[JVP blog]

Little Red.

Jess — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:24:11 +0000

a.k.a Lauren, the amazingly smart and beautiful red headed high school senior. Isn’t she fabulous? I’m pretty sure I’d be content as a permanent photographer of red heads. Such gorgeous eyes and skin. So we know she’s got the looks, but did you know that you’re also looking at a future plastic surgeon? That’s right, she’s got the brains, too. Thanks for a fun night, girls … despite the rain.

The Brazilian Bombshell and The Michigander

Jess — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:02:22 +0000

… otherwise known as Rebeca and Chris, newlyweds and true sweethearts. Great wedding. Great people. Great weather. Great food. Great times. I had the most wonderful time with these guys. Rebeca, you’re a doll and now a dear friend. I have a feeling we’ll see each other many times in the future. Enjoy your sneak peek!

“Fresh” was a huge success!

Jess — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:37:35 +0000

First off, thanks to everyone who stopped in at Fresh and helped make it such an awesome event! And special thanks to those who put up with my [slightly] annoying cackle. It worked, though. Haha!

And if you’re new to Fresh, let me explain. Kelly O’Brian Saloncafe, makeup artist Alexandra Franz and Jess VanLue Photography all teamed up to host a night of the hottest styles and images. Guests were treated to yummy café drinks, delish little snacks and awesome live music. They also spoiled themselves to some or all of our $5 offerings … $5 hair style, $5 makeup session and $5 photo shoot. So fun!!!! I have the best job ever! These girls/women were so beautiful, genuine, amazing and fresh. It was so incredibly great to see old faces and even meet a few new ones. I can only hope that everyone involved had as much fun as I did.

Sadly, I didn’t get any images of the event itself. I’m hoping that someone, anyone out there who stopped by with their digi camera or phone will share some with me.

Here’s a small taste of the good times:

Koiné

Jess — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:17:38 +0000

Koiné - The Church Band. When Benj, the guitarist and former classmate of mine, contacted me about their upcoming trip to Michigan, I was thrilled. I had only heard great things about Koiné. Was completely honored to spend time with this amazing group. Koiné is a contemporary Christian band, bringing a new vibrant sound and feel to traditional Lutheran and Christian songs. They are seriously amazing. The kids and I listen to them almost daily now. They all look pretty darn cool, too.

Beautiful baby.

Jess — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:37:37 +0000

Title should read, “Beautiful family.” All three of these kids have such wonderful personalities. It was so fun watching the older two love on their sweet, giggly baby brother. That little guy has nothing to worry about … big sis and brother have his back already. Thanks for having me over, guys. I’m thrilled with your images.

Christmas card templates are here!

Jess — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:55:57 +0000

And they are wonderful this year! One of these beauties could be yours to send to family and friends this year. Use images from a past session with Jess or schedule a new session and take advantage of this simple, yet elegant style. Be sure to check out the Christmas Mini Sessions found on the Specials page.

She’s a ray of sunshine.

Jess — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:29:14 +0000

Courtney is so incredibly fresh, natural and lovely. Her eyes and her smile light up any room. I truly enjoy spending time with her. She shares a love with both my daughter and myself … Harry Potter. Courtney may even have a little more passion than we do. If you look closely in the last photo, you may recognize the Gryffindor colors. :)

Finding diamonds in the rough.

Jess — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:57:13 +0000

Today’s session was just that. I’m certain that dearest Rheya and Asher hold a super secret meeting right before it’s time to meet with Jess. They huddle together in some corner, sipping their hot chocolates [because it's always cold when we meet], and they discuss their many tricky strategies to make Jess’s shoot as tough as possible. I’m catching on, wee ones. Some of these strategies include putting on grumpy faces [I can defeat this one], the “stay away from Jess” tactic [ha, but, I'm faster], and today they threw in “make it rain so we can escape”. You got me, kids. I call “uncle.” :) Still, they are as cute as ever and always shine in photos (even with sweet, scrunched up faces.)

Shelby and Riley

Jess — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:19:15 +0000

Ok, so my cheeks still hurt. This was by far the silliest senior session ever. This family would fit in very well with mine. I’m not sure if there was more laughing or shooting. Good times. Randi, it was great to meet with you and chit chat. I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Again, folks, I was baffled by beauty. This time it was a double dose … twins. Gorgeous.

Trash The {PROM} Dress

Jess — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:04:58 +0000

This good time was basically a spur of the moment idea. I’ve been pestering seniors for over a year now to get down and dirty in their prom dresses, but until now I couldn’t find any takers. Allie, a new dear client of mine, managed to wrangle up 4 girls at the drop of the hat. I found 2 myself, and we had ourselves a fun little shoot. ”Fun” because we were taking awesome shots in sand and water … but the wind, storm and rain were not-so-fun. We were forced home a little early because of the storm, but still managed to grab some keepers. Thanks, girls, for joining in!

Just couldn’t resist sharing this last one. We created this on our way home from the beach after the storm had past. These lovely girlies complimented the scenery well … if I do say so myself.