jessicabarnak.com/blogsite » Olde New Castle

choose happy.

admin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:34:09 +0000

There’s something wonderful about every session I shoot. But there’s something absolutely magical about the special needs sessions that I shoot. I have a place in my heart for each and every one of these kids and their amazing families. This little guy is no exception. He’s remarkable, and beautiful, and his family loves him with every fiber of their being. THAT is the most beautiful thing..

I’m not sure I’ve ever said this on a public forum, but I have two little girls, and they both have cystic fibrosis. In the land of illnesses, it’s not the worst by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s not a picnic either. I find that the most frequent thing people say to me when I tell them about my daughter’s chronic condition is “wow, I don’t know how you do it.” It’s simple really. One foot in front of the other…

Happiness is a choice. Even in the most unbelievable circumstances, happiness is a choice. I choose happiness and optimism every day, and believe me, it’s not easy all of the time. But it’s a worthy choice, and one that everyone should consciously strive for.

You can see from these pictures, this family made that choice, and it’s stunning. It’s so breathtakingly stunning.

Thank you for inviting me into your family, and allowing me to capture your love.

Quote for the day:

”choose happy.”

~Jessica Barnak

Love it!!

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:00:14 +0000

Quick side note before I get to this gorgeous family – I’d like to mention that my calendar is booking quickly for the fall. I have only got 12 remaining appointments for ‘09 Fall family or child sessions. If you need a family or child session this fall, we are extremely limited, so get on the books now!! Is that enough of a kick in the pants?

On to the good stuff!

It’s always amusing to me when people assume that my job is difficult and exhausting! Honestly, aside from hanging out with my own kids and family, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a work day.

Families rock. I mean, truly, they ROCK. I love photographing families and capturing that connection between parents and their kids. This family is certainly no exception.. amazingly beautiful child, stunning parents, and such a great disposition and love between them. Can’t you just SEE how stunning this little one will be in 10 years? Gorgeous!

So – here are my faves… I chose six because I couldn’t NOT choose six.

Quote for the day:

“I’ve never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful.”

~Author Unknown

coraline…

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:15:30 +0000

So, I had this session on Saturday (yes, that’s right folks, I’m blogging about a session I shot YESTERDAY… I’m turning over a new, less procrastinating leaf) – and I meet this “R” – a little girl who is absolutely amazing. Shy at first, but a little foot race took care of that, and we were good to go. So, it turns out that R (who is 7 and three quarters – don’t forget the 3/4) loves all things weird. Gravestones, scary stories, and the movie Coraline.

I’ve been afraid to watch Coraline because I don’t like scary stuff – but I left the session thinking that if a 7 (and 3/4) year old can watch it and love it, then I could too. I watched it – I LOVED IT – and now I’m recommending it. If you haven’t seen it – you should. In the words of the dad from this session, “it’s the best children’s movie I’ve seen of all the movies I’ve been forced to watch over the past 6 years.” It really, TRULY is. So, to R and her rockin parents, thanks for the tip! I loved it!

On to the pictures.

I love that it’s fall and I get to break out my cool hats…

I love the coloring in this.. the morning sun, the slight change in the fall leaves – they said they never had really good wedding photos, so I had to give them something, and I really think this is something striking.

Lastly – I have no idea if this IS little miss R, but I love it anyway. She is so serene, and contemplative… and I don’t know why exactly, but this one draws me in.

Quote for the day:

“The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid.”

~Lady Bird Johnson

double take

admin — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:15:38 +0000

It was a beautifully perfect day for a session. Cloudy (semi) skies, great temperature, and a family that I just love! This is my 2nd year with these twins, and each year I have the best time! They have a TON more energy this year than last… but I think I kept up pretty well! The thing I love most about this family in particular is the complete love and joy they emit. In their words, their actions, and even in the way they interact together – there’s something contagious about it! You cannot spend a day with these guys and NOT be happy.

I couldn’t just choose a few images.. there are too many! so, six of my faves…

Quote for the Day:

“There is no cosmetic for beauty like Happiness.”

~~Lady Blessington

funny faces…

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:07:07 +0000

hehe… there are no words for the faces this little girl was making – but every time she did I just CRACKED up. lol… I am totally head over heels for these kids, and I fell in love with the four legged kiddo as well… great day, great session… the perfect way to lead into this beautiful fall weather we’re having! I have a feeling this little pink dress is the last sundress I’ll see this year…

tell me this doesn’t make you smile??

Quote for the day:

“If you cannot be a poet, be the poem.”

~David Carradine

amazement…{delaware children’s photography}

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:27:07 +0000

I love that the excitement of a new baby always brings great energy to my maternity sessions, and that was especially true of this fun family! This was simply one amazing family!!

Quote for the Day:

“Action is character. If we never did anything, we wouldn’t be anybody.”

~from “An Education”

teeny tiny tutu – anyone? {delaware children’s photography}

admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:27:26 +0000

Okay, so these guys hold a special place for me, and I had the BEST time photographing Casey for her 6 month portraits in Old New Castle. She LOVES being outside, and honestly, I was so excited to see that she’s so HAPPY all the time!! Between the tutu, the hair bows, and the coolest parents, my job seriously does not get any easier.

Quote for the day:

“Happiness is a form of courage.”

~Holbrook Jackson

cohesive… { delaware newborn portraits }

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:45:41 +0000

So, it’s no secret that I’m a simplistic photographer. I like basic things – simple set ups and I like to really SEE my subject without the distraction of all that craziness you sometimes see. (that’s not to say that I don’t occasionally love a funky backrop, prop or setting!).

This session was simply cohesive. Great tones, great subject, great family. Nothing rocks more than this!

I totally get that there is a stray arm in the back here – but how cute is this anyway??

Quote for the day:

“May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.”

~Irish Blessing