I've Got Senioritis!!!

Well, I didn't think it could be done, but I did it! Me! A thirty-something year old grown woman, mom of three. And I've got it. I've got senioritis!!!

If I focus and think hard enough I can vaguely remember my senior days in high school and all the excitement I felt over the amazing future that I had in front of me. A decade or so later, as a high school teacher, I can vividly remember loathing that same feeling, as my seniors where checked out by April, more concerned about the weather and their senior formal than they were about the test right in front of them!

And so imagine my surprise when another decade or so later, here I am excited about high school and spring again! This time though, my senioritis is not about being a senior, but about shooting seniors! It's not about hanging out at prom, but photographing portraits at prom! It's a whole new kind of excitement, seeing high school seniors looking ahead to their own futures, feeling scared and uncertain, yet excited and confident. And capturing all that they are during this amazing time, giving them something precious to remember forever.

It's an amazing time, that senior year. And I love sharing it with these beautiful kids. Recently, I've had the chance to photograph some amazingly talented and gorgeous high school seniors and juniors. Below are a few of my favorites from the sessions:

I've got major senioritis and I'm looking for next year's senior class!

Juniors, book your portrait session with Jen Lebo Photography now!

Book for a spring session (before June 1st) and get 20% off your order!

Book for a summer session (June 1- September 1st) and get %15 off your order!

Book for a fall session (September 1- December 1) and get 10% off your order!

(Be sure to mention this blog post when booking.)

I can't wait to hear from you! Until then, though, keep those heads in those books and TRY to contain your own senioritis!

Jen

Mother's Day Contest!! And The Winner Is...

STEPHANIE TRAUNER!!!!

(entry #53, selected at random by www.random.org)

Stephanie, you win a free mini session (with up to 5 people) during the month of May, along with:

-10 edited images from which to choose.

- 1 8x10 custom framed portrait of your favorite image.

- 10% off any other purchases from your session.

Let's make a date soon! Cannot wait to celebrate your Mother's Day with you!

Thanks so much for all who entered!

I was so touched by all of your entries and stories, all the ways in which your children melt your hearts. It reinforced to me (and hopefully to all of you) how very blessed we are to be called their mommies. There's nothing like it in the whole world!

Happy Happy Mother's Day to you all!!!

(stay tuned for a similar Father's Day contest... it's right around the corner!)

Jen

Happy Anniversary to Jen Lebo Photography!

I can hardly believe it, but it's been one whole year since Jen Lebo Photography became official! And what a great year it's been!

Early last April, when I first "hung up my shingle", a good friend told me that the first year would be "a tremendous learning curve". Wow, was she right! For those amazing families who have been with me through this first year, you can surely relate this truth! But despite the myriad of mistakes I made, and the hours of uncertainty, fear, and trepidation I experienced over beginning this crazy journey, this year has been filled with the most wonderful and exciting blessings a person could ever enjoy with a camera!

And so I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories from this last year. A year in portraits!

April 2010

May 2010

June 2010

July 2010

August 2010

September 2010

October 2010

November 2010

December 2010

January 2011

February 2011

March 2011

This post is really just to say thank you. Thank you to my family and friends who encouraged me to go out and pursue my dream despite the fear and uncertainty. Thank you to the wonderful families who took a chance with a new photographer and trusted me with your precious portraits. And thanks to my wonderful Father and God, who gave me a passion for people, for children, and for photography, and then led me slowly but surely down the path to fulfill His purposes with these passions.

Thank you for sharing this first year with me! I sure hope we get many more together!

Jen

Rockin' Out With Mallory!

Last weekend I headed out to do a special photography session. Cathy contacted me to photograph her daughter in a sailor's outfit that had been through four previous generations of women in her family. Her daughter Mallory would be the fifth. I was so excited to shoot this beautiful little girl in this precious outfit, and we had a great time replicating the setting and the shot, and then heading outside for some extras.

However, the real fun started when Mallory changed out of the outfit and into something that seemed to suit her personality a little better. Sporting a fabulous pink jacket and her awesome little guitar, we headed outside for some fun. I had no idea just how much fun we would have! Mallory truly rocked!

Eventually, we were forced to come back down from center stage to get mom and dad in some shots. Still though, Mallory rocked throughout the entire session. She was a bundle of wonderful energy and her bubbly personality was infectious to both her parents and to me.

Mallory, you were such a blast to hang out with! Thanks for hangin' out with me and for showing me an awesome time! You rock, girl!

Mother's Day Contest!!

God has blessed me threefold in my life. First, I grew up with a mother who made me feel loved and cherished every single day of my life. She was (and is) the most caring and wonderful mom I could have ever asked for. Then I married my husband and gained a mother-in-law who treats me like her very own. She is kind and generous and offers her love, support, and encouragement to me on a daily basis. I am very lucky to have her (and her son!). And then finally, God blessed me with the three most amazing kids EVER! There is absolutely nothing on earth as challenging and rewarding as being their mom. And there is nothing as beautiful as their little faces.

And so, of course, Mother's Day is very special to me. And probably to you too. Maybe you're a mom yourself, or maybe your mom has been a special blessing in your life. Maybe you're married to a special mom, or maybe you just know one. No matter what though, we've all been touched by special moms.

And so, this Mother's Day, Jen Lebo Photography is giving away a mini-session to one lucky mom!

The winner will receive:

- A complimentary mini-session (30 minutes) at the location of your choice for up to 5 people!

- 10 edited images from which to choose!

- 1 8x10 custom framed portrait of your favorite image!

- 10% off any other purchases from your session!

Enter to win:

Enter to win by leaving the answer to the following question in the comment section of this blog post:

What's the best thing your child has ever said to you?

Get extra entries by:

1. Tweeting the following about this contest (must include the website link):

Enter to win a free mini session with Jen Lebo Photography! www.jenlebophotography.com

2. Posting on your Facebook profile about this contest (must include website link):

Enter to win a free mini session with Jen Lebo Photography! www.jenlebophotography.com

3. Joining Jen Lebo Photography on Facebook!

Become a fan by clicking on the "Like" button. If you are already a fan, use the "Suggest to Friends" link on the Facebook page to send it to your friends.

Only 4 entries per person.

(You must leave an additional comment on the blog letting me know you did any of the above to receive the extra entries.)

Contest ends Sunday, April 17th at midnight.

The winner will be announced on Monday April 18th here on the blog and on Facebook.

Session must take place during May 2011.

Winner will be chosen through a random number generator at random.org.

Good Luck!