August 05, 2016

Ashley & Louis | Lifestyle Session in Sarasota

August 05, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ashley for over six years now. One of the wonderful aspects of social media (back then, blogging) is the opportunity to meet kindred spirits. She is one of the rare, beautiful souls I have had the pleasure of getting to know in real life as well. When she contacted me about doing a session in their home, I was thrilled. They have such a sweet, tender love and knowing their hearts makes it even more special for me. Unbeknownst to me, Ashley & Louis had just found out they were expecting a baby that very morning! When she told me a week later, I almost cried. I love the challenge of infusing meaning and depth in everything I create, but this session goes beyond what I could have devised - it feels like providence to me. I'm so thankful for these two, and for Ashley's sweet friendship over the years.

August 02, 2016

Rest: Revealing a Divided Heart

August 02, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

Exactly one month ago I entered into a month of rest from work (except for email checks once a week) and all social media. I knew I needed to do it, but to be honest, I had more than a little trepidation about what my days would look like without the things that usually fill them. I did not expect to be catapulted into an old way of life that felt like how I was meant to be living. It took me by surprise that I didn't miss the companion of constant distraction. (Because let's be real, with a little one running around I have plenty of that already.) In my foolishness, I hoped to be "productive" and "get a lot done" during this time. I wanted a more clarity about the next 6 months and hoped to gain new insight. I didn't expect to come out on the other side with even more questions and craving even more time for true rest. However, I did come to understand more of what real rest looks like and that rest revealed the true state of my heart.

July 01, 2016

Beauty From Ashes | Charleston Film Photography

July 01, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me...
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives...
to comfort all who mourn;
to grant to those who grieve in Zion -
to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.
  They will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and restore the places long devastated;
They will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations."
(Isaiah 61)

June 22, 2016

Psalm 23 | Colorado Film Elopement Photographer

June 22, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
- Psalm 23

June 06, 2016

Sandcastle Kingdoms

June 06, 2016/ Jennifer Blair

What is the point of "making it" or "having a name" if it doesn't have deep-seeded meaning or lasting impact? I can't get this image out of my mind - of vast sandcastle kingdoms that won't last, that cannot be transferred to beyond the grave. I knew the views of the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado would be incredible, but it moved my heart in such a powerful way. I cannot escape the imagery and it's parallel to life. The sand seemed unending. Peak after peak continued as far as I could see. In a moment, the wind would come gusting through the enormous sand mountains and valleys, changing the landscape and reconstructing the best way to climb to the top. Does that not sound like our world? One moment success is xyz, the next week the world is different, changing the path to the top by something as small as an Instagram algorithm. What if it is all gone tomorrow? All the "names" and "fame" that has been constructed around a grand facade, all gone in a moment. What then when then great sandcastle kingdom has blown away, every piece small granule scattered in the wind?