Summer 2011 Past, Present and Future of JL Walker Photgraphy in Bethlehem NH

PAST:
I am so sad that I have entirely neglected this blog for over a month. My plans were big for this space (and still are) but, I have been very busy this summer! Family sessions, anniversary sessions, children, seniors etc. It has truly been a wonderful summer that is ending far too soon! I am very happy to say I have been so busy! When the season began I was unsure about where I would fit in or how well I would do. I am happy to say it has been incredible thanks to so many wonderful people that have supported me and referred me to others, you have made my business adventure awesome!

PRESENT:
Currently it is the 2012 Senior class season. I have had a couple of gorgeous girls from LHS already and several others that have booked an upcoming session. I am booking up quickly for September and the end of August. Please, please take the time to get something on the calendar so we don't miss the early October cut off for year book photo's. Seniors from Profile, Littleton, Lisbon, White Mountain Regional...book soon!

FUTURE:
The season for fall family sessions and (yes I'm going to say it) Christmas cards is coming up faster than any of us would like to admit, but time stands still for no one. SO, if you are interested in a family session to be used for Christmas cards, please contact me to set something up or at least get it on the books so you don't miss out.

In closing a huge thank you to every single person that has supported me and my dream. YOU GUYS ROCK! My gratitude is immeasurable!


My latest Senior ~ class of 2012 Megan L.

The T family at the Mt. Washington Hotel

 I had a great night at the Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, NH tonight. This incredible family is celebrating their parents 50th wedding anniversary and asked if I would take a family photo of everyone (20 people in all). The day started out dreary and drizzly, but just before picture time the sun came out just enough to make beautiful lighting. More to come with this group, but I just had to share a quick shot.

A wedding sneak peek for Mr. and Mrs. Brown {NH Wedding Photographer}

What to expect during a photo session with JL Walker Photography {NH Family Portrait Photographer}

I know it is often very nerve racking to even think about posing in front of a camera, never mind adding in the whole family. I have created a small list of things that you can expect when you schedule your session with me:

• Relaxed: I am honored to have been chosen by you and I am entirely yours for the duration of the session. My sessions are run by you, I can take as much time or as little time as necessary. Sometimes, I get dad's that just have that "look" when we begin, where the only the thing they want to be doing is...well...anything but have their photo taken...in these cases I will do my best to move along as quickly as possible. Other times small children take some time warming up and are more interested in a rock or worm or sometimes mom's pant leg than they are smiling for some crazy lady (that's me) with a camera. Either way, I let you set the pace.
• Flexible: My sessions are not meant to make anyone stressed out I want to make this work for you no matter what. My first priority is to make your photo session something you do not have to worry about. If we have to start later because you forgot Suzy had a ball game and is in her uniform still, than so be it. I will also do my very best to accommodate your session dates and times.
• Fun: I do not want anyone leaving a session with me unhappy. If nothing else I will make crazy faces and squat down low to get the perfect shot....I'm telling you, you can't help but laugh!
•  Guaranteed:My promise to you is that if you are not happy with your session than I will work with you to figure out a solution. I want to guarantee that you will say, "wow, I'm so glad I chose you"

I'm starting to fill up my summer session's so if you haven't booked yet, please contact me to set up your appointment. July is almost entirely full!

Seniors, it is the perfect time to take portraits. Now that graduation is over you are officially seniors! Call me - email me - facebook - text ...just make your appointments soon!

If anyone is looking for rates or other information please contact me or visit my website JL Walker Photography


HAPPY SUMMER!!

Dancing in the rain... {NH Family Photographer}

This little girl can brighten the rainiest day and it's a good thing because we shot in the rain and she was a super sport...and might I add only 3!! Those are her "boys" in the back, Oscar and King, in case anyone was wondering!

Father's Day Promotion from Tiny Prints and what's happening on the blog...

Father's day is coming up very soon (next Sunday for anyone that isn't sure)! Below is a great offer to help you out if you haven't figured out how you are going to fit in a trip to the greeting card store and the Post office, between the graduation ceremonies and awards banquets and everything else you most likely have going on as the school year winds down.....Tiny Prints is offering to help you out with one free Father's Day Card just use code (FREEFD) at check out, but you have to hurry because the offer expires on Monday 6/13.

So, here is the scoop.....

