Rubottom Family | Lincoln, NE

"Happiness...is not another placebut this place, not for another hour but this hour." -Walt Whitman

Rebecca and Clint are raising two of the most adorable little blue eyed boys I've ever met!!  Their eyes are the bluest of blue.  I bet if you dove in, you could swim in them, really.  I was flat out giddy to be able to spend time with Rebecca, Clint, and Graham again.  And to meet Kade for the first time!  The first time I got to capture this fabulous family was a couple years ago when Graham was a baby and we took pictures at the state capitol building in the middle of winter.  This day was quite opposite.  We were able to enjoy the beautiful morning we had in late June, outdoors!  After pictures at a neighborhood park they went out for donuts afterwards. If only I had known...I definitely would've signed up for that delicious adventure!  Maybe next time, right? ;) Thank you for being here! Enjoy the Rubottom Family!

Siebert Family | Junto Winery in Seward, NE

“Joy is not in things, it is in us.”-Benjamin Franklin

John and Ashley have one heck of an amazing family!  They've got these two adorable, smart, and funny boys that keep them on their toes.  The way they look at them and interact with them: you can tell they've got an incredibly special bond. There is definite joy in this family. I always look forward to making each family's session special in some way.  If there is a sentimental factor, I love it!  That is exactly what John and Ashley wanted for their family's photos.  They asked if we could take pictures at the winery they co-own and to say I was anything less than on board is an extreme understatement.  It may have been a hot June evening exploring the Junto Winery property, but we had a fun time.  The boys found some cool sticks and had some good laughs!  If you haven't checked out Junto's wine, please make an effort to do so. It is SO worth it.  Their wine tastes amazing and smooth.  Their tasting room is gorgeous and relaxing.  The grounds are breathtaking and well kept.  Every time my husband and I stop in for a date night we are always so pleased with our experience.   John and Ashley, thank you for letting me capture your awesome family.  I had a blast! Thank you for being here!

Make sure to check out Junto Winery's website by clicking here!

My Family on Film | Personal Work

"In all things of nature there issomething of the marvelous." -Aristotle

In May, my family went to Lauritzen Gardens to celebrate Mother's Day. My mother-in-law loves this place and has made us huge fans as well. My little man really liked the water displays he could dip his fingers into.  He really wished he could've just jumped in.  Thankfully, we left with a dry child.  Parenting award to us! Whoop-whoop!  I wanted to share with you a little piece of my film journey.  Everyone's journey, whatever they're on, is different. Different outcomes. Different goals.  Different hopes and dreams. Different. I am grateful for mine so far.  I've learned so much and still am. I've slowly realized what my dad ingrained in me: "Never stop learning!" is a part of my being. Straight down to my soul.  Some people may wonder why I'm experimenting with film. My answer is: Why not?!  Its another photography medium to dabble with.  But, I also love the depth of color.  How in the moment I can be. I'm not worrying about my camera settings by looking at the back of my screen and maybe even trying again for another shot.  I am able to take my time. Observe more. Breathe more. Relax and enjoy my family more.  Also, the editing time is SO much less than shooting digital. These photos I'm sharing, I didn't even do any editing!  Does that mean I'm going to start shooting film all the time?  No, not at this time.  But the more I feel confident with shooting with my family's pictures, the more brave I would feel shooting your family's pictures.  These photographs I'm sharing with you are from two separate times.  Two separate cameras.  And two separate experiences. The second batch of photos, I actually had to rewind the film back up and finish it in another camera because my camera was being dramatic. Ugh!  That was a new experience. Do I make mistakes? Oh, you betcha!  Plenty. Keep scrolling to see a few...I don't mind sharing.

Thanks for being here! I hope you enjoy!

These four photos below are what powers me to keep trying, learning, and experimenting. These are a few of my failures.  Failures lead to results, right?   I'm okay with failures.  Just not TOO many.

Baby Talan | Seward, NE

"Fishing buddies and hunting pals,Dreams with mom and dad of bucks and scales, Through the woods and on the lake, Good times and tales we sure will make." -Anonymous

Jordan and Sarah love to be outdoors together. When I took their engagement pictures a few years back we went to where they love to ice fish because it was that special to them!  I loved that.  Times haven't changed!  Even at almost 41 weeks pregnant, Sarah was still fishing.  Legit fishing, people.  She and Jordan were fishing and she reeled in a whopper of a catfish weighing in at 15 pounds.  You don't believe me? There is video to prove it! Annnndd...it is hilarious!  Just a few days later she delivered the most handsome little man to the world.  Talan is one lucky kiddo already. He has a huge family that loves him so.  Two parents that can not wait to introduce him to Mother Nature.  And two four legged sidekicks, Bowser and Tramp, that are adjusting to someone else soaking up all the attention.  Welcome to the world, Mr. Talan.  Your squishy adorableness made me swoon with happy tears.  Jordan and Sarah, congratulations on your healthy little boy! And thank you for letting me capture this time in your lives for you. Enjoy the images of this sweet little family of three from their Fresh 48 session as well as their newborn session in their cozy home. Thank you for being here!

