Ah, my heart. I remember the fall day that I got the phone call. It was my best friend Lisa on the other line. She told me she was pregnant! I remember where I was. I was on the top row of the bleachers inside the Indianapolis Arena photographing a show for FFA’s National convention. It took my breath away! I always knew she was a lot more maternal than I was, but I also couldn’t believe my best friend was taking that next huge step in life and becoming a mother. And oh my god what an amazing mother she is. And then I blinked, and her two kids are now 10 and 8. How did that happen? And wow, how lucky I am to know them. I would move mountains for these people. Last year she gave me the honor of photographing the three of them together. And as time keeps speeding up, we now have these beautiful windows back to last year that we can visit. I love you Lis and am so lucky to have you in my life! XO
More adorable cuteness on the blog tonight! I was so excited to meet up with Jon and Kasia again (I did their wedding and engagement shoots a while back). Welcome to the world Amelia! This shoot is part of a large collection of family shoots from last year that never saw the light of day. So, technically, Amelia is now a year old. Still, I just can’t get enough of those adorable newborn cheeks. And look at her beautiful lips? She’s just a stunning little Gerber-worthy babe. I also love the way her parents styled her nursery with flowers and soft pinks and creams. And definetly not to be forgotten, their doggie was dressed to the nines for his photos, too!
Happy Snow day everyone! I have a new-found appreciation for the snowiest of days since my son is absolutely crazy about them! He literally started speaking in tongues this morning when he looked outside and saw the fluffy white stuff covering our entire backyard. It reminded of me of some of my other snow-loving clients who had their snowy portraits taken with me earlier this year. So many snowy snuggles and huge bursts of laughter. There were even some puppy kisses too!! I hope all of you are able to get outside today and build a snowman like we did. Or, just enjoy these winter nuzzles from the warmth of your home. XO Jess
It’s been a month since my daughter Finney turned one. I’ve often thought about how I could write a blog post about it and what I wanted to say. Tonight I asked myself, how do you measure a year? I giggled a little and immediately started singing the RENT song “seasons of love”. That song has always been able to make my lower lip quiver, but my subconscious answered my question for me with song lyrics. You measure a year in love.
I wasn’t allowed to hold Caddie right after he was born. For his safety, he was taken straight to the NICU and I didn’t get to see him until maybe 10 hours later. Finney, on the other hand, was put in my arms. What a gift! I stared at her, and she was warm and small. Her skin was new and soft…i studied every inch. I felt like the only thing I could say was “she’s so beautiful.”
When we took her home and slept with her in our room for the first time, we were thrown because she grunted like an old man the entire night. At first, I was concerned that she wasn’t alright. But she was. And that was just who she was. While she doesn’t grunt in her sleep anymore, she does make so many different noises at us. She loves to growl. And she’s smart. One of the first things she ever said was “thank you”. She can also say “good girl”. In fact, she says more two-word combinations than she says any individual words. She has a fierce and loud little temper if she doesn’t get what she wants. Mostly, however, she spends her days greeting people with a smile and a cuddle. She hasn’t learned the difference between kissing and biting and has drawn blood on all three of our faces.
She is loved. Caddie adores her and helps her when she needs it. He gives her hugs daily and tells her how much he loves her. We all do. Her cheeks are very full and just beg to be kissed. Scott and I feel so blessed that Caddie and Finney are ours. We have never felt so much love in one place.
As a photographer, I, of course, felt obligated to do a professional mini-shoot with her each month. Some months this was more challenging to schedule in than others. Somehow they all just flew. Overall, there’s no rhyme or reason to them… just cute outfits I had in her closet.
For her first birthday, we had a small family party with a “watercolor” theme. I can’t take credit for any of the ideas as I Pinterested them all. I was, however super excited with the way it all turned out. She has made our life so colorful and bright so I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her.
My baby is already gone and in her place is a smiley little toddling angel. I can’t wait to see who she becomes and I am cherishing every step along the way.
A couple of months ago, baby Kellen brought his parents out for a fun family snuggle session on a perfect summer day! He gave me lots of good stare-downs, but his parents were able to grab a couple of smiles out of him. Look at his beautiful hair and cute as a button chubby cheeks. Does it get any cuddlier than that? I personally love this stage- you know, the one where they can’t yet run away from you lol. His parents Easter and Jay were wedding clients of mine a couple of years ago when their venue, Vue Columbus, first opened their doors. It is the best part of the job being able to continue to cross paths with people, hug them, hear how they’ve been and reveled in how their life has changed. Thank you so much for being able to come back and capture this amazing point in your lives. Kellen is a little heartbreaker for sure!
