J Cooper Photography

Leaving in a few minutes to spend 2 ENTIRE DAYS soaking in my family for some MUCH needed FALL FAMILY FUN.  I will not be answering email, solving Christmas card crises, or proofing sessions.  I WILL promptly email you as soon as I return though   The Coopers are needing a little family time out.

Have a HAPPY and safe HALLOWEEN!  I’ve got pictures to share of course…but right now…I’m on VACATION (even if it is only for 48 hours!)

I met this fun family on their way through Kansas City awhile ago.  I knew we would have a FUN session when her Mom and Aunt pulled out an entire SUITCASE packed full of clothing options.  Talk about coming prepared.  It was smack dab in the middle of the afternoon and we were faced with bright sunshine so we headed back to a secluded spot…me carrying the chairs, Mom lugging that big suitcase, and little cutie patootie trailing along behind!  We were QUITE the site!

This was literally one of the first shots out of my camera.  Talk about a little girl who likes to pose   It’s gonna be a tough gallery to edit with so many cute smiles!

If you’ve followed the blog for long you’ll know I have a pension for aerial shots.  I don’t know what it is I love SO MUCH about them…except that I LOVE EYES!!  They tell so much about a child’s personality.  And this one has PERSONALITY!  Can you tell?

A *few* outfit changes complete with matching hair goodies and shoes, fur vests, tights, and a complete hair re-do (did I mention this little gal was such a breeze?)….we got this fun shot!  LOVE those ears

Of course Charlotte didn’t want to miss out on the play date either.  And of course they had an outfit picked out to match her too

This last image is hands down my FAVORITE IMAGE from the session!  It just feels magical to me…I LOVE her expression of GLEE, her handmade costume, and the gorgeous light coming in from the trees.  Every child should have an image from their childhood that captures THEM being THEM…and I think this does.  I hope Mom agrees!

Thanks for making the special trip to see me guys!  I can’t wait to see you again soon and play dress up with Miss Smiles!!

In between a medical appointment and taking A to church tonight…I set out on a quick mission.  Get a few great “fallish” images of my little man.  During his first year we did a mini session each month and I was kind of missing capturing him through the lens of my camera.  Him…yeah.  Not so much.  It’s not like I haven’t photographed other toddlers.  Why would mine be any different?  In fact…while we were out we ran into my neighbor who actually said, “your poor kids…they never get a break from their photographer mother”.  I’ve always assumed some day they would look back on those billions of photos (if I ever actually get them printed) and realize that I do this cause I love them.  But maybe they won’t.  Who knows…it isn’t gonna stop me though

So our little session went something like this:

“Catch me if you can…I’m fast on these little legs.  Wait…I hear a dog!  Doggies say “Aaah, Aaah (he has a mind of his own on animal noises)”.  Where is that doggie?

“Oh here it is.   I’m sorry Mommy I can’t look at you right now even though you sure are making funny faces.  This doggie is just great.  Listen to him saying “Aaah, aaah!”

“Are you sure you want me to sit in that pile of BIG beautiful red leaves?  I really prefer these nasty old dried up weeds.  They look nice don’t you think?”  And maybe I’ll hold up ONE finger cause I’m one now!  That would be a nice touch wouldn’t it?”

“Really Mommy?  They don’t look so bad.  What if I sit like a big boy and charm you with my cute smile?  Does that make it better?”

“OK OK.  I’ll stand by these rocks.  Oh look a “Cacker”!  I love those things!  Don’t eat it?  What do you mean don’t eat it?

Hee Hee   So truly I don’t know what I was thinking running around trying to get a few great shots of him by myself.  I needed an assistant…he’s just too fast (and ornery) for me.  But I DO love that last image.  It’s a keeper for sure.  And do you know what was the magic trick?  The Dora theme song.  Shameless I know.  But he does love himself some DORA!!

Oh little man.  How did you get SO SO BIG?  He looks like a toddler doesn’t he?  Admit it.  He does.

I know I missed 10 on Tuesday.  Sorry about that.  Things here are just a wee bit wild.  Between the photography sessions every night, the editing, and H1N1 I am SWAMPED!!!

