Spring has sprung in this neck of the woods and senior portrait season is upon us. Just a few short weeks ago, the air was still chilly and we were inside more than we were out. During that time I put together a new brochure to highlight my work with seniors. And, I must say, I am quite pleased with how it turned out! Take a look at my beautiful clients from past years and get a peek into how I work with this fun age group!
After taking a look, leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
So, it has been a while since I have updated the blog. Yikes! Where does time go? In an effort to streamline things in my busy season I decided to try posting sneak peeks on Facebook. While it did help me speed through things and cut some time off my after session duties, I found that I missed writing about my sessions and the cool people that I got to meet in holding them. So, to “get back on the horse”, I am kicking off the re-birth of my regular blogging with an announcement, and it’s a BIG one! I would like to introduce you the members of the 2014 Jenn Reno Photography Senior Team! This is my largest Senior Team ever and I cannot wait to work with each of them to create portraits that reflect who they are. But, before I reveal the names of my newest team members I need to give a big shout out my 2013 team. Thank you to the following young people who did a great job promoting my business. Together we created some beautiful images. It was a pleasure to work with each of you and I look forward to watching your journey after graduation unfold.
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So, a HUGE thanks to the awesome people shown above! Without them I don’t think I would have been able to put together such a fabulous team of 2014 seniors.Without further ado, I introduce to you my 2014 Senior Team!
Brianne Van Apeldoorn, New Bern High School
Savannah Buday, Havelock High School
Veronica Crickenberger, Havelock High School
Katelyn Espenship, West Carteret High School
Madeline Hille, Havelock High School
Catherine Koontz, Havelock High School
Sabrina Machado, Havelock High School
Tracey Poythress, Havelock High School
Erica Quinn, Havelock High School
Danielle Rendon, Havelock High School
Camaryn Singleton, Havelock High School
Lauren Wagaman, West Carteret High School
Welcome aboard! I can’t wait to work with each one of you!
We’re so excited that our daughter, Catherine Koontz, was chosen to be a part of the 2014 Jenn Reno Photography Senior Team! I can’t believe she is almost a Senior at Havelock High and I can’t imagine capturing these priceless moments with anyone else. Thank you Jenn Reno! The 2013 Team is FABULOUS and I just know your 2014 Team will “do you proud” as well! (Donnie Koontz)
Awesome
A few weeks ago I finished up my beach vacation by photographing this sweet family. We managed to avoid the rain showers that seemed to plague us and the whipping wind even calmed down so that we could get out on the beach for a session. As you can see from the images below the rain definitely stayed away and we had some nice, golden light to work under. It was the perfect evening to be out on the sand having some fun. And fun is what we had!
I’ve been pouring over the images trying to figure out which images should be included in the sneak peek and I decided to go with some of my favorite, emotion capturing images. When I started out in the photography business I was super concerned with getting everything right and posing people just so. As I have learned and grown I think my “style” has as well. Nowadays I explain to families that while I will certainly capture a formal portrait if that is what they desire, I also like to mix in activities that will help to bring about emotion in the images. I love to capture families having fun. I believe that in between the fun and games I can capture the connection that family members share. I love the smiles, looks and laughter the two images below captured. It takes me right back to that evening and I can hear the laughter and giggles as we played our silly games. Such fun!
Every once and a while we would take a break from the silliness and grab a few more posed images.
And, we even sent the kids off on a little beach walk so that I could work with mom and dad. After all, without mom and dad this beautiful family wouldn’t exist. And again, these peeks are some of my favorites simply because of the connection they show. To me these images just scream love and adoration. Can you see it too?
Mom and dad also got sent on a beach walk so that I could work with the kids. Well, actually I should say play with the kids. I am sure mom and dad were a bit concerned that I was losing it as I let the kids push each other, slap sand on each others’ shoulders and semi-tackle one another. Yes, I know it probably appeared crazy but I had a method to my madness. After a while, I think the kids semi- forgot we were there for pictures and we began having fun. You know what comes with fun?? REAL smiles. Mr.Man down there is in middle school. I have my own middle school boy and I can’t say they are ever excited about getting portraits done. But check him out down there. He isn’t’ being tortured is he? He was actually having FUN!!
