• His head to toe SMILE… he genuinely smiles with his whole body and I love it!
• His toes are … well … simply the best!  I could play with those feet all day long!
• His beautiful blue eyes!! Not sure how we lucked out with that – but I adore those eyes!
• Our mornings together.  He wakes up with the best “I Love You Smile” and I swear he’s saying…”Mom – I’ve missed you since I fell asleep”
• He’s fascination with himself and the mirror – he knows he’s pretty special.
• His eager playfulness with his activity mat and anything hanging above his head.
• The way the outdoors completely calms him down.
• The look that he gives me during his feedings… I know he’s saying…”Thank you & I love you”
• His strong effort to mimic our mouth noises.
• The fact that he soothes himself to dreamland when I hold him close (even though the critics would say – ‘Put that baby down to sleep AWAKE!’)
• How he holds his blankie tight and gets excited when I bring it to him fresh out of the dryer.
• This boy loves to try and stand…He is literally in a better mood when I hold him up and let him put his weight on his legs and feet – he loves it!
• I love/hate this one… TELEVISION – this child is obsessed with TV!  So I’ve been making a pretty strong effort to keep the TV off and music on all day.  Otherwise he would never blink and just stare at it!
• MASSAGE – how can I forget…He loves baby massage time!  He’s got some pretty dry skin on his legs so every night and morning I massage them with this ointment that he loves.  I’m probably creating a spa baby early…

I could go on and on – but these are the things that I adore the most about him right at this moment. Most of all I love that he came into our lives, rocked our world and forever changed us both for the better.

I love you so dearly Max…

yep – he’s over this 2m session…This blue hoodie one is from when he was about a month old.  I adore how he loves to look out the windows in our home – he’s constantly gazing about.

Here is is with our sweet pup Greta – she is ever the protector with him and thus has become a bit of a diva when company is over.  As of right now…she’s a work in progress.  (IE Training back in full force)

Here he is at around 3wks old…man does he love this thing!  The MamaRoo – if you are expecting or if you REALLY LOVE someone who is expecting…GET IT!!

One day when he was just past 2wks old I decided to pull out the camera and my newborn goodies and take a few.  He didn’t last all that long but I got a few favs and here is one of them.

My two loves are below…and I can’t even begin to describe what a great mom that Angela is to Max.  I took these in about 15 minutes after the poor little guy had a major meltdown.  Can’t tell you how much I love these two images.

Because who doesn’t love a newborn yawn…I could stare at this photo of him all day long.  I think he was bout 9 days old.

Below are the photos that my dear friend Andie took.  They are just a few of my favs from her time with Max.  THANK YOU ANDIE for capturing these and so many more – it meant the world to us!!  The last photo of Max and I (bottom right) – makes me laugh everytime.  I didn’t realize it then but I certainly know it now…that puckered little lip he’s showing…we’ll.. that’s his POOPY face!  Little did I know!

Max you have stolen our heart and become our world.  We love  you more than you’ll ever know and THANK YOU for finding your way to us!

It’s been busy around here…to say the least.  With the 105 degree temps, early morning and late evening sessions and sporadic summer travel – it’s making it challenging to really sit back, relax and enjoy the SECOND TRIMESTER of our PREGNANCY!!!   Yep – you read it right.  We are PREGNANT and due in January of 2013!!!  I know – I can’t even believe it myself.  Seeing those words typed out just seems – well – surreal.  After quite a long deliberation period Angela and I finally decided to seize the moment and with the assistance of the wonderful California Cryobank and our amazing fertility doc – thankfully I got pregnant the first time around (and I can’t tell you how lucky I feel for that)!   As of this week – we are 16wks along and I’m fortunate to say – I’ve been feeling great.  A bit like a zombie sometimes but other than that – really great.

We are so so happy and thrilled – yet I’d be lying if I didn’t say we were a bit anxious and freaked out as well.  I’m sure all first time parents go through those same feelings – and like most everyone else – we just really want to make sure to try and raise the best kid possible…healthy, smart, talented, driven, sweet, adorable and the list goes on  – no pressure right!?! Teasing of course,  but oh goodness please don’t let us mess this little person up.

For those interested – I will NOT be posting daily belly pics or anything of the such on FB – I will however find a nice little home for stuff like that – on this blog.  So you can visit it when you’d like to.  Here is the link for that…. http://www.jennywattsphotography.com/blog/baby-news/

For all of my current and future clients – I just wanted to thank you in advance for your support through the next few months.  You might not see me rolling around on the ground as much with your kiddos – but I assure you I will be 100% present at your session.

If things continue to go as smoothly as they have already  … My current work plan is to shoot up until 11.30.12  – have all holiday cards out and done by 12.11.12.  I will be limiting myself to 3 sessions a week – morning or evening only.   So if you haven’t booked your session yet – you might want to go ahead and contact me as things are starting to fill up.   Here is what I currently have left….

• August – 2 sessions left
• September – 9 sessions left
• October – 10 sessions left
• November – 7 sessions left

December I will only take a few HS senior sessions (no holiday card sessions).  The above sessions I’m hoping to reserve for family / child / senior sessions – I will not be taking any newborn sessions and I’ve run into some back difficulties (not related to the pregnancy) which make them hard for me to shoot.

