Form submitted successfully, thank you.

Error submitting form, please try again.

Giving

AppleEShe is always giving….a quality in her that I absolutely adore. xx

Blog1

The weather here has been absolutely gorgeous.  Spring’s surprise visit– sunshine and a warmish breeze that beckons us outside to relish in it.  When are gifted days like this, I reflect and appreciate that little things that make my life so full.  Mady’s gorgeous blond tufts grazing the air (as she runs to keep up with the neighbor kids); Chase’s surreal imagination; Ella’s giggles…and the progress she has made with walking (strength building).  Gentle reminders of what makes life so grand.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about *life*…choosing to fill my life with doing what I love…spending my precious time with those who love me, support me, and accept me– flaws and all.  With all the scares we have had with Ella, I see things from a different perspective.  Rather than trying to please everyone, and make things perfect (often a one-sided effort)…I am choosing to let go.  Letting go of grief, disappointment, anger and sadness….embracing the love; instead of asking why– accepting the answers…or lack thereof.  Appreciating the wonderfulness that blankets my life.  Friends who are my family–when family fails.  The kindness can bring me to tears.  Gosh I am so thankful…beyond words. The duality of life of suppose.  I have so many dreams for my children.  I hope that they realize how special they are.  I hope that they fight for their bonds.  Standup for each other–against the odds.  Always do right by one another. Let’s face it, life can be cruel…no matter how sweet, thoughtful, and generous you are.  Good people are out there…they are life’s wildflowers.  You have to search for them...endlessly on this journey.  When you find them, water them with love, send them sunshine: in any form (a phone call, a special email, a helping hand, etc.).  They will love you right back. Today, I share pictures of my youngest wildflower.  She is a wildflower, indeed.  So charismatic and sweet…full of life and love.  So strong…whatever her future holds, she will handle it with grace, pizzazz, and her unfailing charm.  Today, baby girl, I water your soul with the food of life –that is my love…you will never…never know how much I love you–it’s a magical love. I love all my kids this way…Todd, too.  But, just for today…I share Ella.  Please pray for her…so she will walk someday…be strong…inside and out.  I know in my heart that she will be fine, no matter what the outcome is.  It’s this tough journey through the unknown that is so difficult.  Today, I thank Bobbie, Jane, Doreen…Takla & Kris…. I love you.  You two have been such a good friends to me.  Who would have thought?!  Each of you are amazing.  Blessed…this I know.

***

I’ll wrap this up by sharing something that touched me…so deeply.  (A sweet poem I found in our doctor’s office.)  Words of wisdom to parents everywhere:

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.

If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.

If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Happy Friday.

~j

  • Share/Bookmark

cup of *JOy*

blogCUPOFJOY

My latest read.

A fun color for my little “Alices”.  {Susan, we just had to have our own.}  Especially since they will not be seeing the movie anytime soon.  Too scary!

I’m in love with this style so much that I made my own.  (After spending $70 on 2 from a vendor out west. Oh well.)  Aren’t they lovely?!

Had dinner with a sweet couple Saturday night.  Can you believe he lives here?  Awesome to be in the presence of amazing, jaw-dropping talent.

Buy these– you won’t regret it.  The fit…awesome.

Pinch me!!!  Anthro is launching a wedding brand – dresses, shoes, jewelry, invitations…the whole shebang.  I want a do-over. No fair.

This guy has vision.  I love his perspective.  Not sure how I feel about the out-of-focus trend.  ??

The catalog is out…I want it all.  Loving the circus theme…I may have to borrow this.

***

Be the first to hear about upcoming promotions, discounts and limited edition *theme* sessions. Receive updates on new products (and pretty templates I share) available through studiobloom photography.

Once a year, one randomly selected person will be drawn from my newsletter subscribers to receive a free photo session!! Sign up here.

  • Share/Bookmark

Megan + TJ | Bloomington Engagement Photographer

It’s no secret…I am eclectic…with everything. Clothes, music, movies, books, decor, food…kind of unpredictable.  Out there…but…not too far, if that makes sense.  I like different.  I LOVE bold and crazy….non-traditional.  I think Megan and TJ figured that out within the first few minutes of our session.  They had a few good laughs watching me…on the ground…with trash and other alley critters.  Anything for the shot…that’s my mantra. I am not afraid to get dirty or wet— even if you are.  :)

I plowed through this session’s editing in one sitting…I could not stop…’til I was finished.  There’s the OCD again…this time working in my favor, rather than against me. Here are several…to share.  I am thrilled to shoot their wedding this August. Enjoy….

