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We love the images and the stories we have been fortunate to capture over 2009. So, we wanted to give something back, something fun. We call these our Blog-a-roids. When you are featured on the blog, you get a set to share with family and friends. Quite honestly because you are awesome and now pending fame.
Meet Eric. He is my love, my business partner and a creative genius. He is why Simply Jessie Photography exists. Why you may ask since it is my name in the title? Because he believes in me. He is a dreamer, a visionary and entrepreneur. I know it's a little weird to talk about our relationship when talking business, but it is with our love story that this business started and why our doors stay open. Eric is our creative director. He has created everything that you see and appreciate visually. He has done all of our branding, font selection, business cards, teasers, outdoor sign, studio layout, color selection, website development , etc etc… see what I mean? Oh, and did I also mention that he is a fantastic photographer? When we shoot a wedding, he is my wing man, firing off lots of candids and keeping us all on our timeline. He is also our studio photographer. He is an experienced product photographer, well versed in headshots and onto his new and upcoming project "Profiles". (its coming soon, but I'll let him do the big unveil)
I know, I know... it leaves you with the question... What in the world do I do?? But that is for another day.
It's true. He's a rockstar.
This past weekend, we packaged up carefully all of my fine art botanic prints.... and Eric designed beautifully our display at Ravenswood Art Walk 2009. This art exhibit had over 2,000 attendees, 184 artists and 43 venues...phew! It was blocks and blocks of artistic talent all out for all to see. There were dancers, painters, sculptors, photographers, graphic artists, chefs, etc etc! We had a great time meeting and greeting the neighborhood and new friends. Thank to all who came out to support what is so close to my heart.
This group of dancers was Jeezebelly. They were awesome!
This year Ravenswood Art Walk had a special exhibit, The Blago Project. It took place in the former wire tapped offices of the Friend of Rod Blagojevich. The exhibit was rooms and hallways filled with Blagojevich as the inspiration.
This was my favorite art from "The Blago Project" by Bianca McGraw made of cardboard and synthetic hair. Gross but awesome.
Last but not least is Simply Jessie Photography's exhibit!
The Open House was a great success , thank you for all those who attended, helped and most of all..... who dressed up for the Photo Booth! Eric and I have had this idea for quite some time so it was alot of fun to finally see all mustaches, pirate swords, and red tutu's in action. Everyone who participated got to choose from our box of props and take 5-7 shots. We then emailed them the pics for free and use however they like! It was so much fun. Lots of laughter and ridiculousness which I personally love. We hope to bring this to some Friday nights so stay tuned!! Here are a few favorites of the day!
And of course Eric and I participated as well.....
Favorite of the day!!! Thanks to Mary Ellen and Matt!
My newest venture is teaching a Photography Portfolio Workshop at Chicago Botanic Gardens for eight weeks. Last Monday was the first class where I met a variety of talented aspiring nature photographers. I designed this class to help these individuals develop their own nature portfolio to show off. Each student has a theme or focus . They vary from, water, lines and textures, leaves ,fall flowers etc. They turned in their first assignment last night and I have already been blown away by the glory of nature and the talent of these students. They are each on their unique journey to express what they see to a camera lens. I feel humbled and privileged to help them in their next steps of this journey. My class is broken into two parts. First part, is technical instruction and critique, and the second hour is shooting time in the garden to develop their portfolio and complete their next assignment. WhatI learned in the hour, was not mind blowing fine art, but was about myself......that my soul has not been quiet for quite some time and apparently does not know how. That morning started off with over preparation and plenty of time,but turned into traffic to the MAX, wrong turns,hurrying to my classroom, organizing my things and having 5 min before meeting the class. When the second hour of our time came to go out with our cameras and be inspired .... I found this hour WAY harder than the rest of my morning even compared to the stopped traffic on I-94. My iphone kept ringing, and buzzing with new emails. I just found my self listless, wandering and uncomfortable. I was uncomfortable to be silent, to be still, to let down and to just be.
My life for the last few months has been NUTS. Moving into this new space, painting, designing, advertising, efficiency, new sights, new everything!! Don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining. It has been more than I could have dreamed up for myself, yet.... in that only one brief hour at the garden, I panicked in the presence of quiet.
I am looking forward to the next seven weeks of this class, to stretch me, inspire me and to quiet me. I am looking forward to Monday where I am once again uncomfortable in the quiet where I know is home for me, to get reacquainted with nature and with myself. Funny how for me they are so intertwined....
A few from my wandering....
So here are a few pics of the new studio! We are finally reaching the end of our long list: painting, hanging, ordering, waiting, designing, etc etc etc. Ok, so not the end, but at least to a place where we can give you a sneak peek...
This room is incredible. It is the remnants of an old greenhouse with beautiful diffused light year round. So don't be surprised when we come in here to do some shots in this natural light. By the way, it is AMAZING in here when it rains. AMAZING.
Remember to RSVP to our Open House on September 19th to come see for yourself!
