J Cooper Photography

I received some news earlier today that put me in a sour mood. And as I re-read the email that was responsible I had a choice to make…allow the negativity to fester…or throw it away. I’m choosing the latter. And although I’ve peered into the trash can a few times already this afternoon, I’m making a concerted effort to look at the MANY things I’ve been given that make my life so abundantly full.

This weekend we headed out to capture a few family images. I took a few (hundred) images of the kids and my sweet husband maned my camera for a bit. We managed to get a handful of images that I LOVE and will always treasure. And he was SO sweet to play along with my endless critiquing (although in my defense he did cut off our feet in about 50 pictures).

My girls are growing up way too fast!

And this sweet one…with her silly toothless grin (sigh)…

I’m so thankful for the chance to get in front of the camera. A friend and I were recently discussing the phenomenon of having your portraits done as an adult. There is such struggle between how we *think* we look and how the world really sees us. But to put it off, you are merely delaying the gratification of having precious memories with your children. And hair that needs to be colored, a few extra pounds, or no new clothes hanging in your closet just don’t seem to matter when you think about how little time you have to capture those early years together.

My poor hubby was having an awful allergy attack. His eyes were SO red and puffy I thought they were actually going to swell closed at one point in the evening….what a trooper All part of the memories, right?

This was my favorite image from the night. It reminds me of the image of me and girls on our last beach trip (in the right sidebar)

We attempted a family portrait too. A friend tagged along and we traded some photos back and forth of the families together but the perfect shot seemed elusive. But I’m not done trying. We’ll be heading to the beach in a week and I’ve already got the wheels turning on some fun ideas.

My life. My family. My happiness.

So I recently found this bookshelf at a local flea market. Yeah. Love at first sight. I’m pretty sure I did some sort of funky dance in the middle of the sale. And probably a loud “whoopie!” or something equally embarrassing. It was a steal at half off so it got loaded right into the van, carried down the stairs, and is now residing in my basement with my funky damask chairs and other photography novelties (wow…worded like that my basement sounds like quiet a fun place huh?)

I’m going to get busy and get myself better organized. Yep. That’s the plan. It’s a great spot for keeping presentation boxes, tissue, proof books, etc. I grabbed some fun lime baskets at the Dollar Store today for filing all my back-up clients CDs too which will fit nicely here.

A few baskets of hair yummies I use for clients and a collection of mini scrapbooks for clients.

Aren’t these thank you cards fun? Home Goods! (I could live there)

This little one was having fun digging through my hair pretties while I organized and someone thought he made a cute model (not naming any names here). The color is a bit funky but I’m too lazy to correct it…not thinking this photo will make it to our wall display

I pulled over one of my damask chairs just to show how cute the set up looks together. Man, I love old, used stuff. And the best part of the bookcase is that it is on casters! And the back is finished too…can’t wait to try it out as a mini backdrop for a baby session.

I’m hoping that this whole set-up will go into my new studio in my NEW house…that I don’t own yet. We are still trying to get our current house sold. I’m still trying to be patient and wait. I’m still decorating the new place in my mind. I’m still wondering if the right buyer will come and fall in love with our house. I’m still…I’m still….

Remember THIS sweet little man? We had another date together…and those gorgeous blue eyes still completely melt my heart. It is probably good he is already taken, the temptation to grab him up and run off with him is so strong

But as you can see…his significant other is mighty smitten with him as well.


I think 6-8 months is the perfect age for portraits. It seems to be the window where little personalities burst forth, babies are more tolerant of longer sessions, and most importantly…they can’t get away!


Until having one of my own…I never realized how partial I am to these little men. This one in particular was just so sweet. His inquisitive nature was out in full force. Every basket got scrutinized. Every blanket was thoroughly examined. Not a blade of grass went unseen by this little guy. But he wasn’t the only one taking in all the little details.

At the end of the session we decided to change him into his baptism outfit and I loved this final image. We work so hard to get those cheeky grins…but sometimes it is the serious faces that really tug at my heart.

Thanks Mr. Blue Eyes for the fun date…can’t wait to see you again soon!

(On a side note: It seems that whenever I re-size my images in Photoshop and load them to my blog I lose a significant amount of clarity. I don’t have time to re-edit each image at a smaller size and still be able to post to the blog for sneaky peaks for my clients. Any photogs out there who have any great suggestions? Pretty please? With sugar on top? And maybe even a cherry!)

I’m very fortunate to live on a cul de sac with some wonderful people. It will be the hardest part of moving (if and when that actually happens). These people in particular have become such wonderful friends…so giving and fun and our children have such a great time together.

We got together this weekend for some family fun in front of my camera. And since they live right next door I couldn’t delay in getting a little sneak peak up for them

You might remember “Miss Princess” from THIS session not long ago. Her brother is equally photogenic in front of the lens too!

I adore family sessions…the challenge of capturing the family dynamic and special bonds that grow. I know it is such a stressful event for mom and dad (the outfit planning, preparation, kid corralling) but I hope once they see the images…it is completely worthwhile. We change so much throughout our lives. Each new stage brings challenges and tremendous joy…and each stage should be captured. Those memories should be bottled up…displayed…and rehearsed over and over again…so as never to forget. Family. What life is made of.


To my very special neighbors…thank you for sharing yours with me.