Children and Families

“Quick” before it’s too late… maternity portraits.

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Don’t wait until it’s too late…. maternity portraits are amazing for your family & baby albums.  And, if you want a full blown session – that is great!  But, if you are one of those people that just wants a few memories before that beautiful belly is replaced with a newborn in your arms – Quick Takes on Thursdays in our studio are the way to go.  30 minute sessions on Thursday mornings (times available from 9am-noon for $30/30 minutes) – for a lifetime of memories that you otherwise may miss. Call Jenny for details a (720)454-7608 or e-mail is at info@fototails.com.  Times are limited – so call us to set up your session time for when you are around 30-37 weeks along!

fleeting moments.

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I have the amazing opportunity to photography nearly a hundred newborn babies each year.  Parents come into my studio and bring me these beautiful little beings that just entered the world – sometimes within a few days to a couple weeks of their birth.  Many times I see these same children months and years later – and it is truly a gift to see so many lives grow and change.

Newborn portrait sessions are more special than I could ever explain.  The softness of their skin, the wisp of hair on their neck, the little fur on their shoulders and back – and of course their tiny fingers and toes.

This time is so short – don’t miss out.  You don’t realize that that newborn time has passed until a month or two go by and you realize – they don’t look the same anymore.

This beautiful boy is our little tribute to “THE BRONCOS”  sporting a beautiful orange & blue hat.  And although I have a version with all of the little shedding skin edited out – I am partial to images of them looking exactly like they are, so no editing to this image.  Just reality – that even at 13 days old, this little mans shedding skin is just a sign of him growing already.

Jeanine Thurston Photography

2011 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!

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Isabelle Floral Design

Floral home & business holiday decor.

Leave it to the experts and let us be your little elves! WOW your family, friends, neighbors, clients and save time and money! Free delivery on all orders in the Boulder/Brighton/Denver area and 10% off your total bill. Isabellefloraldesign.com 303.856.4140

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Kitty Mae Millinery & Accessories

3559 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205, 303-295-0545, open Tues-Sat 10-6. Spend $50, and get 20% off off of a Kitty Mae Showgirl Fascinator, Showgirl Headband or Bloom for yourself if you mention you saw it in Jeanine Thurston’s gift guide!

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THE FEED ZONE COOKBOOK

Must have for you, your friends and family.

Chef Biju and Dr. Lim vetted countless meals with the world’s best endurance athletes in the most demanding test kitchens. In The Feed Zone Cookbook: Fast and Flavorful Food for Athletes, Thomas and Lim share their energy-packed, wholesome recipes to make meals easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and better for performance.

The Feed Zone Cookbook provides 150 delicious recipes that even the busiest athletes can prepare in less time than it takes to warm up for a workout. With simple recipes requiring just a handful of ingredients, Biju and Lim show how easy it is for athletes to prepare their own food, whether at home or on the go.

The Feed Zone Cookbook strikes the perfect balance between science and practice so that athletes will change the way they think about food, replacing highly processed food substitutes with real, nourishing foods that will satisfy every athlete’s cravings.

The Feed Zone Cookbook includes

  • 150 delicious recipes illustrated with full-color photographs
  • Allen Lim’s take on the science and practice of food
  • Portable whole foods, including Lim’s famous rice cakes and more
  • Dozens of quick-prep meals for before and after workouts
  • Shortcuts, substitutions, and techniques to save time in the kitchen
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LadyCharm Artistry – Professional Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
www.LadyCharmArtistry.com – (303) 525 8046. Book today for your special occasion makeup & hair styling services! Receive a 15% discount on parties of 3 or more that book both services, if you mention you saw this deal in Jeanine Thurston’s gift guide!
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GREAT DIVIDE TRAVEL
Give the gift of memories… purchase a travel package with great divide travel and get a 50.00 gift card if you mention you saw this ad in Jeanine Thurston gift guide . offer expires December 23,2011. Contact dawn@greatdividetravel.com 303 291 1288
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The days come and go and the years fly by – especially when you have children.   Any denomination – custom gift cards that you can give your friends and family to capture a little piece of that history to hang on your walls for many years to come.  Family is a beautiful thing – and images of your love and life are one of the most personal gifts you can give.
Gift Cards available for any amount.
e-mail: info@fototails.com or call us at 720-566-9770 to get yours today.

Everyone needs a Super Hero.

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Wiki states these common characters in a Super Hero.