And as for little sister- she was quite easy to work with. She brought her instrument and gave me a little concert on the beach. And yes, it sounded just as dreamy as the image looks. She was great!
So those are my chosen sneak peeks for the Crow family. I shared a few other images on Facebook earlier and I loved them so much I jut had to repost them here. Beautiful family! Thanks for being so much fun to work with!
I cant wait to see the rest! I so love the violin one too!
WOW! what awesome pictures of a truely awesome family.
I love the Zoe and violin one and the black and white of Zoe and KC leaning into one another!
I liek Zoe and the Violin and her and KC leaning into one another!! Is this the same photographer u used?
Great pictures! What a beautiful family you have!
Beautiful Pictures Dana…You are blessed with a wonderful family.
Absolutely beautiful pictures…what a blessing.
thank you
Have you ever heard that expression, good things come to those who wait? Well, I hope this family feels that way! This family has been waiting and waiting to see their images! Way back in the spring this family bid on one of my donated sessions at a Gala hosted by The Epiphany School. The family won a senior session for their son. To make it even more exciting, this family is not local to New Bern. However, they live in Cary, very close to where I grew up. After speaking to mom on the phone it was discovered that we had actually met years ago through a mutual friend. I am never ceased to be amazed at how small the world really is. Anyway, we planned and planned. We decided on a beach session, set a date and then waited.
The big day finally rolls up and so does a lovely thunderstorm. Ugh! We would have to reschedule. No worries though. We decide to try again the next day and I promise to call and check on the weather before heading down to the beach. The next day rolls around. It is sunny and bright. I call and get a clear report so I set off. As I get closer and closer to the beach I begin to see some dark gray clouds. Surely it won’t rain though. I make it to the location and although it appears a storm is coming we press on. I’m glad we did because we got this fantastic image.
Shortly afterwards, the thunder, lightening and rain begin. So, it is another few days before we try again.
Seems the third time was the charm however. Our third meeting gave us warm weather and sunny skies. We explored our location some more and captured some great images. I love this one.
We were even able to head out to the beach for a bit. I must confess though. As we were shooting these images a little black rain cloud followed us out to the beach. We even got a little scare when a giant clap of thunder sounded off when we were near the ocean. See those lovely clouds down in that image? They weren’t really quite like that. I had to work a little magic on the image. Who wants a lovely image of themselves standing on the beach with stormy gray clouds? I like the blue sky and white puffy clouds much better. What about you?
After the thunder scared us away from the water for a bit we headed towards a few dunes. And, because I love a good close up, I captured a few images like this.
Last but not least, I had mom tell her son one of her memories of him as a little boy. You see, I have two boys myself, and I already can tell how fast time is going. Putting myself in this momma’s shoes was easy. I wanted to snap a picture of the two of them together. I know all too soon senior year will be over and this young man will be heading off on the next stage of his life’s journey. I didn’t warn her that she would be in a picture because this picture isn’t about how pretty her outfit is or how beautiful her make up is. The image I was going for was about her relationship with her boy and I think this picture about sums it up.
Can’t you see how this mom feels about her boy? I love it! And, I hope she does too.
So, my dear, sweet family from Cary- I am sorry you had to wait through three different dates to get your images done. On top of that, I am sorry you had a bit longer of a wait to get your images in a little sneak peek. What I didn’t reveal is that in the midst of trying to get this post ready and the gallery up, my hard drive failed. After all these years of working on a computer it was bound to happen to me once. Luckily, all my image files were safe and sound in two other locations. What wasn’t so safe and sound were all my programs. So, after a week of having no computer, I finally got my machine back and began the process of putting all of my programs and other helpful files back on. So, yet again, this poor family ran into a delay. I hope you have found this little peek to be worth the wait. There are many more images heading your way this weekend!
