Before this session Sutton told me “I’m not very photogenic so be prepared.”
Ha! Probably my best session yet. Can we do it again?
I used my brand new 135 2.0 lens for this session. Isn’t it dreamy?
Tag Archives: dallas
Engagement: Denise and Josh
Denise and Josh met me at one of my new favorite spots in Dallas, Dragon Park. They told me they would be bringing their dog along for the session and I quickly realized that this wasn’t just their dog, it was their dog-child. A ball of energy bundled up in a 70 lb English Bulldog named Stanley. It was only natural that Stanley should come, as he was an integral part of their engagement, trotting over to Denise with a box, within a box, within a box, with a ring inside (Josh packaged it up extra secure in case Stanley tried to eat it!). We started this session at Dragon Park and then moved over to the Reverchon Park area to finish the evening.
These two are some of the most relaxed couples I’ve ever met. I won’t be shooting their wedding, as they are heading off to Vegas at the end of July with a few close friends. Denise must love Josh a whole lot because she is letting him get away with no official wedding photographer! I told him that wouldn’t have been something I ever agreed to for my own wedding, but it’s the kind of ceremony and celebration that will be the perfect fit for these two.
They met when Denise was working at a bank. She admits to stalking Josh a bit, waiting for him to come in to work each day. When they ran into each other while out on the town one night. She offered him her phone number, and confided in her friends that very night that she was sure they would get married one day!
Meet Stanley. I didn’t ever offer to hold his leash because I wasn’t sure I could keep him from pulling me over. He’s so big and so energetic!
I am not sure I’ve ever seen eyes as bright and blue as Denise’s are. I assure you, this was not the result of any special photo editing, I’m not even sure my camera really did them justice.
THAT SHOT!
Everyone needs a good quality shot for the newspaper, right?
What did I tell you about those blue eyes?
Denise and Josh,
I so enjoyed getting to know all three of you! Good luck on all of your home building adventures, and if you end up changing your mind about a wedding photographer in Vegas you know right where to find me. 
Best,
Jenna
Teaser: The E-Session with the Giant English Bulldog
Everyone had a chance to have a personal portrait done at this engagement session…
Even Stanley the English Bulldog. 
Duet: Ernie + Mary Helen
This duet session with Ernie and Mary Helen was the last session I shot before baby, done at 37 weeks pregnant. They experienced the fastest turnaround any Jenna Cole client will probably ever see as I was nervous I would go into labor early and leave them waiting far too long for their photos.
We met up at the Dallas Arboretum and spent a few hours exploring (with a few outfit changes thrown in as well!). There were photographers and families everywhere but I worked a bit of magic to make it look like these two were the only ones there. This Duet session was actually Ernie’s Valentine’s Day gift to Mary Helen and I was incredibly flattered to learn that Ernie found me through some internet searching he did, looking for the Dallas photographer who would be just the right fit for them. I love working with clients who hire me based on how much they love my work and not on my prices!
I loved seeing what outfits they were going to walk out in next each time they went back to change. If you want the crowds to be extra nice and make way for you all you have to do is put on a dress that makes you look like a bride. Everyone will assume you are doing bridal/wedding portraits and clear the best spots for you!
THAT SHOT!
I played with flash a bit at this session, something I don’t normally do. I was pretty pleased with the results!
I experimented shooting through the waterfalls a bit. Ernie and Mary Helen were great about giving me a little bit of creative freedom to try new things and I think it really paid off for them.
I adore this one.
Most definitely my second favorite. These were taken in a little play village set up to show kids how people used to live and all of the 7 year olds wandering in this little cabin were pretty curious to know why some grownups were in the tub together getting their picture taken!
The biggest reason I love doing Duet sessions? Watching and working with people who are still so in love even after the trials of life have come their way.
Thank you so much to both Ernie and Mary Helen for being so wonderful to work with. I hope my own husband takes a hint from Ernie someday and gifts me a Valentine’s Day Duet session to celebrate our love!
Best,
Jenna
Engagement: Natalie and Jeramy
Natalie and Jeramy were the first engagement session I’ve photographed in months, and the last I’ll do before baby comes. I have this couple to thank for sending me into my maternity leave with a bang, I loved working with them! I’ll see Natalie again in May for her bridal session, and I’ll spend June 11th of this year with both of them as it’s the day they are set to get married!
We did this session at one of my favorite locations, Deep Ellum. I’ve been there several times over the course of my one year career (it’s Jenna Cole’s one year anniversary this month!) and I always find new spots to explore and use when I visit.
They brought their dog Luke along for the photos. I really enjoyed all of the funny faces he made.
Jeramy has a really terrific smile, and he displays it readily.
Love that tongue!
THAT SHOT!
How did I get Natalie to smile like this? At first I asked her to think about her wedding day, which got me a bit more of a nervous smile (I think she still has a lot of planning to do!) The secret? I told her to think about how she’ll feel when the wedding is over and they are getting on the plane for their tropical honeymoon. I think she’s excited about it!
I have a feeling that this is going to become a new favorite engagement photo pose of mine.
SOOC:
Fine Art Edit:
I asked the couple if they wanted to do a “street shot”, dashing out into traffic and grabbing something with a bit of the skyline in the background. We were almost hit by a bus to get this one but we laughed so hard while doing it that I think it was worth it.
I like to try to get at least one headshot of each person at each session. Who doesn’t want a good headshot of themselves to use?
These two got a little bit lovey-dovey as the light faded. This wall used to be electric yellow but I like this green color a lot better. That’s another reason why I love Deep Ellum, the walls are constantly changing and I never know what to expect when I show up with my clients.
Natalie has a beautiful, simple solitare.
As we walked back to the car I decided to have a little fun with the flash I had packed along. For the photogs reading this, these were done with my flash on camera, with a diffuser, and the flash head pointed at about my 2 o’clock, over Natalie’s right shoulder. Thanks to the couple for letting me play a little bit!
Natalie and Jeramy,
I had such a wonderful time with you. Thanks for being patient during my bathroom breaks and all of my moaning and grunting as I hauled my 8.5 month pregnant self up off the ground.
It’s going to be a fabulous wedding, I can tell.
Best,
Jenna
