Haylee | Portrait Session

In a time in life where words aren't there yet, their little faces say it all. Each little wrinkle in the nose and furrow of the brow lets you know exactly what they are feeling.

Haylee is 9 months. She can scoot and crawl her way to any destination, she is good natured, easy going and this little girl laughs at her big sister Caridee more than anyone else. 

Thanks Chris and Heather for letting me capture your little babe! 

Here is sweet little Haylee.

To book your session, check out www.jenn-wagner.com

A girl named Abbers

It was my freshman year of college and I walked alone into a church that was bigger than my high school. I was intimidated walking amongst tons of chairs, circled into small groups of which I was just supposed to pick one to join. 

That day forever changed me as I sat with a couple who not only invited me into their Sunday morning study, but into their family. 

8 years have passed since that fateful morning, and in that time, I spent a lot time with the deSteiguer family. I got to know John, Darla, and their kids Joe and Abby; I love them all, but a special sister-like friendship developed between Abby and I over the next few years.  Abby was in 3rd grade when me met and she  really became like a little sis. Her name is Abby, but I call her Abbers. I think I said it once on our way to get Braums or something, and it just stuck all these years.

We really were like sisters. We jumped on the trampoline, got ice cream, rode bikes and made art projects (Abby was always better than me : ).  We swam at the neighborhood pool in the summer,carved pumpkins in the fall and threw snowballs in the winter. I would do my laundry over at the house, stay for dinner and then make cupcakes with Abby,  Sometimes I was over that late enough, I would tuck her in and pray with her before bed, we'd talk and laugh long past when John and Darla probably wanted her to sleep... but it was worth it.

I got to watch as this little girl as she grew up. I listened to her piano pieces, watched her play basketball,  and got to cheer her on as she tried our for new things. I smiled as she figured out what to do with her curly hair, go to dances with boys and eventually drive with her when she got her license (and maybe around my neighborhood even before  she did :  ) 

Well that little 3rd grade kid has now turned into an amazing person. Abby is extremely intelligent, asks good questions and is a genuinely kind person. She is quick to laugh and loves creating things through baking and art.  She is joyful. Abby is an avid reader, a good friend, and has the cutest little freckle on the left side of her nose (you do!) She eats tomatoes like they're candy, has a great voice and is not afraid to try new things. She is a leader in her community and this summer is headed to Honduras to serve.

Can't you see why I love this girl?  

Though we live in different states, Abby is still a part of my life.  This past year she has been making college visits with John and Darla,  and they made a special stop (7 hours out of the way) to come visit me in Phoenix.  

A few photos from our afternoon together. 

i love this one of her...

And of course we had to take a few with the family!

Thanks for coming to see me!!

This one is for you Abby (and your crazy obsession with palm trees : ) 

Abbers, you are amazing. I'm so proud of the person you are and the path in life you have put yourself on. Thanks for letting me be your older sister all these years and putting up with my crazy ideas that gets us kicked out of Halloween (I was SO not too old). You are a wonderful person and I'm excited to watch as you continue to grow. 

Check out more at: jenn-wagner.com

Bad editing, too many presets.. but most of all growth.

Last week I got to do a presentation on what I am passionate about. Which was of course about photography.

As I put together my powerpoint , I realized I was only picking out the very best of my photos, the ones that would make me look great and people would cry because they just felt the emotion and love of the moment through my photography ... hey i can dream right? : )  But as I looked over the presentation,  I quickly realized that I was missing my story. I mean how does anyone know a shot is good if we don't have the context to compare it to how bad it might have been?

The coolest part of seeing where I am now, is knowing where I came from. And that is the best  story that can be told, that is the truth, that is... my story.

So I went back through my portfolio and picked out photos from my early days, like my first shoots.  The ones where i didn't understand exposure and used way to many presets and editing! This became my jumping off point of my presentation to show where I started, mistakes I had made and what I used to offer to my clients.

I loved walking through the past year of photos and being able to see the growth in my work, so i thought i would share a few with you as well. Enjoy Friends!


BY THE WAY!~  Its a little scary to put yourself out there, to say "hey here is my art in its first forms" cause you can always get criticism.  Its humbling, but its also a part of my story, so, I share with you freely. : )

(these are all photos in their complete form, as given to the client )


Then....

Now...

Then:

Now: (Same family! Luckily I gave them some good photos as well, so they came back! Thanks Finchers!) 

Then:

Now:

Its fun to reflect in life on not just where you are now, but where you have come from. The things in life that have made you who you are. What mistakes and bridges did you have to cross to help mold you into the person you've become? I know mine has been full of bumps and adjustments along the way... but in the end its making me a better person.


Thanks to Trevor Dayley for this photo! : )


Thanks for following me on my journey! Your support means everything! 

If you like what you read, feel free to leave a comment or pin it! 

www.jenn-wagner.com 

David + Cathy | Wedding!

Cathy sat back, sipping on some wine casually and chatting with her girls in the bridal suite as her stylist lined her eyes, plumped her lips and added volume to her already gorgeous hair. She was completely cool, calm and collected. Meanwhile, David along with the groomsmen downstairs shot some pool, ate quesadillas and goofed around to 80's jams in the basement. David was full of energy and admitted he was a little nervous. 

You could tell any jitters he had before the wedding dissolved as soon as he saw Cathy walk down that aisle towards him. His face dissolved into a assured smile; knowing these two, I can't help but think that this cool and collected woman makes this man whole. You could feel the excitement between them as the stood together, made their vows and said I do to a life together. 

Cathy and David, thank you so much for letting me capture you amazing family and this amazing day! You are both beautiful people and I count myself blessed to have been a part!

Cathy and David were  joined by their sweet litte daughter Ashlyn, who you will see in some of the photos below. This girl is a doll and knew how to ham it up for the camera!

Enjoy David and Cathy's wedding day, as told through photos... 

Thank you Cathy and David!

If you loved looking at the photos feel free to comment, like or add to Pinterest! I love hearing from you!

To book your wedding with Jenn, go to www.jenn-wagner.com

Or check out the latest on facebook!