Thursday, December 18, 2008

MOVING DAY!!!

I am so excited to say that my new blogsite is up, so I will no longer be posting on here. Please update your bookmarks. I will be posting on: www.jessicawatsonphotography.com.

Thank you, and I hope to see you there! :)

~Jessica

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Home from surgery.

I'm home from surgery, and everything went great. I'm actually able to walk pretty well, but am taking meds for the pain, and have to rest for a few days. I will be able to fulfill orders starting tomorrow or Thursday. Thank you, everyone, for your e-mails, texts, and well wishes, I really appreciate it. I have to especially thank Diane for watching my boys today, and finishing up my housework. I really don't know what I would have done without you and Angela, you both have been so amazing to us, thank you. :)

Hope everyone is staying safe and warm!

~Jessica

Friday, December 12, 2008

Another WPJA win!

An image from Lula & David's wedding placed 16th in the emotion category of the latest WPJA contest. I loved this image, and was really hoping it would place. The woman in the back is the officiant.


I think this one from Lanisha & Tyler's wedding should have placed, too. Oh, well, I guess I'll have to live with just one winning image. lol


Thanks for being such awesome clients that win me awards! :)

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Surgery it is.

Well, after many weeks of physical therapy, the Dr. has decided to do surgery on my knee. The physical therapy definitely helped with my patella tendinitis, but not with my meniscus tear. They would have done surgery before, but the Dr. said my pain was coming from something else (the tendinitis), but once that went away, I could feel the meniscus tear and my physical therapist sent me back to the Dr.

So, the surgery is Tuesday morning, and I really don't know yet how long it will take to recover. They say I'll be able to walk on it that day, but that people don't go back to a desk job for a week or so, or an active job for several weeks. I've been working with knee pain since July, so I'm sure the surgery won't slow me down for long (hopefully).

In the meantime, I'm doing whatever I can to get albums ready, orders sent, and editing finished (oh, and a little house cleaning and xmas shopping done) before then. I will be checking my e-mail, and Spencer will fulfill orders if I cannot. I just won't be doing any shoots for a couple weeks.

Thank you for your patience an support!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Holiday Bunny

Look what I got to play with in the studio today! A couple from waaay back came in for a holiday portrait session, and brought their bunny. He was so sweet! They were ok, too. ;) lol



~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

4 More Days!

Only 4 days left to purchase a Finao Elements mini-album for yourself or a family member in time for the holidays. I recently discovered this album company, and everyone who has seen my sample albums have loooved them. In fact, I currently have six 4x6 and 5x7 Finao Elements albums sitting on my desk waiting to get put together. If you think you'd like to purchase an album of your engagement, wedding, bridal, portrait, or day after session images as a gift, let me know, and I'll send you the pricing information. I do have all of the swatches for the cover materials, as well as sample albums, if you'd like to see them first. If you order them by December 6th, you are guaranteed your order will show up before the holidays.

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Studio Update/Out of the Office

The studio is coming along...slowly, but since the flooring was put in, I think it'll go faster now. Here are a few pics I took after my friend, Lisa's, maternity session.

I'm going to be enjoying this Thanksgiving weekend with my family, and will be back in the office, returning calls and e-mails, on Monday.

The client meeting area with a kids corner...



The entrance...


The entrance hallway will be turned into a small art gallery...


With my back to the door...


My back up against the storage closet...


The view from the other end...



Have a safe and happy holiday!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Monday, November 24, 2008

A fresh start?

I was ready to do something drastic, but my hair stylist and I decided not to freak Spencer and Noah out. So, I compromised, and am going to ease into a new style. Spencer did a mini-session in our front yard...





~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Thursday, November 20, 2008

A fresh start.

Although surgery still isn't off the table, my knee is doing a lot better since starting physical therapy in October. We're about half way done setting up the studio, and my new website complete with a new logo, should be unveiled soon. I feel like with all of this new and exciting stuff happening, I should also do something drastic to myself. So, I made a hair appointment for Saturday, and I'm considering a whole new look. Ok, maybe a new hairdo isn't something "drastic", but it kind of is to a girl! I've had long hair for several years now, and have never dyed my hair, but I feel like I've grown so much in the last couple years, and I think a new hairdo would be the next step. I've gained a few pounds since my knee injury, and I'd like to feel good about myself again. Maybe a cute new haircut would motivate me to lose those 10-15 pounds I want to get rid of. I don't know how Spencer would feel. What do you think??

~Jessica

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Shannon's Bridal Session ~ Sneak Peek

Shannon and Mike are getting married early next month in the Virgin Islands, and Shannon decided to do a surprise bridal session for her mom who has been asking her to do one. One of the first things she said to me was how nervous she was because she didn't like being in front of the camera, but she loosed up, and had we some fun. I really really wish more brides would do bridal sessions. I usually only get about 5 minutes with the bride alone on her wedding day, but I could get so many more creative, awesome photos at a bridal session. I'll blog the rest of Shannon's session later. I just wanted to give a sneak peek because there may just be enough time to book me a ticket to shoot the wedding! ;)

The weather was beautiful today, so we were able to walk around McMenamin's Edgefield. Here are just a few of my faves...


