Jen Owens Images

I'm moving...

2011-09-13T13:53:00.003+01:00

Just a quick post to let you know that I will no longer be updating this blog from here. You can keep up-to-date with all my goings on at my brand spanking new site:

www.jenowensimages.com

See you over there!

Jen x

{Helen & Dug} Wedding

2011-08-22T14:23:00.031+01:00

You may remember Helen and Dug's engagement photos from back in April when I had the pleasure of exploring their weddings venues with them. The chilly March day was grey and wet (we had a great time nonetheless!) so it was lovely that their wedding day was bathed in glorious sunshine!

Their wedding was one of those amazingly creative and stunning days. From the invitations, table plan and table names (handmade by Dug himself), to the venues... Doune Castle for the ceremony was breath-taking, with it's part-ruined exterior and stone walls, there's really no wedding venue like it. Duntreath Castle near Glasgow for the reception was everything you could ever hope for in a reception location - stunning grounds, green grass, a small lake with swans and bridges, a beautiful marquee and views across the Campsie Hills... ahhh... just gorgeous.

Here's a few of my favourites...

Helen & Dug, it was a fantastic day, thanks so much for having me!

Jen x

Supplier info:
Dress: Angelica Bridal, London
Flowers: Alison Bradley, Fusion Flowers
Rings: Dinny Hall (Helen) and Argento (Dug)
Marquee Hire: Cheviot Rentals
Band: The Fortunate Sons

www.jenowensimages.com

{Elaine & Drew} Engagement

2011-08-18T12:46:00.011+01:00

The lovely Elaine and Drew...

Elaine got in touch with me way back when, after my friend Fiona's friend Fiona told her sister (Elaine) that I was shooting weddings... are you keeping up? :) Elaine and I have emailed back and forth for many months now and so when I finally got to meet her and Drew for their engagement shoot it was like meeting up with an old friend! It was a delight to finally meet them and, after a quick chat through some wedding details, an absolute pleasure to take their photos. They're such a naturally warm and friendly couple that I wanted to snap away all afternoon!

Here are a few of my favourites...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Jo & Guy} Engagement

2011-08-16T12:17:00.013+01:00

Jo & Guy's gorgeous wedding was a week last Friday and was, what can only be described as, an amazing occasion. I won't give away the incredible details that went into the day, I'll save it for when I post their pictures, but in the meantime I thought I'd post a few of my favourite photos from their engagement shoot.

We met up on a gorgeously sunny July afternoon at Edinburgh's Royal Botanical Gardens...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

A new vimeo slideshow...

2011-08-09T13:02:00.002+01:00

I've used this slideshow in various incarnations for a while now, thanks to my experimentation with iMovie since I got my Mac. The trouble is, as soon as I export it and think "yep! All done!", I'll have another shoot and want to add more in! A song is only so long though, and I wasn't overly keen to completely pack it full of photos, so I'll just keep storing them up and do another one soon (after all, they are really good fun to put together!).

So, without further ado... here be my slideshow. Thanks to Lucky Jim for the tunes - it's a rather special one to me, as my now brother-in-law played me down the aisle to this song on his guitar :) Ahhhh....

Enjoy! x

Engagements and weddings... from Jen Owens on Vimeo.

July madness and a heap of sneak peeks!

2011-08-08T10:58:00.012+01:00

July was busy. Busy in an amazingly brilliant way. Somehow I managed to pack in the weddings, the engagement shoots, the other shoots, the editing, the work and also a wee break for Mr O and I in York (plus a quick surf trip to Dunbar!)...phewee!

As a result, I've completely and utterly neglected the blog, the website and any respect for my sleeping pattern. Ah, but it's all so fun :)

And on top of all that, you heard it here first - the website will be having a MAJOR overhaul in the next few weeks so keep an eye out for the new and improved Jen Owens Images. Not only will the new website be better to navigate and generally look prettier, it will also consolidate this blog, so no more links here there and everywhere! It will all be in the same lovely place. Hurray!

And just to really whet your whistle of blogs to come over the next week and a bit, here's all my recent sneak peeks together for you to see... exciting!!

Jo & Guy's sunny engagement shoot at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh...

Helen & Dug's stunning wedding at Doune Castle, Stirlingshire...

Susanne & Oli's beautiful wedding in Tarves, Aberdeenshire...

Elaine & Drew's dry (hurray!) and lovely engagement shoot at the Sherbrook Castle Hotel in Glasgow...

Full blogs coming soon!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Alana & Peter} Wedding: Part 2

2011-07-08T13:55:00.024+01:00

Part Two of my blog on Alana & Peter's beautiful wedding at Galgorm Resort & Spa in Northern Ireland. (See Part One here)...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Alana & Peter} Wedding: Part 1

2011-07-06T20:18:00.019+01:00

Alana and Peter's wedding was very special to me in so many ways. Partly because they were the first couple to book me after I shot my first wedding, partly because it was my first wedding outside of Scotland (I had to get a plane and everything... Easyjet counts, yeah?), partly because they are so blimmin' awesome and partly because they happen to be two very good friends who I've known for some years now.

