Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan » Jen’s Random Life Tips

Sometimes we need a little Peace

Jen — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:40:37 +0000

There is nothing more peaceful than a two year old at rest. Especially a 2 year old boy. There is a lot to be learned from simply watching a child sleep. Generally speaking I am an upbeat positive person who honestly likes to help people. I get a ton of support from my family and friends who know first hand how crazy my life is. I love my life! I love my family! I am passionate about what I do for a living and I think that upsets people sometimes. Upsets them because they want it too and can’t seem to get it, or they are afraid to take the steps necessary to get there. There is a lot of change in this world and things move at a pretty fast clip. I encourage every one of you to just get yourself out there. Move forward. Do whatever it takes. And most of all find peace in your life, however small, just make sure you find it.

Blessings, always!

~ Jen

Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Getting it All Done

Jen — Sun, 24 May 2009 05:02:39 +0000

I often get asked how I am able to get so many things done being a full full full time business owner (I own 3 full fledged businesses,) a full time mom & wife, part time teacher, and have time to spare to hang out with my family. There are four simple mottos I live by that may help you to put your life into perspective.

1. LOVE WHAT YOU DO
Yes, I do work a bit harder than the average person, but it helps that I love what I do. I really love it… ALL of it. You have to be able to say that about all areas of your life. If one area is bringing you down, figure out how to fix it or eliminate it all together.

2. TOUCH IT ONCE
One of my Art Center instructors during my 8th term gave me this little tid bit and it has stuck with me for most areas of my life. If you use the “touch it once” philosophy, you will get more done. There is nothing worse than a looming, nagging sensation that you forgot to do something. When emails come in, I answer them, otherwise they will get buried under more emails and I will never get to it. When working on a project, I try to finish it to completion before I start on another (small projects as larger ones don’t apply.)

3. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
- I eat really well. Lots of fruits and vegis (mostly a vegan diet with the occasional ice cream splurge.) No caffeine (sorry all you caffeine junkies, if you want to change the world you have to rip that IV right out of your arm.)
- I also try to get a full 8 hours of sleep. Even though I am often found working til 3 or 4 in the morning, when this happens, my wonderful husband will take Jacob in the morning so I can sleep in.
- Go for walks. This will help clear your mind and get your blood pumping. It is said that walking is the best exercise you can do.

4. FAMILY FIRST
Now my extended family would beg to differ on this, but when it comes to Tim and Jacob, I always work around their schedule. We always have lunch and dinner together and try to spend as much time just hanging out. It will make you feel more grounded so when you do start working on a project you are energized.

So there you have it! Now get out there and change the world already!

Jen is a boutique wedding photographer based out of Beverly Hills, California.
She specializes in alternative, photojournalistic wedding photography and is known for capturing the unique definitive moments during your event.

To view more helpful photo tips go to JensTips.com and learn something new today!
Copyright © 2009 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com

Juicing

Jen — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:09:23 +0000

We went to visit my mom up in Camarillo today and she has a huge lemon tree in her back yard. I picked a few choice lemons so I could juice them up when we got home. Let me just say, I made one of the tastiest juices to date. A fantastic hot summer day drink. Here are the ingredients:
3 large carrots
2 large fuji apples
1/8 pineapple
1/2 large lemon pitted with the rind on (or a full small grocery one would work)

I use a Jack LaLanne Juicer that works great and is easy to clean.

Deeee lish!!!

To view more helpful photo tips go to JensTips.com and learn something new today!
Copyright © 2009 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com

Uplift YOUR Economy

Jen — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:10:00 +0000

In today’s down economy we often forget about our own individual economy. That’s right. Think about this: what is going on outside is drastically affecting your own world inside your home and life. I often forget that I still have to take care of me every once in a while. If I let the economy take me down with it then I am no good for anyone. Today I scheduled an in-home massage with certified massage therapist, Denise Plummer. If you live in the Santa Clarita or Castaic areas, she is the ONLY person to call. 661-714-6637 You will not find a better masseuse for the price ($65) AND best of all she comes to you. This is such an important thing for me because it saves me the travel time and I can continue “my” time with a hot bath right after she leaves. A tip for anyone that wants deep tissue like I get: right after the massage take a hot bath with Aveda’s Soothing Aqua Therapy salts. Taking a 10 minute salt bath right after a massage will drastically help your muscles rid themselves of the toxins Denise works out of them. The best part about the entire experience: you feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer that crazy economy outside of your home!

