Jayne Reece Atelier

It's Been Awhile

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Hello? Are you all still there? I'm so sorry for the large time gap from my last post! A lot has been going on in 2014. I recently moved from Shabbona to Rochelle, and unfortunately that means I no longer have an indoor studio to offer my clients. Depending on how the future goes, I may be able to purchase a space for indoor photos down the road- I will keep everyone informed should that happen. In the meantime, I'm enjoying scoping out new outdoor locations for shoots and getting to know my new community. I would LOVE anyone in the Rochelle area that has used my services in the past to spread the word about my relocating. There isn't much else to report right now, but I hope the weather starts looking up so we can get some awesome photos for you! Below are some photos I snapped mid-May. I think I'll call them "Illinois- Land of Unpredictable Weather". Have a good weekend all! :)

What to Wear: Winter Senior Edition

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Welcome to the Winter edition of What to Wear from JRP! Deanne is modeling an adorable outfit from Maurice's. I personally love how it's a little preppy, a little country, don't you? This look has it all- layers, texture, sparkle & accessories.

Let's start with what NOT to wear for your senior session. 1) Logos, loud patterns and particularly waffle thermal shirts don't look good in photos. Just remember this acronym- KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). 2) Don't wear just one color. Mix it up a little. Be sure to bring at least 2 outfits to any senior session. It's nice to have a little variety when it comes time to order your photos. 3) Stay true to your style and personality, but don't be too trendy. Look at your parents' senior photos with that huge eighties hair and shoulder pads- don't let that be you. Try to pick something simple and timeless, then add in a little personality.

Five Ways to Shine This Winter:

1) Winter skin tends to be dry and lack luster. Use a medium coverage foundation to hide minor imperfections. Also, be sure to check your foundation and concealer. That summer tan has probably faded, which means you'll need a lighter color to properly match your natural skin tone.

2) Swap a dark, shimmery bronzer for a hint of contouring under your cheekbones and around the hairline.

3) Red and pink lips are in this winter. If you're feeling bold, leave the rest of your makeup natural and let your lips do the talking.

4) Sequins aren't just for nighttime! Have fun with subtle embellishments, like these jeans from Maurice's.

5) Layered jewelry is all the rage, but don't go overboard. Your senior photos should focus on you, not your jewelry.

I hope this post will help you with your own senior session. Please continue to check back for my Spring edition of What to Wear.

Here's a breakdown of this look:

Thankful

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Last month I asked for people to submit a story of thankfulness for a chance to win a free session. Our family has been through many ups and downs this year, and I wanted a way to "pay it forward". I had a hard decision to make, but I feel that Amy's story was an amazing example of strength and perseverance over many obstacles. Here is Amy's story in her own words:

I am thankful for LIFE. Everyone has a different story... I however have overcome loosing two parents to murder when I was two and three and a brother to heroin overdose. I have not taken the path of drugs or prison.

I've made it my number one priority to be the best person and mom I could.

Life is a beautiful thing. I was given three beautiful children and an amazing husband (sometimes I would like to choke) but on Tuesday it's my 5 year cancer free anniversary.

My life was given to me to make a difference in someone's life. Why? No idea.. For who? Still? Why have I lost so many people and I'm still standing strong and tall? because I choose to be a survivor rather than a victim! All though my life is super sad.. My life is amazingly beautiful.

I'm thankful for being here for my babies.