I always get emotional at weddings, especially as I find I tend to get to know all my couples really well in the lead up to their big day and by the time I'm stood up at the alter, watching them swear their love to one an another for all time, I can get quite choked! For Alana & Peter's wedding, well, it was going to happen really wasn't it? Although amongst all the lovely quiet type of emotion during the ceremony, there were also many laugh out loud moments and I ended up grinning like the Cheshire Cat through most of it. Gotta love a good wedding giggle :)

Natives of Belfast, they chose to marry at the stunning Galgorm Resort and Spa near Ballymena, NI, having their ceremony in the candle-lit, atmospheric Phantom House, followed by the reception next door in the Grand Hall. The whole day was just beautiful, from the coral-colour-themed touches to the laughter and music (by the incredible Monster Ceilidh Band).

Alana & Peter - thanks for having me as part of your day, it was immense.

Here's Part 1 of my favouries (there's, umm, quite a few!), Part 2 to follow soon...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Colene & Jason} Engagement

2011-06-24T15:34:00.010+01:00

I must apologise now as I'm about to start gushing. A lot.

A while ago I had an email from the lovely Colene asking if I'd be happy to travel to Aberdeen to shoot her and her fiancé's wedding. No problem at all - aside from the fact I'm happy to travel pretty much anywhere for a wedding, getting to pop up to Aberdeen means I can also visit the Owens clan which is always good fun :) We hadn't even met, or even spoken on the phone, but through a few emails I knew we were going get on like a house on fire! And get on like a house on fire we did.

Colene's plans for her wedding to Jason are beyond fantastic. The attention to detail and the creativity she has put into the planning so far makes me wish this wedding was tomorrow. But no, I need to be patient... hurry up March! She did, to keep me happy in the meantime, bake biscuits for the shoot (which were yummy!), including a special one for me too! :)

I can't go on, as I'll just start raving about how much fun Colene and Jason are, about how much we have in common (general love of weddings, general love of New Zealand (where Jason is from) and general love of weddings...was worthy of a double-mention!) and I need to save some love for when I blog about their wedding!

A few weeks ago we had an afternoon at Haddo House in Aberdeenshire to take their engagement photos. I've been very lucky recently with engagement shoots being blessed with gorgeous weather and this was no exception! Colene's awesome sense of style shone through the first time I met her, but she went the extra step for the shoot, donning the most beautiful Dorothy shoes which sparkled like nothing else in the sunlight. And Jason - your trainers rocked too! Good work ;)

Here are a few of my favourites...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Steph & Daniel}

2011-06-22T11:46:00.014+01:00

Steph & Daniel are friends from the other side of the world! We had the pleasure of getting to know Steph through mutual friends a few years ago, in Edinburgh, while she was on her travels away from her homeland of Australia. Having kept in touch, Mr O and I then had the pleasure of also getting to know her husband, Daniel, when we were away from our homeland! 2008 saw us do a 6 month trip, a week of which we spent having an amazing time with them both in Melbourne - and so a good friendship turned in to an ace one :)

Last month, they were back in the UK for a rather special wedding, as well taking the time to visit family and friends. Steph had emailed me a few weeks previously to see if I'd be up for taking some photos of her and Daniel around Edinburgh, as the city holds a very special place in their hearts. I couldn't say no! The chance to spend even more time with these two fab people, and take their picture as well?! A fine way to spend an afternoon! After a brief false-start thanks to a downpour, we were eventually blessed with one of the warmest days of the year so far (typical Scottish weather then!). Here's how we got on...

Come back again soon guys! We miss you already!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Jenn & Paul} Engagement

2011-06-08T14:14:00.005+01:00

Jenn and Paul were married in the US towards the end of March, in Jenn's home state of New Jersey. Their day can only be described as one of the most joyous and celebratory weddings I've ever been to! It was amazing to attend a wedding as a guest in America and see how they do the whole marriage thing over the water. And, boy, it didn't disappoint! As most of you probably know - I love weddings. I love everything about weddings. But to be at a wedding in America was just a whole new, fantastic experience made even more amazing as Jenn and Paul happen to be very close friends. Mr O was on Bestman duty so it was great fun for me to stand back and watch him throw himself into the whole wedding experience (just like I always do!) and do his thing. It was great fun for me too, being a guest at such a special occasion, seeing two friends get married and getting to catch up with many others.

As a bonus, we got to spend a few whirlwind days in NYC, staying with some of the best people I know in an apartment in Little Italy. The one thing I love almost as much as weddings? New York City!

A few weeks before heading out to the States, I was in London for a weekend of photography taking with another good friend, Stuart, and we and met up with Paul and Jenn to take a few snaps in celebration of their engagement. Here's how we got on...