Extraordinary powers, skills and/or equipment. Superhero powers vary widely; superhuman strength, the ability to fly, enhanced senses, and the projection of energy bolts are all common. Others have special weapons or technology, such as Iron Man‘s powered armor suits and Green Lantern’s power ring. Many characters supplement their natural powers with a special weapon or device (e.g., Wonder Woman‘s lasso and bracelets, Green Arrow‘s trick arrows Spider-Man‘s webbing, Wolverine‘s adamantiumclaws, Daredevil‘s billy club, or Thor‘s hammer).

Caleb (with his side kick brother Aaron) graced my presence today with an amazing collection of super hero costumes for our session today.  He had a treasure chest that included possibly thousands of hours worth of  superhuman transformations.  In his presence I was helpless to his powers to make me want to play and humbled by his extensive knowledge of all superhero characters, side-kicks, and major players associated with each of these characters; including every move for each of them modeled to perfection.  After he was done with one character, he would whisk away behind a tree or wall and pop out as a new character from head to toe, inside and out.  This child was quite possibly one of the most animated children I have had the chance to photograph – and I was smiling so hard that my cheeks hurt by the time our hour of play was over.  He made sure to check my shots between moves, so that I portrait him in the correct way and so that his positioning was correct.  I knew that I had done a good job, only when he would say a quick “cool” or  “yeah” giving me confidence that I was nailing the shot of him at his best.

I so strongly encourage you to do a photo-shoot like this for your child.  Dressing up and acting is so much fun for a child, but it also gives us “adults” a little escape from our world to see it through their eyes.  

On the move.

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Ok, in all fairness I posted the last image to facebook, kidding that “ENOUGH” was the title.  But the story behind it was actually that this 9 month old cuteness can crawl.  So what does a photographer do? Puts her on some paper for some shots…. paper is slippery to a child’s bare feet.  It keeps them from moving too fast, which is a major plus for getting some images before a crawling child darts around the studio from one end to the other.  On the negative side, this precious little girl was so frustrated that she wasn’t able to crawl on the paper that after about 15 minutes of torture, she set her head down and gave up.  So sad that she wasn’t able to do it, about broke my heart.  But…. in the long run, we got some great images and she was up and happy after that. 

My thoughts – about my photography.

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Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Photographing for over two decades, my photography has been a living breathing thing that is sometimes very controlled and at times very out of control.    Sometimes my style is a mirror of how I’m feeling for the day, and at times it brings me back to my photograph with “rules.”  I know some photographers take the utmost care in planning each session perfectly; however, in my case ~ as much as I plan, it is more about what is happening and how I’m feeling at the last second that I pull the trigger.  On the other side of the coin, after so many years shooting film, I was bound by the camera and making sure everything was technically perfect and spending hours in a darkroom processing and creating unique textures – dodging and burning and left with yellow fingertips from my 20 efforts on one image to get it exactly how I wanted it.  Now… really not much has changed except the tools I’m using (computers) are probably healthier than soaking my hands in chemicals because I was too lazy to put on rubber gloves.  And… well, I get to see daylight – I would at times spend 24 hours in one run in complete darkness with my film & paper.
I think there are such a variety of ways to capture images of your children, weddings, events, and everyday moments.   The candid images are such an important part of recording details that you may have missed or just forgotten without the reference back.  Personally, I have thousands of snapshots of my children and much less professional looking images that I really should, and probably definitely less than  most people expect because I’m a professional photographer.  But, the candid moments are captured and there to look back on with my showcase pieces that you have large and hanging and walk by every day and still can’t stop looking at them.  They are the ones that you look at, take a deep breath and say “wow, my child is so amazing” and it brings an overwhelming feeling that takes you to events before during and after that image was taken.   As much as every photographer would love for me to say you should have these type of images done every year… well, I have kids and know the reality of such a production.  But if you can do every 3 years or even every 5 years – it really is an amazing experience… trying to capture that one image that you have hanging 24×30 on your wall of your child, you as a couple, or your family.
I feel very lucky that I can shoot a mixture of styles so that most of my clients are very long-term… I’ve been photographing them for so many years that I have actually went from birth to graduation  – from toddler to wedding, from high-school senior portraits to their first child.  It is truly an overwhelming experience that I get to be a part of so many families as they change and grow.  It is an honor that I don’t take lightly and that makes me smile every day.  I’m not going to lie, it is a very self gratifying job – I get invited to photograph in my clients homes where I see my images framed and showcased.  Many times my clients are so excited when I visit to show my how they have displayed their images over the years – and honestly – as proud as they are to show me, I’m humbled by that pride.  While my husband may long to have me work a Monday-Friday 9-5 job and have every weekend open for my own family… well, honestly… most of my clients are or become my extended family too.  It is a selfish and selfless job if that makes any sense at all.
So, while clients come and go – photographers come and go – I don’t fear the competition, I work very hard and I ride the breeze whenever it comes my way.  I keep my amazing clients as close I can without smothering them – and yet try not to let go.  When they drift away, I try to win their love back.  If this sounds like a relationship – that is EXACTLY what it is – I have relationships with thousands of people and that is what I love most about what I do.  If I have photographed you now, I am grateful.  If I’ve photographed you in the past, may our paths cross again.  If I have lost you, I hope that I can get you back.
All of my love to the very many people that have filled my life and made it possible to be a professional photographer for 23 years.  My never ending gratitude to you for the support you have given me as friends, and allowing me to do what I love most as my work.