Bond1

Bond6

Bond2

Bond3

Bond20

Bond22

Bond25

Bond10

Bond11

Bond13

Bond4What’s an engagement session without a kiss….just one….:)

Bond16

Bond19This one makes me laugh aloud…sorry Megan! :)

Bond17

~j

**There is only 1 session left for the Chicago MINIs—hurry up and snag it if you been thinking about it….it will be gone!

Be back soon with a special (I’m thinking ahead to Easter and Mother’s Day)….. and my cup of *JOy* post (it’s Monday already?!).

ALSO…I would love to have you sign up for my newsletter/email list…it’s chock-full of specials, contests and drawings, the occasional template freebie (like a gelaskin template–see below!)…FUN STUFF for everyone (clients and photogs alike) that I am sure you don’t want to miss out on.

EllaGELASKIN

  • Share/Bookmark

a sneak…| Bloomington Engagement Photographer

just one….more to come.  check back soon….

Bond15

  • Share/Bookmark

Special delivery:: eye candy

I know, I know…I missed cup of *JOy* yesterday.  Forgive me.  Instead, I thought I would post, today, what life’s been like lately and fill today’s post with loads of eye candy (supplemental *JOy*of the BEST kind).  First, this weather is awful… really, really dreadful.  I am so ready for winter to be over…clouds galore, deadness (craving flowers and tree buds), wind that gnaws, cabin fever, the list could go on, but I don’t want to whine too much.  Good stuff?  Moving on to that…

Chase has been getting As on most of his tests…(Woot!  He is so bright– this boy is going places.  Just wait!); Mady is a social butterfly, and a “natural born leader” (and it’s NOT code for bossy…I checked!); Ella has been…well…Ella.  Life is always a little lot brighter when Ella is around.  Todd just bought his office building (scary and exciting!).  It has been a whirlwind of busyness around here.  TKD, gymnastics, dance, therapy (aquatics and developmental), dinner with friends, dinner parties, movie dates, family gatherings, lunch dates, playdates, birthday parties, sleepovers….whew!  Life is good. Really good…

I have been dying to take my lens outside to see what it’s capable of.  Yesterday, Ella and I stole away for a few minutes and had a mini-session at one of my favorite urban locations.  All I needed was a few minutes…just to see what I could get.  WOW…I am in love.  This is by far my favorite lens.  I am so glad that I did not go with the 45mm TS–I was looking for more of an everyday lens.  I had to sell a limb to get it…but it was sooooooo worth it.

MarE

MarE2

MarE3

babyitscoldThis one makes me laugh….:)

And…one of Mady– playing coy with the camera…

MarM

The countdown to Spring Break is officially on…please be warm in Florida.  Pretty please….

~j

P.S.  There are just 2 time slots left for the Chicago MINI session at North Avenue Beach…going, going.….soon to be gone….:)

AND — I am finally getting the iPhone (it’s on it’s way–YAY!)  To celebrate I am going to be posting a free template for the iPhone gelaskin.

  • Share/Bookmark

Sunday sweetness

simple and elegant….

boySunday

  • Share/Bookmark

Wise…in all sizes

Aquatics therapy is getting better…thanks to a dear, sweet friend.  xx

Ella got wise …realizing the pool is not just for playtime.  She’s one smart cookie.  And stubborn.

SwimE

[New lens...I am soooooo in love.]

So much to do around here…while battling this ongoing cold/sinus/icky bug I have.  Ahh…life with 3 McGerm factories.

Happy Weekend, anyhow!

~j

  • Share/Bookmark

Random nothingness…

girlSWEETannouncement

Check out my new template design…

She is one of my favorites.  A sample from my *project*.

Of note: I do offer custom logo designs and branding.  Takers?– contact me.

No better cure to the *winter blues* [Seriously--will "this" ever end?] than playing with a new lens.   Super crisp…dreamy color…worth every penny I spent….and a bit of design.

Loveitloveitloveit!

~j

  • Share/Bookmark

Winter’s contradiction:: part deux

Another from my mini with Mady…

M3

  • Share/Bookmark

Chicago’s Segway to Summer [Chicago Child & Family Photographer]

Chicago

This will sell out fast!  The print alone worth 75% of the fee.  You will get amazing photos from this session…I promise.  This location is fun, and did I mention gorgeous?!  I have spent many afternoons at this beach when I lived in Lincoln Park. It’s one of my favorites.

Don’t wait ’til the last minute to book; I am only booking a handful (ONLY  3 TIME SLOTS ARE LEFT) of sessions for this day.

Book online in the contact portion of the site, or email me at:

jolene@studiobloomphotography.com

Don’t forget to tell a friend. :)

~j

UPDATE:  ONLY 3 TIME SLOTS LEFT….I TOLD YA THEY WOULD SELL FAST.  HURRY UP AND SNAG ONE FOR YOURSELF.

  • Share/Bookmark