Monika & Rick Engagement

This adorable couple is getting married in May of next year, I cant wait to be part of their wedding! We snuck out and took some engagment photos of them last week, they have such a happy feel together, I love it.
I cant wait to do your wedding Monika and Rick, I hope you love your engagement photos!

The Beautiful Coyle Family

Cousins, and brothers and sisters, I love this family, One of the moms is one of my dear friends, The first friend I made upon my move to castaic and at the kids new school. If anyone has ever tried to get the attention and smile of 4 children at the same time, you will know this is near impossible, but I think we managed to get some pretty cute shots! Melissa and Patricia, I hope you love them!

The Suarez Family

This fun little family and i met up for a day of too much wind and alot of sunshine in our eyes, but they were so amazing and fun to work with, I kinda forgot about the wind, lol. Sue and her family are sweet as can be, completely down to earth, and honetly just one of the easiest families to work with!
I hope to see more of you guys in the years to come :)

Im a busy lil gal and loving every minute....

Have you seen me? If not its because I have the most amazing job in the world, Well make that 2 of the most amazing jobs in the world. During the day you can not find me as I am too busy enjoying these amazing things called CHILDREN, and being this incredible thing called MOM. They make me giggle and smile, they wear me out when making me chase them, they warm my heart by making me drawings that say "mommy you are the best", and by asking me for my cheek in the middle of an ordinary minute just to kiss it for me. When my 4 year old today asked me to spider on the swing with her on bottom, I thought she was crazy, but we did it, I didnt crush her and we both laughed the whole time. I am blessed, so very blessed, even when life gets at its hardest, even when the mountains im climbing seem to never end, i look at them and know I am blessed!

During the wee hours of the night and on most weekends my second job prevails, Thats this thing called Photography, or capturing life as it is. I have the absolute pleasure of helping moms and dads celebrate the new life that has just been born into this world, capturing giggling kids who laugh when i hurt myself or when I flip upside down just to get the right shot, Families - perfect families with undeniable love for eachother, and couples who's loves pours all around them during their wedding day. These are all amazing moments, and I truly feel blessed for each moment I am able to capture for these amazing people. I love my clients, my clients most always become my friends. Some people ask how I stay up all night editing and still chase kids all day, for me it is a rush, a high on life, I enjoy both so much that it fufills me beyond measure. When i finish editing a session, you would think I just got a huge delivery of chocolate, I am so excited to look at these beautiful photos, I am in love with this art and with the love my clients have that is so apparant in these photographs. I giggle everytime that I am in love with my own art, but seriously, I just love everything I do!

So if you have been looking for me, know that I am here, enjoying every minute of it all, and if you havent gotten to me so that I can capture some amzing memories for your families, call me, I want to meet you!

Love and Hugs
Jolene

Baby Hunter...

Ive been Flooded with newborns in the studio, and can i say I LOVE IT!
This little angel came to me last week and he will be one lil guy I never forget.
Hes a doll and has a very proud mommy and daddy, I love it!
Congrats Nicole and Steve!

Tara and Nic Remix

I changed some pics and added a few things....

A fun love... Tara and Nic

Tara and Nic were a fun couple to work with, up for anything and had a great sense of humor. We had to improvise a bit since mother nature tried to blow us away, but it was fun playing around with them. You two are really so sweet and funny, it was a pleasure to be there for your big day and I hope to work with you again in the future! Congrats to you Tara and Nic!

Hernandez Family

This family finally broke down and got their family pics done, Ive only harrassed her for a year :) j/k
But I love this family, happens to be my little boys best friend!

Baby Preston

Welcome baby Preston to the world... A precious little baby boy!
Congrats mom and dad on your little angel!

Mark and Jeanie

Mark and Jeanie tied the knot on 10 10 10, it was a small, intimate, perfect celebration of their love. These two are the kind of couple you just love to sit and watch, their love pours out all around them and you cant help but smile!
Jeanie and Mark I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and laughter. Thank you for sharing your special day with me!

Baby Jack

Baby Jack first visited me when he was a newborn, it seems like yesterday, but now he is 6 months old. Hes a little sweetie, and you have to check out this priceless smile he has!

Baby Brett

14 day old Baby Brett came to visit me this weekend, he is a sweetie. He cuddled up to me and went to sleep, I coulda held him for hours but I made myself put him down to capture these precious shots of him.
Mom and dad you should be very proud, he is a little angel!!
I hope you love your preview!

My precious nephew Lincoln

My precious little nephew came over for his 3 month photo shoot this week, he is just a doll and has recently started smiling. Be prepared to feel your heart melt when you look at these.

Erica's Baby Bump

This sweetheart Erica I have also known since High school but we recently connected via facebook. She is expecting a precious little baby girl soon and we made this video for her baby shower. She is one of the cutest pregnant women ever!

The Newland Family

I have known this sweet mommy since high school but we have just recently reconnected. She has a beautiful family and I feel honored to be able to capture these memories for them!

