For many 2013 is only the mark of a new year.  For others it's a time to begin anew and work hard on their resolutions. 

For me, it's the start of a new life.  On Dec. 21 I packed up my life into Home Depot cardboard boxes and hopped into my car and began the 20 hour long drive to Mexico.  To my new home.  But this is not new information as my last post of 2012 clearly states that I was moving.  What I haven't revealed is that I came here for love.  I came here because the person I love lives here.  Has his career here.  And because long distance relationships are simply too hard and I couldn't do it.   Many people were confused as to why he didn't go to California, why I am the one moving and other such questions.  Other's thought I was being too rash and not thinking this all the way through.

And I considered everything every one was telling me.  I thought about it very much.  I lost sleep over it.  And I prayed very deeply about it.  When every thing fell into place on it's own, I felt in my heart that God was telling me to go.  Go and follow your heart.  Go because photography can be done from anywhere in the world.  Go because it's the best option for the two of you.  Go because this is your chance at love.  And if not for love, then what for?  

It is nerve wrecking and I still can't believe that I'm here.  That I am really here.  And I thank God for getting me here safely.  For having my parents accompany me here and spend Christmas with them.  For having family here so that I am not alone.  And for love, because it really is a magical force...  

At the beginning of every year, I write down the goals I have for JLP and for my personal growth.  This year I sat down and tried to write a new list and found myself staring at a blank page.  I realized that this year, every thing old is out the window.  Everything is new.  Starting over completely.  And it was an eye opening experience.  I have the chance to do every thing differently.  To begin from nothing again and with all of the past experience.  And for that I am really excited.

So here is to 2013, to the world not ending, and to a whole new life with new experiences.  And to all that God has in store for me.  

I haven't the finesse to say things so I'll just straight out and say what I'm so nervous and very excited to announce: I am moving out of the country and to a place that I have known all of my life. Mexico. The same place where my parents were born, where I used to go and visit my grandparents and cousins, and where I will be pursuing photography and embarking on a new journey.

I am officially leaving December 21 to spend Christmas with family in Mexico.

I have moved once before. A mere 40 miles away from the place I grew up. From the people I've grown to know and love. And coming back was easy. I did it in one day. This time. It's different. It's 1200 miles away, crossing a border, and learning to live in a new place. And therefore I can say that I have gone through every emotion a single human is capable of feeling. But most of all I am looking forward to all of the new experiences that await. Both photographically and personally. But most of all, I am thankful to God. For giving me the courage to leap before looking, for all the support that has come from those close to me and for the love he has filled my heart with.

I will, however, still be booking events in California and internationally so please do not hesitate to contact me! It's also a great way for me to come back and visit my family and friends so please book me ;)

As for my current clients, I am offering digital images of your sessions at a GREAT DISCOUNT. Contact me if you would like to have them in time for the holidays.

I know I am leaving a lot of the details out of this life changing story but I assure you, in due time, I will fill in the blanks. So stick around :)

P.S. if you'd like to donate to the Jackie Moving Fund, please click here : https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online my email is jackielamas@gmail.com. Of every donation I will send 20% to a non-profit. Thank you for your support!

The group, Inland Empire Photogs + Beyond that I am a part of on Facebook had another group shoot!  I love that we, photogs, models, and other industry people can get together and make these shoots more than just portfolio building.  It's about creating a community where we can share ideas, techniques, and build relationships.  It's about having fun and leaving the egos at home.  

This month's Group Shoot was themed for the Seniors!  So we had a few models come out.  What was really cool, was that this man came around on his horse and let us use her for the shoot!  What a sweet horse it was too!  It happens to be the first time that I was ever able to get on a horse too!  

If you want to be a part of these shoots and a part of our community, please click on the link above for the group.  We'd love to have you join us! 

Here are just a few of my absolutely faves!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am already eating some stuffing and later going to have a nice dinner with family.  There is always so much to be thankful for and for me, one of the most important is you. To all of my clients: Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.  Inviting me into your most important moments in your life.  I am truly honored and thankful for you. It is because of you, I am able to contribute to your life's story.  

And here is Laura + Eddie's sneak preview of their new life together.  More to come soon!  

Have a great weekend everyone!

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This year has been full of great surprises and I can't believe that I've been published again!  Earlier this year, in July, I photographed my cousin's destination wedding in Cancun.  Aside from the fact that this particular wedding was close to my heart, seeing it published makes it all that more special!  I am a mixture of emotions but mostly I want to jump up and down holding the magazine in my hands and play it back in slow motion. 

This day was such a beautiful and happy day... I will show you the rest soon! Until then, I leave you with this one :)

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At the beginning of this year, I wrote down my goals for 2012.  Both my personal and business.  Among them, I wrote down "Get Published".  It was more of a dream than an actual goal.  Until my client, Jessica, submitted a photo into a contest that was being held by a local paper.  The grand prize: Front cover of the Bridal Guide at the biggest bridal show in her town.  Voting commenced and I voted every day, as did her family and friends.  I saw the numbers climb and sure enough, she won!  

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read her email letting her family and friends know that she had won with their support.  

"Shut. Up.  I'm going to be published?!"  That was my initial reaction, of course.  She later mailed me a copy of the bridal guide and I was in awe of it.  I still couldn't believe it, even though it was in my hands.

I can't thank her enough for submitting the photo and her family and friends for voting as much as they did.  It was incredible to be able to that dream off my goals list.   2012 is proving to be a remarkable year, thank you God! 

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I've got so much coming up soon!  I want to share some previews with you to get you excited! Mostly because I'm excited! 

Meet Ryan.  He's graduating this year and he rocked his Senior Session.  There is more to come!

This session was so fun!  There is something so fun about brothers.  Especially when they like to have fun!  We spent the first half taking the traditional shots, the smiley ones.  The ones the boys do not like.  And then, I gave them the green light to get dirty and that's when the fun started! They tackled each other and rolled around on the grass.

When I came home, I was greeted by this comment from their mom Diana:

"My boys (ages 10, 9 and 8) had a wonderful time - and they usually HATE getting their pictures taken! On the way home, they said, "Can we do that again tomorrow?". How great is that?!"

Doesn't this one look like something out of The Outsiders??  I love the seriousness in their faces.