Steven. Class of 2015

Congratulations, Steven!  And thank you for allowing Carolyn and I to be your photographers.
That hat, Kenai and everything else came together perfectly.  Kenai really does think he's a two-legged dog, doesn't he!?

I'm looking forward to seeing your name on the PlayBill when Oklahoma comes out as a production during your senior year.

It's been a real treat and honor for us to be able to photograph you and your brothers over the years.  Thank you.

See you again soon.

Congratulations Paulina and Enrique!

Tequila and Bailey, the dog kids of one of our favorite families have a new sister.  Beautiful Andrea made her first appearance at the studio today.  With Carolyn's amazing assistance, we created outstanding memories that will be treasures for years to come. She's a simply beautiful little baby girl.

We can't wait to see Miss A and everyone again soon!

Thank you again.  Many, many more photographs to share with you.

The Kosin Family

A beautiful way to start the day thanks to a stunning, fun dog and cat family.  So many fun photos to choose from.  It was a challenge deciding what to post here today.

Smokey

I'm not at liberty to say which local animal care organization will make this beautiful and handsome German Shepherd available for adoption in the next couple of days.  We photographed him today as part of our weekly Pet Patrol program (every Thursday of every week for the past 25 years.)  And after working with Smokey today I can't resist posting a couple photos of him.  He would be an absolutely perfect Jensen dog.  However, out of respect for our five dogs, especially 15+ year old Grizzabella, it is not an option.

This tennis ball obsessed 8-year-old is so sweet.  I know he will find a beautiful forever home.

2014 Puppy Up Anchorage

2014 Puppy Up! Anchorage: SHARE!!
September 13; 9 a.m.: Registration. 11 a.m.: 2 mile dog walk.
Every one of us has experienced cancer either personally or through a friend or family member, two and four legged.
Now, you can do someth...ing about it!
Come out! Share your stories and celebrate your love for animal companions while supporting and participating in this nationwide event.
Please SHARE this information and signup through the following link.
http://puppyupanchorage.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1105858
Thank you.

Gringo

This was a special assignment for me today.  It's complicated.  But I love the results and felt the need to share.  

Hope you enjoy.

Kyle. Class of 2014

Kyle stopped by for senior portraits yesterday.  He graduated earlier this year ... congratulations!

Another highlight of the day was his husky pup, Jasmine.  What a great dog!

The Arnett Family

Everett and Marie Harris, Nancy and Ken Jensen, and Russ and Betty Arnett.  1968 Alaska Bar Christmas party.  <3

The best case scenario would have been that my first attempt to post some of these photos had worked as I intended.  So much for my computer skills.

On arrival for my work with their family, Betty Arnett gave me a photograph showing her, her husband, Attorney Russ Arnett, Ken and Nancy Jensen (my parents) and others enjoying a Christmas dinner in 1968.  It's a remarkable photo and means the world to me.  Thank you, Betty.  What memories.  Add those to my high school recollections while attending Service Hanshew with your kids .. wow!

All of this aside, here's a sneak peek at some of the portraits we captured last week.

Cousins Unite! The Hodgson Family

I worked with the Hodgson family following this morning's adventure with Layla and friends near Campbell Airstrip.  Carolyn assisted and took turns with the camera.  It all added up to a fun and successful day.

fyi ... afterward, I went home and took a well-deserved nap. ahhhh........ :)

Thanks everyone.  You made this a wonderful Sunday.

Get Wet. Layla and Sami

The fall drizzle this early morning was a perfect excuse send Layla into the creek for fun with the tennis ball and her new friend, Sami, a Bouvier des Flanders.

These images were captured after a two hour hike in the Campbell Airstrip area.

Eli. A survivor who wants to make a difference.

Eli (aka "Justice")
This young Yellow Labrador is a survivor. His cancer was removed by the expert and caring veterinarians and staff at College Village Animal Hospital.

Today, we donated our studio resources to help fight cancer in dogs...cancer in animal companions...cancer in anyone.

You'll see more of Eli's face and personality soon. He's the poster dog for a benefit walk coming up in September in support of finding solutions for cancer in dogs. More information coming soon.
Here's a website for PuppyUp Anchorage:
http://puppyupanchorage.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1105858

The Anchorage Lions Club

Anchorage's original Lion's Club has been a fixture in Alaska since 1944.  It's the state's first Lion's Club.  Lions focus on serving the community.  Their primary goal is to assist with vision and sight needs throughout the world.  However, Lions members do much more for their neighbors as volunteers with one purpose ... to serve.

Anchorage Lions Club's activities throughout the year include Christmas bell ringing in support of the Salvation Army's mission, volunteering for Covenant House, Anchorage Cleanup in the spring and fall, the Fireweed 400 (in support of raising funds for cancer research) and much more.

This year, I am honored to be the Anchorage Lion's Club president.

If you're interested in the Lions' activities, please drop me an email or call me at (907) 868-1680.  I'd be delighted to include you as a guest during one of our weekly (Friday) luncheons.  I'd also love to hear from you if you would like to bring a presentation to one of our meetings.


Random acts of kindness.

Random acts of kindness.
While I was photographing this incredible family at a golf course, their little boy saw a golf ball arrive near the cup.  The child thought about going to pickup the prize where it landed - after all, a ball is a wonderful thing.
The toddler hesitated and let it lay in its place.
The golfer finished his putt.
Then, he walked over to the little boy and handed a small green golf ball to the child and thanked him for letting him complete his game.
The golf ball had a small smiley face on it.
The boy treasured that gift for the remainder of the day and will have it - and this memory - for years to come.
This is a true story from earlier today.
It doesn't take much to make a smile.
dj

Erin & Ayla. Class of 2015

Erin's senior portrait session was fantastic!    The weather was beautiful and her dog, Ayla ---- what a character!   This is just a small sample of what Carolyn and I created with Erin.  Too fun!
 

Jennifer & Rob

Family and engagement portraits were enhanced by four fantastic dogs Tuesday.  We had a great time with the Meyer and Sherry families.  Somehow, you all tolerated my eclectic sense of humor.

Thanks everyone.  We really enjoyed working with all of you.

dj