. I felt so in control and totally enjoyed the moment. I felt so peaceful holding her and bonding with her. I saw this shot in my head and was beyond thrilled that I was able to bring it to life for the parents.
Q: What were your settings with this image?
A: ISO 200 f/2 1/400 50 mm
About Photography…
Q: What do you love about Photography?
A: I love the connection I get with my clients. Not everyone is comfortable in front of the lens and I know that. When I’m able to get my subject to relax and just be, that’s when the magic happens for me. Even newborns need to feel comfortable with me to get a beautiful shot. Photography excites me and makes me feel alive.
Q: What type of Photography do you specialize in and why?
A: I have a passion for newborn and child photography and I also love maternity and couples. There is just so much excitement and love at those sessions. It’s almost palpable!
About your life?
Q: What are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
A: I love watching my kids play basketball and soccer, I love to read on my Nook, I enjoy digital scrap booking, golfing and spending time with my family. My favorite thing to do in the world is to laugh. There’s just nothing like laughing until you cry. It’s definitely a good day when that happens!
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: Love inspires me. I’m such a romantic at heart and being able to produce an image that portrays that emotion is my true passion and joy.
Q: Who are some of your favorite singers/bands?
A: Gosh, my favorites change all the time. I love Lifehouse, Black Eyed Peas, Daughtry. I’ll always have a soft spot for Metallica and Nirvana. Lady Antebellum has some pretty songs out, too. I love them all!
Q: What is your favorite movie of all time?
A: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Remember, I’m a hopeless romantic.
Q: What would your ideal day be like?
A: A newborn session in the morning, lunch with my husband in the afternoon, a front row seat at one of my kid’s basketball game, then home for dinner and a movie with my family. Perfection.
Q: If you weren’t a photographer, what other profession would you like to pursue?
A: I think it would be fun to be a producer or director. I definitely need to create something.
Liz, I have loved getting to know you better, I hope all my readers have too. Your images are beautiful and full of love. Your mission is accomplished!
2 Comments
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Liz
Thanks Jenny! You’re so sweet!
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Great feature article!! I adore Liz’s work! Her image couldn’t be any more precious! Thanks so much for sharing with us.
r • classes
December 14, 2010
R – Beginning Photography Class – 1.5 hour/$65
Is your fancy digital camera still in full auto – just like it was when you first took it out of the box? Are you buying your spouse or someone you love a new camera for the holidays? Why not sign up for our beginner’s photography class and learn how to get more from your camera and take better pictures!
We’ll cover:
o -10 Tips for Taking Better Pictures of Your Loved Ones
o -Introduction to Exposure
o -ISO
o -Shutter Speed
o -Aperture
o -Using your Camera’s Basic Settings
o -Lens Overview
Class size is limited to 5 students so everyone will have an opportunity to ask specific questions. Reserve your spot today!
Classes are:
Saturday 1/8/2011 9:00 to 10:30 session 1
Saturday 1/8/2011 11:00 to 12:30 session 2
Tuesday 1/11/2011 9:00 to 10:30 session 3
Tuesday 1/18/2011 11:00 to 12:30 session 4
Saturday 1/29/2011 9:00 to 10:30 session 5
Saturday 1/29/2011 11:00 to 12:30 session 6
R – Workshop – Ready to take more than a snapshot?– : 3 hours/ $225.00
So you’ve taken my beginning class and you want more…
You are ready to step into the world of manual exposure and you want to know how to process an image in Elements or other Photoshop application. You will also receive a workbook and homework from me as well as the ability to ask for feedback online after the session.
We’ll cover:
o -brief review of beginning class
o -metering for manual exposure
o -composition
o -light –good light, bad light and finding the light
o -we will spend 30 minutes outside photographing models & then return to the studio to learn how to edit the images.
I strongly suggest that you read, Understanding Exposure, by Bryan Peterson (Author) & know how to make shutter speed and f-stop adjustments on your camera)
Class size is limited to 5 students so everyone will have an opportunity to ask specific questions. Reserve your spot today!
Classes are:
Saturday 1/15/2011 9:00 to 12:00 session 7
Saturday 1/22/2011 9:00 to 12:00 session 8
R Time – Private Mentoring 3.5 hours/ $300.00
Interested in a private individual class? The private one-on-one photography class is a great way for you to get help with your specific camera. This is a three and a half hour class at your home or my studio. This private course offers you the ability to customize the topics and materials covered and spend more time on certain aspects or topics of photography.
Add ons: – Photoshop & Post Production classes – $65 for 1.5 hours at my studio only
Class dates are Tuesday the 25th – 10-11:30 & Saturday February 5th 10-11:30 & 12-1:30
Email me at jennifer@jenniferricketts.com with the day and time you would like to reserve.
