We were long overdue for new family photos and after asking around, I was referred by a friend to Jenn Bartell Photography & Design.
Jenn specializes in “wedding photography and truly organic children’s portraiture.” She is very artistic and adds unique design touches to her photographs. I took one look at her website and couldn’t wait to find out if she’d be up for a photo session with my family!
I contacted her in December (must have been a warm afternoon) and set up an appointment for photos in Old Sacramento on a January morning. What was I thinking?! Here was our situation: 9:30am in the beginning of January, outside, FREEZING COLD, and a 2-year-old that was NOT cooperating.
My 2-year-old, Tyler, threw a fit. I mean, a FIT…the entire photo session! There was no reasoning with him. There was no bribing. The odds were against us.
I seriously thought a do-over was in order.
But low and behold…Jenn is some kind of gifted photographer. You can imagine my surprise when I saw that she was able to capture some awesome moments. I told a friend that I thought we’d be lucky to get one family shot with Tyler looking at the camera and not crying.
One of my favorite shots is actually the first one below of my upset little guy. I was trying to cheer him up and had no idea that Jenn was clicking away.
I love how the picture of our whole family walking on the train tracks turned out. Tyler was holding a bright purple bag of fruit snacks that I had given him…in one of my attempts at bribery! So, although he was quiet for a minute, I thought there was no chance at any of those shots working out! But where is the purple bag? Jenn has some tricks up her sleeve! Now this photo graces our ‘About’ page!
Jenn says, ” I’ve always liked photography, even as a small child I would go around with my dad and mimic the way his camera sounded when he would photograph something. Growing up I followed my passion and attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, graduating with a BA in Commercial Advertising Photography in 2005. I was on my way to starting my career as a photographer. Children have always been one of my favorite subjects to photograph. They are so real, no matter what type of mood they are in you can capture great images. I think you can really get some of the best images of children even if they are not smiling. I try to tell people don’t focus too much on trying to get your children to smile in photographs, this way you capture all of the different little quirky looks of that specific age. They change so fast, you will want to remember every moment.”
Jenn was so sweet, fun and creative! If you have ever gone through the overwhelming process of getting your entire family ready to be photographed, then I’m sure you will understand how thankful I am to Jenn that a do-over is not necessary! I am excited to share some of my favorite photos from our session with you.
DISCOUNT for Sacramento Sidetracks friends!
Just let Jenn know that you found her here on Sacramento Sidetracks and you will receive a 10% discount on your session fee!
Jenn Bartell Photography & Design
www.jennbartell.com
2418 K Street, Sacramento
916-690-9981
Written by Keilah Woodard
My love for exploring and creating experiences with my three kids led to the founding of SacramentoSidetracks.com in 2009. I realized that Sacramento has so much to offer and I was excited to share my findings with other parents. Besides simply having fun, these are the other positive side effects of taking my kids on outings that I’ve discovered: we have quality time together away from the distractions at home, we cultivate our curiosity, learn new things, conversations are triggered by what we see and do, we connect and bond as a family, and we create new memories. Ready to get sidetracked, too? Let me be your guide!
