Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Sugar Sweet

When I was in the hospital after having Maggie, I checked my email on my laptop. Waiting for me was an email titled "My offer still stands." Couldn't remember the name Jennifer Weintraub or what her offer was, but I clicked to open the email. That email helped change my life. In it was the request to become my newborn baby's photographer. She left a link to her website which I promptly checked with my mom. And I was hooked. Her AMAZING talent blew me away. I knew this woman had to photograph my baby girl.

What I didn't know was that photography session would set in motion one of the best friendships (which turned into an entire GROUP of women lovingly called "The Posse") of my life.

I can never repay Jen for the gift of her talent in my life. From the pictures of my new, fragile family with a ten day old grieving a missing 22 month old to the fun, funny session of a laughing four year old touching my pregnant belly, Jen has been there with our family. Jen IS a part of our family. So much so that she will be joining us on this next part of our journey--photographing Katie's arrival into our lives.

Now, I have the chance to help Jen a little bit. Recently, she qualified to enter a photography contest with 43 other photographers for a photo contest. Each photographer was given the same dress to put their own talent and spin on a picture.

Jen is a finalist!!! Voting continues until Sunday and I really want her to make it to the next stage of the contest. So, I ask my many blog friends to help me in some way giving back to my incredible friend. I ask you to go online HERE and vote for Jen. PLEASE!! When you see the picture, you'll be blown away. Read a little about the story behind how she got the PERFECT shot. Given that I've seen her lying on the ground sideways to get the perfect shot of my child, I'm not surprised she braved getting on a merry-g0-round for her work!

RULES: Voting is done by adding your favorite photographers to your shopping bag and then checking out. You can add as many photographers as you want to your bag, but don’t waste your time adding a photographer a million times to your bag because multiple votes for the same photographer in one bag are ignored. Also, you can check out only once from your IP address. Checking out more than once from your IP address will not be counted in our system. Voting will end Sunday, December 6 at midnight. Voting takes place on the Matilda Jane Clothing website.

Oh, when you hit Submit, a confirmation page appears asking you to double check everything. You must hit Submit one more time on this page for your votes to register.

17 comments:

Julia D. Photography said...

Already voted --- I definitely look up to her photography when it comes to my own! What a great post, Jenny :)

Karen said...

I voted. I think her picture looked like it was the most fun.

Unknown said...

I loved this picture!!! I voted for her.

snekcip said...

Oh you know I'm voting! I "met" her through your blog!!!! I just love her amazing photography and she is also on my FAVORITE list! I visit her site often and leave comments on her beautiful work!

I just sent her an email yesterday trying to set up a session w/my family! I visit the Dallas area VERY often and would love for her to capture our family!! Okay....going to vote!!!

USMCwifeAMY said...

I voted! That's a wonderful picture and she is a spectacular photographer!

Debbie said...

I just voted for her too. I love her photography!!! It is funny I was just thinking of her this morning. I just picked up my daughters Christmas pictures and they are okay. Nothing 'WoW' like Jen does. In my mind, on my way to work, I was wondering how much it would be to fly to Dallas to have their pictures taken by Jen. Crazy - huh?

Weintribe said...

Oh my goodness-Jenny, THANK YOU! This post brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad I was so good at stalking back then ;)

Love you pieces, and can't wait to be there to document the arrival of Miss Katie so everyone here can witness your joy.

SO overwhelmed by the sweet comments here, you guys ROCK!

Debbie-where are you located? It's just a plane ticket + session fee ("just"...I know, LOL)...but see if you have a few friends that want to chip in and share the cost? Have camera, will travel! ;)

Snekcip-I'll look for your email, would love to finally meet you :) Always love your sweet comments.

Thanks again everyone! I love the premise behind this contest, adore the clothing line, and had a ball with my entry. It's very ME!

Keep spreading the word...there are some very popular photogs involved! (I'm selfishly hoping to make it through to the next cut)

XO

Jen

Molly said...

I WILL vote for her...Especially since it is Matilda Jane!! Woohoo! My 8 month old daughter is named Matilda Jane and I learned of the company about 5 months ago.
Been following you forever...cried for you, prayed for you, and continue to be thrilled when I see your blessings. Still think of Allie when I see giraffes or butterflies. Hope your friend wins!!

Peggy said...

OK, so I went to vote for Jen because, well, I read you blog and you told me to. But while there I looked at all of the other pictures and I swear I would easily have picked Jen's as the best, even if names were not posted on the pictures. What a fabulous shot!

Karen said...

I voted for her! Awesome pictiures.

Unknown said...

I've been following your blog since I first heard the call to pray for Allie ... and am blessed to continue to pray for you and your family now.

There are many of us out here who never "talk" to you, but please know you have impacted our lives deeply. I even referred my friend to your site ~ her granddaughter just died of JMML ... so sad.

All that to say, I just voted for Jen, have LOVED her pics over the years!!!

Have a blessed Christmas, and thanks for all you (and your team) do.

Sue

Kelly said...

I voted for her! I check out her blog every few days, and am constantly impressed with her work! I would love to have her capture our family one of these days...
-Kelly

Debbie said...

Jen - I live just outside of Philadelphia, PA.

It wouldn't happen to be a dream of yours to visit Philly one day would it? ;)

Connie said...

I voted!! She is the best. I love looking at her pictures and can't wait to see baby Katie shots.

Jen if you ever come to central FL I would love for you to take pictures of my family. Disney World is here :)

Unknown said...

Voted...been following you since we lived in Allen 4 yrs ago. Was so sad when Allie died but I am so proud of what you have done with Allie's legacy...blessings to you Jenny and your friend who I hope will win!

Adrianne said...

I voted and then looked at the other photographs. Jens was the best by a long shot...

HollyH said...

any word yet on the winner? Fingers crossed!