Jo's Photo Blog

Clean Out, Organize & Add On!

2012-01-27T13:39:00.002-06:00

I have been working on cleaning out unnecessary files, duplicates, and getting rid of some extra pictures, just keeping the proofs from files older than 2009. Then I worked on making sure everything was organized by year and backed up on two different external hard drives. I have a total of 5 externals. A lot of time consuming work! Over the last couple years I have gotten a lot more organized with my photo files but some of the older ones were pretty random!

After all of that clean out, I was still short on space! It was clear that I wouldn't be able to make it thru the year with what was available. After a bit of power seaching, I found a great deal on another external WD 2TB drive. This will definitely ease the space issues for the year, making it possible to unplug and store a couple of the older drives with older files.

High megapixel pictures are wonderful but they take a bunch of space!

Inspiration

2012-01-18T17:21:00.001-06:00

This time of year in Iowa can be rather uninspiring....especially if you hate the cold as much as I do. I enjoyed reading this blog post and thought I'd pass it along. http://phototips.alexismiller.com/2010/03/finding-inspiration.html

Winter in Iowa

2012-01-17T13:00:00.003-06:00

After a lot of beautiful, relatively warm days winter has arrived! Cold, snow and wind....Brrrr! Winter is definitely my least favorite time of year! I love to watch it snow, but I hate the cold.

I am making use of these cold, nasty days to catch up on bookkeeping and work on new programs for 2012. I have some new backgrounds and props already in. I am looking forward to an exciting year!

Beautiful Dresses

2011-04-18T21:49:00.004-05:00

I took prom pictures on Saturday....so many beautiful dresses! I will post a sampling of some pictures, but it won't begin to show all the gorgeous dresses....and you have to love the camo!

On a Personal Note: Observations from dress shopping....

2011-03-26T13:06:00.003-05:00

Problems I have trying to shop for a dress as mother of the groom.

I am too tall...if the dress hits the model at the knees, it's more the mid thigh for me...not pretty!
If the dress has a waist line, it becomes an empire waist for me...looks silly.
If the dress comes in a color I am looking for, the style is inappropriate.
I really don't like dresses all that much.
I am not really a dressy person.
I really like black....for many reasons!
I hate "old lady" looking clothes and find that most dresses make me feel that way.
There are very few dresses that come in talls and they look frumpy!
It's hard to shop for a 90+ degree day outfit when it's in the 30's!

Maybe I should be a clothing designer....at least then I could design what I need to wear!

Graduation Open House Cards

2011-03-25T21:19:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again! These are a few examples of the cards I have made this year.

Computer Saga

2011-03-09T22:30:00.003-06:00

My main photo editing/design computer wound up in the shop at HomeRun Computers for an entire week. I took it in on Monday morning and didn't get it back until 5:30pm Sunday. It had a couple minor problems (or so I thought!) and so I thought I just get some upgrading done while it was in the shop. Well, my small problems turned out to be unique issues that created havoc. While I got it back on Sunday night, my computer guy was not happy as he hadn't been able to restore all my data to preupgrade settings so he continued to try to figure out a way to make this happen. He finally came up with what he hoped was a solution, so I got the computer back to him last night (tues.) so he could work on it some more. Since I had gallbladder surgery today anyway, it just seemed like a good time to get the rest of the kinks worked out....hopefully he was able to accomplish that. Fingers and toes crossed that I will be able to have some of my family go pick it up tomorrow if it's ready since I they won't want me to drive just yet.

While I wasn't happy about having to have the gallbladder surgery done, it seemed to go fine and I was happy to have to do it now while my business is slower. It would have been much more difficult as we get into summer to take time off.

I got to be the first patient at our local hospital to have my gallbladder removed via a single small incision on the lower edge of my belly button. My belly button is not a pretty sight right now and there is some pain.....need to keep up with the pain pills so that doesn't get bad. I went a little too long tonight so once things get settled down, I am off too bed...hopefully for a good nights sleep!

