Jenifer Eligh is a Twin Cities, Minnesota Newborn, Baby, Children's and Senior Portrait Photographer

3.11.12

Kayla

What a blast this session was!!! Kayla brought a ton of clothing choices that I got to rummage through, it was like dressing my very own life size Barbie! Watching her transformation from college freshman to oo-la-la model extraordinaire was AMAZING! The beautiful and talented Marquia, of Blend Make-up Artistry applied airbrush makeup, eyelashes as well as did Kayla’s hair. I cannot wait for all of my women, both high school seniors and moms alike to be able to have their makeup professionally done by Blend! They are top notch!

This blog post is jam packed with images, way more than I usually show but I wanted you to get an idea of my new shooting location. When you book with me we will begin in the most beautiful natural light studio before heading outside (Thank you Jennifer Domenick of LoveLifeImages). There are so many locations and variety that it’s difficult not to come out with simply amazing images.

Alright, enough chit-chat let’s get to the eye candy!

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

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1.18.12

12 in 2012: Self Portrait

I’ve decided to commit to another personal photography project this year. Yea, I certainly missed my share of weekly themes but whatev… I did my best and that’s OK with me. So on to 2012. I’ve teamed up with a few of the very talented ladies from the prior year’s project, as well as some new one to do a project 12 in 2012. We will do one theme a month and honestly, if I can’t do this then I’m just not trying hard enough!

Alright, so this month’s theme is of course the ol’ self-portrait. Which is fine with me, I actually like doing self-portraits, because I have full control. Plus it’s nice to have some images for my daughter to be able to reflect upon in years to come. Now, I will say that it is not an easy task to complete when you have a husband, a child, and 3 neighbor kids in your house staring at you. I was however able to make do and complete my task after taking oh, 284 shots or so.

I am;

I am a daughter,

I am a wife,

I am a mother,

I am beautiful in my own right,

I am kind,

I am funny,

I am loving,

I am overly sensitive,

I am empathetic,

I am sarcastic,

I am dark,

I am always working on myself,

I am a pathological over thinker,

I am artistic,

I am a poor speller,

I am a complete goofball,

I am a veteran,

I am an extremely hard worker,

I am a runner,

I am a fighter,

I am a people pleaser,

I am proud,

I am me… I, am Jen.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Did I mention I’m a total dork?Yes… a major dork. $Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

I thought I’d include the Black and White conversion as well. $Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Now please visit a very talented friend of mine, San Francisco Bay Area Photographer – Patricia Rossi

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January 18, 2012 - 9:20 am

Heather - Hi Jen! I’m Heather . . . don’t know if we’ve officially “met!” Love the post, love the images! You are gorgeous!!

January 18, 2012 - 2:22 pm

Patricia - These are gorgeous Jen! Love your write up and good point on having self-portraits. It’s great having you back!

January 18, 2012 - 4:44 pm

Suzanne - Wow, these are beautiful pictures Jen. The top one feels particularly vulnerable, I love it!

January 18, 2012 - 4:48 pm

grandma - Wonderful pictures.. good thing you take after me lol seriously very lovely.

January 18, 2012 - 5:27 pm

Haley - Hello – hot mama!!! I love them!!! Love the lighting and how one side of your face it a bit more shaded. They’re beautiful!!

January 21, 2012 - 2:48 pm

Sari - Ooh, la la! These are beautiful Jen! So glad you joined us again!

January 22, 2012 - 4:02 pm

Kathy Guzman - They are gorgeous! No dork in those images; just pure beauty!

January 25, 2012 - 12:38 pm

staci - So awesome! Love all of these!

January 26, 2012 - 1:48 am

Sheds - Hi Jen, You are very pretty.. Nice photos….

1.9.12

Indoor Maternity Session

We had such I nice morning, Tiff came over to my home in Baltimore County and we played dress up, I got to do her hair and we just had an all around lovely time. Not bad I think for my first go at maternity photography! I love how soft they feel.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

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1.6.12

Scarlett & Tristan

This is long over due, and honestly I don’t have many words for how beautiful these two are. Can you say “Little heart breakers”?

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

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January 6, 2012 - 6:49 pm

Trish Ejnik - i love them Jen! i love it all from the lights you have in the back ground blurry to the beautiful blankets you used with such cute detail, not to mention the beautiful child and baby! you captured the moment that everyone wishes to hold in their hearts forever. wish we all had pictures like these of our kids when they were babies.

12.8.11

bloom 52: week 49, childhood memories

I’ve chosen to center this week’s theme on my late Grandmother who passed away some 11 years ago. Although I miss her terribly, I feel her presence around me often and never overlook the signs.

So while at Zumba on Saturday morning I busted into tears. Not the eyes slightly well up kind. No, not me… It was more like the I have to get out of here before I gasp for air kind. Thankfully the lights were out, as we spend the hour dancing with only a disco ball lighting the studio, but I digress. What I’m trying to say is that I’m a really emotional lady.