LOVE this one!


And this one...


So dreamy...



Shannon, I hope you and Mike have a wonderful wedding. Thank you for trusting me and letting me get creative with the session. I can't wait to do a day after session when you return!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Gracie is 3 months!

I'm heading out to go shopping for the studio, but wanted to share a quick photo of Gracie's 3 month session today. She was such a sweetie, and I can't wait to do her 6 month session!


~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Moving Day!

We finally got the keys to the studio last night! I'm so anxious and excited to start setting it up, but mostly to start doing some portraits in there. I'll try to blog some pictures as we're setting it up so you can see the transformation.

Anyway, I'm off to shoot a family session, then going out to look at some flooring for the studio, and this evening we're having Noah's 9th birthday party at our house. Tomorrow will be just as busy with a bridal session, then a portrait session, and even more shopping for the studio.

Have a great weekend!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Yes We Did.

Congratulations President Elect, Barack Obama!



Taken from Jesh de Rox's blog.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!



We're just getting the boys ready to go trick-or-treating. I hope the rain stays away! I'm also looking forward to former clients now friends, Eowyn & Greg's Halloween party tomorrow night. Then Sunday Spencer's band is playing a show at Ash St. Saloon!

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Have you voted yet??

I got this video in an e-mail today from MoveOn.org...I'm sooo glad I voted already! Have you? If not, maybe they'll substitute my name for yours.



I wasn't going to blog anything partisan, but this video was just too good not to post. So, vote by next Tuesday. Even if you disagree with me, your voice should be heard.

~Jessica

Monday, October 27, 2008

Margot & Jon ~ Sneak Peek

Margot and Jon booked without meeting me, so it was nice to get to go have lunch with them and their parents before shooting their engagement session. Margot's parents live on Sauvie Island, and so we walked to Krueger's Farm having fun and enjoying the beautiful Fall colors.

Here's one of my favorites, but there are more to come!

Btw, I used Spencer's new 16-35mm 2.8L lens a lot for this shoot. I think I will be stealing it more often! ;)


Margot and Jon, thank you so much for spending the afternoon with me. And, a huge thank you to Margot's mom, Molly, for such a wonderful lunch! I can't wait to see you all again next August!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Don't forget to check your junk mail!

I've posted this before, but wanted to mention it again for people just finding me. I get a good number of people calling me or e-mailing a second time telling me they never received an e-mail from me, but when I tell them to check their junk mail, they find my response to them. If I don't have a phone number for you, then I can only e-mail, so, depending on your security settings, you may have to look through your junk mail for my e-mails. This seems to happen the most with people using Hotmail, btw.

Anyway, hope you're having a great week!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Monday, October 20, 2008

No pictures this time!

For the first time in over 4 years I attended a wedding. Just attended it, and I didn't even bring a camera...EEK! It felt very strange, and I was pretty anxious but also excited, and it was nice to be able to sit and enjoy a ceremony for once. I did know the DJ, so I talked with him some, and he kept teasing me for asking him when things were going to happen at the reception. If someone sends me any pictures of my friend, Laura, and me dancing, I'll post them for some laughs.

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

My day at summer camp!

I swear, there is a reason I haven't been posting much lately! Jeanne & Mark had their wedding at Camp Namanu. I was sure the weather would be crummy, since it had been all week, but the clouds parted and the sun came out (although it was still pretty cold!). Jeanne was such a sweet bride. If all brides were as calm and sweet as she is, the term "bridezilla" would never even exist. (Not that I've ever had a "bridezilla", but some people do get a little more stressed than others...and I'll leave it at that. ;) )

Anyway, here are just a couple of my faves from the day. I'll post more later!

Being in the cabin made me feel like a kid again...except this time the camp counselor didn't play favorites and left me out! lol



Jeanne was smart. She saved money by purchasing the flowers online, but had someone else (her dad!) put them together. I had to get one shot of the girls with their muddy shoes and boots. I'm glad Jeanne told me to bring rain gear, because my boots came in handy, too! (they did wear heels for the ceremony, though)


The flower girl was so cute. She was too shy to unload her basket of petals when she walked down the aisle, but had fun with them during the ceremony...


Jeanne and Mark were both so sweet and patient during the bride and groom session, which made it so much fun for all of us, and we got some cool shots around the camp!


Thanks for looking!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Exciting News!

I mentioned earlier we had some cool stuff coming up, and I'm sooo excited to finally say that today we signed a lease for a studio! The building is in SE Portland, on the corner of SE Water and Taylor. In the same building as Olio United, and across the street from Clarklewis. I will still mostly be shooting on location, or around the studio (because there are so many cool spots around there!), but it'll allow me to shoot anytime if needed, shoot things like boudoir and maternity sessions indoors, as well as give me a place to meet with clients. It will be kid friendly, too, but more on that later. Spencer will also be doing more portraits and bands there. We don't get to move in until November 1st, but stay tuned for specials, and an open house invitation once it's all set up! I can't wait!!


