“Meet Me Where the Sun Touches the Mountain"

It’s story time!! Let me share one of my favorite quotes and how has it inspired me to revive my wedding photography business heading into 2024.

“Meet me where the sun touches the mountain”

I absolutely love this quote because it suggests a sense of longing for a meaningful and intimate connection in a place of picturesque setting, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It implies a desire to connect with someone in a serene and awe-inspiring environment, where the beauty of nature can enhance the experience of being together.

When I first heard this quote years ago, a tiny seed of inspiration was planted in my heart. However, I kept it to myself, perhaps due to fear, excuses, or distractions. Maybe all three! Over time, I had forgotten about it.

But this year, someone unexpectedly entered my life and began nurturing that long forgotten seed within me. Now, that seed has started to sprout, and in the coming months, I will unveil the new direction my wedding photography business is taking.

Stay tuned for exciting updates and join me on this new journey! Like how the quote goes… meet me where the sun touches the mountain.

With love,
Jenny XOXO

Embracing Winter's Wisdom

Ah, January! The much-anticipated month of fresh starts, new commitments, and the inevitable flood of resolutions—new diet, new workout, new habits. It's a time when we often find ourselves caught up in the excitement of reinventing our lives and I am 100% guilty of this.

It's a familiar scene: as the calendar turns to January, many of us feel the pressure to embark on a whirlwind of self-improvement. Ever heard of “New Year, New Me?!” LOL! The mantra echoes in our minds as we enthusiastically list down new resolutions, determined to make sweeping changes in our lives.

But what if, this year, we approached January with a different mindset? What if we took a step back, embraced the tranquility of winter, and allowed ourselves the grace of gradual growth? Let's look into the idea of a gentle January, where rest, reflection, and subtle growth take center stage.

In a world that often urges us to look ahead, this month provides a unique opportunity to relish the present. Slow down, savor the small joys, and find contentment in simple activities. Whether it's a quiet cup of coffee, a leisurely walk with the dogs, or a cozy evening with loved ones, make each moment intentional.

Our bodies and minds have their own natural rhythms. This month, let's tune into these rhythms and honor our need for rest. Recognize that taking it easy is not a sign of slacking off but a vital part of the growth process, allowing us to recharge and rejuvenate.

As we navigate through the month, let's remember that January doesn't have to be a sprint; it can be a gentle stroll. Embrace the stillness of winter, appreciate the gradual growth, and find joy in the simplicity of the present moment. This January, let's redefine our approach, choosing a path that aligns with the natural rhythms of our lives.

Here's to a gentle January, filled with rest, reflection, and the promise of personal growth.

With love,
Jenny XOXO

Closing Out 2023 with Happy Tears

Alrighty folks, that's officially a wrap! I'm here, nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Oregon coast, taking a moment to reflect on the absolute joy that was my last photo session of 2023.

Now, for those who've been following my journey, you might recall my gradual step back from my photography business I poured 14 years of my heart and soul into. Funny thing, though – every time I take a step away, it seems like the universe, or perhaps a higher power, pulls me back three steps. And you know what? I'm starting to think it's fate.

The curtain closed on my last session just a few days before Christmas. It took a bit of juggling and rescheduling due to life's inevitable twists – scheduling conflicts and a bit of illness thrown in the mix. But hey, we made it happen, and what a session it turned out to be! The stars aligned, and I had the pleasure of capturing the essence of a remarkable family – none other than my daughter’s Ava's former 6th grade teacher, Kristen and her absolutely beautiful family.

When Kristen laid eyes on her edited photos, the response was nothing short of heartwarming. "Seriously, I’m in tears," she said. And that, my friends, is the magic of photography. To wrap up 2023 with clients shedding tears of joy is precisely why I remain passionately dedicated to my craft.

Kristen, Robert, Jordan, James, Jossalyn, Gage, and Finn – I hope these photos bring you as much joy as I experienced capturing them. You've given me the perfect farewell to 2023 and inspired me to chase after more smiles, hugs, and love in the coming year. As I sit here in the embrace of the majestic coast, I can't help but look forward with excitement to the canvas of moments that 2024 will paint. Here's to an incredible new year filled with moments that are nothing short of picture-perfect!

