Last month, a group of 7 of us photographers; Sarah Barlow, Liana Lehman, Amy Nave, Shyla, Crystal Goss, Jasmine Star and I came together in Denver to do a volunteer photo project for Volunteers of America Colorado.  These women are not only amazing photographers - but they have huge hearts.  Spending a week together working on this project was so fufilling and I can't wait to do it again.   Thank you to all of you for traveling all the way to Denver and for an amazing week and being so inspiring!

Here are some of the girls (thanks for the collage sarah!)

Volunteers of America is a faith-based human service nonprofit based in Denver, Colo.  They do so much for so many people in the Denver area - and I was blown away by the number of lives they impact on a daily basis.  Together, the group photographed over 15 different programs from a Martin Luther King Day Celebration to a battered women's shelter to meals on wheels and so many more.  VOA Colorado's mission is to provide support, shelter and hope for those who need it most - I have no doubt they are accomplishing their mission a hundred times over every single day.   Jim White and Heather Spencer were responsible for organizing the project - thanks you two!  Your dedication to your work is so obvious.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the shoot...

The next shot is of a man named Tyrone who I met at the VOA Mission.  He stopped me in my tracks with his contagious smile and optimism.  Tyrone came to Denver just a few months ago after growing up in New Orleans and is a true survivor of Katrina.  I spent about an hour with Tyrone listening to his stories of the storm and the effect it had on his life and the lives of so many others.  Tyrone, thank you so much for the privilege of meeting and photographing you.  Your spirit is amazing and your stregth of heart is awe-inspiring.

Tyrone and so many others throughout the course of this shoot reminded me of how fragile life can be.  They all had a story to share.  As part of the project, we asked folks to write a word - or a few words - describing themselves to the core.  It was amazing to see their voices come to life on a piece of paper.  You can see more in the slideshow below.

Below is a link to a slideshow produced by Sarah Barlow combining all 7 of our photos for VOA COLORADO and their mission to feed, shelter and support.  Thank you Sarah!  (Be sure to press play on the slideshow!)

CLICK HERE!

Much love,

Jenna

Jenna Walker Photography is back within cell phone service! I returned late last night to Denver after 10 glorious days in Isla Mujeres for some R & R, a few photo safaris, family time and some creative brainstorming. Below are just a few lessons I've returned home with...

Look through a different lens.

Find the fun in everything.

Laugh.

And play.

Enjoy the view.

And the journey.

Jenna and Matt have a few more days to soak up the sun (lucky them!) and I'm sure they will have lots to share with you. Special thanks to Susan Pacek for recommending Isla Mujeres so long ago (she is the incredible photographer who was married on the Island in June of 2007).

Much love!

Katie

Well, we are quickly adapting to the good life on Isla Mujeres! 

It's a dog's life here - and cat's too...even when you go to dinner - they come too.  Of course, we love them.

This morning there were several birthday parties at the public beach and this little girl was perplexed by the camera - but her mom thought it was hysterical.  

Katie and I went on our first photo safari and walked for about 2 hours through the local neighborhoods.  I focused on doors. I really think we need to start painting our houses more interesting vibrant colors in the states!   

This is Katie's try at our first self portrait. 

But the big news of the day is that it is VALENTINE'S DAY today - and of course, we wish you all the best day with your loved ones - and who knew that it was such a BIG holiday in Isla Mujeres as well!  (We think it might be even a bigger deal here - there are balloons, roses and presents everywhere!).  We wish you all lots of love today -  

 A family of 3 on a moped.  Valentine's Day delivery photo #2. 

Much love from Isla,

Jenna and Katie 

Viva Mexico!

Well, we made it safely to Isla Mujeres, Mexico - a small island about 20 minutes off the coast of Cancun via ferry.  We arrived at about 8pm to Villa La Bella and this place is amazing.  We were greeted by the owners Ashley and Curtis - and two couples from Iowa and Texas - and are quickly falling deeply in love with this place!  

The b&b by the sea...

The waves are massive on this side of the island...and not that we know much about the ocean - but we swear they are 10 foot swells!  

It's 5:00 somewhere...or at 11am here!  

Bar stools.

The preferred method of transport on the island.  

yep, she can't leave work at home.

Our excellent host Curtis!  He and his wife Ashley built this place and it is such a piece of art - and they are the best!  If you are looking for a great place to honeymoon - visit them here!  They will tell you all of the best places on the island - and they are just really real, genuine folks!  

Much love!

Katie (and jenna!)

Well, the time has finally come to say goodbye to the old and in with the new...and honestly - it is kind of hard to give up the old blog.  We all share a lot of history in that blog but we are so excited about the features that this new blog will allow us.  With the old blog, we could only do updates from the studio desktop computer - and now we can make updates from any computer.   Matt just bought a new video camera and it promises to be a new source of entertainment for us - and no doubt you as well as we've already added the section "things that make us laugh".   With the old blog - we couldn't embed videos or slideshows - so this is pretty exciting for us! We also added a "photos of the week" section to give us the opportunity to post images from our everyday lives and the past that we want to share on a daily basis.  

I know a year from now, this blog will be filled with so many life changing moments and no doubt our life will change through yours as well.  Here's to an incredible journey!

Oh, and speaking of a journey - stay tuned next week as Jenna & I set off Monday for an adventure in Isla Mujeres, Mexico - we hope to work hard and play hard on the island...and share our experiences here!

Much love,

Katie, Jenna & Matt!