This one makes me feel old! I realized earlier in the week that I knew her mom, because her Mom’s sister and I were good friends in school (Hi Jen!!). I remember hearing about her being pregnant with Hali and to think that she is now in 12th grade just boggles my mind. I also…
I didn’t get to travel out of the country until I was in college (I had NO idea what I was missing) but this girl, she has traveled to both London and Paris-and she hasn’t even graduated yet. How lucky is she? She brought along a few things from her journey she wanted to incorporate…
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Beautiful girl and photos, love the one with the fence and ivy!
Love your pictures, very pretty and natural.
Oh Kelsey you look beautiful!!! Jen you do great work!!!
What a lovely young lady! 
Samantha came back to see me….but this time with curly hair and cowboy boots! I’ve been doing a lot of rustic, country, cowgirl inspired photos lately….and I won’t lie…I don’t hate it!
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She’s beautiful! Love the photos, too!! Great work!
Meet Samantha! These here are part 1 of her shoot, she’ll be coming back later for part 2- “curly hair” photos! She looks A-mazing with her straight hair but I can’t wait to see what kind of fun shots we can get with her curls! Weeeerk it Samantha!! contact me | like me on facebook |send me…
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In an attempt to get things back to normal……meet Cassidy! Not only is she gorgeous-no really, look at those eyes, but she has such a fantastic personality! I typically have these sneak peek’s up much faster but due to recent activities, I’m a little behind in posting. Nonetheless, this is what beauty looks like from…
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Hey Jennifer. I had no idea this was going on until Anne Rice posted her lack of support for your decision on Facebook. I for one would like to say BRAVO!!! You did what was right by refusing to take their pics, but even more by alerting their parents to such behavior. Most parents are not aware of bullying by their children. If it were not for people like you, these schoolyard suicides we’ve been hearing about would grow in number. The criticisms may come, but you just remember doing what is right is never wrong, no matter whose opinion! Good job!
[...] you look fantastic, but she won’t. In fact, she does make people look fantastic. Take a look at Cassidy or some of the other high school seniors she has [...]
Jen, thank you for taking such a courageous stand. Some kids are so mean and cruel. It is truly reaffirming when someone like you sends such an important message to those kids and their clueless parents.
Jen McKen, even though you say you’re not a saint, I believe you are an ANGEL. You are obviously a strong, compassionate person who actually takes a stand for what is right/wrong; oh, and that’s with knowing full well you may experience some backlash. But, that’s not what happened at all, was it?! I am SO heartened to see that the overwhelming majority of responses are in favor of your decision!! Our world desperately NEEDS more people like you to remind others to stand up for what is, quite simply, right and wrong. You, Jen McKen, are an inspiration!
Way to go! Major props and love for such a wonderful act of courage. =]
can’t help but think Jenna down there is either a troll or one of those “mean girls” who think tormenting someone is lots of fun. you keep telling yourself you’re blameless, Jenna, and maybe you’ll sleep well when the kid you mercilessly tease commits suicide. bullies are nothing but spineless little cowards who belittle others to feel better about themselves and never accept responsibility for the consequences. grow up, little girl.
and to Jen: you’re amazing. thank you.
Learned of your stand against bullying on then news. Much love to you from Florida =)
Came across your story on Yahoo News and I applaud your decision. You brought attention to the girls parents who had NO clue what their daughter was doing. Job well done! All it takes is one person to stop up and say stop!
Jen,
I see reading some of the comments above not everyone is on board. That is just the way it always will be, you can’t please everyone, all the time. BUT you certainly have the right to choose who you work. Being a photographer also, and the fact that I read what you did, and am writing now, should help you believe you’ve done, not only the right thing, but you took action, and that alone is the best thing.
I stand and applaud you, for sticking to your guns and fighting back at the ‘bullies’ in a language they understand. I wish you continued successes in all you do!
~James
Way to go! It’s fabulous to know there are still people who are willing to stand up for what they believe in.
