Troy | Jacksonville, FL Children

I am very very behind in posting this, but better late than never! During my trip to Florida, I ventured up to the beautiful city of Jacksonville to photograph this handsome little man. His auntie is a very good friend of mine from Hawaii and she wanted to make sure he had some good photographs taken.

We met up on their family friends 1000 acre property. I can't even explain the immense beauty of this land. I think I told Renee, the property owner at least 5-10 times how stunning it was and that I wanted to live there. Even if it was in a tent in the woods!

I had some serious expectations before meeting Troy. His aunt always shared "Troy Stories" with us back in Hawaii and some of them would be hard to believe when you knew he was only 4. To say he was infamous in our group of friends would be an understatement.

If you're wondering if Troy lived up to my expectations. He did. I think its safe to say that he even surpassed them in terms of being photographed.

Enjoy these favorites of mine from Troy's session.

Tell All Tuesday- How I got into photography...

I am often asked "How did you get into this?" Well, to be honest, I wish I could say I always had a passion for photography and that I grew up knowing I would one day be a photographer. But that would be a lie.

Have I always liked taking pictures? Absolutely. I've always preferred being behind the camera rather than in front!

It wasn't until 2008 that I got my very first "real" camera, aka, a DSLR. My sweet little Nikon D60. It started on my honeymoon in Hawaii with my husband where we had purchased a semi advanced bigger point and shoot, but I quickly found that it didn't do what I wanted it to do. I wanted MORE. I wanted faster. I wanted sharper. So, my very amazing, generous, spoils me too much husband, bought the Nikon D60 for me for a birthday/Christmas present (Random Fun Fact, my birthday is Christmas Eve!). 

I got a lot of use out of it in 2009. We were still stationed with the Blue Angels in Pensacola, Fl. I often would travel to wherever the air shows were to spend whatever extra time I could with W. My camera always came with. I swear, I must have take thousands of photos of airplanes, helos, and other air show exhibitions. Then came begging my friends to let me borrow their kids... which naturally, they did. Towards the end of 2009, our dreams came true and we moved to the land of Aloha. 

I spent 2010 and the very start of 2011 working at a doctor's office in town and to be honest, I wasn't happy. I had started practicing my photography more on friends and friends of friends at the end of 2010. It wasn't until January 2011 that I lost my job at the doctor's office and friend pushing me to do photos for girls for Valentines Day that I had even considered it being a possible job for me. 

So there it began... All with the simple idea pushed by a good friend of mine. 

March of 2010, I took my very first workshop by a wonderful photographer (and now friend!), Alyssa Turner of AlyssaPix. This is when it all changed for me. I really learned how to use my camera, how to control things, how to be AWESOME! Ok, well awesomeness can't be taught, you just are.... But you get my point. On that note, since I firmly believe Alyssa has been one of my biggest helpers. She is always sharing knowledge and fabulousness.  I want to make sure to let you know to check out her page if you are interested in learning how to use your camera- she often offers an "Out of the Box" workshop to get you shooting out of the auto mode. Its VERY affordable. If you are a mom-tographer, aspiring photographer, hobbyist, I promise you can learn something!

From there it's kind of history. I have been very very blessed to have a wonderful client (and by client, I mean FRIEND) base that has allowed me to stay busy, stay shooting, and stay motivated.

I could have made this post a lot longer with all the nasty grimy details, but, we'll keep it short and sweet.

Please make sure to send all questions that you want answered in Tell All Tuesdays to jwaltersphotography@gmail.com

Tell All Tuesday!

Aloha ladies and gents!

I have decided to designate Tuesdays as my "tell all" post day of the week. My goal for Tell All Tuesday's is to cover personal snippets, anything you guys want to know about me, my camera, photography, and whatever else pops into my little head! So bring on those questions!

This week... you get to find out more about who I am!

Hi, I'm Jessica :)
I am married to the love of my life, who happens to be a United States Sailor. He may often be referred to as "W"
I was born in California, raised in Florida, living in Hawaii, but moving to Naples, Italy in 2013.
I adore smiley's and exclamation marks! I can't help but always be excited!! :)
I am obsessed with my sweet mini-schnauzer Zoe.
My heart is easily won over by southern food and country music.
I have met some of the most amazing women (and pretty fabulous photographers) who have blessed me with knowledge, love, and faith that this industry isn't always cold and cut throat.
I am addicted to Target! (I have many friends who can attest to my way too frequent Facebook check-in's there)
I love Starbucks, in almost any form, but my top 2 faves there are Cafe Vanilla Frap Light or Passion Tea.
I have a serious sweet tooth for fruity candy: Mike n Ikes, Skittles, Twizzlers, Starburst, Jellybeans, YES PLEASE!
I am falling in love with making my own jewelry- I have a couple awesome pieces.
I am afraid of heights, but, I have big dreams to go on a hot air balloon ride or skydive one day.
I am currently on my own journey to be healthier and get in better shape.
I absolutely LOVE to shoot maternity and couples sessions, oh and a good cake smash session!
I am addicted to Facebook, Instagram, and some days Pinterest.
I am a Canon girl :)
I LOVE MY JOB.


