Baby Derby Zebra | Jackson, MI Newborn Photographer

Congrats to BipolarBeatdown Barbie and Rolling Steady on their baby derby zebra!! He is seriously such a cutie and completely chill. He barely fussed the entire time I was there. AND, see that Santa hat?! I made it!! I'm finishing setting up my Etsy store, so look out for that in the near future!! 

Christmas at My House | Jackson, MI Photographer

First and foremost, I have an extreme love for Biggby Coffee. It's so incredibly tasty and their barristas are always chipper. That little jingle they have is a very true statement for me, Biggby Coffee is my happy place! If you haven't seen/heard the song here's a link to the YouTube Video.

So enough of my love for coffee because I love my two boys, Niko and Piglet way more than any cup of coffee! Plus, they truly are my favorite models to work with because they know exactly what to do when I bust out the camera. Must mean that I trained them well :) Plus, they're pretty cheap to hire cause they work for food and kisses. I had a friend of mine give me some backdrops and I haven't had the time or the room to use them yet, so the other day I was really sick of staring at a computer screen (it's the end of the semester, plus crunch time at work, plus holiday season for photography is always crazy busy) so I needed a break. I wanted to try out some fun stuff with the boys and do semi-holiday themed photos and this is what I came up with. I am totally in love with them and really want to get big metal prints of each of the boys!! I love BIG photos, I wish more people would really that they really aren't that big. My smallest photo in my house is a 5x7, but it's part of a six photo 36x26 collage and my smallest solitary photo is a 16x20 AND my walls still seem bare!!

Anyway, off my soapbox...I really like the backdrops and I can't wait to use them in the future. I have a newborn session this evening and I'm going to use a similar treatment for some of his photos.

50 Reasons NOT to Date a Photographer

I found this really funny blog post while browsing the net and thought it was hilarious enough to share with all of you.

1. They rather hold their bulky camera, than hold hands with you.
2. On a romantic date, you’ll watch the sun go down and think “Wow this is gorgeous” and they’ll go “mirror lock, tripod, and stop down f/8 at 1/125.”
3. You’ll never be able to enjoy TV, movies, or magazines because they’ll point out all the visual flaws.
4. They like to sit in obscure coffee shop and voyeuristically watch people for great lengths of time. 
5. If you’re taking a walk outside and you come across some “interesting light” they will make you sit/stand/pose in public so that they can take a photo. 
6. You’ll never get to enjoy freshly cooked meals because they’ll spend 15 minutes taking 20 variations of the same dish with their iPhone. 
7. They get angry when your friends go up to them and say “I am interested in photography, can you recommend a good camera for me? Nothing professional I just want to take pretty pictures.” 
8. You’ll wait longer for them to finish analyzing art in a museum than you’ll wait at the DVM
9. Same goes with old used bookstores. 
10. When you think they’re giving you their undivided attention, they’re really wondering how they could fix you with a little Clone Tool and Patch Tool. 
11. Or they are actually using you to not look so creepy as they people watch everything going on around you. 
12. They rather drop $1,000+ on new glass than a purse for you. 
13.  You can’t take a photo with them without taking at least five more. 
14. If you ask them if you look fat, they’ll say “don’t worry I can Photoshop you later.” 
15. They’ll never Photoshop something simple for you if the content is not up to their “standards.” 
16. That photo they randomly took of you yesterday? Good luck getting them to send it to you. 
17. They spend all their time on the computer (and not for porn.) 
18. They can’t have a normal conversation with throwing acronyms and random numbers. 
19. They still use film cameras. 
20. They spend a lot of time with people cooler than you i.e. models, actors, musicians, successful rich people.
21.  They’ll be fussy over the position of a common household object, like a coffee cup. 
22. They won’t return your calls or text messages, but you can bet they’re still posting pics on Instagram. 
23. They like watching old films that you’ve never heard or will ever understand. 
24. They like looking at weird things in general. 
25. Instead of having penis-envy, they have camera-gear-envy. 
26. If there’s a natural disaster in a far away land, they’re already on a plane going over there. 
27. Everything is watermarked. 
28. They think everyone else’s photos suck. 
29. They want to color correct a lot of scenes from Twilight and Jersey Shore. 
30. They hate rainbows, especially ones spinning in a circle. 
31. Whenever you’re in a group talking and the conversation goes deep, they’re taking notes in some form of Moleskin. 
32. They use over priced Moleskin notebooks. 
33. They like trespassing into old abandoned buildings filled with health hazards. 
34. They always want to show a new photo they took, but don’t really care if you like it or not. 
35. They hate your n00bie friend’s new artsy profile picture. 
36. Bright, sunny days make them sad, but cloudy, overcast days are apparently great! 
37. They’ll take you into places that have “culture” as well a high chance of getting mugged. 
38. Your birthday present will be a portrait that they’ve taken of you. 
39. You can’t go anywhere new without them stopping to take a photo of everything and anything. 
40. They will always bug you to be a test subject.
41.  Nothing can ever be naturally pretty, everything must be fixed in Photoshop. 
42. Bringing their camera means, bringing 50lbs of equipment. 
43. If you break any of their things on accident, you’ll owe them thousands of dollars. 
44. You can’t get them a birthday/Christmas present without spending at least $500 
45. They are natural hoarders, collecting and keeping piles of old newspapers, packaging, magazines, and other things that “inspire” them. 
46. They are weird and geeky. 
47. They have hard drives of photos, but probably have printed 10 images. 
48. They are always secretly judging your creativity. 
49. If you’re ever in auto mode, they laugh at you. 
50. They orgasm every time they learn a new lighting technique.

