Black Out Blog

Bridal Shoot {Kayla & Chloe}

2011-07-28T18:43:00.001-07:00

Friesen Kids {Children's Session}

2011-07-28T17:56:00.001-07:00

BLACK OUT HAS MOVED!

2009-12-29T19:23:00.000-08:00

Black Out Photography has moved it's website and blog address!

Click HERE to be relocated!

New Beginnings - Baby Finley

2009-12-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

I had the awesome privilege of taking pics of this little guy recently who also happens to be the son of a girl I grew up with. He's a trooper, long story short. Nothing short of a miracle is what he is, wrapped up in prayer and love by family and friends. Not to mention, he's got 2 of the best parents in the world. :)

BRIDES!

2009-12-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

ENTER AT THE WEDDING SHOW TO WIN A FREE ENGAGEMENT SESSION BY US!

It's Wedding Show Season!

2009-12-13T08:28:00.001-08:00

HEY BRIDES! MAKE SURE YOU COME OUT TO SEE THE BLACK OUT PHOTOGRAPHY BOOTH AT THE WEDDING SHOW IN STEINBACH - JANUARY 30TH, 11-5 PM @ THE BRASS LANTERN!

Check Out The Show Here:

www.steinbachwedding.com

Ken & Elaine Family Photo Session

2009-12-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Moxie - 6 Months

2009-12-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Having a 2010 wedding?

2009-12-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

I still have a few openings for 2010 weddings! Drop me a line and see if your date is still available! Also, remember to book your wedding and get your deposit in by January 1st to get the 2009 pricing for your wedding!

Stumped on what to get your special someone???

2009-11-25T20:31:00.000-08:00

Louis & Terry Family Session

2009-11-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Still thinking about booking a family photo session? Book fast! Quickly running out of available sessions before Christmas! Also, thinking about booking for your upcoming wedding? Book before January 1st and get the 2009 prices!

New Christmas Card Peeks!

2009-11-19T20:10:00.000-08:00

Little Flower Shop - Grand Wedding Showcase @ The Fort Garry

2009-11-16T09:16:00.001-08:00

We Do Photobooks!

2009-11-12T21:51:00.001-08:00

Chloe's First Birthday Party

2009-11-08T16:44:00.001-08:00

Chloe's mystery present from Uncle Aaron & Auntie Cait

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHLOE!

2009-11-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

Chloe,
I can't believe you're a year old today. Technically not till 1:13 in the afternoon. :) You are incredible. Every day we spend with you is a gift from God. I've never smiled so big before the day I met you, and now I smile every single day. You are amazing, the way you talk, the way you giggle, the way you look at us like there is no one in this world that you could love more. We love you from your head full of curly hair way down to your perfect little toes. We're so glad we didn't choose to give you back to the hospital when you were a cranky baby -- but we're also sure glad you grew out of that phase! :) We love you so much more than anyone has ever loved another human being, I'm pretty sure.

Happy birthday Princess Monkey Face (aka Chloe)!

Love you forever,
Your Mommy & Daddy

VOTE!

2009-11-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

Black Out Photography is doing some research into how we can serve you more effectively in the future. Please take a moment to vote in our survey and help us out by doing so!

What matters most to you, in terms of choosing a photographer?(polls)

New Card & Invitation Designs

2009-10-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Drop us a line about designing yours today!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

20% OFF!

2009-10-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

GETTING MARRIED IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY, OR MARCH 2010?
STILL DON'T HAVE A PHOTOGRAPHER?

Book one of our wedding packages before December 31st, 2009 and get 20% off the package price! (before GST)

A little more Q and A...

2009-10-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Jessica
I greatly admire your work as a photographer; the images you capture are absolutely stunning. I am a full time college student and am pursing my dreams of being a professional photographer. Like many, I’ve encountered several bumps in the road as far as the way clients have responded to me and was wondering if you could take the time to answer some questions for me. If you have any stories or suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time, and I will be praying for you, as your success tops the charts.

Thanks so much
K.M.

Wow, thank you! Well, hopefully I can answer some of your questions:

What’s the most important thing when starting a photography business?
Know who your target demographic is. Set yourself up to get to where you want to be. Advertise! And remember to keep it professional, but help your clients feel comfortable and have a good time when you're doing a shoot. Get to know them and joke around with them. Remember, no matter how awesome the photos look afterwards, if there is even a split second during the shoot that feels awkward, THAT is the moment that they will remember and possibly keep them from referring you to other people.

