February Photo Walk

Between the weather and my back I wasn't sure I would make it out for my second photo walk of the year, but I managed to get it done on the last day of the month!  I question my choice of taking Ruger with me, because of the messed up back, but he did very well.  We went to Sycamore Shoals State Park and walked the path along the river.  It was really his first test of being in public and around strangers.  He did so well!!!  He just wanted people to talk to him and pat him on the head.  However, he had a standoff with a stroller until he deemed it non-threatening!  He, also, had very little desire to stand still for any photos of himself - guess he's at that age :)

I'm not sure what happened to these trees, but it was absolute carnage.

Ruger just walked right into the water, stood there, and looked around.  He seemed a little indifferent.  I am hoping he likes the lake more in a few months!

An attempt at a puppy portrait . . . I think he's laughing at me.

Valentine's Day 2014

Love never fails.  Happy Valentine's Day!

January Photo Walk

This year I did not set your typical New Year's resolutions.  Instead, I set goals.  I set both personal and business photography goals.  One of those goals was to get out with my camera and do at least one photo walk per month.  I almost let this month slip away, but I got out there today!  Since we got some beautiful snow and my roads are still covered in snow and ice, and my car doesn't like the mountain roads when they are snowy, I stuck to my mountain side for my walk.  I, also, took Ruger with me for his first photo walk and his first time exploring the rest of our property.  I am happy to report that he did awesome and I look forward to taking him on more photo walks!  As a bonus, it pooped him out and he is currently passed out at my feet!!

Ruger was extremely engaged with his new surroundings, but he happily stopped when I was taking photos!  He was tied to my belt and didn't pull me off my feet once!

I love black and white, trees, and Ansel Adams!

Icicles hanging off the the wheel well of the Jeep.

Looking over Long Hollow

Books Galore!

In March, I will have a photo display at the Northeast Community Credit Union again.  I'm excited about this opportunity and am exploring new ways to showcase my photos and available products.  One of the products I offer, that is always a favorite, is the 7x7 hardcover book.  I'm working on two samples for the display - one wedding book and one portrait/lifestyle book.

Here's a peek at some of the layouts! (Ignore the dark grey around the photos - that's just the desktop background from my screenshot!)

Kari's Heart Foundation - Licence to Give - New Year's Eve Gala 2013

This year's Kari's Heart Foundation New Year's Eve Gala was a "Licence to Give," a la Bond ... James Bond.

Here's a quick peek at our night!

Jeff and Jennifer Schoondyke

One of the dozens of silent auction items (and my favorite of the framed posters!)

The Johnson City Hitmen - and their biggest fan of the night!

Happy New Year!

If you would like to see all the photos they will be available to view and order at J. Commons Photography in the next few days.  Interested in a customized photo book of the evening?  Email me at jennifer.commons@gmail.com!

Venue information: Carnegie Hotel, Johnson City, TN 

Rodgers Girls - VA, Mountain Home, TN

Saturday was a chilly day with a lingering drizzle for most of it.  But, it cleared up enough for my session with the Rodgers - Meaghan and Hannah.  They were a little bit crazy, and I like that!

About the location - The VA, Mountain Home, TN.  We utilized a lot of the spots around the VA, including the boulders, the gazebo, and several buildings.

Rocky Mount Historic Site, Piney Flats, TN - A photo shoot

This past Saturday, I had a last minute cancellation for a session on Sunday.  The worst part - I had already reserved a local historic site for the shoot.  Not wanting to ruin my newly established relationship with the site, I called up friends and offered them the session spot.  Thankfully, they said yes!

Rocky Mount Museum may be one of my new favorite places for a location photo shoot.  For a nominal fee ($15 during business hours and $25 for non business hours) photographers may use the site.  Now, it might seem crazy to pay $15 to take photos there during business hours, but we were there on a Sunday.  The site is closed on Sundays and I happily paid $25 to have the place to ourselves!