Derby Wifey & Her Fam | Jackson, MI Family Photographer

Family photos make me so happy and I was über excited when my derby wife asked me to photograph her family. For those of you who aren't involved in roller derby, a "derby wife" is pretty much your best friend in derby. So here she is with her brother and her daughter. Seriously you don't get cooler than this girl!!

Aww mommy & daughter :)

Becky + Ben | Jackson, MI Wedding Photographer

Halloweenie Kids | Jackson, MI Children Photographer

Seriously these two are darling! K had just turned five so mom wanted to do some photos showing how much she's grown and came up with the cute idea of the tutu and the letters. K is such a ham too, posing for every picture and being an awesome big sister to B. She was such a good helper getting B's attention and making sure he was looking super cute in his pictures. And how can you get more adorable that B and that pumpkin?! I couldn't have asked to work with better kids!!!

The Witches of Ypsilanti | Jackson, MI Photographer

Halloween is hands down my favorite holiday. I just adore everything about it, the fall weather, picking and carving pumpkins, apple cider, dressing up, and of course PHOTO SHOOTS!! Of course Taryn (ToughLove MPD) and I had to do it up right this year. We'd been wanting Bonnie to model for us for quite awhile now and we finally got the opportunity. We will definitely be working with her again because she's amazing. She's über comfortable with her body and how she moves and doing crazy looks. It's awesome!! Anyway, I'm super pleased with how these photo came out <3

Shoots for a Cure | Jackson, MI Photographer

Natty J Photography is excited to announce a partnership with Shoots for a Cure (formerly known as Think Pink Photography). Think Pink Photography was founded in October 2007 to support individuals and their families who have been touched by breast cancer. We are a charitable organization that serves two main purposes – celebrating life and supporting the cause. Recently, we changed our name and our support. We now want to support ALL cancer patients, not just breast cancer.

Through our professional photographer network, we are helping cancer patients to celebrate life with charitable photography sessions. Individuals may choose to document their fight against the disease before or during treatment, or prefer to capture their victory by scheduling a session within 12 months after treatment is completed. Photographers world-wide are now available to donate time and talent to celebrate life and support the cause. There is no cost or obligation to the cancer patient. Clients participating in a Shoots for a Cure session will receive a complimentary photo session, as well as a set of prints from the session 3 - 8x10's, 3 - 5x7's, & 16 wallets (a $550 value). They will also receive a 20% discount on any additional portraits they wish to purchase, although there is absolutely no purchase required at any time. Non-cancer patients can participate too!! If you mention the Shoots for a Cure charity when booking your session 20% of your session fee will be donated.

To support the cause, we donate and fundraise for The American Cancer Society and the Susan G Komen Foundation. All funds generated through donations and various fundraising efforts are paid directly to The American Cancer Society, the Susan G Komen Foundation, in our name, or used 100% for marketing and awareness of our program.

Please subscribe to our blog (on the Shoots for a Cure website) and tell your friends and family about Shoots for a Cure. Awareness is everything and we can’t be successful without you.

I encourage you to view our website, make a donation, or hire a photographer that supports Shoots for a Cure! If you hire me, mention Shoots for a Cure and I will make a personal donation to the organization. If you, or someone you know, would like to schedule a Shoots for a Cure session, please contact me for details.

I am very proud to be a network photographer with Shoots for a Cure, and am anxious to get the word out about this amazing program. For more information, you can contact me, or you can visit the Shoots for a Cure website at http://shootsforacure.com

Fall Beauty | Jackson, MI Senior Photographer

I absolutely loved every single image from this session!! The locations they choose were stunning and I normally only choose three images from each session to display, but I had a REALLY hard time narrowing it down for this one. Rachel and her family are the sweetest people ever, I felt like I was one of their family doing their photos instead of someone they hired lol. It was incredible! We had originally rescheduled the shoot because it was a gross day and I'm SO glad we did because everything about the weather and the lighting of this day was perfect. Oh and I'm totally in love with Rachel's coat in the third photo :) 

Holiday Sessions

Tired of the same old holiday photo cards where everyone looks like they're being tortured? I've got the know how to capture that perfect family moment or the most darling picture of your little one that the rest of the family will just fawn over. Now is the perfect time to book your holiday session before the rush of the season!! To ensure that your order is in before December 25th, the last day to photograph your session is December 1st.