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Using photography to build your child’s self-esteem.

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Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Many problems in our society are caused by people who lack self esteem. A poor self image can lead to insecurity,  acting out behavior, and underachievement.   People with a lowered sense of self esteem are often afraid to try new things for fear of failure.  In general –  the higher a person’s self esteem, the more successful they will be at dealing with life and achieving their dreams, and the easier it will be for them to resist negative peer pressure.

What can parents do to help their children feel important and proud? To give them the confidence they need to take on the world? Plenty! Parents have great influence on children, especially in the formative years 0-5.

We all want our children to feel good about themselves. One simple way to boost your child’s self esteem is through photography. It is such an easy way to demonstrate your love to your child(ren) and your pride in them and their accomplishments.

Using professional portraits:

Use the photography session as a topic of discussion.  Talk with your children before your session, and even on the way to the portrait session. Ask questions, and use these talks to discover things that are important to them and interest them.  What is your child good at? What does he wish he were good at? What is unique and special about him? What does she want to be when she grows up? What are their favorite colors? Who are their friends? When does he/she feel most proud of herself? What makes him/her happy?

When you know the answers to these questions, you’ll know what to include in your photographs. Maybe your toddler is great at discovering bugs, her best friend is the family dog, and she is most proud of herself when she baked a cake for mommy’.  Use these little bits of information to capture their  pride and joy as an explorer, with her favorite dog, and proud she creates something in the kitchen. Then have your child get involved in framing the the pictures or putting together an album and display them prominently. Your child will feel so important! Your 7 year old might be great at softball. Perhaps he wishes he could hold a frog , she may want to catch a butterfly, or he dreams of being a fisherman. This will guide you on what types of portraits might make your child feel happy and proud. Displaying these pictures allows your child to feel happiness and pride each time he looks at the pictures or shows them off to family and their friends.

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Then carry it out at home:

Catch your child doing something right and document it on film. Give your child a great gift by creating evidence that he/she is  capable, loved, and worthwhile. And what parent doesn’t want that? The added bonus is you will treasure the memories.

Now, a few words about technique for when you are capturing those candid moments on your own:

*Move in close.

*Shoot from your child’s level. Or shoot from below to make your child look bigger than life.

*Use natural light, when available, to avoid redeye and a flat look you sometimes get with a flash.

*Take a lot of pictures! It may take a lot of clicks to get a good one… thankfully the digital age has allowed us all to click away without buying film!

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

JUNE 2011 IS MULTIPLES MONTH AT FOTOTAILS PHOTOGRAPHY

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5 months: Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

I grew up with twin brothers that were 5 years younger than me, and I remember very vividly how hard it was for my mom with her hands full all the time.  I also know, we didn’t get family & children’s portraits near enough.

We are making JUNE our celebration of all of the families out there with multiples.  Here are some of the amazing deals:

$300 – On-location photo shoot, at one of our preferred locations in the Denver area.  At least 50 images on disc with rights to print.  PLUS a $50 print credit towards a professional print order.  You will also get a MP4 of all your images as a slideshow to share on any of your social media sites.

$150 – Studio portrait session.  Includes 2-8×10 Professional Print, and 2-5×7 prints.   You will also get a MP4 of all your images as a slideshow to share on any of your social media sites.

Chronicles Collection:  This is a package we normally offer for $950 and includes 3 session within a 15 month period with all images on disc and rights to print.  FOR FAMILIES WITH MULTIPLES IN JUNE 2011 ONLY… this package will be only $750($200 savings!).  Only $200 deposit to hold this collection, with the balance split into 5 monthly payments.

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

3 Months: Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

The Value of a Portrait

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Fototails PhotographyWith many inexperienced amateurs purchasing digital cameras and charging less and less for a session, I want to share the true value of a portrait. As a consumer, it is important to be educated in what you are paying for and the worth of what you are getting.

