Winter at the Zoo

I had had never been to the Zoo in the winter time before, so in preparation for Karen & Erik's engagement shoot this morning I arrived at the zoo a little early to check it out.  I've been there quite a few times in the summer (it really is a spot to see in Madison) and I wasn't sure what I'd find!  When I pulled up I was surprised to see so many cars in the parking lot, as a bunch of families with bundled up kids waddled through the main gates.  It was evident that everyone was out to enjoy the "warmer" weather today - it is amazing what 35 can feel like after all of those below zero days.  And to my surprise a lot of the animals were out too. Like many times when I'm out and about in this city, it just affirms what a great community it is to live in.  And how we all somehow make it through these brutal winters, and can come on out on a cold Saturday morning and enjoy the Zoo together.  It was a beautiful Madisonian moment.  

Alright, enough of the sappy and on to the pictures!  After I was done shooting with Karen and Erik, I stuck around for a little bit and caught some photos of the animals.  

 

I loved these penguins all hanging out by the door, and when I got it off the camera and onto my computer, I just had to put it in black and white because it looked like they were wearing little tuxes.   They just needed some martinis and cigars and they would have looked like I was witnessing the Rat Pack!

In all of the times I've been to the Zoo, I've never been fortunate enough to see the lions.   And boy are they beautiful!  As I was taking these, I was really wishing the fence would be gone so I could REALLY get some good pictures.  But then I remembered, these aren't stuffed animals, they are the King of the Jungle!  In fact when I was walking around with Karen and Erik we could hear them roaring!

He was totally looking at me while I was taking pictures, he must be used to the paparazzi! 

And it was no surprise that the Polar Bears were out!  These guys were swimming and splashing and having a grand old time in the cold!

And now..... a sneak peek!  Here's a sneak peek of one of the many great shots I got of Karen and Erik.  They are such a great couple, I really enjoyed getting to know them this morning.  And brave too!  On the first photo they took their coats off outside and were ready to roll!   This one was taken in the Bird House which felt like a tropical getaway compared to the snow and cold outside.  Stay tuned for more photos from their shoot a little later.

Ta ta for now... gotta go get ready for our Super Bowl party tomorrow.... and if you live in the Madison area... go to the Zoo!  jvw

New Identity!

If you've been following me for a little while you know that I have had nothing short of an "Identity Crisis" while developing my business. Well, I think I've changed my look for the last time in a while! It's been a struggle for me because I think of a new idea everyday... and well... ideas are cheap! I was digging the blue grungy logo I had, but if you knew me, I'm not really a blue grungy type of person and it was clashing all with the wedding themed photos. (I know, when I told my husband this he just rolled his eyes...) So here it is in all of it's glory, a polka dotty modern sort of look... and believe you me I love the polka dots! In fact I was just in Target the other day (don't even get me started about my love for Target), and I was looking at all of the storage bins they had, and low and behold there was one with Polka Dots and I had a mini freak-out... anyway I digress.... the new logo!


Tada! As you can see as well, I have updated my header on the blog here and if you go over to my website you will see the change in the mini logo as well. I'm also SUPER excited about ordering some new CD holders, labels, business cards, and thank you cards. I will show pics as soon as I get them in! Pardon my dust and my old blue labels on the past posts, soon all will match.


In other updates I've been doing some behind the scenes things such as cleaning the 5,000 or so photos off of my laptop, catching this blog up from last year (I think I'm still missing half of my clients, it's not personal!), organizing my gear and getting ready for the warmer weather. Things have been slower over January, seeing as the temps have been below zero mostly (not ideal portrait weather), and everyone is getting over their Holiday Cookie buzz. I am SUPER excited for this Saturday I get to shoot an engagement session at the Zoo, so cross your fingers with me that the temps will stay in the forecasted 30's! Look for sneek peeks on the blog the begining of next week. We're also hosting a rockin' Super de Duper Bowl Party this weekend, and I just know I'll have to bust the camera out.

I'm looking forward to it getting warmer and get pictures of all your gorgeous smiles out there!