Vacation in Denver

I just got back from my mini vacation in Denver and had an absolute blast!! I kept a travel blog so if anyone is interested in checking out some of the photos from my trip feel free to hop on over there.

My Familiar Pillow

Down & Derby to Princess Bride | Jackson, MI Wedding Photographer

Ellen (aka Lala O'Rage) tied the not to Mr. O'Rage!! Ellen and I play on the same derby team so to see her all dressed up and getting married was a complete 360 from the usual. It was such an honor that she asked me to photograph her wedding, I was completely stoked about it!! She said that her ceremony was going to be held in her grandmothers yard next to their family owned greenhouse, Beck's Flower & Gift Shop. I knew going into it to expect gorgeous flowers because they were obviously doing their own wedding, but I had NO idea the arrangements would be SO stunning!!! They were hands down the BEST floral arrangements I've seen at a wedding and I highly recommend using Beck's for any floral service (not to mention again that they're family owned and local...always a plus!) Both Ellen and Clive's family were so sweet, they are definitely surrounded by the most loving people. It's amazing to see two sets of families mesh so well. Everything about the day was special and the video below doesn't even begin to touch on the love Ellen and Clive share, but every time I watch it I still tear up :)

Vendors

Flowers: Beck's Flower and Gift Shop

Cake: Clive's mother (also the BEST wedding cake I've ever had)

Catering: Marchand's Catering 

(517) 769-2840 (amazing as well)

Reception Hall: Our Lady of Fatima Church

Great Fall Family Adventures | Jackson, MI Photographer

Are you looking for something fun to do with the family in the next couple of weeks? Well, I've got some great (and low cost) ideas!!

Cindrella's Brawl - Saturday, Sept. 17th
First, The Jack Town Derby Girls!!! Okay so I might be biased on this one because I'm part of the team, but still. They're Jackson's ONLY roller derby team and they have a bout (what a game is called in derby) TOMORROW! Tickets are only $10 in advance ($12 at the door) and kids 10 & under are FREE, limit two per paid adult. But that's not all, if you bring in an unwanted prom dress you'll get your ticket for $9. The doors open at 6p and the action starts at 7p. Be sure to get there early to get a good seat, you won't want to miss the action as they take on the Killamazoo Derby Darlins. Below are the important links to their bout.
Pre-Bout Tickets
Event Page
Facebook

Ella Sharp Museum 
The Nature of Dogs
September 17 - November 26
Perfect for the animal lovers out there! There's a FREE lecture tomorrow at 1p by the photographer, Mary Ludington. She's shown dogs in the AKC ring and has photographed nearly all 180 recognized breeds!!
The Nature of Dogs Info

Glimpses of Everyday Life Photographs by Jennie L. Green
May 21 – October 8, 2011
Donated to the Museum in 1984 by an heir, Ben Green, these photographs taken by Jackson resident Jennie Lovan Green capture a glimpse of her everyday life. This exhibition of just of few of the more than 300 photographs in the Jennie Green collection will be on exhibit in the Pyron Gallery.
More Info

Michigan Theater - Saturday, Sept. 17th
FREE family movie night!! The Michigan Theater is showing Hoodwinked Too! (Rated PG), which has humor great for kids and adults. Doors are at 5p and the movie starts at 6p. Admission is FREE..you don't get any better than that!
Theater Website

Flavor Fruit Farms - Sept. 17th-18th
It's animal weekend at Flavor Fruit Farms, come get your photos taken with baby animals that include foxes, kangaroos, and tigers!! Also meet Laura the Elephant (seriously how cute!!) They're open from noon-5p (weather permitting).
Flavor Fruit Farms webpage

Jackson Family Fall Festival - Sept. 23rd-25th
This event is FREE admission AND parking!! It takes place behind Jackson Catholic Middle School and there's something for everyone...Dinner Tent, Craft Tent, Bake Sale, Bingo Tent, Entertainment (Adults) Tent, Teen Entertainment, Midway Carnival Rides, Nite-n-Reno, Fireworks, PLUS Wine Tasting, Childrens' Entertainment Tent, and The Classic Car Show!
Event Website

Celebrating Labor Day | Jackson, MI Photographer

To celebrate Labor Day and have a day to relax, myself and a friend of mine went to the Renaissance Festival in Holly, Michigan. And of course I can't go to somewhere that has that many amazing sights and not bring my camera. The costumes are so ornate and beautiful, if it wasn't for the Black Plague and the horrible way women (or anyone that wasn't of royalty status for that matter) were treated, I would love to live back then. But that's neither here nor there, here are a few of the photos I took.

 Then after we got home we went down to Cascade Falls Park to watch the last fireworks of the season. I LOVE taking photos of fireworks, they just turn out so awesome. I was actually quite impressed with these because they were taken at a shutter speed of 1/15th and typically you can't handhold anything slower than 1/60th without getting camera shake. So here are my favorite ones...