@Jenna–I feel sorry for you. Your post was so negative that anyone who reads it understands that you JuSt DoN’t GeT iT. People do exist who don’t have anything bad to say about others. And people exist who have but regret it deeply. Intention is everything. And as far as I’m concerned Jen is a HeRo!
Jen, I tend to look for heroes in everyday life. And today you’re my HeRO! The stand you took against the girls who were CyberBullies was awe inspiring! Please keep up the good work! And blessed be. Hugs
Jen, As someone who was bullied years and years ago in Middle school, thank you! What happened those years still upset me. I can’t imagine what would have happened if social media was so available. I know that I will never standby and not try to stop bullying, and I am glad that there are other people so willing to make a stand against it!
I am sure you have ruined the day for many negative, self serving people with what you have done, but I love it. We need more people like yourself in this world. And to Jenna who thinks you are a self rigtheous jackass, I have this to say: Hate is an injection you give yourself while you are waiting for the other person to die. You are my hero today Jen, good job.
Came across your website from the news article where you turned away business due to your principles. I wanted to say that the pictures you took of the above girl were brilliant. The use of the natural lighting as a hair light really made the picture pop, just like a magazine. The framing of the young girl by with the use of the structure (some type of outside tarp with the lights?) brought everything to her. You really captured this young woman’s beauty. Great job!!!
I think you are a self righteous jackass. I’m certain you’ve never said anything bad about anyone and are free from sin. You hypocrite. I’m tired of you judgemental people and your BULLY BUZZWORD.
Still in awe at your standpoint. Props to you Jen. A lot of people in Madison, WI agree with your decision not to take those girls’ pictures. My sister is almost 17, loves high school and I am so thankful she has a kind heart and doesn’t experience any bullying. With all of the social networking someone does need to hold these kids accountable for their actions online and in person. Thank you for holding your ground and I can only hope others continue to follow. ~ Kalee Richards
Still in awe at your standpoint. Props to you Jen. A lot of people in Madison, WI agree with your decision not to take those girls’ pictures. My sister is almost 17, loves high school and I am so thankful she has a kind heart and doesn’t experience any bullying. With all of the social networking someone does need to hold these kids accountable for their actions. Thank you for holding your ground and I hope others continue to follow. Kalee
Thank you for standing against this! I am sick and tired of the “mean” culture that is fostered on the net these days. The more cruel you are… the more attention you get! Where are the parents here?
Hey I am from Texas and ran across an article about what you did and I give you a standing ovation. I completely agree with you and wish more people would stand up and do what you did. I hope other business owners will follow your lead in the future. God Bless and may your business prosper and you find many people to photograph that are beautiful on the inside as well as out.
As a public high school teacher, I applaud you standing up for your beliefs and for the victims of bullying! Looking at your pictures, you look like an amazing photographer…but reading this article shows that you are an amazing person as well. Thank you for standing up to the pressure of a business decision vs what you believe was right. It is good to know nice people still exist!
Jen – YOU ROCK! I read the article on your stand against bullying and you are amazing! I am a mom to 17 year olds – boy and girl and I monitor them closely to make sure they are never are part of that or a victim of it and I am proud to say my kids would never do this! My daughter won a contest last year for an essay she wrote about bullying! But you are a strong women for standing up to those brats and I truly admire your decision. And,might I add, your work is amazing! I so wish you were in NYC since my kids are graduating this year. You have taken a stand against bullying and I hope others follow your lead anytime they witness that! I know I would! Regards, Ricki
Nice to see someone with principles. Good job on the bullying issue! On another issue, your shots of Cassidy are very good. I was a commercial photographer before I discovered that I needed to make a living and my oldest daughter is a successful model. You are better than the majority of the “fashion photographers” that she has to work with. Anyway, you did a very good job of making a very pretty but not classically beautiful girl look beautiful.
