JW Photography

Clever title.......nope, I'm drawing a blank..

If there's one thing I suck at, it's coming up with blog post titles lol!!  On to more important things though...first up, some information on booking for next year - I'm now opening slots for next year starting January 4th. I will be continuing my previous special although there is a price adjustment of $55.00 with a free 8x10 & 2 wallet sheets.   If you book before January 1st (for next year) I will honor the original special of $50.  I'll also  be offering a special CD package - $150 (this includes the session fee) and you receive a CD with 10-15 full resolution images and a copyright release.  This means you are free to print where & when you like.  This is the first time I am offering a CD package outside of my wedding clients - and it will be for a limited time only. 

Another important note - there will be a price increase on wedding packages January 1st, 2010 (this price increase will not affect clients who have already booked their weddings)  There will be more details on this in the next week. 

So now, without further ado - I have some new sessions to share, this first is an engagement shoot that I shot on Sunday.  This was one of those shoots that I walked away from just bubbling over with happiness.  This couple, is, first off, just beautiful.  But second they were SO much fun and were up for anything.  I'm sure at some points they questioned my sanity, but, they never said a word lol!  In fact, the bride to be had already spotted a couple of things at the location that she knew I would love.  How cool is that????  Best of all?  They were both wearing Chucks - that was just icing on the cake!  Not to mention, the groomsmen will all be wearing them  - can you say awesome??! 

Ok, ok....I said something about pictures, right? 

Her eyes!!!!!  I told her I was jealous - I am so jealous ;o)

 
 
 This car was sitting on the property where we were shooting - I wanted to take it with me to use as a prop on other shoots - I just loved it!! 

I love this shot - there was a greenhouse on the property and after some working with the door and shooing away a few spiders we got in there.  I love her expression here - the texture - the lighting - it was just perfection!!

 

So, I found out during this session that those little things I've been calling whispies are actually called sage brush...or was it brush sage?  ;o)  So now I have the technical term and perhaps now I won't have people looking at me strangely when asking them to sit down amonsgt the whispies! lol!!

Those chairs....ooooh those chairs.  I saw those bad boys on the front porch and I waaaanted them ;o)  So of course, we had to use them and I love how this shot turned out!!

 

Last but not least - the ring shot.  Ok, there's a couple silly stories behind this shot - first, Mac was fascinated by this piece of wood - I mean fascinated to the point of walking back over to it two or three times.  I of course couldn't resist making fun of him for it.  That was until he showed it to me.  The second I saw it it screamed ring shot!!  In true Mac fashion he claimed it and "copyrighted" it - he's so clever.  When I asked for her ring I called it her precious - just an off the top of my head LOTR reference and she caught it ;o)  So, it's now known as her preeeeeecious lol!!

Ok...that's it for this evening...I will have another session to share tomorrow.  Until then everyone...xoxo
 
  
 

 
 

....then came baby in a baby carriage...

I don't too often use props, but, every once in a while I'll come across something that I just have to use.  Last week I was browsing through the flea market and stumbled up on a vintage carriage/pram for, $20.00.  I couldn't believe my luck!  $20??!  I snatched it up and went home giddy with excitement and ideas.  That weekend I had an impromptu shoot and had the chance to use it.  I was thrilled!  Needless to say it has been the best $20 I have ever spent!

 
 
 Isn't she a cutie?!  LOVE those cheeks - and she was a doll to work with! 

I will have some information up soon on the new year's specials & booking information!  Until next time...xoxo
 

Busy and loving every second of it....

I have had several jobs over the years, but none, and I mean none have made me as happy as the one I have now.  I can't explain the feeling I get during a shoot or how it feels to connect to people.  I can't explain how it feels when I walk away from a shoot...I can only say that I am grateful and blessed and in love with what I do.

The photos I am about to share hold a special place in my heart.  I reconnected with an old friend from highschool a few months back thanks to Facebook.  She had discussed booking a shoot, but time got away from us.  As the end of October rolled around and my Holiday shooting schedule booked up she emailed me and snagged a date.  I am so, so thankful that she did.  Not only was it wonderful to see her again but it was also a joy to work with her and her beautiful family.  We had so much fun (even though I was dragging them through sand spurs, briars and underbrush!)  They were troopers through it all! 

One of the main things I try to accomplish during a session is to capture the love, the joy and the personalities of families and individuals alike.  I know it's often difficult to be in front of the camera (trust me I do lol!!) but once everyone warms up to the camera (and to me!) we end up having a blast.  This session was no exception. 

