Kickin' it with Kork-Ease: #OriginalYou

Kickin' it with Kork-Ease: #OriginalYou

Friday, April 7, 2017

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If you follow me on social media you will know I hardly ever post photos of myself. Let me explain why:

On the rare occasion that I have a bit of free time, I am usually hanging out with my family, friends, trying to collaborate and shoot for myself, playing with my sweet pups, or exploring. Living in my world recently has consisted of a schedule similar to this: Wakeup, workout, go to school to teach, go to a shoot, go to school to learn, come home, edit, email, lesson plan, sleep and be ready to do it all over again the next day.

In those rare, spare moments I get to just be, the last thing I am thinking of is going out and taking photos of myself, however; if I am going to be completely honest, even when I did have the time, I would never take them... here's why:

1. I don't love the way that I look in most photographs, just being honest.
2. It is extremely difficult to take a good self-portrait.
3. I'd rather take photos of other people... that's my passion!
4. I don't ever have to take photos of myself, so why would I?


Well,  this awesome brand called Kork-Ease comes along and they basically say to me, "You are an influencer! We want to see you on the other side of the camera, we are going to sponsor you, but only on the condition that YOU are the one modeling our shoes."

Say whaaaaaaaat?!

Long story short, I decided it would be a good idea to step out of my comfort zone and see what it feels like to be on the other side and honestly... I loved it! I felt empowered and beautiful after all was said and done. I even enjoyed submitting them to the company. So, I decided to work with Kork-Ease for another campaign this year as an influencer for their #OriginalYou line which is absolutely incredible. I am talking perfection wrapped up into a buttery soft leather shoe here people! A must have, especially if you are on your feet all day like I am.

So, this year, continuing my theme of being raw and real, I will be trying to post more images of myself. I want to encourage you all to go do so too. Step out of your box and try new and exciting things. Adventure is out there, you just have to be willing to go after it and embrace it!

Here are both of my interviews with Kork-Ease:

#OriginalYou Campaign: Jenny Megenney Kork-Ease #OriginalYou

Fall inspired: Kork-Ease Fall inspired 



Outfit:
Shoes: Kork-Ease
Duster: BahaRanch Western Wear
Jeans: American Eagle 
Rings: Inverness and Crane
Anklet:Pura Vida Bracelets

It's Always Sunny in SoCal | Hax Swim

It's Always Sunny in SoCal | Hax Swim

Thursday, February 9, 2017

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A few days ago I went to Malibu for the first time. As a SoCal native I was so excited to finally get to see a little slice of what this paradise looked like. The shoot was for the company Hax Clothing which is a super rad swim wear and clothing co. I was stoked because the shoot was with my dear friend and model extraordinaire Jamie Kidd.

We had a ton of laughs as we would yell "Yassss" at Jamie whenever she posed differently and it looked amazing. The car rides to the different beaches consisted of sharing stories of our different passions but similar themes of independence, grit, and persistency chasing our dreams as small business owners.

The greatest part about my job as a photographer, hands down, is meeting people. Getting up close and personal with a model and a company usually leads to friendships and buisness partnerships that last a lifetime. All the vibes were good and there was nothing better than getting that email after I finished editing from the owner of Hax saying, "Omg amazing! Love love love them!" followed by several other kind words and praises. 

Hax is soon to be on their way to Mexico to finish shooting their line and I could not be more excited for them and all that the beautiful country has in store. I cannot wait to work with this incredible company again in the future, have more laughs, and more adventures.

New Year, New Blog, New Photos, New Adventures....

New Year, New Blog, New Photos, New Adventures....

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

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Hey everyone,

This year I have decided to run my blog a little differently. Normally, I would procrastinate and decide to blog only when I feel like it, and post only photos of models or clients or friends... This year, that is all going to change.

Don't you ever feel like you censor yourself? Your thoughts, ideas, emotions? Well, I know for a fact that I censor my photos based on what I think my audience will approve of, like, comment on, and share... ( I am one of those people... yep...) I get so nervous when a post doesn't get as much attention as a previous one. If clothing brands don't want to collaborate, or better yet actually pay me for my work, I start questioning what is wrong with my vision. If I don't get my set number of inquiries a day, I am worried I am going to go completely broke, so basically, in a nut shell, I am worried I will end up a starving artist with no work and no passion.

I realized something these past couple of weeks into this new year though...I am starving. I'm starving to be myself again, to actually love my work again, and to feel fulfilled through my visions, ideas, and images.

