Jessica, Jim, and Nici

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Jessica Dawn being happy

Jessica Dawn being happy


So, I have this friend. Her name is Jessica Dawn. I personally have not met anybody; nor, honestly, heard of anybody; who has an unkind word to say about Jessica Dawn. She is a warm, kind-hearted, and caring person. My friend has very definite thoughts about what is right for her in life, and she takes much joy in others discovering and living what is right for them in their own lives. Jessica always assumes the best about someone. And her joy in and descriptions of colorful sunrises is the next best thing to actually experiencing the sunrise! It is truly an honor to know and photograph this woman.


Jim's headshot

Jim, up close and personal


So, I have this *other* friend. His name is Jim. Jim is, coincidentally, married to Jessica. Motorcycles, 4-wheeling on scary precipices, and the occasional video game. Shotgun golf (truly, using shotguns!). I’ve known her-man-Jim almost as long as I’ve known Jessica Dawn. The man is quiet (sometimes) and witty (most times). Jim is handy with his hands on most things mechanical. Possibly on other things, too, but I have no direct knowledge there… He did “help” me change the header on my wife’s Geo Metro once. I say “help”, because I think I mostly just watched. Jim is ever willing to help a friend out in a pinch.


Nici's headshot

Nici, a fount of wisdom


Jessica Dawn and Jim are a wonderful couple, and they’re each awesome folks all on their own. This awesomeness was made possible, in part, by a mother. Nici is Jessica’s Mom. When I heard she was coming to town, I just knew I HAD to make some photographs of the 3 of them! Nici is a great person. I don’t know her nearly as well as I know her daughter, but I do know she’s got a great sense of humor, and I know daughter loves mother greatly. It’s a heartwarming and inspiring experience to watch those two together. I am SO GLAD Nici came to town and unwittingly gave me opportunity to capture a small part of this family!



Jim and Nici

Jim and Nici




Jessica and Nici

Jessica and Nici




Jessica, Jim, and Nici all together

A Family Portrait

Jennifer

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Jennifer balancing her sword

Jennifer's Sword © 2011, Matt Vanecek

Mother. Wife. Daughter. Business Owner. Dancer. Jennifer.

I had opportunity to create some photographs of Jennifer at her studio. Jennifer is the proprietress of Sole Groove Dance Studio in Flower Mound, TX. Jennifer was a real pleasure to work with. She’s intelligent, has an easy sense of humor, and is pretty laid back.

Jennifer in her burnt orange costume

Jennifer on Green © 2011, Matt Vanecek

Jennifer had a couple of costumes that she wanted to have pictures in . We started out with the blue outfit, and worked in a couple of shots with her sword. Then we moved on to an orange outfit that really went very well with her hair color. It was pretty easy to move Jennifer into different poses and positions to emphasize her elegance and that bit of playfulness. It didn’t take her any time at all to pick up on such obscure posing terms as “dancers’ hands.” Which was actually pretty impressive, since not only was that posing term obscure, it was also made up on the spot. By me. :)


Jennifer's headshot in black and white

Jennifer in Black-and-White © 2011, Matt Vanecek

Jennifer’s infectious smile and collaborative spirit helped make this session very fun. With my lovely assistant (AKA my wife!) we were able to get in and set up quickly. After that, we made some wonderful images with Jennifer, and got everything packed up and loaded just in time to see a rather spectacular sunset and lightning show.


I’m truly looking forward to the next opportunity I get to photograph Jennifer! :)
Take a look at my Portrait portfolio, that includes the above images of Jennifer and some others not shown here.

The Orient Express

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Vivienne Vermuth speaks about Stephanie's breast cancer

Vivienne Vermuth © 2011, Matt Vanecek


Broads and Panties presents The Orient Express! Showing at The Bone in Deep Ellum (Dallas), TX on September 22, 2011. The profits from this show will benefit A to Zed Photography, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to the wonderful United States healthcare system, she is unable to afford treatment. So, the community has rallied around her. In addition to the excellent services provided by The Bridge Breast Network, Stephanie’s circles rallied to collect funding to help her cover additional costs. I’m sure this help will continue until Stephanie is able to beat this scourge.


Bang Bang Lulu provides a rousing, energetic set of performances. Her enthusiasm and flare was fun to watch. It was hard to continue taking pictures instead of just watching her performance, honestly.

Bang Bang Lulu Poses on a Chair

Bang Bang Lulu © 2011, Matthew Vanecek


Zamra Dollskin Eats Fire

Zamra Dollskin © 2011, Matthew Vanecek

Zamra Dollskin of Dollskin Designs gets hot on stage. Probably because of all that fire she’s playing with! Of course, when one gets hot, clothes may come off! Also a purveyor of latex clothing, Zamra is a woman of many talents. :)


Pixie O'Kneel teases

Pixie O'Kneel © 2011, Matthew Vanecek


Pixie O’Kneel is always a popular performer. She shows a more serious side in this performance, but as always, ends with a flare!


Miss Red provides an amusing look at how the body seems to have a mind of its own. Through shimmies, belly rolls, and chest shimmies, her body does its own thing.

Miss Red

Miss Red © 2011, Matthew Vanecek


Please visit the gallery and see the rest of my pictures from this show. Feel free to leave comments or ratings. Also, please consider donating to The Bridge, and to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.