She was so committed, and although she isn’t able to execute all of the moves like the instructor, she never stops moving. As I watched her with her head down, moving back and forth, so enthusiastically, I felt like I was looking at my grandmother. With her short, beautiful silver hair, pale skin and big boisterous spirit. I was simply overcome with emotion. I tried to stuff it down, I tried to look away, but there was no denying the tears that were already making their way down my face.

I have wonderful childhood memories of her. She was a mother to 7 children and I believe to over some 100 foster children, so you can imagine how much stuff they had collected over the years. It kept us kids busy for days at a time. She had a certain way of saying “Hello” when she answered the phone. She smoked long cigarettes, wore 4x the amount of jewelry any normal woman would find suitable to wear, and crafting was her life… Well, next to her love for Garth Brooks of course. She was the grandmother that hugged you with everything she had, and was always fond of a good dirty joke. She was as old school grandma, as any grandma could be.

Every Christmas she’d ask me what I wanted that year and when I wouldn’t provide her with list she’d half-jokingly warn that if I didn’t give her any ideas, she’d have to give me a pair of “granny panties”. Low and behold, one Christmas I received the largest pair of white “granny panties” on the market.

When my birthday rolled around my grandparents would bring me shopping and then we’d dine at the ever classy Old Country Buffet. Bless their hearts, they’d let me eat as much ice-cream and pie as my heart desired, and I’d usually end up so sick I’d have to lay down in the back seat of their Buick with my pants unbuttoned the entire ride home. But in never failed, before we’d leave she’d wrap entire pieces of chicken into napkins and then stuff them, along with some dinner rolls in her big, giant purse for Coco, the most lovable dog ever.

She died a long, drawn out death and we watched her deteriorate for quit some time. I was stationed in Ft. Knox, KY when I received the Red Cross message to get home immediately. That it was time. I was able to make it home, I was able to say goodbye. We sat in my grandparents living room that night, telling stories while she lay comfortably in the hospice bed listening, pissed I’m sure, because she was unable to participate in the banter. Eventually we all left and a few hours later she passed, in the sanctuary that was her home, with my grandfather holding her hand, reassuring her that everyone would be OK.

Not long after her passing I recall being at my aunts house. I walked into her bedroom where she and her sister sat crying. I noticed notebooks in thier laps and I asked what they were doing. They explained that they were reading the journals that my grandmother kept for them. In her own words she described day to day events, funny stories, quotes and anything else she could think of to document. Some years later while at my parents’ house digging, I found a hand written letter from my grandmother to me. It was dated May 16, 1997. When I read it I could hear her voice. It was then I realized she left herself in those notebooks she kept for my aunts; she left her voice so that she was never too far away.

My written words, my voice, was/is a gift I knew I needed to give as well, and I started the very day that pregnancy test turned positive. I went out and bought a special little notebook and started writing to my unborn child, I starting writing my hopes, fears and experiences. Nine months later I started writing to my daughter, and started documenting her childhood.

One day after I’m gone she will find these, and I’m certain she’ll sit on the end of her bed, likely crying. And she too, will be able to hear my voice reading every last word to her. As if I was right there sitting next to her, with my hand on hers, which is exactly the place I plan on being…

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Don’t forget there’s a circle to go around, and you can start by heading over to Twice as Nice Photography

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December 9, 2011 - 9:24 am

Kathy Guzman - A very touching story. I’m sure you miss your grandmother dearly! I love the idea of a keeping a journal for your children. Thanks for sharing.

December 9, 2011 - 9:49 am

Tabitha McKenzie - Very nice story! This a really good idea as well.

December 9, 2011 - 12:03 pm

Gail Pomare - Jeni, I would be crying right along with you. My Grandma sounds a lot like yours – minus the jewelry and cigarettes. She had a BIG boisterous spirit too. I LOVE this story… I love that you write to your girl. I do that too. I can feel you/her/my nana through this share THANK YOU…. arohanui, -g

December 9, 2011 - 12:09 pm

Gail Pomare - oh and I forgot to say… can you pass those giant granny undies on to me! I think I will be needing them soon!

December 9, 2011 - 6:06 pm

Suzanne - I am just in tears! What a sweet story. I LOVE the image of her journal. That is sooo special! What a wonderful gift you are leaving for your children too with your journals. What a wonderful story!

