We just finished this bedroom stripe paint job so found it fitting to document our little girl and her sweet big girl room.

I hope you enjoy looking as much as Delilah and I had fun taking these.

Pentax k1000 film camera, cheapo kodak 200 film from Grammy, taken 125ss, f2.8, developed by Walgreens in an hour.

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”

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.

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!

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.

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!)

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!

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…