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A game of wall art

As you know, we now offer much more than a digital file of the pictures we make of  your family. Staying true to our mission, we are committed to putting art on your wall… I’ll even hang it up for you! We’ve spent countless hours researching our product line and have come up with some wonderful choices for our clients and for that matter, for us to hang in our own house!  Since we’ve started offering this service my head is filled with ideas for our own wall space!

 Now that all of those decisions have been made it’s time for us to order some new studio samples!  Below are some example galleries I’ve designed using our actual product line. The samples we purchase as a result of this contest will go with us to meeting as a demonstration of the quality of the build of our frames, the craftsmanship involved in the stretching of the gallery wrapped canvases we carry and the professional level printmaking that our affiliate laboratories are capable of. I love all of these galleries but frankly it’s too difficult for me to decide which one to get and so we’ve decided to seek your opinion. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LEAVE US A COMMENT WITH THE NAME OF YOUR FAVORITE COUPLES GALLERY! Feel free to pass along the link to this blog how ever you like… email, Facebook, Instagram so that as many of your friends and family can throw in their two cents and better your favorite couples chance at a date-night gift card! The date night is gonna be pretty sweet, too! How does TICKETS TO THE FERRIS WHEEL AND A TASTE OF BELGIUM sound?!  We need to buy our studio samples pretty soon so the contest is only gonna be for the month of June. Tell your friends to get out the vote!!

-Tommy and Charity

Beth and her Dad at The Grand Ballroom in Covington Kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandBallroom/
Sam and Jessie’s country wedding in Camp Springs Kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/beal1961/
Chelsea and Jake at The Chapel at St. Aloysius in Cincinnati Ohio
https://www.facebook.com/stalsweddings/
Whitney and Ethan at The Phoenix in Cincinnati Ohio
https://www.facebook.com/ThePhoenixCincinnati/

Laura and Nate at Goebel Park in Covington Kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/MainStrasseVillage/
Robin and Steve at Receptions in Erlanger Kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/Receptionsinc/
Stephanie and Brandon at Hotel Covington in Covington Kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/TheHotelCovington/
Shandalyn and Mike with their Dad and Mom at Wiedemann Hill Mansion in Newport Kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/whillmansion/
Kylie and Josh in Pattinson Park Batavia Ohio
https://clermontparks.org/pattison-lodge-and-gazebo/
Jessie and David at Leapin’ Lizard Lounge in Covington Kentucky
https://www.facebook.com/Leapin-Lizard-Lounge-111716555512222/

Northern Kentucky Golden Hour Portraits

Golden hour is the term used to describe the time of day when the sun is low in the sky, usually within an hour after sunrise or before sunset. It is called golden hour because the light has a warm, golden hue that creates a flattering and soft glow on the subjects of photography. Golden hour portraits are one of the most popular types of photography because they can capture the natural beauty and emotion of the people in a stunning way.

Golden hour at Pioneer Park in Northern Kentucy is 2nd to none!

There are many benefits of taking portraits during golden hour, such as:

The light is diffused and directional, which means it can create interesting shadows and highlights on the face and body, enhancing the features and expressions of the subjects.
The light is warm and colorful, which can create a romantic and dreamy mood for the portraits. The colors can also complement the skin tones and hair colors of the subjects, making them look more attractive.
The light is soft and gentle, which can reduce the harsh contrast and glare that can occur during midday sun. This can also help to avoid squinting and blinking, which can ruin a portrait.
To take advantage of golden hour portraits, there are some things that our experience will play in your favor, such as:

Plan ahead and check the weather and sunrise/sunset times for the location. Golden hour can vary depending on the season, so it is important to know when it will happen.
Use an off-camera flash avoid camera shake and blur. Golden hour light can be dim, which means slower shutter speeds and higher ISOs may be needed.
We will experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the sun in different ways. For example, backlighting can create a silhouette effect, while front lighting can create a halo effect.
Golden hour portraits are a great way to showcase the beauty and personality of the subjects in a natural and artistic way. By using the right techniques and timing, photographers can create stunning portraits that will impress their clients and viewers.

Fall senior portraits in the Northern Kentucky evening golden hour with Erin! Where else would you want to be?!

