One of the worst things a family can go through is when a family member falls ill. And whether that loved one is physically, emotionally or mentally ill, it takes a toll on everyone in the family.

Most families go into survival mode — you try to take care of what you have to TODAY… because sometimes thinking about what the future holds is too scary, painful or just unknown.

As many of you know, my Mom passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease last year. She was symptomatic with the disease probably five years before she died, with the last two years being the worst. And I went into that mode of dealing with the emotions, learning everything I could about the disease, trying to understand what she needed most at whichever stage she seemed to be in.

I thought a lot about her dying… what I would feel, how I would tell my children… but one of the things I never thought to do was to take professional pictures of her – with my kids, with her family, with ME. It wasn’t even on my radar screen. And by the time I did think about it, she was dying… and I didn’t want to remember her like that. I wanted to remember her living — the sparkle in her eyes, the smile she got when she saw her grandchildren playing, the way she looked when she laughed.

I am passionate about fundraising for Alzheimer’s and doing what I can in the search for a cure. But until then, I know that there are many families dealing with the day-to-day care of someone with Alzheimer’s… and I’m sure preserving memories by having professional photos taken is probably not a priority.

I want to help.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, you can send me their/your name(s) through the contact button on this page. I’ll be giving away a limited number of complementary portrait sessions to help document the beautiful, vibrant life they are living NOW. Because now is really all any of us has.

The Holidays season is just around the corner which means that Holiday portrait season is in full swing!

I’ve recently gotten a few inquiries from clients looking to do “mini-sessions” this year…. and while I don’t usually do them during the Holidays, it feels like a great time to try them out! The mini-sessions are great options for those who just want a few updated shots of their kids, and for those looking for some updated and festive shots for their Holiday cards.

So whether you’re looking to do your annual family portrait session or wanting to get some updated family shots, book soon as spots are filling up quickly!

It’s that time of year again! Time to start planning for your family portraits, holiday cards and personalized photo gifts!

To bring in the season, I’m offering a portrait special for the holidays… Sessions are filling up fast, so book soon!

Have any idea what you’re getting that father/husband/grandfather in your life for Father’s Day?

There’s still time to sign up for my Father’s Day Mini-Sessions… It’s perfect to get a keepsake photo for someone special, or to get some updated photos of your family and/or kids!

Contact me soon at jen@jenniferimus.com to book your session!

Okay, so yes, I’m a photographer. And I love to take pictures. But I have a little secret to share. I really SUCK big time when it comes to making sure I have enough printed pictures of my own kids. And on top of that, I suck even worse at making sure my kid’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. have printed pictures of them too.

And almost always when I ask family what they want for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any other gift-giving holiday, I almost always hear PICTURES! And I don’t know about your family, but my family is SO happy when I give them that print or mini-album of my girls. And then I, of course, go down that shame spiral for waiting too long since this time is so short and so precious and they are only this age once and… well you get the picture.

So… my advice? Don’t be a lame photo giver like me!!

To make it as easy as possible, I’m offering these really cool Mother’s Day mini-portrait sessions. They are 20-minutes long, and from the session you will get an online proofing gallery from which to choose the picture you want to have printed for that Mom/Grandmother/Wife/Daughter in your life (options are below). It’s the easiest way to get an updated picture!

And you can choose for the mini-session to be just the kids, the grandparents and kids, the mom and kids, the dad and kids… whatever combo works best.

So this year, be that Mother’s Day gift-giving rock star and give that Mom in your life something she will LOVE!

I LOVE Boudoir Photography… I love everything about it – the setting, the atmosphere, the lighting, the beauty… I love it because it’s a chance for fabulous women to show their feminine, sexy and powerful side without judgement. And it’s a chance to capture a moment in time when a woman feels confident and proud of who she is.

There are a lot of misconceptions about Boudoir…. however, the most important thing to remember about it is this…. IT IS ABOUT YOU. It’s about what YOU want to wear, what YOU feel comfortable in, how YOU feel in the moment.  Show me who you are, tell me what you want and I will capture it for you.

Spaces are limited, so contact me soon for your spot!

As most of you know, I LOVE landscape photography. And the cool thing about taking portraits is finding beautiful locations to shoot them in. I’m starting to scout new locations, and I’m always amazed at the beauty that surrounds us in Orange County. There are places here that feel like the Midwest, the East Coast…. I really do feel blessed to be living in such an amazing part of our beautiful country.

I’m going to start posting some shots of different places I’ve discovered (the last one I didn’t have my camera with me!). This location, however, is amazing! Take a look!

Gorgeous, don’t you think? I cannot WAIT to take some family portraits out there! It’s warm, has beautiful lighting, and you feel like you’re in Lake Arrowhead… all in Orange County! Which of my families is going to be the first to get in on this great location???

For a few of my photographer friends, you will recognize this place…. I even think one of you has already done a shoot there (BEAUTIFUL, by the way!).

Stay tuned for more shots from fun places in the O.C….

Man… Drew Bittel is such a great photographer. We just got our slideshow posted on her blog and her pictures are incredible! Thanks, Drew!

Head on over to www.drewbphotography.com to check out our shoot!