FAQ

Since the blog is being rejuvenated, I figured I would answer some Frequently Asked Questions about me. I wanted my new and old readers to be able to get to know me a little better.

How long have you lived in Vegas?

I was born and raised in Vegas so I've been here my whole life basically... Excluding my short 6 months that I lived in Kanab Utah when I worked at Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary.

When did you start doing Photography?

I started messing around with a camera in 2010 after years of loving to take photos of my friends and family. In January 2013 I purchased my first DSLR and started my business, JessRaquel Photography. I taught myself everything I know by teaching myself editing and reading lots of tutorials... Not to mention constant practice plus trial & error. I haven't looked back since and thoroughly enjoy every shoot I do. 

What camera do you use?

I have a Nikon D3100. My lenses are currently a Nikkor 55-300mm for wildlife and nature and a Nikon 35mm that I use a lot for portrait work.

What editing software do you use?

Photoshop CS6

Who takes your head shots and outfit photos?

See that remote in my hand in the above photo? Question answered!

Are you in a serious relationship?

Yes, my boyfriend's name is Johnny and he's been a good friend of mine for years before we ever started dating. We have been an official couple since July 2014. I'm lucky to be in love and living together with my best friend.

How many pets do you have?

I currently have two living with me. Murderface is an 8 yr old border collie/husky that I've had since he was 8 weeks old. Jasper is my 5 yr old Italian Greyhound that I adopted from the local animal shelter. Nymeria is a border collie/german shepherd mix that I rescued from a power plant about a year ago that is adopted by my grandparents. Some of you may remember that we had a Siamese cat named Sinatra but he unfortunately passed away a few months ago from kidney failure. 

What animal rescue are you currently involved with?

I'm a full time Adoption Counselor at Animal Foundation and I'm doing a lot of work with The Churchill Foundation. I would love for you check them out and support them! I also still utterly support Best Friend's Animal Society and hope we can end Breed Specific Legislation. Power to the Pitbull <3

Why do you love British stuff so much?

When I was little I basically was raised on PBS TV because we didn't have cable. They had a Saturday night lineup of British Comedies and after being exposed to Mr Bean and Fawlty Towers... I was hooked. It basically blossomed from British Comedy to all things British which was encouraged by family and friends.

Can I see your Fawlty Towers sleeve and who did it?

I've gotten the bottom part mostly done and need another session for the top/background.

Vic Vivid is doing this piece and he's hands down amazing.

Here are a few of my favorite posts that best represent me...

J & J's New Home

Locked & Jaxed

Monkey Bars & Bighorn Sheep

Goodnight Moon //  Goodbye Dad

Lavender Coffee Syrup Recipe

Do you have anything you would like to ask or know about me?

 Feel free to comment with your questions!

Snapshots Lately

We are loving our new home.

These are just a few snapshots from life lately in our cozy new abode.

I can't help myself. I'm already putting up a few things for Christmas, although I refuse to get the tree up until after Thanksgiving. I have some self control. I love these little reindeer lights I found at Target for $1 that already grace my mantel.

I really adore this open cupboard. I love displaying my favorite kitchen pieces and cookbooks in it. The little bird sketching I picked up today from the swap meet and seems to settle well in the kitchen space.

The quality of light is horrific in my closet since the fixture needs replacing, however I'm pleased with how this is shaping up. The hooks were already in the wall as well as the shelving so it was an easy decision (also prompted by sore lack of bathroom storage space) to make this a jewelry area. I'm working on staining a piece that will hold my earrings and will share that once it's finished.

I love our house that's really starting to feel like a home. I have a few projects in the works that I hope to start on during my next few days off and the hunt for a dining room table continues. Wish us luck!

Friday Foxy Things

I haven't done one of these in so long but I'm finding so many things as I browse for items for the new house that I can't help but share. Keep in mind that I'm also already decorating for Christmas (never mind that Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet) so some of this awesomeness could make for some great stocking stuffers. It's never too early to get Christmas shopping out of the way!

1// I love these tiny scoopers from The Sucre Shop!

2// I will be adding this unicorn gem to my tree this year.

3// If you haven't heard The Blue Jean Committee then you're missing out. I already have the vinyl on pre-order, comes out in a week!

4// I can see myself wearing this sweater while lounging on my sofa next to the fireplace.

What are some of your favorite things you found this week?

I always love finding new things so share your recommendations!

J & J's New Home

I know my little blog has been awfully quiet as of late but I'm determined to change that.

You see, I've been completely unmotivated and lacking in the creative aspect of things. A lot of it had to do with my living situation and my new job. While I get 3 days off from work, the days I work are 10-11 hour shifts which are incredibly draining so doing photo projects or anything else are the last thing on my mind. I was also living with my boyfriend and basically his whole family and after living by myself in the middle of nowhere for 6 months, adjusting to that was really hard for me. My dogs were stressed, I was stressed.