Thank you so much for standing up to those who think it is ok to be mean and bully others! I’m a teacher of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and bullying is a big problem not only in my school, but around the nation. It is never ok to hurt someone else.
Making negative comments on a social media website can have the same (or worse) psychological impact on a person. The people posting those comments wouldn’t think it was so funny if they were the ones being talked about.
You are a true inspiration and hero! Keep it up ~ you have many behind you!!!!
I just wanted to say that I love your photos!!!! Wished you were alot closer to my area of the country lol. I also wanted to say that I loved how you handled the situation with those girls….I have never been bullied myself but it makes me sick to my stomach that people do this to others and most times get away with it!!! Bullies are those (in my opinion) that have no self esteem and think they have to “put-down” others to make themselves feel better. It’s very sad what some of these pre-teen and teens go through this day in time. I do have to say that what I have seen and heard about…..it’s mostly girls!! Hate to point to one gender but whether people want to admit to it or not…….IT’S TRUE. Thanks for being the person that you obviously are!!
Thank you for your courage and morality! You are an inspiration for all young girls who you photograph!
I wish more people would stand up against bullying as you have, Jen. Keep fighting the good fight. (Your photos are great, by the way!)
Thank you for taking a stand for what is right. I applaud you for your courage and for reminding all of us (especially younger folks) who we are inside is the most important part of us. P.S. As I searched your site for your blog, I discovered that you are an amazing photographer!
You, my fair lady, rock hardcore! I had to come by and say BRAVO and God bless. Thanks for being an inspiration. You never know how your actions, big or small, can make a difference in peoples lives, huh. ~Jeni
We need more people like you in the world!
I love your photography. I would love to pay you for my senior pictures. :]
Thank you for what you did. I am a youth pastor in Texas. Your story is inspiring and adds more light to the end of the tunnel. God Bless you.
I love what you’re doing and you’re a true human being! :] You take wonderful pictures and I wouldn’t mind paying you for my senior pictures.
Thank you for taking a stand on this. I only hope those parents realized they have been afforded an opportunity to speak with their daughters about how it is so wrong of them to be cyberbullying … and that maybe those girls are shamed into not doing it anymore.
Congratulations on your strong and courageous stand on the mean girls. Your photos are awesome.
Just like to say I really love your pictures. I am an aspiring photographer and always appreciate someone else’s work. i also appreciate your stance on bullying. I was never bullied but not everyone liked me either but I am a firm believer of anti-bullying and always pictured using my photography as a way to send messages to young people about how horrific it is (as well as doing drugs and many other subjects) and hope to make some sort of a change in some ones mind or out put. Hopefully things go back to normal for you and not as hectic for you (i can only imagine) but now you did something I hope to do some day (though it may not have been intentional as it came) and help people be aware of our world rather than just their world.
Hope for the best for you!
Hi Jen,
This past weekend, our family was notified that a 14 year old classmate of our daughter was bullied to the point of ending his own life. It shocked our town and is now something these kids will have to deal with for the rest of their lives. It was so nice to read your story today. It gives us faith that there is still people out there fighting the good fight and doing the right thing. I wish you were out here in MA. Your pictures are fabulous. Thanks again for sticking up for those that need it.
John
I just read about what you did regarding the bullies. I think it’s awesome and you rock! More people need to take a stand like you did. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much for what you did. I was bullied and it does stay with us for life. We don’t intend to be defined by our abusers but it is weird how things can bubble to the surface at times. Thanks for putting your foot down and saying no more. These girls may not “get it” because being the way they are is all they know. You have at least given everyone else a chance at taking away their power.
Thank you for caring enough to speak up!
People like you give me hope for this really dark world that we live in. From a former victim ….. thank you for your courage and morals.
you’re awesome, thank you for taking a stand. How far are you from Stroudsburg, PA I would love for you to take pics of my family.
