J May Photo

J May Photography Weddings and Seniors

Hi there! I’m Jen Mabray, a wedding photographer based in Dallas, Texas.

Sounds cheesy, but I love going to work! I'm a dreamer at heart with a spiteful vein of creativity I can't ignore. Photography fulfills my creative needs. Yes... I need to be creative - almost as much as I need food. Life is magical and photography captures those moments. Yea, yea... can ya tell I am sappy, too? ;) I totally fit the cliche 'sappy movie watcher' with a box of tissues next to me. Actually... I just use my husbands shirt sleeve!

My wonderful husband and best friend, Todd, and I have been married for 11 years. I simply adore him, our sweet kiddos, and my Savior and His infinite love. A few of my passions include... playing the piano, design, the color orange - burnt orange that is, strategic board games, good food and my good friends.

For more information on my photography services, contact me through my website or email me at jen@jmayphoto.com.

Save the Date :: Had to show this one off…

Friday, March 9, 2012 Posted in Weddings

I’m in love with this Save-the-Date. Wedding day is come and gone and I am so excited to start showing off all the pieces that went into their day! Stand by for her amazing bridal portraits! Enjoy ~ Jen

by Jen

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Sarah :: Headshots

Thursday, March 8, 2012 Posted in Anytime, Seniors

Meet Sarah: Actress. Dancer. Educated. Talented. Spiritual. Neighbor. Friend. I met Sarah about 5 years ago. She’s been away at college doing dance and theater and asked if I could do some headshot for her. After we discussed what she was looking for, we headed outside to a nearby location. I used my 50 1.4 most of the time. We wanted to make sure that she was the only recognizable subject in the photograph. Then we came back and did a little studio work at my house. I used a main light on her with a grey background sweep and a hairlight to give a little boost and bring her off the background. I am totally a fan of both outdoor and indoor shots. Outside light can produce beautiful creamy light and can give a healthy glow to your subject. Inside or studio lighting is fun because you control the elements of light, which creates the look of the shot.

Sarah, you are absolutely beautiful in every way! I loved this shoot. Good luck with your future projects!! Enjoy ~ Jen

by Jen

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Kerri & Landon :: Married at Waddill Street Baptist Church/ McKinney Cotton Mill

Saturday, February 4, 2012 Posted in Weddings

Gotta love it when you start out your wedding day with some love on your feet from Badgley Mischka. Follow that with a stunning Pronovias wedding gown and dress a girl like Kerri! Kerri was more than radiant on her wedding day. She and Landon got married in a little chapel in McKinney, Waddill Street Baptist Church with a heartfelt little ceremony and headed over the The McKinney Cotton Mill for their reception. Kerri’s wedding was another one of those that I went home with my face hurting because we laughed and smiled so much! Seriously, when was the last time you came home from work with your face hurting from laughter? I used to work at a fashion/ advertising studio in Dallas and we had a blast at work. But, not like this work. I’ve had my business for about 5 years now and I am still in love with it! Probably even more so, since I have experience and wedding wisdom under my belt

Kerri wrote me a beautiful note after the wedding, which I have copied below. She hadn’t even seen her pictures yet. (Another beautiful note came after those) I wanted to take the time to also write something about her…

Often times God will you us as his servant. He will help you know where to be to lift someone’s day, boost their testimony of Christ, strengthen their commitment in life. Kerri is one of these people. A servant of the Lord.

Kerri, you have the biggest heart – and smile – and you radiate with love and laughter! Your families, your friends, your faith are all beautifully connected together. You are a shinning example of Christ and His message. Yea, I’m a little spiritual too – or maybe a lot I know you will continue to touch the hearts of those you meet – at work – at home – at church. Thanks for letting me get to know your families and be a part of your most special day! Much love! Jen

Hey Jen!

Just wanted to drop you a quick line and say thank you, thank you, thank you!!! FOR EVERYTHING! You’ll never know how much I appreciate you and your assistant. I have been in so many weddings and can tell you right now, you are the best! From herding our families around for pictures to putting up with our crazy friends at the reception, you amazed me.SOOO many people have told me how much they enjoyed you being a part of our wedding! I’m gonna get a little spiritual real quick (haha). Jenifer, You can see God in your work and in your spirit. Your talent is so obvious and elite that only God could provide someone with such a gift. It’s not easy to deal with an emotional, sweaty mess of a bride, but somehow you rock it all! I’ll stop being creepy now. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you.

I have decided to venture farther into the wedding world by becoming a wedding planner of some sorts (well, that’s the plan, we’ll see) so, hopefully in the future we will get to hang out again. Can’t wait to see our pictures!!! Judging from my bridals, I can only imagine how great they will be! (not bc of me, bc of you haha) Talk to you soon!

Kerri WEBB (so crazy!)

Landon – you look awesome!

Look at Landon looking down at Kerri’s behind. Hehe! Captured it!

First dance.

Landon has some mad skills with his newborn niece. She was only about 3 weeks old. He’s a natural. Good job Kerri!

I love how the wedding party can make the reception a total blast! Not sure why he was dancing for me infront of the camera. But… I thought it was hilarious!

Kerri, me, and my assistant Tori – having a good time

The night went very well

by Jen

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Ebony :: Senior Pics

Thursday, February 2, 2012 Posted in Seniors

Okay, if I were 17 again… I would:

Learn how to do my hair like Ebony.
Ask Ebony to take me shopping.
Have Ebony teach me how to do my make-up.
And… probably stock her to learn her pose and glam.
Oh… and I would find me – the real Jen Mabray who is now 30 – something and have her take my senior pics!

Okay, not really to most of those things. When I was 17, I am not sure I knew really anything about how to present myself and never had senior pictures done. Well, that’s kind of a lie. I did have a senior picture done – at the school. You remember those days. Haha! Ebony – you are perfect – in every way! I loved taking your pics Hope you enjoy them forever – cause that’s what photography will do. Preserve memories forever. Hope the rest of your senior year is incredibly memorable! Stay radiant and true to yourself! Enjoy~ Jen

This tree behind Ebony is probably one of the scrappiest trees in the square, but for some reason it looks awesome in pictures! I use my 70-200 usually around 180mm and allow the sun to peak through the top left of my lens. The tree turns into beautiful creamy color and my subject is illuminated perfectly!

The wind blew and Ebony held down her skirt… it made for a perfect shot with her facial expression!

We found this old Dr. Pepper machine – it was so cool! By this time of night, the sun was going down and I needed some lighting. Instead of dragging my lighting equipment out, I pushed my ISO high enough that I knew I would see grain. In post processing I added a vintage color to the pics. I wanted the picture to have an aged look to it just like the Dr. Pepper machine.