My webpage has a new home!

I've finally finished my new website! It is still located at www.shelleyjeanphotography.com, but you might have to update your bookmarks.

Please let me know what you think by commenting on this post (on the new blog!), or you can send me a Twitter, Facebook message or email.

Check out my twitters:



And be sure to add me as a friend, become a fan, and join my facebook page:



And last but not least, you can also sign up for my newsletter (sent about 4 times a year):

Newsletter Sign-up

Something else that is new is my referral program. When you refer a friend, and they book a photography session, you get rewarded with a discount towards your next photography session with Shelley Jean Photography. Not bad, huh? Just a way to say thanks for spreading the word.

If you are looking for a password to a gallery on the new homepage, just send me a note and I'll forward it onto you.

Announcement: Two-Day Boudoir Marathon in Guelph, July 18th and 19th!

Definition: n. A woman's private sitting room, dressing room, or bedroom.

Why boudoir?
to celebrate & empower yourself
as a gift to yourself, or loved one

When is it?
Saturday July 18th & Sunday July 19th, 2009

What’s Included?
unique boutique hotel suite
private one-on-one photo session
professional makeup artistry by Carrie Tibbs
custom designed, and professionally printed 5x5 photobook album
online password protected gallery
30 high-resolution images on disc
gentle retouching
an experience of a lifetime!

How do I find out more?
contact Shelley at 519.362.8672 or
email: shelley@shelleyjeanphotography.com
www.shelleyjeanphotography.com

The cost for a session is $350 plus GST & PST, and includes all of the above.

Please share with anyone you think may be interested in treating themselves to the experience.

New Website Coming Soon

Just a note to let you know I've been working on a new website design and hope to unveil it later this week - that is, of course, if I can get the kinks worked out before then!

A Littlest Hero: Maggie

Maggie and I met in May, and the first time she saw me she came running at me full speed to give me a ginormous hug! It was heartwarming to be accepted so quickly and without a second thought. Maggie and her sister Ella joined their parents as a family for this Littlest Heroes Project session. For more information on this amazing organization, check out their website

In the fall of 2004 Maggie's family learned that she has a rare genetic disorder, a deletion in her 15th chromosone. Maggie has Angelman Syndrome. AS, as it is commonly referred to, is associated with serious, lifelong disabilities.

These are words from Maggie's mom: "It has been difficult for us to match the profoundly sad reality of AS, with our loving, happy little girl. Maggie is much more than her diagnosis. We are still caught by moments of heartache for our little girl, but it is impossible to stay down when you are around Maggie." I couldn't agree more! Maggie has a way of exploring her world and embracing life with a vigour that attracts you. From the short time I spent with her I could tell that smiling is one of Maggie's favourite things to do!

Engagement Photos in Ottawa!

A couple of weekends ago I had the chance to meet Megan and Paul - a couple who are engaged to be married in August. And guess who gets to shoot their wedding? ;)

These two were so much fun to work with! Both of them have a great sense of humour. They brought along their little furbaby who was so cute I couldn't stay away.

The Littlest Heroes Project

I haven't told you about the Littlest Heroes Project yet. An amazing idea, and a wonderful organization, the Littlest Heroes Project matches photographers from a team of volunteers worldwide to the world's 'littlest heroes'. They define 'littlest heroes' as 'children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses'.

Their mission:

Our mission at The Littlest Heroes Project is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. We understand that in the midst of being thrown a diagnosis and having to switch from a “normal” life to a life that is totally different, and often scary, things like getting photos taken is sometimes a huge challenge and is one of the last things families are thinking about. But when everything is done, and either the child has reached the end of their battle, or has proven the odds against it many wish they had more time to stop, and capture the journey that they lived through for so long. Through Littlest Heroes our photographers understand each and every case, and cater it to fit and honor each child and family. Our photographers are on hand to travel to homes, hospitals, clinics, fundraisers, and benefits to help capture your child’s journey in a “Day in the life” sort of style and work personally one on one with your child and entire family to get those special family photos and moments that you can cherish for years to come.



I signed up to be a photographer with the Littlest Heroes Project back in January, and was quickly matched with not just one, but with two families!

Tomorrow I meet with Maggie for a day outside (we are hoping the skies are blue for us!) playing, making new friends, and living life the way it should be lived. Oh, and I'll take some photos too!

I can't wait to meet her and her family.

Boudoir Session - It's all in the eyes...

We had a lot of fun during this session - in fact, we spent too long doing it and were politely asked to leave the studio! She and I met when she asked me to photograph her family (I also blogged about that session) and when I announced the boudoir marathon through my newsletter she jumped at the opportunity!

As she says - you can say a lot with just a look in your eyes... HOT!

January Boudoir Marathon: a pin-up beauty!

Another of my January boudoir sessions was trying to create a retro pin-up look. Carrie (of Beauty Marked makeup) did a wonderful job of creating the 'look' and then we had a great time modeling and taking photos.

Boudoir Marathon: a destination bride!

The first of my boudoir sessions from January was leaving on a flight the very next day to get married! We were able to work out a plan so that she could get her photos in time to bring them with her. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but we managed to make it work and he loved the surprise gift. Makeup by the talented Carrie Tibbs of Beauty Marked.

A new graduate!

Congratulations to my good friend who finished her degree last year. Before the snow fell last fall I was fortunate enough to be able to get out with the leaves and take some photos to commemorate the milestone. Good job, lady!

Engagement Photos in Ottawa

In early January I was lucky enough to be able to meet an uber-chic couple for their engagement photos in Ottawa. The frigid temperatures kept us from going outside, but we were able to make do with their very tastefully decorated new home!

A few pics from their session:

Family Photos

Before Christmas I had the pleasure of taking a wonderful family's portraits in their home. Parents of two energetic boys, it was easy to see they hadn't lost their love for one another. Here are some of my favourite expressions from the session:

Contest Announcement Coming Soon and... Ottawa!

Well, I've decided to run a contest! I will be announcing it in just a couple of weeks, but if you want to hear about it first, you can sign up for my newsletter.

I can't say too much about it right now, but what I can tell you is that the winner will receive FREE photography. Not too shabby, huh?

Also, I mentioned earlier I would be expanding into Ottawa on select weekends this winter. The dates I will be in Ottawa are:

JANUARY 24TH
JANUARY 25TH

and

FEBRUARY 28TH
MARCH 1ST

You can always check to see what I'm up to by viewing my calendar (thank you Google!) at the very bottom of this page.

I've already booked off several weekends for 2009 for weddings. It looks like it will be a great summer - I can't wait.

On another note, my brave little (well, he's not so little, I guess! He turns 22 this month!) brother came home from the hospital today. He's been working hard at beating Hodgkins' Lymphoma. In his honour, I am almost 100% certain I've decided to run the Ottawa Marathon this year. More on that later.

But now, I need sleep.

Boudoir Marathon

My Boudoir Marathon session is coming up in 15 days, and I have some more details. There isn't much time left to book, so do let me know soonest if you are interested! Last week I met with the wonderful Carrie Tibbs of Beauty Marked Makeup (Beauty Marked) and we are definitely on the same wavelength for this shoot. Let me promise you won't be disappointed with her work. Check out her website and take a look at her portfolio. This girl has talent!

Also on the Boudoir Marathon topic, I've finalized the room we will be using. It is a tastefully decorated suite at Guelph's only boutique hotel. With a four poster bed, and lots of natural light I can't wait to get in there and be creative with you ladies. If you'd like to see photos of the room, just send me a message.

Eeeee! I'm very excited about this.