Several Undeniable Facts (just in case you were wondering)…..

Undeniable fact #1: I get to take pictures of the most beautiful people.  Crazy good-looking, fashion model-gorgeous, upside down and backwards amazing.

Undeniable fact #2: I love my job. (like, so much that it makes me a ‘lil giddy from time to time).

Undeniable fact #3: Numbers 1 and 2 are unmistakeably related.

Undeniable fact #4: Fashion photography is my most favorite-est thing.  Being a fashion photographer rocks, especially when it happens in downtown Phoenix (see #4)

Undeniable fact #5: My muse lives downtown.  Not the pretty part of downtown either.  She’s at home in the gritty, dirty spots that most people pass by.  In the alleys and forgotten doorways,  by the dumpsters, around abandoned corners of broken down buildings.  That’s where my art finds me.

Undeniable fact #6: Did I mention the beautiful people thing?  It bears repeating.  Holy hell folks – just look at her!

Hair and Makeup styled by the amazing Meghan Reese.  If you want to do a fashion photo shoot (or you just want to channel your inner fashion model – Meghan is your girl).  She’ll make you look red carpet ready in no time!

{Snapshot of me on the beach in Cheverie, Summer 2009.  My camera rarely leaves me when I’m in Nova Scotia, everywhere I look there is a photograph waiting to be made}

So – we fly out next Tuesday morning.

HOLY HELL.  WE FLY OUT NEXT TUESDAY MORNING.  !!!

I’ve done some rough figuring tonight and by my estimation in the next five days I must:

Edit at least four full sessions each day + complete all outstanding client orders + schedule six-weeks’ worth of blog posts + wake up at 5am to shoot crazy awesome bridal shoot with team of fabulous peeps + attend  1 n 10 overnight lock-in +pack for six week trip to location with unpredictable weather + find a dress and shoes for my sister’s wedding + get house ready for house sitter + write promised article for popular photography blog + plan August bridal shoot with Alex + schedule August engagement shoot with new wedding client +pay bills in advance so utilities still operational when we return + find passports and Canadian ATM cards +try my damnedest to squeeze in Cicely’s maternity shoot+ to  totally and completely freak out + remain calm, cool and collected at all times.

And it should be easy-peasy.  As long as I don’t stop to eat, or sleep, or breathe too often.

I can’t decide if my mantra should be “Calgon, take me away” or “Serenity Now”.  Or maybe I’ll just mutter a stream of constant obscenities under my breath for the next 120 hours.  {120 hours!  That sounds like far shorter than five days has any right to sound!}  I might look crazy, but I think it will make me feel better.

That being said – come Tuesday morning when the plane lifts off the ground, I’m going to be one happy girl, for many reasons.

1. It is never (ever. ever. ever) 110 degrees in Nova Scotia.  Ever.  Because 110 degrees is just stupid.
2. My mama still lets me sit on her lap. And she bakes me cookies.
3. I get to see my nephew!  And my brothers and sister and cousins! And Sweet Salty Kate!
4. I’m going to be in a wedding, for the first time in my almost 35 years.  You may think this is lame, but I finally feel as if I have truly arrived.  I AM someone, dammit.
5. I’m going home.  To a place where I am rooted, sheltered, and loved.  To a place where the tune of the world (the sound of the wind whispering through the trees and the waves crashing on the beach and the insects buzzing in the air and the frogs croaking in the pond) is as familiar to me as the sound of my own heartbeat.  I am going to a place where my ancestors worked and lived and loved for generations.   I’m going home.
6. Ketchup Chips.  Need I say more?

Before I sign off (and go back to freaking out…see above) a few housekeeping notes {Email me directly for more info on any of the items below}.

Nova Scotia Photography Sessions:

I’ll be in NS from June 22nd till August 3rd – however the majority of the sessions will be scheduled for early –mid July. There are still a few spots available for Nova Scotia Sessions, but space is going fast. Sessions are planned for Halifax and for Cheverie, but travel to other parts of NS is available if you are willing to cover a travel fee.

Summer 2011 Weddings (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI):

I am also currently booking weddings for summer 2010 in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. Any couple who books their wedding before July 15th will receive a free engagement session this summer, and a coffee table style guest book for their wedding. Refer your friends and when they book their wedding you’ll earn $50 toward your portrait session!

Photography Mentorships and Learning Groups:

Based on request I am also opening up a limited number of days for one-on-one workshops and small learning groups for beginner to intermediate photographers. These will be informal learning opportunities, completely customized to the needs of those attending. For more information and pricing, please contact me directly.

Model Shoots:

I hope to schedule a limited number of model shoots in both Halifax and Cheverie, for both personal projects and as a part of my mentor sessions. If you are interested in modeling, or providing hair, makeup or wardrobe styling – drop me a line and let me know!

Mwah darlings – must run.  It’s 2: 55 am and there’s still more work to do!

Inspirador Chandler: Two Thumbs Up!