-Amy

Do It Anyway

Monday, November 11, 2013

    A couple of weeks ago my grandparents were visiting from North Carolina. They only make it up here once or twice a year, so we always get together for pizza at a local restaurant while they're here. My grandparents, mom, stepdad, my son and I were just finishing up dinner when my mom said she wanted a four generation photo. Like most people, we protested. I hate being in front of the camera, and I think my grandparents just like giving my mom a hard time. A few minutes later, as we were leaving the restaurant, my grandparents and I asked where we should stand for the photo. I could tell my mom was upset when she said, "Never mind, we'll do it another time." We all hugged and got in our vehicles. As I was headed to my grandparents' hotel, I called my mom to see if she wanted to stop real quick and do the photo. I felt horrible as she said, "It's ok. I'm the only one that cares about it." We really should have just taken the picture. I do care about having family photos, especially considering that my grandparents aren't around much. I just needed to pull my head out of my butt and get over the fact that I hate how I look in photos.
     Over the weekend, my mom and I went shopping for her birthday and we touched on this subject again. As I was listening to her talk about how lucky we are to still have my grandparents still around (and the fact that my 98 year old great grandma died last year), I realized how selfish we'd all been. I have a photo of my son with my great grandma from when he has roughly a year old....he's almost four. I also have a photo of my grandpa, mom, my son and me (four generations) from around the same time. It's sad to think that the last family photo like that was done about 3 years ago.
     You think it's annoying when your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, ect pull out the camera and want to take your picture? You hate that you still haven't lost that 40 lbs of baby weight you put on? Do it anyway. I have learned far too well this year that life is precious. We all take for granted the time that we have with our loved ones, but the truth is that we could be gone tomorrow. And if we did leave this world tomorrow, don't you want to leave those memories for your family?
      I am terribly guilty of this myself. There are TONS of photos of my son. TONS. But, how many with me or my husband in them? Not many. If I were to die tomorrow, I want my son to remember me. I want him to look back on photos of us hugging, kissing, playing, whatever, and remember feeling my love. Get in there. Take that photo with your awkward haircut or extra 40 lbs of baby weight. Do it anyway.

Photo copyright Megan Leigh Photography

What to Wear Wednesday: Fall Family Edition

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

This is my first ever JRP what to wear mock magazine! What do you think? I'm hoping to put one together for each season. Some important things I wanted to show here are coordination (not matching) outfits, the importance of varying textures and affordability. Mom's patterned dress has multiple colors to use for dad and child. The pink tights and plum sweater complement mom's dress wonderfully. The boots, jean jacket, cardigan and vest all have varying textures that give depth to the photo. All clothes featured here, with the exception of dad's jeans, were purchased from Target.

Here's a breakdown of this look:

I hope you found this post helpful for your own photo session. Please continue to check back for my Winter edition of What to Wear.

Happy Anniversary, Jayne Reece Photography!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

My post title sounds like a Charlie Brown movie...haha! So, here we are starting year 3 of being in business- yay! Words cannot explain how much I appreciate each and every one of my family members, friends, clients, fans, and followers. Thank YOU so much! Below I have photos of my new packaging, what do you think? This specific setup is for a CD only, but every box will contain: a thank you note, a business card for future reference, pretty teal tissue paper, a special gift (not pictured), and twisted twine to tie it all together. One thing I especially love is my new CD sleeves from Mega Smiles. They have my logo on the front, print release on the back, and are individually stitched- how cute?!

So, you must be wondering, "what else has changed?" I have made some adjustments to my pricing, which you can see here. I have also decided to no longer do newborn photos. I'd like to focus more on areas of photography that I excel in. I have also invested in more classes and equipment to further my ability as a photographer. So, there you have it. Welcome year 3, I look forward to getting to know you!

Red, White, and Blue Icebox Cake

Friday, June 28, 2013

This light, no bake dessert is perfect for celebrating Independence Day. Besides being simple and delicious, you can add a special little touch by whipping up your own whipped cream! I got this idea from a similar icebox cake I did recently, and thought, "how perfect for the upcoming holiday?"

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lbs strawberries, sliced (this varies on your love of strawberries!)

1 lb blueberries

3 cups whipping cream

1/3 cup confectioners sugar

1 tsp vanilla (optional)

18-24 whole graham crackers (my husband likes more whipped cream, so I added less)

Step 1: Slice strawberries

Step 2: Add whipping cream to large bowl- stand mixer or hand mixer will work. It will take awhile to get the consistency you're looking for, be patient.

See? Stiff peaks. That's what you want to see. Now, add the confectioners sugar and vanilla (if using) and whip together.

Step 3: Cover bottom of 9x13 pan with thin layer of whipped cream. Place 6 graham crackers over whipped cream.

Step 4: Add another thin layer of whipped cream over graham crackers, then add fruit. Continue layering until out of graham crackers. You should get 3-4 layers depending on how graham crackery you like your cake.

The final layer should be whipped cream, unless you decide to go something fancy like an American flag out of fruit or fanned strawberries with a mint sprig. I wasn't feeling fancy today, so plain old whipped cream for us.

Step 5: Refrigerate for atleast 4 hours.

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, "won't the graham crackers get soggy?" YES! That's the point! Once the cake has set in the fridge it gets more of a cake-like texture. Trust me, you'll love it.

Enjoy this cake at your Fourth of July celebration this year. You'll be glad you did.

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