2009 June » jenberry photography

Monthly Archives: June 2009

Jun 24 2009

relief from the storm | wedding

For me, June Gloom in Los Angeles, reared it’s ugly head many weeks ago in April. With the gloom came the disappearance of my camera and my desire to capture beautiful moments. I neatly tucked away the camera along with all the endless amounts of joy, memories and happiness that it creates. The fear of feeling anything other than our little battle, was unthinkable.

However, this past Sunday the sun popped out from the clouds (it really did) in Southern California and a new beginning bloomed for a beautiful couple and my camera. Call it fate, stalking or the awesomeness of the bschool, I was fortunate to join the thebecker (yes all one word like other important things such as, “the bears” or “theangels” or “theeiffeltower” or “thepresident” - yes of the USA) to assist in shoot a wedding. A beautiful Sunday wedding.

Admittedly, I was a tiny bit nervous. It had been a couple of months since I had a done something that stepped out of my little protective bubble. But, as soon as I met up with thebecker and Jenny Liu, I felt an instant sense of reassurance, laughter and motivation. Thebecker (aka [b]ecker) is so generous, humorous, witty, knowledgeable, easy going (but completely dedicated and professional). Jenny is kind and really covered saved me when I couldn’t shoot a wedding in May due to that ugly gloom. Like [b]ecker said, sharing with others in your industry is a “win win” situation. I’d elaborate and say it’s a “win win win” situation. Not only does the mentors/assistants win, but the bride and groom are surrounded by an encouraging, fun, creative group.

In addition to these two providing a collaborate and fun day, but bride and groom, Veronique and Naveen, created an environment that was about love, calmness, peace and plain ‘ol fun. I don’t think I’ve seen a bride so relaxed and a wedding without stress go off without any hiccups (that I could see). Veronique and Naveen, thank you for allowing me to share in your day and reminding me how it is to love and be loved all the while still having a blast!!!!

So without further words… (well sort of)

Veronique’s hair was amazing. Sophisticated, classic and gorgeous, just like her dress.

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Not a cloud or gloom in the sky. One happy day.

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I think no words are needed here, except two, wicked fabulous.

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Does she look happy or what?

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I spy, my beautiful wife to be…

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Veronique’s mom was her Matron of Honor. Can you figure out which one she is? I wish I had this gene pool.

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selectsbwp_ttl_10332 Mr & Mrs…

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The newlywed. I don’t think she looks happy enough (I’m a kidder)

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Double trouble. Cut to 2 hours later and these two had control of the dance floor.

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Nothing Says Summertime, like fresh a fresh lemonade stand.

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Women in waiting.

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Men, chillaxing

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And we meet again. Fierce.

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I would say [b]ecker found Golden hour. Nothing like it.

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See what I mean by fun. Veronique & Naveen’s Bridal Party put on a surprise musical skit, depicting their love story. You have to be cool people for your friends to orchestrate a show in your honor.

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Nothing says “happily ever after” like walking off into the gorgeous sunset.

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Last, but definitely not least. Commanding the crowds and managing the masses, thebecker. Join the bschool.

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wedding

Jun 15 2009

you matter

During my daily RSS obsession, I stumbled upon this beauty from Seth Godin.

When you read this, pass it along and even as important… recognize it in yourself, you matter. Simple.

You matter

When you love the work you do and the people you do it with, you matter.
When you are so gracious and generous and aware that you think of other people before yourself, you matter.
When you leave the world a better place than you found it, you matter.
When you continue to raise the bar on what you do and how you do it, you matter.
When you teach and forgive and teach more before you rush to judge and demean, you matter.
When you touch the people in your life through your actions (and your words), you matter.
When kids grow up wanting to be you, you matter.
When you see the world as it is, but insist on making it more like it could be, you matter.
When you inspire a Nobel prize winner or a slum dweller, you matter.
When the room brightens when you walk in, you matter.
And when the legacy you leave behind lasts for hours, days or a lifetime, you matter.

And because I never post pictures.. Here are 2 pictures from a recent kids session. Not technically perfect, but I think they matter.

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children

Jun 13 2009

i believe the children are our future…

…teach them well and let them lead the way.

So, i didn’t even need to look up the lyrics for this song. Um yeah. Here are the problems with that:

1. It dates me. ‘nough said

2. It’s a Whitney Houston Song. Tiny bit of SSSSHHH, please don’t tell anyone that i know this.

3. I was singing it outloud when i was typing it. I can’t sing.

On to the real topic at hand. So, I know this is supposed to be a photography blog, meaning I’m supposed to post photos that I take. Well, since I’ve been on a little bit of a hiatus lately, I’ve been spending mucho time on the world wide web. Throughout out my travels, I’ve built a ginormous collection of virtual shopping carts cluttered with about 300 items that I will never actually purchase. Amazon (ever so obssessed with the blythe doll thanks to bonnie tsang) and Etsy (whatever you do, don’t try the pounce function, it’s highly addictive) are at the top of my obsessions lately. However, within my little internet fantasy shopping, I’ve also been researching philanthropic ventures.

I came across this lil venture the other day. I am a huge believer of educating the children of our world. I wonder what path my life would have taken if I had been exposed to photography earlier. There is such power in photography. It doesn’t have to be perfect. There’s no such thing. When I look at photographs that inspire me, they are ones that tell a story and reveal an intimacy that is real and unique. Technical aspects are inevitably necessary, but in reality it’s the emotion that someone feels when looking at the image. This is powerful. This can change people’s lives.

A true gift is teaching our youth to see not only beauty in their environment, but also giving them a voice. I believe in Three Cups of Tea (I’m having a difficult time finding a more inspiring read) and Born into Brothels (a must rent or purchase – to multiply the gift) and now I believe in star shooter.

Here is the venture. Help. It will be amazing.

AND, to top it off they are giving away a Canon 5d Mark II (for all you nutty photographers). Just enter a photo for $25 and you may win.\

http://www.starshootercontest.org/