Congratulations again guys! It was awesome :) xx

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Susanne & Oli} Engagement

2011-06-02T09:31:00.014+01:00

The lovely Susanne and Oli... A couple that made me giggle, smile and laugh for a full afternoon. Susanne got in touch with me after our lovely mutual friend, Rae Mathieson Makeup, recommended she get in touch with me. As soon as Susanne and I had that first telephone call, I was already excited at the prospect of shooting their wedding, but having now heard all about the details and plans for the day I. Can't. Wait.

As Susanne and Oli will be getting married in Aberdeenshire, they thought it would be nice to have their engagement shots near to where they currently live. Did I mind travelling down to almost-London for their engagement shoot? Err, no!! (I LOVE London). Having met in Maidenhead, we drove out to the gorgeous Monkey House - an island hotel not far from Bray in Berkshire where they had visited before and knew to be a particularly picturesque spot. It was a gorgeous sunny day, which when teamed with a moat, endless shady trees, hidden benches and peacocks roaming the grounds I was spoilt for choice in terms of photo locations!

Susanne and Oli - it was so much fun doing your engagement shoot and having a good chat about your day in the lovely May sun :) See you very soon!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

A selection of sneak peeks...

2011-05-27T15:32:00.006+01:00

Over the past few weeks I haven't stopped moving. That's my excuse for the lack of blog action and I'm sticking to it! Last week alone, I visited 3 out of the 4 UK capitals (OK, so I know I live in one of them but it still counts!) taking photos of lovely couples!

To top it all off, Mr O and I are moving. Again. You may remember I blogged about this back in February, about how we always seem to be changing address. Well, the packing, moving and unpacking could not have come at a busier time! All fun though and I'm SO excited about our new flat, with the kitchen that can fit more than one person in it and a living room with a THREE-seater sofa. Yay!

I know I've been putting a lot of sneak peeks on Facebook and Twitter recently, but the full posts will be hitting the blog over the next week or so, so keep an eye out! In case you've missed them, here's what I've been up to on my travels...

Oh and P.S. - we did find somewhere to live by the sea. And I snapped a quick picture on Wednesday as we ate fish and chips... :)

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Joanna & Patrick} Wedding

2011-05-27T15:26:00.003+01:00

Joanna and Patrick were married at the beginning of April in one of the most gorgeous areas of Scotland I've ever visited. Not a stranger to the more beautiful areas of Scotland, I was totally bowled over by their choice of venue. From the lovely church in Inveraray, to the stunning views they had over Loch Fyne for their reception. I couldn't have wished for more dramatic skies to help emphasise the scenery - check out those clouds! Amazing.

The day was just wonderful, full of laughter and celebration. Congratulations Jo & Patrick!

Here's a few of my favourites from their day...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Steph & Daniel} Sneak peek!

2011-05-12T12:10:00.000+01:00

Sneak peek from Steph & Daniel's love shoot on Sunday. More to follow soon!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Jo & Patrick} Engagement

2011-05-03T14:39:00.002+01:00

Jo & Patrick's stunning Loch Fyne wedding at the start of April had one of the most picturesque settings you could imagine. I can't wait to blog about it! But before I do, here are a few of my favourite photos from their Glasgow engagement shoot back in March...

As Patrick had proposed to Jo with the help of a local bowling club, I couldn't resist seeing if they would be happy to go back there to take some photos. They were and luckily it was still out of season so the kind groundskeeper allowed us to access the grounds (we were very good and stayed off the pristine grass!). We then took a walk up towards Glasgow University for an explore around the incredible cloisters, which I'd never had the chance to see before. Needless to say, photographer's dream! All those lines, curves and natural framing. We weren't alone, though...the university drama association was out in full force for a sword fight rehearsal!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Jo & Patrick} Sneak peek

2011-04-26T21:25:00.006+01:00

A sneak peek from Jo & Patrick's engagement shoot in Glasgow. More to follow soon!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Helen & Dug} Engagement

2011-04-08T16:01:00.007+01:00

I love it when the weather can't do anything to dampen a great day! Last month I met up with the lovely Helen & Dug on a somewhat wet and grey Sunday to have a chat about their wedding and take their engagement photos. Despite the cold and rain, we had such a fun time exploring not one, but two castles! Doune Castle (funnily enough, at Doune) is just, quite simply, amazing. I can't wait to shoot their wedding there, with it's winding staircases, stone archways and grand seats - it's a photo-opportunity waiting to happen!

On to Duntreath Castle where the rain really did try its best, but still, it couldn't beat us! Here's a few of my favourite pictures from the day...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Interview} Konnie Kapow!

2011-04-08T10:06:00.007+01:00

Spring is here! Hurray! And what better way to celebrate than to kick off the season with a series of interviews with wonderful wedding industry peeps. First up is the truly fabulous Konnie Kapow!

