New Look, New Home

My blog has been redesigned - check it out at -  www.jenlapel.wordpress.com

New features and flexibility and I can't wait to hear what you think about it!

November is National Child Safety and Protection Month!

Take a minute to teach your children these simple yet essential safety tips!

Strangers
Learn how to deal with strangers on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website.
http://www.fbi.gov/fun-games/kids/kids-safety

911 Safety
Talk about when to call 911 with these tips on kidshealth.org
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/911.html

Rules for the Road
Visit ottoclub.org where you will find lots of fun and interactive ways to learn about safety on the road—from buckling your seatbelt in the car and wearing a helmet on your bike to safety tips on crossing the street.
http://www.ottoclub.org/

Tips on Bullying
Learn responsible ways to handle bullying at McGruff.org
http://www.mcgruff.org/#/Main

Even a few minutes reviewing these safety measures can make a big difference. Help your little ones stay safe!

YummO Halloween Recipes!

Your entire family will love these fun Halloween recipes. Perfect for a family night or Halloween party!

Mousse-Filled Witches Hats by Reader’s Digest
http://www.rd.com/food/mousse-filled...s-hats-recipe/

Easy spider web cupcakes
http://childparenting.about.com/od/f...ween-Cupcakes/

Gourmet Carmel Apples
Dip Granny Smith apples in melted carmel and decorate with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, reece’s pieces, mini m&m’s, or drizzles of melted chocolate.

Happy Halloween from Jen Lapel Photography!

“Another sunrise, another new beginning.”

Share the excitement with the expecting mother in your life with a maternity portrait session. We suggest the seven month mark for this session, as the baby bump is defined, yet cute. This is also a great time, because there is less scrambling to get ready for the baby and more time to relax and show off that pregnancy glow.

That due date is going to come sooner than you think, so call to reserve your session today.
(402) 990-7581

If you haven’t selected a push present for that amazing mother to be yet, get inspired with our selection of favorites.

Victoria’s Secret Kimono
(In her favorite color, of course.)
http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Sa...ame=vsdWrapper

Baby Carriage Charm Necklace by Jordann Jewelry

https://jordannjewelry.com/magento/i...-necklace.html

A luxurious rocker like this one from Pottery Barn Kids
Have it waiting for her in the nursery when she comes home!
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/produ...-NoMerchRules-

Coach Diaper Bag
She’ll never be without it!
http://www.amazon.com/Signature-Stri...829798&sr=1-14

Whatever gift you choose, make sure to include a heartfelt card—that always means the most. :)

Halloween Crafts!

Milk Carton Haunted Houses
Use any size of carton, from an individual sized lunch carton to a half gallon. Cut out a door and some windows and cover entirely with black construction paper. Add some cute halloween stickers and glitter, maybe some candy corn and pumpkins, and you have an adorable decoration that your kids can help create. For an extra spooky touch, add an LED tealight. Create one house, or an entire village!

Boa Bats
These would make great porch decorations! Add glitter and use different colors of construction paper for a more playful effect.
http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/ha...a-bats-669215/

Printable Pumpkin Carving Stencils
My favorite ones are the goofy faces!
http://www.paperpumpkins.com/

Tie Dye Halloween
Create a fun tee shirt, onesie, pajamas or a trick or treat bag with this adorable craft.
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/pumpkin-shirt-674600/

Today Is Special

I don't know why exactly, but today is special.  I don't know what is special about it really, it just is.  Now I know I might sound crazy, but trust me, it's true.

I was driving to work this morning (late of course) and instead of the usual anxiety I feel commuting downtown amongst all the traffic - I felt very much at ease. The sky had this sort of orangey warmth I can't quite explain.  And instead of turning my radio up as loud as it would go so that I could scream along with all the songs...I turned it off.  And I was happy.

I went about my work day as usual and had forgotten about my amazing drive in to work until....until I left work and got in my car for the drive home.  And sure enough, I had the same experience...the same calm sort of happiness. 

I don't know if it's Fall, the leaves starting to turn, or the perfect temperature of the day...but something is making it special.  The air even smells different, better, but different...and the breeze feels different on my face.  Everything about today feels different and amazing.

So - today may not have produced anything extraordinary for me in terms of actual events.  However, something made me stop and take notice of all the beauty that exists in a given day.  Even when we're drudging ourselves into work in the morning or rushing home to see our families at night. All of that beauty is there all of the time, if we just take a minute to notice.  And today...for whatever reason...I noticed. 

And that made this day magical for me.  :)

Here's to wishing you all a magical tomorrow.....

