Jasmine McHenry Photography - jasminemchenryphotography

Check out the amazing collection of raptors at the Ojai Raptor Center.

After a hiatus, new images are up...and they'll keep coming with the start of baseball season and some upcoming bookings!

My family has a long-standing tradition of voicing the things for which they are most grateful before we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. Looking over these pictures from last weekend's fundraiser, I'm humbled by these beautiful faces and how much love is apparent between these families. That's what I'm MOST grateful for - my family. Thank you, all, for allowing me to capture these pieces of history, these moments that pass quickly and that we can reflect upon in future days. Have a great Thanksgiving! - j. xo

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 19th is the day! I'll be at Seabridge Park behind the Von's on the corner of Wooley and Victoria between 9 and 4. I'm donating all of my time to the McAuliffe Elementary School 6th Grade Camp/Outdoor Education Fund. For $25 you'll receive a single sitting, a single 8x10, 2 5x7s and a sheet of wallet. After processing, 100% of the proceeds go to the fund. Picture packages will be available after 11/28 (in time for the holidays!). 

Weddings are unique and special. There's always a specific feeling based on the circumstances, the family, the location, the group gathered that makes the experience as a whole something new and special. There are moments between pressing the shutter button where I find myself not so much on the outside of an event, but very much a part of what's happening...and in those instances, I feel overwhelmed by honor...and humility...to be chosen to capture such special minutes, days. The relationship with a client is so, SO important...and these experiences are remembered when I reflect on the people and the moments that bless my life, open my eyes, soften my heart and hold on to the beautiful, vital aspects - family. Congrats to the Chavez Family! 

Darling family. Cutest baby. Enjoy. :)

If I lived in Utah the mountains would be a gorgeous red/gold right about now...and the air would be getting crisp. Because I live near the coast of California we're getting a bit of chilly air, but none of those delicious colors...nope, instead this year, we've got lots of London/San Francisco fog colors...ominous whites and grays. The plus is that these tones make for some clear black and whites (coming soon). Traditionally, my family hits one of the local farms for pumpkins. We're lucky to live so close to the Hansen Trust Farm (an endowment of the UC system), it was prior named Faulkner Farm. They've got a FABULOUS agriculture education thing going and beautiful examples of local flora. Check out the colorful flowers in bloom!

Many MANY years ago a dear friend of mine and I were in a mode where we were talking about all of the things we wanted to do in our lives...a less morbid bucket list of sorts. On my list I included running a 5K amidst other things. I forgot about the list until I came across it 3 years ago and glaring at me was that goal to participate. So, I went about finding a local race that wouldn't intimidate me, a past swimmer. I've never really been a land-sport girl...wait, except for soccer when I was a kid. Otherwise, I've done water sports...so running to me is what i think a fish feels like out of water. It's not pretty. I found the annual Disney 5K. Last year, my first attempt brought better results than I had expected...and a completion of one of those personal goals...and so a tradition has begun...and eventually I'll throw myself at a half marathon...EVENTUALLY being the key word. To all those runners out there...you're awesome. 

Summer has been busy. And now, seeing the coming of the conclusion with the start of a new school year, I look forward to new projects. Check out the albums - some fun stuff! Welcome soon, Fall!

I've always considered myself a girl who prefers dogs, but bring home a small grey ball of fur and my heart melts...and encompasses both feline and canine. My husband picked up 'Dale' in the city of Bardsdale outside of Fillmore. Dale became my kitten, calling for me and following me around. I say mine because he didn't do the same with the children. I thought it would be best for us to get another little one (from the same litter) to keep Dale company during the day and to save us from scarred hands and feet. We went back to Bardsdale and came home with 'Daisy', one of Dale's 6 sisters. She was the most mellow and has proved to be a smart choice for both of their sakes. Most days and nights are spent lounging, eating, running, ganging up on whoever is around and meowing smack to the dog outside. I can tell how comfortable they are around me based on the completely lax posing that they put forth last weekend. Camera in their grills, they still lounged, and lounged...and then lounged some more. Fans, meet Dale & Daisy.

I've been blessed to be joined with a man who comes from a family with a long-standing tradition of annual family vacations about the same time every year on Catalina Island. This yearly trip allows for us to all come together. It affords cousins the opportunities to do things that they wouldn't generally be able to do together...like fish off the pier at 6am...or have bike riding adventures to the Casino and back...or hang out on floating intertubes all day long. A BEAUTIFUL setting, surrounded by amazing people who are dear and loverly...what could be better? This was a highlight of my summer. xo

Family. Precious. Need I say more?