I first met Konnie at my first ever craft fair and hit it off thanks to our mutual admiration for all things craft and stationery-related! Konnie interviewed me on her blog way back in June last year and I thought it was high-time I returned the compliment.

Here be the interview of this wonderful lady :) ...

Tell us a bit about Konnie Kapow! and how she came into existence...

Towards the end of 2009 I had a few months off work suffering from anxiety and depression. I couldn’t muster the courage or energy to leave my flat most of the time and got sick of watching tv every day.

I’ve had a passion for stationery since I was a little girl (I used to have about 50 penpals who I judged by merit of their writing paper and handwriting!) and have always loved making offbeat and slightly ironic / sarcastic / weird jokes; all the better if I could incorporate them into my stationery!

Anyway, I’d made some of my own stationery for our wedding in summer ’09 and had hundreds of card blanks left over and started churning out card after card. Some for specific purposes but mostly just because I thought it was funny. Friends started saying I should sell them so I opened a shop on Folksy.com in September 2009. I started getting sales straight away and my shop is now fairly well established on Folksy. I have also recently started doing offbeat wedding stationery.

Where are you from originally and where are you based now?

I'm originally from the Isle of Seil which if you know your Scottish geography is 16 miles North West of Oban "The gateway to the Isles". I grew up on my 100 acre family farm and moved to Glasgow 10 years ago to attend university.

Who is your partner(s) in crime?

The debonair and devilishly sideboardedly handsome Mr Kapow! (See his Folksy shop here) He's a talented artist so we make a good team! he mostly does what I tell him too!

I'm also often to be found with the little minx that is Lucy loves... she's a soap maker also based in Glasgow and my real life BFF!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to fight the baddies?

Apart from being a card making Superhero? You know, I've given this a lot of thought and I think it would be the power to suspend time. You know, just pause everything if I fancied a wee break or a few uninterrupted hours with my book! I'd obviously use it to save people in peril too although I imagine I'd mostly use it to cause mischief!

Marmite: good or bad?

Good Jen, good.

Describe yourself in 3 words...

Awesome, springy, Bombshell.

What's in store for Konnie Kapow! over the next 6 months?

We're focusing a bit more on our offbeat wedding stationery! Having tied the knot myself in 2009, I know how hard it is to get truly unique and un-sappy stationery so I'm hoping to plug that gap for people like us! The idea will be that people can approach us for a one-off design at an affordable price.

Your 'And you thought you were special' birthday cards listing celebrity birthdays are my favourite! How long does it take to put them together?

Oh my god, years! I've only just come full circle with them and they're not quite all done yet! I really loved researching them and I guess they'll need a revisit every so often to make sure they're still 'current'. You can't help but read about the people while you're doing the research which means it takes far longer than it should. Although, I'm pretty handy at the old pub quizzes now that I've stored all of this random info about major and minor celebrities!

What's your favourite book?

I have a degree in English Literature so I looooove books and will read almost anything. I think my favourite book is called The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, my favourite author is Margaret Atwood, she's the smartest lady in the world.

And your favourite film?

It's a toss-up between Willow and Jurassic Park.

And your favourite band/musician?

Patsy Cline or The Drive By Truckers.

Where can we find you online?

My website www.konniekapow.co.uk

Folksy www.folksy.com/shops/konniekapow

My blog www.konniekapow.wordpress.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/konniekapowpage and

Twitter www.twitter.com/konniekapow

Where can we find you next in person? Any shows coming up?

Watch this space!

Thanks Konnie!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Stuart & Tor} A little bit of love...

2011-03-20T10:32:00.002Z

Another photo-packed weekend is no way near over. But before I head out for my Sunday funday Glasgow shoots, just thought I'd show you some love... Another one from my London trip x

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Paul & Jenn} Sneak peek!

2011-03-18T13:41:00.004Z

I know, I know... ANOTHER sneak peek, but I have to get this one in there because I'm so excited about these photos and this GORGEOUS couple (who just happen to be two of the best people I know xx). More to follow soon!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Helen & Dug} Sneak peek!

2011-03-16T20:42:00.004Z

A very quick sneak peek from my engagement shoot with the lovely Helen and Dug at the weekend...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Published} Best Scottish Weddings magazine

2011-03-15T12:34:00.004Z

The lovely people at the Best Scottish Weddings magazine have featured the Edinburgh Castle photo from Colin & Dina's wedding not just in their Winter issue, but also in the Spring edition too (out now!)...

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Rachel & Neil} Wedding

2011-03-08T13:49:00.012Z

Rachel and Neil's February wedding was a wonderful day from start to finish. The smiles and laughter - it was just such a lovely occasion, I'm still grinning when I look through the photos now!