I am beginning to do some affiliate partnering with other websites and blogs. I'm sure you have noticed new banners popping up on this site. I hope to only partner with websites that have a natural affinity with my site. I want to give my readers and photography clients access to sources that I trust and use regularly. In doing this I will have access to select promotions offered by my affiliates. Be sure to check the site often for new sources and any promotions they may be running. I will also occasionally promote an item or source that I love and just think others would want to know about.

I will do my best to promote only items and promotions that I have used or know of someone that has used. Of course if you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to email me here. If I don't know the answer I will do my best to find it for you.

I'm very excited about my newest partnership with Tiny Prints a fabulous source for photo announcements, invitations, cards & stationary and their sister company The Wedding Paper Diva's who offer everything you need for the big day!

I can't post without a photo, and who can resist this doll!! 

We will see more of her soon!

PS I apologize to anyone that does not like that this post is promotional, but I'm really trying to give my readers and clients helpful resources that many people do not have the time to seek out on their own. I know this because I was that person not to long ago. I also feel I should let everyone know that these promotions do help support my business by paying me a small percentage of any sales they receive because of me. Hopefully you will find these offers useful thus making a win - win situation for all of us!

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. (I really would like to know what you think) Even if you think I'm posting too much or what you would like to know more about.

Thank you as always for reading this far and supporting me in this phase of my adventure!

Something to think about...

My post tonight has been weighing on my mind for sometime now. I would love to know your thoughts...
Do you know people "like me" or are YOU "like me"?

Of course I will share some photo's because this is still a Photography Blog!! There is nothing as sweet as a baby girl in a field of dandelions!

I'm not perfect, I know this could be surprising to many, but it's true. No, really I'm not perfect and I don't think that I am. The thing is, I'm probably my own worst critic. I tend to be harder on myself than even my worst enemy. I bring this up because it seems that so many people have this incessant need to point out other people's flaws and imperfections, in order to boost their own wilting ego's. For so many years I consciously but quietly allowed people in my life to minimize my strengths so as not to make them feel insecure or uneasy about themselves. I down played my success's and accomplishments in order to make everyone comfortable, in hopes that these same people would perhaps have the same courtesy when the rolls were reversed.

It's mind boggling to me that people are so completely inconsiderate of other human beings. I see this so much in the photography world. There are entire blogs dedicated to "the professional photographer vs. the wannabe photographer" and why consumers should be-ware of the "wanna be" and justifying their own business decisions by minimizing the choices that others make.

I for one am thankful for each and every client that chooses me to capture their families memories. I am in no way better than anyone else in this industry, but what I can say for sure is that I work very hard to make sure I am learning something new every single day. That I am using every resource that I can possibly get my hands on to enhance my ability to capture images in new and creative ways. Learning to use light and learning to say, "no I can't do that" or "I would love to try that, but know I have never done this before" because I know my limitations.

I know my limitations not only in the photography industry but as a mother and a wife and a human being. I know, I don't know everything.  I know I have allowed people to think certain "things" about me, but at the end of the day - I wouldn't be where I am today or have accomplished what I have today if I "wasn't paying attention". It's important to know that just because people don't always stand up for themselves in a specific manner or present a certain kind of confidence, you know the kind that is often confused with arrogance, does not mean they are faking what they know, but more likely faking what you think they don't know.

I realize this post may seem a little off topic, but this is my blog and I get to talk about whatever I want!!

Besides, what I'm speaking of really is an important lesson for many. A lesson that I not too long ago witnessed in the corporate world. Some personality traits will never change not even with age and implied maturity. It's important for some to recognize people like me. It is also important for people "like me" to know; sometimes there are people in this world that you think respect and understand you, but the bottom line is everyone isn't always looking out for your best interest. My advice to all, if you feel like you have to stifle your success or knowledge to save someone elses feelings, they probably don't deserve the consideration you are giving them. ....and if you read this and don't understand a word I'm saying....you are probably someone who thinks they know it all....aren't you?!

You cannot control...

You cannot control much of what happens in

life. But you can control if you let it affect your

mood and beliefs. If during tough times you

remain confident that all you want is still very

possible to attain, then it will be possible

...to attain. Life is constantly testing your

commitment to snagging your desires. And

life’s greatest prizes go to those most capable

of keeping their eye on the prize.

great post from Karen Salmansohn

PS check out the survey on the side bar of the blog! Please let me know your opinions, I want to know!