Gig Harbor is beautiful...check it out.

Cute stuff of J & Max playing in the back yard. :)

It's been awhile since I've visited the SB Zoo. My family and I went up last weekend for an event. I find animals to be amazing subjects. They're great practice...especially when you're shooting through glass, netting, fencing...and hundreds of other people. SBZ delivered with beautifully manicured lawns, lots of open exhibits...and the weather was perfect. When you get a chance GO!

Some fun stuff of a local Easter egg hunt, too!!

The Calverts are beautiful people. I got the chance to photograph them last week. The last time was about a year ago...and it's crazy how quickly kids grow...There are a few pickings from the session posted. :)

I'm guilty of living by the beach (and loving it) but not taking advantage of the proximity. I've heard of people driving for 4 hours to get to the beach...and I live 3 city blocks away.

 

The past few weeks have brought stunning sunsets and while driving around doing my thing, I've thought to myself, 'I REALLY need to get down there and capture that...' SO, on a kinda gloomy Sunday, I told my littles that we would go to the beach for an hour, just to get out of the house and enjoy the day. What was surprising (as they so unexpectedly come) was the patch of clouds that open and the rays of sun that illuminated the shoreline, the sea. An inspiring day...I'm glad I took the chance to visit. :) If you live close to the beach and you're not going...take a sec and go. Bring a towel. xo

I have to pay tribute to the brothers and sisters of the players...Seriously? They do their best to be interested, but for the most part they have to keep themselves entertained. I think they do a better job of entertaining me, but that's beside the point. They endure wind, cold, run-outs at the snack bar, overtime innings...it can be rough, especially if they're the younger sibling...you know, anywhere between 2 and 7, where 5 innings seem like FOR-EVV-EERR. But the second that brother or sister is up to bat, or on the mound, or wearing huge catching gear, it's on. My 6 year old has been known to coach his 10 year old brother on the mound from the bleachers. "Take your time, J" as he bit through a hot dog. Way to help him out, kid. So this week I pay tribute to the siblings. Cute. Feisty. Ready to play their own game. But certainly part of the unique dynamic of every family/kid sporting event.

Last weekend marked the opening day for Naval Base Ventura County Junior Baseball League. It was a great start to an anxiously awaited season for many of the players in attendance. Check it out!

Experience is what gives us perspective. It allows us to make decisions and improve. Our baseball team had the unique opportunity to visit University of Southern California to watch a college division baseball game. What we didn't expect was the first rate treatment, the special little things that were meaningful for our players. USC has a beautiful facility, a group of TALENTED athletes and that spriit that comes from being a part of the trojan family. Best of luck to the sons of Troy this season. Fight on!

Last weekend we took in the California Science Center. The center is free, but they do encourage a donation for admission. With several exhibits demonstrating ecosystems, the human body and it's various systems, the future of technology, etc. it makes for an engaging afternoon...some things which will for sure take you out of your comfort zone. The most impressive part (in my opinion) was the oceans/tidepool portion of the ecosystems exhibit. Check it out.

March 12 marks the beginning of baseball season...and several months worth of scheduled weekends. To make sure that the natives (aka my children) were happy, we made a jaunt down to Los Angeles to scope out USC (awesome) and to tour the Natural History Museum. The LA NHM has a great Dino Lab where visitors can see archeologists hard at work on fossils and other finds. Additionally, there's a Discovery Center where children can touch some of the exhibits, fossils, shells, etc. Also nearby, and on our list of next adventures, is the California Science Center. LA has a ton of treasures that are kid friendly while also stimulating and a little out of the every day. Enjoy!

My husband is a car guy...but not just ANY car. He can tell you the make, model and year of any car between 1950 and 1979. He's a fan of alfa romeo and volvo, but he appreciates American makes as well. 12 years ago he made an acquaintance with a man who owns a legendary vehicle. The 1958 Fury is the same make and model that was used for Stephen King's Christine. This acquaintance had an restored to original 58 Fury. My husband had never seen one in person. I managed to make contact with the gentleman who not only allowed us to check out the car, but gave us a ride as well. He had 2 beautiful cars in storage that reflected the gentle and constant care of their owner. Check 'em out...

I've known the bride and her family for many years. Her brother was a sunbeam when my son was barely crawling. They're like family. So to capture pieces of their special day was an honor. They're beautiful together. xo m&a! Congrats!

