Tuesday, March 31, 2015

2 A.M

I feel like I have been neglecting my blog lately, and I feel terrible about it.  I really do.  So much has been happening lately that I don't even know where to start!  The whole purpose of my blog was to be somewhat a journal documenting this crazy journey of mine.  I don't ever want to forget a single bit - good or bad - so even if it doesn't work out, I can always look back and know I gave my dreams a shot.  And I'm going to apologize now for how long this post is (if you even make it to the end of my ramblings), but like I said, this is like a journal for me, and by the words of the one and only Steven Tyler, I don't want to miss a thing ;)

Last week I left for a workshop in Vancouver hosted by the Canada Photo Convention, which was absolutely amazing to say the least.  But I'm going to leave that for another blog post as, like I said, I have waaay too much to tell you all!  I left for Vancouver last Monday night to stay with my dear friends, Bock and Ricardo.  The night before I left, I asked them what the weather was like so I knew what to bring.  All they said was to prepare for rain.  But boy, oh boy, I didn't realize that when they said rain, they meant RAIN.  

As I drove off the ferry into Vancouver, I noticed a few rain droplets dancing across my windshield, which was expected, and I rather quite enjoyed.  Soon after, I noticed the sun falling behind the mountains and not long after, the rain came down with an angry vengeance.  I think the proper term is: it was raining cats and dogs.  This normally wouldn't bother me but the last few times I stayed with my friends, they've been house sitting, and it just so happened my GPS was out of commission and if you know me at all, you would know that I have a fear of being lost.  I'm serious.  And it is legit.  Long story short, when I was very young, I got lost in a shopping mall.  So now when I get lost, or think I am lost, I go into full blown panic attacks until I know what's up.  My sisters think it's funny to trick me into it every now and again.  I don't find it funny at all.  My sisters on the other hand think it's hilarious.  I eventually made it to my friends in one piece - surprisingly - and was finally able to kick up my heels and enjoy some much needed time with my friends.

That night, as we were getting ready for bed, we ended up staying up until 2 A.M talking about business.  Can you say nerd alert.  Brock and I were both the Valedictorians in our graduating year from high school if that gives you any insight into how cool we are.  But it wasn't until halfway through our little chat when something clicked inside of me.  I've always shied away from asking my friends for help or advice because I don't want them to feel like I am using them in anyway (something which stems from my childhood), but it wasn't until that moment I realized that they WANT to help.  They don't see me as being annoying/demanding/pushy at all (weeellll, most of the time).  All they see is a friend asking for help.  A friend that they are willing to help however they can to see them succeed at something they love.  And the more I thought about it the more I realized how truly wonderful each and every one of my friends truly is.  You guys are da bomb.  Seriously.  




Your network of friends and the people you hold close to your heart are the ones who are willing to help you the most in hopes of seeing you succeed.  Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today.  Even if it was just a little nudge of encouragement, you have helped me more than you will know.  And on days when I feel like giving up, I think of you all and it gives me the faith to keep going and to chase this silly dream of mine.  And although the road may seem dark and scary (and rainy!!!) and I feel like I'm lost, I realize now all I have to do is ask for help, and somehow we will find our way through, together.

Friday, March 20, 2015

TAILS UP

I stop to listen as I hear a faint voice behind me - Excuse me!  I turn around, looking for the face to the mysterious voice.  I was about to continue on my way as I seen a lady I have never seen before walk up towards me - quite excitedly I might add - Sorry to bother you, but I have always been told that if you find a coin laying on the ground, tails up, you are supposed to give it to someone else, and that way you'll both have good luck! she said with a smile as she gently place a shiny nickel into the palm of my hand.  But if it's heads up, you just keep it for yourself!  And just like that she was gone.

Strange things, such as this, have been happening to me on the regular lately.  At least is feels as such.  And the strange thing is I feel like they have all been coming to me at just the right time, and I have no other way to describe them other than fate.  Chance.  Luck.  I have been finding that the more I push myself out of my comfort zone the more these strange occurrences have been happening.  We were all put here for a reason, a purpose.  Some find that reason when they are young, some a bit older, and others a lot older, but eventually, we all find it.  I can't help but wonder if this is mine.  Or perhaps it's just leading me to where I am supposed to be.  But all I can say for sure, is that as of today, I am doing just fine.


Also, I'm keeping that nickel tucked away on my person for good measure!  You know, just in case ;)

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

INSPIRED: TAIL FEATHERS AND THE SIZZLE

There are times when I get an overwhelming urge to create something.  I find myself constantly coming across ideas that make me scream, I want to do that! but the rushes dissolve as quickly as they came because I realize I just don't have the time - but there's still a little spark of inspiration and desire, deep down in the pit of my stomach that just wont go away.  I call it, the sizzle.  And the sizzle just won't take a chill pill and cool it down, so I've decided it's time to make something happen!