Readers of my blog may remember Rachel and Neil's engagement shoot from the start of this year, when I mentioned a special element of their day that I couldn't wait to see - the venue. You see, Rachel and Neil chose THE best venue in the whole wide world - Craighouse Campus in Edinburgh, which just happens to be the same place that Mr O and I tied the knot back in 2007! :)

That spectacular marble staircase was just perfect to show off Rachel's stunning wedding dress and anyone who's been to a wedding at Craighouse will remember how every room is different, special and adds to the occasion. Especially the Turmeau Hall, rising so high up you would be forgiven for not knowing how it looks at the top - amazing!

I feel like I'm going to gush superlatives when I speak about the day, but it really was just fantastic. The ceremony was filled with joy and emotion and the guests smiled and laughed their way through the whole day. Even the details, such as the tables being named after Elvis songs (and the first two dances were by the King himself, expertly played by Norval Barclay at Barclay's Beats) added to the day. Rachel and Neil looked beautiful, handsome and happy - it was just wonderful for me to be involved.

Congratulations again to Rachel and Neil, hope you're having a fantastic honeymoon :)

Rachel and her bridesmaid's beautiful flowers were by Vicky's Flowers.

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{London} Sneak peek!

2011-03-08T11:32:00.006Z

I'm just back from the Big Smoke after a wonderful photo-packed weekend walking miles upon miles with my good friend Stuart, both of us snapping lots of pics! Here's a sneak peek of where we got to, more to follow soon!

Jen x

P.S. If any photo enthusiasts want to know, this was 30 secs at f22.

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Lily} The full post!

2011-03-02T16:20:00.010Z

I recently spent a morning with the lovely Lily and her Mum, Sarah. Lily is just gorgeous, she has the most beautiful eyes and eyelashes that go on forever! She showed me through her collection of books (including the awesome Gruffalo!), as well as her walking skills :)

After a brew and a couple of (seriously delicious) biscuits, we braved the cold and took a walk to the park where it was clear that the swings were definitely the winner of the Lily's-favourite-playground-pasttime. Lots of fun!

Here's a few of my favourite photos from the morning:

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Get in touch! jen@jenowensimages.com

{Video} I've done me a video slideshow!

2011-03-02T15:58:00.005Z

Ever one to learn new ways, I've gone and braved the world of iMovie: All. By. Myself. Well, almost (thanks Kirsten!). Inspired by all these amazing slideshows with music that I keep coming across on my favourite blogs, I figured it can't be a bad bit of knowledge to have in my brain so drum roll please for...ta daaaa. My first slideshow that I put together a few weeks ago, featuring my lovely wedding and engagement people from the past 6 months:

My lovely wedding people so far... from Jen Owens on Vimeo.

I've also set up on Vimeo, which is also all new to me so if you're on it and you'd like a new Vimeo-friend, come say hello!

Jen x

P.S. If you're wondering about the music - it's 'You're Lovely to Me' by Lucky Jim. My guitartastic brother-in-law, JP, played this as I walked down the aisle at my wedding... although you probably recognise it from the Hovis advert...

www.jenowensimages.com

{Rachel & Neil} Sneak peek!

2011-03-01T08:56:00.007Z

A very quick sneak peek from Rachel and Neil's fantastic Edinburgh wedding at the weekend. Full blog post to follow soon!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Lily} Sneak peek

2011-02-27T21:29:00.001Z

A sneak peek from my recent morning spent with the lovely Lily. More to follow soon!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Laura & Andrew} Engagement

2011-02-27T20:37:00.007Z

Laura and Andrew. Andrew and Laura. What can I say? A couple so in love that you can see it in their eyes. No really, you can.

Taking their pictures during our engagement session in Glasgow recently I came away thinking: "that went really well, I'm fairly certain I got some great photos of the two of them and captured how happy they are together". In the flat door, I waved a quick hello to Mr O and went straight to my computer to back up the images: I had a quick glance through them and couldn't believe it - I could ACTUALLY SEE IT IN THEIR EYES! I'm very lucky to spend so much time with couples who are so in love and these guys are no exception. It was a joy to not just take their photographs, but also to spend an afternoon with such creative (they're both amazing illustrators), genuine and lovely people.

Here's a few of my favourite shots from their engagement shoot, taken near and around Glasgow College of Art, where they met.

I'm so excited about shooting their wedding later this year. The ideas and details, the thought and affection, the creativity and personality that they've put into it - it's already a special day in my head: Can't. Wait.

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Fiona & Mike} Reaction shot!

2011-02-23T08:32:00.004Z

I recently met up with the lovely Fiona & Mike to present them with their completed wedding albums. They opted for traditional photo albums with printed photographs and they found the most beautiful leather-bound black paged books for which to hold their photographs. They placed their trust in me to put them all together and I think, judging by their faces, I did a good job! Phew!

It was such a wonderful moment, handing over an album packed full of memories from their day, just another amazing reason why I love this job!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Laura & Andrew} Sneak peek!