We’ve clearly established two things here in the last month:

1. I’m not all that great at staying on top of this blogging thing.
2. I’m a tiny bit behind.  Like waaaaaay behind. Terribly, horribly, procrastinating-ly behind.

So, it should come as no great shocker that I’m about to post an event that happened in March (she ducks her head sheepishly and hopes this comes off as endearingly honest rather than hopelessly outdated).

About a hundred years ago (or March 24^th to be exact) I happened to be in Chandler for a portrait session.  I had been hearing quite a bit of buzz about the Inspirador, a way cool wedding venue in Historic Downtown Chandler.   It seemed serendipitous when I checked their facebook page and found out that they had an open house planned for that very night.  Not being one to ignore a lovely coincidence, I headed over to check out the action just as soon as I wrapped up my session.

First thought: This place rocks!
Second thought: Damn, nice peeps too!
Third thought: OMG – they have a display of framed GRASS on the wall outside.  I’m officially in love.

The Inspirador is a truly unique option for your Arizona wedding, with an urban vibe and modern style.  The Poet’s Lounge is a dreamy, candle lit spot for your romantic wedding ceremony, while the Tryst Art Gallery, Courtyard and Symphony Hall provide numerous options for cocktail hour, mingling with guests or a sit down reception.  Beyond the amazing venue, downtown Chandler provides numerous fantastic spots for killer urban portraits before or after your ceremony.  Bonus!

The Inspirador has also partnered with some of the most fabulous wedding vendors in the valley to bring together regular open house events, which are beneficial for engaged couples and wedding professionals alike.

I connected with several people during my visit, including event planners Rebecca Coberly and Jessica Martinez of Embellish, Design For Entertaining.  These two super cool (and incredibly sweet) Phoenix wedding coordinators created the beautiful white on white buffet and table display featured below.   Check out their website and blog for more information and images of their inspirational work.

My attention was immediately captured by the floral arrangements on one table.  Phoenix Floral Designer Jan Dekker created this bold bouquet and I had to snatch it and run outside to take some photos.  I love the intensity of the color combo and can just imagine it being carried by a bride who was looking forward to stepping outside the box a little and working with a rich, deep color scheme.   I do so love a bouquet with a bit of attitude!

To make a long (and late!) story short(ish):

If you are a stylish modern couple looking for something a little different for your wedding venue –  add the Inspirador in Chandler to your short list of places to check out in person.  They are having their next Open House next week on the 23^rd (remember what I said about not ignoring lovely coincidences?) so make sure you drop by.

Unfortunately, I won’t be there (I’ll be cooling off in Nova Scotia) but you’d better not miss it!  To sweeten the deal (beyond the free food and fabulous vendors) they are also offering a gift bag to the first 25 brides, and a chance to win over $1000.00 in prizes!  Check out their facebook  page for details!

A few months ago (which translates to about 857 years in internet time, if you’re counting) I was thrilled to be contacted by the fine folks at Southwestern Bride (the wedding guide for the modern Southwest Bride).  They wanted to feature my bridal session from the incredible Scottsdale wedding venue the Boojum Tree.  Of course I was tickled pink and flattered as all heck*, so I said yes right away.

Southwestern Bride is an awesome wedding resource for Phoenix brides, as it focuses solely on weddings in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas – so  you’ll be sure to find lots of area (and climate!) appropriate ideas and inspiration.   If you are planning a wedding in Phoenix, make sure you check out this website!    And while you’re in the planning stages, take the time to visit The Boojum Tree – it’s an oasis in the middle of the desert, with beautiful light and countless tucked away spots for private moments (and amazing photos)!

From the Boojum Tree Website:

Boojum Tree is Arizona’s most unique and exotic wedding, reception and corporate event destination.  While you enjoy your stroll through our property, you’ll be in awe of the thousands of tropical plants, multiple water features and our new Palm Forest.  Imagine your special day in our hidden gardens.

From the Southwestern Bride Blog:

“The Southwestern U.S. is a unique mixture of colors, tastes and textures that sets itself apart from anywhere else in the world. It is a land of enchantment, adventure and the spirit of days gone by. It is also an area of thriving cities and the perfect blend of contemporary and classic styles.

Southwestern Bride celebrates this area and was created as a resource for brides in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas that would give them access to the very best professionals the Southwest has to offer them.”

*Yes, although I am now a big city girl, I sometimes slip up a talk like a country bumpkin.  I also two-step (and I’m not ashamed to admit it).

I asked for a revolution – yes I did.  So, perhaps we’re not  yet at the place where we  qualify as a full-fledged revolution.  These things take time.  At the very least I’ve seen the beginnings of a warm-fuzzy-mushy-gushy love fest.  A miniature uprising of sappy sincerity.  A plethora of creative and inspiring messages of love, love, love.

Ummmm….it makes me feel all floaty and melty and goooood….

I received emails, I got tweets, I got pics of text messages, even a screen capture of a Facebook status update. Ya’ll aren’t shy when it comes to professing your amorous side.  At the risk of overusing a word – I LOVE it!

