Jess | Portraits in Santa Barbara

We had just gotten into Santa Barbara and dropped our stuff off at Andrews' house. 

I walked behind her on our way to lunch at Silver greens and I noticed her pants. 

A daring black and white pattern that can only be pulled off by someone confident enough to wear them. 

And she did. 

Different bracelets that clearly told a story dangled from her wrists as we ordered and it struck me; she's an artist.

I watched her the next day as she led a workshop on the beach for how to shoot children in motion. 

Something just drew me to her. The way she worked, dug her heels into the sand and got dirty with the kiddos she was with. She was having fun, just as much as they were.

And as I watched her, it  almost like I was watching myself photograph, and remembering how much I loved it. The joy of capturing others in a moment in time.

Jess is an artist. 

A deep thinker.
And a child at heart.

Glad to call her friend.

Jess thank you for inspiring me and connecting me with the person I was when I first started. Thank you for reminding me to dig in, and enjoy the creative process. For pressing me on to do more, share more, serve more.

Hugh + Jen | Engagement Session

Its their place. 

Amongst the beaten paths, the nature. 

Its the place Jen and Hugh go to enjoy the beauty of the deset and find peace and tranquility. 

As soon as we stepped foot inside the Desert Botanical Gardens for their engagement session, they were right at home. Even though I had been there a bunch, they were showing me trails and view I had never seen before! 

I will say though, Jen is a *trooper* we were going to a beautiful spot just as the sun was beginning to set. It required a little bit of hiking up to and Jen was rockin heels so I wasn't sure if we were feeling it... She said she had it and began to climb up to the spot... and the next thing we knew there was a *cactus in her leg*!!

Uhh yeah. 

Sticking straight out of her leg.

 Hugh had to pry  the piece out of her leg with two rocks, personally I probably would have called it a night, but she was tough and insisted we get those last shots, (which are some of my favorite)! Thanks for coming to the rescue Hugh and for sticking it out Jen!  There is definitely a photo below from one we all first realized the cactus had got her, I just had to include it! 

Jen and Hugh, I'm so excited for you guys and can't wait to shoot your beautiful wedding, I promise we'll stay far away from any cactus!

See you soon.  : ) 

 

How cute are they!?

The cactus attack! 

I was testing my lighting and happened to capture the moment we all realized what had happened. 

(I'm sorry but Hugh your face is priceless! : ) 

Thanks Jenn and Hugh!

Book your session at: www.jenn-wagner.com

Beach Bridal Portraits: United 2013 Sho0t

Just got back from the incredible United conference in Santa Barba with an amazing group of people. I was so blessed to be a part of some really unique shoot outs while I was there and am excited to share with you one of my favorites!!! 

Its on a beach!  A beach people! 

With real water and waves and everything!

Being from Phoenix, I am always estatic to shoot in new locations that we just don't have in the Valley of the Sun! 

It challenges me to think different and get those creative juices going!

This bride was gorgeous and I felt myself come alive as we got down and dirty in the sand. 

Enjoy!

Love working with new elements! Stay tuned for more Santa Barbara shoots coming soon!

Book your bridal session at: www.jenn-wagner.com

Jorgensen Family | Portraits

"They are used to getting their picture taken." 

Some of my favorite words.

 To a photographer that is like code word for " these kids know whats up and they are gonna rock this session". 

And that they did!

 Ryann, Kennedy and Logan had their game faces on and we had such a fun shoot! Thank you guys for being adorable, and Liz for having 'matching' but not too matchy outfits! : )  Loved it! Thank you for letting me capture your adorable family!

The Jorgensen Family

Book your session at www.jenn-wagner.com

Don't you ever get tired of weddings??

I recently sat with an engaged couple and we talked over coffee about what they wanted for their big wedding day. They talked about how she wants him to cry when he sees her for the first time and how much they are looking forward to the moment she walked down the aise. 

I found myself getting excited for them as I sipped on my caramel brûlée latte and, okay I can't lie, I may have teared up a bit too! I gave them suggestions on how to make their day run smooth, how to plan out the schedule, we looked up their wedding venue online, flipped through photos and talked about awesome shots we could capture of them. 

At one point the groom stopped me; "You are so excited.... don't you ever get tired of it since you've been to so many weddings?" 

"Not at all!" Quickly popped out of my mouth.

I didn't have to think twice, and I stand behind it now.
I. love. weddings.

  I really don't get tired of them. Each couple brings a fresh take to a wedding day. Every day is different. The dress, the bridal party, the first dance, the things that don't go perfect that you look back and laugh about.

Each one is unique to that specific couple. No day is ever the same, so really, each couple that I sit with is new, its like a whole new story I get to witness them write.

Thank you for letting me capture you stories! 

www.jenn-wagner.com