THE HOME STRETCH...

This coming week, I'll begin my 9th month of pregnancy. I was planning to be "officially" on maternity break from photography in December. Our little man was wanting to arrive earlier than expected so, the doctor has slowed me down until he arrives.

My due date was Jan. 10th, but it's looking like he'll be here before Christmas. I am planning on getting back into photography in the late winter/ early spring. I am lucky I am able to do photography on weekends and still get to take care of our little guy/official Studio Refuge model. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement as we wait for his arrival. We are very excited to meet him! In addition to this blog, I'll be starting a baby blog where I'll get to share the joys and sleep deprivation of motherhood.

Looks like just his daddy

Custom Press Printed Holiday Cards

Order your holiday cards from Studio Refuge. Cards are completely customizable: Colors, Text and # of photos can be designed according to your preference.

Cards are professionally press printed on high quality card stock. flat 2 sided or 4 sided folded available. Visit Studio Refuge for the full assortment. I can work with your own photos, too. Turn around is fairly quick. Birth Announcements, Christmas, Hanukkah or even New Year's messages can be added. Here's an example of a client's card for this year.

We'll be waiting until our little boy arrives to send out a Birth Announcement/Holiday card. Every year I've photoshopped our dogs in our holiday cards, I don't think they'll miss having to pose or wear funny hats. I used the blue and tan argyle card for this photo.

ALLISON FAMILY SNEAK PEEK

I had the best time with the Allison family on their farm in Arkansas. They live just over the bridge from Memphis on the flat delta planes. The fields were a beautiful, gold color from the soy bean leaves changing and powdered white in spots from cotton fields starting to bloom. This will be my longest sneak peek thus far and doesn't even scratch the surface of this little guys cuteness.

Copyright Julia Jones, Studio Refuge Photography©

Images may not be printed, copied or shared without permission.

Brown Session Sneak Peek

I photographed a fun couple and their pup, Sophie, in Piedmont Park. We shared mid-south roots. They grew up in Mississippi and I grew up nearby in Memphis. This sweet husband pampered his wife for her birthday with the coolest cowboy boots and a photography session.

Copyright Julia Jones, Studio Refuge Photography©

Images may not be printed, copied or shared without permission.

Shah Engagement Session

I had the opportunity to photograph my dear friend from college and her sweet fiance, now husband. He planned out their whole engagement in detail and asked her to marry him in a hot air balloon, how romantic!

Copyright Julia Jones, Studio Refuge Photography©

Images may not be printed, copied or shared without permission.

Baby Cheeks Sneak Peek

How cute is she?

Copyright Julia Jones, Studio Refuge Photography©

Images may not be printed, copied or shared without permission.

Bella Italia

I've been meaning to post my Italy photos from our trip this summer. I took so many photos, I've been editing them a little at a time. I finally got some printed and am looking forward to hanging them on our blank living room walls. My other photographs and paintings have been hanging in my brother's restaurant in Memphis, so our walls have been very bare.

Here are some of my favorites. I have several others on my SR facebook page: www.facebook.com/studiorefuge

Rome: Cafe, Pantheon, Lady in a window

Florence: Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Carousel Piazza degli Strozzi

Cinque Terre: Vernazza and Monterosso

Montipuliciano

Lucca

Sienna Chapel

Copyright Julia Jones, Studio Refuge Photography©

Images may not be printed, copied or shared without permission.

Baby Jones and Studio Refuge Updates

Baby Jones Updates:

I'm 23 weeks pregnant now, almost 6 months. Feeling great and baby is healthy and moving and kicking a lot. We are having a baby boy. Name is still under negotiations. We'll probably end up announcing the name once he's born. He's due around January 10th. Here's his 20 weekultrasound.

Here's my bump progression:

Bumpin' out this month!

Ryan's been working hard on major outdoor home improvements and then will move inside to more major home improvements including painting the nursery. I LOVE decorating and design so I am eager to get in there. Here's ideas my colors, bedding and rugs, lights and accessories.

Blue grey for the walls. Modern, graphic bedding: green, turquoise Accents: greens, yellow, orange and red room accents.

I've got a few painting ideas in mind. Something modern, simple, but a little stylistic and abstract. I love simple, minimal paintings. I'll be tying in the cool colors of the room and popping in some warm colors, yellow, red and orange. Our house colors are greens and blues, because I love being able to accent with warm pillows, rugs and paintings. I typically lean towards warm, bright colors when I do paintings.

