i♥faces photo challenge entry - North Texas Children's Photographer

Over at i♥faces, they run weekly photo challenges and this week the challenge is "Dramatic B&W". I've never entered a photo challenge before but when I saw this theme, I automatically thought of this photo and said to myself, "Well - you can't get any more dramatic than THAT!" What do you think? Do I have a chance?



This is one of my best friend's daughter, Avery. I did a session with her a couple weeks ago for her 9th birthday. We were doing some shots on a bridge and I noticed this tree around the corner that was screaming at me to photograph. She did an amazing job posing for me and I love how the shots turned out. For this photo I added a textured overlay and then applied a textured border. All the images from this session can be seen in galleries on my flickr, Facebook or MySpace pages if you want to check them out. (Links to the right >>)

There are tons more entries to the "Dramatic B&W" challenge at i♥faces, click their button below to see the other amazing shots!

Back When the West was Wild! - North Texas Children's Photographer, N

About a month ago at my niece's school, they did a '100 Days of School' celebration and told the kids to dress like someone from 100 years ago. Some parents interpreted that to be flappers or gangsters and some even thought it meant to dress like a 100 year old! My Mom however decided that we lived in Texas and she should dress like a little girl from Texas 100 years ago. So she made her this beautiful little prairie dress complete with a bonnet. As soon as I saw it, I KNEW I had to do a session with my niece in that outfit - which I got to do today! I've only had the chance to work on this one photo (because I need to get all my Easter portrait orders fulfilled) but here is a sneak peek at Lexi's Pioneer Girl photo shoot!



See you soon with more photos, Captured by Jess...

Another Busy Saturday - North Texas Children's Photographer

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Originally uploaded by Captured-byJess

I am up late getting everything ready for tomorrow's Mini Easter Sessions. It was originally supposed to be an easy peasy pick-up day but since last weekend got rained and SNOWED out - I decided to take more photos this weekend for those who missed out on the first two weekends. So I've got to run down my check list to make sure I have all the orders and all the equipment because I am notoriously forgetful! =)

I've also got a full session scheduled with a family of 6! This ought to be very exciting and eventful since they have four little ones! =)

See you soon with more photos, Captured by Jess...

I love my job! - Gainesville, Texas Children's Photographer

I posted a couple of preview shots from the session I did with Avery a few days ago and now I'm finally finished editing the entire session and I couldn't be happy with the results! I took the time to add some textured enhancements to a few of them and wanted to show them off! Here's a few of my favorites, as always you can find the entire galleries at Facebook and MySpace!

Chained to my desk, editing away!

So I've still got a couple more days to complete editing the Mini Easter Sessions from last Saturday, but I'd rather do late-night editing than try to do it during the day while Zoey is getting into trouble! =) Anywho, I'm a few sessions in so far and all I can say is WOW! These kids were awesome and OH-SO-CUTE! It's been SO hard trying to decide which photos to send to the lab to complete the orders. They are all just too stinkin' cute! Here's a quick smattering of the little darlings I've got edited so far, enjoy!

Beautiful Avery Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

One of my long time best friend's drove up from DFW yesterday and I had the privilege of photographing her gorgeous daughter Avery while they were in town. I had to do a couple of Easter mini-session re-shoots (my niece who got a new dress and hair cut and my daughter who was being too silly the first time) so I did Easter photos of Avery as well as some photos in her birthday dress. These sneak peak photos were my self-indulgent shots that I couldn't resist snapping. And of course as soon as they were downloaded to my computer, I couldn't resist quickly editing them to show them off! =)

Yesterday's Easter Sessions

I just had to post a quick note (plus I am procrastinating on my Spring cleaning today!) about how awesome yesterday was! It was the first of the two days of Easter sessions at Callisburg park and it was so much fun! It was a beautiful day - despite the wind - and all of the kiddos were SO GORGEOUS! On top of all of that, my own three year old was so good for us while we were working! The only downside, was my fair skin COOKED in the sun! I've been so stuck in winter that it didn't even occur to me to bring or use sun block! LOL

Anyways, I just wanted to thank everyone who came out yesterday and hope to see the rest of you next Saturday, the 20th from 12-4pm! I can't wait to take more photos next weekend, I am so lucky to have this job!