For the past couple of months now, the idea of organizing a styled wedding shoot has been causing havoc on my thoughts, so I thought I'd give into the sizzle and attempt to create something extraordinary - with the help of uber fab wedding vendors of course!  Props, a floral designer, hair and make-up stylists and of course the fierce-est (yes I just made that word up) set of models prepared to work what they mamas gave them in front of my lens.  Do you think you could be one of these people?  Hit me an email at juliejagtphotography@gmail.com and let's talk!  This is an opportunity to get your work photographed, try something new, get connected with the most amazing vendors in the area and above all else, have fun!  And if you were recently married or want to play bride for the day, I want to hear from you too!  

I've created a moodboard which is the main inspiration and backbone to my sizzle.  It’s a little bit bohemian with a dash of vintage flair smothered with the freshness of spring that just screams Summer is coming! -  if that makes any sense at all.  Overall, it's fresh and fun to say the least.  


And naturally, I want to create something unique that brings everyone's talents together as one to show everyone what our mamas gave us.  Tail feathers and all.

Photocred:

2. Unknown (I found it on Pinterest so if anyone knows, please let me know :) 
5 + 7. Ben Sasso

Monday, March 16, 2015

TALKING WITH STRANGERS

I was talking with this man yesterday about the new Insurgent movie that's coming out - leave it to me to talk with strangers about YA novels turned movie.  face palm.  After I told him all the details, I looked at him waiting for a response while I tried to catch my breath.   Yes.  I talk THAT fast.  He waited about five seconds and his response was completely unexpected.

His response:

You know, all these kids are growing up thinking that the future is something to be scared about, but I think they're forgetting how much the world has changed and that it's really not as scary as it was even 60 years ago.  Gender equality, same sex marriages; everyone now has the ability to embrace their individuality without being knocked down for who they were born to be.  We're treating everyone as equals - as we should.  People are finally able to express what makes them different and unique and we're are okay with it.  It's actually a beautiful time to be alive.  We shouldn't be afraid of the future, we should embrace it.

Whoa.  I stared at him for a few moments in silence soaking in every last word.  He was right.  We all think about how corrupt the future may be.  But I think it's worthwhile to take a step back, hold hands and look at what we have accomplished.  It really is a beautiful time to be alive.



Shine On,

JJ

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

WANNABE HOGWARTS ALUMNI UNITE

I was peeking up over the wall to make sure I didn't miss her.  I clearly wasn't thinking it through when I sat in the deepest, darkest corner of the coffee shop.  But hey, I got the best seats in that joint. You know, the one with the cozy chairs, table and tucked quietly in the back.  I went there two hours early to make sure we got that table, and it was sooo worth it.  I got up for the second time to casually throw out my garbage and take another quick scan of the room.  Nope.  Not here yet.  I sat back down and took another swig of my cold coffee.

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of meeting up with the first JJ bride.  Like ever.  She walked into the coffee shop, just a tiny bit nervous, as we awkwardly stared at eachother for a few moments, unsure if we were each who we thought we were.  I greeted her with a hug and we jumped into converstation like old friends.  She has the most bubbly spirit, kind heart and a smile that just lights up the room.  We soon found out we had so much in common and are both wannabe Howarts Alumni (all you Harry Potter fans put yo hands up!) and have an insane obsession with animals - cats in particular.  You are seriously one of a kind, Travis is one lucky man.

Ciana, I am tremendously honoured and excited you chose me to capture yours and Travis's first day as husband and wife.  I cannot wait to document your special day this May (so soon!) at Pine Lodge Farm as you marry the love of your life.  I can already tell you're going to be the most beautiful bride.

Stay Fabulous,
JJ

Friday, March 6, 2015

I HAVE MY CLOSET BACK

I just got out of the shower after doing my morning workout and was just about to head out for a walk down town when I thought I'd give y'all a little update on my life.  I haven't been blogging as much as I would like to lately, but I promise I will try better.  My sister was staying with us for a while and just moved out about a week ago and life is just beginning to settle back to normal.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed having her here, it just gets a little crowded with seven people running around the house.   Not to mention not having someone else take ownership of your closet.  You gotta  love sisters.

So much has happened in these past couple of months and I seriously can not wait to share it all with you!  In the mean time enjoy this sneak peak from a little shoot I did with my friend Etana.  She bought some new clothes so we just had to do a photoshoot with them.  That's what you're supposed to do, right?




Happy Friday!