Nelson Family

"Where you invest your love,you invest your life." Mumford & Sons, Awake My Soul

I'm not going to lie. I might be kind of in love with this family. The Nelson Family.  They're the most supportive and art loving people.  Kristen, the beautiful mama to Mr. Becks, and wife to Jeffrey is a wickedly talented pianist.  If I lived closer to Rockford, Illinois, I would go see her every chance I had.  She is amazing.  Kristen has taught me so much about seeing value in art and art that others create. And collecting that art.  So many kinds of art. Shoot! When she was in town we went on a food art tour around Lincoln.  We had some amazing food! I think we both tacked on a few more "lbs" than we intended.  Because of her, she has opened my eyes and heart to so many things I took for granted prior.  Their home is filled with one of a kind pieces. I love that!!  I could go on and on about them.  Having them visit was like a recharge for my battery.  They adore Becks maybe a little bit more than me.  I mean, they ARE his parents.  Beckett is so lucky to have such attentive and loving parents.  Becks is growing so quickly, learning so much, and discovering nature, grass blade by grass blade. Nelson family, thank you so much for trusting me capture this time in your life.  And, blog reader, thank you for being here and taking the time to fall in love with them!  I hope you enjoy their family photos that I hope they treasure for years to come...

Surprise Proposal | Stories Coffee House | Omaha, NE

"YES!"-Melanie Mozer

Melanie and Alexander met through a mutual friend that knew they were just meant to be together. Their story is the most adorable-storybook-love story I've ever heard. How appropriate that this amazing and well thought out surprise proposal take place at Stories Coffee House in Omaha?  I mean, c'mon, this stuff is made for the movies!!

Alexander has been planning his proposal to the girl of his dreams, a sweet, smart, and insanely talented Southern Belle, since Christmas break of 2015.  You see, Melanie and Alexander aren't your typical see-each-other-every-day couple.  Alexander lives in Omaha and is a student at UNMC.  Melanie is a student at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.  Long distance relationships.  They can be tough!  So, when he was in Texas at Christmas, visiting her and her family, that's when he took advantage of asking Melanie's parents, in person, for their blessing for her hand in marriage.  They of course approved it and were just as excited as Alexander's parents about the upcoming engagement!  Alexander planned every detail leading up to this day. He wanted everything to be absolutely perfect: he asked Melanie's friend to take her to get her nails done prior to the her trip to Nebraska, her friend also encouraged her pack cute outfits, he arranged with the coffee house ahead of time for everyone to have tables reserved, and I'm sure I'm missing so many more. But, normal proposal stuff, right?  Well, that's when it gets more exciting!  Alexander wanted their families (his mom, dad, sister, and her parents) to be there for the big day. Alexander's parents and sister drove to Omaha from Seward.  Melanie's. Parents. Flew. Up. From. Texas. The best part!? Her mom had just spent the week with her in Nashville helping her with her music symposium...and she had NO idea that she would also see her mom again, so soon, in Omaha! Melanie's mom even played devil's advocate while in Nashville telling her daughter how she is just too busy to plan a trip to Omaha after such a busy week-that she just needed to rest.  You guys, I'm not making this up!!  Okay...fast forward to the proposal!

Since Alexander and Melanie have only ever known each other via FaceTime, email, and texts they decided to keep a dating journal that they take turns writing in.  Then when they see each other they exchange the journal.  When they're in Omaha, they've made it a routine to go to Stories to exchange their journal, enjoy each other's company, their coffee, and talk about their Faith. Because this has been an ongoing tradition in their relationship, he knew that would be the way he would propose.  He planned it out that he would have the journal during the month leading up to the proposal day.  He wrote all about their story, why he loves her, and that he wanted to be her husband.  As soon as they got into the coffee house, they sat down, he handed her the journal and she immediately started reading his entry.  He anxiously had the ring box sitting on his lap.  As he saw that she got down to the bottom of his entry, she looked up and saw him on one knee, and then he popped the big question.  The entire coffeehouse erupted into applause, when they saw that she had said, "YES!" Tears were flowing from complete strangers, the amazing baristas, and of course the future bride and groom.  It was one of the most amazing things to experience.  Complete and total strangers congratulating them on their engagement.  It was such a loving community, it felt like one big happy family.