Wedding Photography

When it came to my own wedding day, photography was the most important aspect to me. I was going to all the trouble having this big event to celebrate my nuptials, I wanted to be able to have tons of proof that the day existed! After all, you think about this day for so long, you spend months planning for it and write big checks to pay for it all - you want to have something (other than your spouse of course) to remember the day by. Trust me, your wedding day will go by in a flash - you are going to want to have tons of photos capturing every angle of it so you can relive it for the rest of your life!



*Prices shown reflect my portfolio building intro specials!
[Note: Additional travel expenses may apply depending on wedding location!]


Bridal Portraits: $150 NOW, $85
Click HERE for more info on Bridal Portraits!
Includes: Two hours Photography Time | Unlimited Locations | Editing and Processing of Portraits | Online Viewing | 5 High Resolution Digital Negatives on a Disc w/Usage Release | Bonus Gallery of Low-Res images for Web Sharing


Engagement Photos: $150 NOW, $85
Click HERE for more info on Engagement Photos!
Includes: Two hours Photography Time | Unlimited Locations & Clothing Changes | Editing and Processing of Portraits | Online Viewing | 5 High Resolution Digital Negatives on a Disc w/Usage Release | Bonus Gallery of Low-Res images for Web Sharing


Day-After Wedding Session: $150 NOW, $85
Click HERE for more info on Day-After Wedding Sessions!
Includes: Two hours Photography Time | Unlimited Locations | Editing and Processing of Portraits | Online Viewing | 5 High Resolution Digital Negatives on a Disc w/Usage Release | Bonus Gallery of Low-Res images for Web Sharing


Ceremony Only: $575 NOW, $350
Deposit: $100 $50 - Due at time of booking to reserve the date, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to event. Click HERE for details on the Ceremony only package!
Includes: THREE hours Photography Time | Complete Ceremony Coverage & Posed Shots | Editing and Processing of Portraits | Online Viewing | High Resolution Digital Negatives on Discs w/Usage Release | Bonus Gallery of Low-Res images for Web Sharing


Ceremony and Reception: $1500 NOW, $875
Deposit: $200 $100 - Due at time of booking to reserve the date, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to event. Click HERE for details on the complete Ceremony and Reception package!
Includes: EIGHT hours Photography Time | Complete Ceremony & Reception Coverage | One Extra Session* | Editing and Processing of Portraits | Online Viewing | High Resolution Digital Negatives on Discs w/Usage Release | Bonus Gallery of Low-Res images for Web Sharing

*Included extra session is your choice of Bridal Portraits, Engagement Photos, Day-After Session or Family Portrait Session.



{ Print Pricing }
Wedding Day Print Package: $500 NOW, $375
Includes: One 11x14, Two 8x10's and a photo album* filled with 200 4x6 prints of your favorite photographs. {*= Due to selection and availability limitations you will not be able to choose your own album, however I will get one that matches your wedding theme/colors as closely as I can.}


A La Carte Print Pricing - click for additional print prices!


If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask! Find me on MySpace, Facebook, capturedbyjess@ymail.com or by phone @ 940.612.2435!


All prices are subject to change without notice, at any time.
Please view my Payment & Policies information for more details.

March 6th, 1999

Eleven years ago yesterday I had the privilege of photographing my first wedding. I was the ripe old age of 17 and it was my parents wedding. As soon as they broke the news that they were tying the knot, I exclaimed that I would be their official photographer. Even though my camera was a cheap-o, non-zooming, 35mm piece of crapola - they agreed to let me do it!