Peace for now

jvw

New Client Referral Program!

I am so excited to announce my new Client Referral Program!

I am appreciative of all my clients when they choose me to capture those special memories.To show my thanks, I have created a "Referral Program". This rewards not only my new clients, but also clients past. Here's how it works; for every person you refer to me and books a photo shoot:

You Receive:

A $25 print credit or a $25 credit toward the cost of a future photo shoot

For the Person you Refer:

$25 print credit for use on their upcoming photo shoot

Just be sure that the person you refer let's me know that it was you who sent them my way! Thanks to everyone for your continued support and business!

A Balmy 6 degrees! Bring out the Swim Suits!

I hope you're bundled in somewhere warm as I write this post! I just took a look at the weather and it's a balmy 6 degrees!  Although it may seem cold it is a great improvement from a few days ago when it was -45 degrees with the windchill!  It was so cold, my car wouldn't start on Thursday after a day outside (don't worry hubby & co-workers to the rescue!).   The one thing that the cold weather does mean (and very close to the only thing I enjoy!) is some beautiful sunsets.  I couldn't help but take a few pictures on Friday night.

Here's Edie, wondering why in the world I got to go outside and take pictures while she had to stay inside (apparently she didn't understand what "30 below 0" is dangerous for animals means)....

I took this picture of myself in the reflection of the glass.

Such pretty colors!  

Our little girl...

I just have to take a moment a be a proud "mom". One year ago today we brought home our little Yorkie Edie, and our lives have never been the same! I must admit that having a puppy is more work than I'd ever thought it would be, however like most things in life, the hardest things are the most rewarding. So in honor of this special holiday in our little family I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pics from the last year. She is after all my most faithful subject!

This photo is from the first day we brought her home! I think that's been the only day she's been mellow since!

Edie keeping up on her emails...

Edie looking out at the landscape after getting 10 inches of snow... "Where am I supposed to go potty?"Enjoying some time in the sunshine....

This is probably one of my favorites of her... it just conveys the excitement and complete concentration she has when riding in the car!This is Edie at her favorite spot in the new house... the front window. I think she's guarding me against some scary leaves here! Man those blowing ones are dangerous!
Thanks for bearing with the bragging mom : )

Bunbury Portraits

When I'm not doing photography, I work for Bunbury & Associates Realtors in Madison. However, some days the two meet, and I get to have portrait day! I always love the opportunity to capture our agents personalities, and get to know them a little better. Plus, we even threw in a "Sold" sign for a little fun!

First up was Kay, she is a new agent in our Middleton Office and we're so glad to have her!

Next is Beth Goethel from our Baraboo Office, hopefully she'll be putting those Sold signs all over her lake properties soon!

Now there is a time and a place for the studio portrait, but I took a little break from the flash and opened up the windows and shot just with the available light. I love the results!

And last but not least, one of our newer agents Andy Symanski. Although new to our company, he is not new to the business, and he is a great addition !

The Rosensteel Family

When the Rosensteels asked me to take their family photo, I was excited at the opportunity. John is a Pastor at Blackhawk, the church that my husband and I have been attending for the last 5 years. Over this past year we both have gotten to know John better. This past year has also been an exciting tim for the Rosensteels as little Eden arrived last Christmas Eve! She is not only a cutie, but she knows it! You'll see what I mean in her photos below!

The best is yet to come....

The beginning of 2009 brings hope and anticipation for a great new year. I thought I'd take the chance and switch up my blog to a new format. I hope you enjoy it! I appreciate your comments and your feedback.

To my past clients and friends, thank you for all of your support this past year! It has definitely been a year of growth for me professionally as I grow and refine my skills. 2009 is sure to not disappoint, with my first 4 weddings scheduled for this summer. I am ecstatic at each of these opportunities, and I can't wait to shoot them! (Well, and it means that warmer summer weather is right around the corner!)

I am a sucker for all of those "Year in Review" shows on TV this time of year, so I thought I'd post a "Jenn Van Wyk Photography Year in Review". Below are some of my favorites from 08'.

May peace, love, and prosperity find you this new year!