AVEDA by Aveda For women Soothing Aqua Therapy Bath Salts–/16OZ(Skincare – Body Care)

Staying Healthy

Jen — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:30:00 +0000

As a wedding photographer it is imperative that I stay healthy. I have sinusitis which tends to give me problems during cold season. I literally used to go through an entire big box of tissues in one week. When I shot weddings in the past I would have to take a decongestant just so I would not have any issues, however I would shoot the entire day with cotton mouth from it drying me out completely. Two and a half years ago I stumbled on a product called Juice Plus+. Neither my husband, my 16 month old kid, nor I have been sick the entire time we have been on it. For me and Tim that translates to two and a half years of no colds or flues, and for Jacob his entire life. If you are interested in finding out more about Juice Plus+ and what it can do for you check out my referral page. I promise, it is worth your time in gold to research this stuff! To not being sick anymore! YAY!!!

Juicing

Jen — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:56:00 +0000

The “I cannot believe I Just Drank That” Drink

A healthy photographer is one who can get in and out of situations with ease, and has enough energy to shoot an entire 14 hour day on their feet without skipping a beat. Drinking alcohol and smoking are out of the question if you are a wedding photographer (not good for business.) Even caffeine users may come up against some issues during a wedding when you cannot get a fix in. So, with that in mind, here is a good way to detoxify your life, shed some pounds, and have a ton more energy.
Every time I want to kick off better eating habits or rid my taste buds of my insane cravings for sugar (namely ice cream) I juice. I swear, within a day I have no more cravings for anything bad. You might even consider a 2-3 day juice fast. It will change your life. Try it, you may surprise yourself.
Here are a few great recipes that are quite good despite the ingredients (Jacob, my 13 month old loves every one, so you are sure to as well!)

The “Staple” Juice Drink (if you have never juiced before.)
4 Carrots and 2 Apples (core the Apples and cut the leaf end off the Carrots)

The “Tropical Breakfast”
4 Carrots, 2 Apples, 1/4 Pineapple (I have this for breakfast almost every day)

The “I Now Love Kale” Drink (who thought you could actually like kale, this one is so good you will want it every day!)
4 Kale leaves, 2 handfuls of Spinach (balled up tightly,) 5 inches of Cucumber, 1 apple, 1 pear, 1/4 Pineapple

The “I cannot believe I Just Drank That” Drink
2 handfuls of baby lettuce with dark green leaves and spinach, 1 Beat with the leaves, 2 Carrots, 1 cup Broccoli heads, 4 Asparagus stalks, 5 inches of Cucumber, 2 Granny Smith Apples (the green ones,) 1/4 Pineapple. (Okay, so I HATE beats and this drink was great! Jacob drank it down although be careful because it is red red red! Stains very easily.)

Tip #1: Try to buy everything organic if you are doing a fast for pure detoxing results.

Tip #2: Pineapple makes everything that is bitter taste good.

Tip #3: Run your green leafy vegis through first (ball them up really good) then collect them in the out shoot and run them through again with Carrots to push them through.

The “Tropical Breakfast”

On Gratitude

Jen — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:43:00 +0000

I was hit today on the drive to La Canada with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude towards the life I have been blessed with. My husband, Tim, my little man, Jacob, my wonderful sister, mom, and dad, all my nephews, in-laws, and step family have all created aspects of my life that have made me who I am. I am ridiculously thankful for what I get to do for a living and laugh (out loud at times) at how many fun things I get to be a part of. Here are a few things that bring me joy:

Shoot Weddings: I get to play with some of the best people on Earth on their most joyous day of their life to date.

Teach: I can honestly say teaching brings light and life into my day. I get to teach at three campuses in Southern California and they all pull at different creative strings. Art Center College of Design in Pasadena for Bookbinding, College of the Canyons in Valencia for Wedding Photography, and Flintridge Preparatory School for Yearbook Design.

Be a Mom: Jacob is my love love love! He is now 13 months old and is quite possibly the cutest little man ever. Tim and I have a ton of fun with him, and I am sooooo grateful that he is an easy baby that LETS me do everything I do (with a little help, okay a lot of help from his dad!)

I have some of the best friends, colleagues, employees, and students anyone could ask for. Thank you to my collaborators in life! I wish you all the success you deserve and more!

A Break from the Norm

Jen — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:12:00 +0000

The above and below photos were taken with a Canon PowerShot SD870

People who know me, know I rarely travel without my camera. It is most irritating to my husband and mildly irritating to my family. Because it is how I make my living, they often ask “can’t you just relax!” The funny thing is, however, I AM relaxing when I have my camera. Ok, well, for everyone out there who wants me to take a break, I kind of did during the end of January. For two whole weeks I only took out my 5D once (the 1D stayed home) during my little birthday party to shoot some macro shots with a new “ring” lens I got and then the rest of the time I used my little point and shoot Canon. It was still not without a little irritation from my husband on our vacation when it took some convincing to leave the camera in our room on our third day on the slopes. So, for those of you who think it is all about the camera, here are a few shots I took with my crappy point and shoot (while my snowboard was still strapped on.)