Bare in mind it was also a TINY front-yard ceremony with all of about 15 people in attendance. It was still my first gig (albeit non-paying) and I don't think I did too terrible of a job! =) I do remember begging them to move it from the front yard to the backyard. From a photography perspective the neighboring backyards would have been a better backdrop than the street and neighboring driveways. But they denied my attempts, so all the photos have the street and vehicles in the background! But as I see it, that's their fault - not mine! =)

Anyways, Happy Anniversary to my loving parents who support me in all my endeavors (except in trying to get you to change your wedding locale!). Love you guys! Here's to another eleven! xoxox

Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes...

As promised, I have been doing a LOT of work to the website! I created a shiny new header as you can see above. I am really loving it! I tried to go to bed last night but the idea of this header popped into my head and would not go away! So I worked on it for a couple hours early this morning and posted it this afternoon. I've also added the links under it to give this page more of a website site feel than a blog. I think this type of layout as opposed to a more traditional website will work best for me as I am in the process of starting this business. Besides, I like getting to write to everyone this way! =) Anyways, look for more shiny new changes coming soon. I've got a long to-do list and I am quite excited for all the changes to come! Until next time!

Products :: Custom Greeting Cards

In preparation for doing a slew of Easter photo sessions in the park I made some Easter card templates. I love how they turned out and can not wait to expand on them to other holidays. For now, here's my Easter card collection.


{ Template #1 }


{ Template #2 }


{ Template #3 }


{ Template #4 }

All card collections will include a low-res digital
file of the card for web-sharing purposes!


25 4x8 Cards (w/envelopes) for $30
50 4x8 Cards (w/envelopes) for $40

25 5x7 Cards (w/envelopes) for $40
50 5x7 Cards (w/envelopes) for $60



High-Res Digital Photo Greeting Card - $35
(Includes usage release to print at your leisure!)



Look for more holidays to be added soon!

(These prices are for card orders post session OR on card orders where you supply your own image to add to the template ONLY. This does NOT include special event mini sessions with discounted pricing.)

Products :: Custom Birth Announcements

Birth announcements can be a hassle to make on your own! Let me make them for you with photos from your newborn session or photos you send in and have gorgeous brag cards ready to send to all of your family and friends. Better yet, with the high cost of postage these days wouldn't you love to e-mail an adorable announcement to everyone? I know I wish that option was available when I had my daughter!



Card collections include envelopes and a low-res digital
file of the card for web-sharing purposes!

Set of 25 5x7 Cards - $35
Set of 50 5x7 Cards - $55

High-Res Digital Birth Announcement - $30
(Includes usage release to print at your leisure!)



So far these are the only announcement template ideas I have available - but look for more to be posted soon! If you have something more specific in mind, don't hesitate to ask and I will see what I can do!

Products + Servies

Below is a list of custom products available through Captured by Jess with your photo session. I will be adding to this list frequently, so check back often!


-::Custom Photo Collages::-


-::Custom Birth Announcements::-



-::Custom Photo Greeting Cards::-


Don't see what you are looking for? Feel free to send in any special request you might have! If you can dream it, I am sure I can figure out a way to make it!

Products :: Photographic Art Prints

After getting many requests for prints of the scenic photos I have taken, I decided to add information on how to go about purchasing a print. I have tons of images to choose from if you would like to see the majority of my collection, they are all posted on Captured by Jess's Facebook Fan Page. The easiest way to point out which one you'd like to order is to comment on the photo in the Facebook album.

I also have a starter selection available for purchase at Etsy, a safe and secure site for purchasing handmade items. Click on the banner below to be taken to my Etsy shop!