Most of what we do, our clients never see and the actual session is such a small part of what is involved.

We do this every day.  Our clients may only do this once every year or even 5 years. It is important to hire a professional who will find out what you want and help you to achieve that.

Expenses:

  • helpful guides for clients including clothing and the displaying of prints in the home – A professional photographer does not like to leave your session to chance and will share helpful information to give you the best session possible.
  • software – It is not uncommon at all for a photographer to have over $1500 worth of software that needs to be continually upgraded, plus extras each year for giving you the most professional, and artistic images.
  • computer – The professional cameras continue to improve and constantly require updated software and computer systems. It would absolutely amaze most people to know how slow the large files can be to work with and the cost of continually upgrading.
  • camera – Most professional photographers have more than entry level digital cameras. Professional photography can be hard on a camera, especially if a photographer shoots in elements such as the beach.  This will require additional cleanings and new equipment.
  • lighting
  • props
  • reflectors
  • lenses
  • education – Education is a constant in the life of a true professional photographer.
  • insurance
  • licenses, fees
  • professional, legal forms
  • advertising
  • display samples
  • assistants

The ACTUAL time that a professional photographer puts into a session:

  • corresponding and telephone calls for forms and consulting before a session (30-60 minutes)
  • planning – a photographer will spend time planning and preparing for your session, including scouting, posing, correct equipment, etc. (60+ minutes)
  • the session (1+ hours)
  • choosing the best images, eliminating blinks, etc (1-2 hours)
  • professionally processing the images (6-8 hours)
  • ordering and packaging of prints (if ordered) (1+ hours)
  • uploading images or making CD (about 1 hour)

So, at this point, we are looking at approximately 17 actual hours that go into a session, not to mention the time that a photographer spends additionally each week just to conduct business (advertising, website maintenance, education, ordering supplies, maintaining books and records, correspondence, telephone calls, exploring new industry information, etc.). While it appears that a photographer just shows up and works for an hour or two, there is so much more to what a professional photographer does.

Add to that the actual expenses that a photographer has, most of which you may not actually see because they are behind the scenes, and you will see why you will not find a professional photographer offering their services for next to nothing. They simply cannot afford to stay in business.

So, what makes a photographer worth the money? These are your portraits.  Life is fragile and fleeting.  One day these images will hold your memories.  These images will become your memories.  Most of what we remember, was captured in a picture. It is not likely that you will find professional portraits at chain department store pricing.  A professional photographer just cannot stay in business at those prices.  And at a chain department store, you will probably not find the artistic images that you are looking for in a 15 minute session from someone making minimum wage working there for the summer or for extra money over the holidays. Sometimes, we just have to make a choice.

You get what you pay for when it comes to professional portraits. They are an investment and will be one of  the very few purchases that you will still  have in  20, 30 years, or even a lifetime.  The importance of these memories go so far beyond the paper they are printed on, or the drive they are stored on.

Little girls all in a row.

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Getting ready for their modeling photo shoot

The clothes, the hair, the smiles, all of the hopping, dancing and spinning around.  I walked up B’s salon where all of the little princesses were getting their hair and nails done up for the photo-shoot.  We had a casting call a month or so back and I can’t tell you how hard it was to narrow down who we were to use for the Dizzie Izzie girls clothing line up.  There is some serious cuteness in Colorado!!!  I still have such a huge bundle of images to edit, but I know how anxious many of you are to see some of the images – so here is a start.
Thanks to all that arranged this amazing day – and so thankful that the weather that day cooperated.  And last, but definitely not least – a huge thanks to Wendy for helping make this all happen like clock-work.
After seeing some of this…Do you just have to have Dizzie Izzie products NOW! Check out these stores where you can buy dizzie izzie products!

  • NEW! Naturally Loved, Stapleton Town Center, WWW.NATURALLYLOVEDBABY.COM
  • Cherry Creek Dance, Denver CO 303-399-8087
  • Razzle Toys, Greenwood Village, CO
  • Ladybug Landing, Lexington, KY 859-275-1292
  • Babylove & CO, West Pittston, PA 570-602-1006
  • Cali and Mo in Cherry Creek Mall & Park Meadows Mall
  • Rejuvanest – comfort for you and your home lingerie, bath & body, linens, decor, home fragrances, kitchen and baby too!, Streets at Southglenn,, 6851 S Gaylord St, Suite 240, Centennial CO 80122, Phone: 303.455.1504, WWW.SHOPSOUTHGLENN.COM

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Shelby and Chanell did all of the hair for our little models too…. check them out – they are amazing!!!!!