Thank you to all my wonderful clients who have made this possible. I'm so excited to show you all the amazing things we have planned for you! Also, the studio isn't the only cool new thing, but I'll let the awesomeness of this sink in before I throw another curve-ball at you. ;)

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

I'm Back!

I got back from Lancaster, PA yesterday, and now I'm trying to get caught up on orders and e-mails. I made lots of cool friends that I miss already, and ate way too much food that I'll have to work off, so all in all it was a good trip! Unfortunately, today I'm going to get an MRI done because my knee is still bothering me. My regular Dr. said that if it comes back abnormal I'll have to see a knee specialist, but even if it comes back normal he'll put me through physical therapy. I just want it to heal so I can work out again!

EDIT: My Dr. called today already and said that I tore my meniscus, and I have an appointment to see a knee specialist on Monday. :( I hope I don't have to have surgery!

I obviously have a lot more to post, but here's one from Sherry & Bryan's wedding at Lauxmont Farms in PA! Isn't she just gorgeous!



~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

A random post before I go

I found my old picture album awhile back when I was organizing my closet, but never got around to posting a few images I had scanned in. I stumbled across them on my computer and figured, why not? lol Here are a few of me when I was little!

Btw, I am just about to leave for the airport to go to Pennsylvania until Monday. I will have e-mail and phone access after tomorrow morning, but will not be able to submit any orders until I get back.

The beautiful women in my family...

Left top: my dad's mom (still alive), my mom is holding me, and to her left is her mom, my Nani (still alive). My Dad's grandma is sitting front right, and my mom's front left. One was in her 90's when she died, and the other was 101 and a half (she wouldn't let you forget that half!).



My room, and my doggy, Logan...


Ah, good times...

Me being shy about people singing to me...



My fave...


Me, with my "chocolate ice cream grandma" because she would always give us ice cream when we went to her house (she died at 101 1/2, and had a great sense of humor till the end)


Being sick with my Strawberry Shortcake doll...



I still like to eat dry oatmeal!


First day of Kindergarten (that's my brother, Joey)



With my best friends growing up...


Thanks for traveling down memory lane with me! Have a great rest of your week!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Monday, September 22, 2008

Behind the Scenes

Spencer has been shooting with me since last year, and eventually he'll be added to most of my packages. I LOVE shooting with him. For the first couple years I thought I was fine shooting by myself, and I am, but it is SOOO much better with him there. It's more fun, I have someone to confide in, he makes it possible to get even more creative shots since he's so willing to be my human light stand and personal slave (hehe), and the couple's really enjoy getting to know us both. What drives me nuts, though, is that at every single wedding he ends up getting my favorite shot of the day. He has a unique eye, and although I'm still training him, I learn a lot from him every shoot.

Here's a shot of him photographing a cute little girl at Lanisha & Tyler's beautiful wedding in Madras on Saturday, and then the shot he got of her...




Here's me, and the beautiful Lanisha, having fun doing some bridal portraits...



I will definitely post more pics soon!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Friday, September 19, 2008

Out of the Office!

We're getting ready to go to Sunriver this weekend because Spencer and I are shooting a wedding in Madras tomorrow. Also, I'm leaving for a wedding in Pennsylvania Wednesday night, and will return the following Monday. I will have my laptop to answer e-mails on both trips, but it may take a little longer to get back to people, and I won't be able to submit orders while I'm gone.

I'll leave you with one image from Randi & Travis' awesome wedding on the 6th!



Hope everyone has a great weekend!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Gadget Pr0n - what we've been waiting for!

My primary camera is the Canon 5D, which I LOVE. So, when we (Spencer and I) found out Canon was going to be announcing the Canon 5D Mark II, we could hardly wait to hear all the geeky specs for it. Well, after waiting impatiently for what seemed like forever, they've FINALLY announced it, and although there are a few extra things I was hoping for, we will definitely be getting one as soon as it's for sale...and then we'll fight over who gets to play with it (until we buy a second one, lol).

Image was taken from Gizmodo (a great site for tech geeks, btw).

EDIT: We just pre-ordered it!!

Isn't she purty...



~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

PWCL - Safety in Numbers

As many of you know, I was on the Board of Director's at PWCL until my term was up in June. I still support them, though, financially as well as photographically, and I volunteered to shoot their annual gala and auction on Friday at the Crystal Ballroom. I was very happy to see so many people supporting PWCL, and their cause, and am very proud to have been part of such a great organization. Besides, they have the most awesome items up for auction! Sadly, I didn't win anything this year, though.

Here's just a few photos from the evening...

I don't remember the band's name, but they were great...



The Executive Director, Rebecca Peatow-Nickels, speaking with Nick Fish...




Before Nick Fish became city commissioner, he was on retainer as PWCL's lawyer (for free!). I actually sat next to him during Betty Roberts' speech, and spoke with him for a few minutes (not while she was talking, of course), and he is a very nice guy.



They raised about $17,000 just during the 5 minutes or so of the live auction. It was awesome to watch people be so generous...


Betty Roberts was a great speaker. You should definitely check out her book...




Thanks for looking!

~Jessica
Jessica Watson Photography