But, after some more searching I love this room, too!

Studio Refuge News:

September is fully booked on the weekends for photoshoots! October weekends are also full with the exception of a few spots on the October 18th special mini session date. There are some weekday spots open.

November is fairly open and will be a great time to get on those family, kids and couples portraits for the holidays. December, I'll be nesting and doing client holiday orders for cards and gifts. Then taking a break the rest of the winter to settle in with our baby boy. Sessions will reopen for booking in March.

One of the great new home additions for hopefully, the spring or summer will be a home photography studio in our garage. I've been scoping out some amazing modern, boutique style backdrops for the home studio. Of course, Baby Jones will the first official model for the new home studio. I have a portable lighting set up and look forward to a portable backdrop set up as well.

Another fun update, I have been spending waaaay to much time on the new Studio Refuge flash website. I am extremely detail oriented and knit-picky with getting things just right. Which is great for you if you are one of my photography clients because I pay attention to detail when shooting and especially when editing photos. Not so good when I am trying to get a new flash site up. I have gone back and forth on background colors, logos, text colors a bunch of times.

I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and get it up especially because it will have a great new feature, a shopping cart. Client proof galleries can just click and add photos to their cart and select sizes and discounted packages. That's it for now. Looking forward to the rain stopping and the sessions in the upcoming weeks.

SPECIAL $65 FALL MINI SESSIONS

Special Fall Mini Sessions

30 min. time slots

Winn Park , 69 Lafayette Drive, Ansley Park in Atlanta

Sat., Aug. 29, 9am - 2pm (Rain Date, Sept. 6th)

Sun., Oct. 18, 1pm- 6pm (Rain Date, Oct. 24th 4-6pm or 25th 1-3pm)

What is the cost of a Special Mini Session?

The cost of a weekend thirty minute Special Fall Mini Session is $65. The session fee is due at the time of booking and payable by secure Paypal transaction.

May I book multiple mini sessions together?
You may book more than one session in a row. In fact, it is recommended that you book multiple sessions if you have two or more children or a little one ( 3 or younger, take a little more time to warm up). The cost of a double Special Fall Mini Session (two sessions) is $115.

How do I sign up for a mini session?
Please call 404.849.5676 or Email Julia

Where is Winn Park located?

Winn Park is located in Ansley Park in Midtown Atlanta, 69 Lafayette Drive.

Sessions will take place at the west end of the park adjacent to Peachtree Circle.

Street parking on Lafayette Drive.

What if it rains or the weather is bad on the day of our mini session?
In case of inclement weather, mini photo sessions will be held on our rain date. If you have any questions about weather, please call me at 404.849.5676. When booking your session, please make sure that you are able to attend both the planned photo session date and the back up date.

What to wear?

Bright colors, textures, patterns and accessories like hats, necklaces, headbands, and layers are

a great way to make a photograph unique.

I'm personally not big on matchy, matchy, but

would encourage not going with colors that contrast too much with other family members. Keep it easy, jeans and a cute top, or a cute dress, patterned or ruffly skirts for little girls. Bring accessories we can play with.

How do I view and purchase my photos?

About a week or two after your photo session, you will receive an email notifying you that your images are ready to be viewed on the StudioRefuge.com proof gallery. A link will be provided which will enable you to view your images online. If you prefer, you may place your order via email, phone or by meeting for an ordering session.

How many images will I get to choose from?
Generally there will be 40 to 50 images per thirty minute mini session. Numbers may vary as each session is different. Only the best images in an effort to make your selections easier.

Can I use an image from our mini session for a holiday card?
Absolutely, you may order prints which can be inserted into photo cards or choose a press-printed folded card option where the image is printed directly onto a heavy stock. These cards also allow for a small image on the back of the card, which adds interest and personality.

Cute Baby Sneak Peek

Lucky little EG got her mama's beautiful, Latin lips.

Pet JetSetter Sneak Peak

This a sneak peak of the Pet JetSetter product photography session. Check out all the bags at petjetsetter.com. New Studio Refuge Photos will be updated on the Pet JetSetter website soon.

