True Beauty Sessions: A Whole New Kind of Senior Portrait Session

What's a girl to do?

I mean really.  What's a girl to do when her job and her heart find themselves in conflict?

Don't get me wrong.  I LOVE my job!  Anyone who knows me knows this, especially when it comes to high school seniors.  I love capturing their unique style, their exceptional beauty, the expressions that make them "them".  I have found the job of my dreams!

But my heart sometimes struggles with this job.  After all, here I am celebrating each girl's beauty- her eyes, her smile, her gorgeous hair, or the way she laughs- but what I really want to do is celebrate with them their inner beauty- the TRUE BEAUTY of their heart, which is so precious is God's eyes.  (1 Peter 3:3-4)

I have been praying about this conflict for a few months now, and just recently had the most wonderful idea.  As I know full well, none of my great ideas are ever mine, so I'm giving God credit for this one!  Thank You, Father!

Starting RIGHT NOW, in addition to my classic Senior Portrait Sessions, I will be offering TRUE BEAUTY SESSIONS.  These sessions are exactly the same as my classic senior portrait sessions in most ways- planning, products, price, technical process, etc.  The one difference is the focus.

With a typical Senior Portrait Session, the focus is on the outside.  We chat about personality and color preferences, we create Pinterest boards to brainstorm poses and lighting ideas, colors and expressions.  We connect with the best hair salon in town (props to Gwendolynn's Salon & Spa) to create flawless hair and make up, and we have a great time.  

With TRUE BEAUTY SESSIONS, the focus begins and ends with the heart.  We begin with prayer and a special Bible verse chosen by the senior and then journey through the portrait experience with a focus inward.  Pinterest boards, hair and make up, lighting, posing, prints and portrait pieces all remain part of the process, but all are grounded in prayer and God's Word.

TRUE BEAUTY SESSIONS go much deeper than the surface, creating an experience that could be life changing for each girl.

I am ELATED to share this with high school seniors everywhere and would love to fill my entire calendar with these sessions, so I'm offering a special price for them THIS MONTH ONLY!

DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, BOOK TWO TRUE BEAUTY SESSIONS (ONE FOR YOU, ONE FOR YOUR BFF) FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!  

So grab a girlfriend and let's make a date.

I'm certain it will be an unforgettable experience, both for you seniors, and for me.

I can't wait!

Keep smiling!

Jen

A New Journey…into "Unfading Beauty"

I admit, I've been really slacking on my blog posts, but for good reason.

This summer has been filled with a lot of prayer, a lot of soul searching, a lot of wonderful lessons, and finally, a lot of exciting new plans.  God has been at work in me, and I am excited to share with you.

As a portrait photographer who specializes in high school seniors (aka TEEN GIRLS!), I am very skilled at bringing out the best in all of my girls.  With the help of great hair and make up (thank you, ladies at Gwendolynn's Salon & Spa!), good light, expert posing and my eye, these girls look like they are ready for the cover of Vogue or Glamour Magazine!

But as a Christian photographer, this skill has also brought me some conflict, because I know that our true beauty does not come from the outside, but from the heart. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, " Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles, and the wearing of gold jewelry  or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

How can I focus my photography on bringing out the outer beauty without also sharing the importance of the inner beauty, the unfading beauty?

And so I came up with the idea of "Unfading Beauty", the journey.

As I began praying over this and working on this project I knew I wanted it to have several facets.  It would be a Bible study focusing on what God has to tell us about true beauty.  It would incorporate portraiture and feature a portrait project of some sort later in the Bible study, and it would have a special  piece for the girls to be part of at the end.  

I had the ideas, and I had the excitement, but I lacked some of the details, some of the crucial skills needed to put this all together.  I knew I needed help.  So I prayed for it.

Then God connected me with Shelley Baumgarten, a friend and former English teacher at Coventry Christian School, and I discovered that Shelley had been praying over how she missed writing lessons and creating curriculum.  She missed teaching and I needed a teacher.  I was lacking lessons, and she missed writing them.  I asked her to join me and she began creating some of the most fun and captivating lesson plans I've ever read.

So together with Shelley's lessons, my camera, and the Lord's guidance, we bring you "Unfading Beauty".

There is so much to this journey.

"Unfading Beauty" is a FREE 8 week Bible study open to any and all teen girls who want to learn true and eternal beauty secrets.

"Unfading Beauty" will meet every other Monday, starting on

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 from 7-9pm.

But it will also include a FB Group for those who cannot make the meetings due to sports, being far away, or whatever else.  Every girl who wants to be part of this should have the chance to be.  So we're making a way.

