JACKIE WONDERS :: PHOTOGRAPHER » San Diego Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer

TAYLOR :: LITTLE LOVES

Taylor gave me a run for my money…or my exercise :) She was thee most active, playful and expressive kid I’ve ever photographed – And, she is gorgeous!! There were a couple of times i was out of breathe while chasing her down to get a great shot, but it was SOOO worth every single image. I told Danielle and George(Taylor’s mom & dad) that i would way rather photograph children who have too much personality than not enough- and I truly mean that! The day we shot, it looked like THIS. OH! before I forget, Danielle, is the owner of the AMAZING Armonia Skin Care in La Jolla, which I’ve been obsessed with since 2004. If you are in San Diego and need a skin refreshment, you MUST go and see her! Now, heeeere’s Taylor!

These two images make me smile :)

She threw herself onto the sand and started posing- it doesn’t get much better than that.

George, Danielle & Taylor- i had SO much fun hanging out with your family and shooting the little princess Ariel :) I almost got taken over in the wave from laughing so hard! Next time, all 4 of you are going to be my subjects :)

-Jackie

by Jackie

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brooke bowland - love her smile. what a sweetie! these totally have me grinning.

Elisabeth Carol - I adore these! Just precious!

jenny - So fun to see you do sessions with kids! I love the ones that make you smile, so awesome. Let me tell you, photographing kids is the BEST weight loss plan :)

Emily Clark - This is such a fun idea to do a session at the beach! Great work and you guys look like you had a ton of fun!!

DIY FEATURE ON STYLE ME PRETTY!

03.12.10 DIY - Featured - Photography - Weddings

I WISH I COULD SIT AROUND ALL DAY AND CRAFT AND TAKE PICTURES. Of course, that’s in addition to being with my family. I’m TRULY humbled to be featured alongside such talented women, Karrie and Elizabeth of Posh Paperie, on an amazing blog again! Our most recent DIY for pinwheels was HERE :) I know we all work a lot together, because i talk about them non-stop, incessantly, BUT….they are magic and I am their biggest fan. So this morning, when i see a little email from Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty saying that this fun little DIY had been posted today, i just about jumped out of my seat! I just LOVE my job…i get to take pretty pictures of pretty things and pretty people. PLEASE, stop by Style Me Pretty and Posh Paperie and let them know what you think of these gorgeous pieces and ideas and also, get a glimpse to see how they are made! Enjoy some the candy…

by Jackie

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brooke bowland - you are just so fantastic. love this!

ADAM & DANA MARRIED! – MIRAMONTE RESORT PALM SPRINGS WEDDING – PART 1

03.12.10 Weddings

Adam and Dana are amazingly passionate people. That is the first word that comes to my mind when i think of them together, as a couple: Passionate. After our Engagement Session back in November, i KNEW that their wedding at the Miramonte in Indian Wells would be something special. Not because of the decor, or details or killer dress and shoes (which were not lacking in the least bit), but because of their roots, their family- where they came from. I knew that people who are that passionate had to have been shown it in their life…and i was right. Adam and Dana’s love was SO evident in the lives around them on their wedding day, and it was incredibly infectious. And, as per usual at a wedding, i cried at least once :) Here is part 1 of their day:

Thank you to Megan Plenge for coming along for the ride to the desert and grabbing some great images for me:

First look..highly recommended and incredibly amazing.

love.

Dana, i know you were a tad under the weather…never would’ve known it. You’re so gorgeous.

Thanks to Joey Lizotte of Artisan Events and April Seuss of the Bride and I, and their AMAZING teams! They did an incredible job with the florals and overall design of this wedding!

My favorite of the day!

There’s a *tad* more to share from Adam & Dana’s fabulous wedding- stay tuned!

by Jackie

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Merrilee - Oh Jackie, these are just fabulous! The ones on the bench are just lovely :)

megan plenge - YEAH!! These are amazing...LOVE them! It was so fun to work with you...hope to do it again soon! xoxo

brooke bowland - gasp. amazing. love love love. oh i popped into anthro and smelt that candle btw. um, i would like a box shipped to my house. YUM.

richard cao - JACKIE! these are amazing!! you did such a great job.. keep it up..

michele dyson - Jackie, these are FAB! The one you "love" is delish....loving the light and the tones. Beautiful job once again. Wish we could have met for a drink in Vegas.....next year, hopefully:) Hope you had a fantastic time!

jenny - Beautiful Jackie! I love that wall with vines, adds so much!Oh and the apple ring shot, wonderful!

