Blackbird Photography

Welcome to the world, baby Jude!

A rare one for me: an in-home newborn session! What a joy to photograph my perfect new nephew, Jude.

Inspiration for a photographer is a funny thing. Recent sources of inspiration for me: approximately one million posts from the other photographers I follow. Walking past a string of patio lights in the dark. A gorgeous flowering tree at the park. A creek that I frequently drive past during golden hour. There’s always something out there that I can look at and think, “what could I do with that?” And of course, every bucket or basket that I pass, I consider whether it could fit a newborn for a photo!

I was thinking recently about running some ideas on “tips to make your session go smoothly,” and the first tip I have may seem obvious: Let your kids be kids! Don’t get me wrong, I love a great posed photo with everyone looking at the camera and smiling. I make sure to get those photos at every session. But we can usually have a better chance at getting that photo if we let the kids play a little bit first. At this session, the kids had a great time following butterflies—and then were ready to settle a bit and get some more great photos! Photos are great for capturing a moment in time—and if that moment involves your kids rolling around like a pile of puppies, it just shows real life. Go with it—let me capture your kids as they are!

New dress available in the client closet, and it brings allllll the gorgeousness! Love this one!
Booking summer and fall maternity sessions now—reach out today! All maternity sessions include access to my client closet with over 20 dresses.

Emery! Born at 30 weeks, she spent 8 weeks in the NICU and finally went home yesterday! Congratulations to Emery and her family.
Photographed through my NICU Family Sessions program, which provides a gifted photo session to families who have had an extended NICU stay. Photos can be done in the NICU, in my studio after discharge from the hospital, or outdoors. Reach out today for more information!

the sweetest big brother….

I'm booking summer newborn sessions now!

Gallery delivery day for Luana and Luke! Can't wait to meet baby Jude in a few short weeks!

Gallery delivery day!

My husband makes an excellent maternity model when I scout locations!

Mothers' Day is this Sunday! A photo session makes an excellent gift--just a thought! Gift cards are available--I only have two spots left for these sessions so message me ASAP!

We cannot wait to welcome baby Jude into our family!

A special session today in Ohio for my sweet sister in law—delighted to photograph her at 35 weeks pregnant! She took this of me afterwards.

Today is International Bereaved Mothers' Day. Sending a little love to my loss families out there. As many of you know I am a photographer and area coordinator with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, an organization that gifts professional photography sessions to families suffering a perinatal loss. I joined the organization 5 years ago, and have worked with about 60 families.
I was talking to my therapist recently, wondering how she manages to be witness to so many people's inner pain without being overwhelmed by it. She told me that she looks for the resilience in people, and focuses on that--on how they manage to keep going, even in the face of horrible pain.
I have a shadowbox near my desk with a feather representing every baby I've photographed through NILMDTS. It reminds me that when things feel dark, when the photography is hard and sad and overwhelming--that I'm able to provide a little bit of light in a very, very hard situation.

it's time!
I did my very first photo session in February 2015. I was so unprepared that I literally carried my camera (an old Canon Rebel T3) in my daughter's preschool backpack! And yet--the session actually went smoothly (despite the stink eye this little guy gave me). It gave me the confidence to keep trying and learning. 9 years later, I have an actual camera bag! And an amazing set of gear! I love what I do everyday; I'm so grateful to my first client who took a chance on a brand new photographer!

One of my favorite quotes.

Currently loving the vibrant colors of Highland Park!

Why hire a professional photographer?
The cameras on phones right now are amazing! Even I rarely carry my "big camera" with me when I'm out and about, because for day to day photos, my phone camera is enough. But for those special photos, its so worth hiring a pro. Here's why:
1. I don't know about you, but my kids are certainly more cooperative when it is someone other than mom/dad telling them what to do!
2. It's a lot easier to hire a photographer than to fight with self timers and tripods.
3. I have everything you need: backdrops, props, lighting, baby outfits, wraps, maternity gowns, etc.
4. Editing! Taking the photo is only part of the battle—I have the software and experience to edit out skin issues, move a smile from one photo to another, tweak lighting and colors, and more.
I'm including a little sample from a session a few years ago—Mason's mom took the top photo, i took the bottom. See the difference?

Sometimes in business we make mistakes, and I'm about to own up to one of mine: my pricing structure! About a year ago, I started splitting up session pricing—a newborn session that included the whole family was more expensive than a "just the baby" session. On paper this made sense—more people/more work. But I was thinking recently about why I got into photography: I love capturing connection. So why was I charging more for sessions that showed people connecting?? Honestly—it's because thats what I was told was "the right way" to do business. Do more effort, make more money.
But! This is my business! I don't have to listen to strangers on the internet!
So with that in mind, I'm changing up that structure. Newborn sessions will all include family posing. Maternity sessions—your family is welcome! Milestones? Let's get everyone in there!
Connection is just so important. Let's get back to the basics and show how your family connects!

Hi! I’m Jen, the photographer behind the camera at Blackbird Photography. It's been a little while since I've done an "about me," so let me introduce myself! A little background on me: I took several photography classes in high school and college, and then dropped it all to become a nurse. I was an ICU nurse for several years before deciding to pursue my dreams of photography, and I’m so glad that I did. It’s been an absolutely amazing experience and I am always looking towards the future--more education, more personal growth, and more beautiful families to photograph.
I’m a mama to teenage twins. I remember when I was pregnant, I was beginning to think about how I wanted to remember the early years of my kids’ lives. We started taking weekly “belly photos,” and I was getting ready to schedule maternity photos when I unexpectedly went into labor. Ethan and Alex were born at 26 weeks, and suddenly capturing all of those precious photos became urgent. We didn’t know what our NICU outcome would be, so we took hundreds of photos. These photos hold some amazing memories--the first time I held each of my babies, their first time holding hands, the day they finally came home… I can’t even tell you how important these photos are. Now, I love to provide families with the photos that tell their story--all about the little smiles, the snuggles, and the love that shows through the camera.
Thank you for following my page. I can’t wait to meet your family!

I take tons of photos of my kids, but how often do I manage to get in the photo with them? With that in mind, I'm now offering two days of "…and me" mini sessions. Perfect for parents, grandparents, or any other special people in your life. There will be two dates offered: April 28th and May 25th, with only 4 sessions on each day.
Booking now for both dates. Gift certificates available!

The park is ready! I have openings next week on Monday, Thursday, and Friday!

Birthday kids and cake—a perfect match!

Theo was absolutely amazing for his photo session—I couldn't wait to get home and start working on the photos! (click for whole image)

Let's start trying for those Spring Minis! I have Monday and Tuesday evening available. Session time is 6PM at Highland Park. Reach out ASAP!

Come on, Spring!! I want to do Spring Minis! Highland Park is almost ready—now let’s get some warmer days!

New items in the client closet! All of my maternity sessions include access to my extensive collection of dresses, tops/skirts, and tossing fabric. I love to schedule maternity sessions around the 30th-35th week of pregnancy—book today! Multiple package options available!

Spring is coming! Almost here! As soon as Highland Park blooms, I'll be there—join me! These sessions went fast last year so book now—we'll figure out the exact dates when we see flowers!

Penny is patiently waiting for her baby sister!

When your goodest girl is THIS good, of course she can come to your maternity session!