Melanie's ring is beautifully made by the geniuses at Goldsmith Silversmith (I'm totally partial, because that's where we had our rings artfully made!).  Her's is a stunning representation of their love.  With Melanie's preferences in mind, he designed it himself, with help from Terri at Goldsmith Silversmith.  Keep in mind, Alexander is a natural-born planner. The center diamond is Melanie's mom's original engagement diamond. When I asked Alexander more about the design and if there was a reason he chose the design he did, he responded with the most heartfelt response. "The reason I love the shape and flow of the ring is the meaning/intention behind it. The center diamond represents Christ. The two pear-shaped diamonds are Melanie and myself. The diamonds that come up and surround the pear-shaped diamonds are like Christ's arms bringing us both together, but more importantly to Him, as He is the center of our relationship. This was my overall vision from the beginning, and I could not be happier with the end result!"

I think Melanie is pretty stoked about it too!  Happy engagement, you two love birds!! Thank you for asking me to document your proposal.  A huge thank you goes to Stories Coffee House for making this proposal so special.  Thank you to all the patrons that showered these two in applause full of love.  And, thank you blog reader, for being here...now...lets get to the pictures of the romantic proposal! Enjoy!

Links you've got to check out:

Proposal location: Stories Coffee House  (I'd suggest the sea salt latte, if you're a coffee fan! Everything you get there is absolutely incredible, you won't be disappointed.)

Custom made, gorgeous ring: Goldsmith Silversmith (Every piece of their stuff is a work of ART! My rings, my sister-in-law's, and my mother-in-law's rings were all made there, too! I love that place!!)

Keep up to tabs with Melanie's music on her Facebook page (Yeah...she's THAT super talented, people!!)

Kid in a Candy Shop | Rocket Fizz in Lincoln, NE

"Chocolate, chocolate,Tastes so sweet, How much chocolate can I eat?" -The Chocolate Chant, unknown author

When Berkley's mom asked me, "Berk loves chocolate and candy, do you think we could take pictures at Rocket Fizz in Lincoln for her two year old portraits?" My heart leaped out of my chest and I basically jumped out of seat and exclaimed, "YESSS!! I love this idea!"  A huge thank you goes out to Rocket Fizz in Lincoln's Haymarket.  They were so cool and let us hang out with our entourage while we ate our way through the store.  Most importantly, Berkley had so much fun! You know the saying, "She was like a kid in a candy store."  It was for real!  She loved exploring the different kinds of candy and busting into a few packages.  She has the best big sisters that enjoyed an impromptu dance party, too!  She has such a loving family and she is such a happy, adventurous, fun-spirited, little two year old, with fabulous taste in candy! Happy 2nd Birthday, Miss Berkley!

And, thank you to you, you blog reader you, for being here!

Family Film Friday

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

That quote. Its my life motto. I've been hooked to it since elementary school. Enthusiasm is what gets me through.  I love to learn new things. I am afraid and proud to say, it is a trait passed down from my dad.  He has always been a lifelong learner constantly pushing himself to learn and challenge himself to new adventures.  I've soaked that up all from his example.  Somewhere on this crazy ride I decided I needed to push myself to really learn film, better.  And I am loving the results.  Film is so beautiful. The intensity. The beauty of the naturalness.  And OHHH did I mention the richness of the colors? Gasp. I am in love!  Has it been a pretty ride? No! Just take a look back at one of my Instagram posts, and you'll feel how emotional this journey has been for me. Which is exactly what learning is: emotional.  You have to really get back in contact with your vulnerable and honest side...your learning side. If you haven't been in touch with that side of yourself, I encourage you to. You'll learn so much about yourself.  Anyways.  I haven't had the best track record with my film journey.  I'm sure the staff at The FIND Lab are LOVING me. ;) All kidding aside, they've been super supportive and SOOO helpful.  I've had amazing high's and disappointing lows.  I've had many blank rolls, which means I need to conquer how to load my film correctly on my different camera models.  I've had rolls of underexposed murkiness.  But. Each time I have those experiences, it is just more motivation to push forward, keep practicing, problem solving, and learning.  These images I'm sharing with you today are from a recent family day.  With MY family!  Where the March sun coated our skin in warmth. We were disconnected from the outside world and totally in the moment.  I didn't check the back of my camera for settings, as I would with my digital. With film there is no checking the back of your camera to make sure you're doing things right. I pointed. I shot. I hoped. These are the results. I hope you enjoy a sneak peek into my family's life...its an honor to share them with you...from our Family Film Friday.  Thank you for being here...reading this. I hope you enjoy!