So... here I go. It's called the adventures of Jenny Megenney for a reason right? Here I am, out on a limb, telling you all that I am going to get raw and real starting right now.

This being my first new post of the year, I wanted to start on a positive note. Below I have listed my hopes and dreams for the new year with my business. As I fulfill or fail on each one, I will write a post about it.

So, here goes nothing:

- Get published not only digitally, but in actual print.

- Get in front of the camera more often and actually post the photos.

-Work with a brand I believe in.

-Post more with less hesitation.

-Throw the coolest workshop ever that inspires and influences others artistically.

-Work for the passion.

Alright... there's a pretty solid list there. I feel good!

I typically don't post my iPhone photography photos but lately I feel like they have been on point! So here are my top few favorite iPhone photos from the new year! I did an iPhone photography workshop a few years ago and it was so much fun... I am thinking of hosting another one closer to summer for all of the fun adventures people typically tend to take around that time of year. Keep an eye out for all the fun!

Christmas Love

Christmas Love

Saturday, December 24, 2016

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Two days ago I was sitting in my most favorite spot to edit, the sun room of the A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands. I always choose to sit in two spots, either right up against the clear glass windows that faces a beautiful garden filled with orange trees, wooden benches, and birds, or back one table so I can see the entire room. It is absolutely beautiful, that room that is filled with vintage wooden tables and chairs, lanterns that illuminate just the right amount of light, and a magical aura. Although just describing this room gives my body chills, while inside of it, it is as if you can feel the souls of each of the authors who's books resides there.

As I was editing Jessica and Alexander's session, I laughed out loud, wiped away several run away trickling tears, and I then decided to reflected on what love meant to me in that moment...

Love is unconditional, it allows us room to grow together. It is laughing at each other, encouraging each other, and respecting each other. It's compromise and hard work. It is raw and authentic. It is playful and fun. It is honesty and trust. It is giving everything you have got to one person without hesitation. It is passionate... but above all, it is coming together as two individuals and growing as one soul... and it is so much more.

This Christmas, and holiday season, I hope we can all take the time to reflect on what we believe love is and express it to each other. I defined my idea of love with two people, but there are so many other kinds to reflect on as well, self love, family love, love for your pets, your job, your children, etc.

Allow love to grow. Allow it to flourish.

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland...

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland...

Thursday, December 15, 2016

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Alright friends, I am not going to lie to you I am the Queen of Christmas and this year has been a little on the rough side getting into the spirit. The weather was 90 the other day, I wore shorts and a tank top, school doesn't get out until the 23rd (pure torture), and I have been so busy editing I feel like I have barely had a minute to breathe let alone soak in the season (hug your local photog today...) 

There have only been a few really big holiday moments for me so far, my annual ugly sweater party, Christmas movies, and my senior session with Sam. Here in SoCal, snow is pretty much a foreign language. We don't know what to do with it, we think all snow is the same (except the yellow don't worry...) so I am sure you could imagine our excitement when driving and seeing all this gorgeous powder on the ground! 

We were like two kids in a candy store running around in this winter wonderland! 

Merry early Christmas to us!

Rooftop Daze

Rooftop Daze

Monday, November 21, 2016

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There's nothing more exhilarating than sneaking on a rooftop in an old apartment complex in Los Angles with model and blogger Nikia from Mad Maven Style. Looking across the city of Angels from this view was already an incredible experience in itself, but the afternoon created a gorgeous backdrop where the shining city met the blue sky and the breeze was just right, crisp and subtle. 

Our time on that rooftop was just like any others I am sure you all have experienced. At first we were nervous and anxiety ridden, tip toeing across the sunken ground below our feet, hoping we wouldn't get caught. Then the adrenaline perished, and we were faced to listen no more to the hard beating of our hearts, but to the whispering wind. Moments passed, a friendship was built, and we began what everyone does when faced with a gorgeous view and a free afternoon...we talked. 

Our words were filled with mutual understandings of the industry both of us are in and the struggles we face on a daily basis to remain unique enough to have companies want to work with us. We talked collaboration, failed attempts at fashion, and then we moved into the deeper conversations of friendships and our passions, and of course love. 

I am so thankful for that day on that rooftop, to have made a new friend. I am also so excited to say that only a few days later, Nikia got engaged to the man of her dream, the love of her life. I only got to meet him for a quick second at their home, but I could tell their love is something sweet...