I cannot wait to continue Tell All Tuesday's! If there is ANYTHING you want to see featured, please comment, head over to my Facebook or shoot me an Email! Jwaltersphotography@gmail.com

<3

Sunday Catch Up!

Aloha from Florida ya'll! It's been a bout a good month since I have posted and I'm sure you're wondering where on earth I've been! Well, if you're a regular Facebook follower, then you know I've been visiting my family in the Sunshine State! I must admit, that while being home is extremely nice, I really miss Hawaii!

While I've been home I have had the opportunity to catch up with old friends, see my family, do a few photo sessions in the Tampa, Penscaola, and Jacksonville areas, and do some serious shopping!

I cannot wait to get back to my sweet iMac and pump through some editing my first couple days back so I can blog those sessions!

On the lineup for the first week back in Hawaii are some seriously great sessions! Starting off with a wonderful couples session, maternity session, boudoir shoot, childrens session and many more! May is booked full! I couldn't be more happy and feel more blessed than I already do!

I am some serious goals I'd love to accomplish in the month of May: become more organized (to include a better emailing system for me so emails back to you get answered within 1-2 business days and make sure checklists are getting done), stick to my working hours, finalize the details of my July special (Be on the look out!!!), and  really focus on being the best photographer I can be and make sure each and every one of you is happy. Oh! And blog more!

I think part of what makes any business a good business is being real.. I am not perfect, will never claim to be, but I sure as heck will always try to make each and every client happy.

I have so many ideas and projects to put on my checklist. I plan to spend more time providing information to you- everything from what to wear posts to answering your questions that you have (Ask me ANYTHING!)

I am looking forward to getting to know you all better and letting you guys get to know ME as a person better as well!

Jed + Ashley | Ewa Beach Couples Photographer

I met up with Jed + Ashley in Ewa Beach at one of my favorite parks on the island! This little hidden gem is so versatile, it's makes the perfect spot for a couples session!

Jed + Ashley are leaving the island behind soon to head home to Texas since they are both separating from the military. That's right, they BOTH serve our wonderful nation! I always love getting a dual military couple.

I knew the second I met these two at their initial consultation, that their session would be so easy and fun. I wasn't wrong. These two were so chill and loving that I forgot I was at work. I would classify Jed as pretty serious hobbyist photographer, so occasionally during the shoot he would spout out some photo jargon that actually kept me on my toes! I loved it!

I can only hope that my future clients (Yes, YOU!) are as cool, fun, and awesome as these two!

Enjoy!

........

and my FAVORITE from the entire session....

Jed + Ashley, I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. I also wish you guys an easy transition and move back to the mainland and the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

Veronica + Vernon | Kaneohe Couples Photographer

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Veronica and her husband Vernon for a pre-deployment couples session at a lush botanical garden in Kaneohe.

Though I only spent a little time with these two, I can tell you they are just so stinkin' adorable and perfect for each other. Veronica is just absolutely bubbly and happy and well, Vernon, he doesn't like having his picture taken- but you'd never know the difference!

It was work getting him to crack a smile, but when he did, it was well worth the work! When Vernon wasn't smiling, he was doing what every photographer wants guys to do, LOVE on his wife! He was so perfect at getting in those sweet kisses on her neck, stroking her hair, and just being adorable!

I absolutely LOVED this session and these two, I hope you do as well! Enjoy!

The bottom photo is one of my absolute favorites from their session, 100% unposed sweet love right there! *gushes*

Those eyes!!! Seriously just gorgeous!!!

Stephanie + Matt | Kualoa Maternity Photographer

A little over a week ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie and Matt for their maternity session up on the Windward side of the island. After the nasty rainstorms we experienced which caused us to reschedule our first date, we finally got some good, dry weather. It was the perfect setting for capturing this mom-to-be's radiant beauty.

I have met many people through photography, but these two made my heart melt. Little Molly Katherine is going to be one lucky little girl from the second she makes her appearance. I can already tell that Stephanie is going to be the warmest and most nurturing mother there is. Matt? Well, I have a feeling that Molly is going to have Matt wrapped around her little fingers. He was so sweet and attentive to Stephanie, that there is no doubt that this sweet little girl will be a daddy's girl!

I still feel so blessed to have been lucky enough to spend time with these two and be reminded why I love my job so much!

Here are some of the images from their beautiful session, Enjoy!