WPPI & A MAKEOVER FOR KARRIE PYKE DESIGNS!

03.07.10 Featured - Lifestyle Portrait

WPPI: Just to let any and all know that I am currently at WPPI, so if i don’t get to your emails and phone calls, it’s because i’m out of the office until thursday, which i will then be getting back to business! I hope to come home inspired, recharged with information, and ready to conquer the world :) If you’re a photographer PLEASE say hi!!! Now, onto more beautiful things ….

….My lovely friend and AMAZINGLY talented designer, Karrie Pyke!! Karrie recently launched her NEW WEBSITE & BLOG! Karrie is 1 of 2 parts of the incredible duo, Posh Paperie. I convinced her that she need to put photos up of her self for her blog and site, so that’s where i came in :) Elizabeth, Karrie and myself laugh a lot together, so it makes it fun to work together, but also very difficult at the same time to actually get much done. introducing the NEW Karrie Pyke Designs!!!

GORGEOUS.

by Jackie

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Molly - Love it! Jackie...she is lovely and you rock as always!

Angela - Love these photos - so much fun. She's LOVELY!!

Mandy - Adorable.

HUMILITY & THINGS I ♥ THURSDAY

03.04.10 Things i Heart Thursdays

ON HUMILITY: Something that’s been pressing on my heart and mind a ton lately is the subject of humility. And, to be more specific, humility in my craft. It’s so amazing to get compliments, encouraging words on my blog posts and confirming statements that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. But, i’m really scared to let pride and a big head get the best of me. I think there are so many people and organizations that just take those experiences and words to help themselves fuel their “greatness” my compiling those things in their head and plowing ahead, pushing for greatness at any expense. But, in the end, what it really comes down to, is my character and my hearts intentions. Personally, my reasons for running my business is this: to bless others. It’s really great that i get to make money as i stay home with my children and have a creative, artistic outlet and all. But these things would be empty and void if there was not a bigger reason behind it all. I have no idea if anyone will get anything out of this, but it’s just been on my heart. So, to end my bad writing skills, here’s a quote that i found today on this subject:

“Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation” -unknown.

Now, onto some frivolous fun stuff :)

I ♥ Levi’s 524 Skinny Jeans! I’m in love with these inexpensive jeans that fit me perfect. I got them for $32 at macy’s…that is a steal considering they’re the pioneer in jean-making.
I ♥ Clean sheets. I know it seems like an obvious love, BUT really, it’s SUCH a relaxing smell and feeling… *sigh*
I ♥ Oxiclean Baby. This love is fresh in my mind since Emery’s cute skinny blue jeans that i got on sale at Gap Kids for $10(What?!!!) got grass stains in them :( So, i was reminded that i need more of this amazing concoction(Billy Mays, rest in peace) in my cupboards. Off to Target i go!
I ♥ Capri Blue Candle: Volcano. It’s the anthro smell and it’s divine: )
I ♥ This design from Posh Paperie! It’s a little sneak peek of “all new things Jackie Wonders to-come”. I’m amping out and can’t wait to share everything soon!!!

by Jackie

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taylor - Love this blog!! The images are beautiful!!

The Neo-Traditionalist - Loving your new logo sneak peek! How exciting! Your little piece on humility is really sweet---clearly you aren't one that lets things go to your head, admirable indeed! XO

tinypaperheart - i love what you wrote about humiliy and how it's about your motives and character. beautiful. :)

Aleah + Nick Valley - We love this post!

Bethany Murphy - :) I had to smile and laugh and agree all at the same time. To this post I give you a big AMEN! I think you know my views and I love the outlook you have :) I don't see it going to your head, you already know you want to stay humble and I think it is a big enough deal to you, that you will always keep it on your heart.

Tara Wheaton - What a great post! I started my business almost 20 years ago and my favorite weddings or events are the ones where I am given the opportunity to bless my clients! My favorite verse is "And what does the Lord require of you but to Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with Your God" Micah 6:8 LOVE 1 thru 5 especially 2 and 5, #1 I love but makes me look like a marshmallow on sticks =) Be Blessed!

brooke bowland - clean sheets kick serious butt. i wish i could sleep on fresh sheets every night, something about the way they feel is just amazing. and baby oxi...i am with you...it gets EVERYTHING out. i have used it on the oddest things, including removing things from tables etc. voila!

