A Workshop with Mirror Mirror Studio: Part One

This past Saturday I attended a photography workshop held @ Mirror Mirror Studio with the Fabulous Jen from JK Photography and Amy from Amy Carroll Photography. I, along with 5 other up-and-coming photographers spent the better part of the day filling our brains with information about the business and branding and learning new lighting tricks and asking tons of questions from the professionals. I had a blast! The group as a whole was so fun and so talented - they were a joy to work with and converse with! I even got a chance to check out a local restaurant that I hadn't been to before - JD Reardons. My roommates and I like going to different places all around town whenever we go out.... so I loved trying the new place (and with some great company, too!).

As apart of the workshop, we were joined by Shawn, a local high school senior, who acted as our portrait model! He was so great - he handled the paparazzi so well! :) Here is his view of the day:

And here is my view!
Thanks for being so FIERCE, Shawn :) I will post the second-half of the day's images this afternoon with our beautiful bride Amy!

Coming soon!

I've have a few exciting blog posts on deck that I want you to keep your eye out for! This past weekend was FULL of photography-goodness and I'm so excited about all these images! :)

First, I have to share with you some images and info from this Saturday's workshop with Jen & Amy from Mirror Mirror Studio where we had these two FABULOUS models, Shawn & Amy...

Also, these handsome little man, Parker was born Friday night... So I have some cute, informal newborn pics to share from my Sunday hospital visit...
And finally... Sunday afternoon, the GORGEOUS Michigan weather allowed me to hang out with a GORGEOUS couple and take their engagement pictures. I will have Meghan & Keith's pictures up as soon as I finish the edits!
Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to share all these images with you!

spring break in chicago!

To all my trusty followers... feel like I've been M.I.A. lately? It's not because I haven't been out shooting... because believe me, I have a TON to update you all with (workshop, babies, engagements, yay!). I spent the first week of Chicago on a Spring Break trip with some fellow peers. Now I know what you're thinking... "Jenn, didn't you graduate? What are you doing going on a Spring Break trip?" It's true... I DID graduate; however, I didn't travel too far from the college campus. In fact, I still spend about 30 hours a week @ Grand Valley State, my alma mater. I hold two job positions - one with Campus Recreation and one with Campus Ministry where I am the graphic designer at both.

At Campus Ministry, another large part of my job description is helping coordinate our 20 Spring Break Mission Trips. This year, not only did I help coordinate and participate in a trip... I was a Point Leader for the Chicago Trip! This was a huge responsibility and not one to take lightly. Therefore, the past three weeks, I've been doing final prepping for all the trips, spending a week on my specific trip, and then doing follow-up clean-up for all the trips! Needless to say... I've been busy the past month, so pardon my JWP-BLOG absence!

It was a blessing to be able to lead and minister alongside 13 peers. What an awesome week we had working with DOOR Network. Brian Sales was a great host and we even got to work with a group from Pepperdine University for the week! If you'd like to hear more about this AMAZING experience, let's get coffee. I'd love to share some of the great stories & moments from the trip! For now, enjoy some of the beautiful faces and sites that I was surrounded by... and then check back in a couple days for more updates!!

The first site as we emerged from the train station:
HELLLOOOO CHICAGO!

One of the few pictures I took at the Art Institute of Chicago. I liked the wall, ok?

We love public transportation!
Assembling Emergency Food Boxes @ The Greater Chicago Food Depository:
In June of 2008, this Elementary school closed down due to bankruptcy. Helping clean out the school for auction was a bittersweet experience!
We loved working with James and his crew at Vital Bridges South, a food pantry for people with HIV/AIDS. What a beautiful experience!The view from our Blue Line-stop. The church we stayed at was just a 10-minute "L" ride directly West from downtown:

Wednesday night @ Navy Pier... Can you spot our group members?

Our GVSU team with the Pepperdine team and Brian from DOOR!
A final group shot before we head to the train station...

Campus Recreation: Wellness Retreat

Yesterday, I spent the morning in Allendale at Campus Recreation's Wellness Retreat. This event allows the University community to spend some time trying out new techniques and learning how to be well! The day is filled with workshops, demonstrations and fitness classes like Learning how to be Sustainable, Homemade Herbal Facials, Rock Climbing, Massage Therapy, Pilates, SPINNING and more! Here are a few snapshots from the day!


The Climbing Center opened their doors for participants to try-out their rock climbing skills!


Some of the ingredients for the Herbal Facials...Free Chair Massages? Heck yes!
Hillary is one of Campus Recreation's favorite instructors! Here she is teaching our Zumba class:

Thanks for stopping by! I have a busy week ahead of me in preparation for Spring Break! But I'm sooo excited! :) Stay tuned!