I release this blog on a Thursday because it is perfect for throwback.

My friendship with Jackie goes back to a long way. Her daughter Haylie and my daughter Sammi were at the same daycare. They were also in the same dance class. I remember those cute little bunny costumes. Years later, both families expand with more kids. I started my photography business around the same time Jackie started her crafting business, and we soon formed great collaborations. Haylie and her younger brother Charlie did a wonderful fantasy model call for me. This mermaid meets fisherman image attracted lots of new clients in the early stage of my business.

Haylie also modeled a tutu outfit for me.

I had the honor to be their family photographer two years in a row. The family loves outdoors. Last year’s session was at a local park and this year at the beautiful Lavallette Beach.  Wonder how much has changed in a year? Let us take a look:

Their favorite family activity would probably be going crabbing together. It’s something outdoors that they all love to do. Funny enough, they barely even eat seafood- it’s just a fun way to get out and do something together. “In the sun and right by the beach!!!!”

Perhaps the biggest change I have noticed as a photographer would be how much Charlie, now 4, has grown. I remember it was quite some work trying to get his attention and stay focused during the family session last year. But this year, he poses for me, smiles for me, so great to work with!

This handsome little fellow recently started a karate/martial arts class and it is his favorite place to be. He’s already earned his orange belt!

Haylie LOVES gymnastics. The conditioning, the never ending practices, anything and everything leading up to the meets, she loves it all! Her team is more like her second family now.

Kaylee enjoys playing softball in the spring, and takes a gymnastics class as well.

 

 

 

 

Jackie loves being a full-time mom and being able to work from home. Her craft business has come a lot further than she ever imagined! And in her spare time she enjoys couponing, and has a fabulous stockpile closet! Click here to visit Crafts by Jackie’s Facebook page.

 

Chuck is a huge Green Bay Packers fan.. as well as a fan of his family.

When preparing for their photo sessions, Jackie always try to go with a color scheme. She wants them to match, but not too “matchy”. Once they pick their location, and date – she starts the search! With the pictures usually being done in spring/summer, it works out perfect that she can find some lightweight, fun colors. This year the family did a pretty teal/aqua color with white. – For the girls, they had clothing from Abercrombie Kids, with Charlie’s clothing from Target. The year before, they chose a dark blue, and did the same thing. They found a couple cute things that matched, and it all worked out! They typically stick to colors in the blue family. It matches their décor in the family room for when they get their pictures made!

Here are some tips from Jackie when preparing a family session:

“Number one, with small children – ALWAYS have a back up outfit. As well as wipes, and maybe even a stain marker/ Not even having pulled out of the driveway on the way to our beach photo shoot, my son somehow ended up covered in chocolate. I still don’t even know where the chocolate came from!!! Also, bring some snacks/drinks (non messy ones) in case you have to encourage (bribe) your children to continue smiling for all the photos!!!

Also, don’t stress it. Don’t overthink it. Go into it having fun, and your photos will come out better than you would’ve thought possible!”

“The only worry I ever had with Karen before our session, was the weather!! Last year’s photos, it was supposed to be a cloudy/miserable day and I remember worrying our photos wouldn’t come out great. After keeping in close contact with Karen monitoring the weather, we both wanted to continue with them anyway! And I am so happy we did! The photos were AMAZING. The weather wasn’t too hot and humid. It was the perfect weather for a photo shoot!!!”

“Working with Karen, doesn’t even feel like a photo session! She goes above and beyond to check out locations, that will be great shots, as well as fun for the family. It’s hard to entertain a little kid (plus the older siblings), but I love that it’s always done at a place that brings them joy. Between a park setting, as well as an outdoor beach session- she found places that had jungle gyms, and let the kids run free to take breaks! While at the same time getting photos of the kids just being themselves!”

From MuSen: I truly enjoy photographing Jackie’s family. This year’s beach sunset session was done in a playdate format. Both families had so much fun at the beach. What a wonderful memory!

MuSen’s surprise for Jackie’s family: a moving portrait!

 

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To find out what Jackie thinks about MuSen? Click here.