Katie Neal Photo - Girl...I hear you on the humility thing! It's good for us to keep our hearts in check! Love the feather!

Marianne - Well...keep doing what you are doing because i absolutely love it!. God gave you a great gift and you have become a blessing to many!!.. (at least to us and my family and friends :) )

LITTLE SNEAK

03.02.10 Weddings

Just one little sneak of Adam & Dana’s Palm Springs wedding..more coming soon.

by Jackie

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marlin munoz - .superb image Jackie.

brooke bowland - i heart. beautiful!

megan plenge - yeah!!! I love it so far...can't wait to see the rest of em!!

michele dyson - Oooooh.....can't wait to see more! The tones are scrumptious!

YESTERDAY…

02.27.10 Photography

…This was my office for a couple of hours. Not too bad :)

by Jackie

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Samantha - Totally with Brandi on the first one! Loooove the colors... so vibrant and rich! *drool* Great job Jackie!

Brandi - Love that first one. the colors are so rich. It would look great in anyone's house with brown, greens and blues. You could so sell that one!!!!

Matt Wonders - "Luckyyyy" (in Napoleon Dynamite voice)

RICHARD & MARIANNE :: EXPECTING!

02.26.10 Expecting - Lifestyle Portrait

I wish i looked like Marianne when i was pregnant. I had to keep telling her to stick out her stomach more because she’s so tiny! I definitely can’t say the same about myself when i was 7 months, HA! Richard and Marianne were little mold-able pieces of clay that let me do whatever i wanted with them…i love that ;) And, for that, i feel like we got some GREAT images for their new little baby girl, Evangeline, to look back on one day. SIGH… Enjoy :)

they laugh a ton together :)

There’s just *something* about this image that i adore.

My favorite of the day!R&M- Being around you two and your love was infectious. I wanted to go home that night and have another baby :) I can’t wait to see Evangeline and how adorable she will be!!! Thank you again for having me there to document a great moment in your lives.

Love, Jackie

by Jackie

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Marianne - Thank you soo much everyone!!

Rita Cooper - Beautiful pictures!!! What strikes me most about the two of you is that you always seem to be laughing and really enjoying each other, that was obviously captured in these photos. Having parents that truly love each other is an amazing gift to give your daughter. I know you will be wonderful parents, she is a lucky little girl!!

Jackie - Thank you Marianne! and everyone else too :)

Jackie Engel - These pictures are absolutely gorgeous! You are a very talented photographer! I especially love the moments that you captured their little sparkles and laughter! These pictures reflect a ton of joy and bliss :)

Lysmariam - I love the pictures. You guys look so in love, que Dios los bendiga y los ilumine en el camino de "parenting".

Zuly!! - Que bella!!!!! Te vezzzz con la pipaaaa.....Me encantaron TODAS las fotos Marianne...me encanta!! estoy loca por ir a ver a esa nena bellaa de titiissss jejeje....esos padres quedaron de SHOW!!.. Q DIOS los llene de muucha alegria y bendiciones pq se lo merecennn.. TE QUIEROO muchoppp.....

Yaitza - awwwwwwwww me encantó marianne...te ves super chula una super modelo...bella bella...el embarazo te sienta bien,,estas preciosa amiguita del alma....Quedaron preciosos los dos....Que Dios bendiga su hogar siempre de mucho amor y cosas hermosas como mi bella sobrinita Eva ....awwww me encanto yo quiero fotos....te quiero mucho....

Magda Ramirez - Dios te bendiga mi amor!!! Esas fotos estan hermosas me han hecho llorar!!Cuando hay amor y Dios esta presente todo es hermoso. Te amo mucho mi adorada hija!!!!!!

Eleny Abreu Santos - Marianne muchisimas felicidades!!! Estos son momentos q nunca se olvidan. Estas fotos quedaron super lindas. Dios te bendiga a ti y tu familia.

Marianne - Thank you so much for the amazing job you do! The pictures you took varied from beautiful, to hilarious, very sentimental since I know this moment in life (being pregnant with my first child) wont last to much longer. to ! I couldn't have asked for a better mix. The pictures were filled with so much personality, and every special moment was caught! Our family and friends WILL lovee them. Thank you again, I (and Richard!) appreciate your hard work! We had a lot of fun being clumsy with getting the right position for the pictures lol. I love my pictures!