So let’s not think about that…moving on!  How would you LOVE to get this little present on Christmas?

Those little spit bubbles.  Her beautiful eyes.  The red fluff.  LOVE IT!

And I do love me a good piggie shot

By the way….some of you have been asking about how the adoption is progressing!  I have added an “ADOPTION” tab to the top of the blog if you are interested in keeping up with our progress!  Our home study has been sent in for final review with our international agency.  We are about 2/3 of the way finished with our paperwork for our dossier and just received a HUGE workbook and list of online training that must be completed SOON!  I’m PRAYING we will be able to send off our dossier by Thanksgiving.  That may be pushing it…but I am hopeful   Anyways…check out our time line if you want to keep tabs on where we are at.  I will be adding some other pages with fun information in that category soon!

I’m getting blurry eyed from the massive amounts of photo editing, Christmas card making, Motrin dispensing (sick kiddos), and adoption paperwork.  And I’m trying to give everyone a sneak peak…except that most of the sneak peaks are coming weeks after my clients are actually seeing their galleries!

We always start with a few formal poses at each session.  But you know what?  9 times out of 10 those ARE NOT the images my clients buy.  And they aren’t making it to the front of the Christmas cards either.  I definitely have a casual style…and like the somewhat unexpected.  But I think there is MORE to it than that!  I think my clients SEE THEMSELVES in the casual images…where they are playing with their kids, laughing with their husbands, or just acting goofy.

I wish I could remember what Dad had just said in the above image…look at the looks of adoration on his kid’s faces…they think he is hilarious!  One of my FAVORITE images from their session!  We still got the classic more posed images too…

And fortunately this family had LOADS of personality so those are equally as cute!  Miss Charlotte is getting a serious workout this fall.  Everyone loves her.  And she hasn’t been complaining of overuse or anything…what a good sport she is   I actually was thinking the other day that I should really add another couch to my repertoire (praying my husband doesn’t read this!)  And I hope my dear friend doesn’t kill me for posting an image of her and her sweetie…but come on…how cute was this.  I asked them to kiss and they looked at me like, “what in the world?”  Marriage does that to you   I told the kids “look what Mom and Dad are doing!” and they struck this cute pose…love it!

Dad actually suggested this next pose near the end of the session (we weren’t too worried about dirty clothes at this point in the game)…he knows his little monkeys well!  I love it when clients are active in their session…making suggestions to help me figure out how get those super sweet smiles.  A simple comment like “that looks like a fun climbing tree (wink, wink)” was all it took to get a great shot of all 3 kiddos together!

And 2 of my favorite people   They definitely have a special bond.  One lucky girl…and one lucky mama!

More to share soon!

Ok people…you can stop emailing and sending facebook comments on my page…I know…I know…I’m delinquent in sharing.  But cut me some slack here…it’s been more than a bit crazy around the Cooper household!!

I feel like there should be a nice fanfare or something here.  But alas…only mediocre snapshots from my camera and lifeless flash (you’d think a photographer mom would keep extra batteries for her speedlight around wouldn’t ya?) will have to suffice!!

Minutes before her guests started to arrive.  I went to get her balloons while she was at preschool and when I picked her up with a van full of orange helium she was THRILLED!

We looked and looked for fun pumpkin decor but everything was much more “spooky” that “sparkly” so we went with shimmering orange.  I used these $1 lanterns and some Hobby Lobby ornaments hung from our chandelier.

A few strands of orange crape paper transformed our dining room into a glowing orange princess land (must say it also wrecked havoc on my white balance!!)

The birthday girl wanted chocolate cupcakes (she is SO my daughter!)  We went the cheap route by making them ourselves and decorating with white icing, a few (yeah right…the girls headed up the sprinkle department) orange sprinkles, and gummy pumpkin toppers.

Most of the favors came from the Dollar Store.  The theme was actually solidified when I found these cute princess fairy wings in ORANGE.  So before the party started we attached a pair to the back of each guest’s chair…it was so cute!!

Each guest also received a goodie bag with ORANGE princess slippers, a pumpkin lollipop, a magic wand, and an art project for latter on at the party!

Kind of blurry but proof that I do actually attend these parties Kind of a big deal as last year I spent the entire party at the ER!