The newest addition {NH Infant Photographer}

Laiyla Isabelle, was born on Monday May 23rd, 2011. Exactly one week after her birth my beautiful new niece traveled all the way from her home in Cape Cod to NH to have her first infant photo shoot! She was an absolute angel!

Sneak peak....My first family session this spring

Sneak Peak -
My first family session this spring was perfect! This family was so laid back and fun! In fact I had my assistant Aiden (my son) with me and he whispered to me while I was shooting, "This is a really great family." He is so right!

You Get a Love Song...to the man that holds my heart

Today is our 9th wedding anniversary. I could say so much about 9 years, but I don't have to. This song says it all! Well for the most part....just in case anyone is wondering we weren't 19 when we got married....actually....9+19 would make me only 28....oh yeah lets go with it! No, in other words don't take the lyrics literally (we all know people like that), but you get the idea.

To my husband, I love you with all of my heart (even when you leave your work clothes on the floor!) Thank you for all that you are to me and our children. xoxo

Don't mind the scanned wedding photo - we got married so long ago, they didn't do digital!

PS Lori McKenna is an amazing singer/song writer. I can't go into how great she is on this post because it's supposed to be about my husband! Seriously though - check her out!


You Get A Love Song

By Laurie McKenna

Well, they ain’t gonna make a movie
About a couple of fools like us.
No one’s going to write a book
About our little love.


You don’t get picture on the local front page
For falling in love at a reckless age, No, no.
For saying ‘I do’ when you’re 19,
In a hand-me-down dress with a pawn-shop ring,

For having no money for a honeymoon

‘Cause you’re saving it up for the baby boom,
For knowing a love that’s hard when it starts this young,

Well, you don’t get much, no, no,
But you get a love song.

The Sunday sermon won’t mention all the work we put into this love.
They ain’t gonna hang a billboard congratulating us
For surviving every rise and fall, for being more hard-headed than a wrecking ball.

For letting me chase a hopeless dream,
For giving up on trying to change me,
For drinking your way so far down
I almost thought I couldn’t pull you out,
For knowing the only thing harder than letting go
Oh, is holding on,

Well, you don’t get much, no, no,
But you get a love song,
You get a love song. (Love song.)


Oh, you get a love song. You get a love song.

Next time a hurricane comes through
They won’t name it after us.
And how could you paint a picture
That looked anything like love?
The six o’clock news don’t give a damn,
That by the grace of God we worked it out again.
By the grace of God

Photo Sessions: Family Photo's, Seniors, Infants, Weddings, Engagements, ....

The scenery is beautiful in Northern New Hampshire right now. This is one of my favorite times of year, new beginnings are sprouting up everywhere. The flowers are bright and beautiful and the green grass makes an amazing back drop for all things photographic!

I am officially booking dates for the spring and summer. I have two amazing weddings booked already! Thank you Nina and Andrea for choosing me for your special days!

If you or anyone you know is interested in a photo session please contact me for pricing and information. Seniors, it is a great time of year to have your portraits done, and just think with all you have going on in the next year you will be able to check one thing off of your to do list.

Please follow this link to contact me for more information JL Walker Photography

 PS Only 4 people are in the running for the If you would like to have a chance also, make sure you to read this post The truth is.... and leave me a comment.

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
- Christopher Robin

PSS I just found this plaque with the above quote (one of my all time favorites) and I think I will need to buy it!

I have chosen my path...

 "The Wolves Within"


An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story.

I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing.


Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."



The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"



The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."

Words...

I spent the day trying to find something to SHARE with all my new friends. I have ton's of fun stuff in store for this blog and lot's of things to share, but tonight I want to share a reminder below is a very short video with a really big meaning. Treat others as you want to be treated! The one thing I find myself saying over and over to my boys. Our words are powerful - use them wisely! Enjoy!

video shared from an incredibly brilliant photographer and marketing genius Lawrence Chan, if you are a photographer or any kind entrepreneur you should be following this man!!

....and because this is still a photography blog here is the newest shot of my niece, the happiest little girl ever!

PS: Thank you new friends for joining the blog I'm so excited to have an audience! (Y'all may not be so excited, but I am) Don't forget to leave a comment on the post (The truth is....) below in order to be entered in the drawing for a Amazon.com $25 Gift Card (0108). You can leave a comment on this post too...hint, hint, but it won't count for the drawing!