I loved, loved, LOOVED this guy and he loved the camera!  He was willing to do whatever I asked of him...and sometimes I'd catch him watching me and the camera, just waiting to hop in there to get a picture taken.  He even asked about how I changed my lenses (a boy after my own heart!)

 This photo makes me happy -  I told you they were a beautiful family!

Go ahead, giggle, you know you want to!  I love capturing photos like this, just love it!!!

Sweet, beautiful girl - she just turned 10 and was a little shy in front of the camera...but she worked with me and by the end of it I got a hug!

 I can't wait to share some of the other photos - this one in particular was one of the last shots I got of them....I asked them to act just like they would at home and in typical sibling fashion proceeded to start wrestling lol!!!  And then...I got this shot....love :o)

I have a lot more to go through and edit...and I'll be sure to share some more soon!  I also have some photos to share from a spur of the moment shoot and hopefully I can do that tomorrow!!  Until then....xoxo
 
 
 

Ok...so I lied......

I promised to post the next day and needless to say that didn't happen lol!!  Life has been crazy busy but in in such a good way - and it's just getting better.  I had 2 sessions, one Saturday and one on Monday - and both made me realize how much I love what I do.  We had so much fun at both - lots of laughter and lots of fun.  I literally have a blast during sessions - and I think it comes from loving what I do SO much.

The first one I'm going to share with you is an absolutely precious 18 month old little girl.  She had the most gorgeous blue eyes, the brightest personality and the most adorable grin.  We opted to do this one at a local playground and needless to say it was the perfect choice. 

 

 
That one cracks me UP, it looks like she is just belting out a tune - SO cute!!

 
  
Told you she had some amazing eyes!!

 
She LOVED that slide  - I mean LOVED it!!

 

 
  

 
 
I LOVE that face...pure joy - makes my heart happy!!

I had the privilege of doing a second engagement session with this beautiful couple.  In fact they introduced me to a brand new location that I will be using over and over and over again - it's just gorgeous!!  We had such a good time - they kept me laughing the entire time. 

 
  

 

 
  

 
 
Gorgeous couple, gorgeous location - I can't wait for their wedding - I know it's going to be stunning!

Until next time sweet readers...xoxo
 
 

Time gets away from me...

and my poor blog ends up neglected!  I've been so busy between editing photos - scheduling sessions and working on scrapbook projects!  And of course keeping the house running (somewhat) smoothly lol!!  Of course all my hard work means I have some things to share!  So, without further ado....

 
Quite possibly my favorite ring shot to date!  This one comes in as a close 2nd...

 

This couple will be having a Fall wedding next October so it was fitting to incorporate the pumpkin and gorgeous fall colors.  They chose an incredible location for their session - High Falls, right outside of Atlanta.  I had never been there and so of course I couldn't wait to see it.  It really is a beautiful place!  After a short hike we reached the perfect place to take a few photos:

 

 

 
  
 


Told you it was a gorgeous location!!  The color was perfect!  

I'll share some layouts tomorrow from that awesome  Freehand Scraps November Kit I've been raving about as well as some new Pink Paislee & Prima!!

xoxo
 
 
 

Some Sneakies...

of November's Freehand Scraps Kit - I have to say this kit is incredible.  It's full of fun colors, gorgeous patterns and I'm in looooooove with the alphas.  Hands down my favorite kit - it was so much fun to use.  The kits will go up on November the 1st, so be sure to grab one before they're gone!!

In photography news, October 2010 is officially booked (for weddings that is!)  Remember, I'm only allowing for 2 weddings each month so if you're thinking of booking now is the time!

Alright, I've got to hop off of here...there is a little girl and a few jars of Play-Doh calling my name!!

xoxo
 

Some New Wedding Information & Photos...

It's hard to believe that I have wrapped up my weddings and started booking for next year!  If you are thinking about booking, please keep in mind that I only book a certain amount each month (in order to give enough attention to each client).  For 2010 the tentative plan is to only allow for 2 weddings each month.  Remember, $250.00 books the date and that deposit is applied to the package of your choice. 

Now, with that out of the way, let's get to some photos shall we?!

What's a bride without her bridesmaids?  These girls were there for her every need!

I just love her expression as she reads a card from her husband - to - be!!

One of my favorite things about this family was their love of being silly and just laughing!  The bride's brothers kept me laughing the entire time!!