For the next little while I’ll try to do a post every few days with the love notes that are trickling in.  Once they start to come in waves (and I’m fully confident that they will) I’ll figure out a more manageable solution.  No matter what, I promise to share the love.

After all, just like the Beatles told us, it’s all we really need.

San Diego photographer Shawn Houllis tagged me on facebook with this awesome iphone text thread between her and her love

But perhaps even better than this, is the love letter Shawn recently wrote to herself and posted on her own blog, together with the most beautiful photos of her very real, fabulously beautiful, utterly lovely self.  If only all of us could find the courage to open ourselves and transmit that much love to the bodies we have, that serve us every day of our lives.  This particular love note is a testament to the journey of a phenomenal women just beginning to get a glimpse of the goddess within.   If this isn’t a love note, I don’t know what is.

Once some people feel the love, they are unstoppable!  To start with, Fairbanks Alaska photographer Chelsey Mach didn’t write a love note, she picked one.  A beautiful bouquet of love for her husband (yes, even the men-folk among us deserve flowers every now and then).  Although the lilacs in the vase didn’t get photographed, she sent me a photo of the source.

In addition to the beautiful purple blooms Nicole also sent along another love note to daddy – top scribbles by the 4 year old, bottom scribbles by the 2 year old and translation by Mama!

And, to totally melt me, she sent in a picture of their garden, and explained that it was a labor of love for her children.  A piece of the “love pie” she called it.  I can’t think of anything more loving than digging in the dirt and cultivating something that will nourish your children.  I firmly believe that food grown with love just tastes better.

More to come darlings – I promise!

Who doesn’t love a good love note?

I have an especially soft spot for the spontaneous-for-no-reason-except-that-i-love-you kind.    The sticky note on the fridge kind.  The left by my sweetheart kind.  The shaky little hearts made by a four year old kind. The kind that highlights the soft spot a self-proclaimed tough girl still has for her mama.  Not because it’s my birthday, or mother’s day, or any other commercially created, Hallmark supported kind of date.  Just because.

One day a few weeks ago, completely by coincidence, my three favorite girls all left me love notes.  Different times of day, different locations. One scrawled in sharpie and left for me to find when I opened the fridge door for soy milk.  Another proudly delivered by sticky fingers straight into my open hands and melting heart.  A third tacked to the white board by my desk, so I could look at it and smile while I worked.

And all of them just to remind me that I am loved.

Do me a favor, will you?  Can you think of anyone who might love a little love note action?  Your partner?  Your son?  Your best friend? Your lawn guy?   Take some time today and write a little love note or two (or ten).   It does not have to be fancy, it does not have to be long, and it certainly does not have to be profound.  Embossed paper and spritz of floral perfume totally not necessary.

Find something to write with (yes, your two year old’s chewed orange crayon will absolutely suffice) and something to write on (a page torn from your journal, your Starbucks receipt, the envelope from your water bill) and do it.  Just do it.

Doodle a heart, a ladybug, a rainbow.  Write “You are the best mother/daughter/son/photographer/lawn guy in the whole wide world” or “I think I maybe- kinda-sorta-might-just-a-little-bit like you” or “damn, those jeans make your butt look soooo fine that I feel a little weak every time you wear them”.

Or you could, just simply and perfectly, say “I love  you” and leave it at that.

But do it.  I can almost guarantee that once you do it once, you’ll want to do it again, and again, and again.  Because who does not like to be the giver of warm fuzzies, the bearer of mushy-gushy goodness, the one to make someone smile?  We all love, and we all want to be loved, and sometimes it just takes a sharpie on a yellow sticky pad to remind us of just how much a little gesture can mean.

So let’s start a little love note revolution, shall we?

PS: Humor me.  Take a picture of your love note(s).  Post them on your blog, on your facebook, on your twitter (include hashtag #lovenote).  Tag me, tweet me, comment me, email me.  I’ll post my favorites here, and the best of the best will get an extra special prize from me (and you’d better believe that prize will include a love note).

PPS: I love you. I totally do. And the embossed paper and floral perfume are  not overkill here.  I chose them just for you.

PPPS: I meant what I said about those jeans.

She is…

Urban goddess

Downtown diva

Voodoo mama

Fierce and feminine

Dark chocolate

High heels

Half-moon eyes

And open heart

Strength you can lean on

And a soft place to fall.

She is Leigh…and va-va-va-voom – does she know how to work the camera!

Farewell to Nova Scotia, you sea-bound coast
Let your mountains dark and dreary be
For when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed
Will you ever heave a sigh and a wish for me?

I’ve been a desert dweller for almost eleven years now.  And although I’ve come to appreciate and respect the desert and her rugged yet delicate beauty, my heart and soul will always belong to the sea.   My roots go deep there, and it’s the memories of my summer trips home that sustain me over the long,  hot, dry months in Arizona.   It’s Nova Scotia that has my heart; it always has and always will.