Rachael Earl - Love these, especially your posing!

Elisabeth Carol - Soooo precious!!

GERBER FAMILY :: JUST BECAUSE!

02.23.10 Lifestyle Portrait

This shoot and post has been a long time coming. Angela contacted me way back when, and due to sickness, holidays, schedules and rain, we were finally able to make it happen! Because of so many emails, life updates, email humor and her showing me some of her personal blogging of Finn’s AWESOME Robot birthday party, i feel like she and i have become good friends :) I love when that happens with my clients! And, I’m not quite sure if I have ever photographed a family who showed so much affection. These boys LOVE their parents and aren’t afraid to show it. I pray Emery’s that way! So, we all met up in Belmont Park, which always offers some fun color and games for the kids. And, although the rides were closed, we still managed to make it work :)

Meet Finn and Scout. They’re brothers and they love each other. – melts my heart -

So sweet.Scout : 2 yrs old, loves chocolate ice cream and his dog, patches.Not to leave Christopher & Finn out, but this my favorite of the day! LOVE this love :)

Things ended on a great note :)

Christopher, Angela, Finn and Scout (& Patches)- I’m SO glad we were able to finally document your wonderful family! I hope you love these images as much as i do :)

Love, Jackie

by Jackie

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Rose - The boys are precious and that is what makes these photos wonderful. Kudos to the photographer for having a great eye on capturing "the moment". A very happy family indeed. thanks for sharing them.

Angela - jackie - we had ALOT of fun and we never have *fun* at photoshoots. you were flexible, patient and so wonderful with the boys. thanks for capturing a little piece of our lives. we will cherish the photos forever! the gerbers

jenny - LOVE the first one!! I just want to smooch those boys!!

Katie Neal Photo - SO cute! Me and Ry when we have a baby boy will be naming him Finn. I love the name Scout too! Loveee the photos, all of them!

megan welker - cutest names and cutest kids! I love the bright colors in this session!

michele dyson - Oooooohhhhhhh - what adorable little guys :: makes me want a boy of my own:) The one with the trike is MAGIC! Really, really great post:)

heather - Can Scout date Liv when they get older? Or does Emery already have dibs? I kind of love him. Fun location and shoot Mrs. Wonders!

Kelly Decoteau - so much fun!! I've been waiting to see these since you tweeted about the location. Great work. :)

BEFORE AND AFTERS, RECIPES AND FILLING UP!

02.21.10 Expecting - Lifestyle Portrait - Photography - Weddings

2010 IS FILLING UP!!

I just wanted to give an update to all couples who are searching for your wedding photographer…1) I would so love to be that person and 2) I only have about 5 more dates/availabilities for weddings in 2010. If you are having an amazing DIY wedding or are getting married in very unique venue, i would love to work with you on a special pricing collection for you!

____________________________

BEFORE AND AFTER WITH RECIPES!

If you are a client, this part of this blog post is her to show you the before and after product, but it is mainly for the photographer friends :)

I don’t know, maybe it’s the artist in me, but I love the artistic edit.. I love making images look fancy and fun and perfect. I have been getting several questions as to what my processing is like, so i thought I’d show some before and afters and share some action recipes! Before i list them out, I do want to say that my raw conversions make a huge difference in the outcome of my images. The images on the left are basically straight out of the camera, except for some exposure tweaks. And, i only use Totally Rad Actions to keep my look consistent and clean. I will use only one color and one black and white recipe for each wedding or shoot so that an album layout will look clean and consistent!

Mike and Stephanie’s recent shoot color mix:

Auto contrast, yin/yang for dodging and burning, pro retouch/eye bump, oh snap 30%, luxe hard 20%, get faded neutral 30%, warm it up kris 40-50%(varies), flatten, boutwell magic glasses 60%, select o pop on eyes(if needed)

Their black and white mix:

Auto contrast, de-toner, yin/yang, pro retouch if needed, Brooklyn b/w 30%, contrast 20-30%, grainstorm, flatten, boutwell magic glasses 60%, burn out 30%, flatten.

by Jackie

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Sofie - thanks for sharing your art with us! how do get those blurry section in a photo - is it lensbabies?

Chantelle Turgeon - That's awesome Jackie! Thank-you so much for sharing this! I LOVE the processing on your photos! Breathtaking...........

Mindy - thanks for sharing this. :)