The Right Person For The Job

Jen — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:06:00 +0000

Back in August when the earthquake hit, our home was rolling. We live up on a hill that overlooks a valley and my husband said it felt like we were on the ocean. Just a few short weeks later our 9 month old son ripped our master bedroom door right off the hinges. We had to assume we did not have a mini hulk on our hands but rather the earthquake helped him along. Two days later the coat closet rack tumbled to the floor. Is our home falling apart? We think the earthquake took its shot and made its mark. Ever since then we have had no door and woe to the person who opens the coat closet! We have been on the lookout for a GOOD handy man. We got burned when we had two shady landscapers rip us off, so we are now more cautious and are looking for a referral. As a full time photographer, my business has not slowed down in this crazy market and I have to attribute it to the fact that 100 percent of my business comes from social networking and straight referrals. People are more likely to spend their hard earned dollar on a verified guarantee rather than an impersonal advertisement and wishful thinking.
Here are some people I recommend if you are looking for a good referral! (These are my ladies… guys, I’ll do one for you next week!)

Annaliese Avergara – Lunch Salon (Stylist)
626-355-1481 http://www.lunchsalon.com/ avergara@altrionet.com

Susan Babson – Visual Illuminations (artist of paintings and cards)
artmakr@visualilluminations.com http://www.visualilluminations.com

Christina Belardinelli – Medicine Ways
production@medicineways.tv

Paula Bradley – Picasso’s Playmates (art classes for everyone!)
Studio_me@sbcglobal.net

Leticia Glenchur – Juice Plus+
661-268-1760 http://www.bktobasics.com tish@socal.rr.com

Elaine Giftos Wright – The Wright Way of Feng Shui
661-799-0607 http://www.way2fengshui.com egwright@way2fengshui.com

Rochelle Goff – Customized Administrative Services
661-313-6820 rcg36@att.net

Trish Grinnell – Melaleuca (Green, chemical free products)
661-259-4715 healthnwellness@sbcglobal.net

Caroline Halili – Graphic Designer
carolinehalili@mac.com

Dawn Happoldt – Above All Appraisal (Real Estate Appraiser)
661-305-9000 jhappoldt@sbcglobal.net

Cindy Headerson – YTB Travel Network (Travel Agent)
818-402-4921 http://www.etravelscape.com cindy@etravelscape.com

Candice Hirst – Silpada Jewelry
661-295-8651 http://www.mysilpada.com/candicehirst candy564@gmail.com

Wendy Hunter – Text Sure (copy writer)
(818) 269-2566 http://www.textsureonline.com textsure@mac.com

Dina Huffman – Docs Ready Sign (Notary)
661-607-8151 huffman_dina@yahoo.com

Cheryl Jablow – Social Frog Designs (event coordination and invitation design)
661-722-9966 http://www.socialfrog.com cjablow@socialfrog.com

Marcy James – Rock Creek Mortgage (Mortgage Broker)
661-755-4883 http://www.rockcreekmortage.com marcy@rockcreekmortgage.com

Frances Jimenez – In Home Wine Consultant
franniejimenez@yahoo.com

Tami Lindahl – Certified Personal Trainer
661-312-4239 http://www.healthyscv.com livelifefit@sbcglobal.net

Amira Mendias – Total Financial Solutions (Financial Planner)
661-753-9683 http://www.tfswealth.com amendias@tfswealth.com

Jen O’Sullivan – Save The Date Photo (gotta include myself!)
661-513-0253 http://www.savethedatephoto.com jen@savethedatephoto.com

Angela Palmer – Brow Bar Spa
661-295-2056 http://www.browbarspa.com info@browbarspa.com

Debbie Penny – Legacy Real Estate Group (Real Estate Agent)
661-313-7243 http://www.debbiepenny.com debbie@debbiepenny.com

Denise Plummer – Massage Therapist
661-714-6637 savvysence@aol.com

Pamela Sorlagas – A Floral Affair (Wedding Florist)
661-607-8339 afloralaffair@hotmail.com

Katie Trebilcock – Tuscan Interiors (Interior Designer)
661-433-5274 tuscanme8@yahoo.com

Denise Van Arsdale-West, Pick up the Pieces Life Coaching
661-714-9404 http://www.pickupthepieceslifecoaching.com denisewest888@yahoo.com

So… anyone know of a GREAT handyman! : )