There is something about creating art in a place this is so much a part of me– the images from home have more of me in them than any of my other work.  And so I am thrilled to offer my second year of Nova Scotia Portrait Sessions .  I plan to expand this segment of my business into an annual event that will allow me to spend even more of my summers in the rustic country house along a windy country road on The Bay of Fundy.

At home, where I belong.

Nova Scotia Photography | Custom Portrait Sessions | Summer 2010

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

• For you city lovers – we’ll have some high style sessions in down town Halifax, taking advantage of the amazing architecture and lots of hidden spots for great urban portraits.  Break out your fabulous wardrobe and those rockin’ heels – and we’ll create your very own model moment.
• If country livin’ is more up your alley, join me in Cheverie.   We’ll explore weathered barns, rocky shorelines and  fields full of covers and wild strawberries.  Dress down for a causal shot, or break out the bling for a cool juxtaposition of modern meets rustic style.
• Upgrades (including our fabulous Modern Art Session Albums) and special Nova Scotia Session pricing available.  Complete details will be sent upon booking.
• Don’t forget our referral program – refer a friend and you will receive one additional free full resolution digital file ($150 value) with each booked session.
• Sessions must be paid in full at time of booking.  Pre-paid upgrade collections will also receive additional discounts.

Please visit The Jeanette LeBlanc Photography Facebook page for more details and to RSVP.    Become a fan before you book and earn a special bonus after your session!  If you are interested in booking a session or want more details – just fill out my contact form and I’ll be in touch!

Yes kittens, I’ve been MIA again.  I know, I know – it’s not exactly a surprise.  Despite all my good intentions and my frequent promises, it seems I am an inherently bad blogger.   I think I’ve had “Blog.  Just Blog, Dammit!” on my to-do list every day for the last several months…and if you look at my posting record you’ll know just how well that is going for me.

So where have I been?  Living in crazy-busy land – that’s where, and somehow this blog seems to be the first thing to slide.  It’s been go-go-go for months now, culminating in four weddings+one charity brunch+ a one year old session in downtown Phoenix in an eight day span last week. Whew. Who knew wedding photography was an endurance sport?!

I’m starting to realize that it’s not going to slow down any time soon.   I’m also admitting that I’m unlikely to get caught up in the foreseeable future (do you know I have weddings from last year that have not been blogged?  Last year, people!).   So, instead of waiting till I invent a time expansion machine that miraculously converts each day to 48 hours while simultaneously maintaining my sleep needs at a solid eight hours (how you like that run on sentence?)  I figured I’d better take the opportunity and splash up a few random images while I have the chance.

Here’s just a slice of my life over the last few months – weddings, weddings, weddings (both my own and second shooting for the amazing Justine Miller and Keri Doolittle at amazing Phoenix wedding venues like  Sassi, Firesky, Wigwam as well as Oasis Ranch in Tucson), miles upon miles of location scouting, gorgeous seniors, three beautiful girls under the age of three (with tutus! and ice cream!), glorious glowing mama’s-to-be,  edgy urban fashion shoots in downtown Phoenix, crazy-cool families, spunky-silly- up-for-(almost)-anything engaged couples, fiesty photographers/branding gurus, off camera flash on the roof of the Orpheum Penthouse and the most knock your socks off beautiful mother-daughter combo I’ve ever laid eyes on.  And of course, just enough downtown, urban, grungy, junkyard shots to keep me happy.

Some may call me biased, but there is no doubt in my mind about a few important things…

1. I have super cool clients
2. My super cool clients have awesome-cute-adorable-full-of-personality kiddos.
3. My super cool clients and their awesome-cute-adorable kids are seriously stylish folks.
4. My super cool seriously hip clients and their awesomely cute adorably stylish kids are head-over-heels, to the moon crazy in love with each another.
5. The whole entire downtown area makes for one crazy inspired phoenix family photographer.
6. I am one seriously lucky, super blessed, awesomely grateful photographer.

End of story. No argument.  That’s just the way it is.

Here’s a teaser of Saturday’s family photo session  at Heritage Square (a great spot for phoenix family photography).  Obviously – this picture doesn’t show you what the parents look like…but will you check out those crazy beautiful kids?!

As you can just imagine, Mom and Dad are also supermodel gorgeous.  What you can’t tell from the photo is that they are also beyond sweet and gracious, totally chill and talented artists to boot.  But don’t just take my word for it,  you’ll have to check back later to see for yourselves…

When my first daughter came along I recorded her life in agonizing detail.  Every breath, every burp, every cry was documented for posterity.   Album after album was filled with snapshots of her eating, bathing, crawling, walking, drooling and sleeping.  Like clockwork we schlepped to the mall every single month to get her portraits taken.  This was pre-doula career, pre-photography business.  Heck – for the first nine months of her life, I didn’t even have a car.  It was just Bella and I most of the time, and I quite imagined that the rest of the world found her as fascinating as I did.

