April 20, 2016

Lady In Waiting - Mentoring Editorial

April 20, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

Much like the grandiose oaks in these images, growth takes time, growth takes waiting for the fruit to come, and the reward comes to those who wait, persevering until the end. There was a beautiful 300 year old oak in my back yard growing up. I love playing in it's shade and climbing the low-hanging branches. It was for me a kind of stability. I knew it wasn't going anywhere. I could depend on it's strength. Our seaside city was prone to hurricanes, but no matter the force of the winds, it remained firm. It had weathered many a storm. It's roots were deep in the earth and so it stayed firm, never budging or showing any signs of damage. That kind of endurance, waiting out the storms of life, digging my roots deep, is what I hoped to express through these images. This editorial reminds my heart of deeper truths - to find the beauty that lies in the waiting and the joy that can be found for the patient heart. Storms may come, but my soul's roots are digging deep in faith in One who can stand the test of time.

March 29, 2016

Stepping Stones

March 29, 2016/ Eden Gardens State Park/ Jennifer Blair

Fear crept into my heart like the grass between my toes. Ever so cautiously my feet hit the ice cold stone, sending shocks of doubt coursing through my senses. "Take this step" I heard a whisper. I know it's right, but this was not the step I envisioned for my life. The grass is easier, I could go where I want and the path seems clear in my mind - green, flourishing, happy, wide open...The little stone seemed anything but where I wanted to go.

Just a stepping stone. Take the step.

I obeyed in faith, but my tiptoes revealed that my heart stepped begrudgingly. "You'll fall if you don't put your full weight on your feet." Trust. Jump to the next step. So I did.

That was nearly 6 years ago now.

February 16, 2016

She Walks in Beauty

February 16, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

I've found myself going in a fresh, different direction this year. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time. When I consider just how many other artists there are in my field, it can be disheartening. Beautiful shots are really a dime a dozen. So I've been digging deep. What fuels my art? Surely it is more than merely capturing "beautiful moments" because beautiful moment are everywhere. I have years of experience under my belt now, but I never want to stop reaching, learning and growing at my art. For me it all comes back to vision, my lens for viewing the world and everything in it. I am an artist. It's who I am at my core. Intuitive. Seeking deeper meaning. New ideas flow constantly. Daily inspiration is a must or my soul shrivels up. I view life like poetry, like a piece of music I am working to compose...never finished, always adding another line or refrain. It dawned on me a few months ago, my visual art should represent my musical and poetic bent in more of a real way.

January 25, 2016

Alex & Matt | Intimate Destination Wedding

January 25, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

Matt & Alex have had quite the journey to get to their wedding day. After meeting in Chicago they had secret crushes on each other and friends for over a year. Not long after they made things official, Alex was transferred to New York but moved to Denver to be together. Since Alex's family lives in Dallas and Matt's in Denver, they decided to go for an intimate destination wedding with their closest friends and family. The 30a area has a special meaning to them since Alex's family lived there for a time as she grew up.

January 13, 2016

Floral Artistry by Fleur & Lumière

January 13, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." - Henri Matisse

Art has many forms, and one of the most lovely is floral artistry. Flowers are such beautiful, delicate things that only last for such a short while. They require great care and patience. My sweet friend Shannon from Fleur & Lumière is one of the most naturally talented floral designers I've met. She has a gift for seeing beauty and creating it from a messy array of options. A few weeks ago we met up, she creating as she does so effortlessly, and I merely watched, mesmerized by the process. Surrounded by the beauty of the ancient streets of St. Augustine, this is the story of how an artist creates...