Golden hour is a special thing, indeed! The natural elements provided by mother nature make for a wonderfully lit portrait. We welcome a collaboration with you and your family in the near future. 🙂

-Tommy

Scattered Pictures

Sometimes I just get my pictures out just to look at them.  I have a very personal relationship with the prints that I’ve inherited over the years.  I now have in my position what I think might be one of the most extensive photographic archives of our family in existence and believe me, I’m honored to be the one housing and building on such an important set of images.  They go back pretty far, too!  one of my favorites is a picture of my Gramma and Grandpa Jordan standing proudly with my aunt Catherine on her wedding day with her new in-laws.   Grandma’s name was Josephine and her husband (my dads’ dad) … his name was Ray.  I never got a chance to meet Ray.  He died in 1978.  I was born in 1980.   Actually, this one particular photograph is so special to me I think because it’s the first time I saw the man’s face.  Before this photo came along now that I think about it, I don’t think I knew what he looked like.  I couldn’t help but try and pick out in his face all of the similarities between us, or at least I wanted there to be some.  Not knowing either of my Grandfathers I don’t think necessarily affected me negatively, but it has made their pictures all that much more valuable to me.  I like to think that the work that I do as a wedding and portrait photographer will be equally as important to someone someday and that makes me want to get up and do this job more and more every day! 

The next time you are able, get out your photo album.  Think about the people in the pictures and know that in that place and time everything was just right. It’s one of my favorite things to do and it is the best medicine I can think of!

-Tommy

From boys to men


Step into the world of a young man on the cusp of his future in a captivating boys’ senior portrait session. In this enchanting experience, we witness a celebration of individuality, strength, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

As the shutter clicks and the camera captures each carefully chosen pose, we embark on a visual journey through the multifaceted personality of this remarkable senior. From the serious and introspective gaze that hints at his profound depth, to the infectious laughter that reveals his spirited nature, every frame tells a story.

Against the backdrop of nature’s breathtaking beauty or within the vibrant tapestry of an urban landscape, the essence of this young man is artfully encapsulated. The photographs capture not only his external transformation into a confident young adult but also the emotions that swirl within him during this momentous chapter of his life.

Your pride and joy with his pride and joy

With every image, the unique layers of his character are unveiled. The athlete, the scholar, the dreamer, and the adventurer all come to life through the lens. Each snapshot reveals a facet of his identity, a piece of the puzzle that will shape his journey into the world beyond high school.

These senior portraits are more than mere pictures; they are tangible memories, frozen in time, that will forever remind him of the transformative years of youth. They are a testament to his growth, achievements, and the boundless potential that lies ahead.

In this boys’ senior portrait session, the magic of youth is artfully woven into an unforgettable collection of photographs. As he stands on the precipice of adulthood, this captivating visual narrative tells the story of a young man ready to embrace the world and make his indelible mark upon it.

FileFlow for our Apple and Android clients!

Hey there! Are you tired of scrolling through your camera roll, trying to find that one perfect shot? Do you wish there was an easier way to organize and share your photos? Look no further than FileFlow by PhotoShelter!

As someone who loves photography, I know how important it is to have a system for organizing and accessing your images. With FileFlow, you can create albums, add tags, and search for specific photos with ease. Whether you’re one of our bride and groom families or a senior portrait client, your memories will be well organized. FileFlow is a game-changer.

But that’s not all. FileFlow also makes it easy to share your photos with others. With just a few clicks, you can create a share link for an album or individual images, allowing your friends and family to view and download your photos. And because FileFlow is powered by PhotoShelter, you can rest assured that your images are secure and protected.

One of my favorite things about FileFlow is how seamless it is to use. Whether you’re on your computer or mobile device, you can access your photos with ease. Plus, the interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to find what you need without feeling overwhelmed.

So how can you get started with FileFlow? First, you’ll need to sign up for a PhotoShelter account. From there, you can start uploading your photos and organizing them into albums. You can also add tags to your images, which makes it easy to search for specific photos later on.

Once your photos are organized, you can start sharing them with others. Simply create a share link for an album or individual images, and send it to anyone you’d like to share your photos with. It’s that easy!

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to organize and share your photos, look no further than FileFlow by PhotoShelter. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, you’ll be able to enjoy your photos like never before. So why not give it a try today? Your memories will thank you!

Using FileFlow as an Invited User

  • To get started, download the app from the App Store.
  • To use the app, you’ll need to log into your free PhotoShelter account. If you have not yet set up your account, you may do so here. When creating your account, be sure to use the email address in which content was shared with you.
  • Once logged into the app, the “Your Access” screen will show any PhotoShelter accounts whose content you can download.
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  • Tap on an account to view the structure of the content you can access.
  • Tap on the name of the content you want to open up. When browsing, you’ll only see photos that a photographer has given you permission to download. If you would like further permission to download more content, you will need to contact the photographer that originally sent you the invitation.

Viewing Content

  • Pull down to refresh a gallery (useful during a live event, when files are still being uploaded to the gallery).
  • Tap the Sort icon to sort files within a gallery:
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  • Tap the Mode icon to view files in a list format as opposed to the thumbnail grid:
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  • Tap on a file to see it in single file view.
  • Swipe between files in a gallery when you’re in single file view.
  • Tap the Info icon to view file metadata:
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  • Pinch to zoom in or out on an image.

Searching for Content

  • Once you’ve selected an account to view, tap the Search icon at the top left of your screen to search the account (looks like a magnifying glass).
  • To search a specific gallery or collection, tap to open that container before clicking the Search icon.
IMG_791ADE7CC896-1.jpeg

Downloading and Sharing Content

  • When you download your first file, you’ll be prompted to grant access to the Photos app on your device.
  • To download a single image, tap the Download icon while in single file view:
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  • To share a single image, tap the Share icon while in single file view:
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  • You can customize your Share options by scrolling over within the Share dialog and tapping “More.”
  • To download or share multiple files, tap the Select icon while in gallery view:
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  • Select the file(s) you want to take action on, then tap the Download or Share icon. To deselect all files, tap the Select icon again.
  • Tap the Download Queue icon to see the progress of downloads, or retry failed downloads.
4Screen_Shot_2019-08-19_at_11.09.15_AM.png
  • Images will download to the Photos app on your device.

App Settings

  • On the “Your Access” screen, tap on your user avatar in the top-left corner.
  • You can choose to download large files (>150 MB) via WiFi only, or turn this setting off if you want to download using cellular data.
  • To log out of the app, click the “Log Out” link.

Summer Break Getaway Time

We are headed off to vacation soon!  An annual tradition that we hold very near and dear to our hearts. Charity is our planner extraordinaire and has a knack for getting everyone’s input and coming up with an itinerary that everyone will enjoy!   We feel like it’s important to make sure the kids are well traveled. Some of the cities we have visited in the past are Saint louis, Chicago, Indianapolis and New York! We’re always worn out by the time we get home but the experiences we are left with are to say the least, priceless! 

us walking in to the most magical place on earth, somewhere in Florida

We usually drive but did manage to make the trip to Disney a bit more bearable by including a flight down as part of the fun! Recently we have decided on an 8 hour rule: no more than an 8 hour drive in one direction, just to keep us all safe and sane!

ours are the ones in the center of the frame… photographed somewhere in Illinois, some time ago

We always make it a family discussion followed by a vote and some planning and then a revisiting of the final options. We look forward to these excursions, sure, but the pictures we take help us look BACK on them. They are always the best souvenirs! 

somewhere by some lake, I wanna say Michigan

I like to travel light as far as photographic equipment is concerned.  It’s not uncommon for us to be on foot all day long and if we get caught out in the rain it might not end well for some of our equipment! That being said, our phone cameras have been our go to travel camera! We love the ease of use, the fact that we have them on our person at all times anyway, and the geolocation options are super awesome for sorting and organizing later! 

Making memories, having experiences, learning about the cultures and traditions of others… These are the reasons we travel.  Being a part of a unit, together as a family outside of our comfort zones is another reason for me personally. Letting the kids see the way the world goes ‘round outside of our cul-de-sac is something that was always huge in my house as a child and it feels good to pass that along to our children!

I just can’t wait to pass down file number 123987.jepg to my grandchildren…

Just sounds silly! Think of some of your most fond memories. Now, of those memories which ones do you have photos of and which ones are just a series of 1’s and 0’s trapped on a hard drive or on ‘the cloud’ somewhere . If you’re anything like me when I came to this realization, the answer is that you don’t have very many quality photos of your most precious memories. Now, what if you had the ability to change this about your situation, wouldn’t you? The power that wall art has to brighten your space and remind you of your loved ones every time you pass it is nothing short of awesome! In today’s high tech, online world it seems as though we either forget about prints or were never properly introduced to them as a way of connecting with a moment. I see my prints as a time machine of sorts. They can take me right back to that wonderful moment and as my mind wanders to that time and place, so does my mood! So with that, let me make a suggestion. The next time you have a chance, get your wedding album out. If you’re not married then perhaps find a loved one and ask them to tell you about their photos and I’ll bet they are THRILLED to relive that day with you. The getting ready, the ceremony, the PARTY! All of the hugs, laughs and tears of joy right there at your fingertips in a wonderfully crafted photo story that will only become more valuable as time marches on. Portraits of our tribe are meant to be enjoyed. To have a physical thing to point to and say ‘remember that time when…’ is truly priceless! In short, GET PRINTS! It will make your life better in the long and short term for real!

a gallery on the wall says a thousand words FOREVER! This country wedding would look great on the walls of their home and will serve them every day as a reminder of that very special moment in time!

The Art of the Family Portrait Session

It’s that time of year again! Family portrait sessions are a popular way to get a lot of value from your portrait provider and come away with a unique experience that is tailored to your specific needs and style! The Jordan Photography way of doing things is something that we put a lot of time and attention into and want you to know that it is no less prevalent when you hire us for a portrait session!! We want to meet with you beforehand to discuss your expectations and our process. we are going to bring all of our knowledge and skill to the table (the same knowledge and skill that have made us a success in the senior portrait and wedding markets) and we are going to see that your portraits SERVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON A DAILY BASIS by finding a place in your home, enriching your lives each and every time you pass by them! That’s why we do what we do! 

This sweet girl just wanted to play and pick flowers… which was fine with us! Your child has a personality. it’s our job to document that personality with photography so that you can add it to your time capsule. Period.

MEET:  Let’s meet over a cup of coffee to chat, laugh and learn about your expectations and personality. We will discuss locations, timelines and ease those pre-photo jitters. 
PHOTOGRAPH: Photoshoot time! Did you read our tips for a successful photoshoot? Find them here.
EDIT: You don’t need to worry about this part. This is where we will edit and design a beautiful gallery of images for you, probably while drinking coffee and during the wee hours of the night. It’s the life we chose.
REVEAL: We will meet again (coffee optional) to reveal your artwork. We will work with you to design a wall gallery, create an album and decide what prints you need to gift to your family. Have kleenex ready, it’s about to get emotional up in here.
DELIVER: Not only will we hand deliver your custom artwork, but Tommy will hang your artwork, eliminating yet another task to put on the honey-do list. You’re welcome.
ENJOY: This really isn’t a step, but it will come naturally by being surrounded by photos of those dearest to you as well as everytime your guests remark on how lovely your family is. 

YOUR ARTWORK IS IMPORTANT

Tommy will not leave you stranded!   At Jordan Photography we are committed to delivering to you the right artwork to display in your home. Tommy will work with you to determine your needs, both print and wall art, and create a gallery for you to view. You can view the gallery on a faux wall, as seen below, or he can create a mock gallery (with true measurements) on a photo of YOUR WALL! Simply send him a picture of your wall, or he will take one for you, and you will be able to see what the end result will look like before a single hole is drilled! Even better, Tommy will come to your home to not only hand-deliver your art but hang it as well.

We will find just the right setting to do your photos! The backdrop of a good portrait is just as important as the rest of the ingredients!

Stay tuned for details of each part of our process… LIKE, SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE to learn about the complete JP mini session experience from start to finish!! 🙂

The scribbles on the back

Photography by Uncle Jim? Oh, man, who really knows… My mom called me the other day to ask me when so-and-so did that thing that was worthy of a photograph way back when… what was that one kid’s name and who are the people in this picture?!  There’s a lot going on in a photograph. It’s generally about keeping up with times gone by. My day would tell me “don’t stick your tongue out, come on! Let’s take a nice picture… and don’t forget to write on the back of it so we can remember who was in it… Might as well not even take the damn thing if you don’t’ know who’s in it!!”  

A downtown bridal portrait… this one looks KILLER printed on metal! I’ll show you when we meet up! 🙂

   Getting your picture made used to be quite a big deal.  It was about a family in their Sunday best or because they were all together for the holidays.  In front of the camera, folks were who they wanted you to think they were, at least this was the case for my people.   Some of us weren’t afraid to make a funny face at the camera, others of us wanted to look like a supreme court justice!  

The glass at https://whillmansion.com/ is flat out stunning! This will make a beautiful heirloom to hang in the house and pass down to the grand kids!

