I am busting at the seams and profoundly excited [do I have your attention yet??]

Please allow me this opportunity to announce my affiliation with the Pictures of Hope Foundation!  As you know, photography is my passion and I could not be more honored to be able to share my gift in this way.  Please read on for more information on just what POH is and how you can be involved too…

What is the Pictures of Hope Foundation?

Pictures of Hope is a charitable organization of professional photographers who provide complimentary, documentary-style, photography sessions to babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their families.  The Pictures of Hope Foundation is comprised of photographers (many of whom are “NICU mothers” themselves) from across the United States and Canada who are dedicated to donating their time to a cause they believe in, and sharing the gift of photography with families in need.

Why Pictures of Hope?

Throughout pregnancy most parents don’t anticipate the possibility of their baby needing to stay in the NICU after birth. Whatever that reason may be, time spent in the NICU is often an unexpected journey for families, a journey full of overwhelming emotions…sadness, confusion, hope, celebration, and unfortunately, at times grief. Throughout this roller coaster of emotions, many parents do not consider the importance of documenting these precious moments in their lives nor do they think about how much they will truly cherish these images years down the road. In some cases, a little extra TLC from the NICU is needed to be sure the little one gets off to the best possible start, for these families on the road to well being, photographs are a wonderful reminder of just how far their little one has come, however, photographs also play a necessary and very important role in the healing process for other families. In the most heart breaking circumstances, photos may be the only tangible keepsakes some parents have of their precious little one. All Pictures of Hope participating photographers are dedicated to providing NICU families with invaluable images you will cherish forever, captured in a sensitive and caring manner.

How you can be involved?

Do you know a family in this situation at the moment?  If so, please contact me today!  If not, please keep us in mind should this situation present itself in the future.  Feel the need to do more?  Share this post with friends and family, feel free to promote this post via your facebook page and help us to spread the word!!!

For more information, or to find a photographer in your area please visit the Pictures of Hope website:  Pictures of Hope Foundation

Thank you for your support and for helping me to make a difference!

Much love,
Jill

It’s been a good.long.while since I have blogged about everyday life.  So, I thought it might be fun to go a different direction today!

I had an errand to run out of town today.  We were headed to a quaint, downtown type area… great old buildings and fun alley ways-super excited!  I had this grand idea to take photos of my children after I completed my errands.  I actually don’t take as many photos of my children as I would like to…  for one reason or another I just don’t make it a point and I am looking to change that this year!

As my luck would have it Holden fell asleep in the car, and so goes my attempt at getting a few photos of just Bella…

First of all, it was too bright out to look up or remotely in the direction of mommy.  It was cold outside (which it was, I’ll agree with that).  I wanted one pose, she wanted to do something altogether different… still deciding not to look at me.  Flat out tells me she does not want her photo taken.  Ugh!  I give up, for fear of getting [any-more] frustrated.

BUT mostly because this is how the attempted session ended:

So, I try to chalk it up and realize that it’s not worth getting worked up over.  I’ll take what I get today.

Fast forward about 2 hours later…

We are cruising down the freeway headed home, I spot an almond orchard off the frontage road (several actually) but there was one in particular that literally looked like snow!!!!  I had to double back so we could see it up close.  Oh my!  It was beautiful Central Valley snow in all it’s glory ::sigh::

Bella was in heaven in this beautiful white bliss and I was finally able to capture the images I wanted, win-win!

My mom was with us, she captured the photo below of B and I, and several others of just me.  As Bella was playing and I was capturing the beauty of the blossoms my Mom says she wants to take some photos of me.  I cringe and allow her to-all but willingly.  I realized at that moment that even in my 30’s, my mom loves to capture me, the way I love to capture my children.  Special moments frozen in time, I totally get it!  I realize that one day I will cherish these memories and be thankful that I have something tangible to hold close to my heart.  Thank you Mom.

So, truth be told…

Enjoy your moments and don’t be afraid to capture the here and now.  My mom has taught me that I ought not shy away from having my photo taken, especially while I am still young.  She often reminds me that there will be a day that I will wish I had taken every opportunity to capture my youth, beauty and happiness and I cannot argue with that.  I love you Mom, you are wise beyond your years!!  xo

Calling class of 2011!!!

If you are currently a high school junior and graduating in 2011, this is your opportunity to become a high school rep for Jill Paddack Photography for the 2011 school year!  Sounds good so far?!  Keep reading…

What is a Senior Rep?
You will be a model for Jill Paddack Photography and a spokesperson for my studio.
You will pass out cards with your own photos on them to your friends and get them excited about senior photos! These senior photos are going to be edgy, fun, fashion forward, and I promise you will WANT to show them off!

What will you receive?
2 Free sessions & other fun perks!
The first session will be a mini-model session for promo material, what you will be passing out in the beginning of the school year.  This session will be completed during the months of April and May . Your second session will be completed in the fall and will be an all out senior session.  You will have the opportunity to earn prints and such for promoting my studio.

Who is eligible?
Only those individuals that will be graduating in 2011. I am looking for individuals that are outgoing, fun and that are excited about promoting unique senior photos!
For right now, I will be accepting 2 reps from each of the following schools:

Manteca High School
East Union High School
Sierra High School
Tracy High School
Ripon High School
Ripon Christian High School

You fit the criteria, but don’t see your school?  Please drop me a line, I’d love to talk to you!!

How to apply?
email me at:  jillguimont[at]comcast.net

Please include the following info:
1.  Name
2.  School
3.  Interests
4.  Why you would make a good rep?
5.  Describe your personality in a paragraph.