First Day of Fall

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
~Albert Camus

September 23rd is the first day of autumn. Celebrate with your little ones with these adorable crafts and treats.

Pumpkin Seed Mosaic Arthttp://naturenest.wordpress.com/2008...ll-kids-craft/

Fall Leaf MobileCreate fall leaf cutouts from construction paper, fine cardboard or felt. Tape the leaves to thin ribbons, string or twine. Attach each string to a small branch and hang it where it can spin freely for all to enjoy!

Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sprinkle with nutmeg, and voila!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/harvest...es/detail.aspx

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
Enjoy with a glass of apple cider.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/oatmeal...es/detail.aspx

Happy Autumn from Jen Lapel Photography!

September is National Children’s Good Manners Month!

Sit down with your little ones and enjoy these excellent etiquette reads.

The Scallywags
by David Melling
http://www.amazon.com/Scallywags-Dav...f=cm_lmf_tit_3

Emily’s Everyday Manners
by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post
http://www.amazon.com/Emilys-Everyda...=cm_lmf_tit_11

The Golden Rule
by Ilene Cooper
http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Rule-Il...=cm_lmf_tit_15

Thingumajig Book of Manners
by Irene Keller
http://www.amazon.com/Thingumajig-Bo...=cm_lmf_tit_19

Please is a Good Word to Say
by Barbara Joosse
http://www.amazon.com/Please-Good-Wo...=cm_lmf_tit_21

Happy Reading!
jen lapel

New Year New Beginnings New Goals

So, the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and 2011 is here.  I always experience this sort of melancholy feeling after the holidays. I wonder if I'm alone in that feeling or if other people get it too.  It's not really a sadness - but more of a sort of calm, peace, and sense of reflection. Maybe "reflection" is a better word.  I look back at the past year and can't believe another one has come and gone. 

January of 2010 I decided that I wasn't going to make resolutions! I was not going to be one of "those people" who got all geared up for new changes and just fizzled out a few weeks or months later. Every year I made resolutions and every year I let myself down by not achieving them.  Not in 2010! Nope, not me...I showed those silly people who make resolutions...you can't let yourself down if you don't ever put yourself out there.  Well...you want to know what's interesting?  When last year drew to a close, I felt a larger sense of disappointment by not having set any goals at all then I ever did by falling short of my goals in prior years.  I sort of felt like although it was a great year filled with many weddings, my new photography hobby, and too many wonderful moments to count - it had no purpose.

So, here I go...it's 2011 and I'm making resolutions everyone! That's right...I am back!  So, to hold myself accountable I'm sharing them with all of you.  I read something interesting on Facebook recently.  I believe it was Rhonda Riha who said that you should write your goals/resolutions as if you've already achieved them.  THAT was something I had never tried before.  So followers, here we go - In 2011 I joined a new fitness program, stayed 100% committed and was a huge success!  In 2011, I made my education in photography a priority - took 4 classes, and attended one major photography conference.  In 2011, I consistently updated my blog every 2 weeks!  In 2011 I achieved balance in the personal, professional, and spiritual aspects of my life!

Ah...that felt great! Okay, now on to the pictures.   The first pictures of the year need to be extra special so I'm going to share some pictures of my nephew who is now 8 days old.  My friend Shanda (you remember her) came over yesterday and we spent nearly 4 hours with little Zander.  She is a great teacher and I'm lucky that she's so generous with her knowledge and her time.  Happy New Year!

Santa Baby

So the holidays are approaching like a runaway locomotive and everyone's scrambling to make those lists, check them twice, act a little naughty, act a little nice...you know the standard early December activities.  Another very important thing on everyone's list is getting their Christmas Cards ready to go, and for many that includes an updated picture of their children or family.  For this post, I'd thought I'd share some recent pictures of my favorite little ones campaigning for Santa's "Nice" list.  Can you tell which one is campaigning a little harder? 

This is my favorite little guy, Cooper. Cooper is just right at 6 months old now.  He was the first newborn I ever photographed (and one of the only so far really).  I love Cooper and his mommy because they have an edgy style that allows me to really have fun and take some original photos. 

And this....is baby Emersyn. Em is about 8 1/2 months old now - you might remember her from my September post when she had her 6 month birthday.  I've vowed not to include the photo from that day when she sat in the grass in a tutu and leg warmers crying...but someday I will just HAVE to post it because it is too funny not to share.  Anyway, this is Emersyn putting her most angelic expressions on in an effort to maybe charm the gifts out of old St. Nick. 

