A 1940’s style engagement shoot is the perfect day-before-Halloween post, don’t you think? This shoot was the first of my Washington DC sessions and it really only worked out after a Duet I had scheduled fell through because of the husband’s works schedule. At that point a deposit had been made (and my trip was scheduled only when I determined that I could pay for it with the money I made while I was there) and so I was hoping the client could come up with something other than cancellation. Boy oh boy she did!
Dan and Michelle are the fabulous couple you see pictured below. They are planning a vintage-esque March wedding just outside of Washington DC that any photographer would be lucky to photograph (did you know photographers love clients who get creative, whatever type of session they might be having?) and I count myself lucky to be the one who photographed their engagement session.
Michelle and Dan met at a Mystery Science Theater 3000 movie night and they share a love for art, design, and cheese. Basically these two are oozing stylish and cool from every pore.
Interesting fact: Michelle found this veil/hat combo at a thrift store, originally in white. She took it home and spray painted it to create this fabulous black creation you see below! I was so impressed!
Dan was giving me the BEST faces. I may have pumped his ego up a bit too much because I couldn’t stop gushing about how natural he was in front of the camera!
THAT SHOT!
As you might imagine, historic buildings with interesting details aren’t hard to find in the DC area. Dallas has nothing like this. 
The tie clip kills me every single time I scroll past this picture. What fantastic attention to detail!
I believe they will be using this photo for their Save The Date cards. I’m so excited to see what Michelle comes up with for the design, and I’ll be asking if she minds me doing a follow-up post so I can share it here!
Big thanks to Dan and Michelle for being such cool cats and giving me the opportunity to add shots of this unique style to my portfolio. I hope to have more clients like you in the future. Good luck hunting down the victrola and classic getaway car for the wedding!
Best,
Jenna
After 6 months of running Jenna Cole Photography, photographing every kind of session imaginable (I even took pictures of a cat once, although never again!), it’s time for me to narrow my focus a bit and continue to work on making my product the absolute best it can be. For this reason I’ve decided to eliminate certain sessions from my repertoire, including children and families.
When you hire a photographer and make such an important investment you want them to be as thrilled about taking your photos as you are about having them done. Some photographers manage to do that without specializing, others realize that focusing in on what they love keeps the fire burning and the skills improving. I’ve found myself to be in the latter group.
Currently I am accepting inquiries for:
Newborn
Maternity
Senior
Duet (meaning, any two adults)
Bridal/TTD
Engagement
Weddings
I want to take a moment to thank all of my past clients for both their positive reactions and words of encouragement regarding the photos I presented them with, as well as all of the nice things they have said about their friends and families. Word of mouth marketing is the best kind, and there are so many of you I owe my gratitude to for that. I look forward to all of the new people I’m going to work with during the next 6 months and beyond!
Mary contacted me with an interesting proposition. She wanted me to photograph both her bridal shower and her engagement session at the Stoneleigh Hotel in Dallas. On the same day. Back to back. “Great idea!” I told her, and it was, since it gave me the chance to grab my best ring shot yet.
You know Mary’s wedding is going to be exquisite when even the bridal shower is filled with picture perfect details. I love brides with an eye for detail! (As I was one myself, it’s fun to work with kindred spirits.)
Mary and her momma.
The entire group in attendance that day.
Just as the party was breaking up John made his appearance and the engagement session began.
Mary and John started a business together, a boutique public relations agency called MPL Public Relations. I think anyone who can survive the stresses of running a business together knows how to make a marriage work as well.
When asked what attracted the two of them to each other the response was “I thought he/she was hot.”
These two love to travel. John proposed in front of the Basilica Notre Dame in Montreal. Romantic, no?
I like to try to take an individual portrait of each client at each session. It’s a good chance for a quality Facebook profile photo.
SOOC!
And the edited version.
I went for something a bit out there and dramatic with this one.
THAT SHOT!
This shoot was a challenge for me because I didn’t have as many outside locations to work with, plus we wanted to make use of the Stoneleigh decor however we could. I didn’t want to use my flash (something I usually avoid at all costs) and so I experimented with a video light and reflector, taking my shutter speed as low and my ISO as high as I dared. I really liked how it made their skin glow.
Happy wedding week John and Mary! Thank you so much for giving me the chance to work with you. Mary I can tell you’ve learned a lot from all of your time spent watching America’s Next Top Model. 
I wish you both the happiness you deserve. (And if Jenna Cole ever starts making money I know where to go if I need a brand makeover!)
Best,
Jenna