After this week, I hope to have everything back to normal in the office! I have grad cards and slideshows to work on, as well as photo editing and orders. Also, I have home shows and bridal shows coming up. The first one is a home show in Montezuma on March 15. Hope to see you there that evening!

I still have some available times for my "Limited Easter Kids Session" with live chicks on Saturday, April 9. This will be a lot of fun for the kids and a fun way to get some special Easter pictures this year. Call to reserve your time at 641-891-6779.

No Excuses!

2011-02-24T10:02:00.004-06:00

This poor blog has been sadly neglected. I apologize to my followers for not keeping up with my blogging. Should I promise to do better? I will and I will try to keep my promise!

On a positive note, business is going well and I stay busy. I have many fun sessions that I should have posted.

To start this year, I did a very pretty snowflake themed winter wedding. These ice scrapers were a really cute, useful wedding favor!

I have many new background & props in the studio and more on the way! My goal is to have many unique items to make photo sessions reflect who you are and make the session memorable and fun.

Christmas Is Getting Close!!!

2010-11-04T11:29:00.001-05:00

*****CHRISTMAS SPECIAL*******
No Sitting Fee for limited session
Good for either family or children
Holiday background or regular background - your choice!
One outfit
Online gallery only ($15 if you would like a proof book)
Special runs from now thru Dec 5.
Call 641-891-6779 to reserve your time today!

Christmas cards of all kinds are available to order. I have many templates available or I can custom design a card for you. Have your cards already? You can order prints to send in your holiday card to family and friends.

Senior Photo Clip

2010-10-05T11:23:00.001-05:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Babies, Babies, Babies!! ...but no pictures??

2010-09-09T15:47:00.003-05:00

It was brought to my attention that I had never posted any baby pictures. Here are some to change that!!

Puppies at Play

2010-09-08T09:46:00.003-05:00

4 Females & 4 Males Need Good Homes

2010-09-06T14:09:00.007-05:00

Above is Patches. She is a beautiful girl with a patch over both ears. She is shy, quiet, loving, playful and pretty laid back.

Above is Jack. Jack is a big boy with lots of spots. He is very loving, playful and a bit shy but loves to follow me around.

Above is Fred. He is a sweet, cuddly boy that loves to have attention. Fred loves to give kisses and stay under your feet. He is the escape artist....if there is a way out of the kennel, he will find it!

Above is Sprinkle. She is a big girl that loves to give kisses. She is kind of shy but loves to play and snuggle.

Above is Pammy. She is a beautiful girl that has a pretty blue eye! She loves one on one attention, has a lot of energy and very playful.

Above is Two Spot. He is a loving, rather shy big boy. Loves to play run and chase games.

The two pictures above are Pirate. He is a big boy! Pirate is loving and playful and pretty laid back.

The two pictures above are Abby...she is very loving, playful, competitive and high energy. She is an outgoing, dominate female and loves one on one attention.

101 Dalmatians! Puppies at 4 wks old

2010-08-15T09:56:00.008-05:00

Sprinkle - Female

Dinky - male, tiny runt of the litter

Jack - Male

Abby - Female

Sam - Male

Patches - female

Pammy - female, has one blue eye!

Pirate - male

Two Spot - Male

Fred - Male

Pepper - Male

Sally - Female

Puppies at 4 wks of age. Their spots have increased and are blacker and more defined now at 6 weeks.

Babies, Babies, Babies!!

2010-07-27T10:43:00.003-05:00

Watch for new pictures!

Kuria

2010-06-27T12:29:00.003-05:00

Hot, hot day but at least it wasn't raining! The wonderful young lady was so easy to work with and I really enjoyed taking her senior pictures.

2011 Senior!

2010-06-21T22:33:00.003-05:00

This was a fun session inspite of the day getting off to a rainy start. But, what is a day without rain??