2011-02-21T07:47:00.003Z

A sneaky peek from Saturday's fantastic engagement shoot in Glasgow with the lovely Laura and Andrew. More to follow soon!

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

{Nicola}

2011-02-15T11:59:00.012Z

I first met Nicola when I was 18. It was my first day of Uni, in halls, I popped next door to introduce myself to my new neighbour - a particularly tall, dark and handsome bloke who I would, years later, marry. With him, he had his little sister who was helping him carry his worldly possessions into his new home...

Ten years later and the lovely Nicola is still as gorgeous as ever and is now my sister too! At the weekend she agreed to be my model while I tested out my new lighting kit. A lover of shoes, we thought it would be fun to get her favourite pairs in some of the shots as well - and what fun it was! Giggling pictures are always my favourites. Although as suspected, the ones I'm most happy with ended up being from when the flash was turned off, no surprises there then :)

Jen x

Thumbs Up | Thumbs Down

2011-02-08T17:24:00.007Z

I'm a list-maker and always have been. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of being able to TICK - a task accomplished! Fellow list-makers (of whom I know there to be many) will appreciate this. I think, when also teamed with my love of stationery, these lists of mine can get a bit out of control. Do I really need another new notepad? Do I really really need a new pen, even if it is purple?... But then I'd be able to start a whole new list in a new pad with a new pen!

With that in mind, I've decided to blog a new kind of list - I welcome you to what I hope to be a regular set of lists of a few of my favourite and less-favourite things.

Thumbs Up List

- London. Heading from one capital city to another is always fun, especially when there's friends and new sights to greet you at the other end. I have never (ever) had a bad experience in London and I can't wait for my upcoming trip at the start of March.

- Muji. We don't have one in Edinburgh. When I was a teenager I remember regularly visiting one in Manchester, but I've heard rumours it might now be gone...? Yet another reason to visit London! If you buy but one item from Muji, make it their 0.38 fine pens. They're only 99p!

- Fujifilm Instax. I know this is possibly the third time I've included this beauty in my blog in the past couple of weeks, but I'm still on a high from it arriving... sorry.

Thumbs Down

- The Postman. If I get one more red card through the door saying 'the package was too big for your letterbox', when in fact it WOULD HAVE FIT, I will, well... be annoyed!

- Winter. I love winter and I love snow, but even I've had enough of these cold, dark, windy days now. Spring hurry up please!

- Noisy neighbours. Please stop thumping!! Surely you can walk around without doing an impression of an elephant on a trampoline?

On an amusing note to finish up: Two images came to mind when I starting thinking about Thumbs Up | Thumbs Down... It was a scorching hot September day in 2008. Mr O and I were on our way up the east coast of Australia, a few towns south of Cairns and our trusty Greyhound bus pulled over to allow us travellers a quick bathroom break. We couldn't help resist taking quick pics of the shop-keeper's special way to let us know which gender should use which door...

Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down (and yes, that is my tan...or lack of)

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Moving round this crazy town...

2011-02-06T21:29:00.009Z

It's become something of a joke over the past few years that Mr O and I can't stay still.

Since we moved to Edinburgh in 2005 from Stirling, we've lived in no less than FIVE different flats. That's five flats in just over six years (and that's not including the various moves we had between us whilst at Uni. So in total, between us, in 10 years we've lived in TWELVE different places).

It's not like we love to move flat, it's just always been the case that each year, when we've come to renew our lease(s), something has come up and we've had to find somewhere new.

Our first flat was on the Royal Mile. Yep, that's right - only the most famous street in Edinburgh! It was a horrible, horrible place to live. Grimy, noisy, sometimes scary, strange little flat. To be fair, at the time of signing we were fresh from the streets of Stirling and having had little notice, we needed to find somewhere to live and quick. On the up side it was great fun being smack bang in the middle of the city, especially at Festival time, with street theatre literally on your doorstep and I think looking back it was the perfect place to find our feet. But the cons crept in and after a year of learning the ropes of this fab city, we knew there was somewhere else out there that would better suit us.

Cue a move down to the lovely Stockbridge. Closer to work and a village feel ticked all the boxes for us, as did our lovely flat with its own courtyard and friendly neighbours. We still look back so fondly on it, especially as we got married whilst living there. But our travel plans took form and in 2008 we packed our bags and set off on our dream trip for 6 months, and so giving up the flat.

Since our return, our range of reasons for leaving the various accommodations has ranged from one landlord not paying his mortgage (nothing quite like receiving someone else's court order hand delivered through your door!) to another deciding to sell up from under us...

Where am I going with this (and where are we going next?!)? Well yesterday we took a trip out east, a nice drive on a rainy day to see the sea at Portobello, Joppa and Musselburgh. A trip with intention, as we can see ourselves finally finding somewhere to stay for longer than 12 months in that part of East Lothian (at least, that's the idea...) and I thought my new fun-filled camera would like an outing :)

Mr O enjoying the calm sea view at Musselburgh harbour.