Even mom got in on the action - love it!!

This one cracks me up...I like to get shots that are, well, out of the ordinary, and the best way to do that is to request that people just let loose and relax...for this particular shot I asked the bridesmaids to stand behind the bride and carry on while the bride focused on me.  Carry on they did!  The expression on the 2nd bridesmaid's face is priceless!
 
 Alright...that's all for this afternoon.  Getting ready for Jillian's PTO performance at the school tonight!  lots of love to you all!!

xoxo
 
 
 
 

A New Special & New Photos

Hello my sweet readers!  I have a few things to share today - a brand new special for locals, a recent photo shoot and of course a few photos of my girls :o)

For a limited time I am offering 20% off all prints - combine that with the special I'm running and wow!  (Can you say Christmas gifts??!)  

- 5x7 - $7.00 (regular price) - after discount - $5.60

- 8x10 $10.00 (regular price) - after discount - $8.00

- 11x14 - $20.00 (regular price) - after discount - $16.00

This special also applies to Gallery Canvas Wraps!!!!

 - 11x14 - $125.00 (regular price) - after discount - $100.00

- 16x20 - $150.00 (regular price) - after discount - $120.00

Don't forget about the other special I have running:  Book a session and receive a free 8x10 & 2 Sheets of Wallets!

Now to share a new session with you all!  I had the privilege of shooting this lovely family.  This cute little guy wasn't too sure about the camera and was quite shy!

I just love this next shot - one thing about my sessions is I try to capture the essence and spirit of children and their families.  So I usually take some time to sit back with my camera and try to catch a special moment of interaction - whether it's just laughing, or playing or loving one another.

The only thing I ask from any of my clients is to just relax and enjoy themselves!

I also want to share some recent shots of the girls - these were taken spur of the moment - we have a field near our house and at around 6pm the lighting is just stunning.  I kept passing by it and thinking "one day I'm going to grab some shots there..." and so I did ;o)

xoxo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A Special & A New Shoot

My Fall weather has arrived!!!  I love the crisp air - the cooler nights!  In honor of this I have a special that is running for a limited time:

This special is a great way to get those special portraits for Holiday cards and gifts - and there are plenty of wonderful locations to choose from!

I had a session yesterday with someone near and dear to my heart - I have been friends with his dad for over 14 years and I just love photographing him.  Our kids have grown up together and all have a special bond...they just love eachother...so it was only natural for the girls to tag along (and keep him laughing!)  Here are some of my favorites so far (warning it's photo heavy!!!)

Don't you just love those blue eyes!  Here are some shots of the girls I snapped in between clothing changes & breaks:

We had so much fun, even though it was cold and rainy!  Like I said, my Fall weather is here ;o) 

I had a question from a reader (Hi Serena!) :

Love the way you take photos - I have an SLR and I just want to take great shots of the kids not be a photographer - mainly use the AV setting but sometimes shutter speed is too slow and it blurs a lot - any suggestions of how to learn to be better?

My first tip is to practice, practice, practice :o)  I can't tell you how many times I have pulled the girls outside ( to much grumbling might I add) to practice.  AV mode is great but, I can't recommend Manual highly enough - it gives you more control.  I'm not sure what lens you are using, but a faster lens (1.2, 1.4,1.8, 2.8) can help with motion blur.  When aperature is wide open it lets in more light - reducing the chance of motion blur.  A good lens for any camera bag is a 50mm 1.8 - it's relatively inexpensive and very versatile. Another tip: If you are attempting to catch the kids in action you can try bumping up the ISO (over 400 is best.)  

I hope that has helped a little bit :o)  I've never really given out a lot of advice :o)  I'm always here to help if I can!

xoxo
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

What a lovely way to spend a Friday night...

...it was filled with lots of laughter:

The bride couldn't stop laughing as her brother's MC'd the photo slide show of her and her groom's younger days....even I ended up with a case of the giggles ;o)  And as you can see, they were cracking themselves up too:

 I loved that I was able to catch this shot...the bride's daughter playing before the ceremony...and she just happened to be playing with a blonde woman and a brunette man ;o)

Isn't she a beauty?!  She was always willing to give me a smile! 

 I just loved the colors she chose for the wedding, so beautiful!!

aren't they a gorgeous couple?!

A fun ring shot at the reception which was held at the bride's parent's home!

Alright..that's it for now...will have more to share in the weeks to come! 

xoxo