Promotion for Sweet Sixteen!

2010-06-16T13:49:00.002-05:00

Turning 16 is a milestone! This is a fun time to get some great photos!

If you are 16 and want to get photos, I have a special for you!!!

Indoor & outdoor photos for just $20!

Up to 5 outfits!!

Online, password protected gallery to share your photos with family & friends.

Call to make your appointment!

Sweet Sixteen Photos

2010-06-16T13:27:00.003-05:00

Website Updated!

2010-06-09T19:31:00.003-05:00

FINALLY!!! My website is updated, domain is transferred and I am back to operational!!! My apologies to all the people who have tried to access it without success over the last week or so!

Hopefully, there is new information there that will be helpful. Also enjoy all the new photos I have added to each category. Go to Jo Jones Photo and check out the special for June!

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions!

Website Down!

2010-06-02T11:53:00.001-05:00

For anyone trying to access my website...unfortunately there is some technical difficulty today. I hope to have that resolved by the end of the day!

2010-06-01T18:06:00.005-05:00

The full moon was beautiful the other night!

Random Photos

2010-05-25T11:47:00.001-05:00

New for Seniors at my Studio!!

2010-05-15T14:22:00.003-05:00

So many of you spend a lot of time listening to music, particularly on an ipod. So new this year, you can listen to your choice of music by bringing your ipod to use on my Bose docking station during your photo session!! Relax, enjoy the music and be yourself!

Grad/Reception Cards

2010-03-23T13:37:00.004-05:00

It's time to get your Graduation/Reception cards ordered! These are just a few examples to give you some ideas. Call me today to get your custom card designed!

Easter Special!

2010-03-08T23:45:00.002-06:00

Don't miss this opportunity! Limited session with one outfit and online proofing only for just $10!! Special good from March 1 to April 10. Call today to schedule your session!

Kaylie

2010-03-08T23:44:00.002-06:00

Kelsie at 6 months

2010-03-08T23:42:00.001-06:00

Bright & Sunny

2010-02-04T18:14:00.002-06:00

Creating Templates

2010-02-04T16:29:00.006-06:00

The possibilities for templates are endless and so is the amount of time I can spend playing and creating them. These are just a few of the results from my day.

Picture your photos with a custom template to add interest and tie your photos together making a special photo for your wall. A couple of these are for holiday cards, but can be easily modified for another purpose.

Ready To Take Flight!

2010-02-04T16:24:00.002-06:00

Maxx

2010-01-26T16:08:00.003-06:00

This was a Valentine's Special Sitting, but I had to do a few "cowboy" pictures with him. Maxx is such a handsome little guy!

Ride 'em Cowboy!

2010-01-17T15:02:00.002-06:00

Looking for some little cowboys to break this horse!

Painters Wanted!

2010-01-17T14:59:00.002-06:00

I love this new set I put together. My dad built the ladder for me and I fixed up the paint cans, brushes and backdrop. Looking forward to taking photos of my first little painter!

Some New Ways to Enjoy Your Photos

2010-01-17T14:44:00.004-06:00

Mugs: These make great, useful gifts.

Crystal Mounts: These come in a variety of sizes and styles. Heavy enough to make a paper weight or just a great decorative item to sit on a desk or shelf.

3x3 Accordion Books: These are my favorite products! They have a front and back cover with 6 photos spaces on the front and 4 spaces on the the back...or photos can span more than one space. They make great gifts and keepsakes.

Metal Prints: These are printed on aluminum. They are light weight, waterproof, scratch resistant and have a great depth. I didn't take a picture of these as there really isn't too much to see in a photo.

Look for additional items in the future!