See…there I am again

The art project underway.  Meet “Miss Princess Pumpkin”

My FAVORITE image from the party…must admit I didn’t even take it (way to go Mr. P!)

My best attempt at a group shot with a sketchy flash (at night time no less).  Um…if you call me to photograph 8 little girls 8 and under…the answer is no.  Sorry.  Not gonna do it.  Are they C.H.E.E.S.Y or what?  Love it!

Time to sing the birthday song and stuff ourselves full of chocolate!

Little man spent the first half of the party in bed until he couldn’t stand being away from the excitement any longer.  So we sprung him loose…look who found an extra pair of wings?  He’s so gonna hate that photo when I use it at his graduation party

Aww…my perfect little fairy princess (hee hee).  Just getting in touch with his feminine side I think

Happy B-day (AGAIN!) to our little pumpkin!  Hope it was orange, and sparkly, and yummy enough for our little princess!

Leah…while we wait for the rain to stop…

I couldn’t resist wetting your appetite with a couple sneak peaks at your little fall beauty!

remember THIS tiny thing?  How did she get so big?  And those eyes!!  Lord have mercy!

Can’t wait to see her again soon!

I usually think of blue as all boy…but when Matilda Jane came out with the new fall line “Gypsy Blue” it couldn’t have been more girly.  And look at this adorable cutie showing off her favorite duds…she is simply stunning!

This is one of A’s best buddies…she is such a hoot…tons of personality packed into a tiny little body.  I SO love her spunky style!

She did that pose on her own…I about died…good thing I had my camera up and trained right on her!  Right where she loves to be…sandwiched in between two loving parents…what a lucky little girl!

Barkley came along too…and even gave me some great eye contact   What a good pooch!

We had a great time despite the cold.  And don’t worry…there are plenty of great family shots too (didn’t want to spoil your entire gallery!)

Thanks S family!  Can’t wait to show you the rest!

Before I begin…let me reference this post by saying the past 48 hours have been HORRENDOUS.   It all started on Sunday when I was meeting with some of my favorite clients out in the country.  We were all set up…sweet baby in a vintage stroller against the perfect barn…perfect. perfect. perfect.  Except that my camera started to malfunction and eventually completely died on me.  Ok.  No biggie.  I will re-schedule the session, drive back out to the country, and throw in a big wall print for good measure this week after I get my camera fixed.  Except my camera is REALLY broken and required a trip to the Nikon hospital for some R&R.  Plan B.  We have had plans to purchase the D90 for our trip to Ethiopia.  We figure we might as well push that up a few months and order it now…and let’s not forget over night shipping so I don’t miss out on any of my other clients.  That would have all been fine and dandy…except I was meeting up with a VERY special friend Monday and didn’t have a camera!  No worries…I’ll rent the D90 in time for their session.  I felt of twinge of concern…hadn’t ever used the D90 and was just a little nervous about using it for the first time in front of an audience.  But we pushed forward.  The kids were great.  Like little winged angels.  They smiles, nailed every adorable pose, and laughed in all the right places at my corny jokes.  I got an image of mom and dad cozied up on the couch with the perfect romantic sun flare glinting out from behind a gnarled tree.  Then I whipped out a set of vintage cameras and the kids went wild.  We had such a blast.  I went home to find the sweetest email I have ever received about the “gift” I had given this family.  And then I loaded up the images.  And EACH and EVERY file was corrupt.  I had inadvertantly neglected to turn off a pre-set auto ISO function on the D90.  So even though I had manually set the ISO to 200 the camera chose to override my settings and shoot at ISO 3200.  Beautiful.  Those images will make the most GORGEOUS set of thumbnail prints I have ever seen.  So in tears I called my friend…sorry didn’t seem like enough.  And we cried together.  And I have NEVER felt more human.

It has been a HARD week.  I’ve learned a lot of lessons.  Mostly that no matter how hard I try I will always just be ME.  Full of flaws and mistakes with not enough humor to cover them.  And when my friend told me, “they are only pictures…let it go” I have never been more proud of her.  Talk about humbling.  I have another good friend who has always told me “be careful at the top…it is a long way down”.  Fortunately I didn’t have that far to fall…but it was painful none the less!

