Jen Dean Jen Dean

Project 365 | A photo every day this year

A photo every day this year. Honestly, that seems pretty daunting even to me. Don't get me wrong, I love getting to look at the world through the lens. I enjoy watching people with my camera. I like the challenge that comes from finding the light and getting the composition that is 'just right'. But doing this every day. In my personal life not my professional work. Even on the days when nothing seems very interesting. When the light is just totally flat wherever I look. When I don't feel inspired or compelled. That is going to be tough, I know it. All the things I listed- have already happened in this first week. 

Read More

Best of 2017 Slideshow and Thank You

There are so many times every year that I realize I am so much more than a photographer. I am the secret keeper. The observer, the orchestrator, the calm presence or the one who stirs the pot for laughter! I hold your hand and tell you that you are indeed worth it. That it's ok to give yourself permission to celebrate yourself. That it's ok that your family fights in front of me. That it's ok that your children won't sit still. 

Read More

Gift Certificates | For Sessions and Photography Classes

Did you know that you can order a gift certificate and have it arrive at your home beautifully packaged in time for the Holiday!? Just use the link below to choose the type of gift certificate you would like to have. Then give us your shipping address and what you would like the card to say and we will take care of the rest!

Read More

Ep 9 Jesseca, To Love and Accept

We all learn different lessons in life and they come to us in numerous ways. Jesseca shares a lesson that she never dreamed that she would have to learn. It has taught her about love and acceptance of those that she loves in a whole new way. I respect her so much for the way she handled herself in the middle of watching her life fall apart. I also respect what she let that time in her life teach her about the world, accepting others, telling the truth, true love and kindness to ourselves.  There are so many things that life will teach us if we choose to learn them. 

Read More

Mini Portrait Sessions | In Westbrook Studio | December 9th

This special holiday mini-session allows you and your family to update your album just in time for the season.  A quick and intimate shoot at my studio that will result in beautiful images of your littles perfect for holiday cards, updated prints for your portrait wall, a canvas for grandma - now's the perfect time to print your memories and share them with those you love!

Read More
The Gardenia Project, Storytelling Jen Dean The Gardenia Project, Storytelling Jen Dean

Ep 7 - Bambi on Rewiring our Brain

Learning to cope with the anxiety our brain creates and how we can take back control is the subject of the this podcast. Bambi suffered from panic disorder and debilitating anxiety and learned how to control the panic before it escalated to a full blown attack.  She is now a brain coach and helps people learn how to control their brain and anxiety. 

Read More
Jen Dean Jen Dean

Summer in Maine Reminiscing | Family

One of my favorite images is the black and white in the van. The kids all talking at the same time, singing, and with their heads in their own world. It shows the chaos that is 6 kids, 9 and younger all together. But also reminds me how an image can stop a split second in time, the fleeting light at dusk, and a glimpse of the energy and love in that moment. 

Read More

Ep 6 - Michelle on Receiving the Greatest Trust that can be Bestowed

As this story shows a lot of how things play out it life may depend on your heart. And your actions. And on the way you treat and respect others. 

Listen to Michelle's story for proof of just that. I love a story with a happy ending. And I am so excited to share this uplifting story as the start to our second season of storytelling!

Read More
Education Jen Dean Education Jen Dean

Beginners Photography Class September 30th!

Are you a parent who loves taking portraits of your child?! But the images aren't what you envisioned...

Did you buy a fancy new DSLR (not a point and shoot) and can't figure out how to do anything outside the 'Auto Mode'? Do you know the basics but can't seem to get to the next level? Then this is the class for you! 

Read More

Fierce Feminine

This is a specific series. It's about claiming the feminine. About seeing that as wonderful, beautiful, and delicate, as well as strong, fiery, and fierce. Because I know lots of fierce girls who love to play dress up and who also climb trees, dig in the dirt, play sports, and stand up for themselves. I want them to know they can be all those things at the same time. That they can be feminine and fierce.

Read More
The Gardenia Project Jen Dean The Gardenia Project Jen Dean

Ep 5 Nora - No Shame, Life after Attempting Suicide

Nora's story is heart breaking and powerful. She suffered a huge loss as a teen and spiraled into darkness that wouldn't lift. It lead her to rock bottom. More than once. She hid her feelings and pretended she was fine for many years. She learned the hard way how hiding and stuffing sadness down doesn't work for her and what she needed to do to change the course of her life. She learned to live. It was a long hard road. 

Read More
Jen Dean Jen Dean

Chicks Squared or Sprites in the woods in Poland, ME

Once in awhile I like to post something personal. Because I like to share that I have a life that I love and it's what motivates the work I create. And also, because sometimes I just can't resist. I adore these images and the pure joy of friendship and love of baby animals that they captured. I just had to share them. 

Read More

Ep 4 - Kathy on Dealing with Darkness

Kathy is just like you and me. Someone you might see in the line at the grocery store or meet in your networking group. She is married and has two kids and a runs a successful business. That's the stuff we all know about each other. The things that we share with people. What we let people see of us. Then there are the things that we don't share. Kathy decided that she wanted to get brave and share her story about dealing with depression and anxiety. She has dealt with both of those things her whole life. 

Read More
The Gardenia Project Jen Dean The Gardenia Project Jen Dean

Ep 3 - Maura, One Caretakers Strength - A Child with the Invisible Illness

One of the things that can strike at anytime is disease or illness. It can sneak up when you think everything is just fine. I am guilty of being afraid of this for my daughter for sure. So what happens when your child gets diagnosed with an illness that currently isn't curable? How do you deal with that pain, and then learn to cope with it every single day? That is Maura's story.

Read More