2 Comments
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Wow – what an awesome opportunity to be mentored by one talented photographer!
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Joanne Tan
If you are using your SLR as an “idiot” camera, you can feel like a semi-pro after taking classes from Jenn. Highly recommend.
Anyone out there?
December 7, 2010
A personal post…
So I have a new hobby. A bit shy to tell you. Those that have met me are saying… “shy” um not the right word.
So I have found some incredible sites out there to save you money. Yes, like free/save you money. Um, sadly forever I have tossed my cvs receipts and there was money or credit on the bottom. In the last week I have been looking a bit closer at my spending and researching different websites. I know how many of my dear friends love Target so I will start there.
Check this out… need a stocking stuffer for your kiddos… how is a FREE hungry hippo sound?
http://www.totallytarget.com/
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/
Happy Holidays, to anyone out there.
P.S. – they hid the hungry hippos in the stocking stuffer section, don’t go to toys (it will save you the 20 min I spent looking for it, ha!)
2 Comments
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Oh yea…I’m here.
This looks great!! I can’t wait to check them out! Thanks so much for sharing! -
Rachel Aberle
This is great info! Thanks for sharing.
Oh… so many of you know my fear of writing which makes blogging difficult to say the least. But I have images to share and I have to say something to go along with them. How do you get to know me otherwise? How else would you meet my amazing clients?
This session took a while for me to edit because at times I would break into a joyous cry. You see most people that know me – well, know I am a bit of an adventurous gal that loves to run. And doing crazy runs is something I did ALL the time before kids. I have become more conservative in my running races but two years ago when this mom asked me to run the RELAY with her, a 200 mile relay race with 12 members that goes all night from the wine country to the coast in Santa Cruz, I lit up… YES, YES!!! I had run this very race years ago before I even knew my husband. It was life changing!
We had a blast the first year! So when she asked me to run the race again this year, of course! Did I mention she is the team captain?
Well this year would become my last year of running the RELAY, (starting to tear up) see the first year I ran would be life changing and this year my fourth of doing the race would be life changing. In an instant I learned how fleeting life is. You see this gorgeous woman down below… she was struck by a car doing 45mph on a dark country road. As we waited up the road and no one came in to hand off the baton we grew more and more nervous. Then as news from other runners came up the road that there was an accident and that a runner was hit we still held out hope it was no one we knew… We were shocked when reports came over the race walkie talkies that it was our team #. We raced to the van and were told to get to the hospital, paramedics gave our dear friend, mother, wife a 50/50 chance of surviving this. But don’t get sad this is where joy comes…
After having a spinal fracture, a head injury that needed plastic surgery, a knee surgery, and a pin in her foot, she healed in half the time doctors expected and she has run two HALF MARATHONS just 5 months later!!
She is my HERO, she is my MOTIVATION, I am so lucky to call her my friend. I adore her children and her husband that I am sure are so grateful she is here this Thanksgiving! I can’t think of a more fitting Thanksgiving week photo post.
I love you my friend! Enjoy these photos!
36 Comments
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Jamie Siever
What a beautiful family, and what a beautiful piece you wrote. I think you are a fantastic writer, and you told this family’s story beautifully with your camera as well. I am glad to hear that the mama in this post made such an amazing recovery, because those spunky, handsome boys are probably quite a handful to keep up with!
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becca
wow jenn! what a beautiful story and a beautiful family. so glad everyone is healthy & happy
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Such a beautiful story!! Looking thru your amazing pictures makes be realize how precious life is!! She is so blessed and I’m so glad that she’s been able to beat the odds!! Way to go! Thanks so much for sharing Jenn!
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Karen
A wonderful story and so inspiring. Beautiful images of a beautiful family.
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Whitley Pollet
What an amazing story Jennifer! Your friend is a HUGE inspiration to me! These pictures are gorgeous !!!!
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JoNell
Such an inspiring story. Love your amazing photos. They capture their fun personalities. You are both blessed to know each other. She will treasure these photos for a lifetime.
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Kristin
These are truly inspirational and beautiful! I am so happy for this wonderful mom and her family that she is blessed with the gift of recovery! Jen, these images speak to me. Your blog post is wonderful, but the love and life, just leap from the screen.
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Tori Piercy
Oh goodness, happy tears for you and you friend! what an amazing story. She looks fabulous and these are wonderful pictures- how much joy for this family!
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Rowena
Lovely photos and beautiful family! And thank you for sharing a beautiful story!