December 9, 2011 - 8:18 pm

Toni ( One of Jenis aunts she talked about) - My sweet Jeni. I’m bawling my eyes out right now. I don’t know what to say but Thank you. I tend to try not to think about things so i don’t cry. When mom got bad she used to say “Why are you crying” and I didn’t have the heart to say “Because I’ll miss you terribly” I didn’t want to make her sad. The last month she was with us, I was sick and they didn’t know what I had. I could not spend much time with her,in case it was contagious. The day before she died they told me I had a parasite. I knew I was safe and I was sitting on the couch with dad (grandpa) and i started crying and I said ” I just wish I could here her say one more time I love you, and she whispered “i love you”… OMG that meant the world to me. I sat by her, holding her hand quietly crying, and I told her it was Ok to go be with Jimmer, she whispered “No”. I kissed her and said good bye thinking I would see her the next day. 4 hours later, i was sleeping and i felt my heart flutter.I felt her go home… with in seconds,Grandpa called and I said “I know”. I have not taken the time to really feel how much i miss her, my brother and nephew because I make my self so busy so I don’t have to. Thank you for helping me feel our losses Jen. I am still crying (until i look at the bloomers and I laugh). I know they are with us. We miss all of them. They are so very proud of you, as am I. I love you guys so much and what a wonderful tribute. Thank you honey. xooooo

December 9, 2011 - 9:55 pm

Trish Ejnik - i love your post. it made me cry and laugh at the same time. Your pictures are worth a 1000 words. You have a special gift and i am sure grandma is embracing you and crying at the same time that she is not with us watching our children grow. it give us comfort to know we will be with her when its time. Thanks for reminding us that something so little can turn into something so special. Love you

December 9, 2011 - 10:34 pm

Inez - Always enjoy your writing. It reminded me of the night Dana was born. We had him at home and when grandma heard he was on his way she came over sat dow and started knitting and never left until he arrived. Then she baptized him in the kitchen “just in case”. She wrote me a letter about it and i will have to look for it and pass it o to Dana. XOXO

December 11, 2011 - 10:02 pm

Laura - It isn’t often that a p52 gets me teary eyed but this sure did. I have to say, I adore that your grandmother gave you granny panties! She sounds like an amazing woman to have had in your life. And the notebooks… beautiful.

12.1.11

bloom p52: week 48… your shoes

I’ve been toying with the idea of blogging about my weight loss journey for over two years now. Well before I started this blog. Over the last 6 months I’ve wondered if this was the place to share those sorts of things, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it is. Maybe it’s because I feel I can use it as a tool to be held accountable, maybe it’s because I’m ready to own up to my shortcomings, to be real, and yell from the rooftops; “To hell with status quo, I’m Jen Freakin’ Eligh, and damit, I’m ready to rumble!” So, my goal you ask. I’d like to lose an additional 37 pounds by April 9^th, 2012, and I’m positive that that is a reasonable goal.

3.5 years ago we moved to Maryland. Just before said move, I single-handedly flipped my very life upside down, and the move happend to be the icing on the cake. I gained 10 pounds in less than two weeks, and didn’t have enough love for myself to pull myself out was about to be a terrible, downward spiral. I fell into a depression, and found that if I drank and ate my feelings away, I could survive, if even for that very moment. If you’ve every delt with anyting like this before than you are already aware that the effects of self-numbing wears off quickly, and usually with a vengeance. Needless to say, over the next two years I gained an extra 56 lbs, for a grand total of 66 ugly, spirit stealing pounds, which gave me even more reason to hate myself.

Last year I made the decision to get back control; I needed to get healthy, to get right. I kept myself busy in 2011 trying to build my business, trying to hone my craft and trying to get my head on straight. I’ve certainly had some ups and downs, I’ve made some poor decisions and I’ve made some positive changes, and tried embracing the finer things in life. I’m running, I’m reading, I’m meditating, I’m building relationships, and as of today I am down 23 pounds. Sure, this is not where I wanted to be, but it’s a start, and I remind myself daily that slow and steady wins the race.

So, for this week’s theme I decided to talk about my sneakers. These puppies have logged many, many miles. From the marathon training in 2010 (which incidentally I didn’t finish and out of shear disappointment packed on the final 25 pounds), running in the Baltimore 10 miler, and most recently my first 5K race, since moving from Minnesota, which I had the pleasure of enjoying with a group of woman who are also trying to live a healthy lifestyle as well. These sneakers are funky (not in the cool way, but in the stinky way), but man their comfy and they certainly provide me with hope.

So, maybe you can help by sending good vibes my way, keeping me in your thoughts and cheering me on from the sidelines.

For more on my journey be on the lookout for Weightloss Wednesday’s

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Please make your way around circle and you can start with the beautiful and talented Patrcia Rossi of Lullu Little Photography servicing the San Francisco Bay area.

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December 2, 2011 - 3:00 pm

Gail Pomare - Well sistah! I’m right there with you… I could have put my name in the space of yours, and california in the space of maryland! but I know those feelings and coping mechanisms only too well. I am so proud of you, 23lbs is HUGE…well well done! You go girl. And thank god for the sneakers!