{ Premium Print* Sizes and Prices List }
4x6 -::- $12
5x5 -::- $15 [square]
5x7 -::- $15
8x8 -::- $20 [square]
8x10 -::- $20
10x10 -::- $25 [square]
10x13 -::- $25
11x14 -::- $30
12x12 -::- $30 [square]
16x20 -::- $40
20x24 -::- $50

☆ Take $5 off your gallery purchase by becoming a fan of
ours on Facebook and inviting your friends to fan us as well! ☆

:: Below is a sampling of images available for purchase ::




*A few notes on the quality of the prints:
Prints will be ordered from the same lab that I send the portraits off to. All color images will be printed on their Premium Metallic Paper with Pearlescent Finish. This paper offers sharp details and beautifully saturated colors. It is strong - resistant to tearing and curling without any additional lamination. The standard archival value is 100 years in home display and 200 years in dark storage.

Black and White images will be printed in True B&W Paper with a Matte Finish. There is a difference between B&W and true digital B&W prints! Because the emulsion is silver-based rather than dye-based, the imaging performance and characteristics of this paper are the same as traditional b&w continuous-tone papers. That translates to neutral tonal characteristics that provide the paper with display and archival qualities. One added benefit is that the resin-coated paper is specially coated on the back to accept ink, making it a good surface for crop lines or writing notes.

Meet the Photographer

Hi! My name is Jessica Bilbrey. I grew up in Arlington, Texas and now live in Gainesville, Texas with my daughter. I have been pursing my photography career for nearly seven years now here in Cooke County! Its been a great experience getting to know and love the families I have taken photos of-some of them have turned into lifelong friendships! Being a single mom, I do have to make ends meet, so photography isn't my only job. I also work at a local law firm and part-time retail. Yes, I have a very busy schedule with the mom life, three jobs and trying to spend time with my significant other. At least its never dull!



I've always been that girl who has her camera in-hand every time you see her, beginning when my Mother finally started letting me use her crappy 35-mm camera (and buy the film!) and drag it to school to take photos of my friends. Granted, my abilities have increased substantially over the years - but I am still the same girl, camera in-hand wanting to capture every moment I can. (Yes, I still have those early 6th grade photos and YES, I do torture my old friends on Facebook with them! haha!)

When my friends and family started having children, I became the baby paparazzi and have nearly blinded all the children with my flash! I have gone through countless rolls of film snapping away at their precious little faces. Luckily when my own daughter was born - the digital age was in full swing and I've been able to take thousands upon thousands of photos of her!

As with the end of the film era, came many more opportunities to take as many photos as possible and hone my skills and eye as a photographer. Over the last few years I've been taking steps to really take amazing photos and have been learning all the ins and outs of digital image manipulation. I love being able to adjust the pixels to create works of art with my photos.

For as long as I can remember, I have looked at the world from the point of view of taking a photograph. On a daily basis, I see tons of things that would make a great photo. If my brain and eyes worked like a camera, I would have millions of photos from the mental snap shots I have taken!

I consider myself to be a unique person. I'm one of those outside-of-the-box'ers, but yet I am still best friends with people inside the box! I am a Gemini and totally see both the ying and the yang side of everything. My uncommon way of seeing the world definitely shows in my photography. I love to capture my subject's own unique energy and especially the small things - precious moments, secret glances - all the tiny details.

Feel free to read through my blog posts, as you will get to know me a little more. I am very candid and open. The better you know me, the more comfortable you will be with me when I take your photos. And the more relaxed you are, the more of your true self will come out in your images.

I can't wait to get to know you and most of all, capture you!

Client Tips

Sessions typically last 1-2 hours, however barring other appointments, I will keep shooting until we get all the shots that you desire! We can meet at your home, at another location of your choice or my suggestion. If there are any weather complications leading up to or during the session, we will reschedule for another day. Approximately one to two weeks later, your online gallery with at *least* 20-30 images will be ready to view and order from.


The Props

I have an ever-growing array of props to use in you session - from luggage to costumes. I've got quite a collection and it grows by the day! Props can add a touch of whimsy or they can even take your session to another time all together. Prior to your session we will discuss what kind of shots you desire and I will bring props accordingly as well as any props you request. And I encourage clients to bring props they already have in their home as using your own possessions can add different meaning to your photographs. This is all something we will discuss before-hand and feel free to check out my prop galleries on Facebook and MySpace.