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Sarah Carrillo
How wonderful of you to share this story. It brings so much back to me, and seeing Dana, well, you forget sometimes when looking at her as she is such a strong, graceful and healthy woman today. I LOVE these pictures, Jenn. So hard to believe how far she has come. I am thankful that she is still here to grace us all with her life. Thanks for this touching memory. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
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Kel Ward
Wow, reading this made me cry. What an amazing story! These photos are absolutely beautiful, as is this family.
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Holly Olsen
I love stories with a happy ending! Such a great message for this time of year! Your friend is gorgeous and courageous! Love the running images!
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Nicole Z
What a strong, beautiful woman! You did a great job with the family shots, and the family’s love for each other is obvious!! Beautiful images!!
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What an amazing woman! Thank you for sharing the story and such beautiful pics!
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Shanna
That is an amazing story! I got chills! So much to be thankful for this year for sure.
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Taryn
What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing it and these gorgeous images! What a fun family and a courageously strong woman!
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Wow…I can’t even believe how long it’s been since we’ve talked…life – getting in the way, I also can’t believe this story…so happy about the outcome. I have another friend that did a similar race in Eastern WA, and there was a tragic event involving a runner (a teenager), a drunk driver and not the same outcome. Makes me wonder about those types of races. My friend has forever been changed by the event (she was one of the first on the scene, stayed thru the mother arriving, etc. – just tragic). Sounds like you are well! I really hope we can catch up this holiday season!
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JillianH
What an inspiration both you and this whole family are! Love these photos
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Wende Trew
I truly enjoyed reading this story! Your friend is such an inspiration! Gorgeous images! Not only is she gorgeous on the outside but seems to have a beautiful soul also!! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
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Clarice
Oh my I am in tears Jen. That was a moving post and I am so happy and thrilled for the wonderful ending. Hugs to you and your dear friend. May you both have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
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Wow, well, that brought tears to my eyes. What beautiful images of a family that has been to the verge and back again. Wonderful wonderful wonderful.
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Gail
That is an incredible story behind these images! Hold your family tight, they are your most important treasure! Makes me fall in love with custom photography even more. What a gorgeous FUN family! Awesome set!!!
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What a great story! Gorgeous photos. I love that photos capture a moment in time.
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Anelle
What happy, fun captures to accompany a lovely story!
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Julie Wagoner
Such a beautiful family and I love their story. A very fitting Thanksgiving post with gorgeous and spirited images!
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desi
i can see why she’s your hero!
you captured the family’s fun-loving spirit perfectly.
well done -
Michelle Geis
Love these Jenny! I can feel the great energy this family has. Beautiful post and pictures.
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Azure
This made me tear up. What a strong, strong woman and a beautiful family. I love how you captured their family just loving every moment together. Great work, Jennifer!
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Anmarie and Mike Andresen
Jennifer my nephew Ryan and his wife Dana shared these photo’s with us and they are just beautifully done! They really captured the essence of what the entire family represents…..laughter and joy. You do lovely work and getting those two boys Derek and Calvin on film must have been a blast as they are just delightful to be around. When I come to California to visit Ryan and Dana (from Chicago) I may show up to have you take some photo’s of my hubby and I. Great Job!!
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Anna
gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! LOVE all of these shots and I absloutely love the happiness and joy of this family and what an amazing woman this mother and wife is!!
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Brandi-lee
Love the fun in these shots, you captured the family beautifully!!
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gorgeous pictures.. she is going to love them!! and what a story to tell.. what a recovery!! i’m sure these will always be cherished!
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yan palmer
such beautiful words, such beautiful pictures. this post is filling me up with happiness and admiration. for this amazing woman and her family, and for you (you know why).
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Carrie
Absolutely beautiful Jenn!
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ashley
Even without the story, these are amazing images! So full of life and energy and love! Just how I would love my own family captured:) Beautiful!
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Leah Jent
Such an incredible story and wonderful images to go along with it. What a strong woman! I love the energy and JOY in this series of photos.
So many years later… Lafayette, CA
November 10, 2010
The mother of these gorgeous children and I met back in sixth grade at camp. Different schools, same town, one week long camping trip in the Prairie Dog cabin. Erin and I remained friends growing up, playing soccer against one another in tournaments and for our high school teams. We both decided on the same college and roomed together for two of the four years. She means a lot to me and our family. Her parents, her husband and her beautiful children are all such special people. Erin & Eric, have had me take pictures for both their work and family and I am so grateful.
My children came along this day because our actual session day and time was a rain out. When I saw the sky open and we had a chance to get the photos done I asked Erin if we could do it even with my four kiddos tagging along. We all had fun and finished just before the rain came down again.