December 2, 2011 - 3:32 pm

Laura - Jen! Good for you! Putting all out that there is so BRAVE! If you can do that, you can makr progress towards your goals! I am the most annoying cheerleader in the world (Suzy Sunshine is my name at bootcamp!) so if ya need help being accountable let me know! BTW- Such pretty light on those shoes of yours!

December 2, 2011 - 4:04 pm

Kathy Guzman - What a journey! And congrats and what you have accomplished so far!! Bravo to you and Your Shoes!

December 2, 2011 - 6:30 pm

Haley - Go Jen Go!!! You’re awesome – good luck with your goals. Love your pic! Love the light in it – very fitting for your story.

December 2, 2011 - 7:39 pm

Suzanne - Jen, you are awesome girl!! You are brave to share such personal facts about your life. I commend you and love you for it. Those are the most beautiful shoes I have ever seen!!!

December 3, 2011 - 2:58 am

Patricia - Awesome Jeni! I’m very proud of you and I’m sure you will reach your goal. Keep us updated, I’d love to read about it here!

December 13, 2011 - 9:24 pm

Sari - Very very nice shot!!

11.24.11

Be Thankful, Give Back & Love BIG | p52, week 47 With Thanks

When I read the story I cried. It’s amazing to me when normal, everyday people, are hit so hard with a purpose that it changes their direction in life. It left me with such a warm feeling of joy for them. So, when I had the opportunity to highlight some of their clothing pieces in a session, I was overcome with excitement. And my hope is that this message will be spread far and wide, so more bellies can be fed.

Today, I reach out to you and ask that during this holiday season you go beyond just giving a tangible gift. Why not give a gift that also helps others? Because with every $1 you spend 1 meal is provided to the hungry!

My guess is that you have someone on your holiday list that would love an item of clothing that not only looks and feels fantastic, but that helped feed the hungry. I know we all could commit to that!

Here’s a little more about Love Big | Apparel:

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Their Mission:

Love Big was founded to spread positivity through our message and charitable contributions. Our goal is to create a happier world by selling fashionable apparel with a positive message, and by continually seeking innovative ways to increase awareness and promote unity. -Love Big-

The Story of Love Big:

It is always in our lowest moments that we look to the sky for answers. We look up for a response to the often-times despairing question: What should I do? It was in one of these moments that Love Big was born.

Love Big founder, Ryan Anderson, discovered his answer one autumn morning while driving along a congested highway. He had just experienced the collapse of his software company, his life’s work, and was feeling the consequences of taking the entrepreneurial path in the cutthroat world of speculative trading. Dealing with his failures, and questioning how he would provide for his wife and two small children, he looked up. More precisely, he stared dimly over the steering wheel of the company car he would soon lose, asking most humbly and sincerely, for a sign, for an answer to the question: what should I do?

He didn’t notice the right blinker of the car in front of him because he was too busy asking for a sign. In perfect synchrony with his question the car ahead moved to the right lane. Then, right in front of him, was his answer. Displayed on an Illinois license plate, proclaimed in bold red letters, read the words “LOVEBIG.”

He was hit with one of those rare tidal waves of unexplainable, overwhelming emotion. It was so powerful he felt himself fighting back tears of joy, and in an instant all his anguish and discomfort was replaced with a warm, purposeful feeling. Without even a moment’s thought, he knew it, this was his answer.

(He knew what it meant to love big, but didn’t know what Loving Big had in store for him)

It wasn’t until a week later that he realized just how he was to Love Big; after all, this answer didn’t exactly come with instructions. Still, a persevering calm settled over him even without a full understanding of his mysterious, inspiring message. The idea came to him most naturally as he prepared for one of his final days in business. Dreary eyed, he pulled a T-shirt over his head and looked in the mirror. He was reciting his newfound mantra (Love Big) when, like a mirage, he saw the words “Love Big” on his shirt. He knew at that point he was seeing the direction he had been looking for.

He was to spread the word. More accurately two words, Love Big. Two words with such a simple, beautiful gravity that he determined everyone could benefit from this reminder. And what better way to get out the message than to display it on the chest of fellow big-hearted humans? And what better way to Love Big than to use proceeds to help those in need?

From across the country an unlikely partnership and friendship was born…

When it was realized that www.lovebig.org was taken he decided to look into who owned the domain. It wasn’t being used so he thought perhaps the owner would like the cause and agree to sell it for a fair price. He found it was registered to a gentleman in Florida named Cody Solburg. “Sounds like a nice guy” he thought to himself, “I’ll give him a call.”

