Jess Barfield Photography

Wow. 2012 was quite the year.

42 weddings. 89 portrait sessions. 3 countries. 39, 977 images delivered. Countless cups of coffee. And one big surprise.

Looking back at the past year is humbling and seriously exhausting at the same time. I wouldn't trade the world for the people I've met, the couples I've served, or the adventures I've experienced over the last year.  Photographing weddings isn't just a job for me- it's how I serve and love people.

As we move on to 2013, I can tell you I definitely won't be delivering thirty-nine thousand pictures (that number is outrageous). I'll be shooting 15-18 weddings as I take some time off to love on our sweet little boy who will be entering the world in just 11 weeks. My office is now in our tiny (yet adorable) dining room, I finally have time to finish your wedding albums, and I can start remembering what weekends are like! Hallelujah. Simplifying is beautiful.

2012 in review. To all you who made these images possible : thank you for trusting me and letting me into your lives during such sweet moments.  Enjoy!

And it goes without saying... but sic 'em bears!

 

Sweet. Intimate. Southern. Simple. Honest images.

Those pictures are the goal of every shoot I photograph. Whether engagements, bridals or a wedding - I want to be honest to who the couple is.

I prepare for the shoot with the bride and groom and get to know their hearts and who they are. I visualize the style, the light, and the post-editing I'll do after the shutter is clicked. My Jeep and I adventure all over Texas back roads to find the perfect spot to throw a blanket and catch some gorgeous rays.  I come mentally prepared to create beautiful images ... the preparation is a VERY important part of the process. Unfortunately,  life gets in the way.

I've seen it all: girl locks keys in the car, guy hit traffic and is 45 minutes late, guy forgets undershirt, guy forgets belt, guy forgets everything, girl hates her new haircut from the day before, it's windy, it's hot, it's freezing, guy and girl disagree about clothing, girl is upset with future mother-in-law, guy hates pictures,  etc... I COULD GO ON. These lovely things are just bound to happen, but it's all in how you deal with it that makes all the difference. 

Regardless of life happening around you, take time before a photo shoot to breathe, pray, look into the eyes of the guy/girl you've chosen to spend the rest of your life with and simply be joyful. 

There are simple ways you can prepare for portrait shoots.

Below are some ideas to minimize stress on portrait day:

• 1-- Plan to arrive at the meeting location (or at a Starbucks nearby) 20-30 minutes early. Traffic always seems to happen on picture days!
• 2-- Plan the outfits with your photographer the week before. Have everything decided on so you're not running around the mall at 5:25 the day of the shoot.
• 3-- Brides, coordinate outfits with your guy. Take time to try things on and make sure he feels comfortable in his clothes.
• 4-- TRUST your photographer. Trusting their opinions and allowing them to be creative will result in better images for you.
• 5-- Feel free to have a glass of wine before the shoot... or just bring it along!  : )
• 6-- Be ready to have fun together -- photo shoots are not torture (contrary to the popular opinion of males)

 

Your pictures should show who you are, as individuals and as a couple. My goal is that brides and grooms can trust me enough to relax, be themselves, and let me photograph their relationship. If people say, "Wow- those pictures are SO them," then I've done my job.  : )

J

We are so, so excited to announce a super rad workshop that we get to be a part of: Down South Shop.  I'm teaming up with two of the coolest photographers I know – Shaun Menary and Sara & Rocky– to teach YOU about shooting in the South. I am so pumped to be teaching about taking beautiful wedding portraits under time constraints and pressure.  The date is Sunday, June 17^th, and we would LOVE to have you there.  Check it out and fill out the form if you are interested!!

(Here’s a little eye candy of Sara & Rocky’s, Shaun's and my work to get you excited...)

I had been debating for awhile about holding an informal, practical workshop for beginning photographers and I am SO GLAD we did this! We talked about how second-shooting is a great way to gain experience and network with other photographers as well as going over my shooting style. At the end of the afternoon, we did a mini portrait session with my sweet friends, Bo and Courtney down the street.  It was a perfect day for a garden shoot. Just love these images and I am so thankful for everyone who came!

** I will be co-hosting a workshop for established wedding photographers on June 17th.  If you're interested in The Down South Shop, feel free to shoot me an email and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

And a few of the girls working -- so glad you all came!

   

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend! To celebrate this beautiful weather and all things pretty....

I am giddy/thrilled/jumping for joy/walking on air/SO EXCITED to share my blog's new home with you all!  I've been humbled by the support you've shown me and the love you have shown my clients here ... it's blown me away and has caused me to daily thank the Lord for His plan to get me into this wonderful industry. I hope this blog can be an even lovelier place to share images of my friends during the happiest time of their lives.  So if you're inside or stuck at work on this gorgeous day, take some time to peruse the new blog and leave your thoughts on a comment below -- we would LOVE to know what you think!

Jess

{{ Thank you to FloSites and their genius design team who designed my new blog and logo! You have created a warm and welcoming place for me to share my work and I can't thank you all enough.

To my fellow photographers and good friends: words can't say thank you enough for your encouragement and friendship. To Taylor, Natalie, Sara, Rocky, Lauren, Susan, Tanya, Allison, Ryan, Lindsey, Katie, Lindsey Joy, Shaun, Jeremy, Austin, Matthew, Robbie (and I could keep going...) : thank you for your support during this journey. You have blessed me more than you know. }}