Love, Joleen Photography Blog

Autumn

In Case Of Emergency

What an interesting evening I had! Not really in a good way but it could have been much worse. I realized this morning on my way to work that I had left my cell phone at home. Oops! Not the world's biggest fiasco and although it felt weird not to be able to compulsively check messages and the time I thought I could use a day "off".

I decided to check out a different Target location on the way home to see what the food selection was like and when I tried to leave my car wouldn't start. Ok, Joleen, don't panic, just call your grandparents. Except. I didn't have my phone. After racking my brain for any numbers I may have stored there I came up only with my recently remarried ex husband's. Not a lot of help that was. I returned the [frozen] food I had just purchased so that it wouldn't melt in my car while I figured things out. I read every single page of my agenda for a number I may have jotted down of someone who would know my mother's and in turn my sister's or grandparents. No such luck. I keep an old cell phone in the glove compartment to call the police in case of emergency. I thought maybe I could get a number off of there but the battery was dead. I searched my car high and low, front to back. The only number I came across was my Aunt Kim's home number. A Target employee was gracious enough to loan me her personal cell phone to call but it was the middle of the day in California and there was no answer. I am proud to say that I never really FREAKED out. I thought I might but I didn't spend more than just a few short moments crying. I decided to call a taxi to get home and would worry about my car later.

It was the middle rush hour (Why is it called that? There is definitely nothing "rushed" about it) so it took us nearly 45 minutes to travel 8 miles. And cost 30 bucks. BUT, in the middle of the cab ride I looked down and there on my leg was a ladybug!! I was excited - that is lucky right??

A very helpful sister (thanks, Sarah!) and a cable jump (thanks, AAA!) later and we were in business. I headed straight to AutoZone for a new battery and was home (finally!!) 4 hours later.

The moral of this story???? Listing "ICE" in your cell phone is a good thing but it's not enough. Keep a list of emergency numbers in your car and also in your planner/agenda. You probably already do this.. but just in case! ;)

Do Something Creative Every Day

If I thought I was missing my clothing (it's still in California), I've REALLY been missing my art supplies. Several months ago, during "the BIG PURGE" I donated most of my supplies. I try not to be too upset about it in hindsight because it really was such a neccessary and freeing experience for me. I kept all of the essentials in about 6 plastic [2 drawer] totes; all of which are taking up space in my sister's garage in California. I only brought my art journals with me during the move. Through my photography business I am able to be creative every day by taking and editing photos and working on digitial design projects - but it's not the same thing as getting your hands dirty with tape, glue, markers, paint, stamps, etc.

Last week I started a new part time position with Paper Source and couldn't be more excited about it! I get to be paid to be creative every day, are you kidding me?! :) I love it! With my employee discount I picked up a few supplies that I am loving!! I am completely smitten with the entire SMASH journal line. (Check out the SMASH video - fun stuff!). I had to get the Black Dot tape as soon as I saw it and I also got the Like This tape (cute!). I picked up a couple of rubber stamps, too.  I needed new multi colored highlighters for my planner. I'm old school; I like to write my schedule and keep to-do lists in a planner that I carry with me in my purse. I got these Yummy Yummy Scented Hi-Liters that I am obsessed with now. Seriously, I will sometimes sniff my highlighted paper. Don't tell anybody. ;)

 PS - My mom took this picture of Bean for his birthday invitations. How stinkin' cute, right?! Gah! I wish I could be there. Sniff sniff.

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

2011 Holiday Session Collections | Atlanta, Georgia

It's that time of year again, folks! Time to think about your annual holiday photos and greeting cards! Sessions will take place in the Atlanta area between now and November 5, 2011. A $200 deposit is due upon scheduling. Email or call today to schedule your session and be sure to let me know which collection you're interested in!

2011 Holiday Session Collections

Mistletoe Collection - $ 300
30 Minute private session for up to 6 people ($25 each additional)
15+ Professionally processed images to order from
1 High resolution image of your choice to be emailed to you after your session OR
25 5x7 Custom flat greeting cards with envelopes; Art linen or UV coating finish (Add $25 for folded cards)

Snowflake Collection - $425
30 Minute private session for up to 6 people ($25 each additional)
15+ Professionally processed images to order from
1 High resolution image of your choice to be emailed to you after your session
25 5x7 Custom flat greeting cards with envelopes; Art linen or UV coating finish (Add $25 for folded cards)
11x14 Mounted wall portrait

Celebration Collection - $650
30 Minute private session for up to 6 people ($25 each additional)
15+ Professionally processed images to order from
25 5x7 Custom flat greeting cards with envelopes; Art linen or UV coating finish (Add $25 for folded cards)
11x14 Mounted wall portrait
CD of all professionally processed images from your session

>>The 2011 custom greeting card collection can be found here.

Derijke Family | Atlanta, Georgia

I booked a family session with the Derijke family before I moved to Atlanta but due to circumstances we had to reschedule our session for today. We finally had a chance to meet up at a park downtown this morning. The park is a little hidden gem right in the middle of everything and I loved it! It must be a popular spot because there were 3 other photographers doing family sessions while we were there. ;) There are two little explorers in this family, ages 2 and 4 - they scaled rocks, jumped streams, and climbed trees! It was a good time! :) I hope you enjoy the peeks.

2011 Custom Holiday Greeting Card Collection

[click image to view card designs larger]

Introducing Love, Joleen Photography's 2011 custom holiday greeting cards!! I am SUPER excited about these fun designs! To kick things off I'm offering an "early bird special" >> Order by October 1, 2011 and receive 25% off and FREE shipping! Order by October 15, 2011 to receive 10% off and FREE shipping! Full service and product pricing can be found here. Email me to get started!

New Fall Look

Hello friends! Just wanted to post a special welcome to everyone visiting from Weddingbee and Offbeat Bride! Please feel free to stay a while. :) You may notice a new fall blog look. I've also added my pricing on the right hand side. This pricing is good through the remainder of the year. Have a great weekend! ♥

Yellow Daisy Festival | Stone Mountain, Georgia

Today my grandparents took my sister, Sarah, and me to the Yellow Daisy Festival in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The website says there are "more than 400 artists and crafters from 38 States and two countries display their works for your appreciation and purchase." I believe it! We were there for a few hours and only saw a small section of the booths. There were a lot of really unique, high quality items for sale. The weather today could not have been more perfect - it was a lovely day! If you're free this weekend to check it out, I highly recommend it!

Dea & Morgan | Engagement Session | Atlanta, Georgia

Dea & Morgan hired me to photograph their commitment ceremony next June. They relocated (last year?) from Kansas so that Dea could attend SCAD for grad school. She works in the admissions office and I actually saw her when I went in for my portfolio review, only I didn't know it was her yet! :)  They had expressed a desire to have their engagement session somewhere in nature and chose to have it at Whitewater Creek. We met up this evening and were lucky to have the entire beach area to ourselves. It was incredibly romantic! These girls were so much fun to work with. Every last detail was meticulously planned, from their wardrobes to the items for their picnic. There were many laughs shared and lots of love!! I can only imagine how amazing their ceremony will be - I cannot wait! Enjoy these peeks, girls!

Introducing : Vintage Ensemble

Hello, lovelies! It's been about a month in the making but I've just opened my new Etsy shop, Vintage Ensemble. I created this shop to help my grandma sell her vintage clothing. My grandma was, and still is, an incredibly stylish woman. I hope you enjoy these garments as much as she has! (more to come)