Fall Studio Refuge News

Fall Sessions: I am already taking reservations for Fall Photo Session dates. (No deposit required) Plan ahead, weekends are going to fill up fast between football games and photo sessions. If you know you want to do a shoot, I recommend getting on my calendar. I've got a new lighting setup to do indoor shoots at your home as well as the natural light outdoor shoots. Fall is a popular time for Holiday card shoots.

Atlanta Open House Show: I am also planning a possible Open House in Sept. I'll have a photography show (New Italy photographs as well as my South Series) at my home. Some other ladies will be selling their jewelry, homemade ladies and girls dresses and skirts and possibly some knitted items. More info. to come.

Memphis, yes Memphis Studio Refuge News: *Memphis natives*, I will be in town Sept.18-20 , Oct. 5-11, and Nov. 6-8, book a session while I am in town.

Let your friends know about it also, share the Studio Refuge Website, Blog or Facebook Page. I am going to try and do a new show with my Italy photography series at Sauce's in Memphis hopefully one of those times I'm in town.

Pages and Ads: As always share Studio Refuge pages with your friends and family: Web, Blog or Facebook. I'll send a shout out when the Atlanta Parent Studio Refuge Ad is published in August. It's a free directory you can find several places around Atlanta. Thanks for supporting me and Studio Refuge!

Studio Refuge recommended as Top 5 Children's Photographers in Atlanta,GA

Top 5 Children's Photographers in Atlanta, GA (<-Link)
From fun and quirky, to classic and awe inspiring, these are the top five photographers specializing in children's portraits in Atlanta.

Father/Son Photo Session Sneak Peak

What a great Father's Day gift. I had the best time shooting this father and son. 

They were excellent models. Love the hats.

                             

                             

     

I have some major catching up to do....

I need to update my court case with bored Doraville traffic cop and his buddy, buddy judge. (there's a hint)

I've got a million Italy photos to share and millions more I still haven't edited.

I've got videos and photos of my brother, Chip's progress with learning to walk again.

But, what I've really been waiting 3 months to post is..................................

We're having a BABY!!!!!! I'm being lapped by my friends with procreating, but we are finally there. It's been a long hard, private journey, as most women like me with infertility issues experience. I knew I wouldn't really want to share publicly my journey until I finally has some good news and hope to share with others.

Our "maybe baby girl" as I call him or her because the doctor was pretty sure it's a girl, is due early January 10 or 12th, but I am for end of December. I was always annoyed with parents talking in weeks..."Why can't you just say your kid is 2 not 24 months" or "Hang on let me do the math on 16 weeks pregnant" But, seeing how each week is another milestone, I'm right there with pregnant moms.

It's a sweet reminder of God's goodness to be due in January because we lost our baby this past January. Of course, that makes these past 3 months a little more worrisome, but our little one is healthy and active, moving around and kicking already.

Of course, our child will be the most well documented child with photographs. I'm looking forward to our babies first photo shoot.

Here "she" is: (Turns out it was a he;)

11.5 weeks pregnant. Moving alot, looks like she's sucking her thumb.

6 weeks pregnant in Italy.

I was so thankful I wasn't sick and could carry around my pack.

9.5 weeks pregnant.

11.5 weeks pregnant

I should be packing right now, but....

One last blog entry before we head to Italy on Thurs.
I had to share the latest adventures of Hank and Woody. I also wanted to post some photographs I took this week of the cutest Great Dane in the entire world. (Sorry Hank and Woody, she's pretty cute)

So, we headed to the lake this past weekend to celebrate a friend's birthday at a cabin. It was a lovely time. It started out with a the oddest Chuckie Cheeze style Mexican restaurant with clowns, magicians and phallic sword balloons. (Pics to come.)
Then it was chillin at the cabin, cruising on the boat, with interludes of our friend's breast pump parties. Saturday about 7:30 p.m. we are about to head out for a boat ride to a bluegrass concert and we get a message.

A guy in our neighborhood tells us our dogs are running around the neighborhood. Not anything to shocking. Hank finds a new hole to dig we haven't filled in with cement from time to time. Ryan decides to head down to the house to see if he can track them down after the neighbor can't locate them. He can't find them anywhere in the neighborhood, there are no holes, and the gate is open.

Turns out our neighbor's friend was helping get our neighbors dog in the backyard. Their dog was staying over with Hank and Woody and they were helping us out by feeding our dogs. So the gate was not fully latched and the dogs got out. Typically, they sprint around the cul-d-sac for a few hours and hang around the house.

