Blue

Doesn't Keira look adorable in her holiday party dress? It matches her big beautiful blue eyes perfectly. After taking a few more formal Christmas card shots inside, we decided to make the most of the sunny and warm November Saturday morning and take a walk. We found a beautiful church just a few blocks away that provided such a pretty backdrop for this happy family. It was great seeing you again, Tammy and Chris! Enjoy the holidays with Keira and Cody.

Santa baby

Quinn is very excited for his first Christmas. He was full of smiles for me and Mike this past Saturday. He and his best bud, Marley, couldn't wait to pose together...Quinn cheerful in his Santa hat and Marley...well, most interested in the hat's fluffy white pompom! Shayna and Bill, I think you have some very fun options for your family's first ever holiday card! Thanks for a terrific time. I can't think of a more fun way to have spent time in the beautiful weather this weekend.

jensoares.com

My biggest goal for 2009 was to launch a website before December 31. The thought of accumulating enough images to launch an entire website in one year's time was daunting. I had a dream, I made a plan...but it was still a big goal.

And then I met all of you, my dear clients. The year passed so quickly, filled with our fun sessions in the parks and at the beaches around Chicago. You welcomed us into your homes and into your families. We enjoyed getting to know you as friends, and look forward to seeing you all again in the future. We hope to get to watch your kids grow up and your families expand.

You have made our first year in business simply amazing. We are so blessed to have met each and every one of you and can't thank you enough for all of your support.

Stay tuned for more exciting additions...2010 JSP is gearing up to be one heck of a sequel.

Now, check out the site! http://jensoares.com/

Ode to my guy

As JSP’s first year is coming to a close, I can’t help but smile and think about what a giant leap of faith this adventure has been. Deep down, I’m not a confident person. How did my staggering self-criticisms and insecurities not choke this venture before it even began? How was I not paralyzed by fear and doubt? One reason: I was never in this alone. Mike always had my back. He never doubted me or this idea I had to start fresh, a brand new take on my life. And likewise I knew, without doubt, that if he was with me, everything was going to turn out OK. And, man…has it ever.

Mike…thank you. You’re the core of this crazy and beautiful thing we’re building and I couldn’t do any of it without you. I wouldn’t want to.

And, folks, bet you didn’t know that aside from being a crazy good photographer, Mike also rocks it out as a top model! Thought this was a good excuse to post a few portraits I took of Mike as an assignment for a recent class (and, I am sure, add to his embarrassment even more!).

Ahoy mateys

This past weekend, Mike and I got to hang with two of our favorite little clients, Carson and Zoe. We especially loved getting to see their cool Halloween costumes! We always get such a kick out of these two pirates. PI and Steve, it's always a pleasure. Thanks for a great time and already looking forward to seeing you all again next year.