"Unfading Beauty" will also include lots of photography.  As we learn about true beauty, we will capture it all on camera, both in our Monday meetings, and with a super "Pumpkins & Portraits" photo shoot this November!  

We are praying that these portraits will be the starting point for 

"Unfading Beauty", the digital magazine written FOR teen girls BY teens girls.

This is a huge undertaking, one that can only succeed with God's wisdom and guidance.  We are willing and excited to lead this journey.  We pray for teen girls everywhere to join us.  

And we are asking for your prayers as we embark on what could be a life changing journey.

It already has been for Shelley and for me.

I pray it will be for others.

Thanks for all your support and prayers!

For details or to join us, simply comment here or email me at jalebo@gmail.com.

And check out the video invitation HERE! 

Keep smiling- and praying!

Jen

So… What Happened???

It's been a little over two months since my last post and I'm thinking some of you MIGHT be wondering where I've been and what has happened since then.  I've actually been asked by a few of you how you got disconnected from the blog, that you wondered why you aren't getting my posts anymore.  No, it's not you, nor is it your email or computer.  I've haven't posted in over 2 months.

A lot has happened since my last post, the one I wrote about my upcoming adventure at The Ragnar Relay in Cape Cod.  I won't get into details here.  No need to bore you all, although I'm more than happy to share my story with anyone who asks.  It's one of those awesome God things!

I will share a few bits though.  I will say that my weekend at Ragnar is one I will never ever forget.  Aside from the fact that 12 women dug deep to run every single mile of that 200 mile relay, aside from the physicality of it all, that weekend was a life changer for me.  That was the weekend God broke me. It was the weekend He exposed me for who I was becoming, for the fraud and imposter that I saw looking back at me in the mirror.

In the two months since, God has humbled me in more ways that I can tell.  He has stripped me of a lot, but in return has given me a million times more.  My heart was broken, but then mended back together with His love.  His purposes, His plans.  And through it all, I was blessed to lean on my amazing husband and my three awesome little goofballs.  

And as I now wake daily to learn more about His plans, I am AMAZED (I cannot express enough how AMAZED I am) at how he is slowly but surely weaving all these heartaches, all of my life's passions (I'm talking decades worth!) together for His amazing purposes.  I am very slowly beginning to see the pieces falling together- my life's work, my passions in life, my children and family, my insecurities, even (and especially) the mistakes I've made (I love how He uses ALL things for good) for His purposes.  It's as if it was all for a reason.  Yeah… I believe it is…

So now that I've bored you enough, I will leave you with a few takeaways:

* Ragnar was amazing and unforgettable- for so many different reasons than I expected, but truly life changing.

* God's timing has been PERFECT as He has been teaching me through the long and lazy days of summer why He broke me at Ragnar, and what He wants to use me for.

* My portraiture is a part of His plan, along with my years spent teaching high school, my years of playing and coaching young women, my role as a mother (particularly to my precious girl), my life long insecurities, my mistakes, and my love for writing, encouraging and connecting.

* There is much much more to pray on, and meditate on, to wait on and to act on.  God will reveal His timing.

* The root of all of this is based on 1 Peter 3:3-4

                      Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight.

For those of you who are still reading, I appreciate your hanging with me.  For those of you who are praying women, I ask for your prayers as I desire to move forward with this project and do God's will.  And for those who are interested in knowing more, stay tuned!  New things are coming!

Keep smiling!

Jen

My Story: One Week Away….

A few weeks back, I blogged about a race my friends and I are doing called The Ragnar Relay.

We're all meeting up on Cape Cod, (coming from PA, NJ, NY, RI, FL, and MA) to run 200 miles over the course of 2 days.  In 2 vans.  With no sleep.  It's pretty nuts.  And we can't wait!

The race starts one week from today.

We are so ready and we are so excited.

And so I thought I'd spend this week's "My Story" blog post introducing you to my teammates.

We are Team Sole Sisters, and this is the order in which we will be running:

Runner 1: Courtney

What an awesome lady to start us off on this crazy adventure.  Courtney was once my prefect at Hill and I coached her back in her high school days.  She is now a teacher and coach herself as well as a wife and mom.  Despite some recent medical issues, this woman is a warrior and ready to kick some butt.  Although, she will quickly admit that she's a running diva and hates running in rain, wind or cold.  Hmm… curious to see how THAT pans out! 

(Leg 1: 5.1m;  Leg 13: 5.1m;  Leg 25; 3.4m;  Total= 13.6m)

Runner 2: Sarah

Sarah and I go way back to the Hartwick days, when I was her assistant field hockey coach during her senior year (1996-97).  She will be making the trip down from central NY to join us on the Cape, and I could not be more excited about seeing her again after all these years (haven't seen her since Hartwick!).  Sarah has worked super hard to prepare herself for this race and we are all so proud of her!  I cannot wait to watch her crush this!