I’ll be taking Jan, Feb and the first part of March off  and the current plan is to resume shooting in a limited level in mid March 2012.

That’s about it on the work front – just wanted to make you all aware of the GREAT news and the schedule for this Fall.  Can’t wait to see you all in the upcoming weeks!

Thanks everyone!!!

Jenny

Thanks again Design A Glow!!!

 For other featured interviews – please click here.

Mandee and her Daughter OLIVIA – Adorable yes!?!

This first session was a new one for me.  Typically I have kids or teens in front of my camera – but having Real Estate mogul – BECKY FREY – was a refreshing treat!  Not only was she so unbelievably at ease in front of the camera – but I also had the opportunity to photograph her in one of her AMAZING listings (Check it out HERE).  I secretly wanted to sneak a suitcase in there and move in – wouldn’t you!?

Becky is THE ‘ IT ‘ girl when it comes to real estate in Dallas.  She’s been in business since the early 80s and has roughly closed over $400,000,000 in sales.  Small change right?  Her listings are simply stunning so if you happen to be in the market for a STELLAR home – check out what’s new with Becky Frey Real Estate.   Oh and let me not to forget to mention – she’s is just as kind and genuine as she is successful and brilliant.   THANK YOU Becky for the chance to hang out with you for the day and grab some new images of you!

OH and here is a sneak peek at one of Becky’s new ads for the up and coming issue of ModernDallas

Jules Trandem – San Diego CA Photographer | Jasmine Sargent – Bismark ND Photographer |Maureen Wilson – McComb MS Photographer

Jenny Watts Photography – Photo of the Week

Jules Trandem – San Diego CA Photographer | Jasmine Sargent – Bismark ND Photographer |Maureen Wilson – McComb MS Photographer

Jenny Watts Photography – Photo of the Week

At the end of the workshop, Barb challenged some of us to come up with a concept shoot on our own for the last day and run with it.  So myself and 2 of my roommates decided to step up to the plate and be directors for this.  We brainstormed the evening before the shoot and then we remembered what the next day was going to be.  We would be doing this shoot on 9.11.11.  So of course we wanted to find something that represented, remembered and honored this day.  Sunday 9.11.11 arrived, we had a short window of about 15min for the shoot, light was bright and there were 12 photogs trailing behind us.  Our wonderful model and our simple but beautiful ‘prop’ showed up and somehow it all just worked.  The simplicity of it was exactly what we wanted.

To me these images represent, the solemn remembrance of this terrible day.  Yet I hope for them to also show the praise and gratitude we have for the heroes that surfaced on that day and many days after.  Lastly, an image set to show how we should all look back with great respect, to honor those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.  Never forget.

“September 11 was, and remains, above all an immense human tragedy. But September 11 also posed a momentous and deliberate challenge not just to America but to the world at large. The target of the terrorists was not only New York and Washington but the very values of freedom, tolerance and decency which underpin our way of life.” Tony Blair

These boys…what a crew!  And nothing like a little father daughter connection… That Mary Beth – probably one of the smartest PEOPLE I know!

Patrick, Elizabeth & Angela… photographed at their alma mater no less!  Then a sweet shot of the duo that started it all.  50 years and going strong!

Of course we had to include a few of the girlfriends….

Can’t you tell that Angela is just a terrible aunt to these kids?  Really… where’s the love? 

OH – And if you haven’t booked your fall session – please do – there are 3 sessions left for the fall…just EMAIL ME if you are interested.

OH – exact locations TBD as my friends are helping me scope it out!

]]> http://www.jennywattsphotography.com/blog/studio/dallas-child-photographer-travels-to-tulsa/feed/ 0 http://www.jennywattsphotography.com/blog/studio/the-best-impromptu-decision-ive-ever-made/ http://www.jennywattsphotography.com/blog/studio/the-best-impromptu-decision-ive-ever-made/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:48:11 +0000 Jenny http://www.jennywattsphotography.com/blog/?p=2637 was when I adopted this sweet little dog Chloe in 1996.  She was originally named Donny and that simply didn’t fit her.  So I changed it the minute I got her home to my college apartment. I’d always had dogs and so it seemed to make sense when my friend and I were sitting over lunch and we thought…’let’s go get dogs!”.  When you are 20 – that sounds like such an easy, carefree decision and you don’t imagine that it’s possible that this animal could be come a part of you, a lifetime responsibility and one of the greatest connections you’ll ever have.  But that’s what happened.

Chloe really was the best dog I could have asked for.  She didn’t really bark or beg, she wasn’t a ‘licker’,  she did fairly well on a leash, she knew how to sit, shake and stay (I probably could have taught her more but she loved those 3 tricks), she traveled well in cars, everyone loved her and for the past 3 years she’s sat right by my side in my office at home.

