Janine Walker's Photo Blog

BLOGTASTIC!!!

janine3108 — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:13:06 +0000

I have some exciting news! I have a

This blog will serve as an archive, the new blog will continue where this has left off. If you have bookmarked this blog, I would appreciate you taking a second to update your bookmarks.

http://www.janinewalkersblog.com/

Come visit!

LAZY BOY

janine3108 — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:10:11 +0000

Before I quit my day job to become a full time photographer, I used to feel so guilty about leaving Buddy at home on his own during the day. Now I realise there was just no need. He is the laziest dog I have ever met – he loves nothing more than snuggling up somewhere warm and snoring his brains out. Infact, he is in his bed (which I had to move into my office as he can’t bear to be in another room from me when I’m working) behind me right now, snoring up a storm. I just took these pictures of him, and this is pretty much how he has looked all day. It’s a good job I take him on very long walks!

85mm LOVELINESS :)

janine3108 — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:10:42 +0000

I just got a new lens and it is gorgeous. It makes me happy

Here are some quick snaps of Zach and Buddy from my first go with it on Sunday. I’m excited to use this on my next portrait shoot, it is so sharp.

VOTE ME!!!

janine3108 — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:33:45 +0000

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Did you enjoy me being a photographer at the wedding you attended? Go vote for me – I need to attend that Glittering Gala!! I think I deserve a little bling

You might even win a weekend break!

Janinex

SHARON AND BRENDAN

janine3108 — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:47:58 +0000

This post has caused me all kinds of inner turmoil (which is why it’s a day late). How was I supposed to pick just a handful of pictures for the blog from the many that I just love of this wedding?! I just want to say that Sharon and Brendan’s was the first wedding I ever booked. It was a huge thing for me, and really gave me the confidence and the push to move forward with my photography. So, thanks guys, for having the faith in me, and thanks Donna for recommending me. I really appreciate it!

Brendan left Sharon a note for her to read on her wedding day.

I LOVE YOU! MRS MAGILL x

He even drew a little heart with an arrow through it. Such a sweet guy, and their entire wedding was a testament of their love for one another. Sharon looked completely amazing in a figure hugging dress that really reminded me of the dress Monica in Friends wore on her wedding day. There’s not too many people who can pull off a showstopper like that!

The girls, Alana, Sian and Ellie were beautiful, and so photogenic. Jack, John and Tony were also very handsome, and made my life very easy by quickly rounding up the people we needed to photograph.

I really must mention the grounds of CASTLE UPTON. This is a glorious location right across the road from the Templeton Hotel. A photographers dream. If you are getting married anywhere near it I would highly recommend hiring out the grounds for a couple of hours for your photos. And it’s so private, you have no issues with feeling uncomfortable with all your guests watching you be photographed! They are even licensed for civil and religious ceremonies – check out their site and some of the photographs below.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SLIDESHOW!

Sharon arrived in some sweet wheels!

This is Sharon’s sister Donna (who got me my first ever wedding gig) and her beautiful family. She is a blog stalker and thus deserves a mention and a cyber hug ((( ))).

Some details – cause you know I love ‘em!! I used a texture overlay on this next image, something I am having fun experimenting with. I also used a very subtle one one the exchanging of rings shot above.

KIRSTI AND NEIL

janine3108 — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:04:25 +0000

I’m shooting Kirsti and Neil’s wedding in September and we scheduled in an engagement/getting to know you shoot at the weekend. I think these are a great way for you to get to know me and my shooting style, and will undoubtedly make the wedding photography on the Big Day go a bit smoother.

Kirsti just giggled the entire way through – which was rubbing off on me – and I don’t even know what I was tittering at! Her smile and laugh are completely infectious! We shot at Carrickfergus Castle, a new favourite location of mine. The rain stayed away – the only problem was the hurricane-style winds!

I loved their style, so I gave these photos a bit of a vintage vibe.