The truth is...

I have decided to use this blog to share more than just my photography, I want to share the things that make my heart full and put a smile on my face. I have recently come to realize how much I have deprived myself of feeling joy and just being happy.

I am trying to pull myself out of this slump I am in. I cannot explain the sadness that is in my heart or my need to share it with the world. I’m 32 years old and I’m burnt out. I’m tired, frustrated and defeated. I have spent too much time trying to prove my worth to people that don’t care and will never appreciate me. I have deprived my family of the best of me and only given them the tattered and frayed pieces that are left after everyone else has taken what they want and left me feeling worthless and defeated.

I really am not a very spiritual person, but the truth is, I want to believe there is more than this. I want to believe it so I can teach my children that if they work hard and treat others with respect than they will be successful and rewarded. I want to teach them that everyone deserves kindness and that if they give their best to others they will lead a fulfilled life. You see I always had the idea that it was better not to recognize the good in anything because if I acknowlege anything good it will bring me bad luck. Some would argue this is a perfect case of the law of attraction. If you don't recognize the good in life than you are attracting only the bad. I wasn't familiar with how theory on the law of attraction, but what I did know was that I was miserable and losing faith in everything around me. I was not only letting the rest of the world beat me up and fill me with guilt and fear, I was doing it to myself 24 hours a day. The thing with negativity is the worse you feel and the more you complain the harder it is to see anything good. No magic force here, just plain fact. If your grumpy all the time people don't want to be around you and that creates lonliness which creates sadness and well you get the picture....

To say I was grumpy was an understatement. I couldn't stand myself.....I didn't want to experience joy or happiness. I recently found myself in a very dark place but thankfully I had a moment of clarity and recognized what was happening and the road I was heading down very quickly. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and set out to make myself happy or at least see if it was something that was possible.

Do you know what I found? A WHOLE GREAT BIG WORLD full of people just like me. I found resources and inspiration in a million different places. I want to share these resources with others. I want to show other people that it's ok to happy and be thankful for all of the good in our lives. Sharing makes my heart happy! Do you see how this works, I share good things with you and it makes me feel good. So, here is my first attempt at sharing happiness.

I decided to read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and have since become a changed person. Now before you think I have lost my mind; pick up the book and read it. Remember, I'm a skeptic and a cynic by nature. Even though I was skeptical when I began the book and still have a hard time articulating my feelings on the subject, I recognize this book as one of the most important I have ever read. Weather you believe in magnetic forces or not, at the end of the day nobody can deny the feeling of kindness and compassion no matter if you are the person that is giving or receiving. If you haven't read the book just read it, have an open mind and see the good and I promise you won't regret it. If you are a little embarrassed to be seen with a "self help" book (like I was) than download it to your electronic reading device....your Kindle, iPad, Blackberry....even your computer. If you don't know anything about electronic reading devices....send me an email I would be happy to tell you how incredibly cool they are! My iPod touch with the Kindle app. makes me so happy!

I also think having some blog followers would make me happy as well! If you have read this far down, first of all thank you, thank you, thank you! Second, do me a favor and become a fan by submitting your email address above. I promise I won't spam you. After you have done that leave me a comment below on May 25th (my 9th Wedding Anniversary) I will randomly select one person to receive a $25 Amazon GC. You can use it to buy a copy of The Secret, or anything else that makes you happy!

Wednesday May 25, 2011
Today is the day to select someone to receive the $25 Amazon GC. When I was getting ready to do the drawing very few  people had commented. I should have clarified that you didn't have to say beautiful things to me! All you had to do was say hi and leave your name. I definitely did not ever expect for people to write the absolutely touching comments that are below. You have all left me humbled. It is people like you that make this world barable. I hope you all decide to continue on this blogging journey with me.
























SO....the winner is #13 Thea!!! Thank you all you are the best!






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Bribery....I'm not above it....admit it neither are you!

I decided to take the week off from work to spend time with the boys during their February winter break. It is day 3 of break and we all have the winter blues! I needed some serious camera therapy and since my children refuse to be my subjects I had to pull out all the stops, "....please please....let me take pictures of you, I'll buy you something at the store" Yes, I begged and I bribed and this is what I got in return. They are really happy children, I promise, they just hate having their picture taken!

....and here are a few new one's of Miss Miley, it is hard to believe she is 6 months already!

Some new stuff...