I'm Jodi, and I try to celebrate life each and every day as a military wife, mom to three, and full time photographer.
Jodi Hattery Photography
November 1 - 15th
October 16 +
October 1-15th
September 15th +
September 1-15th
August 15th +
August 1st-15th
July 15th +
July 1st-15th
June 15th +
June 1st - 15th
May 15 +
May 1st -15
Today was a long and emotional day. I woke up after a bad dream and hugged all of my kids tight and gave them extra loving thismorning. They'll go to bed the same way. I woke up with certain intentions (visit with a friend, sweep the floor, more organizing boys room) and it got thrown out the window with a call from my area coordinator with NILMDTS.
For those not familiar, NILMDTS is an organization of photographers that offer bereavement photography for babies born and will never survive to leave the hospital, making it impossible for the family to otherwise get portraits of their child. This was my first NILMDTS call, and I'm sure an experience I will never forget.
In this particular instance, I did manage a few photos of the baby, just an hour or so old, before he passed. My prayer is that the images I managed to capture will help in the healing of the family. I had asked for prayer from friends and family and so needed it. I had been very worried I'd loose it in front of the family, making it a more difficult time for them. But luckily I got to leave the hospital and drive a few miles away before my emotions gave way. This in turn made my 45 minute trip much longer as I found myself on a road I never head of in the middle of no where in Indiana closing in on Michigan! Still much better then causing more grief and pain for the family. And I made it home in time to pick my kids up and let them know, again, how I love them so very much.
While I have all the photographs finished and ready to make a slideshow for the family, I will not be showing sneak peeks of NILMDTS publicly here or on facebook. I find the images with the raw emotions of the family members, along with abnormalities of the infant, perhaps a bit too difficult for the mixed audiance that may be viewing.
My Kiddos November 16th
Professional photographers around the world will often agree that taking their own children's pictures is just a horrific experience. It's a combination of many things. The pressure that your children's pictures need to look spectacular. This is not just about showing off your gorgeous children at the holidays, it's also a reflection upon you professionally. Then there's the fact that most pro's kids are sick and tired of getting pictures taken. Anytime there's a new backdrop or prop to play with I tend to ask a kid to 'try it out' for me. Then there's a third little key that makes customer's children easier - stranger danger. Yup, no matter how non scary or fun I am, your kids will act better with me and take better photos for me then they will for you. Granted, depending on age, some kids can call my bluff early. For this scenerio I have a treasure chest for children at my studio where kids can pick out any prize before their pictures - but of course they have to be good listeners and get great photos in order to take that prize home (ok, you probably can read my bluff in that statement too, huh? yup, they always get the prize anyway). I pulled out all the bribery I could muster for my kids, and still had myself worked up enough to have a knot in my stomach before we went to the studio.
But by golly, I got it. I got 'the' shot! In fact, while I think the pic above will be the Christmas card this year, I have a backup as well.
So now, for another year, I am free to go and take pictures of other people's children. And when that time comes around again, I can only hope that with being another year older, perhaps it will be easier, less squirmier, and have kids who can both look at the camera and smile at the same time.
Children's Special! November 13th
A few other things to note - If you wanted to get a shot of the whole family I'd be good with that too, so long as it fits within the 30 minute time frame. Prints at regular prices, but only what you want. You'll receive approximately 10 proofs on a private, password protected webpage for viewing your proofs. Purchase files for $15 each with printing permissions should you want to use them for holiday cards. Call or email me to schedule your session!
The End of a Season November 12th
Yesterday marked the end of the senior season. sure, they'll be a few last minute booking when they realize they need something for the yearbook, and a few still wanting to come in just for a few studio shots, but the cluttered calendar and scheduling 6 weeks in advance is over now. Boo hoo. So it's time for juniors to start thinking towards late spring to begin their senior photos. I recommend those in sports like soccer and volleyball to schedule BEFORE conditioning begins - you'll be swamped after your practices and games start!
Jon came in yesterday afternoon for his photos. I think this kid was literally in EVERYTHING. I caught him somewhere between soccer and swim, though that's not even a fraction of his activities. He's also a tennis player and in band - see silhouette below. I can't seem to resist sax silhouette shots.
Looking For A Husband November 10th
No I'm not trading my husband in for a new one, just wondering where he's at, what he's up to, how he's doing.... Ok not entirely. It's just that with a super busy photo taking week last week means a super busy proof viewing week this week. I also have my last seniors of the year (so far) and hopefully starting holiday pics for folks :) Add that to hubby coaching Basketball, me coaching cheering, hubby's work schedule, kids schedules (cheer and basketball), and guess what - I may not see him til Thanksgiving!!!
But if nothing else, I've got cute pictures to share of Etta, from yesterday, and sneak peeks for VWHS Senior Erica.
While hiking with the kids a few weeks ago I found these ugly, nasty pipes. They were just begging for a pretty little blouse on a pretty little gal for some photos!!! I love that Erica was totally up for mixing pipes and pretties.
Afternoon with Etta November 9th
Oh I've been waiting for Etta's visit up north to me for weeks now. Her mom's a 'facebook friend' so I've been able to see pictures of her and knew we'd be getting fabulous shots of her today. Here is a little sneak peek for you Kristy! Thank you so much for coming up with Etta!!!
CONGRATS NICOLE!!!! November 7th
Before dawn I was out to Butler's Bakery with my Joshua for
some mommy time and ''fat pills'' (and they were soooo good)
Josh then he helped me pick the winning name for the $100 print drawing.
And the winner is...
NICOLE!!!
She was one of my seniors from last week
and I'm sure she'll have no problem spending her $100
on lots of fun wallets and such. Enjoy Nicole!
While at the studio I moved my tree around to get some cute pics.
This was my half lazy attempt for cute shots of the tree.
I was focused enough to move the tree to the studio, but too lazy to
get out the tripod for some really great shots with a slow shutter.
So this doesn't show off how darn cute this tree really is...
But you can get an idea.
The Brilliance of Beth November 6th
I will admit - I have been looking forward to this photo session since I first knew I would be fortunate enough to take Beth's pictures. She's gorgeous, bubbly and sweet, so you can't help but get incredible photos. I got way too many I'm afraid. Gonna be one of these seniors with 100 proofs to choose from. Eeek! Couldn't help myself! I just had an absolute blast with Beth and her friends Alex and Zack.
FALL Photo Special!!! November 3rd
I just started a group on Facebook for Jodi Hattery Photography where I can post sneak peeks much quicker than on the blog. There will also sometimes be Facebook specials - so make sure to add yourself as a fan! And I thought it would also be time for a fun special!!!
Senior Season Continues November 2nd
It's still senior season, though getting much more calm and quiet after last week. Here's a couple of peeks from Alyssa and Spencer's sessions the last couple days.