Please attach a photo of yourself in the email as well.
Deadline for Application:   March 31, 2010
Please note: your images will be used in promotional material, on my website, and so forth. You must get parental consent to participate.

Blog readers: if you know anyone that will be entering their senior year in the fall and you think they would be interested please forward them this blog post!

Thank you and good luck!!

Mom’s eyes are really this blue, no photoshopping here, I swear!  It’s pretty incredible actually, and her darling kiddos look just like her ::swoon::!  (you too Steve!)

Janna, you are as gorgeous today as you were back in high school!  I love you to bits girl!

If you follow my blog, you know that I photographed this gorgeous family about this time last year, I always look forward to their sessions!  AND… it’s no secret that they always have the most awesome Christmas cards on the block!

I’ll keep the chit chat to a minimum tonight, I have one last session to edit and a boat load of cards to order!!  Tonight my i-chat status reads: “editing like my life depends on it!”  Since this is the case, I better get back to it.

Until next time…

xo JP

Head almost above water…

Who am I fooling, no one I am sure?!  So, it was just about this time last year that I recall saying this exact thing, I suppose there is some comfort in the fact that some things never change ::sigh::

In addition to working very hard to wrap up my last three sessions of the year, tomorrow, I am participating in a festive.stately.posh.classy.swanky.5-star, (have I got your attention) not to miss holiday event!  Please consider the following your invite to come and mingle, snack and do some Christmas shopping!  We have some of the areas most premier vendors and small businesses, unique one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade treasures and custom artwork.  AND I am very delighted to announce that the splediferous Say Grace Catering Co. will be providing the food, a decadent sampling of their fine cuisine.  I will be featuring my photography, and am very excited to showcase several, all-new SUPER fabulous products!  In addition, anyone who comes by, and mentions this post will receive a gift card, which will entitle you to a free 11×14 portrait along with other additional savings for 2010!!  Lastly, I will also be opening only a few dates for those of you who really have your act together, you will have first shot at scheduling your Valentines mini-sessions.  That’s right, I will be holding these festive Valentine  sessions, they will double as an excuse for your little ones to dress up and have fun!  You will be able to have a serious sneak-peek at the wardrobe and accessories for the promo shoot later this month!  I have pieced together some rockin’ outfits!  This will also serve as a way, to show my clients first hand what looks best on camera, and how sometimes going a bit above what feels/looks normal for you can really help turn ordinary photography into art!

Fun stuff going on all day, you will not want to miss all of the great opportunities tomorrow!

Without further adieu… how beautiful is this family!?

Shannon, I have photographed your darling family for a few years now… hard to believe it’s been that long!  This year was a little extra exciting, as we added Miss McKenzie to the family photo!  You are amazing in many ways…  you never stop cheering me on, you support me in everything I do, you shout my photography to the world, I am always in awe of your friendship, love and concern for me.  I don’t know how you do it, but you always do!  I am honored to call you my friend and in case I never said it properly, thank you and love you girl!  xo

I get a little extra sentimental around the holidays

Be well my friends!

ps. don’t forget to stop on by tomorrow and get that Christmas shopping wrapped up!

to an old friend!!

She is as beautiful and charming as the day I met her.

Gina and I went to college together at Chico State, back in the late 90’s… haha, that sounded very weird!  BUT true.  We pledged Sigma Kappa together, back in Fall 1995… good times!

Gina and Mike, you two were a complete joy to hang with for the afternoon!  You are an amazingly-beautiful couple, with an delightful story of how you met and came to be.  I am not only super excited to be the one to capture your special day, but feel a sense of honor as well.  I wish you nothing but the best, during the course of the next 8 months as you prepare and plan all the details of your wedding day.

In the meantime… enjoy your preview.  xo

I know! (said in my best Rachel Ray impersonation)

AND, he slept like a baby!

I know that must sound funny to most; but normally photographing a typically alert, and generally more awake 7 week old is no easy task.

So, picture this:  Fidget with baby to get the shot*all the while being sure baby stays asleep*tip-toeing around as not to disturb him*cranking up the white noise*sweating bullets because the room is extra toasty for naked baby*baby is cozy*I on the other hand wind up a disheveled mess*BUT the photos are priceless and in the end, worth every last bit of a newborn session!  Thought that might make you giggle some.  Whew, I am exhausted just thinking about it!

Anyhow, this little guy must have known all about the way it works which made my job a piece of cake.  He was cuddly, cooperative, sleepy and very charming!

Without further adieu Meet Brayden…

Hi all, long time no blog!  Hope you have missed me, because I’ve missed you to bits!

Tis’ the season and I am swamped like an alligator, or is that knee deep in alligators? Well, whatever is it you get the picture?!  Nonetheless, I am still here and plugging away to keep up with the season upon us!

Like many others, this session was loads of fun!  As we made our way about this local dairy, [which her family owns] *my little heart skipped a beat* I was loving all of the unique and amazing little spots this property offered up!  I do have to admit that I found the location of this here session to be a bit, um… unexpected for this girl?!  Hubby is Jason, he’s so super!  Totally easy going, a true go-with-the-flow kind of guy.  BUT, make no doubt about it, Michele is one heck of a big city girl, and she certainly made this location all the more charming!  All in all, this dairy proved to be one of my favorite locations to date and I look forward to returning in the future with more ideas up my sleeve!

Thanks M & J for allowing me to capture your lives on this lovely Fall afternoon!  That little Jax of yours was adorably fun, I had a hunch that by the end of the session we’d be best buds

Enjoy your preview, you three are a beautiful family!

xo JP