True Love does Exist... Amy & David Congrats!

Have you ever been walking behind a couple and caught yourself staring? Caught yourself in thier moment of true and amazing love? You catch yourself thinking, love like this is what the songs are written about, its why florists are busy on valentines day, and why Little girls dream of their prince charming?
I caught myself this weekend at Amy and Davids wedding in that stare.
The love these 2 share for eachother is everlasting, its amazing and true, watching them be so in love just made my day.
Amy and David, the 2 of you are perfect for eachother, the love you have for one another is the sweetest thing I have seen. I wish you many years of happiness together!
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your big day, here is a preview for you :)

Welcome to the World Baby Hannah

I spent this morning with 12 day old baby Hannah and her super sweet parents. Hannah is a little doll and made it very easy for me to spend over 2 hours with her to capture these precious memories.
Congrats Haskell family on your beautidul new addition, she really is precious!

Baby Christian

8 Week old baby Christian visited me this weekend. He managed to stay awake for the entire 2 hour session, with the exception of the last 10 minutes. He wanted to be sure i got these beautiful eyes in all the photos!
Congrats mom and dad, he is an angel!

Sweet Baby Dorian

This little man was an angel today! He slept the entire time and only wet dad one time! Thats a record for infants in my studio! :)
Thanks for sharing this little angel with me mom and dad! Congratulations!!!

EMILY, Class of 2011

Emily and her mom met me tonight for some fun senior portraits. We hung out for quite some time and had a little fun too :)
Emily is super sweet and easy going. She had a smile on her face the entire time, even when i was telling her to sit in the weeds :)
Thanks for being such a trooper Emily, I hope you love your preview!

Video For Santa Ynez BBQ Kitchen Rental

The Henningfield Family

This sweet family was recently brought together by 2 people falling in love, Mom and Dad recently tied the knot, I love it!
Mom called it her Brady Bunch and she is so right on with that. All of these kids were so sweet and well behaved, you make a beautiful family together!

Congrats Taline and Dean

Congratulations Taline and Dean!
These 2 are tying the knot very soon. They were sweet as can be and so fun to work with! Thanks for spending the afternoon with me guys! I wish you all the best, you really do deserve it!

Baby Dylan turns one...

This little cutie really did not like me, how could you not like me? The smiles you are about to see were forced and very hard earned, lol. I love this family!!!

Welcome Baby M...

Congrats Mommy and Daddy on this handsome new addition to their family Baby M visited my studio this morning and he is a doll. We had fun attempting to get some good shots of him even though he opposed to it at times :)
He definitely left his mark in my studio. Thanks Houri and Dikran for bringing your angel to me for photographs, it was a pleasure meeting your family :)

Mr & Mrs McNeill PART 2

Introducing Mr & Mrs McNeill....

Congrats go out to one of the sweetest couples ever, they couldnt be more perfect for eachother.
The wedding was so much fun and they were just beautiful!
Congratulations Billy and Candace, thanks for allowing me to be part of your special day!

Princess E...

This little princess is came to play and is sure a cutie. She is a very busy 3 year old that gave me my excersize for the day, but it was well worth it!!!
E was the first newborn i ever photographed, back in 2007 I believe, Im so happy she still comes to me :)
This family is super sweet!!!!

Sweet Little Baby A...

This sweet little family brought baby A to me this weekend for her first photoshoot, She is 3 months old and just a tiny little doll. Mom and Dad are sweet as can be and have so much love for this lil gal!!
Thanks for allowing me to capture these memories for you, and I hope to get many more for you in the future :)

The Soccio Family

2 Little princesses graced my studio this weekend, they were both dolls! Little E took a few minutes to warm up, but once she did she was a ham!!!
Baby M made mommy and me work for these photos, but we did it, thanks for your help mom!
Baby M is only 5 weeks old and Princess E just turned 3, arent they beautiful!!!
It was great meeting your family and I hope you love your photos!

CRASH THE WEDDING

“CRASH THE WEDDING” is the hottest new wedding show to hit the bridal industry.
Brides and Grooms are welcome to RSVP to be a part of this historical event. We are allowing in a select few coordinators as well so if you think you should be at this event, please let us know asap.

It's a mock wedding. It's a bridal show. It's a charity benefit. And it's all green!
...and you never know who might CRASH THE WEDDING!"

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
from 6pm - 10pm
at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

***I personally will not be at this event, but it is being hosted by a wonderful photographer/mentor, check it out if you are planning a wedding soon ***

Awaiting the Arrival of Baby Colton

I had the pleasure of photographing this super sweet family today. They are expecting baby number 3, little Colton. Mom is due in just 4 weeks and is super tiny, sorry, once again ladies, she didnt spill her secret :)
Here is a little preview for you guys, It was wonderful meeting your family, your children are adorable and I cant wait to meet Colton!