A Visit From Jack Frost

2010-01-16T14:52:00.003-06:00

Worrall Family

2010-01-16T14:46:00.003-06:00

Kinnick

2010-01-08T20:50:00.002-06:00

Amanda

2010-01-04T10:49:00.003-06:00

Marisa

2009-12-26T15:23:00.002-06:00

Kelsie at 3 mons

2009-12-26T13:37:00.002-06:00

Olivia at 3 mons

2009-12-26T13:35:00.002-06:00

Leah at 9 months

2009-12-26T13:34:00.002-06:00

Snowflakes

2009-12-26T13:23:00.003-06:00

I don't have a macro lens so this is as close as I could get but I just loved seeing the individual snowflakes in the snow.

Icy Outdoor Decor!

2009-12-23T15:05:00.003-06:00

Not too bad at this point....we'll see how things progress over the next couple days.....

Kobe

2009-12-05T14:28:00.003-06:00

F- in Blogging!!

2009-12-05T14:12:00.004-06:00

I definitely need a failing grade in blogging lately. Very busy, which is good, so the blogging has suffered. Hopefully, I can get back in the swing of things and get caught up with posting pictures from some of my latest sessions, starting with these!

Time To Get Christmas Photos!!!

2009-11-10T14:14:00.001-06:00

HURRY CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!! Get those last minute photos for the family!
*Christmas Special*
$15.00 1 Outfit,
up to 1/2 hr. Sitting ,
Online Gallery Only,
** From November 7th -21st by Appt**

2009-10-23T20:42:00.001-05:00

*Christmas Special*
$15.00
Kids, Families, Pets, Etc.
1 Outfit up to 1/2 hr. Sitting
Proofing with Online Gallery Only
From November 7th -21st by Appt.
Call today to schedule!

Taytin

2009-10-23T15:06:00.000-05:00

Chad

2009-10-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

Kelsey

2009-10-23T14:24:00.000-05:00

Darrin

2009-10-23T14:16:00.000-05:00

Cooling Family

2009-10-23T14:14:00.000-05:00

Polly

2009-10-23T13:48:00.000-05:00

Brodey

2009-10-23T13:28:00.002-05:00

2009-10-23T13:25:00.000-05:00

*Christmas Special*
$15.00
1 Outfit up to 1/2 hr. Sitting
Online Gallery Only
From November 7th -21st by Appt.

Fun Boys

2009-09-24T22:40:00.002-05:00

Wedding Fun!

2009-09-21T22:32:00.001-05:00

Paulie

2009-09-20T13:30:00.002-05:00

Halloween Special

2009-09-03T14:09:00.003-05:00

$20- Costumes Welcome
-Fall setting w/pumpkins
1/2hr. Session, 1 outfit + costume
Call to book your session today!!!
*includes proofbook & online gallery

Leah

2009-09-03T14:03:00.003-05:00

Family

2009-09-03T13:49:00.002-05:00

Taylor

2009-09-03T13:37:00.003-05:00

Becky

2009-09-03T13:29:00.003-05:00

Breanna

2009-09-03T13:19:00.003-05:00

Jade

2009-09-03T13:06:00.003-05:00

Jenny

2009-08-20T21:58:00.003-05:00

All Because Two People Fell in Love

2009-08-18T15:27:00.000-05:00

Connor is 5!

2009-08-17T12:18:00.003-05:00

I have taken photos of this boy since he was a baby. It is so fun to watch him grow and change!

Mom and girls

2009-08-17T12:15:00.002-05:00

This family is moving away and they wanted some photos to remember their time

in Iowa.

Clint

2009-08-17T12:10:00.001-05:00

Victoria

2009-08-17T12:08:00.001-05:00

Walking the shores of Rathbun

2009-08-17T12:01:00.003-05:00

Skipping stones.....

Hazy and hot....just watching the waves roll in.

Looking to the east with storm clouds rolling in from the west....time to head for the truck!

Baby Bryce

2009-08-17T11:50:00.002-05:00

Ashley

2009-08-07T14:09:00.000-05:00

Nick!

