The Beginning of Something...Different | Personal

What begins now has been a long time in the making. Amanda and I have been talking and dreaming about this for what seems like forever now and it is incredibly exciting that we're actually beginning this journey. So many evenings were spent brainstorming and going through everything over and over again because...we wanted to get it right. We want our business to provide more than images that document a wedding day, but instead we want to envelop our clients in an unforgettable experience. The idea to rename our business as "The Jacksons", just seemed like a natural progression. What started out as me experimenting with photography has turned into us being completely in love with capturing the intimate details of one of the biggest days in a couple's life. For whatever reason, we have always been known as "The Jacksons", even before we were engaged our close friends referred to us by that name and it just stuck. Reassessing our business around the idea of creating an experience for our clients, we wanted our business name to reflect the relationship we want to have with our clients, as close friends. We are oh so excited about the changes that will be happening in the coming year and we cannot wait to share our journey with you! Please feel free to check out our new website and blog.



Farewell Jackson Artwork,

               

August, Winter, and Books | Personal

It's a cloudy and cool August Sunday morning. To some that may sound like paradise after weeks of scorching heat, but to me it signifies something a little different. When I think of August, memories of going back to school flood my mind, which reminds me that Autumn is coming and I have to say, Autumn is not my favorite season. Not my favorite season at all. In my mind, Autumn is pretty much synonymous with the beginning of Winter, and I don't like Winter. I wish the seasons could just continually cycle through Spring and Summer. I could handle that…sunshine and green all year round, that would be my paradise. I know, I know, I have a problem, but for whatever reason Winter brings out a depressed side of me. I tend to become unmotivated and unproductive, which is frustrating for me because I am one of those people that always has to be working on something. I hate feeling unproductive.

So this Winter we're already planning to mix things up, to try to beat the cold, dark doldrums of Winter. I've got a list of books that I'm in the process of rounding up and I plan to read through all of them throughout the Autumn and Winter months, lounging on the couch with a nice hot cup of cocoa in my hand. (maybe even with a dvd of a fireplace crackling on the TV in the background) Also, we're thinking about planning a little getaway in February or March to a place a little bit warmer than Ohio to remind us that the Winter won't last forever. So as much as I dislike the darkness of Winter, there are a few things that I will be looking forward to this time around.

If you have any suggestions of things that you like to  do to keep yourself from getting the winter blues we'd love to read them! (Even if it is a little early to be thinking about that...I like to be proactive haha) And I'll leave you all with a picture of the first two books that I have procured from my list...have a great beginning to the week!

Reflection and a Graduation | Personal

Yesterday, I drove through the neighborhood where I used to go to church, where my friends had lived and where I had so many good memories. I was just kind of reflecting on the past 5-10 years. As I passed by the familiar houses and yards I thought about how many things have changed, but at the same time, looking around I noticed how many things don't change (appear to be the same). It's incredible to think, and I am so thankful for where God has taken me and how He brought Amanda and I together and has now allowed us to share this incredible passion for photography and capturing life. I love what we do and I love that we get to do it together!

I started thinking about these things for a couple of reasons, but the main one is that one of my little brothers, Joel, is graduating from high school this Saturday. I remember when he was born and we got to go see him at the hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was in a little "incubator" thing...I don't remember why it was that he was in it, I just remember that I always thought he was kind of extra special because he got to do that haha. He's all grown up now and it's weird. It's cool to think about how Joel's personality has developed and grown over the years, from a crazy little blonde-headed kid to a good-looking, contemplative young man with a knack for creative writing. I wonder what is in store for the rest of his life. I hope he finds something that he is absolutely passionate about and pursues it and never gives up. I hope that he remembers to be joyful in everything because he has a hope that transcends this life. And hopefully one day he will meet a nice young lady who will join him in his journey and make him a better man, as I know Amanda has done for me haha.

Anyway...Joel, congratulations on finishing high school and I look forward to seeing what is ahead for you!

Mail packages+tax refunds+fun with friends=the Bee's Knees

Who doesn't like to get packages in the mail? If there is anyone out there that doesn't…well you need to get some sense knocked into you because packages are the Bee's Knees! I know we love to look out the door and see a box on the front porch…for whatever reason it is just exciting and makes the day just that much better. I can always tell when we have gotten something good in the mail or from the UPS guy because Amanda will open the door and then she has this little squeal she does…haha it cracks me up every time.

So yesterday we were supposed to have a package waiting for us when we got home, but instead we found a little note on the door that said something to the effect that "since we weren't there when the package was to be dropped off, we would have to either come pick it up at the post office or schedule to have it delivered some other time". Not the worst thing that could have happened, but still not as exciting as seeing a box on the porch. Anyway, so this morning I ventured to the post office (which I don't think I've ever had to go to before) to pick up the latest addition to our "family" as Amanda likes to call it. Fun stuff! For awhile now we have been using a Canon 5D mk II as our primary camera and our older Canon XTi as our second camera, but we just purchased another 5D mk II to use as our second which is exciting. The XTi was a great camera to start out on but the difference in image quality is amazing!



So this is long overdue, but speaking of packages…a few weeks back (or was it a couple months…oh it doesn't really matter) we received our tax refund…woo hoo! Yeah, so we decided that we could allow ourselves to splurge a little at one of our favorite places…J. Crew…so that's what we did! And what better way to try out some of our new clothes than with a fun impromptu photo shoot with a friend!

Meet our friend Sadie Lilly...this past year she and Amanda became good friends as they kept each other sane during their final year at Columbus College of Art and Design.