Story of a Friendship

I can't believe it was almost a decade ago that I met Tracy.  We were working together and one evening (two nights before Thanksgiving as a matter of fact) she invited me to happy hour after work.  I reluctantly agreed to go and only planned on staying for a little bit.  Somewhere in the middle of a few drinks, a giant plate of nachos, and too many laughs to count Tracy and I became friends. 

Fast forward 9 years-ish  - we are both married...Tracy has two children, Ethan and Ava...we work at different places...no longer live in the same city...and no longer spend nearly every weekend together - and...Tracy is still once of my closest friends.  So as I sit here getting ready to upload pictures of her beautiful children, only a few days before Thanksgiving, I can't help but think of my friend and feel a little nostalgic.  I think I'll have some nachos....

Fall Fun

Hasn't this fall been so fun!?  The weather has been crisp and blustery but not annoyingly so.  We have sun and rain and falling leaves from color turning trees, and wind and calm and everything in between.  It's really been the most perfect fall season I remember for a very long time.  Maybe that's because I've been busy busy taking pictures and researching workshops - at least I'm sure that's part of my obsession with this season. 
Some of you will be happy to hear that I've applied for membership with the Professional Photographers of Iowa as well as the Professional Photographers of Nebraska.  Being a member of those two associations should help expose me to some new learning opportunities.  I'm excited to tell you that I'm going to attend the PP of Iowa Winter Convention in February.  It's 5 days of concentrated learning and sharing about the creative and business sides of photography.  And...it's only 2 hours away in DesMoines.  This has certainly helped catapult me out of that nasty waiting place. What makes it even more exciting is that I think Shanda and Teresa (my new photo bug friend) are going to go too!
Okay, so back to my obsession with this fabulous fall season...perhaps I've been so obsessed because I've had the opportunity to be outside in the brisk weather with some old friends that are entering new exciting phases of their lives....

This is Emily and Jared -they are expecting their first child (isn't he cute?!) in early December.

Joyce and Rich are engaged and getting married next summer.  Best wishes to them for a long and happy marriage!

This .... is Sky.  She moved to Arizona with her family and is starting her new adventure there.  On a visit back to Omaha to see her Grandma, I got to steal her away for a morning of pictures at the park.

Don't you just LOVE fall!!??

The Waiting Place

I was driving home from the grocery store tonight when something occurred to me - I've somehow ended up in "the waiting place" when it comes to this journey.  Those of you familiar with "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss will know exactly what I'm talking about.  For those of you who are not familiar - you should read it.  My version goes like this -I am waiting until I can justify buying that new camera or lens or I want, waiting to find the "perfect" workshop to attend, waiting for approval and criticisms, waiting waiting waiting.  And amidst all of this waiting, I've become a bit stagnant in my learning phase...maybe even a bit disillusioned. 
So, I've had this self revelation, now what?  I wish I could say that I came home and instantly signed up for 3 more classes and a workshop and miraculously found a pile of money laying around to buy all the things I want and think I need.  But my friends that is not the case.  What I did instead was to quickly put all of my frozen and refrigerated foods away.  I grabbed my favorite 19 month old, Lola, and my camera and headed out for a walk.  I just needed the fresh air and to spend some time with my girl. We got to the park near my house and I let her off her leash.  Don't panic, she's a well trained dog and I've done this with her before.  We ran and played and I managed to snap a few pictures of her before the sun finally set. 
I needed that walk, and the fresh air, and the fun with Lola to remind me why I started this journey.  I also have to remember balance and patience.  I can be patient... and yet still make progress.  So, for now, I will sign up for 1 more class and commit to pick a workshop to attend for my birthday in March.  And, just like that...I begin to leave "the waiting place."  

Labor and Delivery

Well everyone, here are the much anticipated first ever labor and delivery photos I've ever taken.  Okay...so maybe I am the only one that was anticipating this day? Surely not...at any rate, I had been waiting in anticipation for many weeks for this day to come and finally it did - Kristen delivered baby Levi on Friday, September 17th at 7:53 PM.  I was honored to be invited to photograph the whole thing.

Having never witnessed a live birth, let alone photograph one, I was filled with a variety of emotions when I pulled into the hospital parking lot.  Excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and fear all took their turns in my mind as I walked through the doors.  I found Kristen's room, which was filled with a very warm friendly family - to say I was nervous would be an understatement. It wasn't long after I got there, when the nurse sent the family out of the room and announced that we were going to be pushing soon.  I could hardly contain my excitement.  After only about an hour, baby Levi was born - 21 inches long, 7lbs 10 ounces.  Words cannot express what a beautiful and emotional experience this was for me.