I've lived in California almost all of my life. So many weekends go by and I feel like I've not taken the opportunity to explore my own back yard. I've decided to make those opportunities and to share them with my children. No excuse, right? We took a day trip down to Hollywood before the hour when things get insane...and then we caught a planetarium show at the Griffith Observatory. If you've not been in awhile, go. They've done a beautiful renovation job. Stay tuned for other California attractions. :)

Wishing you all the best of 2011! Thanks for your support!

Many of you know that photography is a side-job for me. Although I have dreams of grandeur of getting gigs all over the world (some day), what keeps the expenses managed in the mean time is the work I have with PEMKO Manufacturing Company. This year we tried something a little different with regard to giving back to the community. We offered employees the possibility of giving to a charitable organization of their choice little by little through the year and gave to those organizations at the end. The response was overwhelming. Out of 89 total employees, 62 contributed to support 11 local organizations with a total of $3,800. Out of that figure, $2,100 was put toward Spark of Love, a local Toys for Tots through Ventura City Fire Department. $500 was raised for the American Cancer Society, and $400 was raised for the American Red Cross. There were no employer matches and most employees, on average, gave about $1 each week...and many joined half way through the year. It's been a remarkable honor to be involved in this kind of effort...to watch week by week as these contributions have grown and to reflect on what that will mean directly to families, children, individuals in the county. Happy Christmas, all.

It's an honor to be a part of the life of a friend...and even moreso to witness milestones in their lives. This past weekend was very much the essence of reflecting upon the paths of two amazing people and the day they chose to unite. The photos are impromptu...just the moments that I saw as a friend, as a guest. See for yourself...a remarkable, beautiful, perfect gathering. Best of everything to the special couple. xo, j.

I love fall. It's absolutely my favorite season. There's something about the colors that remind me of rich fragrances associated with holidays that come this time of year. We joined some dear friends at a local pumpkin patch. Great times. If you've not yet visited a patch yet, and you live in the Ventura County area, might I suggest Faulkner Farms in Santa Paula. Lots to do and see. Go early!

October 2nd marked the 15th Annual Multicultural Festival put on the the City of Oxnard. The city did a great job of providing activities for children and organizing brief bits of history from the various cultures that have founded Oxnard and contributed to what the city is today.

 

Additionally, there was a hummingbird in my mother's yard on Sunday...and with camera in hand, I captured the small, fast bird...take a look.

Things seem to change when you take the people you work with and add the Magic Kingdom. There's something about characters you've known as a child and being able to share those memories while making new ones with friends and family. This last weekend was PEMKO's second picnic in the park. I was able to capture some families and friends together. Despite unusually hot weather, smiles were plentiful!

I had the opportunity today to photograph a special event at Lincoln School. Presently, they're applying for a grant from the NFL to retain and suppliment their physical education program which has been cut to 6 hours for the whole school. Seeing children run, throw, jump and kick...it was a keen application to the theory that PE is NECESSARY in schools, as are the arts and standard curriculum.

After baseball season was finished it seems like I put the camera away for a bit and dabbled in some other things...namely life, with the start of school and keeping everything together, I had  a brief break to re-group. This last week I had the opportunity to do two sessions with families. Wonderful people, a beautiful sunset at the beach and an amazing dynamic. This is why I LOVE to take pictures and to capture moments...

The 9U Stingers went for two days in this tournament, playing teams from Long Beach and giving them a run for their money in the second game. After the game on Sunday I took some family pictures. They're all here under the photo tab! Take a look!

Click under 'Pictures & Videos' to see recent images images!

I've been able to catch some recent practices. I like opportunities like this. They allow me to be close to the players on the field. The lack of fences and standing on the mound while players run and slide have been fun. Check them out! Included are some pics from Tristan's birthday and the most recent (new uniforms) team picture! Go, Stingers!

Attachments:

http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/JasmineMcHenryPhotography/NBVC2010/NBVC20109UvsNorthsideB061910

http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/JasmineMcHenryPhotography/NBVC2010/NBVC2010AllStars10UvsNorthsideB061810

http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/JasmineMcHenryPhotography/NBVC2010/NBVC2010AllStars9UvsNorthsideA

12/20/2010 2:46:38 PM - 003081701928
Jasmine, I had no idea that you were into this.....awesome...you are amazing!

12/16/2010 3:55:51 AM - 000049520540
Beautiful work! I especially love your hummingbird photos. :) Susan