To the family and friends whose Christmas cards chase us across this fine city, I do apologise... it can't be easy trying to find us and I'm sure there are at least five people cursing our names as they see even more post for us fall on to their doormats, our failure to change address information with no doubt numerous people. Let's hope that someday soon we can give you a more permanent address.

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

A new addition to my camera family...

2011-02-03T15:16:00.008Z

I've spent a lot of time recently (and I mean A LOT of time) researching camera equipment. Not just because I'm such a camera geek, but because I want to make sure I keep on bringing some fun into the shoots I've got planned.

A quick glance over the coming months in my diary I don't have a weekend free. Yep, I've packed them all full of photography-related wonderfulness. Be it weddings, engagement shoots, trips to see friends or something altogether different from the norm, I'm looking forward to bringing out my new addition - a fun-filled Fujifilm Instax Mini camera. (It's pretty much like good old Polaroid, but with smaller film.)

I was so excited when it arrived last week and so far I've been very good at not taking pictures of everything I see... which is a good thing seeing as the film ain't cheap! Sure, I've got my 'real' camera, which I love and always will, but I'm looking forward to this one making a regular appearance to add a bit of fun!

Here's a couple of quick attempts...more effort needed I reckon! But a fun start :)

Mr O concentrating on something amusing on TV (I think it was Austin Powers...)

Obligatory mirror shot...kinda like how the flash has gone black. Check out the photo-booth pics - a very fond souvenir from our trip to NYC in 2006 :)

Mr O getting in on the Instax fun and turning the camera on me!

Jen x

The end of the night...

2011-01-23T18:22:00.003Z

My new portfolio arrived this week, hurray! I'm thrilled with how it looks, especially when looking through the pages at full size (my wee Mac can't quite view it at 100%!!) at all the details and the photos I've chosen to put in it.

For the first time, I've also included a double-page spread with engagement shots as more and more I'm discovering those sessions as not only being incredibly good fun, but also an excellent way to get to know a couple better. So I thought it would be nice to have a few pictures available to show at meetings and the like.

Having shown the portfolio to a few people the past few days, I've been amazed how many have pointed out the final picture to be one they really like, which is the night-time view across Edinburgh through a window high up in Edinburgh Castle...

At the time I think I was trying to capture the glow of the day, the candle-light and of course that amazing sight from such a privileged position - after hours access to some of the best views in Edinburgh, from its most famous landmark.

Looking back now, I notice things I didn't see at the time, like a single light still on in the building opposite or the window wedged open slightly to allow a little fresh air to seep into the warm room. What I also realise is this is one of the final shots I took of the wedding, rounding off a fantastic day. Behind me as I took it, there was ceilidh dancing in full swing. A few people were sat chatting at tables, bottles of Grolsch or a glass of champagne in hand. There was an atmosphere of celebration and merriment.

I like that this picture conjures up a lot of happy memories in my head, the end of the night after a lovely wedding day :)

Jen x

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www.jenowensimages.com

Hands... 2011

2011-01-09T17:24:00.005Z

Mr O and I have a badly kept ritual (badly kept as Sundays often turn out to be too busy to stick to it religiously...). Every Sunday we get the paper and together we sit and read, with our breakfast and coffee, through each supplement and section. Sometimes we draw each other's attention to a particular article, or perhaps a snippet or quote, but more often than not, it's a photograph.

Towards the end of last year, The Observer printed 'The 10 Best Photographic Portraits'. It was one of these ritual Sunday's that we discovered the article. Amongst the images of iconic sportsmen, musicians etc., it was the Anton Corbijn photo of John Lee Hooker's hand (which I've since discovered is the main image on Corbijn's homepage) that jumped out at us as being special amongst a pretty striking bunch of photos.

It came up in conversation a week or so later, and again at Christmas. With the welcoming in of 2011, we thought it could be a fun and interesting project to take a photo once a year, every year of Mr O's hands so that in decades to come we can place them all side by side and see how his hands have changed over the years.

So, inspired by Corbijn's photo, here's our first effort. Can I just point out that I in no way think these even come close to Corbijn's incredible work (I'm not trying to be modest, I'm just realistic), but instead, here's a personal blogpost of photos of my Mr O...

And the man himself. Couldn't resist a few portrait shots on this chilly January day...

{Rachel & Neil} Engagement

2011-01-05T22:05:00.012Z

What a wonderful start to the New Year! Despite Tuesday being windy, chilly and down right grey, it was brightened up by the lovely Rachel and Neil as we took an engagement shoot wander through Edinburgh's Meadows.

Following a warm-up brew in the fab Victor Hugo Deli on Edinburgh's Melville Terrace (my first time venturing into the bright red building - I will be back) we braved the cold and had a good giggle competing with the wind for control over my umbrella! Not a good day to forget my scarf and almost lose my gloves, but at least the mood was warm and full of laughter.