What is it that sets you as a photographer apart from other photographers?
I think I'm pretty good a giving direction at shoots. If I'm shooting you and you look awkward and uncomfortable, I'll call you out in a joking matter and we'll fix the problem together. I also don't like to "over-edit" my photos or photoshop them a whole lot. I love what I do, and I think you can tell -- but it's hard in this world FILLED to the brim with photographers and "photographers". I try to study other's photos for inspiration, but not copy them. Man, hard question to answer.

Is it necessary to have a contract that binds a client to you as a photographer, especially for weddings?
Contract? YES!!! If you hope to not get screwed over in any way, shape, or form, it's always a good idea!

How do you attract clients who will follow through with their commitment to you as a photographer?
I think it all begins with hooking them with your photos, then you develop a relationship with them, and you need to really and truly get to know each one of your clients. If you succeed in getting them to book you for their wedding, then for their maternity, then baby photos, you've probably also succeeded in a friendship with them as well. Remember, they are choosing you to share in and capture the most important moments of their lives. That's an honour that you shouldn't take for granted.

What is the best way you can invest in your clients?
See each shoot through their eyes, and capture what is important to them. They will see that and notice that you have attached yourself emotionally to the work they hired you for. It also never hurts to follow up with them after shoots as well-- go for coffee-- invest YOURSELF.

When do you feel most successful as a photographer?
There have been a few times when I've captured a moment that actually brought tears to my eyes while I was editing. It's an indescribable feeling that pushes me even further in love with what I do.

Hope this helps a little!

Jessica Penner

Lacey & Blake's COLD Wedding!

2009-10-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Brittney & Kallen

2009-10-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Lindsay & Geoff

2009-10-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

Candice & Ryan

2009-10-08T15:03:00.001-07:00

A little Q and A...

2009-09-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

Q:
Hi
I was just checking out your photos and they are amazing! Did you take a special course? I just take my own and was wondering if you have any tips for the way you take yours?
Thanks, Tracy

A:
Thanks! I did apply to go to school but turned it down at the advice of my mentors and my lack of a budget for it at the time. I honestly think it just takes time to find your own groove. Figure out what makes you different from other photographers, and what you have to offer. Check out and study other photographer's photos and find what catches your attention in them and go out and try to apply to same feeling to your photos as well. However, copying is never a good way to go. Keep it original, and unique, and spend time on your editing afterwards.

Hope that helps!

Jessica

Artist Shoot - Julie Fehr

2009-09-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege this month of shooting with Julie and had a blast! If you haven't heard her music, head over to www.myspace.com/juliefehr!

Mark & Gloria - Just Because Shoot

2009-09-21T13:40:00.001-07:00

Let's Start A Revolution!

2009-09-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by Caitlin Hildebrandt

Child Of A Breast Cancer Survivor...

Apparently that's what I am. How about "Child of an amazing woman", "Child of a woman that demonstrated the ultimate limit of selflessness, courage, strength, and perseverance"? That sounds much better. I was 4 weeks pregnant with Chloe when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, I remember sitting at the kitchen table at 10:30 at night listening to those "i think it might be it" words being spoken over the phone, only to be confirmed in another phone call about a week later. Who would've thought that a year later, two new grandchildren later, a new marriage later, my mom would still be standing here. I would be able to hug her, and tell her I love her, and how proud I am of her, and be able to do this run for HER with her still STANDING THERE NEXT TO ME!

Our story is not a common one though, sadly, so we ask that you can please donate to the cause and help us NEVER let another wife, mother, child, or family go through this again! You can sponsor me at : https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/p.asp?t=3513959&l=1

Thank you!

Jessica Penner

Lacey & Blake Engagement Session

2009-09-02T15:00:00.001-07:00

NEW AD!

2009-08-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Photo Books

2009-08-28T14:09:00.001-07:00

These photos are an example of the kind of photo book available though Black Out Photography

Steph & Chris Wedding

2009-08-24T12:34:00.001-07:00

Ouellet Family Photos

2009-08-24T11:32:00.001-07:00

Baby Sierra

2009-08-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

I got the privilege of taking photos for my beautiful new niece and her very lucky parents. :)

Keith & Amanda Wedding

2009-08-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Meg & Karl Wedding

2009-08-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

Trash The Dress - Jen

2009-07-27T08:32:00.001-07:00

My Brother's Wedding!