(Leg 2: 3m;  Leg 14: 5.2m;  Leg 26: 4.8m;  Total= 12.3m)

Runner 3: Lynda

Oh my word, what can I say about Lynda?  Lynda is the fit and the fun and the fierce all wrapped up in one awesome package.  She likes to proclaim that she's the vet of our group (but only by a year or so), but she'll be tackling one of the hardest legs of the group- a 9.4 mile leg at the END of our race.  She didn't even bat an eye over it when we decided on our legs.  She will surely have us in stitches when she's not kicking butt on her runs.  The woman is hilarious.

(Leg 3: 6.3m;  Leg 15: 5.2m;  Leg 27: 9.4m;  Total= 19.7m)

Runner 4: Chrissy

This photo soooooo suits Chrissy.  She might be the coolest friend I have.  I absolutely adore this woman.  Before she ditched me at Hill for the beautiful shores of Rhode Island, she was my workout buddy.  She made 6am workouts fun.  No joke.  I miss her all the time, but cannot wait to connect with her again on this adventure.  She's a beast of a runner despite the beauty you see.  She is definitely going to kick some butt next weekend!

(Leg 4: 6.2m;  Leg 16: 4m;  Leg 28: 5.6m;  Total= 15.8m)

Runner 5: Dana

I have so many connections with Dana, I hardly know where to start.  Back in the day, I coached Dana at The Hill School.  She then went on to play field hockey at my alma mater Colgate University.  From there we became dear friends as we had our kids right around the same time.  And then I became her family photographer!  And now, for the first time, we will be teammates.  I could not be more excited!  She's the best!

(Leg 5: 5.4m;  Leg 17: 5.2m;  Leg 29: 3.5m;  Total= 14.1m)

Runner 6: Jen I

The first of our almost FOUR Jens (we have 3 Jens and a Jenna!), this Jen is the bomb!  Jen stepped into the 6 slot just a couple of weeks ago after one of our Sole Sisters went down with an injury!  Jen I is a gem.  She actually lives about a mile off the course we will be running and has spent the past week scoping out the course, encouraging us all about our night legs and getting us excited about what we have in store.  I have known Jen since those Hartwick days and I can't wait to finally run with her.  We've been "sisters" pretty much since the day we met.  

(Leg 6: 4.2m;  Leg 18: 5.7m;  Leg 30: 3.1m;  Total= 13m)

Runner 7: Jen L (that's me!)

I'll be taking up the Runner 7 slot.  I'm not really sure what to say about myself except that I absolutely adore all of these women.  I have known each of them in some way before this race, but after the training for Ragnar and the fun we've already had, I truly consider each one of them to be my "sole sister".  PS- photo credit to my little 4 year old love for this shot of me!  

(Leg 7: 9.8m;  Leg 19: 5.2m;  Leg 31: 6.3m;  Total= 21.3m)

Runner 8: Jen B

Nicknamed Jenny B, our fearless captain came up with this crazy idea for us!  I still remember her emailing a few of us back in October, asking "Hey, check this race out!  We can do this!"  I thought she was insane, and still do a little, but she believed in us!  Jenny B just finished a half marathon last weekend and so is definitely ready to tackle her 16 miles next weekend.  Jenny B is one of my favorite running partners and one of the few crazies who loves 5am workouts like I do!

(Leg 8: 8.1m;  Leg 20: 5.6m;  Leg 32: 2.3m;  Total= 16m)

Runner 9: Cat

Cat is the kind of friend you can't describe with words.  We taught together at Hill, coached together, ran a dorm together, then got married within a year of each other (were in each other's weddings) and had our kids together (though in different parts of the country by then).  Cat can do it all.  She's a great mom, a tireless volunteer, friend, organizer, teacher, coach, you name it.  And she's a tireless runner.  She's running this race as a fundraiser in honor of a friend who recently died of cancer.  Cat's trying to raise money for Madeline's children.  Her Fundraiser is called "Miles for Madeline" and you can donate here if you want to support her through this.

(Leg 9: 3.6m;  Leg 21: 5.6m;  Leg 33: 7.3m;  Total= 16.5m)

Runner 10: Shelly

Shelly is the runner of this group and we have all loved having her knowledge and experience through our training.  Though she's never actually done a Ragnar, she's done countless half marathons and even a few marathons, not to mention all the shorter races.  This woman loves to run!  When she's not running, she's working, wifing, and mommying like a champ.  Oh and being one awesome friend!  Shelly has been one of my best friends since our Hartwick Days.  She's soaking up rays in sunny Florida these days so we don't see each other too often, but I cannot wait to spend the weekend kicking butt with her!  That is, if she doesn't FREEZE her butt off!