With Love,
Jenny XOXO

Senior Ambassador Program 2023-2024

Studio Simplicity Photography Senior Portraits Ambassador Program model rep search is underway! I am currently seeking a team of 3-5 Juniors and Senior ambassadors from various schools in the Contra Costa County area to act as model representatives. Throughout the year, you may see your images on marketing materials, the best part is you will not only receive an insanely discounted senior portraits session but you have chances to win CASH when your friends book from your referrals in return. It starts with your fun and unique on location modeling session and continues through your Junior and Senior year. The Ambassador Team gets to participate in fun themed shoots throughout the year, make friends, give back to the community, and have amazing year round senior pictures. If you are looking to be a part of something uniquely fun with photos throughout the year this is it! There's no other program in the area like it! My goal is to have fun in every occasion and bring out YOU in your images!

WHAT IS A SENIOR AMBASSADOR?

If you are currently a Junior or Senior in high school, I want you! You get a huge discounted senior portrait photography session, edited digital images, and cash! All you have to do is tell your friends about me. No, you don’t have to be a supermodel … just be an outgoing, fun-spirited person!

As an Ambassador, you will receive a mini portrait session. After your session, I'll will send you an online gallery with your edited photos to review. We'll choose a few images for your Senior Ambassador modeling promotions, which you'll receive free of charge. You will also receive Senior Ambassador cards, which are a business card with your name, and my studio information; these are yours to hand out to your friends and other Junior and Seniors. Additionally, I'll tag your photos on Facebook and Instagram.

HOW DO I ENTER?

It’s simple. Complete the online entry application found at the bottom of this page. Tell me all about yourself, the more details the better! Tell me why you think you should be a great fit and how you think you could be a good aspect to this year's model team. I am looking for students from the Class of 2024 and 2025 with outgoing personalities who like to have fun. I prefer our representatives to be involved in extra-curricular activities and willing to go the extra mile to get the job done, whatever the job may be. Your senior portraits should reflect your personality. For your mini photo session, bring in a couple of outfits that represent your style. If you play a sport, bring in your uniform. If you play an instrument, bring that in. A limited number of representatives will be chosen from each area high school, so apply ASAP! Oh and don't forget to ask mom!

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL I SHOULD KNOW IF I AM CHOSEN AS AMBASSADOR?

You must schedule your Senior portrait session before November 15. I will be choosing 3-5 representatives from each school and you will be representing our company so we ask that you actively promote Studio Simplicity Photography throughout the year. You will be required to pay a one time $150 mini session fee to book your first senior portrait.

Being a Senior Ambassador for Studio Simplicity Photography is all about showing off your awesome photos, creating new friendships, expressing yourself through your pictures, and having a super awesome and unique senior year experience. We may travel all over the Bay Area and have fun themed sessions while you are making friends! All you need to do is tell your friends and have fun. I also get creative ideas throughout the year and will call on my models to help test them out! Although, it’s not required, I appreciate your help.

WHAT CAN YOU EARN?

For every booked senior referrals, you will receive $25. The three (3) students with this highest number of bookings will also receive the following prizes:

Third Place – $75 Visa/MasterCard Gift Card
Second Place – $100 Visa/MasterCard Gift Card
First Place – $150 Visa/MasterCard Gift Card

Good luck!! I can’t wait to meet you and learn more about you! Have a GREAT time and enjoy your Junior and Senior year!

With Love,
Jenny XOXO

FOR THE PARENTS:

Your child's senior year of high school can be very expensive. You will have fees for tests, graduation, announcements, invitations, cap and gown, yearbooks and ads in them, college applications, prom and of course, senior photos, along with so much more. Studio Simplicity Photography is giving you the opportunity to save some money (AND earn some money for your child) by allowing your child to become a Senior Ambassador for my studio. By entering this contest, you are permitting Studio Simplicity Photography to use your son’s/daughter’s first name and photograph on the blog, website and in marketing materials. There is a one time $150 mini session fee and you also MUST attend your child's first mini portrait session and I will also answer any questions you may have about the program at this time.