I’d like to think Chloe lived one of the greatest lives and had some of the greatest adventures.  She use to have legs that were springy like bunnies.  She’d jump up and down to get your attention.  She use to chase and taunt geese at a local pond in college (and much worse as one of my roommates might remember).  She jumped into trees like a little squirrel, she’s jumped on a dinner table on Thanksgiving day and ate the dark meat on the turkey,  she’s sneaked an entire loaf of bread one time (that really freaked me out as I discovered she ate the entire thing).  She ‘ran away from home’ once – but ended up sitting on the front porch about 30 min later.  She knew where she was meant to be.

Over the past few years I was convinced she had 9 lives like a cat.  She was hit by a car (not going too fast thankfully), she threw herself out of a car, she was misdiagnosed with throat cancer and I was told she had a week to live (that was 3 yrs ago) and this past year has been touch and go with various ‘old dog’ issues.  But nonetheless she kept trucking and convincing us that she was perfectly fine.  She wasn’t ready.

Yesterday however, she was ready.  I now understand what people mean when they say ‘you’ll know when it’s time’.  She was so tired, had no appetite and simply walking was becoming her biggest challenge.  We would carry her from room to room and for the first time in her life she became a lap dog.  Over the past few days she would just lay in my arms and rest.   If I could have found a way to keep her here with us forever – I would have.

Yesterday (8.18.11) at 6pm we had an in-home vet visit and she was peacefully put to sleep.  It was hardest thing I’ve ever done and I miss her more than words can say.

I don’t keep a journal or anything like that – just this blog.  And this morning when I woke up and Chloe was the only thing on my mind,  I wanted to talk about her and look at pictures of her.  So I thought I’d make a place for her here on my blog so that I could come back and see her sweet little face.  Below are some of the many photos I have of her (Most are iphone photos so pardon the quality).

I could list so many words to describe Chloe – but SWEET is the biggest one that comes to mind.  She was just the sweetest dog and I’m thankful for every single moment I had with her.

the image on the left was about 5 years ago – the image on the right was about 3 months ago.  in the same spot, different perspectives at my dad’s house.

seriously could you love those blonde eye lashes anymore?

Chloe didn’t get to go out on the lake that often but she loved it when she did and oh my gosh did she love car rides!!!

I adore this photo of her.  it’s one of the few times she jumped up on a bed – we caught her sleeping and we just couldn’t bear to wake her.

The photo on the left I love.  During pretty days I would leave the front door open sometimes to get some fresh air and she would just sit there.  She knew life was not nearly as good for her outside that door.  The photo on the right is last fall.  Angela loved her as much as I do and I know her heart is missing little Chloe too.

Thank you Chloe for living 19 wonderful years.  I’m thankful to have had 16 of those with you by my side – you will be missed (1993-2011)

This meet up was primarily that – a chance for us to meet each other.  Then in the evening we thought it would be fun to have a little shooting session at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano.  The girls at Bloom requested for models – so I grabbed these two fabulous siblings.  You’ll recognize them from here, here , here and of course their FAMILY OF 7 session here   Can you tell I love photographing them?

These two are just complete naturals in front of the camera and they are seriously just as kind, cooperative and funny as they are good looking! K & J – THANK YOU THANK YOU for sweating it out in 100+ degree weather for some great photographs!  You both are so great and we all really appreciate you spending some time with us!

I can’t thank the ladies enough over at Bloom for including me in this process.  And for all you photographers out there – if you enjoy any sense of true community, helpful critique, business tips, online education, fabulous photographer interviews and so much more – then JOIN The Bloom Forum!  Who knows – maybe one day you’ll be their next forum member interview!

And because no post is complete with out a beautiful image… here is a quick one from a super recent sibling teen session – more to come of course!

Jenny Watts Photography | Children | Families | Teens

I’d love a chance to meet you and your little one at The Gypsy Wagon – so if you are interested just call me at 214-534-8060 or drop me an email.

AVAILABLE TIMES:

1. 1000a (VG)
2. 1030a (MQ)
3. 1100a (JKB)
4. 1130a (TC)
5. 1200p (KS)
6. 200p
7. 230p
8. 300p (TN)
9. 330p (SA)
10. 430p
11. 500p (AH)
12. 530p (SV)

So who’s Molly you ask???  Well she started as a dear friend of mine from College back at our Texas Tech Days in … dare I say it in 1995!!  Loved her then and love her more now!  She’s got a super groovy husband named Ben and the cutest little boy you could ever imagine (Doss – aka Buggers) ….oh – and yes – he has style too!  On top of all of that – she’s my STYLIST for photo shoots (and sometimes for me).  My clients LOVE her and they are constantly amazed at what she can pull together from their own closets!  Thank you Molly for making my clients look even more fabulous!  Check out this session she styled for me.  If your interested in doing a styled session – give me a shout!  I must say that we are a great team together!

You can follow along as I do with Molly on her quirky, fashionable and style full blog…SMMIDGE. It’s like a fresh cup of coffee in the morning and a jolt to your hidden sense of style!

Love you Molly!  OH and Happy Birthday too!!!

Jenny Watts Photography | Smmidge Sessions

OH – and hurry – there are only 15 of these discounted Gift Cards available!