The Clothes

Newborns are best photographed in their birthday suits. I have several props (and tricks!) to use to get the coziest positions and cutest portraits! Keep clothing simple and let your baby command the focus of the photo! A cute hat/headband or their favorite "lovey" are great additions. Newborn sessions typically take the longest and I am more than happy to be patient and wait during feedings and to give the baby breaks so that he/she does not get over-stimulated.

Family clothing should reflect what you wear in real life. If you don’t normally walk around wearing formal-wear, it’s a good sign you shouldn’t wear it for your shoot! Let your style, and that of your kids, shine through! I would like to say that color coordinating is best for photos. You don't have to all wear the same outfit, but try to wear things that compliment each other. If you need further ideas or suggestions we can talk about this when you schedule your appointment. Try not wear anything too busy or with multi prints/patterns, it generally distract in the photos.

High School seniors and couples are encouraged to bring multiple clothes changes. Something trendy, something classic, something formal - but always YOU. Don't forget the accessories! Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, the perfect shoes -- bring it all! If you play sports or are in a club - bring something that reflects your hobby, it will add more of YOU to your portraits.

Don't wait until the last minute to decide what you are going to wear! With any luck you'll be thinking of the perfect shirt and will find it at the bottom of a laundry basket half an hour before your appointment! So plan ahead and have it all gathered and ready.

Also, check out my new What 2 Wear series for further tips and tricks.



The Shoot

I would love for all my clients to feel comfortable and relaxed during their sessions. Don't be shy! Just be YOU. I was to capture your personality. I want to capture real moments. I wont be doing many formally posed shots were I ask you to say "cheese". I prefer candid, fun photos that will document you as you truly are. If we are doing couple or family photography - feel free to act like I am not even there! =) I won't take it personally and you will come out with some amazing photographs! This is your chance to be a celebrity/supermodel for the day - enjoy it and you will have amazing photos to show off!



Locations

Where we shoot depends on you. If you like the urban feel of "downtown" photography, we can roam around downtown Gainesville and shoot by all the fabulous rustic old buildings. If you prefer more nature in your shots we can go to either Gainesville or Callisburg Park and have lots of lush greens in your photos. If you want more of a homey feel, I can shoot in your living room or backyard! We will scout out the perfect location to make sure you get what you want from your photos. From train tracks to flower gardens, we will make it happen!

I am planning to have a mobile indoor studio to bring right to your door, look for that option coming soon!

Professional Paper Types

Professional papers extend the color gamut for very rich colors and attractive flesh tones. We print on 3 different papers; Kodak Endura E-Surface, Endura Metallic and Ilford's True B&W. All three feature 100 year archival value, and will stand the test of time. Your prints are going to look great for a long time with these professional papers.


E-Surface Paper (Matte Finish)

Kodak Professional Supra Endura VC Digital Paper (aka Traditional E-Surface Paper) is by far our most popular paper. Accurate color, realistic saturation, excellent neutral flesh reproduction and brighter colors are just a few of the attributes to describe E-Surface paper. You will see excellent skin-tone reproduction, as well as brighter blues, cyans, purples, and reds. With this paper don’t worry about prints fading. The standard archival value is 100 years in home display and 200 years in dark storage.


Metallic Paper (Pearlescent Finish)

Endura Metallic features a unique pearlescent surface. From fine art applications to special event photography and business cards, we think you will agree when we say this paper is truly spectacular. Endura offers natural looking flesh tones, sharp details, and beautifully saturated colors. Plus, Endura is strong - resistant to tearing and curling without any additional lamination. This paper uses a patented combination of film and laminate layers that result in striking, three-dimensional, lasting images on an ultra-bright background. With this paper don’t worry about prints fading. The standard archival value is 100 years in home display and 200 years in dark storage.