  Congratulations to Kristen and Ryan and thank you a million times over for allowing me to experience such a deeply personal and special moment in your lives.  You made this experience one that I'll never forget.

So Much to Say



Okay okay...yes I've been slacking on my blog.  I will fully admit that.  I have had a busy month and so tonight I'm going to spare you my endless ramblings and witty storytelling. Ha...witty, ah I'm sorry but I do make myself giggle. Anyway, I promised no rambling, so - I'm just going to share some of my favorite pictures from the last month. I hope you enjoy them!

 7 a.m. was early at the Caldwell Vineyards, but it made for some great photographs! And that's Audrey with the grapes in her hands.  I've known her for quite a few years now, and I'm very greatful that she invited me to take pictures of their harvest.

My high school friend, Shelby's two sons.  They were too cute and too much fun!

Emersyn turned 6 months old! Her mom, Renee, and her dad, Kevin, made it so easy that we didn't even realize it when 2 hours had passed!

My Nephews - (l to r) - Zach, Ray, Robert  - I mean come on, do I need to say more?

Parties Parties Parties

So, one thing I'm very much intrigued by is small event photography.  Over the last two weeks I've had the opportunity to take pictures at 2 such events.  One of them would be Easton's birthday party.  IF you read my last entry, you already know that he's my nephew.  The other event would be Kristen's baby shower.  Kristen is a coworker of mine and is due in early September.....although I think she'd love to deliver early!   Let me tell you friends... it was not as easy as I thought.

Easton's party was at Pump It Up in Omaha.  Once again I used my trusty 50mm macro lens.  Getting the right shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings were quite a challenge.  I guess I just assumed since the lights would be bright that everything would just work itself out.  Ha, not so much. I tried to get some "bouncing" action photos that would be super sharp. Do you know how FAST 5 year olds can move?  I think I underestimated them.  So, with the action shots, I was not as successful as I'd hoped.  Due in part to the lighting conditions and my lack of experience.  I'll know better what to do for next time though.  In my opinion it was a success and great experience,so I'm extremely grateful to Stef for inviting me.  Once we moved into the party room and got situated for cake and gifts, I had figured out some of my settings and things went a little more smoothly.

Kristen is such a great mommy to be. Her shower was full of cute and cuddly gifts and some of the funniest gifts I've ever seen.  She even got a Sock Monkey! I was so jealous.  It was by far the most I've ever laughed attending a shower. 

A little secret...she and her husband Ryan, have agreed to allow me to take some photos at the hospital during early labor. This will be a definite first for me and I'm not sure who is more excited...Kristen or Me?!

Easton is going to be 5!

So, today I got the priveledge of taking Easton's 5 year old pictures. Stef (his mother and my sister-in-law) and Jeff (his father and my brother-in-law) brought him to Standing Bear Lake at around 10:00 this morning.  It was blazing hot and not a cloud in the sky.  We started with a few family poses so we could get them out of the way before the adults melted in the heat. And trust me...they melted fast..we all did!

Easton was a great sport and didn't complain about the heat at all.  He did need to rest a few times, as he was up late last night cutting a rug at a wedding reception.  Isn't he handsome!? Oh, and if you could only meet him...he's so super smart.  Which, somehow, makes him extremely funny too.  It was a great morning.

I finally was able to use the chair that I purchased at the junk store several weeks ago on an expedition with Shanda.  I painted  it red, cut a new seat and recovered it. It's not exactly professional quality refinishing, but not bad for my first attemp.  Okay, it's not even close to professional refinishing, but I'm still proud. Ha! For this shoot, I used  my new 50mm  macro lens - yes I broke down and bought one - and I was even able to use the old metal bucket I bought (at an entirely different junk store) with Shanda.

For those of you learning to use your DSLR - I tried to use my flash for fill light under a tree today.  The sun shining through the leaves was giving crazy shadows all over their faces.  I was  shooting in Manual, and my meter kept blowing up as over-exposed.  I hope to find a solution to share with you.  If anyone else has an explanation, I'm open to hearing your advice.  Otherwise, I plan to make a trip to see my friends at Rockbrook Camera next weekend to see if they can help clear things up for me. More to come...

Easton is turning 5 next weekend and I can't wait to celebrate his birthday with him.  Stay tuned for next week's post which should include some shots from his birthday party at Pump It Up. 

So - this one probably won't make it in a frame, but I had to put it out here for Easton.  He was so proud of how well he could kick the soccer ball! He kept asking me to take pictures of him as he was kicking, so I know he'll be happy to know that this "Beckham" pose made it on the blog. Happy Birthday E!