So tonight I am choosing to PRAISE GOD.  I firmly believe there is a reason for everything.  I debated sharing this story…what if people lose trust in me as their photographer when they realize I make mistakes?  What if my blogging buddies secretly think I’m a moron?  Well folks…this is me.  Human and messed up and SO THANKFUL that I have a God who is WAY BIGGER than I am!

So here are TEN PRAISES in light of my week:

1.  When I didn’t think I could handle much more this morning, I opened a package (belated birthday) from my sister.  Inside were a bunch of rocks.  really.

And on each of those rocks that were purchased from a fair trade store is an inscription “wisdom”, “peace”, “strength”, “joy”, “hope”, and “love”…and written in an amazinly touching note were these words:

wisdom…to know what, where, when, why, and how to do the things I must do to bring my child home.

peace…bringing peace to the heart of a child, by giving them a forever family.

strength…that in all things I do, God will give me the strength to do it.

joy…for my spirit and theirs as God knits our hearts together.

hope…that tomorrow there will be food, clothing, shelter, and the love of a family.

love…and the greatest of these is love.

These are my prayers for you.

2.  Today when I had a billion things to do (like clean my house and learn how to use my new camera before my 4:00 session)…J and I went outside for 10 big swings on our swingset.  Just 10.  We did the biggest swings we could muster…and after just 10 she yelled “that was SO FUN!” and inside we went.  THAT is contentment…and a lesson I needed to learn.

3.  I got this early   And although the week wasn’t worth the expedited time frame…it IS gonna be a whole lot of fun to use!

4.  This morning I was reading on THIS blog when I came across this quote “You can’t let circumstance control you”.  WOW.  Sit down and read about their journey to Josie Love.  And to think I was worried about family pictures.

5.  This came half way across the world to me this week.  Another gift.  From someone special living in South Africa.  And I’ve been wearing it ever since…as a reminder…to live BOLD and not be afraid to do the right thing.

6.  This little girl.  She’s a big girl now…that’s what she’ll tell you.  She is FIVE you know.

7.  Mr. P emailed me some encouragement this morning and I completely fell in love with him again.

8.  I’ve got a chance to get my creative juices flowing again.  I was chosen to participate in the MATILDA JANE PURE PHOTO LOVE contest!  So I’ll be using my blog to BEG for votes soon   Mr. P and I have been having a grand time thinking up wild and crazy ideas and I think I have one that is going to be LOTS OF FUN!

9.  Friends.  Several GOOD friends who listened to me whine and mope around today…who didn’t judge me or give me advice…just listened.  And cared.  You know who you are.  THANKS.

10.  A God who loves me despite all my mistakes.  A God who is bigger than me and all my mistakes.  A God who can turn my worst day into something good…or maybe even something I’ll laugh about {someday}.

A few snapshots of the festivities of the past couple of days  (fuzzy poor quality images that are luckily forever embedded in my mind!)

Early morning Birthday breakfast of Champions

I finally found the man of my dreams…”who me?”

A favorite birthday gift.

Birthday helpers…

{Must insert a little shopping tidbit in here.  Do you know that tiny claustrophobic inducing store in seedy malls across America called Claires?  They have a myriad of cute flower headband bows right now.  They are also running a 10 items for $10 promotion right now (that’s high quality merchandise folks!) and I got this gigantic headband there for a buck!  I find it somewhat ironic that my 7 year old won’t don the smallest, most tasteful bow but she’ll willingly wear a headband with a flower the size of a cabbage to school.  Anywho…don’t everyone stampede Claire’s tomorrow or anything.  But if you have a headband lover in your house you might want to check it out!}

Ashamed that I call myself a “photographer” and this was my best attempt at an all-kids birthday shot!

Going fishing.  Have you seen this game?  Little man is MESMERIZED by it!  (Like the drool?)

Seconds before her guests arrived for the “Pumpkin Princess Party”…more to follow!

Still have lots of sessions to share…lots of editing to do…a bridal shower tomorrow…and 4 more sessions in the next couple of days!  HAPPY FRIDAY!!!