OMG! These are so wonderful! Zack looks so handsome and Mom is so very proud of her baby.
Loved all the pictures. Just can’t believe he has grown up to be such a handsome young man so quickly. Where did all the years go??????
Great pictures. Zack is a handsome young man and I can sure tell that Mom is proud of him.
Pictures are great. Zack, you grew up too fast. I remember you playing in your Grandma backyard. May the world be your adventure.
Love them! Especially love the beach ones and the one with you hugging. I can’t believe that he is already a senior! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome pictures Zack! What a handsome young man you are!
Great pictures! I hope Zack has a fantastic Sr. year!
Great pictures Zack. Look forward to seeing the rest of your pictures. We are real proud of you. Never lose that smile !!!
WoooHooo – handsome nephew! Those are amazing pictures! Maybe Connor and Justin can come to the beach in a few years and have their senior pictures taken. 
Love the surprise one of Colleen and Zack, just awesome. Can’t believe all of our kids are growing so fast
Nice pics! Hard to believe he is a senior….where did all of the time go?
The photos really capture Zack’s personality. On to your next great adventure, Zack!
Last weekend, Havelock High School’s Class of 2012 graduated. The recent graduates are off, onto the next stage in their lives. The old senior class has moved on and last year’s juniors are now top dogs at the school. Class of 2013, you are now the leaders. You are officially SENIORS!
In honor of the new class moving into the rank of senior, I spent last Saturday afternoon hanging out with one of the “new seniors”. We had a great time exploring Fort Macon and enjoying all the different looks we could capture at one location. I must say, I was a bit overwhelmed when it came time to cull through the images. I mean just look at how beautiful this senior is!
Not only was she gorgeous, but as you will be able to tell from her sneak peek images, she is quite photogenic.
This black and white image just makes me feel happy To me, I see a confident, fun, young lady. As a mom, I look at this image and feel certain that her parents probably look at it and wonder just when their little girl turned into this gorgeous woman. They probably remember the cute, little three year old girl she used to be.
During our session I had time to talk to and get to know her parents too. I loved that her family was able to be involved in the session. Mom was our stylist, providing us with choices for jewelry, clothing and shoes. And don’t leave dad out. He gave advice and feedback on our locations. I especially loved how every now and then I would hear dad’s comment about how his girl looked like she could be in a magazine. I think every little girl should have a dad that tells his little girl that Even better? I think he is totally right!
Thank you to this whole family for making my Saturday afternoon so enjoyable. It felt like I was out and about with a bunch of friends having fun. Hope you guys had a great time too!
I can’t end a post without giving you a little something to do. Let this “new” senior know which image you like the best by leaving her a comment. Let’s see if you can do a better job than I could with narrowing it down!
And, if you would like to have your own, unique, senior, photo session, just shoot me a message using that contact link at the top of the blog. I’ll get right back to you and we can begin to plan YOUR session!
Dang, is that my daughter, Wondeful pictures and thanks Jenn Reno.
I love them ALL! Of course, I’m partial: I’m her aunt. I like the 1st three pictures the best—the up close pictures. Such a beautiful job was done. Can’t wait to see all of them,.,..
I can’t pick; I just can’t, although the black and white photo catches her sparkle and essence to a T ~ I’m her aunt (and only SLIGHTLY prejudiced!), but if I had a daughter, I would choose her in a hot minute! Great photography from a great photographer ~ Beautiful work…
Wow, what a pretty girl. I can’t choose because all are sooo good. Photographer did a wonderfull job on a sharp looking lady.
Awesome! She has grown into a beautiful young woman!! Looks a lot like her Mom!!
# 2 is my fav!!
She is a beautiful girl and all the pictures are great. However, I like the first one the best because it looks like it came off the page of a magazine!
