JMS Face Photography

from Purchase Area Family Magazine December 2021-January 2022 edition

Let's Walk the Dog

Bold. Unique. Exclusive.

By Cassie Johnson

Our winter cover features five-day old Carlyle, a timeless image captured by JMS FACE Photography. They specialize in fine art maternity, newborn, and underwater photography. Don’t settle – they’re only little once.

FACE Photography has been open for business since 2016. What began as a hobby for founder and owner Jenna Midkiff-Shelby has evolved into a well-known and respected photography studio. Her team includes Blair Lyle, Assistant Photographer and Director of Product Quality Control, and Anna Hofer, Director of Client Services.

“I have dabbled in photography since my kids were born, which was 14 years ago. Within six months, we outgrew the garage and moved into our first studio,” Shelby told me. "In March 2021 we opened our new location on Lone Oak Road in Paducah and have continued to grow. New and exciting things are coming soon!”

Shelby trained with some of the top internationally known photographers in New Jersey, Georgia, and California. She relies on her experience and intuition to guide the camera and capture the perfect shot.

Maternity

FACE Photography strives to make each mom feel pampered and special. Clients have access to the studio’s extensive wardrobe of couture gowns that include maternity and postpartum options. Clients enjoy the extensive variety of dress styles and sizes for all ages. Hair and makeup services add that extra special touch. Dads and siblings are always welcome to attend. This day is all about mom and extra steps are taken to ensure it is the experience of a lifetime.

“We mindfully select two complete wardrobe options,” explained Lyle. These could include a gown, bodysuit, fabric wrap, or nude/ semi-nude option. A third wardrobe can be added upon the client’s request. Whether it be a milk bath or regular photo, hygiene and safety are always a priority. Every piece of clothing, towel, and robe is laundered after each session.”

Milk Bath Sessions

Once only done in big cities, this trend is growing in our area. FACE Photography is the only studio offering this elegant portraiture instudio with a full wardrobe provided.

“While mom or mom and baby are in the tub, we place fresh flowers on top of the milk and create an image capturing the beauty of motherhood,” Hofer told me. “Tell us before your session about specific flowers or accessory preferences. We will make sure our closet is stocked and ready for you.”

Newborn

Adorable, ever-popular photos of newborns swaddled in wraps or wearing one of the custom pieces from their baby wardrobe are a FACE Photography specialty. Pre-book your newborn session within the first two weeks after birth for best results. As babies develop, their bodies tend to uncurl from the womb positions seen in many poses. As their bodies stretch out, those tiny poses may become difficult to achieve.

“Sessions are baby-led,” Shelby told me. “We will never force a baby into position. We make sure they are comfortable. We attempt to fulfill requests, but we will tell you if it’s not working. In that case, we will find an alternate pose for baby. We have never had a client who requested a certain pose be disappointed with the alternative we provided.”

Safety is #1

These ladies go the extra mile to ensure your baby is safe. Jenna and an assistant are both present at every second of your FACE Photography session.

“There aren’t any requirements or standards for newborn safety in photography,” explained Hofer. “Because we specialize in newborn photography, our staff has elected to all be newborn safety trained. We count baby’s respirations, observe the color of their skin to make sure their temperature is regulated, and listen for a reflux issue if there are any. If we don’t think baby is safe, we won’t do the session.

We are all CPR and AED certified."

Cleanliness has always been the top priority, even before the pandemic. FACE Photography has a strict disinfecting policy and they understand the importance of keeping the most vulnerable, specifically pregnant mothers and newborns, healthy.

Photos that appear to have a baby suspended in the air or laying on a surface edge, as seen on the cover, are composite photos. At first glance, it looks risky.

“There is a lot of confusion over these poses,” said Shelby. “We do NOT lay your baby on a swing or allow them to dangle in mid-air! With composite photography, an assistant is holding and supports baby the entire time. We take multiple photos and compile them into one image. The result is a classic photo of a precious sleeping baby."

Underwater

Underwater is the most unique photography method and exclusively offered at FACE Photography. Both maternity and non-maternity clients are captured in a truly exquisite and unique way. These one-ofa-kind images are extraordinary, but this technique is not for everyone.

“The first requirement is you have to be able to swim,” Shelby explained. “Before your session, you will have an in-person coaching consultation. We will teach you certain breathing techniques to use so the session is successful.”

Customized Sessions

To ensure every client is 100 percent satisfied, a questionnaire is sent before each appointment.

“The questionnaires are important because it helps us plan every detail for your session,” said Hofer. We gather supplies for the sets, color schemes, and make sure your experience is unforgettable. You will receive a guide on how to prep, what to bring, and what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.”

After your photo shoot, an appointment for ordering pictures is scheduled. Typically, images are ready to view within a week. At your ordering appointment, you will choose the images you love and from there select the heirloom quality products you desire.

“This isn’t your average photo order. Only professional photographers have access to these products and there are options for every budget. We offer handmade master craftsmen canvas, acrylic wall art, and luxurious leather-bound albums with acrylic faces,” Lyle said. “Other options include metallic fine art prints, folio boxes, and many more products that are ever-changing to meet our clients’ needs.”

What Sets FACE Apart

Customized experiences set FACE Photography apart from other studios. Their focus is on you. Sessions last anywhere from 60 minutes to three hours.

“Our style is unique and we understand it’s not for everyone,” said Shelby. “Come in for a complimentary consultation and see if the FACE Photography, experience is right for you. We take the time to listen to your ideas and desires to make sure your photography session is even better than you imagined. Our clients value the art of photography, not just the photos. You will walk away with an unforgettable experience and artwork that lasts a lifetime.

“We watch the stages of life unfold,” said Lyle. “We photographed the wedding, next is a maternity shoot, followed by a newborn session, then the first birthday and other milestones. Clients become family.”

FACE Photography is located at 2830 Lone Oak Road, Suites 3 and 4 in Paducah. Visit their online portfolio and find general information at facephotographypaducah.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Call 270.556.9443 to schedule.