Spring Mini-Photo Sessions

I'm really excited to get back to work, it's been a long winter of catching up and tying up loose ends. I'm starting the spring off with a new promotion that I haven't offered before, and I'm super excited about it.

I have recently partnered with a new source for canvas prints. The canvas is 10 times better quality AND  best of all, more affordable than the source I used in the past. I will now be able to offer canvas to my clients at an affordable price. To bring attention to this new offering I am promoting the canvas prints and including them in my Spring mini-sessions. This is a HUGE deal and an incredible offer that I won't be able to continue forever, it will only last from April 15th - May 30th.

Here are the details

Sessions must be held between April 15th-May 30th
Price includes a 30 minute photo session for up to 4 family members 5-10 images to be viewed in an online gallery and (this is the best part), a 16x20 canvas print of your choice. as well as a 20% discount off of any other print purchases from this session

(print galleries are guaranteed to be available with in two weeks of session or the session is on me!)

My goal this year is to improve my customer service and turn around times. Many of my clients in the last year have had to wait extended periods of time to receive galleries and orders. Unfortunately, I'm only human and everything has a learning curve. I believe that the only way to improve is to be aware of my weakness and work to improve it to the best of my ability.  I am not perfect nor do I ever claim to be. What I do claim is to be a kind hearted honest person that tries to be everything to everyone usually to a fault. 

I can only try to be better than I was yesterday!

"There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving,
and that's your own self."
--Aldous Huxley
 

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to book and hold your date and time. The balance is due at the photo session. A contract and model release must be signed prior to the session.

Nelia turns ONE

My adorable niece Nelia (knee-lia) turned one last week. She is the happiest little girl I have ever seen. My sister would tell you otherwise, but I'm auntie and I can call her perfect if I want! I cannot even begin to express the joy I have in being an auntie. Don't get me wrong being a mother is amazing on whole different level. Being an auntie means I get too be all fun and cool and I can break all the rules, like no candy for breakfast!! I can give gifts for no reason!
Nelia was born on March 12th, 2012 which happens to not only be my fathers birthday, but his grandmothers birthday also!

My parents were on vacation in Florida and unable to make it to Nelia's big day, but never fear Apple is here!! We all complain a lot about all the technology we have today and how it takes so much away from us, but we were all super thankful for it on Saturday. My parents were able to join the party via facetime. My mother called my iPhone from her iPad via facetime and were able to watch everything from gifts being unwrapped to clean up! They were able to talk to everyone and even get their picture taken as proof they were there. I guess the only thing they really missed was the food and cake!

Happy, happy first birthday Nelia Tishara, you are a beautiful girl and I look forward to many years of spoiling you rotten!!

A few of 2012 favorites

Summer and Fall 2012 - {NH Photographer}

Ok, its clearly time for a new post! I don't have a whole lot to say....I've been super busy this fall with both JL Walker Photography as well as my Silpada Designs business. I truly love the way both business's balance me and I look forward to a successful future with both. I will leave you with few words, and lot's of images!

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.

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!

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?!

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!

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!