Erin and Eric enjoy your pictures of your incredible children…
5 Comments
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Beautiful shots, love their outfits and how heart warming it is to see a brother and sister be so happy together, love their gorgeous smiles and laughs!
So special that you got to take these for such a close friend, she must be soooo thrilled! -
gorgeous work!!! i adore what they are wearing!! love the connection you got between them!!
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It’s always such a treat to see a post from you!! You can definately tell that they are the best of friends. Your processing just pops and their little smiles make me want to smile. Beautiful captures Jennifer!
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Erin
Reido, Just saw that these made the blog…THANK YOU! Way to remember the name of our cabin at Camp Loma Mar
As for the photo session, you forgot to mention the fact that you had to WAIT for 45 MINUTES for us to arrive at our shoot! It was such a treat to spend time with your monkeys while you shot mine, they are just as incredible as their mom. You have always been immensely talented in so many ways, and it is a privilege to see how you’ve honed your craft over the years. You are a true friend and we are honored that you have captured so many memories for us over the years. Love, E -
I think your work is amazing. Seriously. These photos are just beautiful!
Wedding Photography Giveaway – Orinda California
November 7, 2010
Terms and conditions:
1. Jennifer Ricketts and Jennifer Ricketts Photography reserves the right to choose the couples based on her portfolio needs, venues, location, and date.
2. Couples will be selected as entries come in. If the first five entries qualify, then the first five couples will be chosen. Final spots in the promotion will be awarded once a non-refundable $500 retainer is received and a contract is signed. Until this occurs, the spot can be given to another couple.
3. Once six couples have been selected, and all retainers have been collected by Jennifer Ricketts, and contracts have been signed, I will hold a contest on www.jenniferricketts.com/blog for one of the couples to win their photography for free. Each of the five couple’s photos as well as a short paragraph about themselves and why they should receive free wedding photography will be posted on the blog and people will be able to vote for the winner. The winner will receive the r day collection (2,500 value). Should the winning couple decide to upgrade to a higher package, they will still receive all of their wedding photography at 50% off.
4. In the event that five couples are not selected for the promotion, the contest for the free photography will not occur. In this case, couples are still eligible to receive their wedding photography at half off with Jennifer Ricketts Photography. However, if they decide to not use Jennifer Ricketts Photography, they will be refunded their $500 retainer and their contract will be null and void.
5. All five couples must sign a model release allowing Jennifer Ricketts Photography to use the images for promotional purposes including, but not limited to, use of the photos for her website, blog, facebook, printed materials, etc..
6. Both the Bride and Groom must post the blog link to their engagement session and wedding photos to their facebook status update for their friends and family to see.
2 Comments
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What a fantastic oppertunity!!!
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Makes me want to get married all over again just to have you photograph it.
Whoever wins will be one lucky couple for sure!
14 Comments
What a beautiful day…even with the rain. They look so in love and happy. I know they will be thrilled with your images…they are just gorgeous!
stunning ~ you were able to capture just how very special this memorable day was <3
We came from Michigan for cousin Chris’ wedding. What a wonderful visual overview of the “Festivities”! Artful documentation…..
WOW! What an awesome share of this beautiful day! Congrats to the happy couple. I know they are going to LOVE these images.
What a gorgeous bride & groom and beautiful wedding!!! Looks like an exciting and memorable day.
Such beautiful photos!! Congratulations to the bride & groom!
What a fun wedding! Love all the detail shots. I feel like I was there!
Wonderful verity. I love how you captured the whole story. Great Details!!
Beautiful work!!! What a beautiful wedding venue, decor & great looking couple! I love how they kept their smiles despite the rain.
These are the most amazing and natural wedding photos I have seen in a long time. The full magic is there and while these are highly artistic and fullfil the strictest standards of wedding photography – they excel at one thing: conveying the mood and the feelings and above all the LOVE – in its fullest meaning … between bride and groom, mothers and fathers, parents and children, grandparents nad grandchildren, sisters and brothers, friends…
wonderful work.
Oh my goodness! I just absolutely adore your images of this wedding! Such amazing coverage. That site is just spectacular and looking through your images, I felt as if I was there! Fabulous!
BTW, it rained at my sister’s wedding too …… it’s supposed to be auspicious:)
What a beautiful and laid back wedding. LOVE!! I love the way you’ve captured the relaxed nature of this beautiful day. Gorgeous work!!
boy did you get some awesome shots or what?
you did SUCH a great job with these! WOW!
I just came here to look at these photos again and it just reaffirmed that I cannot WAIT for you to photograph our wedding!! I had such a great time last night and can’t wait to see how the engagement photos turn out! We’ll get Everett to loosen up eventually!