Of course, I promised myself, I’ll do exactly the same for my second baby.  But by then I was working as a doula, running a non-profit, and had been bitten by the photography bug.  I didn’t write too much, I have not printed a single snapshot past the six month mark, and you’d better believe I didn’t take her to the mall for portraits (the horror!).   As far as historical records are concerned, Julie has suffered a fate that has befallen many a subsequent child – complete and utter under representation in all known forms of family memorabilia.

Ah –such fodder for mommy-guilt.

I was the first born, not just in my immediate family, but for both sets of grandparents and great-grandparents.  First of my generation, I accepted all the focus and attention as my due.  I didn’t think too much about how little time my busy mother had to log the delicious and mundane details of my sibling’s existence.  But now that I’m a mother of two,  I’m sure that she did.   Obviously, I cannot make up for almost four years of benign but undeniable neglectful behavior toward my role as family historian, but I can start now.

This is Julianna Amelie Grace.  Julie.  Jules.  Julianna-Bananna. My little Amelie. A girl with the most sparkly chocolate brown eyes, and the fullest lips.  A girl with a mind of her own, and the volume to make her opinion known.  My second daughter, my old soul.  Always my teacher, her lesson surrender, her spirit full of conviction and her heart bursting with love.

I was going to tell you all about her, but then I figured I’d let her do the talking.  So, in the format of my own ‘about’  page on {peace.love.free}.   I gave her the questions and let her fill in the blanks.  (My additions are in italics, the rest are her words)

About:
4 1/2 . Silly. Sweet. Impertinent.  Fun. A force to be reckoned with. Leo.  NOT a morning person. Quintessential girlie-girl.  Cuddler. Kisser. Dancer.   Music in Her Soul, Her Bones,  Her Spirit. Messy. Loud.  Screamer. Whiner. Crier.  Wants to Be Carried. Lover. Back Rubber. Generous.  Alpha.  Make-Believer.  Tightest Hugger. Hair that forms massive dreads about two hours after brushing.

Likes:
Lucy, Frankie, Sadie and Maggie (our dogs), Things in my room. Princess things. Mama’s High Heels.  Barbies.  Going on a Bear Hunt. The Treat Table at Fresh-n- Easy.  Caesar Salad and Carrot Cake at Paradise Bakery. My Soft Princess Blanket. Dress Up. Playing House.  Cherry Tomatoes. Rice. Lemon Cake. Chai Tea with Honey. Dresses and Skirts and Sparkly Shoes. Pink, Red and Purple.  Dora and Sponge Bob.

Then she said “Actually, I love everything in the world, and I’m going to steal it all!” followed by peals of maniacal laughter.

Dislike:
Boy stuff. Cooked Tomatoes. Sticky Stuff on my Hands*. Green.  Jeans and Leggings. Tennis Shoes. Boy TV. Spiderman. Tracing Letters at School.

*She can’t eat without a wet cloth napkin, and she wipes her hands after every bite.

Good At:
Tracing Letters. Making Art for Mommy. Painting with Mary. Makeup.  Writing My Name. Helping Mommy and Mary Do Laundry.  Helping Mommy Bake.  Eating All My Food.

Not so good at:
Cleaning My Room. Putting On Socks.

Dream Of:
Being a Mommy. Growing Up. Doing work.  Pushing Buttons on the Computer. Being a Princess.  Having lots of Money in My Flower Bank.

Wish I could:
Fly a Unicorn. Turn things into pretty.  Make everything beautiful.  Have a rule where you can eat whatever you want.

Sweet girl – you turn things into pretty wherever you go.  I love you.

People say you should avoid mixing business and friendship. That there is room for tension and expectations that can make both sides of the equation problematic.  It’s probably good advice, based on oodles of collected wisdom.  But I’m glad I didn’t listen.  In my experience – bringing together business, passion, and friendships creates a space for some serious magic-making.

I try to approach all my clients in such a way that we develop life-long relationships.  I love to photograph a baby over the course of her first year, or to watch a bride and groom travel down the path of parenthood for the first time.  Capturing the lives of my clients as their families grow and change is just one of the many things that makes this job way cooler than anything else I can imagine doing.  Seriously, being a family, child and baby photographer is a damn cool gig indeed.

But when the people who hire me are also dear friends – seriously folks – it’s all just that much sweeter.

Yesterday Phoebe and Tamara came by for a visit, and I got to see just how much their babies have grown.  Little Naomi has turned into the most smiley, drooly bundle of beauty.  Asher – having never been little – is now one seriously big boy.  He is crawling, pulling up and looking for the world like he’s going to be an early walker.

I had no intention of taking any photos, but then I happened to catch a glimpse of the four of them standing out in my yard, and I just had to run for my camera.  Can you blame me?

Valentines Day has come and gone, but LOVE is definitely still in the air!

Did you recently ask the girl (or boy) of your dreams to marry you and want the world to join you on cloud nine?  Did you just get engaged and are beaming with pride over the shiny ring on your finger?  Want to flaunt it some more? In honor of all the love Jeanette LeBlanc Photography is holding a contest for you newly engaged love birds.