Hank and Woody decided to blow the joint and make it a guys night on the town. By 12 am Ryan can't find them anywhere. I am up at the cabin worried sick that they had gotten hit or taken. About 2 am Ryan calls me. He is on his way to pick up the dogs. Some guys were up late playing Wii bowling and Hank and Woody showed up on their deck. 

The thing is their house was over 3 miles away and entailed them crossing multiple busy 4 lane roads. They slept off their Sunday runaway hang over and we promptly booked their stay at Camp Woof while we're in Italy for 9 days. Just in case they planned another get away.

So here she is. Check out those grey eyes. Amazing!

Pruitt Sneak Peek

New pics will be up soon on Studio Refuge soon. For now here's a sneak peek of the beautiful Pruitt family.

Ballard Bambino Sneak Peek

I'm sorry I interrupted your meal time little M.  You take great pics even when you are hungry.

Senior Photo Shoot Sneak Peek

Photos will be up on StudioRefuge.com soon. But, for now, here's a sneak peek.

Oh to be 18 again, minus the drama. I had the best time shooting Lauren and Jeffrey. 

Lauren reminds me of a modern day Pretty in Pink (or purple) Molly Ringwald 

mixed with a little Sara Bareilles.

He's a keeper, he opens her car door and plans date nights. So sweet.

 

 

Don't they make the cutest couple!

Jones vs the bored traffic cop of Doraville

One morning in February, I was pulled over by a really bored traffic cop, along with at least 10 other cars, for going straight through an intersection. The cop motions me to pull over and I am written a ticket citing a violation of a traffic control device, code section 40.6.20. The Code section is really broad and no specifics were written as to what the violation was for other than the cop saying you can't go straight threw the intersection.

That evening, Ryan jumped in as my investigative attorney. He's very passionate about trying to win his cases at home with me so it was no surprise. He spent the whole evening researching the ins and outs of the the traffic violation, youtubing court defenses for traffic control device violations, finding websites giving tips on the dos and don't of winning a case. 

My mom is an attorney in Memphis and Ryan's dad is a judge in Cartersville. I was so hoping his dad would come down and represent me just for the fun of it. He has a wonderful southern drawl ( A little Atticus Finch ) and with his legal expertise it would have be so great, but knew it was not big enough to get him to come down. He could start the case out with, "This case should have never come to trial. The State of Georgia has not present one iota of evidence".... (From To Kill a Mockingbird)

So, I feel like I have a good defense. Plus, the officer didn't write the specifics of the violation on the ticket to know exactly how to defend myself and he didn't get me to sign the ticket. I figure all the work will be useless because I'm sure the judge has some incentive to make me pay $190 for a stupid violation of a traffic control device. 

The interestion is kind of tricky. I had taken the Buford Hwy. exit from 85/285 spaghetti junction because the merge to get onto 285 was backed up. It is common to take this exit to miss the traffic back up and merge more easily onto 285 a little farther down. There were 3 lanes: The left lane is left turn only (sign overhead and on the ground), right lane is right turn only (same signage) and the lane I was in had a left/right turn ok sign. My defense of course is that there is not sign to violate in the center lane. It doesn't say left/right turn only. It doesn't say you can't go straight. 

 I make sure I am professionally dressed, print my photos of the intersection (8x10 glossy picture, with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each on explaining what each one was to be use as evidence against them), write my bullet points for my defense and arrive at the court house. I am greeted by Ken doll cop who checks my purse for dangerous traffic court items. He asks me "Any grenades in there?" Har-har. 

I figure out what court room I am in. The entire court building is tiny, no bigger than most tag offices. It's hot and muggy and I am feeling very over dressed. The one hall is packed with people in line to enter their plea with the clerk. 

So I get in line and start over hearing other people talking about their cases. "...and the cop was like I smell weed, I was like no man, we ain't smokin' nothin' in here" A guy passes by in his paint splattered clothes, the clerk is translating in Spanish and I over hear another clerk talking to a co worker, "If anyone is pleading not guilty under Officer B., he's not here again today. They'll have to come back May 12th" I think to myself, "What? Come back? That's when we're in Italy!" I get up to the desk enter my plea and I have to use my one rescheduling for June 2nd. Good grief.