Betsy Jo Photography Blog

One thing I love about shooting in places that are unfamiliar is the element of surprise and expectation I get when I see what we have to work with. When I saw the area where Mark wanted his senior pictures taken, I was thrilled– old trucks, worn fences, rustic barns, tall grass… and of course Mark’s big black truck, all used to personify who this senior is. I had a great time during this session, as Mark is photogenic and easy-going. The fact that he’s handsome didn’t make things difficult, either. We were done in record time! Thanks, Mark (& crew) for an enjoyable afternoon– it was good to meet you all. Enjoy your pictures!

*Be sure to scroll down to check other posts- photo journal overload…*

I had never met Janae or Jeremy before their portrait session, but by the end of their appointment I felt like we could have just stayed around and spent plenty of time getting to know each other better. Janae had heard about my trip to IL through a friend, and I was happy to oblige when she said she’d like some wedding-style portraits, along with some casual, everyday photos for her and Jeremy. I was rather impressed with Jeremy’s willingness to get up early on a Saturday to take some memorable photos. I think he may even have enjoyed himself a little!Right, Janae?

We met at Goodfield Park, skirted some fences for a few railroad shots, and went on to their home, as well as Eureka College. A nice little adventure for this New Englander.

Definitely one of my favorites from the formal session:

After the railroad and a change of outfits, it was off to Eureka College. This picture below makes me laugh all over again. I was getting them set up near one of the buildings, and after I took a couple shots, I was all, “Awww, you two look like a couple of cute college kids.” Jeremy goes, “Um, we are.” Yeah, I’m awkward like that.But that’s when I learned that Jeremy is finishing up his degree and Janae is in Nursing school, too. And she has a love of photography. So we had plenty to chat about! (Plus, I caught them mid-laugh, which is always a good thing…)

When I saw that the color of the fire escape matched Janae’s shirt, I had to grab a few there:

‘Love this spot:

Thanks so much, Jeremy and Janae! I really enjoyed the time we spent together. And remember, you’re always welcome to come visit us on the East Coast. I say this with bias, but it’s beautiful out this way!

*Posting overload- be sure to check through what may have been missed below.*

Another Senior session from Illinois– each and every senior was so unique and enjoyable to get to know! Molly brought along her sister, a couple friends, and her Mom, too. When I first heard that was the plan, I was a little nervous. No need to be! It went very well, and reminded me so much of my 4 sisters and my Mom, all laughing and talking non-stop in the van! I really felt completely comfortable.

We had a little bit of a drive through the country to a spectacular location– the most unique and artsy, creative and eclectic house I’ve ever stepped into. And the early evening light was spectacular. We only had to walk a matter of a few feet in any direction, and so many opportunities abounded for backdrops. All of these pictures were taken on the same land, but you’d never know it by how diverse they are. Thanks to the Taufers for letting us roam their property.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you, Molly– and your friends and family! Thanks for trusting me with your photographic memories.

Enjoy your pictures– you did a beautiful job!

So we tromped through these gross tall weeds full of yucky spitball bug thingies (yes, that’s a botanical termbecause I was loving the broken glass with pretty reflected light on it. Soooo… wanting the right angle, I was in a rather precarious position. Let’s just say this picture below was taken right as I fell completely backwards. Yeah, I’m graceful like that. But it brought out a great smile! (It’s okay, Molly- I don’t mind that you were totally laughing at me. Really.)

*Be sure to check out the posts below- lots going on lately. And coming up: Molly, Jeremy & Janae, Mark, Bonnie, Lori, Don & Sandy- plus a session I just did this evening.*

Now, back to IL:

Marlise definitely takes the prize for being the most organized photo client ever. It was excellent, and made our session run so smoothly! She had taken pictures of the spots she wanted for her senior photo backdrops and printed them off for me! Wow. It was such a help, and made for some great locations. So thanks for the effort you and your Mom put in, Marlise. It was great to have that vision ahead of time, especially since I was not very familiar with the area.

It was nice getting to meet you and having you cart me around. Thanks for your calm nature and helpful attitude! All the best as you begin your senior year…

I can’t look at these pictures without crying. Okay, I couldn’t even take these pictures without crying. Yes, I’m sentimental, and easily moved by the small moments. I realize that I often say how things give me a lump in my throat. But this session went far beyond emotion or sentimentality. It involved clarity and perception, joy and compassion. I knew when I was at the session that it would be something that would stay with me. Like a marker in my photography journey. An opportunity that I would not soon forget or downplay. And even though the trip was busy, and my husband and boys were home, I knew that I had done the right thing by traveling out to IL. In that moment, it was so clear: I am privileged to be able to document moments of blessing in people’s lives.

Annie looked wonderful- she had her hair done, all long and beautifully healthy. Courtney and Anitra and Bekah had her ready to go when I got to Timber Ridge. Well, she looked ready. People sometimes wonder how much Annie can understand or perceive. I can say this: she knows what makes her happy. We were out in the sun and she was calm and placid, happy to feel the warmth of its rays on her back. Wanting good light, I asked Bekah to wheel Annie to the shade. Let’s just say that Annie did not think I had a good idea. She let her bottom lip express her displeasure, and her furrowed brow did plenty of talking for her.It was like I had interrupted her plans, and she wanted me to know that this was an inconvenient occurrence. It was so cute and heartwarming.

So, ignoring the light and deciding to just capture the moments, we took her back to the sun, and then she was ready to let me in her world. How glad I am that she did. My sister and I were Annie and Rebekah’s babysitters growing up, and one thing that I remember well is Annie’s love for music. Her mom used to turn on all sorts of tapes and CDs for her to listen to before bed, and she loved to have my sister sing “You are my Sunshine” when Katie was taking care of her. So, in IL during her session, after getting some images outside, we went into Annie’s home and Rebekah played the piano for her big sister. Played beautiful, lilting melodies that made the heart ache. And Annie loved it. People wonder how much she can understand, but I can tell you this: Annie knows she is loved, and showed a warmth and pride for Rebekah that amazed me. She would watch Bekah play, and as soon as the song was over, Annie would look at Courtney and I with an expression that seemed to say, “That’s my little sister! Isn’t she great?” The connection the 2 sisters had while Rebekah played the piano made my viewfinder cloud up and become rather moist. It’s the first time I had tears running down my face while photographing. Way beyond a lump in the throat.

I’m so glad Rebekah was able to travel from CT to IL with me for this session with her sister. It’s a surprise for their Dad, just in time for Father’s Day. I’m so thankful I was able to be there to see their relationship and love for each other. Dorothy, thank you so much for contacting me for a session. It really was a privilege like no other.

My favorite:

Someone was rather miffed at me for asking to go in the shade…

…And then she was thrilled with the sun:

‘Love the connection in these:

See what I mean?

Beautiful eyes: