Jessica Oatman Photography Blog - Williamsburg, VA and Springfield, MO

.the more, the merrier.

2009-07-09T08:28:00.002-06:00

Last weekend I got together with a family from out of town who decided to have their photos done. It was one of those things where you don't get together often and when you do, you should capture it. Myself, coming from a large family knows exactly how this can be. I don't think we've had a photo of everyone in a couple of years. There just always seems to be someone missing. So, I met up with them in Colonial Williamsburg to capture their super sweet family. It's always great getting to know the people you are taking photos of. So many personalities and yet everyone is Family. I love it!

Happy first little kenna beans!

2009-07-02T19:29:00.002-06:00

It was a day worth celebrating. She's already one. Our little "kenna beans" has grown so fast and is also moving around now... fast! She's been walking since about 10 months and hasn't stopped since. She rules the house, the boys, and the toys. Montana is going to have his hands full once she can actually start talking. She'll rat him out in a heartbeat. We just had a little family party for her in the morning where she feasted on cake, opened her presents, and smiled for the camera. She's such a ham and a joy to have with us. We love her to pieces. Happy first birthday Makenna!

fun+spunky=seniors

2009-06-27T05:28:00.002-06:00

I love shooting seniors. They have got to be some of my favorites and Nikki was no exception. I was leaving on Tuesday morning to go back to Virginia after having shot other seniors, weddings, babies, and families. She called to see I had any time to get her in. Well we squeezed her in on early monday right before my sons doctor appointment. So glad we did. She's just awesome anyways and her pictures are too cute. We had fun walking around downtown and the park. Enjoy Nikki!

.crazy behind the wheel.

2009-06-26T04:59:00.003-06:00

I can't believe how fast the time can go. My little one will now be 1 next week. She's mobile and all over the place. She already thinks she's the boss of the house and of all the boys. If this is any inkling what she will be like when she gets older... oh boy had I better get ready. I love her to pieces and love squishing her chunky self. She's my little girl, Montana's princess (as he says), and our "daddy's girl". Love her!

catching up

2009-06-24T19:34:00.002-06:00

I went to Springfield, Missouri about three weeks ago now and am trying to play the game of catch up. I think I'm starting to make a dent in all the sessions. I finished a senior and am on to the second one. He's such a neat guy with many unique interests. He's also a talented swimmer and I know this cause I coached him. I'm sure that when his graduation day comes and he goes on to college he will be a very successful guy!

.love is forever.

2009-06-22T07:10:00.003-06:00

What a trip I had. Lets just say that. The wedding itself.... wonderful! I could not have shot a more lovely wedding. It was such an intimate wedding and everything was just so well put together. I fell in love with the house they were getting ready at.. her parents. The church was gorgeous, the cake was awesome, the colors were neat, the apparel rocked. I loved it. Oh and the bride was stunning. Getting to the wedding was completely different story. It was actually a nightmare, especially for the photographer the day before the wedding. Not fun. It started out with being at the airport at 11:00, plane leaving at 12:40. Due to weather in chicago we didn't leave until 5:30pm. Then I get to chicago and the plane to Springfield is cancelled. They put me on a flight to St. Louis that night cause there wasn't a plane going to Springfield until the day of the wedding. My St. Louis flight... cancelled. Another flight to St. Louis.... cancelled. I try to rent a car to drive from Chicago to Springfield- 9 hours of driving... the cars were all rented. Oh what to do... panic and scream! Then I get on a flight finally going to Kansas City. Arrive in Kansas City at 2am and drive to Springfield after my in-laws come to get me. Get to Springfield at 5am, get 3 hours of sleep and show up to the wedding at 10am. Total CRAZINESS!!! But it was worth it. The wedding was awesome!

total sweetness

2009-06-18T20:08:00.003-06:00

Another sweet family from my trip to Springfield, Missouri. I've been so busy trying to get pics edited and such but just feel like I don't have the time for anything else. I have been wanting to post these and find myself doing other things to play catch-up. But anyways, I have some of this session and thought I'd post their sneak peek. What a cute family and adorable children. Hope you enjoy Becca. Talk to again soon.

.love.

2009-06-14T05:05:00.004-06:00

I just love weddings. There is something about them. I love going to them and I love shooting them. Getting to capture all the special moments is really a neat thing. The way the bride and groom look at each other, the funny times, the sad times, the details that make up their day and I could just go on. Zack and Krista really made their day special. It was a gorgeous ceremony at a lovely church and the day was perfect. The weather was good so we couldn't complain. I think that as a bride you really pray for great weather. The two of them are just so wonderful together and you could see it during the service. Congratulations Krista and Zack!

one cutie

2009-06-11T19:33:00.002-06:00

This little girl was just so cute. She had the greatest personality for a child her age but then again it could have been that she just woke up from a nap. They are always happiest at that time and that's a good a thing. She did so well with being moved around from one location to another. Her mom, aunt, and grandma where there to make the smiles come. I'll say that is one crafty family. I don't think there was anything they didn't make from the dresses to the blocks she was playing with. It was all so cute and she is one lucky little girl.

.for you.

2009-06-10T21:39:00.006-06:00

It's been a crazy two weeks and it really hasn't calmed down. I took my son to St. Jude for another treatment, which everything turned out good so we are happy about that. Afterwards, we traveled back to Springfield,MO to visit my in-laws and for me to do several photo shoots. I didn't think I would be as busy as I was, but I was wrong. I was super busy and it continued that way until the time we left. I shot three seniors, a wedding, two families and a baby. We had a great time and the kids did well. It was actually a fast trip. We are now back home in Virginia where all my fun begins... the editing.

The first senior I shot was just super fun. We've been planning her session for quite some time and you may remember her from a shoot about a year and a half ago. I can't believe it's been that long already. The time sure does go. Anyways, we had a great time getting together to do her pictures. She decided on going with the Japanese Gardens, which are just gorgeous. There are just so many places to shoot around there and the coolest building ever. She is totally willing to do all the fun things and that makes shooting great. I know that she is dying to see some pictures and I will NEVER hear the end of it if I don't post some. So, Olivia these are just for you. I haven't even unpacked the suitcase yet! I hope you enjoy them. I still have lots to edit. :)

.a gorgeous event.

2009-05-25T05:56:00.003-06:00

It was a gorgeous day to have an outdoor wedding. Everything turned out so wonderfully. The weather was sunny, warm and hardly any clouds in the sky. The bride was beautiful and the gown stunning. They are such a fun couple and just so easy going. I loved the colors of the wedding, the cake, and the reception. I couldn't believe how pretty the reception room looked. They just had such a great day to start the beginning of their "forever". Congrats Lindsey and Walt!

finally .... a day out.

2009-05-18T13:11:00.002-06:00

It's seems like forever since we've gone out and done something. In all actuality is really hasn't been that long, but being stuck inside with a 4 year boy who wants to go somewhere can really feel like an eternity. He takes after me. He hates staying home for too long. Yesterday it rained all day long and he wanted so badly to go play with his new water gun. It was too cold though and we can't afford for him to get sick right now. Well, today the sun decided to come out for a bit and we took full advantage of it. We weren't out a long time, but long enough for him to climb trees, run around, play in puddles and just be a boy. Thank goodness. I don't think I could have taken any more time inside either. Plus, I have been wanting to get some pictures of him now as a 4 year boy. He turned 4 at the beginning of the month and I just haven't gotten around to that part. I did today!

.Images of HOPE.

2009-05-15T11:25:00.003-06:00

The Images of HOPE site has been live now for about 3 months. I am super excited for it be up and going. Livebooks was absolutely amazing to work with and totally understanding in what it was that I was looking for. I am so greatful for all the hard work they did.

Images of HOPE is a non- profit organization that brings awareness to childhood cancer through photography. We offer special sessions free of charge to children and families who are dealing with cancer. By capturing images of children with these life threatening diseases we hope to spread awareness and capture priceless moments that will last a lifetime. If you know anyone who would benefit from an Images of HOPE session feel free to call or email. There are currently 15 photographers involved located through the Unites States and one in Brazil. Be sure to check out www.hopeconquers.org for more information.

It's times like these.

2009-05-13T18:53:00.002-06:00

I've said I would try to blog more and I'm trying to stick to it. It's times like these those that I love and the moments that I want to capture on camera. Montana was so excited to take his transformer fishing pole out with his daddy. He'll never catch anything cause he won't take the plastic piece off the end. No way, It has Optimus Prime on it. That's not important though. What's important though is the smile on his face... priceless. He just thought it was so neat to be out in the water with his daddy who was also fishing by his side. Way too cute. My daughter on the other hand was eating sand and rocks. Doesn't make it easy to be the photographer when every time I turn around she has something new in her mouth. She's a handful at times, but always makes us laugh.

.Family.

2009-05-12T05:30:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile once again and I really need to get this blogging thing going. I have just been so busy and our lives feel like they are spinning in circles. I hate that feeling. This week, however, I WILL get things organized and ready. My busy season with photography is starting up, so I really really need to get more put together. This past weekend we decided to do a last minute family trip down to Gatlinburg, TN. After this weekend things start getting hectic and by the time everything slows down again I'll be too far along with baby #3 to really get to go anywhere. Montana really enjoyed it. We took him to the Ripley's Aquarium, fishing in the Smokey Mountains, to NOC in North Carolina, ate ice cream, went swimming, and just had an overall great time. I think Makenna liked it too. She did like the swimming part and seeing the fish swim up close.

getting in the groove

2009-04-11T12:49:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile since I've updated with pictures and it's been awhile since I've done pictures of my own kids. Makenna is now nine months and Montana is just getting so much older. He's talking so much better and is saying full sentences... sometimes. For the most part he's doing good and loving hanging out with his little uncle Adam. It's a daily thing to ask to see him. The weather is getting warmer and with that I begin to get very happy. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is being 8 months pregnant in August here in Virginia. I'll be spending all my time at the pool. :)

So to catch up on the whole photo thing and the pics of the kids, I took them out the other evening to this field with the sun setting. They both got dirty... filthy dirty, but I love the way they turned out. Montana truly loves his little sister and can make her laugh instantly. Even though he has his days when he picks on her, he loves to go and get her from her naps, give her kisses, and play games with her. It's too cute. Sibling love can be great! His little "Kemma".

a new family member

2009-03-20T04:30:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile since I have posted on here but then again the last two months have not been normal. It started off with packing for our move to Virginia, Montana getting sick, the whole family getting sick, swim meets, more packing, the actual drive, getting here and trying to unpack and montana getting sick again. We are doing well now and trying to adjust to the life here. The house is still a mess but the kids are doing great. I haven't been able to do much in the photography area just yet but my feet are starting to get wet again. I think it's about time. I have been missing it.

Before I left, however, I did a quick session for my friend who had just had a baby boy. What a cutie this little thing is. I know they have been patiently waiting to see some pics and I'm sorry for taking so long. He's probably changed so much already, but at least these will help you to remember the first two weeks at home. :) Enjoy guys!

can we say.. cute?

2009-02-02T12:04:00.003-06:00

This family is way to cute. They're going to have to be careful with this little one because she was loving the camera. Most little kids take a while to warm up to having their picture taken but not her. She worked it right from the beginning. Her eyes were gorgeous...big and brown. What a ham she was!! They have baby number two coming in about two weeks and if he/she is anything like it's sister they will have their hands full. But that's a good thing because she was a lot of fun and had us laughing quite a bit.

.7 months and growing.

2009-01-31T09:30:00.002-06:00

She turns 7 months in two days. Man she's getting big. I'm not complaining because I love the stages that are coming up starting from now. These are my favorite. It's funny cause in the beginning it seems to take so long for the days to go by and to get any sleep. Then they hit a certain age and the time just goes. That's when I start to look back and think, Oh my gosh I didn't do pictures of them doing this or that. I need to get my act together I guess. Today the weather is supposed to get warmer and that means that all of our snow will be gone pretty soon. I got to thinking this morning in bed that I should hurry up and take some pics of Makenna in the snow before it's too late. So at 8:30 this morning I dragged my lovely little daughter and the basket outside to take some pictures. She is such a little trooper and smiled through most of it.

A day in the snow

2009-01-29T07:20:00.002-06:00

The other day we received a mini ice storm and then the following day we received about 2 inches of snow. I don't think the weather people were expecting the snow part but my husband and son sure were happy. It wasn't the kind of good snow for building a snowman though. Montana wanted to build one so bad so maybe when it starts melting some we can fix him a little one. He did have fun being pulled on the sled however. His counts went up some so we let him go out for awhile... twice. I just hate the bundling up part. It seems to take forever to get a kid ready to go play in the snow and just as long to get them undressed. Either way, he had a good time. My husband on the other hand is just a nut. He takes any opportunity to ride on different terrain. I guess the snow was a little more difficult than planned but he too was just as happy as well as I for taking pics.

a great sister in-law

2009-01-25T10:13:00.002-06:00

The other day I went out with my sister in-law to do some photos of her. She will be graduating from college this May and I'm sure she can't wait just like any other college student. No more tests, studying, cramming, professors, books, uh and the list could go on. She's such a sweet person and I'm sure she'll do just as well in the REAL world as she has done in the college world.

everyone loves extra baby rolls

2009-01-23T11:32:00.003-06:00

My little cutie is already 6.5 months now. She's growing like a weed and only getting bigger. She loves her food and anyone elses. We have to be careful with what we have in front of us because she'll eat it without a doubt. So far there hasn't been anything that she doesn't like. Maybe just sweet potatoes. She tends to spit those back out. I'm loving this age and getting older means getting better... for me. My favorite age is about the 8 month mark. They are just too cute at that stage.

It's all over...

2009-01-09T08:36:00.003-06:00

As long as it took for our trip to Hawaii to come, it is all over and done now. It's amazing how long it takes for something you are looking forward to, to get here and then how fast it's finished. We had been waiting for our trip to Hawaii for over a year. Last Dec when Montana was in hospital, his grandparents thought it would be cool to spend this new year doing something different and being some place cool. So, they got us all a trip to Hawaii- Kauai for about 9 days. I had been looking forward to the beaches, the warm weather, the scenery, and the atmosphere for so long. It was everything I thought it would be and so much more. Montana loved it. He loved the pools and the beaches. What else can you expect from a kid that is a water bug though? We traveled, took tons of pictures, shopped and had a blast. We got to see sights like Pearl Harbor and Waimai Falls. It really is a gorgeous place and I plan to go back again. We didn't want to leave but then again most people don't. We actually met a guy on our zip lining tour that was from KC. He went there on vacation and then decided to stay with only what he had on his back. I thought about it and I'm sure my husband thought it about it for longer than 5 min. We just have too much going on in our lives right now to get to do that. But, we are the kind of people to do something crazy like that. So, in about 3 years if you don't hear from us for awhile look on the island of Kauai! :)

Santa is coming!

2008-12-23T08:53:00.004-06:00

It's about that time. Only two days left until the guy in the big red coat leaves presents for the kiddos and it all makes a mess in my living room. I'm completely ready. I have purchased everything I need, sent out all gifts, and wrapped the goods. My son finally has some sort of clue as to what is going to happen and that makes me happy. I can't wait to see the smile on his face when he wakes up and sees the gifts under the tree. It's going to be great! This year, we will be having Christmas morning at our house with just the kids and then head over to papa and gigi's house for some family time and lunch. For some reason, I feel as though I have been so busy this month and haven't really taken any pictures of the kids or the holiday spirit. I managed to finally get some christmasy shots of the kids the other day. It's amazing to look at pictures and see how fast they change. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very merry New Year!!

Back home!

2008-12-12T12:24:00.004-06:00

We went to St. Jude again this past tuesday so that montana could get his procedures done. Everything ran smoothly and we were done and out of there before we knew it. It's amazing how fast the time can fly from one appt to the other. It'll be 8 more weeks before we head back out there again. We got lucky this time and actually made it there for the Target Christmas party. It's such a wonderful event that Target hosts for all the kids at St. Jude. Each child gets to pick a toy, they get a gift card and many books. Not only do the patients get these gifts but so do their siblings. They really do think of everyone over there. We truly are so blessed to be going to such an amazing hospital. Once we arrived back home we've mainly just been hanging out. The weather is cold and Montana can't afford to get sick. This weekend will be his Make- A- Wish party where he can show off all his pictures from the wonderful trip we had back in October to Disney World. He'll be excited to see the cupcakes that Jani is going to bring over. I'm such a cupcake fan myself that I think its rubbed off on him. :) I'll be sure to take some pictures. But until then, here are some more images of Makenna and Montana!