A Family full of Love

When i was a youngin, This sweet lady, Sue, was mine and my sisters babysitter. I have to thank facebook for putting us back in touch, she is truly a blessing to have in my life.
Not only did I get to photograph this sweet family, I was able to hang out and enjoy their family for the better part of the day. They are a huge family, and the feeling of love that radiates from them is amazing. I love each and every one of them! You can feel the love and happiness in the photos!
Here are a few of my Favorites :)

One of my favorite songs right now... its so catchy!

Baby Boy T...

Welcome to the world baby boy Tommy!
This little guy was so perfect, so sweet to work with, just a doll!
A very proud mommy and daddy too! Love it!!!
Heres a small sneak peak guys!!!

INSPIRATION VS IMITATION

This seems to be a very common topic amongst the careers of the arts. I recently read an aritcle on it and here is my take on it.
I have seen many photographers hard work get copied by other photographers too often.
There is a fine line, a fine line that many people dont see.

I teach my children to be their best, their own, not an imitation of someone elses character.

Inspiration vs Imitation

There is a difference!

I have inspiration all around me, there are several photographers that I can only dream about being as good as, that when i look at there work I feel completely breathless. But their work, is THEIR work, their ideas, their play and take on the emotion that they are capturing, and it would not be breathtaking if it were not theirs.
There are 2 local photographers who amaze me with their work, I love peeking at their sites and new work, BUT what you will never see is my photos imitating theirs. Why you ask? Why? Why if I feel their photos are so amazingly breathtaking and just perfect would I not want to take a copy of that photo and put it in my pocket to create the exact same shot? Because it was not my feeling, my creativity, my idea. Sure, they will inspire me to take a new angle on a shot, to step out of the box and recreate something to be amazing in a new way, but not copy their work. I want to be know as Jolene, as Sweetest Moments Photography, not a copy of someone else.

The photography market is competitive, you have to have something that makes you different, that makes you... well You. If you use inspiration to get you your own style and feel, you will succeed. If you imitate someone elses work, you will never be able to find the true you, your true style. And what will set you aside from all the rest?

I had a recent client send me about 10 photos that she "imagined" from her engagement session. I let her know that they would serve as ideas and inspiration and would give me the feel that she wanted in her images, and it did. I took the ideas and added my own twist and style, and the images from the session are breathtaking. Yes I say that about my own photos, because they were, because you will not find another local photographer with images the same as these, yet anyway. But that is what makes them amazing, that they are different, that you will not see the same photos with the next couple or with the next photographer. Inspiration not imitation.

I have worked and been dedicated to my work, to my style, to my feel and love for what I see and do for 4 years now. My skills and talent have taken a long challenging road to get to where they are. I failed many times, First starting out I tried to "copy" others work without even realizing i was doing it, I learned from many mistakes, from trial and error, From asking questions to other photographers whom Ive looked up to, it has been a journey, But now, 4 years later I can actually say that I am me, my work is mine. From hard work, dedication and Inspiration. And I am so proud to say that. 4 years of trying and learning and trying some more, my business is finally succeeding, I feel completely confident in my work, and my style.

Work hard to be you, to be your own individual, unique photographer, to be the one that ppl look at for inspiration.

This goes beyond a photograph as well.
The following is a blurb from a fellow photographers blog, Angela Crutcher.

"Taking someone’s logo and making a few minor adjustments is not inspiration it’s stealing…especially if you are local to that person.

Taking someone’s words and making some minor variations is not inspiration it’s plagiarism and a copyright violation.

Copying someone’s pricing and collections is not inspiration it’s bad business practices. If you can’t price yourself right for you, you will never succeed.

If you can’t come up with your own designs, with your own identity and brand, then work with someone to help you do it. Not everyone is creative in that way. But taking someone’s own ideas is foolish. You might think no one will notice but it will permeate everything you do.

I will do what I can to protect my brand but I realize from a legal standpoint there are limitations. That being said, clients — the ones many of us want — can tell the difference between a real Gucci and a fake." (Angela Crutcher Photography)

Maybe this is a ramble on, but I feel it is so important, and I hope that it may be an eye opener for some people.
Photography is an art, there is no wrong way to paint this picture, make it your own, and be proud of your own!

Patiently waiting for baby T...

This family was adorable, beautiful and sweet as can be. These kiddos love their mama and it was so adorable to witness. Tanya is expecting baby number 4, yes ladies, you heard right, #4, in just about a month. She looks amazing, she didnt share her secret though:)
Congrats to you and your family Tanya!!! I cant wait to meet baby T!

Mommy and Me with Baby A...

I had this fun little mommy and me session last weekend, and this little princess is too cute, her momma is a beauty too! Baby A rearranged my studio for me and made it look just perfect:) Thanks for allowing me to capture some precious moments for you!!
Such a silly Girl...

Im a pretty princess...

Beautiful mommy and Baby A...


and now, mommy Im done with this modeling stuff, get me outta here :)