Last week I met up with Gillian and James and their adorable dog Bruce for some photos on the beach. I started to type that this was my first time shooting a dog, but that just sounds really wrong! So, it was my first time including a dog in a portrait session, but I don’t think it’ll be the last. He was such a cute icebreaker. :)

I have one of Bruce’s face, too, but this made me giggle as you can see he’s wagging his tail! Plus, G & J look great.

Part 2: Vintage Bridal Portraits

*Credits*

Rose McCloskey, Operations Supervisor at Riverside Theatre.

Model: Laura

Styling & Photography: Jenny Meng

Makeup & Hair: Olivia McLoughlin

Part 1: Peacock & Rhinestone Wedding

*Credits*

Rose McCloskey, Operations Supervisor at Riverside Theatre.

Models: Claire & Stuart and Laura

Styling & Photography: Jenny Meng

Makeup & Hair: Lisa Kerry Gibson who designed Claire’s bridal look.

Makeup & Hair: Olivia McLoughlin who designed Laura’s bridesmaid look and provided touch-ups.

Last week I got to take an idea out of my head and put it on film (onto a memory card does not have the same ring to it…) when we shot this 50s inspired bridal portrait session. It was wet and windy, but we had a great time! Emma is one of those people you can’t help but like; she’s just so bubbly and fun. Lisa (LKG Make up Artist) was really fun to have along as well and did a great job making Emma look like an extra gorgeous bride.

It was so cold we kept the furry boots on whenever possible! But she certainly had the smoldering look down:

Twirl that dress, girl!

*Credits*
Dress: Victoria Kay
Model: Emma Wilson
Makeup: Lisa Kerry Gibson
Styling & Photography: Jenny Meng
Location: Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple

I’m showing a collection of personal photos in the Riverside Foyer through the end of April. All the prints in their gorgeous handmade frames are available for purchase.

More info: http://www.riversidetheatre.org.uk/events.asp?even_id=1659

Lots of lovely local scenery and things that inspire me.

Let me know if you stop by!

:) Jenny

A little background before I get to the pretty pictures: There are times as a parent of a non-typical child when it feels like all anyone is asking is “What’s wrong with him?” or “Do you have a diagnosis?” or worse, only asking after the ‘regular’ sibling(s). Then you have to go to meetings and have discussions and fill out stacks of paperwork about what your kid can’t do and doesn’t understand and how difficult it is to raise him. Those times suck. Last year a friend was helping me wade through a pile of papers and said “I just wish someone would ask me to tell them something good about my child for once!” Light bulb. Someone should. I should. I will!

So here we are. I got to hang out with Ciaran and hear him say Jenny and laugh his amazing laugh and see how much he enjoys cars and Beyonce music videos. And running, don’t forget running! I got to hear how he referrred to Lisa as Mommy for the first time on Mother’s Day and how special that was. It was an excellent afternoon. :)

It was an absolute pleasure to run myself ragged chasing after Ciaran to capture these portraits. I hope his mommy & daddy are as thrilled with the results as I am. :)

I would dearly love to do more shoots like this. I want to hear all the wonderful things about more (wacky/special/disabled/differently-abled/additional needs-having/cute/fantastic/normal/weird/wonderful) quirky kids and take photos of them doing their thing. If you’re interested please get in touch!

~Jenny

Very Dorothy, right? I actually don’t like the Wizard of Oz…

I saw these sparkly red shoes this afternoon, and I wanted them. Want, not need. They won’t feed my family or improve my business. They’re not for the kids or the house, but just for me. Shopping-enabling Facebook friends have assured me that red glitter heels go with everything, but still, they’re not the most practical wardrobe item, are they? Maybe they’re more suitable for my 6 year old than for me.

My dilemma over whether to buy them reminded me of the Traveling Red Dress. When I first read it I could relate. (Not just to the sentiment but to the actual dress — I was too shy to go for red at prom and couldn’t find the right red dress in time for my wedding!) Today it really clicked.

Cliff’s Notes version in case you skipped the link (although you really should read it!): it’s ok- no, it’s excellent and maybe even necessary to indulge in something wildly beautiful and impractical and even a little ridiculous sometimes, just for the sheer joy of it. Live a little. You’re bloody well worth it. For the Bloggess it was a flowing red ballgown that helped her feel her beautiful and alive and bold and worthy.

So, what’s your red dress?

Is it an actual red dress? Purple panda socks? A helicopter ride? Ruby slippers? Painting the sunset in watercolours? Bright pink lipstick? A tea party in grandma’s attic with the spooky old dolls? Tell me about it. Invite me along.

Because I want to shoot it. Shoot you in it. You know what I mean. I want to photograph the magical moment when you acknowledge the beauty in the world and in yourself and your right to participate in it.

If you’re interested in a traveling red dress photo shoot or have an idea for an alternative “red dress” get in touch! Maybe you know someone who needs a little Red Dress in their life? I’ll help if I can. :)

xo
Jenny

We love our winter walks on the beach. I was feeling stressed the other day, and Paul said, ‘Let’s head up the coast.’ It worked like magic. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore is balm for my soul, and I could feel the tension draining away the moment we were out of the car. As much as I miss America sometimes, I absolutely love the beaches here. Score one for Team Ireland. :)

And sometimes you just have to get in the picture, even if it’s a monkey-armed self portrait!

Regular visitors to this site (Hi Mom!) may remember Irish horror author Philip Henry from my local artist project last spring. I just wanted to share a couple photos of my copy of his new book My Ivory Summer. (That’s the amazon link for the paperback version. It’s also available for Kindle.)

I missed the signing at Coleraine Waterstone’s in November because I was elbow-deep in sweet potatoes cooking Thanksgiving dinner on the day. There were a few autographed copies left when I stopped in, so I snagged one. I may or may not have actually squealed in excitement at seeing the author photo on the back cover. Hey, it’s exciting for this digital girl to see her work in print!

Awesome. :)

My Ivory Summer is the murder mystery we were promised last spring. There’s not a vampire in sight, but plenty of suspense and quirky humour laced with fun pop culture references. It’s a quick, enjoyable read. I hope you’ll pick up a copy and support local talent. Thanks again to Phil for participating in my local artist project. I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next and wish him lots of success in the future!

Contact me for 2012-2013 wedding photography information and availability.

Best wishes! :)