What do you get for flaunting that shiny ring? The winner will receive a full engagement session and a $100 print credit ($400 value). In addition the winners of each local Flaunt Your Rock contest will be placed in a national contest to win a grand prize worth more than $450. The grand prize includes custom invites from Paper and Ink Studio, a wedding cake topper from Goose Grease, a custom clutch from Clutch That and a wedding accessory from Little White Chapel Accessories!

Of course, if you know me, you’ll know I like to throw my own little twist into everything.  So let’s be totally clear:

This contest is:

• All about creativity.  You’re gonna have to think outside the box and show me your personality.  You get two images and 140 characters to set yourself apart, so work it – you fabulous lovebirds, you.
• Totally inclusive – younger couples, older couples, second time around couples, same sex couples, tattooed and mohawk-ed couples, sit on the couch and watch reality TV couples…all are welcome and encouraged to enter.

This contest is not:

• About who has the biggest, shiniest or most expensive ring.  If you got your engagement ring from a gumball machine but you can show it off in your own divine style – you just might win.

What You Gotta Do:

• Fill out the entry form completely and send it in with all required information on or before midnight March 5^th, 2010. (Engaged Couples Only)
• Submit : One photograph of your ring & one photograph of yourselves*.  Have fun with this.  You can certainly submit the cheesy headshot from your Great Aunt Edna’s 65^th birthday party, but I’ll give you extra points if you get creative with it.  Images don’t have to be perfect, and they don’t need to be taken with a fancy camera (rock your iphone if you wanna).  Just be you, and I’m sure to fall in love.
• Tell me your love story, Twitter style.  I’ve given you a whole 140 characters with which to share your happily ever after.  Choose your words wisely.  Write in rhyme if you want.  Or in French.  Just be sincere, and I promise I’ll be impressed.
• Encourage all of your friends and family to vote for you. Facebook it.  Tweet it.  Send snail mail post cards to your entire graduating class.  The ring with the most votes wins!

*please do not submit images taken by another professional photographer.  You must own full rights to all submitted photographs.  Images taken by a professional photographer will be disqualified.

All submissions must be received by midnight March 5th, 2010.

The Fine Print:
The contest winner will be determined by public vote.  Although there are many different voting methods available, public vote was determined to be the best option for this contest.  If this option is not a good fit for you, we respectfully accept your decision to decline participation.  We will also actively monitor IP addresses and voting participation to ensure fair and reliable results.  We reserve the right to disqualify any entry or vote that appears to be suspicious.

All participants must agree to sign a model release allowing images to be displayed on Jeanette LeBlanc Photography’s blog. Winning participants must sign a release allowing images taken by Jeanette LeBlanc Photography to be displayed on web site, blog, Facebook and print advertising sources. Participants must also agree to all standard Terms & Conditions of Jeanette LeBlanc Photography

Regular session terms and conditions apply.

We require an electronically marked consent that you are entering this contest voluntarily and that Jeanette LeBlanc Photography is not promising any winnings or other compensation for participation.

Entries will be judged by a panel of photographers who will narrow down the selection to 3 rings. The finalists will be posted on Jeanette LeBlanc’s blog and the winner will be chosen via a public voting poll. Voting will occur between March 7-March 13, 2010. There are specific rules around voting that will be clarified during the voting round of the contest.

Winners will be announced on March 15th, 2010. Winning session must take place between March 22-May 1st.

Session will take place within metropolitan Phoenix.  Travel outside of the immediate Phoenix area will be subject to additional travel fees.

Don’t live in the Phoenix area? Have friends across the country? Check out these photographers who have Flaunt Your Rock contests running in other cities!

UNITED STATES

Boise, Idaho: Lucid Deisgn and Photo
Boston, Massachusetts: Helen Makadia Photography
Denver, Colorado: Keri Doolittle Photography
Columbia, Missouri: Ashley Turner Photography
Seattle, Washington: Susan of Whimsical Photo Design
Philadelphia and Main Line, Pennsylvania: April Ziegler Photography
Grand Rapids, Michigan: K. Holly Studios
Spokane, Washington: Cameron Glass Photography
Phoenix, Arizona: Jeanette LeBlanc Photography
Ft. Smith, Arkansas: Beaty Photography
San Jose, California: V and J Photography
Tampa/St. Petersburg: Stephanie Smith Photography