In learning this trade I’ve met all types.  The honorable and the zany… here’s the dirty little secret that both have.   ALL OF US ARE BOTH! Humans have their guard up… a person is reserved and proper that’s because that’s their comfort zone. If they want to clown and make faces, it’s because that’s how they feel comfortable interacting with the world.  In front of a camera, it is their center that keeps them safe from the permanence of a photograph. It’s my job to befriend our subjects, to help them feel comfortable with me and accentuate that comfort… tell a joke, show my vulnerability to them and let them know that I’m just another human, providing a service to them and their loved ones. Making a detailed record of them at this very unique time in their lives so that no one down the line will have to ask If there’s a nice picture of Uncle Ken, they’ll only need to turn to the wall and look at the record that’s on display in their home.  The portraits that Jordan Photography hung there for them! 

Choosing the Right Last-Minute Wedding Photographer

It’s a lot to worry about and sometimes procrastination is a more powerful force than we want it to be. Life gets in the way and certain far off things take a back seat to stuff that happens in our day to day lives. This does not mean that you don’t deserve to have the very best in wedding photography services! In our line of work, flexibly is king! There’s a lot we can do in a short amount of time that will ensure that we have the relationships in place, t’s crossed and i’s dotted so that your wedding day is seamless and flows from one highlight to the next and the photo story we end up with doesn’t feel like anything was done ‘last minute’!

Following the couple all day, from start to finish will allow us to tell the most complete story of your special wedding day!

One of our most memorable ‘last minute’ couples was Sara and Nick. They’re a military family and were stationed far from home when he proposed to her. Being from the Greater Cincinnati area, It was imperative to them both that they get married in front of their friends and family here in the area. Sara reached out to Charity via email and over the coarse of just a small amount of time, we were able to get to know them through a series of processes we have in place, open and regular communication via email, text and so forth and when the day of the wedding came everything went according to plan! I went with Nick and his groomsmen and Charity spent the day with Sara and her maids. Everyone became fast friends and the photos we made for them and their family that day came out like we’d all known one another forever!

Charity will use light, shadow, line, texture, and posing techniques to create a work of art as you as the elegant subject! 🙂

Our philosophy is simple; comfortably makes good photos. If we know you and you trust us, then we are free to capture the true feeling of your day! We like to meet early and grow a relationship with you and your family but it’s not necessary. If you’re getting married in 2020, drop us a line! There’s still plenty of time for you to get what you deserve out of your wedding photos! 🙂

The couple looks on as their officiant says a few wise words during their ceremony. Tommy will discuss where he can and can not be during your ceremony but likes to have unique perspectives for story telling purposes!

The value of symbolism

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. A classic wedding day poem that reminds us in a hand full of words the importance of symbolism on a wedding day. Some brides might be wearing a family heirloom on their dress or the dress of a loved one all together.  Each celebration is as unique as the people celebrating their love on the day. In our line of work we have seen a few variations on tradition. Some keep with the standards, others don’t!   

Catherine and Levi met while both were far from home at college.  After only a few classes together they knew their relationship was meant to be! Ever the gentleman, Levi was careful and respectful in his courtship of Catherine and in her words “didn’t ask me out officially until two months later!”  She told me that 100 days after he did she was visiting him and his family in Ohio and he proposed! Nothing to flashy though, just the two of them talking together in a quiet room. He pulled out a wooden box that he had carved by hand called ‘The Box of Questions’.  It had a handful of ‘getting to know you’ questions on it and at the bottom of the box was an engagement ring which he used to ask the biggest question of them all! 

The symbolism is obviously very important with this couple!  The day of their wedding it was even more evident. As it goes with the groom’s family, when the boy becomes a certain age, he will receive a wooden practice sword intended to symbolize the idea that he is should now be considering his future, to put it in the simplest of terms.  At another milestone age he will receive an ACTUAL BROADSWORD! This is meant to serve as a reminder to the young man of his responsibilities as an adult and that he needs to remain pure and honest in his endeavors, staying true to his beliefs and honoring himself and his family. Finally on his wedding day he is presented with a shield to go with his sword!  This is to be a symbol of protection and strength and will serve to remind he and his new bride of his role as protector and provider! The Idea is unique and the symbolism is something that I think we can all relate to with our own families on some level… Oh and the hardware in this tradition is AMAZING! 

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