This week, I’ve woken up to find an extra body in my bed more times than not. He blames the two weeks he spent with his grandparents, but that was three weeks ago. I’m not buying it. On a Saturday morning, I can’t say I mind waking up to this face… But when there’s a... Read More →

I’ve been sitting on some blog posts. Memorial Day, birthdays, a trip to Philadelphia, July 4th, a trip to Utah. Yeah, I’m a bit behind on things. Don’t call me a slacker. I’ve been hard at work, getting my priorities in order. And thinking. About what this space should be. About what my next steps... Read More →

Some days I am in the mood to shoot a ton of photos (see here and here). Other days, I’m in charge of making sure a group of girls have the most fun possible at a crowded theme park (while staying safe). This was one of those days. And I ended up with about 30 photos... Read More →

Here’s another snippet of our everyday life. I shot these the same day as these: http://mariloujaen.com/blog/2013/05/23/everyday-life-1/. I realized the kids have both gotten new bikes since I last photographed them biking. Plus, Ryan wanted to ride bike. Win-win. There was some biking. Some van climbing. And more biking. The kids usually bike on our street... Read More →

Random Thought #1 Last night, this tub stopper arrived. Seven year old Ryan showed it to his dad and said, “If you don’t like romance, I’m sorry. Because this says (pointing to the OXO in the middle), ‘hug, kiss, hug.'” #lovethatkid He was pretty excited to be able to take a bath again. Our tub... Read More →

A recent conversation with one of my besties, Jules, sparked a conversation about being bored of shooting our own everyday lives, but somehow enjoying the images of other peoples’ everyday lives. I wondered if it’s because we LIVE our own lives, so we see the same things over and over – where other people’s everyday... Read More →

If you’re here from Karen’s blog post, here’s a gratuitous embarrassing shot from the time we first met in person. She had not actually had a drink yet. I think that was sheer exhaustion.   That was two years ago. For a photography workshop in Orlando. On our shared anniversary weekend. So now you know... Read More →

I met Kimberly through Stacey’s sister, Susan (You remember Stacey). So, I knew she was good people. And I was so honored to photograph her son’s baptism. It is such a special moment in a little person’s life – when family comes together to support all that he is and will become. And Alexander’s family... Read More →

I’m starting the Get Shooting series to share some insight into how I shoot and how I work, and hopefully help you do the same. I hope you enjoy!  Lightroom is photo management and editing software from Adobe. I use Lightroom 4 to quickly organize and edit photos. It’s a life saver. And not just for... Read More →

I love it when… it’s finally pool season! (And not JUST for the pictures.) I could not be more excited that the weather is finally warm enough for me to throw the kids outside for some swimming. Something about the pool puts them in a good mood (and wears them out for bedtime). When I... Read More →

Rene busted his butt last month fixing up our playground set. It was lopsided, and the kids barely used it, so we had to decide between demolishing it or fixing it. I was glad to be able to convince Rene it was worth saving. But MAN did fixing it up take a ton of work... Read More →

I am launching my photography business this month. I’m pretty excited about it. For those of you who have asked – or have wondered – no, I’m not quitting my day job. But I dream big and have a huge vision for my future. And this is step one. Mini-shoots are 15-minute portrait sessions. I... Read More →