CANADA

Edmonton/Vancouver Canada: Jen Williams Photographer
Fort McMurray/Northern Alberta: Leslie Brown Photography
Powell River BC/Vancouver Island: Jennifer Kennedy
Central Interior, BC: Andrea Blair Photography
Langley, BC: Cathy Empey Photography

~~~~

Whew! Now that all of that is over, click on this link to enter the  Flaunt Your Rock Contest!

It was such a delightful surprise to discover that the lovely Angela of Swatchbook Weddings – a Phoenix-based wedding invitation design firm -  had featured my bridal shoot at the amazing Phoenix wedding venue the Boojum Tree on her  blog.

We connected on Twitter and Facebook and then discovered, by total coincidence, that we already had clients in common.  Angela just happened to be the designer Andrea and Andrew had chosen for their beautiful yellow, white and grey wedding invitations.

Here is a closer look at the fabulous invitations:

Make sure you add the Swatchbook Weddings blog to your RSS reader – Angela posts all kinds of inspiration, from jewelry to makeup to photography – not to mention samples of her amazing designs – and my favorite feature Tuesday Shoes-day (seriously – check out this weeks shoes.  I’m not getting married, but I so need those)!

Haiti.

Most of us were blessedly untouched by the earthquake, at least physically.   In every real way, our lives continue on as usual.  But in the days and weeks following this disaster, we’ve all been shaken by the images and stories and heartache that have traveled back to us.  We sat in horror trying to take in the magnitude of the damage, we cried for the loss, we texted the Red Cross with our donations.  At some point during it all we felt totally, utterly and completely helpless.

In the face of such devastation, we are reminded of just how small we are.  We feel inadequate to the task at hand.  How could we possibly make any sort of real difference when the reality of today is unfathomable, and the road ahead holds challenges beyond our comprehension?  What small gifts could we offer that would make any real difference?

We forget in those moments, that real difference is made moment by moment, dollar by dollar, person by person.  We don’t need a zillion dollars in the bank account.  It’s okay that we can’t hop down there to rebuild the country brick by brick.  All we need is our hearts, and our talents, and people with vision to bring it all together.

To Haiti with Love is  an online auction of art, photography, papercrafts, clothing, and creative goods. All proceeds will go direct to the St. Joseph’s Family of homes for children in Haiti.  This weeklong fundraising event is curated and managed by visual artist René Joshi Sims of fruityfantastica and author Kate Inglis of sweet | salty.

Go and see what magic these two have pulled together; beautiful artwork, and books and gifts from profoundly talented individuals.  Remember to look beyond the items themselves, and know that every single one of those postings is really just about love, about heart, and about a belief that we all have it within us to make a difference.  The magic of what Kate and Rene have really created is the way they have nurtured this reality for all of us.  Our contributions matter.  Our offerings change the world.

My donation, ‘being exquisite’ -an 11×14 print from my series of desert images -  is both small and humbly offered.  It, on its own, won’t bring in a million dollars, rebuild a school, or change the course of Haiti’s future.   But I am mistaken if I believe it is inadequate or meaningless.

All things done in the spirit of hope are bursting with meaning and potential.

{So go, peruse the offerings and bid on something that catches your fancy.  Change the world today, the way only you can.}

Fierce.

That’s one word to describe Rebeka.  Totally, awesomely, awe-inspiringly fierce (all that, and she’s also as sweet as can be).

Fierce+sweet+total fashionista+urban decay=it doesn’t get much better than this.

Just a preview for now, my sweets.  Much more fabulous-ness in store later.

{scroll down, or click here for Part 1}

I got the sweetest email from Andrea after the last post, saying the first post of photos from her engagement photography session made her cry at work.  I told her not to worry; there was a dang good chance I’d make it up to her by crying at her wedding.

Honestly, I probably will.  Yes, I’m the worse kind of cliche – the wedding photographer who will cry at your wedding.

Sometimes I get misty during the first look, other times I’m overcome by the emotion behind the vows.  If you, your mother or your cousin Eileen happen to cry – at any point and for any reason – I’m almost certainly a goner.   There is almost no chance I’ll make it through the father-daughter dance dry eyed (I admit it; I have a soft spot for Butterfly Kisses).   Seriously, I’m a huge sap and I’m not afraid to admit it.  However,  I have persevered and I can now shoot straight through a veil of tears (patting myself on the back for this one – it’s not easy).

Andrea and Andrew – I hereby promise not to turn into a blubbering mess on your big day.  I’ll keep it together.  But when a couple loves each other with emotion this sweet and true – it’s awfully hard not to feel it too.

~~~

We headed to my favorite phoenix junkyard to find some urban texture.  There’s nothing like rusted metal to get my muse inspired.

I love these next ones so much because they clearly show just how much fun these two are!

And then these ones give you a hint of their romantic side….

Eegads, isn’t this building amazing?  Every time I go to this place I find something new.

This one has a total silver screen, movie star look to me…the next Bogie and Bacall…  My favorite engagement photo ever!

Andrew went back to the car to change, so I took the opportunity to snap these pics of the lovely Andrea.  Honestly folks, next to no editing on these  – her skin really is that perfect!

We even found some bales of hay – and Andrea had the perfect shirt to get a little country!

The way every good fairy tale photoshoot ends – they walk off into the sunset together….

Okay, you see now why these two deserved two whole blog posts?!

Somedays (like this one!) I swear that engagement photography sessions are my absolute favorite….I mean, with a urban backdrop like this and a couple as beautiful as Andrea and Andrew…how could I not be inspired?!