The voice on the other end of the phone was as friendly as he’d expected, or more, but he found Cody was a bit reluctant to sell. There was an awkward, but polite, back and forth before either gave any reasoning for wanting the domain. Then Cody explained why it was important to him. “You see, Love Big was my father’s motto in life; it was how he lived his life, he loved everyone. He was killed by a drunk driver 5 years ago and I bought the domain with the plans to do something with it, someday, to carry on his legacy.” The story was incredibly moving and you couldn’t help but feel connected to Cody and his father, William Solburg. Cody continued by explaining his father’s philosophies and incredible accomplishments.

At this point it was known, without a doubt, that Cody would love the idea and he would want to be part of the company. So the idea, and the story behind the idea, was explained to Cody and he was told it’s only right that he be part of it. As could be expected Cody loved the idea and thought it was amazing that his father’s motto connected them from across the country. They discussed all sorts of ideas and plans, ultimately deciding to spread this great message from opposite ends of the country, moving towards the middle. When they hung up the phone, after a lengthy and uplifting conversation, a new partnership and friendship was born.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Their website is www.lovebig.org, I urge you share their mission and cause!!

But surprise! Here’s the chance to win a hat just like the one in showcased in the above session and there are up to 5 ways to enter.

*#1 is Required* Leave a comment on this blog post telling us that you entered. (I’d love to hear about how you plan on giving back this year, but it’s not necessary to enter.)
Like our Facebook Page (Leave a additional comment here, on our blog telling us you did so)
Go to the fan page of Love Big , click LIKE & the tell them we sent you! (Leave an additional comment here, on our blog, telling us you did so)
Follow us on Twitter. (Leave an additional comment here, on our blog, telling us you did so)
Post on your Facebook wall and/or Twitter and say “I just entered to win apparel from Love Big and a donation of 24 meals in my name to the hungry! Head over to @Jenifer Eligh | Lifestyle & Portrait Photographer and enter to win too!” Then comment here with a link to your Facebook and/or Twitter.

Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry. This will allow us to randomly draw a number as determined by the # of entries on the blog. Thank you for your understanding and good luck!

Contest runs from today until Friday December 2nd, with the winner announced on Saturday the 3rd. Good luck!

*All comments are moderated and will not show up until approved by the admin.

And because I’m so awesome, and combined this with this week’s P52 theme, I’d also recommend completing the circle and checking out all of the other Bloom Project 52′s. Start by heading over the Roses and Rattles.

** WINNER**

How exciting for me!!!! I was holding my breath a little bit. I’m pleased to announce that the Love Big winner is #9 Tracy A.!!

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

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November 25, 2011 - 10:10 pm

Gail Pomare - Jeni, not only do I LOVE this message, but I am totally in love with this session you did with your beauty. So magnificent. I hope this project goes well… I will be ordering for sure. xoxo

November 26, 2011 - 10:07 am

Nicole - Jen, these are WONDERFUL pictures and what a great service!!

November 27, 2011 - 9:53 am

Vivian - Jeni…I just entered your contest by posting on my FB page…will try to access my Twitter account, but I have issues with that, so may not be able to do so. I will also go check out their fan page & let them know that you sent me…I think that covers your entry methods…

Love the pics…& Lydia is so beautiful!!

Viv

November 27, 2011 - 10:19 am

Missy - You are a great photographer. However, I am one of the Love Big founders cousins,and they are really and truely such loving people! Nobody that I know can compare to the genuineness of their big hearts! LOVE BIG! Now I gotta win that HAT! Hannah loves hats Suz! I will be liking the Ellie Belle Photo page, and of course the fan page of LOVE BIG. I dont know twitter, but that hats really cute, so I’ll figure it out!

November 27, 2011 - 9:16 pm

Natalie - Awesome! Love this.

November 27, 2011 - 11:58 pm

Patricia - This is awesome story and I would love to help and enter to win as well. Will share on FB. The pictures are amazing and your girl is so pretty.
Thanks for sharing this with us.

November 28, 2011 - 11:30 am

Pat - I just finished shopping for the Rotary Childrens Program. This connects those that want to give during the hoildays with those children in need. I’m also Ryan’s aunt. He’s a wonderful and loving young man whom I don’t see often enough. Hugs to all Aunt Pat

November 28, 2011 - 1:07 pm

Kathy Guzman - I love the concept!! Great pics too!

November 28, 2011 - 5:20 pm

Tracy - Jeni you did a fantastic job with these pictures! Thank you for helping spread the word and message of LOVE BIG! We all so often take for granted the food in our fridge, cupboards, pantries when there are so many families hungry. This apparel is not only so cute to wear, but it’s purpose is to help those families in need and spread the LOVE BIG message. I have several love big items and they are one of my favorite things to wear! Pay it forward people and look great while doing it:)

November 29, 2011 - 9:34 pm

Valerie Taylor Mabrey - Thanks for the chance to win.
vmkids3 at msn dot com

November 29, 2011 - 11:26 pm

Inez - Great story and awesome cause!

November 30, 2011 - 11:55 pm

Jemmy - I love these pix and this story. I would be proud to wear this hat.
also like you on fb under jennifer mitchell.