SMART GRADUATES

janine3108 — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:39:01 +0000

Tired of the same old blah when it comes to graduation pictures, Jane and Julie hired me to come to Magee University and take their portraits outside the college. I thought this was a pretty smart idea

Here’s a sneak peek of some of their graduation collection. If you are graduating and don’t fancy standing in front of a screen with a fake scroll, get in touch! You could even gather up a few roomates or classmates and have a group portrait shot.

Congratulations girls!

VICTORIA AND MARK

janine3108 — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:35:40 +0000

I spent Friday photographing Vicky and Mark’s wedding – the rain may have been falling but it did not dampen this sweet couple’s spirits! The sun did pop out for a while and we got to take some portraits outside.

Vicky put a lot of thought into her Big Day. I was so impressed with all the little details. The bridesmaid dresses with the matching shoes, the matching jewellery and the flowers were divine. I also loved how the girls wore little wrist corsages instead of carrying bouquets.

The light inside the old Presbyterian Church was amazing… I wasn’t allowed to shoot during the ceremony (it killed me!!!)… I did get to capture a few moments during the singing of the first hymn.

Congratulations you two!! Here’s your slideshow.

SLIDESHOW

Shoes shoes shoes, you know how I love them!! I couldn’t decide which of these pictures of Vicky’s shoes I liked best so I’m posting both and you can tell me your preference! The bridesmaid shoes were gorgeous.

Wee Jodie getting her hair done!

Jodie’s shrug was so cute – it looked like little angel wings!

Daddy knows how to get the giggles going!

And the snuggles…

The cake must be mentioned. Magnificant…Vicky’s aunt made it and it was pure chocolate heaven! The smell coming off this thing was mouth watering, and the detail in it. All those individually made chocolate truffles and chocolate piping (not sure if that’s the technical term…). Really beautiful. Right, I’m off to raid the chocolate cupboard!

A REAL STAR

janine3108 — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 10:52:42 +0000

I was extremely fortunate to get to photograph a real live star this week! Rhiannon was without a doubt, the most fun subject I have ever had. So full of energy and enthusiasm, never once tiring of all my odd requests (twirl around, hop about, jump, dance, twirl some more…). She was so sweet and willing, she really was a dream to shoot. And her photos so perfectly reflect her personality – fun, adventurous, dramatic and downright adorable.

This trampoline shot – taken at the end of our shoot at around 10pm – is one of my favourite kid pictures of all time. Plus I got to bounce on a trampoline, which rocked!

Rhiannon is a dancer, and there is no doubt in my mind that she is going to be a big star!

HOW VERY ‘JACKIE O’

janine3108 — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 22:25:55 +0000

Looking through some pictures of holidays and came across this underexposed one of Maddie that I snapped late at night without changing my earlier settings. When I played with it a little in postprocessing, it gave it a bit of a dated look that I’m liking. Hasn’t she come over all Jackie Onassis with her style?!! Lovin’ those H&M sunnies!

HEATHER AND BRIAN

janine3108 — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:25:33 +0000

Once upon a time someone asked me what I liked and didn’t like about being a photographer. There are many, many things I like about it, but there is just one thing I don’t like.

I never know whether to capture the moment, or just enjoy it.

On Saturday I tried my very best to just enjoy every wonderful moment of Heather and Brian’s wedding. My family successfully talked me out of carrying my camera up the aisle and snapping the ceremony. I enjoyed it instead. When the formals were being taken I set my camera down – I was in them instead. When other people were taking pictures and posing people, I chatted and laughed with my sisters, danced with my niece, and sat with my husband instead.

It was a great day.

Heather looked stunning. Everything came together beautifully. The flowers, the cake, the cuteness of the kids and Louis, the ceremony (Michelle and I blubbed the whole way through)…there are too many moments to tell. Here are some of the pictures I did take…whilst still enjoying the moment.

The main man checking himself out in the mirror.

Ronnie did a rockin’ job of Heather’s hair. She loved it.