FYI:  A² are getting married at the amazing North Scottsdale wedding venue Sassi.  I got to check it out with the couple a few weeks back when they went for their tasting appointment, and it is going to be truly stunning.  So many possibilities for amazing photographs – I get giddy just thinking about it!  If you are looking for a great Phoenix wedding venue, you should definitely add Sassi to your list.

Dirtbags. It doesn’t sound like the name of a place where you’re likely to meet the love of your life, does it?  Yet sometimes unexpected things happen in unexpected places.

It was Andrew’s senior year of college.  After a few years of single fun and living abroad, he decided it was time for a serious girlfriend.  Still, when he headed out to the bar that night he wasn’t planning on finding his future wife.  He was going out for a drink, not planning a wedding.

But then he saw Andrea and somehow, in that first moment, he just knew.

With her long blonde hair and beautiful smile, she was undeniably gorgeous – but there was something more that really captured Andrew’s attention.  Despite her petite stature, she exuded an easy confidence that intimidated his friends.  Andrew was captivated.

Before meeting Andrew, Andrea had her eyes set on a semester of stress free single living.  After a busy term as president of her sorority, Andrea was ready to take it easy.  But sometimes fate steps in – in the form of a round of drinks and a gentlemanly kiss on the cheek in a bar with an unlikely name – and plans change.

When Andrew was ready to propose, he knew it had to be special.  He took Andrea for an early birthday treat – dinner at  The Royal Palms.  He left nothing to chance; even her outfit was taken care of.  Just after he popped the question, her two best friends (flown in from out-of-town and waiting in the wings) ran in with champagne.  Amazing enough, but Andrew didn’t stop there.  He followed the proposal with an engagement party for 30 of their closest friends and family, including Andrea’s sister Kate, who had traveled from St. Louis to Phoenix just to be a part of the night.  The evening was overwhelming, an emotional blur, a high of family and friendship and amazing, once in a lifetime love.

He loves her sarcasm and wit.  She loves his inherent goodness and knows that he makes her a better person.  Andrea says Andrew pushes her to pursue her dreams, supports her choices and is her biggest fan.  Andrew knows that Andrea’s patience and understanding have been the glue that has held their relationship together (and he’s quick to add that her sexy face and butt don’t hurt either).  As a couple they are the best bad dancers on the dance floor, and have built a partnership that continues to get stronger with time.

From Dirtbags to Soul Mates.  Works for me.

Andrew and Andrea – I am so glad you chose me to capture your love and to be present as you speak the vows that join your life together.  You are both beautiful people, inside and out, but it’s your infectious (and sometimes goofy) energy and love of life and of each other that make you shine.  I hope you enjoy the images we captured at your engagement photography session and  I cannot wait for your wedding day!

(Oh, I got a little carried away choosing images for this post, so I’m gonna have to do this in two parts!)

~~~

Andrea and Andrew are wine connoisseurs, so we began their engagement photography session by heading to Bomberos. Bomberos is an awesome Phoenix wine bar (you have to try their bruschettas and paninis) with an fantastic outdoor patio.  Because it was early Sunday afternoon – right before close – we had the place to ourselves.

(Andrea is wearing the outfit she wore the night she got engaged – love it!  Such a fabulous, fashionable couple!  And the yellow heels?  I die!  If it were not considered poor form to steal clothing from your clients, I totally would have made off with the shoes!)

When the restaurant closed we headed downtown, in search of texture and color.  Nothing says love to me like urban decay!

Stay tuned later this week for even more images from this fabulous engagement photo session…next up – my favorite junkyard!

Sarah contacted me last fall from her home in Seattle.  She was planning a business trip/family vacation to Phoenix, and hoped to take advantage of our amazing fall weather to schedule a family photography session.

Pre-session planning and solid photographer-client communication are incredibly important to the outcome of a lifestyle photography session.  This time, an in-person consult was obviously out of the question, so we used technology to our best advantage.  Telephone, email and the iPhone camera made it easy to finalize all of the logistics and get ready for the session – even from hundreds of miles away.

Sarah was a fantastic client.  She was familiar with my work and my style, and knew it was exactly what she wanted.  She had a clear vision of what she hoped for in terms of location and image options, and was open to all my feedback and suggestions.  Best of all, she understood the impact that clothing choice would have on her finished photographic artwork.

She began by sending me snapshots of her kids and telling me a little about each girl, and about their family.  I love it when clients do this – it gives me a sense of who they are and helps me relate to them on the day of the shoot.  With children especially, this can make such a difference.

We talked in-depth about location options before settling on the beautiful Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza.  Not only is it a fantastic location with many possibilities for a variety of images, but it was convenient to their resort.   Perfect!

Finally, we discussed clothing.  Sarah took the time to lay out several options and send me quick snapshots on her iPhone to get my opinion.  After we settled on the fantastic dress she chose for her youngest daughter, it was easy to pull together options for the rest of the family – and she did an amazing job at selecting great looking, stylish, comfortable clothing for the entire family.

Are they not the most beautiful family?