True B&W Paper (Matte Finish)
There is a difference between B&W and true digital B&W prints! This panchromatic, resin-coated paper is specifically designed for making continuous-tone B&W prints directly from digital images in digital exposing systems. This paper also provides excellent tone reproduction from digital camera files, scanned color slides or negatives. Because the emulsion is silver-based rather than dye-based, the imaging performance and characteristics of this paper are the same as traditional b&w continuous-tone papers. That translates to neutral tonal characteristics that provide the paper with display and archival qualities. One added benefit is that the resin-coated paper is specially coated on the back to accept ink, making it a good surface for crop lines or writing notes.

Custom Photography Rates

Custom photography is not the same as high volume studios such as Wal-Mart or even Sears. With custom photography we will talk about your session before it is scheduled - about everything from locations to the clothes you will wear. On the day of the shoot, we will not be rushed and there is plenty of time for the real you to shine through in the portraits. Your session will include as much time as we need to get the shots you desire. With unlimited clothing changes and multiple shooting locations, you are guaranteed to come out feeling like a celebrity or super model! Post session I will spend hours upon hours editing your photos to make sure everything about them leaps from the image. I am very dedicated to creating a work of photographic art.

Standard Sessions :: $200
Includes up to two hours on location for up to two adults and three children. ($15 for each additional person/pet over max.) These sessions usually remit 55 to 75 edited images on your disc with use release. Please know that the amount of edited images depends on cooperation level and time used for location/clothing changes.

Mini Sessions :: $130
Includes 45 minutes on location for up to two adults and three children. ($10 for each additional person/pet over max.) These sessions typically have between 35 and 45 edited images on your disc with use release. Please know that the amount of edited images depends on cooperation level and time used for location/clothing changes.

Newborn Sessions :: $250
Includes up to three hours on location, at your home. A large space with very good natural light is needed to capture your little one's first photos. These sessions usually remit 25 to 50 edited images on your disc with use release. Please note that the amount of edited images depends upon the cooperation of your precious newborn. We will discuss tips and tricks prior to your session on getting the most out of our time together.

If you are wondering what goes into pricing a session, please feel free to read this post all about that topic.

All prices are subject to change without notice, at any time.
Please view my Payment & Policies information for more details.

Backlog Editing

I've been trying to get back to editing the photos I took on my step-Dad and I's marathon of visiting area cemeteries on the 9th of January because after the Easter sessions, I will have little time to edit much else for a while! I've still got 4 more cemeteries on my to-do list from that day that it just has seemed impossible to get back around to! Last night I was working on a small cemetery that didn't yield too many interesting photos so I went back to the photos of the barn we started at and came up with a new edit of one that I am loving, plus a bonus. Enjoy!

♥ It's A Boy! ♥

A friend of my husband and I was recently blessed with a baby boy. Logan was born quite early and has been in NICU since he was born on February 13th. He's a strong little trooper and is doing very well. Since he is so tiny, his father Arnaldo hasn't been able to hold him yet. He was sick and missed his first opportunity to do so this past weekend and is rightfully upset about it. In hopes to lift his spirits a bit, I created this little announcement/brag photo for him last night.





I "borrowed" the cell phone images from Arnaldo's Facebook page and tweaked them a little before adding them to the collage. I thought it turned out very cute and wanted to show it and little Logan off to all of you!

Easter Card Templates

So after playing with and fighting with a new program, I finally emerged with three card designs for the Easter photo sessions! I am so excited because they turned out very lovely and I am hoping that I get some orders when I take photos at the park.



{ Template #1 }


{ Template #2 }


{ Template #3 }


They are fully customizable to images of your own children and the words can be changed to suit any holiday or event! I say that I fought with the program because I created two other cards that I ADORE, but as of yet, the program will not let me convert them to printable files. Boo. Hopefully I can resolve it before the Easter sessions begin, if not - there's always next year!