December 1, 2011 - 6:39 pm

Desiree Dunbar - I would love to win this.

December 1, 2011 - 8:24 pm

Mom - I want a hat cuz Lydia looks so darn cute in it! If I don’t win..I’m buying one..well maybe i will anyways and then have one of both! Love the pictures and love the cause..Love..Mom

December 2, 2011 - 9:11 am

Melissa P - This is wonderful! Thanks for sharing and for hosting the giveaway.

December 4, 2011 - 10:36 am

Trish EJnik - i dont know how you do it. so much creativity. and you are so lucky to have lydia to help be your model. she does a great job. hope you are paying her well. ha ha love the idea behind love Big I kinda feel like i give back by all of my picture taking of the kids sports and sending links for all to order for free!

December 7, 2011 - 6:22 pm

Heather LaManna - These are GREAT Jen! You do amazing work…you’ll have to pop in to the Harrisburg area on one of your trips!

11.20.11

My Life… Enter at Your Own Risk.

Glen: “There’s mice in the shed, they’ve tore apart the bird seed and potting soil bags. We need to go clear it out.”

Me: “We?… I don’t wanna.”

Glen: “Whatever, I’ll go take care of it.”

A few minutes later.

Glen: “Jen, come out here and see this!”

Me: (already sitting on the couch) “(cuss word) Whatever, I’m coming.”

I went out there just to amuse him, not really expecting to see much.

Glen: “Watch this. They’re fast, but watch.”

Sure enough there was a little mouse. He ran out of the shed, paused for a moment and then took off. I got to tell you, that little guy/gal was pretty stinkin’ cute.

Me: “I wish I had my camera.”

Glen: “Damnit, there’s another one!”

Me: “Hold on, I want to get my camera.”

I came back out to find the shed mostly empty. Glen looked at me and said “S%$#, watch six mice jump out and bite me in the face.”

Me: “Yeah Glen, they’re zombie mice and they’re really going to jump up and bite you in the face.”

We noticed the other mouse, which ended up crawling out of an opening in the shed the size of my dog’s nostril. Glen continued to cuss under his breath. Then he started to lift up the other lawn mower and I noticed a… bum, bum, bummmmm… nest.

Me: “I don’t think they’ve been eating the bags of dirt, I think they’ve been using the plastic for the nest.”

Glen: {a lot of cuss words}

Glen grabbed a golf club and started thinning out the pile of plastic pieces.

Glen: “EF, please let there not be any babies.”

Me: “I don’t think it’s baby season.”

Glen: “Dumba$$, it’s always baby season when it comes to mice.”

I secretly cussed him out a little, mainly because I thought he was silly for thinking there could actually be baby mice in November. {According to Wikipedia mice can have 5-10 liters a year.}

Glen: “$%&@!!! Oh $%&#, what am I going to do? I can’t do it, I can’t do it.”

Me: “Do what exactly?”

And there it was… the nest.

Now imagine me inserting my size 9 directly into my mouth.
$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$ I walked up to it with my camera.
I took a picture, and then another one, and then another one. Glen was not happy.

Glen: “How many are there? Four, five, three?”

Me: “Err, um… Nope, there are eight. Thre eight babies.”

Cute as could be I tell you, cute as could be.

Me: “What are you going to do?”

Glen: “Cover them up. They’re cold. I have to put the mower back. I can’t kill babies. I have to cover them back up. %$#%, I can’t kill them.”

My heart smiled a little.

At this point Glen walks away and all I can hear is cuss words mumbled beneath his breath. I went inside thankful that he wasn’t going to scoop them up and throw them in the trash.

About 10 minutes later I was at the kitchen sink and through the window I heard him mumbling something about the mice laughing at him calling him a “cat” (OK, maybe it was the derogatory name for a cat). I chuckled a bit (because it’s a bit true).

Me: “I think what you did was very nice, it makes you a good human being.”

Glen: “They’re all laughing at me. I bet they’re saying to themselves “Look at the dumba$$ putting bird seed down and making a cozy little home for us in their shed.” You know they are going to hump like crazy, and by spring there’s going to be 37 mice running around & holding raves in our shed.”

Me: “I don’t think they’re in to that sort of things.”

Glen: “I’m going to have nightmares.”

Me: “Listen, whatever happens please don’t let them make you their God parent; I don’t’ think we can afford it”.

I got the middle finger.

+ - 4 comments

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November 20, 2011 - 8:22 pm

michelle sauer - Ahhh, what a lovely story for those little mice! Looks like Lydia will a few pets this winter!

November 21, 2011 - 8:50 am

Robin - So Cute! They make good pets and are very smart!

November 21, 2011 - 4:24 pm

kathy johnson - way to go, Glen!