What a beautiful girl! The pictures are all great but I like the first one. It looks like it came right off the page of a magazine.
Hard to believe that that is my daughter. All are great and I know that her brother would be proud to call her his sister.
I can’t believe that is my daughter. Caleb would be proud to call her his sister. He would say, “what a hot lady.”
what a beautiful young lady. she looks just like her mother.i can;t pick one. they are all lovely. she should be a model. good luck and may GOD bless you always.
WOW!! What can I say, where has the time gone? I met Malorie when she was an infant with my daughter, Taylor, at Trinity Presbyterian Daycare and they have been best friends ever since. I Love all these pictures and can’t wait to see them all. I know the family is going to have a hard time choosing. Malorie is a Beautiful young lady. Makes me want to cry. My favorites are #1 and #3. Great Job!
WOW! What can I say, where has the time gone? I met Malorie when she was an infant with my daughter, Taylor, at Trinity Presbyterian Daycare and they have been best friends ever since. I Love all these pictures and can’t wait to see them all. I know the family is going to have a hard time choosing. Malorie is a Beautiful young lady. Makes me want to cry. My favorites are #1 and #3. Great Job!
Wow! My best friend is so beautiful! <3
I remember them being friends then. It is good to see that they are still friends. The pics I saw do look great. Congrats to her.
It’s hard to pick a favorite! I’m a friend of Malorie’s aunt Lisa. Malorie is such a beautiful young lady and the photographer did a great job!!
Bee-u-teeee-ful!!!! She is gorgeous, Pam!
All are gorgeous. My fave is the black and white. Then the one by the tree. Unusual for me to like b/w photo. Just really shows how gorgeous she is!!!
I have never met Malorie personally, but I feel as though I have known her all my life through her aunt Lisa….She has always been a beautiful girl, but WOW….what a gorgeous young woman she has become! And I know she is just as beautiful on the inside from what her aunt has told me. Her pictures are awesome…I would have a very hard time choosing…everyone of them are beyond perfect! I love the black and white, but the color photos seem to show off her beautiful eyes and skin perfectly! My favorites are #1 AND #3…both could be magazine covers!
Thanks Dianna!!!
Every shot is amazing! She has the most amazing smile, and I think it’s best captured in the black and white photo. Of the color photos, I love the contrast in colors and textures in the photo with the window (and now I’m really missing North Carolina, too…..)
Beautiful pictures! I like them all!
WOW, What a beautiful 17 year old young lady. I am the Mother of Pam’s friend, Linda. If she is as sweet as her Aunt Pam she will go far in life. I loved all of her pictures.
She has to be the most beautiful girl in the world.(:
All the pictures are great, but I like the close-ups. She looks alot like me when I was younger. (her aunt debbie).
My first meeting with Malorie was when she was less than two years old. She was being pushed in her stroller by her Mother and her Aunt Pam. The girls were touring the New Bern Mum Fest. I remember a very quiet and beautiful baby taking in the sights. Here she is a day or two later and she is still the beautiful young lady that I met. While I only see Malorie in person once a year or so, I keep up with her through her Mother and her Aunt Pam. I know that she is not only beautiful outside but inside too! Thank you for sharing the work of this talented photographer. The first picture shows Malorie’s beauty while the black and white captures an inner quiet and peace that I know is Malorie.
What a beautiful young lady! There is no way to pick a favorite….they all show her sparkle in different ways.
Oh the photos are GORGEOUS! Wonderful job! Malorie is so pretty!
Wow! What beautiful photography and an absolutely gorgeous subject matter (my favorite photo is #1). I am a friend of Malorie’s Aunt Pam, and I “watched” Malorie grow up to be a beautiful young woman on the inside as well as the outside…good luck your senior year!
Beautiful daughter Harold, I know you and Nicki are proud.
Thanks Joe, she is a blessing
Tracy Vincent Howe - Really great Jenn!