An interview with myself...

Since today is a cold snowy winter day and I am still in my PJ's (yes I am, its cold and I didn't want to change into real clothes!).
I thought I would answer some of those burning questions you all have about me and JK Photography:

1. What is your name?
Jennifer Badalamenti (yep, I am a sicillian girl)

2. Where are you from?
Originally I am from Grand Rapids, but I moved to Seattle when I was 2, so thats where I grew up. Now I am back in Grand Rapids. So I will let you decide :)

3. Is photography your full time job?
Yep! I love it :)

4. How did you get into photography?
Well lets see...I have been taking pictures since I could hold a camera but I really started getting into it when I was in high school. This was back when we took pictures on BW film, developed the film and printed the pictures for the yearbook in the darkroom.
I travelled to Thailand about 6 years ago and that was when I realized that photography was what I was supposed to do for the rest of my life!

5. Did you go to school for photography?
Sure did!

6. What do you like the most about shooting weddings?
Oh that is a tough one, there are so many aspects to weddings that I love. I would say first off I love working with people and getting to know the bride and groom. I love seeing people happy and in love. I would also say that I love seeing the creativity that goes into planning a wedding. All the little details that the couple picks out to make their wedding unique and different.

7. How long have your been photographing weddings?
I am going into my 5th year of wedding photography.

8. Have you learned a lot over the last 4 years?
Heck ya I have! Every wedding I do is a learning experience. I develop my style and technique everytime I shoot a wedding.

9. Do you get nervous when you do a wedding?
Yep! I go through an equipment check 2 days before the wedding to make sure I have everything and everything is charged and formatted. 2 weeks before the wedding I visit the ceremony and reception locations to make sure i have the right lighting etc... where I get the most nervous is during the ceremony...its so quiet in there and its such a special time for the bride and groom I am always afraid I am going to sneeze or something LOL

10. What's in your camera bag?
Oh I have lots of goodies :)
Here is the list:
1 Shootsac
3 camera bodies (Canon 5D, Canon 30D and a canon rebel xti.)
5 lenses including 1 fisheye lens
3 backup batteries
1 stroboframe
2 Speedlight 430ex's
LOTS of AA batteries
3 4GB memory cards and a few 2 GB cards
A few reflectors
A few flash diffusers
An emergency kit for the bridal party
An extra pair of shoes for me
And a partidge in a pear tree!

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Working in some exotic location with my husband and kids!

12. Are you married?
Yep, I tied the knot in August of 2007!

13. Who photographed your wedding?
My very good friends Heidi and Fred

14. As a bride, what is one piece of advice you would give a new bride?
Remember EVERYTHING! Your wedding day will go by so fast and while you will have fabulous photographs to remember your day, just keep telling your self "remember this moment, remember this feeling".

15. Do you do destination weddings?
I do! This year I am travelling to Jamaica 2 times and Portugal in September. I feel so fortunate that I get to do the 2 things that I love the most, travel and take pictures!! What a great job I have :)

16. What color is your hair?
Darkest brown, box #581

17. What is your favorite drink?
A glass of buttery smooth chardonay on a hot summers day.

18. Do you have a favorite TV show?
Amazing race and Jon and Kate+8

19. Do you have any kids?
Nope, not yet!

20. Why did you decide to interview yourself?
Well, these are some of the most frequently asked questions I get, but maybe you all have some more..feel free to ask away, I am happy to answer any of your questions!