2009-07-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

More to come soon!

Become a fan of Black Out on Facebook!

2009-07-11T19:26:00.001-07:00

Black Out Photography on Facebook

Chloe Marie Is 8 Months Old!

2009-07-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

So, my daughter turned 8 months old yesterday and I realized that I am a little behind on posting new photos of her, so here we go!
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Mommy & Me - Marie-Eve & Raphael

2009-07-04T08:31:00.001-07:00

CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS OF THE BAD PAID-FOR PHOTO CONTEST!

2009-07-01T13:27:00.001-07:00

Congrats to the winners! And thank you so much for allowing us to view your lovely photos! :)

First place - Shannon
Second place - Janet
Third place - Tanis / Raeanne

third place winners

TRASH THE GRAD DRESS!!!!

2009-06-30T09:07:00.001-07:00

NOW BOOKING FOR THIS SUMMER AND FALL on weekdays

Fully edited CD of photos plus permission letter to print anywhere 200.00

Brenden & Valida Wedding Slide Show

2009-06-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Brenden & Valida Wedding

2009-06-22T21:56:00.001-07:00

MORE TO COME SOON!

Stephanie & Chris - E-Session

2009-05-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Model Shoot - Leanne Spring 2009

2009-05-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

Trash The Dress!

2009-05-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

What is "Trash The Dress"?
Trash the dress, fearless bridal, and rock the frock refers to photography that contrasts elegant clothing with an environment in which it is completely out of place. It is generally shot in the style of glossy beauty and glamour photography.
Usually brides decide to have pictures taken on the beach, but possibilities are endless. City streets, rooftops, garbage dumps, fields, and abandoned buildings are only few examples of trash the dress session locations.
Some sources claim that the trend was originally started in 2001 by Las Vegas wedding photographer John Michael Cooper[1]. However, the idea of destroying a wedding dress has been used in Hollywood symbolically since at least October 1998 when Meg Cummings of the show Sunset Beach ran into the ocean in her wedding dress after her wedding was badly interrupted.
A model often wears a ball gown, prom dress or wedding dress[2], and may effectively ruin the dress in the process by getting it wet, dirty or in extreme circumstances tearing or destroying the garment.
It may also be done as an additional shoot after the wedding, almost as a declaration that the wedding is done and the dress will not be used again. It is seen as an alternative to storing the dress away, never to be seen again.
(Taken From Wikipedia)

I believe this sums it up the best though:
Amid the posy photos and puffed-up bios that comprise the wedding announcement section of Sunday Times Style Section, there was a fascinating article on the rising trend of so-called Trash the Dress wedding photography.

Trash the Dress, you say?

It's exactly what it sounds like -- following the blessed event, the bride straps on that gorgeous dress once again for a final farewell photo to the gown she spent a fortune to wear for one day only. Only instead of posing in some predictably idyllic setting, the picture is shot in a scroungy back alley or a mossy lake.

These so-called Trash the Dress photos have become all the rage with brides who want to add something unconventional to their wedding albums.
(Taken from StyleList.com)

Book your photo session today absolutely FREE for the first 5 to book!

BLACK OUT PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST!

2009-05-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

We all have badly done paid-for photos, agreed? I can't STAND seeing people's badly done portraits, especially after being forced to take those horrible photos during my very short-lived career at Sears Portrait Studio. (sorry if you work there currently)

So, here's the deal:
Send me your bad paid-for photos at kevjess@mts.net and I will post them in an album on my personal profile page on Facebook. If you wish to vote for the best (read:worst) photo, click "like" under the photo of your choice. You may vote for yourself, but you must vote for someone else's photo as well.

Contest closes June 30th, 2009.

PRIZES

1st PLACE - Free Family Photo Session or Personal Photo Session (Artistic or Boudoir) with 11x14 print of your choice with frame and a CD of the photos taken, fully edited!

2nd PLACE - Free Family Photo Session or Personal Photo Session (Artistic or Boudoir) with a CD of the photos taken, fully edited!

3rd PLACE - $50 Black Out Photography Gift Certificate to put towards any photography session of your choice!

6 Months! - Chloe Marie

2009-05-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

GRADS!!!

2009-05-11T09:02:00.001-07:00

Black Out Poster

2009-05-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

Kole - old photos revamped

2009-04-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Easter In Photo Form...

2009-04-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos from my Easter weekend!