2009-08-07T14:05:00.000-05:00

A Couple Senior Girls

2009-08-07T14:03:00.000-05:00

Cassidy

2009-07-25T23:23:00.001-05:00

Sarah

2009-07-25T21:52:00.002-05:00

Jordan & Leah

2009-07-25T21:41:00.002-05:00

Dustin

2009-07-20T11:29:00.002-05:00

Random Photos from a Family Session

2009-07-17T21:55:00.008-05:00

Nichole

2009-07-17T12:50:00.001-05:00

Specials and Packages for Expectant Mothers

2009-07-06T09:22:00.003-05:00

*Specials*

Newborn Photos Special -book prior to 12-31-2009.
*Included in packages.*
$30 session fee for baby under 2 weeks.
$25 session fee for baby under 7 days.
Includes proof book and online password protected gallery.

Maternity to Baby - $40
*Included in womb to one package.
Includes tasteful maternity photos taken towards the end of the third trimester and newborn photos of the baby before the age of 2 weeks. With this package you receive one proof book with photos from both sessions as well as the online password protected gallery. May include family in the session.

*Packages*

From the Womb to One - $200
Includes sessions for maternity, newborn, 3 mons., 6 mons., 9 mons., and 1 year. You will receive a proof book for each session as well as having the pictures posted to an online password protected gallery. May include family in sessions.

Babies First Year - $180
Includes sessions for newborn, 3 mons., 6 mons., 9 mons., and 1 year. You will receive a proof book for each session and as well as having the pictures to an online password protected gallery. May include family in sessions.

Babies First Year Limited - $90
Includes sessions for newborn, 6 mons., and 1 year. You will receive a proof book for each session as well as having the pictures posted to an online password protected gallery. May include family in sessions.

Please contact me if you have any questions!

Thanks,
Jo

NEWS**

2009-07-06T09:12:00.003-05:00

My much larger studio space is completed and in use!! Yeah! For those of you who have been here before, it is more than doubled. It is so nice to have more room to work and more comfortable for my clients.

Also New:
In addition to receiving a proof book with your session, photos will also be posted online, secured with a password for you. You can share the password with friends and family and they will be able to view and order directly from the website, with their order being shipped directly to them. This will hopefully be a better solutions for many of my "long distance" clients. Please note that any special orders or extra touch up services will still need to be ordered directly from me. Also, pictures can continue to be ordered through me just as they have in the past rather than through the website.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T11:21:00.003-05:00

This photo seemed appropriate for a 4th of July posting. These two were fun and challenging to take pictures of.....busy kids...but so sweet & cute.

Special Wedding

2009-07-03T10:13:00.002-05:00

Rachel

2009-07-03T10:10:00.001-05:00

Start of 2010 Senior Season with Samantha, Misty and Aaron!

2009-06-29T23:48:00.004-05:00

English Wedding

2009-06-25T12:07:00.003-05:00

Breeden Wedding

2009-06-25T11:50:00.002-05:00

Engagement

2009-06-25T11:46:00.003-05:00

Fun Family

2009-06-25T11:38:00.002-05:00

Three Month Old Sweetie

2009-05-27T16:28:00.002-05:00

This little sweetie was stingy with her smiles, but what a cutie!

Three Recent Weddings

2009-05-27T16:09:00.001-05:00

Final 2009 Senior Session

2009-05-27T16:04:00.001-05:00

2009-05-27T15:55:00.005-05:00

2009-05-27T15:43:00.006-05:00

It was so wet from all the rain this morning. I had fun taking these pictures.

Sweet Baby Boy

2009-05-25T22:52:00.004-05:00

I haven't taken time to post for quite a while! There has been a lot going on around here with remodeling my livingroom/studio, as well as keeping up with business and day to day stuff. I am really enjoying using my new studio space as I have twice as much area as I had before!

I had to share a few pictures from a very recent session for a newborn. In the next few days, I hope play catch up and post some pictures from some past sessions. So, watch for more frequents posts!