I got back last night from 4 days at WPPI (a photography convention) in Vegas. It was full of amazing speakers, trade shows and a million things now added to my “to do” list. It is always great to go to workshops or conventions to be inspired and in the presence of so many amazing artists. I can’t wait to start applying some of the invaluable things I learned. I have clients tell me all of the time, “you must feel so lucky to have this job, I love photography, I wish I could be doing what you are”. I appreciate when people share that with me, it reminds me that I do love what I do, and have such a passion for it. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the business side of things there are so many details and crazy nuances that you would never imagine. If you had told me years ago all that was involved in running a successful photography business I would never have believed it. Then after being gone for a few days I come home to these smiling faces that I love so much and it puts everything into perspective. I shot this picture this afternoon, my girls were so happy and full of joy, the sun was shining, we played on the tramp, mimi and grandpa were here (they came to help Chris with the brood while I was away) then I received a call from a social worker at the hospital notifying me of a delivery that would require the services of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. (an amazing organization that I volunteer for, click on the link to read more about it) I went in at 3:45 am and got home an hour ago, these shoots are really difficult and the last few have rocked me to the core. Why am I posting this? I was just reminded in the most intense way how amazing life is, how I want to remember to not take it for granted, here I was so happy to be home taking a pic of my babies when I received a call telling me of another mother’s loss. I feel honored that they trust me to capture their babies and be a small part of their experience. Today it is my goal to live life to the fullest, not to worry if the house isn’t picked up and there are dirty clothes on the floor but to enjoy, laugh, smile, play and contemplate/appreciate all of my blessings.

It’s almost senior pic time, crazy I know! I will be announcing a special new program next week for the seniors of 2011, a senior rep program. What is a senior rep you ask, a senior rep is an outgoing, charasmatic spokesperson for Jana Graham Photography that receives fantastic perks and print credits, you will have a fab session early in the season, tell all of your friends about how great it was, show them some pictures where you look AMAZING and then recommend that they also have their senior pics taken by me. Stay tuned – Details and applications to follow next week!

I couldn’t post without a pic, this is one of my favorite seniors, I love to capture what you do.

This baby was the sweetest ever, I was warmly welcomed in and spent the afternoon with this fabulous family and their new addition. His older brother is the cutest ever and we hit it off right away. I love his adorable baby parts, look at his little chin. Congrats guys!

So I have been offering these amazing albums for the past 6 months as part of my collections and wanted to share them now that I am the company’s exclusive photographer for the area. The clients I have worked with during the past fall were able to see and then fall in love with the dreamy keepsakes. I am happy to say, they are now gracing the homes of many wonderful people in Billings. I was never into selling an album because I hadn’t found one that I could get behind, I will only give products to my clients that I would love to have myself, then I went to a workshop in Dallas last spring and had a huge case of love at first sight. It was a moment where light came down and angels sang. This was it, the album that was so unique and luxurious, different than anything I had ever seen, a product that is unlike any other album available to the general public, a product I would be honored to offer my amazing clients, something worthy of their gorgeous pictures and a true treasure for years to come. I know this description is getting nauseating but really when you hold one in your hands and see the quality you can’t help but feel the same way. All of the albums and boxes (included with my digital package) are custom hand made products, really could you ask for anything more? This company, The Dream Album is fabulous to work with, I love the owner and am now lucky to call her a friend.

This was a great couple to shoot. They were super considering we started downtown on a frosty day then by the time we got to the rims the light was a yucky, bluish gray, I had envisioned yummy warm sun flare to showcase and capture their lovey- doviness so we decided to finish the shoot another day. I’m so glad that they trusted me enough to have another go around. It ended up being a fantastic 42 degrees with wonderful filtered sunlight. I can’t wait for their wedding at Flathead in July it will be gorgeous!!

We visited my snowbirding in-laws in Phoenix a few of weeks ago. We happened to arrive during the storm of the century, flash floods, tornado warnings, the whole enchilada, so it was much colder than we anticipated, but at least it wasn’t snow. The night we arrived Chris’ mom generously offered to watch the kids so that we could enjoy a night away. We quickly jumped all over that offer and started investigating hotels in the area, we ended up staying at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, it was beyond amazing. We arrived and decided to hike Camelback mountain, a pretty hairy climb, then we got back enjoyed the gorgeous spa’s steam room and had a night out on the town. Below are some detail pics.We were looking for unusual things to do and found this fab, unique Queen Creek Olive Mill. We enjoyed tasty treats and a great tour that told us all we ever wanted to know about olive oil, it was fun for the kids to see how yummy oils are made. They sell their oils in specialty stores and to some high end restaurants in the area, we left with bags full of scrumptious goodies.We had such a good time on our family vacation. We loved just being outside, we brought the kids rollerskates so they spent hours mastering their skills. Chris enjoyed a few rounds of golf. My grandparents decided to come to Phoenix for a few weeks to escape the snow so we were able to spend some time with them. How fantastic is it that my kids have a relationship with their great grandparents? We are so lucky! Of course we visited the exciting zoo, we bought the super passes for the kids which gave them access to unlimited carousel and camel rides (the best purchase of the entire trip) I think they seriously rode the camel 13 times. Hailey and Ty were able to celebrate their birthdays together with the family and a rib extravaganza. We had a fantastic time and can’t wait to go back!

Mom and I were corresponding for quite awhile so I felt like I was getting together with an old friend the day of the shoot. I was pleasantly surprised when she opened the door and I recognized gorgeous little “H” from music class.

When I took this serious shot of her it was one of those moments, she is beautiful, look at those eyes!!!!

A momentous year for this fab family, their eldest daughter is graduating from college and the second graduating from high school! Mom decided it was an important time to capture the fam and I was honored to do so.

I had the pleasure of photographing Mary, who graduating from high school this fall, but Mom also wanted a few great pics of Emily the soon to be college grad. Look at her gorgeous skin!! I have never before been sad that I am getting older, I don’t obsess over every new fine line, but I wish I would have appreciated my flawless skin in my early 20’s. She is glowing and glorious!

Hailey’s birthday was yesterday, my little monkey turned 5! I envisioned an urban photo shoot with fab clothes, just her and I, then reality hit, Ty desperately needed a nap and it was snowy and cold so we decided to get ready for her pajama birthday party early and play in the front yard for a bit. We had a great time, she loved to see pics of herself making silly faces, acting like super girl and catching snowflakes on her tongue.

She invited six friends over for a pj party, which was really a cooking party but any excuse to wear her pjs all hours of the day is totally her. She decided that they all should make their own little pizzas and do a craft. This was honestly the best b-day party ever, the kids got along fabulously, and there was zero drama, just excited screeching and running around. Perfection!

Hailey decorated the cake herself, sprinkles and all. I love how she put the candles on lopsided and thought they were beautiful. These are the little things that I realize will change so quickly as she grows up, I’m trying to notice all of the hilarious moments that make her Hailey and capture them, I know in a few years this picture of crooked candles will make me tear up, oh wait it is now….. Ok I am officially a total sap.

Hailey is a wonderful girl full of spunk and personality. I love her with all of my heart. Happy Birthday Hailey!

I always love when grandparents book shoots when all of the grandkids are in town and the family is together. I had the chance to photograph these sisters and cousins while they were visiting. The kids had a blast together, they were really fun to work with. Grandma was not able to attend the majority of the shoot due to work so we took the photo shoot to her to capture a few pics. I love their canvas choices – the top pic of mom and daughters looking fab and the b&w of mom and son. I just delivered them and they were STUNNING!