But yesterday Johnny and I moved all out stuff into our new rental and I absolutely adore it. We even have a decent yard for the dogs and you could see the change in their attitude the moment we brought them over. I already feel ten times happier now that we have our own space and I'm so excited to start decorating and making our mark on it. I have so many ideas and projects that I want to try and we are going to start thrifting and heading to the huge Broadacres swap meet to kick start it off.

One of my favorite features in our new house is the fireplace. 

I mean.. Look at that brick. It reminds me of the one we had in the house I grew up in. 

My Nana felt the same way, which is what sold us on the house.

An actually wood burning fireplace which can be a hard find in Las Vegas.

Actually finding a place with hardwood floors, a yard, a walk-in closet, and large dog friendly in a decent safe neighborhood in our price range is really hard to find in Vegas. We got incredibly lucky to find this place when we did. I think God saw I was at my wits end and sent me this gift of a home that I'm so incredibly thankful for. After moving three times in one year, you have no idea how eager I am to finally settle. 

With this new surge of creativity and an extra room for an office space/indoor photography studio... I'm really hoping that by the start of the new year, my photography business will be headed for bigger and better things to make up for the last year of neglect. (Not that it wasn't worth it of course, dog rescue always comes first)

I'm always thankful for those of you that continue to follow and read this little blog no matter how much it's neglected. I promise to make it up to you all.

Murderface and Jasper thank you as well.

Get Locked in Love. Get Jaxed.

I've started doing some photography for a new rescue that I really like and respect called

The Churchill Foundation.

They take on more medically challenging rescues and don't overwhelm themselves with animals so the ones under their care get as much attention, training, and care as they need. 

I love that. It's something that's hard to find in Vegas rescue.

Lock (above) is one of those medical dogs, he has heart defects and some allergy problems. While he is on medical hold for adoption (you can still send in applications if interested) and has to refrain from exercise... It hasn't put a damper on his spirit. 

Lock loves life.

Lock loves puppachinos from Dutch Bro's (which is my new fav coffee place)

Lock loves cuddling.

Lock loves exploring.

Lock loves car rides.

Lock loves you.

Lock is love.

Jax is another great guy from TCF that needs a foster or forever home.

His foster home fell through so he desperately needs a foster home asap.

Jax is one enthusiastic lively dude. He's just so much fun!

He's eager to please and picks up training on a dime. I had him primed for clicker training in the first ten minutes I spent with him. He loves water obsessively to the point that he would probably drown himself in a pool by swimming to death so he's on a training program to learn what moderation is. He would rather ride in the front seat next to you then in the back and loves to snuggle.

Both boys are neutered, up to date on vaccines, and micro-chipped.

I would appreciate anyone sharing these boys photos to help network them for wonderful homes.

Contact The Churchill Foundation for foster/adoption info and you can also follow them on Facebook!

From Wide Open Spaces to City Lights

After six months living in Utah and working at Best Friend's...

I'm back in Vegas.

About a month ago I moved back.

I left Best Friend's on good terms and didn't want to leave my dream job but small town living was hard and there were some personal circumstances that called me back home.

So now I'm living with my boyfriend, trying to get back into the photography grind, looking for work, and slowly getting back into Vegas rescue. I've found a rescue that I've done a few things for already that I really like and hope to do more with them in the future.

Crazy how this life goes.

Pearl + Babesia

What is Babesia?

You may have heard it before because it's a disease humans can get, yet dogs can get it as well.

Babesia is a blood illness passed usually through ticks and often found in dog fighting rings.

Pearl is a small pit mix that unfortunately has this disease.

She came from a dog fighting ring in Texas where she was more than likely used for breeding instead of fighting. She likes other dogs but can't be with them unless both are muzzled because of her blood illness. Babesia can't be passed from dogs to human but can be passed dog to dog.

Even though she is currently not on any medication, Pearl may have a shorter life span because of this illness. She could possibly have "relapses" which means she could get seizures, or become anemic, or become lethargic, or various other symptoms. 

It's a shame, because Pearl is one of the sweetest dogs I know and she's only hard to place because she's unable to live with other dogs and cats, plus her future medical care could possibly increase depending on what life throws at her.

Do you have a home where Pearl could be an only dog? Maybe your home would be right for her!

We would love to see this wonderful lady in the right and perfect home this year!

Learn more about Pearl and adoption here

Side note: The antler Pearl was playing with in this mini photo shoot will be sanded down before she actually gets to fully enjoy it.