November 21, 2011 - 4:24 pm

kathy johnson - way to go, Glen!

11.14.11

Misc Session

Last night I received the opportunity to shoot for a local company that sells retail fashion.

Here are some of the best ones.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Make-Up by Tabith McKenzie

+ - 1 comment

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November 21, 2011 - 10:31 am

Amy - Oh wow! I bet you had an amazing time. These are just gorgeous!

11.3.11

project 52, week 44 {from a low angle}

{Every week (or monthly… whatever) myself a group of photographers from The Bloom Forum participate in a theme based project 52 we call Bloom 52. Each week is a different theme, and we take that theme and translate it in to images. At the end of each post there is a link to another photographers blog, follow the circle and see what these other talented women have come up with.}

This week’s theme is “From a Low Angle” and I chose to include a little something I’m working on for a super awesome cause! I’m putting the finishing touches on this session before I get ready to shoot and I can’t wait to share it with you all!!

PS – Um, talk about attention to detail, or lack there of! Not sure what I was doing when I did the letters, but the “B” in “Big” is not supposed to be a stinkin’ bubble letter – I’ll leave it as is for now so you can all point and laugh! (Seriously,please don’t point and laugh!)

PPS – I’ve realized in the last 24 hours I use the explanation point ALOT! I reread an email I sent to my daughter’s teacher yesterday; out of four sentences I used the explanation point in three of them. I may need explanation point AA.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Don’t forget to keep going around the circle to see the other “low angles!” starting with Idaho Photographer Staci Bailey Photography

+ - 8 comments

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November 4, 2011 - 9:31 am

Kathy Guzman - I love the “B.” It adds character! I may need to join you in the exclamation point AA!!

November 4, 2011 - 1:25 pm

Gail Pomare - okay, I pointed and laughed cos that’s just the kind of girl I am (I didn’t really lol) But this looks exciting, can’t wait to see this LOVE BIG project you are working on! Love this image!! You explanation point abuser you.

November 4, 2011 - 3:53 pm

staci - So sweet! Love the soft processing and what an awesome banner!

November 4, 2011 - 3:54 pm

staci - PS…..SO GLAD I am not the only explanation point abuser!!!!

November 5, 2011 - 8:13 am

Cynthia Craine - Haha! Love it, even with the bubble B. I TOO use the exclamation point ALOT!!!!!!

November 5, 2011 - 9:22 am

Andrea - –> lol j/k I think this is soooo cute! What’s the super awesome cause??

November 10, 2011 - 11:50 pm

Haley - Sweet photo – so anxious to hear about what you’ve up your sleeve – love that it is all for a good cause

November 11, 2011 - 1:45 am

Patricia - Love this and I’m so happy to have you back!Can’t wait to see the surprise….

11.2.11

School Pictures {Mini Session}

I’m happy to post some images of some unbelievably gorgeous kids that I was able to photograph during a “Get Schooled” mini session for Folio Love. I’m telling you, they were such an awesome bunch of kids!

If you have any questions, or would like to talk to me about an alternative to the dreaded “school” pictures, please feel free to email me or call me.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

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10.23.11

My Fall Tablescape

This is the first tablescape I’ve ever done and holy shmoly was it a creative blast!!! I must admit that I’m quite proud and frankly, I think I did a pretty darn good job for the first time around. I did everything myself and put in around 11-12 hours of work, not counting photographing and editing the images.

I’m already dreaming up my holiday tablescape….. Eeeek, so much fun!

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

If this was a dinner party I would have stamped or embossed the names of the guests on the place cards.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

You know what a pretty table means? Duh, that you must cook some delicious meals! Thankfully my parents are in town from the Twin Cities so that gave me even more reason to cook. Here are a couple.

Here is the Crock Pot Beef Stew I cooked on Friday… You can find the post with the link HERE.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

And here is the Herb Crusted Steak, Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Parmesan Tomatoes and buttered Brussels Sprouts I made yesterday. (I’m now officially the “Grill Master”) … (wait, can you create titles for yourself? Oh good, you can! Yep, then I shall now be known as “The Grill Master”).

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Thanks for stopping by! Now get out there and do something creative!!

+ - 15 comments

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October 23, 2011 - 6:42 pm

jessican - Very pretty! Looks so super yummy.

October 23, 2011 - 8:58 pm

Donelle - Wow Jen your table looks incredible!! I couldn’t even imagine doing something like this on my own. And the food looks delish, I’m hungry just looking at it

October 24, 2011 - 11:48 am

Amy Lucy - Well that looks almost TOO perfect! Good gracious, Jen! You have so many talents. Won’t you please come and make a table like this for me, too? It is beyond fabulous. Love every single detail.

October 24, 2011 - 12:05 pm

Melanie - Wow! This looks awesome! It reminds me of something you would see in the Pottery Barn catalog. Beautiful work and the food looks delicious!