(PS- Shelly will be basically running a half marathon as her first leg… woah!)

(Leg 10: 12.8m;  Leg 22: 3.7m;  Leg 34: 3.6m;  Total= 20.1m)

Runner 11: Karrie

Karrie stepped in a couple of months ago after we lost a teammate to injury (getting old is hard!), and she has been amazing.  Despite bulging discs in her back, this woman cannot be stopped!  Karrie and I were workout buddies and good friends back in the Hartwick days (are you picking up that Hartwick theme yet?) and I am so excited to reconnect with her.  Despite our only living about an hour apart, we have not seen each other in maybe 15 years or so.  I predict a lot of laughing and hugging!  Maybe before we start sweating and stinking up the van though! 

(Leg 11: 4.5m;  Leg 23: 2.4m;  Leg 35: 4.5m;  Total= 11.4m) 

Runner 12: Jenna

Last but not least is Jenna.  In fact, Jenna might be our speediest runner!  Jenna's trip to meet us will be a short one, as she hails from Boston.  I absolutely love her accent.  Always have!  I coached Jenna at Hartwick and have adored her since Day 1.  She's a spit fire and a feisty athlete, scrappy and strong, but then the funnest, sweetest girlfriend around.  Again, it's been about 15 years since I've seen Jenna, so I anticipate lots of hugs!  

(Leg 12: 4.8m;  Leg 24: 3.1m;  Leg 36: 8.4m;  Total= 16.3m)

And there you have it- Team Sole Sisters!

I'll be bringing my camera along for this crazy race to document this amazing experience for us.

I know this will be something I'll want to remember for always!

Wish us luck!

Jen

Their Story: The Charltons/ Pottstown Family Photography

It was so chilly.  I couldn't imagine trying to shoot without my gloves and worried about how the girls would feel about spending the morning outside in 30 degree temperatures.

But the minute I met Sydney and Logan, I knew we were going to have a great time.

Mom, Diane, welcomed me with one of the warmest smiles.  I felt instantly at home with them.

We spent a few minutes photographing the entire family (Dad, Dave and little brother, Trent were thrilled with how quickly that went- success!) and then spent the rest of the hour with the girls and their horses.  

I had such a wonderful time with Diane that I had to keep reminding myself to keep shooting!

But the girls kept me entertained with their beautiful smiles and their love for the horses and each other.  I had the most wonderful time!

I loved this session.

It left me feeling giddy after lots of laughs with the girls, a wonderful connection with a wonderful mother, and some gorgeous portraits!

I can't wait to do it again, Charlton crew!

But next time, let's hope for some warmer temps!

Keep smiling!

Jen

Your Story/ Change Your Perspective

Spring has truly sprung and my hope is that you are all heading outside with your cameras to capture the fun of finally being out and about with the kids again!

A quick tip to improve those shots: change your perspective!

Try a new perspective for a fresh new look.  Get down on the ground to photograph your baby.  Shoot up at your teenage son to make him appear taller and more masculine.  Climb a ladder or some steps to get a bird's eye view of your kids.  Or even turn them (or you!) upside down!

Always look for a new perspective.

This works in life too.

But that's a deeper topic for a different day!

Keep smiling!

Jen

Their Story/ The Tanner Family: Douglassville Family Photography

Her little hat was just too much.

As if she little Leah wasn't precious enough, her mom topped her off with the most adorable little flower hat and it was just too cute.  She just stole the show- and melted my heart too!

It was a beautiful fall portrait session.

Jennifer and Zach, I loved photographing your family.

Thanks for a wonderful session!

Keep smiling,

Jen

Special Monday Giveaway! Win a Free Mini Portrait Session for Mom!

Mother's Day is just around the corner!

What are you going to get Mom?

Win her a Mini Portrait Session with her loves (that's you!).

Oh, and since I know it's you MOMS who are actually the ones reading this, feel free to pass this on to your husbands!  You can both enter and double your chance to win!

The contest is TODAY ONLY so don't wait!

Have fun and good luck!

Keep smiling!

Jen

Her Story: Stephanie Mourar/ Boyertown HS Senior Photography

She was a little on the quiet side, which made me wonder how the hour would go.

And then she smiled and all of my worries vanished.

I stopped wondering whether the photo shoot would be a good one, and started wondering if her smile had that relaxing effect on everyone.  I assumed it did.

Stephanie, a current senior at Boyertown High School, has that kind of smile.  The kind that stays with you in the most wonderful way.  

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, Stephanie!

May you always carry that beautiful smile and share it with everyone you meet!

Jen