Belinda had seen a photo I took with my son and asked if she could have a similar one with her daughter. I jumped at the chance, because we have a completely blank extra room in our home that’s perfect for a session just like this. Marina is simply a stunning little girl with a sweet and calm disposition. I can’t even tell you how much having a child of my own has changed my outlook on life. It’s certainly brought a deeper understanding to when I photograph families and the strong unbreakable bonds that exist between parents and children. There were tons of snuggles on this early spring morning. LOOK AT THOSE CHEEKS! Well, as time flies, she’s already walking now, but here’s a flashback to early spring from our mini-mommy and me session. XO Jess
The first time I met Han, it was over the phone and I could immediately hear her electric personality radiate through. When I was able to then meet her in person later that week, it was not only her personality, but it was her smile that shined ear to ear- especially when she talked about her (then) fiance Quyen and their adorable daughter. Like my last post with Adrienne and Jay, I did a pre-wedding family & engagement session with them. It was September (I’m running way behind in blogging if you haven’t noticed) and the weather was warm and the light was soft.
I’m starting to love engagement sessions almost as much as the wedding itself. It’s a great opportunity to show who you are on a more down-to-earth level: your day-to-day self and a more natural beauty. Weddings are a great place to show off that “done-up” look. And together, they show two beautiful sides of the same family. Below are photos from both their E-session and their wedding.
The wedding was extraordinary with course after course of traditional Asian cuisine. It was apparently the first time J.Liu had ever done a custom 12-13 course traditional meal for a wedding. White flowers created a fresh, light and romantic feel in the room. A towering white cake was so formal and elegant. J.Liu’s vaulted ceiling made for a refined and upscale setting.
As far as dancing goes, this wedding might tie for my “best dancing” award with Eric and Rachel’s wedding. Everyone GOT. DOWN. (including yours truly). Here’s a little known fact- I like to try to blend in at weddings so that means if you’re bustin’ out the moves, well, I’ll prob. get crazy right along side you to get that photo!
There was so much love in this room. It was such an honor to be a part of it all:) XO Jess
It’s February and thinking about Spring portraits makes me happy as I’m unpiling the 7 inches of snow off my car. In an effort to make you equally as happy, I’d love to extend this one-time-only offer to you and your families. Up until February 28th (OMG that’s a whole month!), I’m offering $300 off my complete portrait sessions. WOWZA! That’s only $200 for a 45-60min session, online ordering, and the digital files of 40-60 images (in black and whaite and color). Think Pets, Family, Gifts, Engagments, Portraits, Senior Sessions, Children, Maternity, etc. There is no minimum order, so contact me today! Sessions must be used before September 1st, 2014. Travel additional if outside Columbus. XO Jess
So in honor of this being the first week of the new year, I’m going to skip ahead some sessions and do a best-of 2013 post. I will continue to post 2013 weddings and session blogs in the coming weeks so keep checking back:)
At the end of it all, all I can really say is WOW! This has been Jessica Miller Photography’s busiest and most successful year to date. It has been such an honor to step into the lives of so many incredible people. I feel like my life has been so enriched by getting to know and share in the memories of my clients. I am a better person for having all of you in my life. I can’t thank you enough.
In early 2013, I traveled to WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) with a few friend-tographers and spent three days in some intensive business classes. I had wanted to attend this conference for the last 3 years, so it was very exciting to finally get there. I came home with a laser-focused drive that I’ve never felt before. It has definitely propelled me forward in not only my business, but also my everyday life. My work was published a few times in 2013: once in The Knot Ohio, once in Curve Magazine, once in Business First, and a photograph I took is now on the back of over 10,000 bottles of Via Vecchia wine. I was able to branch out and team with other local vendors for three fashion editorial shoots- two in the spring, and one in the summer. In 2013 I was the contributing photographer for Craftin’ Outlaws and I also established my own booth to sell prints at both their spring and winter shows. I acted as the in-house photographer for Bartha, a national events and production house, where I photographed over 25 live events. Jessica Miller Photography expanded in 2013 and now offers photography for high school Seniors looking for a more fashion-forward and creative experience with their Senior Photo shoot. Something that I’ve been so grateful for here in Columbus is my family of fellow wedding and portrait photographers. In business and in life, they have been there every step of the way. This year, I was able to have some insanely talented people shoot along side me as second shooters. A special thank you to Nick Fancher, Carmen Hall, Melissa Jones, Sarah Williamson, Mike Stempler, Zak Kelly and my husband Scott Ingraham for your beautiful work!
So without further ado, here are just a sampling of my favorite photographs I took from 2013. I’m so excited to turn the page on another year! Happy 2014 everyone! XO Jess