5 Months - Chloe & Briony

2009-04-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

My sister and I gave birth to our baby girls 11 days apart. We thought it was about time I took some photos of the two of them together!

Engage - Aaron & Cait

2009-04-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Editing Random Photos

2009-04-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

I just got around to playing with some photos that I had taken a while back. Enjoy. :)

Tattoo shoot anyone?

2009-03-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Think you've got a sweet tattoo?

Send me a pic and we'll do a photo shoot dedicated to it if you're chosen!

Send pics to Kevjess@mts.net!

Photo courtesy of fashionista.com

FAMILY PHOTOS SALE!!!

2009-03-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

BOOK BETWEEN NOW AND JUNE 1ST AND FAMILY PHOTOS WITH A CD OF ALL IMAGES AND A LETTER ALLOWING REPRODUCTION IS $100!

Baby Session - Bosco

2009-03-20T19:10:00.001-07:00

MODELS WANTED

2009-03-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

Black Out Photography is looking for models for concept photo shoots this Spring/Summer/Fall in Winnipeg area. All TFCD work. Send headshots to kevjess@mts.net!

Chloe - 3 Months

2009-02-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

Chloe The Penguin

2009-01-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

Chloe Marie

2008-12-10T14:39:00.001-08:00

Chloe Marie Is Finally Here!

2008-11-12T17:15:00.001-08:00

Finally, after a really long wait of being 8 days overdue Chloe Marie Penner was born on November 5th 2008 at 6lbs 14oz, 21 1/2 inches long. With 40 hours of labour without an epidural and 3 hours of pushing, she makes is SO worth it all!

Photos To Come Soon!

Revolution Line

2008-10-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

If you wish to order, send an email to me at kevjess@mts.net stating the photo name, which product(s) you would like, as well as your email address, mailing address, and phone number. I will promptly return your email with a copy of the invoice, so a cheque can be mailed to my home address (Box 759, Grunthal MB, R0A 0R0). All orders will be processed and mailed out within 20 days of receipt of payment.

Uprising

Transformation

Sacrifice

Submission

Revolution

Revival

Reformation

Radical Change

Outbreak

Metamorphosis

Disorder

Love

PRINTS FOR SALE - PRICING - Revolution Line

2008-10-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Prints:

4x6
$5.00

5x7
$8.00

8x10
$20.00

11x14
$45.00

Metallic 11x14
$60.00

12x18
$55.00

16x20
$75.00

Miscellaneous:

T-Shirt
Adult (S,M.L,XL)
$75.00
Youth (S,M,L,XL)
$60.00

Mouse Pad
$40.00

Button
$6.00

Tote Bag
$120.00

Place Mat
$20.00

Playing Cards
$35.00

Calendar of all Images
$50.00

Danica&Aaron Edit

2008-10-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Custom Business Cards - Erin

2008-09-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Picnik!

2008-09-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

There aren't many things to occupy yourself with while you're on your maternity leave, so I was introduced by a friend to Picnik.com and here are some of the outcomes!

Flowers

2008-09-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Maternity On A Timer

2008-09-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

2008-08-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

Congrats to our bestest friends Jen and Ash on their marriage yesterday! Kev and I had an amazing time and we couldn't be happier for you!

Love you!

For The Grads!!!

2008-08-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Engage & Family Photos - Jen, Ash, & Kole

2008-08-21T14:41:00.001-07:00

The Sights Of Spring...

2008-05-31T10:39:00.001-07:00

We're moving in 2 weeks, and I think the one thing I'll miss most about this house is this fruit tree in our backyard. :(

New Invitation Samples

2008-04-15T11:42:00.001-07:00

Black Out Photography On FACEBOOK!

2008-04-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Find us on Facebook now! Go! Right now!

-J

Black Out Photography Custom Invitation Line!

2008-04-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

These are just some samples of what I've been working on!

Baby Photo - Kole

2008-02-17T11:04:00.003-08:00

Penner Family Photos 2008

2008-02-17T10:55:00.001-08:00

Family Photos - Penner

2008-01-08T20:54:00.001-08:00

Wedding - Danica & Aaron Gladen (Molacek) - November 17, 2007

2007-11-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

MORE TO COME SOON!

Baby Shoot - Braysen

2007-11-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

M. Shoot - Mandy - Fall 2007

2007-10-18T15:00:00.001-07:00

Danica And Aaron's Wedding Invites

2007-10-16T16:05:00.000-07:00