Noha
You may not be a “saint” but what you did standing up to those bullies takes real courage and moral fortitude and I applaud you for taking a stand. Having kids 9 and 11 in a public school system, I have witnessed bullying and the pain it causes. Thank you for taking a stand against bullying. I am willing to bet that you have inspired others to do as you have done and that your actions will have a more significant impact than you can imagine.
I am in awe. You stand for what the majority of people are afraid to speak about. You are an inspiration to society and I applaud you for taking action against those who feel it necessary to belittle others. Well done my friend. Well done!
just seen your storie on yahoo on you taking a stand about cyberbulling or any kind of bullying for that matter i wanted to say thank you for setting a example for…others everywhere saying it is not ok to bully someone….wanted to send a big thank you an your a wonderful an amazing an aspairing young woman for taking a stand about bullying hope you have a wonderful day.
Hello Jen,
I was bullied in high school and, if there’s one thing these idiots don’t realize, some of the smallest things in childhood and teens can leave scars that stay with you for life. Example, I just turned 50 and am still affected by things that happened in junior high. A good example is embarrassment, bullies embarrassed me terribly. Now, if you embarrass me, i’m gonna take it to the mat because I won’t put up with it anymore. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for at least trying to open the eyes of these people, although I doubt most will listen. It’s also admirable that you are willing to sacrifice some business in the name of morality, that just doesn’t exist now. Thanks again.
Great job! Hopefully other photographers will follow your example and these girls will have no one to take their pictures in a professional environment!
I have always lived by the phrase, “ugly is a way you act, not the way you look”. You know that, obviously! Thanks for being a voice that these poor kids should have heard from their own parents! Shame on them. Continue to be a good role model for all, no matter who thinks you shouldn’t. Good luck!
Hi Jen, you were leading by example. Love it. I am pretty sure it all started with: “somebody has to do something about this” …. and the rest is history.
You are a wonderful photographer. I agree with the decision you made about the “mean girls”. I wish you were in Michigan. I would use you next year for my daughters Senior pictures. Good luck to you and God Bless!!!
Jen continue to be a role model for people in the business world. I can tell you that if more people were to stand up like you have in this instance, there would be less tolerance for bullying! It was creative and smart! Great job!!!!
Paul Sanchez
Albuquerque, NM
Thank you for being such a beautiful person.
Awesome stance, and gorgeous pics on your site. You are very talented as well as very moral! We can only hope these young females were embarrassed enough to get some class. As of now, they have none. Thanks so much.
Just wanted to say, you are an amazing person for taking a stand against bullying. I admire people like yourself and your pictures are gorgeous!
Thank you for standing up to those bullies! I was horribly bullied in high school and nobody stood up for me. Thank you for being brave
nice job on the bully stance! keep it up. “it’s not about the money, money, money” !!
Just wanted to drop you a note and say you are such an inspiration with the stance you took against the mean girls. You are beautiful.
Grats to you for sticking up for what you believe in! It’s awesome to see a business owner turn down business from those that bully! Keep up the good work!
Beautiful pictures. You will go very far. Kudos to your stand against bullying, as well. Nice to see some depth, substance, and character in people nowadays. Don’t change that.
Greetings from Chicago! Your work is fabulous and your heartfelt passion for what you do is contagious! Keep up the good work both professionally and personally. You inspire many.
She is a beautiful girl and her personality shows through your photos!
I just bought that same dress yesterday for my engagement pictures!! I’m so excited to see how well it came across in these pics
They’re all great, but the one where she’s laughing on the sofa, and the fifth one are simply stunning! Fantastic work!
beautiful – espeically the one with lights in the back – love that much.
Beautiful! Love the shot with the string of lights in the background!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Great work, Jen!
Gorgeous!!!
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Katie Elizabeth - i LOVE the silhouette one! i saw it and was like WOAH!!!! haha oobray pretty! (: (: (:
Kaylan -(CKP second shooter!) - these are gorgeous!!!!
Greenville Wedding Photographer - Beautiful Senior Portraits!
Nicole Pope - She’s beautiful! Great shots Jen