October 24, 2011 - 1:20 pm

Angela - Oh wow, what an amazing spread! I love seeing this side of photography!

October 24, 2011 - 2:10 pm

Mary Schannen - Wow! Gorgeous table! And the food looks so delicious! You did all this yourself? Amazing!

October 24, 2011 - 4:24 pm

jessica marchetti - jen it’s stunning!!! you did such an amazing job. any fall guest would love this

October 24, 2011 - 8:42 pm

leah - Love the new blog, and this is a GORGEOUS table setting. Makes me want to host a holiday party. Thanks for sharing =)

October 24, 2011 - 11:13 pm

Summer - WOW, this is AMAZING! You can tell how much hard work & thought went into this! Love it!

October 25, 2011 - 6:41 pm

Val Spring - Hey girlie, It’s been a while since I’ve visited you here. LOVE LOVE LOVE what you did with your table decorations and the food looks extremely yummy! You are awesome!

October 26, 2011 - 6:19 pm

Krista Lund - this is gorgeous! will you come decorate my house??

October 26, 2011 - 8:08 pm

Kim Rollwitz - WOW. This is amazing. So warm and inviting-makes me wish I was sitting around the table with a glass of wine enjoying an amazing dinner. You have an awesome talent!!

October 27, 2011 - 9:04 pm

Callie - wow…how pretty!! I’m so very impressed and the meals look incredible too!

October 29, 2011 - 3:05 am

robyn - so wonderful… great colours and food looks so yummy!

October 31, 2011 - 10:17 am

Stephanie Moore {Tucson AZ Photographer} - Oh my goodness I am drooling over here, this is AMAZING!!!!!!!

10.23.11

A Perfect Fall Beef Stew | evoking you

On Friday night I cooked Crock Pot Beef Stew (you can find the recipe HERE). The only difference in the recipe that I cooked was that I didn’t add the water chestnuts (couldn’t find them in the supermarket) and I added cayenne pepper for some heat. I also braised the beef the day before and let it sit in a zip-lock bag overnight. Not on purpose, I just did all my food preparations a day early. The meat was so tender it fell apart Oh good heavens it was yummy.

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

To see more of my “Fall Tablecape”, please click HERE.

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10.12.11

The Stank Eye

You know the look I’m talking about… All ladies do. It’s the “Stank Eye”. The head is tilted down a touch, eyes squinted and lips pierced together. This look means so many things. Whether it’s ”What have you done”, “Give it to m.”, “I don’t know what you’re talking about” or “Stop it, or risk losing an eyeball.”, it’s the look that when given, screams “I mean business!”

So, when I took her Lydia’s photograph the other day before school I noticed this one and very quickly realized that I’ve seen that look many times before. I was able to dig up a few of her passed pictures and put them together. I gotta tell you, I find this kind of funny! I think I can safely assume that this child was born with the gift of “Stank Eye”. Which doesn’t fare well for her future husband… shoot, now that I think of it, I guess it doesn’t fare well for me either!

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

Stank Eye

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10.11.11

My 1st Grader

I received the Lifetouch paperwork the other day and cringed. So, yesterday when I sent Ellie to school for her pictures I made sure to grab a few shots before hand. These are the ones I’ll be passing out to friends and family.

My girl is growing up!

$Jenifer Eligh is a Baltimore, Maryland Newborn & Children\s Lifestyle, Portrait Photographer$

+ - 1 comment

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December 1, 2011 - 12:44 pm

Eliesa - She is stunning! Beautiful shot!

WELCOME!

But surprise! Here’s the chance to win a hat just like the one in showcased in the above session and there are up to 5 ways to enter.

*#1 is Required* Leave a comment on this blog post telling us that you entered. (I’d love to hear about how you plan on giving back this year, but it’s not necessary to enter.)

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Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry. This will allow us to randomly draw a number as determined by the # of entries on the blog. Thank you for your understanding and good luck!

Contest runs from today until Friday December 2nd, with the winner announced on Saturday the 3rd. Good luck!

This week’s theme is “From a Low Angle” and I chose to include a little something I’m working on for a super awesome cause! I’m putting the finishing touches on this session before I get ready to shoot and I can’t wait to share it with you all!!

PS – Um, talk about attention to detail, or lack there of! Not sure what I was doing when I did the letters, but the “B” in “Big” is not supposed to be a stinkin’ bubble letter – I’ll leave it as is for now so you can all point and laugh! (Seriously,please don’t point and laugh!)

Don’t forget to keep going around the circle to see the other “low angles!” starting with Idaho Photographer Staci Bailey Photography

To see more of my “Fall Tablecape”, please click HERE.

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#1 is Required Leave a comment on this blog post telling us that you entered. (I’d love to hear about how you plan on giving back this year, but it’s not necessary to enter.)