A Year Ago...

It is hard to believe that my baby girl was born a year ago.  Her birth was SO different from her brother's- and quite frankly, they continue to be extremely different people.  She has learned how to pull herself up on her feet (not walking yet!), so she is experiencing a whole new world!  We celebrated with friends and family over the Labor Day weekend with a ladybug themed party.
I know my daughter well, and she doesn't do great with strangers (ok, she doesn't do well with many other people other than myself.  She has MAJOR separation anxiety!).  So because of that, I knew I would be holding her throughout the party and I wouldn't be able to take any pictures (imagine my horror!!!).  I hired a wonderful local photographer and she captured the party for me (Monica Wharton).
Because I love to plan celebrations, I will share with you many of the highlights....
(with the exception of the invitation, the following photos are Monica Wharton's)

These were the goody bags.  They are ladybug themed "I Spy" bags which can be found here

The delicious cake (covered in fondant- my FAVORITE!) from the Danville Bakery

The smash cake!

Cute little ladybug topiaries (found here)

Yay- a picture with Mommy!

Water Bottles

One of my best girlfriends always does a candy "bar"- love the idea (and so did the kids)!!!

One of the few smiles of the day

Happy Birthday!

Look at the little toes!

And the crying begins (again.....)

"S" Family Sneak Peek

Today we braved the heat and "played" outside in the 95 plus degree weather!  It was hot but look how cute this family is!  I love how Mom coordinated the outfits and accessorized!

"F" Family Sneak Peek

I took pictures of this sweet family tonight.  The older boy was such a natural model!  He would just sit in front of the camera and looked perfect!  And the younger one, while not so much interested in actually having his picture taken- loved looking at the end result on my camera! Thanks for a fun evening- enjoy your sneak peek!

A Family Ready for Fall!

Look at this adorable family!  We originally started at another location, but it was so cold and windy that we moved to this one- and good thing we did!  Look at that beautiful light and how the wild flowers match their Fall outfits!

A Trip to Half Moon Bay!

Our schedules were pretty full this summer with all sorts of things, so when a free weekend came up we wanted to take advantage of it!  We decided to take the kids down to Half Moon Bay for a little "getaway"!  Kai and I have never been down there together so we saved staying at the Ritz for another time without kids and stayed at The Beach House.

 Derek couldn't wait to get to the beach; it was unusually warm there!

And visited Pigeon Point Lighthouse!  It is closed to the public now, but I remember going there as a grade schooler on an overnight field trip!

We also went to Moss Beach and investigated the tide pools.  Derek found some big starfish, little crabs (that he loved holding on his hand) and a ton of sea anemone.

We of course had to try to take a picture of these two together!  Could have been worse!  Do you see that red mark above Ella's right eye?  She was stung by a yellow jacket earlier in the day.  We were leaving a restaurant and a few started to kind of swarm her in my arms.  I freaked out because I saw one crawling in to her jacket and didn't even see the one on her head!  Poor thing- she SCREAMED!  Fortunately, a firefighter was walking by and checked her out (since this was her first sting).  After a lot of loving, she calmed down and seems to have no reaction.

And by the way, Ella STILL eats sand- she hasn't learned her lesson yet!

And a totally rare picture with ME in it!!!

Halloween Mini Sessions are Here!

I am excited to announce the date for my Halloween Mini Sessions!  These are a perfect opportunity for you to capture your child(ren) in their Halloween costumes or just dressed up for the Fall weather.  I will have several props on hand (including hay bales, a vintage tractor and more) that we can use- or feel free to bring your own!

Wednesday, October 13th at Hap Magee Park 3-6 pm
*pre-payment is required, maximum 4 people*

"Trick or Treat!" package- $50
15 minute session
- two 5x7 prints
- three 4x6 prints
- eight wallets

"Boo! to You" package- $75
15 minute session
- five digital files on disc (your choice)

Or get BOTH packages for $115

*packages subject to 9.25% sales tax

Time slots that are available:
3:00- Jennifer W.
3:20- Kirsten M.
3:40- Bonnie B.
4:00- Renee P.
4:20- Julie D.
4:40- Stephanie H.
5:00- Clare B.
5:20-Gretchen H.
5:40- Erin M.
6:00- Jill D.

You will receive approximately 5-10 images in a private password protected gallery about 1 week after your session. Halloween cards are available to purchase as well!

Please email me at info at jennhoffmannphotography.com with your three top time slot choices and I will do my best to accomodate you!  First come, first served!

Booking Holiday Sessions!

Holiday Photo Sessions IT'S TIME TO START PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS! "Deck the Halls" Package, $175 which includes- 1 hour family/child photo session, 25 double sided holiday cards OR 1 digital image "Jingle Bells" Package, $225 which includes- Regular family/child photo session, 3 digital images Make sure to mention the package you are interested in at the time of booking! *Please note: discounts cannot be applied toward these packages* I will be booking holiday sessions up until November 30th. I will be using the time in December to finish editing sessions, creating your holiday cards and focusing on my children (and shopping!) during this special time of year. My weekends book up much faster than weekdays, so if you are considering having your photos taken I suggest booking early! I did book up completely last year and unfortunately had to turn away a bunch of people! :(

I am now booking Holiday sessions and am quickly filling up!  If you are interested in having your portraits done for the upcoming season or for a Holiday card, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can accommodate your schedule (weekends are going FAST!).

And preview my 2010 Holiday Card Collection SOON!

Earn a BONUS entry for the Giveaway!

Earn a BONUS entry for the free holiday portrait session and holiday cards from Jenn Hoffmann Photography and Paperbox Press!


1. Post about this giveaway on any social media network (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and earn an additional entry in to the giveaway!

 2. Come back and add ONE additional comment (on my original Facebook post about this giveaway- 2 posts down from the top post!) telling us where you posted!


-only ONE bonus entry per person (even if you post in multiple places)
-posts on the wall do not count as entries
-if a bonus entry is drawn as the winner, the recipient must verify their public post as a valid entry. If posting cannot be verified, we reserve the right to draw an alternate winner.


Now go spread the word.....only 3 more days until a winner is selected
(by Random.org).

9 Day Old Cinderella

Yesterday, I had the chance to photograph the easiest newborn!  She stayed awake to take pictures with her sisters and then passed out- WAYYYYY out!  And she was the tiniest little thing- just 6 pounds!  These three girls are just precious with terrific personalities to match.  Enjoy your sneak peek!

A Fantastic Giveaway!

Jenn Hoffmann Photography and Paperbox Press have teamed up for an awesome holiday giveaway!

Enter to win a holiday photo session with me, PLUS 4 digital files AND 50 double sided Holiday cards through Paperbox Press... That is over a $400 value!

How to enter:

1. "Like" both of us on our Facebook Fan pages (if you "like" us both already, go to the next step!)

Links: Jenn Hoffmann Photography Facebook      Paperboxpress Facebook

2.  Leave a comment under my Facebook post regarding this giveaway to enter to win! (posts/comments on the wall WILL NOT be counted as an entry)

And now you can earn a BONUS entry!  Click here for details!

Share this giveaway with all of your friends and family!

Rules:

Only "fans" of both pages will be eligible to win

Only comments under my Facebook post (not the wall) will count as entries in the drawing

Comments will be accepted until midnight on September 15th

A random drawing will be held and the winner will be announced on September 16th

Photo session must be used by November 13th and cards must be ordered by December 1st, 2010

*Winner must be in or willing to travel to the Bay Area (within a 30 mile radius of Walnut Creek)