Another IN[FOCUS] event has come and gone. This year, Dani and I traveled to Charleston, SC and meet up with the greatest event filmmakers in the world. We enjoyed the presentations, chatting with old friends and making new ones. Of course, we stay current with all of our cameras, lenses, and software, but it’s important to not neglect the importance of investing in our minds.

This was our first time in Charleston and we fell in love with the city right away. Luckily we had a day or two after the conference to explore some of the historic sites before traveling back home. The SC Republican primary was in the works that week and there was plenty of GOP commotion throughout the city which was interesting to witness. Looking back at our previous IN[FOCUS] video entries, this video is very laid-back and I feel it totally represents the vibe of the city.

What a rewarding trip.

A letter on my door step. portraits are more than paper.

There will be no portrait photos in this post. This letter wasn’t mailed – it was at my doorstep when I got home a couple months ago. I read it, I cried, and read it again – probably a hundred times by now. It wasn’t easy to read – and honestly, as much as it validates what I do for a living – I wasn’t sure I was going to share it either – Until today, when a past client said that my print prices were too expensive. If you choose to read through the letter, you will know why I’ve finally chosen to share it.

July 2nd, 2011

Jeanine –

Today I am writing for a couple of reasons. I have some quiet time at the moment and need to get a couple of things off my mind. I will leave this for my husband to deliver to you when he is ready.

You photographed my wedding, you photographed my first pregnancy and my first baby. I contacted you awhile back to photograph my 2nd child and family. After getting prices and realizing I would want all of the pictures as we love your work – I decided against spending $500+ – which is what I normally spend for portraits and prints with you.. Please know it is not because I don’t value your amazing eye, or how much we love the experience.

That week that I decided to NOT do a session with you, this is how I spent some money.

On Sunday I called and cancelled our session. Monday I went out and got my hair cut ($39+tip), and colored ($65), Thursday I had my nails done ($24), my family went out to dinner at a somewhat expensive restaurant for no particular reason costing us $79 + tip. This was just 4 days since canceling our session, already totaling over $200 for un necessary things. My nails only lasted about 2 weeks, my hair is gone, and seven weeks passed when I got the phone call from our doctor. It was not something I expected and the cancer has spread very quickly. I will be leaving my husband, my 6 year old girl and my now 2 year old – not by choice. It is very hard for me to talk about it which is why I need to write you.

I watch your Facebook page and your posts about the value of a photo and if I could give back all of those things that I purchased this few weeks after I cancelled my session with you, knowing what I know now, and have that session, well… I would do it in a heartbeat.

Now my time is done and there are no more chances for me. The next time someone cancels a session – my wish is that you forward this letter to them. Time is fragile, it is gone before you know you had it. If you charged $200 for one print it wouldn’t be enough for what it is actually worth. I cringe to think that my priorities were a manicure over a memory to pass onto my babies and husband.

My love and thanks for what you have given us from past photos. I am so sorry that I did not see it as more than paper until now.

Karen L.

Super 8mm memories of Christmas 2010.

Learning from our peers in the industry is priceless. Anytime that we are able to grow in our knowledge for our business we seize the opportunity.

POSH is an all female event filmmaker retreat which took place in beautiful Cancun, Mexico this November. This is a conference that not only further educates it’s attendees through the knowledgeable speakers and their presentations, but also from being surrounded by the other talented women throughout the 4-day experience. The presenters covered not only the technical side filmmaking, but also some great ideas behind storytelling and marketing. We were also given a free day to soak up the sun, which gave me the opportunity for a nice run along the shoreline.

It was also a great opportunity to spend some more time with some of the other women in the industry worldwide. We were able to share thoughts on business and craft, was so helpful to hear from so many different perspectives. Some of these women have been shooting since the early 90′s, and some have only been shooting for only a year. Everyone had something different to offer.

I’m excited to take the knowledge and inspiration that I achieved at POSH and apply it to our work at Jet Kaiser Films. What a wonderful adventure!
-Dani

Leslie + Lee are great friends of our and Dani and I were so lucky to be able to capture their wedding day on film. Their feature film is in the works and will be released on DVD very soon. This is a short teaser to hold them over. Congratulations to you two!

It seems as if I’m always shooting something. Every July 4th I get a chance to shoot something other than video and photos…fireworks! I decided to have Dani shoot some video throughout the day so I could show what it looks like behind the scenes of a professional fireworks display. Beginning in 2005, I worked on and off for Sky Magic Pyrotechnics (my brother’s company) as Jet Kaiser Films grew. Growing up with Nathan, we shared a passion for fireworks and I worked for him as a pyrotechnician for several years. I’ve been in charge of Bloomington Indiana’s annual display for the last 4 years. The film above includes footage from 2010 & 2011. Dani (who was scared to death) shot almost all the footage for the film above and snapped the masterpiece photos below.

A little change of pace here on the blog.

I was asked to document Jaxton’s powerful, 2 week duration on this earth, beginning on February 23rd, 2011. Baby Jaxton had Trisomy 18, a genetic chromosome disorder in which a person has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies.

It’s amazing how much I was personally affected by Jaxton’s story. I was there in the delivery room during the eerie silence that followed Jaxton’s  long-awaited birth. I was nearby as Lisa and Josh were forced to make decisions that no one should every have to face regarding the life of their baby boy. The emotional contagion was overwhelming throughout this production. There were times when I couldn’t keep my camera in focus due to the tears that were blurring my vision. The Husmann’s made me feel like family for those 2 weeks. I have so much respect and love for that family and I have shared memories with them that will never be forgotten.

Jaxton’s mom, Lisa, started a family blog long before Jaxton was diagnosed which became overloaded with people from all over the world checking in to recieve the lastest news on Jaxton’s condition. His short life affected so many people and in the words of Jaxton’s mommy, “I can celebrate fully Jaxton’s impact on this world and how incredibly special he was. His life had meaning and value far beyond my comprehension.”

Read Jaxton’s full story on Lisa’s blog When I count My Blessings

Here are a few still frames from the film.

This piece, created Carlos Lascano, has given me much inspiration over the last few years. Such a beautiful short story revolving around out biggest inspiration…love. I thought it’s about time for me to share

My little sister Denae graduated from high school today. Being homeschooled from the very beginning, I’m sure it was a bittersweet day for her and mom (also her teacher). Denae is a beautiful, caring woman and I’m so very proud of her and her accomplishments.

Bravo, Denae! To a very bright future!
Your big bro, Jet.

Anyone that knows us understands that we absolutely love anything vintage. Whether it be classic cinema or antiques, we tend to be fascinated with things of old. For our 3rd wedding anniversary (May 17th, 2011), we decided to do something a little different. We packed a lunch, some blankets, and a couple antique cameras loaded with film (Sankyo Super 8mm, Kodak Duaflex II) and of course , a not so vintage Canon 5D mark II. We headed to Cataract Falls where we gathered with our close friends and family 3 years earlier for our wedding ceremony.

The weather was perfect…really, it could not have been better. We enjoyed reminiscing of what took place 3 years earlier and we of course had a delightful time creating some new memories as well. Cataract Falls has a special place in our hearts.

-Jet