For years I have been watching and admiring the work of an unbeliveably talented photographer named Jennifer Loomis. (You MUST go to her site and check out her EXTRORDINARY work!) Well, she does some amazing work for pregnancy photography and I always thought I would want her to do mine. I have modeled some of my pregnancy photography after her, although I am no where near her caliber of existence. So, when Sam and I found out that I am preggo a little sooner then expected, it wasn't exactly in the budget. I called anyways to find out what it would cost. Here are the details: we have the option of going to Seattle, NY or San Francisco (obviousely we would go to San Fran) although on my most recent phone call from Jennifer herself, found out that she will be in Estes Park around the time I would have the shoot done. The problem- $2000. Yea, $2 Grand for the shoot and about a dozen 4 x 6's. I am so crushed. Those of you who know me well enough know what this would mean. It isn't very often that I wish I had "more" in life because I am so very blessed with everything I have, which is so much more then I could ever imagine, but right now I wish our tax bracket was in a higher place! So, maybe I should start selling some crazy things on eBay like a dirty sock or 13" french fry. (Both items have sold on eBay for over $2 Grand...crazy hugh??) Anyone have some nutzo things for me to sell...I'll try it! Let's get creative here!Some quote's from some of her clients..."This was an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives. If I could only say one word to sum up Jennifer it would be PASSION. I have never met someone who is more passionate about what they do for a living. It certainly comes across in her work. Thanks!"
Rob & Emily, Livonia, MI
"Jennifer, what drew me to you was not only that I really liked your work, but also I liked knowing that you have worked and photographed so many different populations of mothers around the world — from Kenyan and Rwandan women, to Japanese midwives and their clients."
Sharlet, single professional and first-time mother
"What a great experience! I felt so special. Jennifer made me feel so at ease and able to enjoy and embrace these few moments put aside to document this special time in our lives."
Susan Strube Sandberg, Davis, CA
About Jennifer..
Jennifer Loomis is an award-winning and internationally recognized photojournalist and fine-art photographer known for her groundbreaking work with the pregnant nude. Jennifer got her start photographing pregnant women after a referral from Annie Liebovitz’s studio — where Demi Moore was photographed pregnant for Vanity Fair. Since she began working 15 years ago, Jennifer has photographed more than 1000 mothers, including the wife of pro-golfer Rich Beem among other celebrities.
Identified in 2003 as one of the emerging photographers of the northwest, Jennifer uses her training as a fine art photographer and her expertise as a documentary photojournalist to tell the story of each woman. "More than a portrait, I want to photograph a feeling that captures and celebrates each individual woman's beauty of motherhood," she said in a recent interview with Sunset Magazine. Her business motto "Feel Beautiful" came about because many women said they felt beautiful during and after photo shoots. This saying is important to Jennifer because she is passionate about changing the way pregnant women see their bodies as well as the way society sees pregnant women.
The passion shows through in both her photography and professionalism. "I have always wanted to make a difference with my photography," says Jennifer. She's not only a pioneer in pregnancy photography but she's been instrumental in bringing semi-nude photography into the mainstream. "For years pregnant women have been hidden, I hope my work can challenge and redefine society's definition of beauty. Just look at the pictures, and you can see the beauty that has always been there."
Not only do Jennifer's photos capture the beauty of each woman, but they also have the look and feel of a painting. Most of her clients frame the images and hang them like art found in a gallery. "My clients are embracing their bodies," Jennifer says, "and together, using my experience, we are creating a unique photograph which not only becomes part of their art collection but also reminds them of this brief moment in time."
Creating art and making women feel beautiful is Jennifer's specialty. Her personable style helps each client feel comfortable, even when this is for many their first nude or semi-nude sitting. "I felt more beautiful during and after working with Jennifer," says Lindsey, a client from San Francisco, "than I did during my entire pregnancy. I never thought I could look so good or feel so comfortable. Just her personality, who she was, made me connect with her right away." Every photo session starts with tea, a brief yoga pose, and a lengthy discussion about the photography to come. She is listening to their stories, getting to know them, so she can better photograph them and their changing emotions.
For Jennifer, she gets as much out of it as her clients. "I get women hugging me because they are so excited. I get dads crying in the studio because their wives look so beautiful. I get great relationship stories. I get a lot!" she told the Seattle Times reporter.
To keep her work fresh, Jennifer breaks away to do documentary work all over the world. Jennifer's work has taken her to Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Mongolia, Singapore, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Denmark and many cities within the United States. She also studies Iyengar Yoga, loves costume parties, buys original art, and contributes to many charities and fundraisers around the world.
Jennifer has a masters in photojournalism from the University of Missouri, School of Journalism. She has studied with Joyce Tenneson, Michelle LeVigne, and her biggest influence is San Francisco photographer Ruth Bernhard. She was a Visual Communications Fellow at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies for six weeks and then returned for two consecutive years as a Visual Communications Faculty Member. In addition, she has taught at the University of Missouri, School of Journalism, Cascades Photography Academy, and was a guest teacher at the Frye Art Museum of Seattle during their Women and the Arts Program. She also teaches classes and workshops throughout the year at her studio in Seattle and San Francisco.
Jennifer has focused on many international women's health and education issues for a wide range of editorial and non profit clients including Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
MSNBC.com, Nikon, CARE International, TIME Magazine, Catholic Community Services, Washington Education Foundation, University of Washington's Center for Health Education and Research, Rainier Scholars, U.S. News & World Report, Los Angeles Times, JournalE, The Humanist, Kansas City Star, Evansville Courier. She has produced several online documentary photo projects with audio and video including several projects on birth and home birth. These projects are available on the Web.
- probably more likely- but I like to think of it being something crazy like a fox. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Let us know!
Sunday was Father's Day. Happy Father's Day Dad, Larry and Sammy-to-be! ;) We worked around the house, a lot! Then went to Lowe's and Culver's for dinner! (Twice in a weekend!) Sam even got a free custard sunday for being a father-to-be. See honey, the perks are starting already! :)