Greisen Family | Seward, NE | Lifestyle Session

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."

-Annie Dillard

The way this family of seven spends their lives is definitely filled with liveliness, laughter, but most of all love!  I enjoyed getting a sneak peek of the Griesen family in their cozy home.  One of my favorite times of any family session is when you can tell they've all taken a deep breath, are able to relax, and have fun.  If that means having a special blankie tucked under your arm or your favorite hat on that is when you can really see personalities shine!  Greisen family, thank you for letting me into your beautiful home during this active and awesome time of your lives!  And...to you, who is reading this post right now...thank you for being here.

Vancura Family | Seward, NE | Lifestyle Session

Families making memories are my favorite. Trent, the active two year old, loves to shoot hoops and showed me all his mad skills.  I'm totally impressed.  No seriously. That kid can dunk a basketball like its nobody's business. Big brother Austin was so patient and knows just the trick to make his little sister smile.  And little Miss Everly has got everyone in their house wrapped around her sweet little fingers!  One of my favorite parts of family pictures is being able to incorporate sentimental items.  Items rich in history and love and hope for the future.  The baby blanket Everly is laying on was her daddy's when he was a baby.  I find that so sweet that its been saved all this time.  

Giveaway

I am so giddy that you're here.  You have no idea!  I hope that you've enjoyed my website so far. I am totally loving what my designer, Katie, has done with it!  Not only is my website done and I'm sharing it with the world, but its my birthday. So lets spread happiness around like glitter! Remember when your classmates used to bring treats to school for birthdays?  This is kinda like that.  I have been busy shopping and collecting items...all for you! I am a major supporter of shopping local and encouraging small businesses to thrive, so I chose items from some of my favorite shops that I hope you'll check out sometime.  I have a gorgeous white, purple, and green ikebana from Nate Knott Pottery, colorful coasters from Letter B Paperie,  yum-yum delicious coffee beans from MetaCoffeeLab, Nebraska decor from Allure, an amethyst necklace made by Did I Kill The Queen found at Home and Closet Vintage, a journal from Chapters bookstore, and a really cool pin that says "Good Vibes Only" from Ann Shen Shop. There are several ways you can enter to win these prizes! The more ways you enter, the bigger chance you have of winning!

• Like Jennifer Flemings Photography on Facebook and share the giveaway photo with your friends
• Follow @jenflemphoto on Instagram
• Tag a friend (the more the merrier!) on my giveaway post on Instagram & Facebook
• Share your favorite #jenniferflemingsphotography photo and/or Regram my giveaway post on your Instagram with the hashtag #JFPgiveaway2016
• Tell me what you love most about my new website and brand in the comment section of this blog post.

Contest will run until February 28th at midnight.  This giveaway is in no way sponsored, administered, or endorsed by any of the small businesses from which the products were purchased.

Newborn Beckett | Rockford, IL

This session was one of my hands down favorites.  And when I say that, I mean, every time I look at these photographs my heart flutters and I can still hear Becks' noises and Kristen and Jeff's laughter.  They are such an adorable family. Following them around as they did their thing in their home was so comfortable and enjoyable. I can't wait to go back to visit!!

Nate Knott Pottery | Seward, NE

My friend Nate is an artist. He's actually a potter to be exact.  Being able to watch him create artwork that will last forever...was mesmerizing.   Check out his pottery on his Facebook page.  I'm a huge fan.

Ice Cream shop session | Ivanna Cone, Lincoln, NE

I love being contacted about photographing upcoming celebrations and milestones, and little Miss S' first birthday was something to celebrate!  Her mom and dad wanted to capture her first year spunkiness at an adorable ice cream shop in Lincoln that make THE best ice cream! If you've never been to Ivanna Cone, you are missing out!  Its hard to tell who is luckier in this family. Can't wait to hang with them again sometime!

Special thanks to Ivanna Cone for letting us photograph at their shop!

Hello world!

My site is up! Someone pinch me!!  This is actually happening!! I am so excited to have a place for you to be able to get to know my photography. Thank you for being here...and welcome to Jennifer Flemings Photography!