Love, Joleen Photography Blog

Seasons Greetings!

I hate that it's been so long since I've been by to update. However, I am happy to report that life has been treating me very well! Autumn in Atlanta was to die for. Every single day I found myself in awe of how breathtaking it all was.

In early November I had a booth at the St. Ives Holiday Expo for Garlic Festival Foods. My sister (Sarah's) best friend, Bianca, helped me with sampling all day. We had a lot of fun! I'm really looking forward to doing more shows in the new year. In mid November I saw the Picasso to Warhol exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. It was awesome! If you live in the Atlanta area and have an opportunity to see it, I highly recommend it. That week I also FINALLY joined the modern world and got an iPhone 4. I am obsessed with my phone! Straight off I downloaded several Apps that I love! I feel like I could dedicate an entire blog post to the really cool ones! ;) I am most taken with Instagram. All of the photos above (except for the GFF booth) were taken with my phone and processed with Instagram. I've decided that all of the photos in my December Daily will be like this.

In the third week of November I was promoted to Shift Supervisor and Workshop Coordinator. I cannot begin to tell you how much I LOVE MY JOB!! It is such an exciting time for our store and I'm really looking forward to everything we have planned for in the coming months. Beginning yesterday and all through next week I will be very busy (in a good way!) with workshops and private events. One super exciting event and open to ALL, is the book launch party of Emily Post's Ettiquette 18th Edition. More information can be found here.

Last week, my grandparents and I had Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday because we decided to go out of town on Thursday. If you can believe it we went to North Carolina on Thanksgiving to play BINGO! It was so different then every other year but a ton of fun!! In the days since, like all of you, I've been shoved face first into CHRISTMAS! I am thoroughly enjoying myself, though, I really am. This week I got to make several fun handmade ornaments at work and I started on my December Daily - it is so awesome to DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY! How can I not be happy?? Today I spent my day off shopping at The Forum (check out the little girl peeking in the toy store in the last picture - so cute!); and being productive (laundry, freelance work). I hope your enjoying your holidays so far! 

What are some things you're enjoying this season? How are you taking time for yourself? ♥

50 for $100

Choose from any of these designs! Ends November 20th! Email me with any questions. ♥

Reflection

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Do you ever feel pressure to say just the right thing? It's hard to be your true self when you know that you're constantly being evaluated - by your boss, your friends, your family. I challenge you to name one person you know who doesn't want to be accepted by somebody else. It is because of this that I sometimes find it hard to write in this format. I feel I need to weigh my words against the feelings of others or the thoughts of my peers.

Lately, I've spent a lot of time in reflection. My life is still as busy as ever (with work, socializing, and creative endeavors) but so much less chaotic, if that makes sense. I still overanalyze everything. I still consider all the "what ifs" and "if onlys". At the same time I feel more at peace in my heart, head, and soul, than I have in a very long time. I can't remember the last time I was ridden with anxiety or had a panic attack. I wake up every day and try to live up to my potential. I know that God has great things in store for my life and I'm excited to be living it.

Without going in to great detail my sister, Sarah, decided to move back to California to be with my parents and the rest of our family. My mom was here last week and it was great to be able to spend quality time with her before they set off on Saturday. They're driving back with all of Sarah's belongings and are due to be home tomorrow. I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers you've shared for their continued safety. I already miss having my sister here but I know that it was the best decision for her and I'm excited to see what's in store for her in the coming months! (We took these silly photos together a few weeks ago.)

With all the commotion and change around here it's brought up a lot of thoughts and feelings for me. It's honestly frustrating at times and catches me off guard to feel sad or, at times, angry, at certain people and situations. These are feelings that I don't want to harbour in my heart anymore. I know that healing takes time and patience - my life is a testament to that - but sometimes I wish it came a little quicker and easier, don't you? ♥

Love, Joleen Photography | NEW Logo Branding by Bluhm Studios

I have been meaning to post this since Friday but it's been a crazy few days and today I woke up in a funk I can't seem to shake. Nothing is wrong. In fact, most everything is quite fantastic. I just woke up feeling anxious and overwhelmed and I haven't felt better but for a few minutes here and there.

Anyway, moving on to something I REALLY am excited about!! As you know I have been in the process of "starting over" with my business because I lost all of my files when my car was broken into a couple of months ago. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a new domain, (since I can't seem to get lovejoleen.com back) lovejoleenphotography.com and I approached Heather to create my new logo. She does fabulous design work at very reasonable rates. With my new branding I am looking at creating new welcome kits, packaging materials, etc. With this in mind I choose six of my favorite Paper Source colors for her to narrow down from and work with. (I am absolutely in love with these presentation envelopes and can't wait to see how it all comes together!) I could not be more pleased with what she created for me!! Seriously. TDF. Thank you, Heather!

Here is an updated flip through of my Autumn 2011 Mini Book. The audio is a little better I think but it still leaves much to be desired. Sorry for all the "um"s, too. :)

I have been blogging for nearly SEVEN(!!) years. I can't even believe it's been that long but it has. Over the years I have made many lovely blogging friends. I've come across fabulous artists and unique online shops. I am hoping that through this sponsorship opportunity I can share them with you and you with my readers! If you have a blog or shop that you think is fitting for this blog and are interested in becoming a sponsor, here is all the information you need:

Instructions:

1. E-mail me (joleen.thiessen@gmail.com) with your link & ad image, and the months you wish to reserve an ad space. If you are interested in having me design your ad image there is a one time fee of $25.

2. If you are reserving a Medium or Large ad, please include your 3-5 sentence bio and photo you wish to appear on the group sponsor post. If you are reserving a Feature ad, we will discuss the feature post | giveaway via email.

3. I will send you an invoice via Paypal and payment will need to be completed to place your ad.

Thank you so much! I appreciate your support!! ♥

For the drive across country I only brought the bare essentials and the things I valued the most. I lost my camera collection when my car was broken into but I didn't lose my art journals, framed photos, or Blythe dolls.

Over the years I've had to sell most of my collection as I've needed the money. At one time I had seven dolls but now I'm down to my original two. I could never part with the two I have left and all their fabulous clothing/accessories. I can't even tell you how long it's been since I took the girls out for photos but I do try to take them out from time to time to share with the little ones in my life. They have brought me such joy over the years - kids love them because they're so pretty, unique, and special and I love to share their story with others.

Today, I thought I'd snap a few photos of Karissa. (She's always been my favorite but I try to keep that on the low. *wink*) I am so inspired by Autumn right now - the leaves changing and the air turning crisp. I love it! I bought this fabulous dress back in 2008 from an Etsy shop called Sleep Forever. It's made with vintage fabric and trim. You can see a lot of my dollie photos here.

Do you collect something that you could never, ever part with?

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

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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! ♥