THE HAIRDRESSERS

I just had to post a little bit about our time in the hairdressers. It was funny seeing Michelle, Heather and Heidi getting the biggest ‘do’s of their lives!! But the funniest thing was a bride who showed up to get her hair done IN HER DRESS!!!!! I have never heard of anyone doing this before…and was assured it was not an American tradition!

HEATHER’S WEDDING

janine3108 — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:17:31 +0000

Heather and Brian are getting married today!

There’s no live link (sorry Stevie), but I will post photos when I am next at my computer. It’s 9am and I have to go to the hairdresser and start my bridesmaid duties!

GIRL’S DAY

janine3108 — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 04:33:31 +0000

Today was Girl’s Day. The bridal party split up and the men played golf, ate and watched a movie. Us girls took over a nail bar and had manicures and pedicures. I’ve never had a pedicure before so I was nervous at the thought of someone touching my feet (YUCK!!), but it was OK. Actually my feet look fabulous. And my nails are extremely cool, even if it is hard to do the simplest of tasks.

We had Starbucks at lunch time and then after manicures and shopping we hit Applebees for Margaritas and dinner. While we were at dinner some of Heather’s new in-laws’ family arrived in town from Texas and ate with us.

It was such a great, fun day and we vowed to repeat it every time I am in the states.

Maddie was her usual cute and gorgeous self.

My lovely new nails!

Madison got some new ‘jewels’. We were calling her Mr T.

THE BLINGTASTIC BRIDAL SHOWER

janine3108 — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:57:24 +0000

In America the Bride-to-be gets a “shower” – which is a party with lots of gifts for the bride. It is the tradition that the Bridesmaids or Maid of Honour organise this for her. Michelle (my sister) and I organised the most rockin shower ever for our sister Heather. She is extremely glam, and has earned the nickname “Hollywood” where she lives. So the theme of the shower was “Bring your bling”, and everyone dressed up “like Heather”.

All the ladies who came brought their favourite dessert and the recipe. We had games – ‘Bridal Gift Blingo’ and ‘Who Knows the Bride?’. We finished up with a slideshow dedicated to Heather and the art of being Bling. It was a great day, and afterwards Michelle, mum and I collapsed on the porch and gossiped as only women can. Ah – good times!!

BLINGALICIOUS SLIDESHOW!!

Gorgeous Madison – the star of the party.

MICHELLE slaved over these gorgeous handmade decorations, and I can tell you that these photos do not do them justice. She is so talented.

We bought a little wish tree and everyone wrote advice on a card and hung it on there. The previous day saw Michelle, mum and I go to the “tree store” and ask for a tree. The guy says “what kind of tree?” and I said “a cute one”. The one I thought was cute grew to 100 ft tall and the one Michelle liked was actually dead and on it’s way to the bin. We ended up with a chinese maple.

Hot sisters!

Hot Mama!!

I have to mention this desert because it was sooooo cool!! Heather’s friend from work made a delicious dessert that looked like soil. The flower is plastic, just for show, but the soil is a magnificent concoction of oreos, chocolate pudding and cool whip. Flippin yum!!

Mother and Mother-in-Law.

Michelle and I absolutely exhausted at the end of the day!

WE ARRIVED!!!!

janine3108 — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:25:33 +0000

We made it safe and sound to the States for my sister’s wedding.

OK, so I have been a BAD blogger. It’s just been so busy here, catching up with everyone, the bridal shower, shopping and sunbathing

Anyhoo, here is the start of our journey to Sugar Grove PA for my wee sister’s wedding (AKA Hot Sister). Dublin airport at 6am was a nightmare – so many people and no-one seemed to know where they were going or where they were supposed to be!! Newark brought some welcome calm! We had an hour before our connecting flight to Buffalo so I had a margarita and my MIL Val had a half shandy. She drank it too quick and felt “hot”. This is me laughing at her being giddy (Taken with my macbook).