I can't wait to shoot Rachel and Neil's wedding next month, not just because there's a very special element of the day I'm looking forward to seeing (more on that after the wedding!), but because I have no doubt it's going to be one of those fantastic days that will be remembered for a very long time.

Jen x

www.jenowensimages.com

Farewell 2010, hello 2011!

2011-01-01T15:39:00.003Z

First off, sorry for the silence. The past month has been one of those blink-and-it's-gone ones whereby I woke up this morning (following a very relaxing, yet ill-spent Hogmanay) realising it was not just January, but 2011! Where did December go?! And while we're at it, where did November go as well?! While my updates have been quiet, it's been quite the opposite at Jen Owens Images towers where I've been busy-ing away behind the scenes trying to get my head around all this business and paperwork stuff.

When I set out on my wedding photography quest I had an inkling that I would find my calling... all these taking photos for years and years, drumming up experience, spending time with professionals, watching them act out their trade, learning, learning, learning, thrown in with my (let's face it) pure love of all things wedding-related... when my first wedding came round in 2010 I just knew it was going to be the best day ever. And it was.

Looking back over the past 6 months or so at all the preparations, subsequent editing and general wedding photography wonderfulness I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams just how amazing it all turned out to be. Being part of these weddings, being welcomed in as part of the team and having the most intimate view of the most special day in a couple's life is quite an overwhelming experience.

The response I've received has been simply amazing and I'd like to thank with HUGE MASSIVE BLOG THANKS all those people who have helped me this year, from advice, to feedback and beyond. The support I've had from my family and friends while I stressed over the smallest worries has been incredible. Mr O has witnessed me head off to the day job Monday to Friday, fill any spare evening and weekend with wedding photography related activities and still kept me fed and watered (read: wined) and done the cleaning while I've felt ready to drop! Best. Husband. Ever. Thank you xx

Here's to 2011! Words can't describe how excited I am! Looking at my diary for the next 12 months, none of these wonderful days I have ahead of me would have happened if it weren't for the fantanstic weddings that took place in 2010. Happy New Year to my brides and grooms and thank you for letting me be part of your special days.

Jen x

Z is for...Zzzzzz on a Folksy Friday

2010-11-18T13:57:00.005Z

That's it! All done! My 26-week (not counting that week around U-time that I failed to post a blog, shame on me) journey through Folksy with the aid of the alphabet is finished. Slightly disappointed that Sesame Street didn't call to offer me some sort of hosting/guest spot, but hey ho, their loss!

What theme to do now? Numbers? (Crikey! That could be endless...) Months of the year? Days of the week? Or perhaps I could get some Zzzzzzs...

It is slightly fitting that I'm at the end of the alphabet, as next weekend will see me attend my last craft fair for a while. I did intend on booking more in the New Year, but decided that as my wedding photography diary is filling up nicely for 2011 (and partly for 2012 as well! Exciting!), I thought it was perhaps time to focus my attention on the photo side of Jen Owens Images instead of the collage side for a while. Do not fear though! As my prints are available to purchase at the wonderful Curiouser & Curiouser on Broughton Street in Edinburgh and you can always check out my website to see collages online.

So, if you are free next weekend, I'll be at the Assembly Rooms (on George Street, Edinburgh) Craft Fair from 10-5.30 on Saturday and Sunday. Come buy some Christmas gifts!!

And that's not all! Here be my final alphabet-themed Folksy finds beginning with Z (sniff...)

Zen Earth Square Giclee Print by Dig the Earth

Zip Pink Flower Brooch by Rachel's Special Lil Bits

Zoo Animal Finger Puppets (how cute?!) by With Hugs and Kisses

Ziggy Stardust Owl Print by Lizzy Lee

Happy Friday :)

Jen x

Y is for...Yep! It's Folksy Friday

2010-11-12T14:35:00.004Z

Here we are at the penultimate week of my all things A-Z and Folksy-related and, having sat down to write this blog, it's only just struck me how positive the letter 'Y' is. Yippee! Yes! Yehaa! Not to mention Yellow, which has brightened up my day (see Yellow Mellow print by Pink Burlesque, below) and added some warmth to the afternoon. So what if it snowed for the first time this winter in Edinburgh today (just briefly, but it counts)? So what if it's dark at 4pm and the wind is swirling through us all with an icy chill? So what if our hats and gloves and scarves and extra socks and tights under jeans and hot water bottles have been unpacked from above the wardrobes?...It's 'Y' week! Yippee again!

I've found a fantastic collection of Y-themed Folksy goods...

Yes or No Love Spinner Heart Pendant Necklace by Bijoux Divine Jewellery

Yellow Purse by Binky & Billy

Yoda Star Wars cuff links by Pink Burlesque

Yellow Mellow print by Nezumi

Next week is the last of my alphabet Folksy journey (sniff), see y'all then :)

Jen x