Always Learning, Always Growing

Who inspires you? What would you to for a chance to learn from them? How would you take that knowledge and grow from it? 

Really - think about those questions. Whatever it is that you "do", or want to do, or wish you could do; I'm sure there's someone out there who "does" it and inspires you. If I can give you any advice, it would be to find them, call them, email them, read about them - do whatever you can to help yourself grow from those who inspire you. 

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 Haley Sheffield, of The Photography of Haley Sheffield is one of those people whose work just energizes me to go out and do better and better every day.What I love about Haley's work isn't just her ability to make a pretty picture. Haley merges her mastery of the technical with pure artistry from her creativity. Her images aren't just pretty; her images are artful, moving, and timeless. When my husband and I got engaged in 2010, I knew there was no one else I wanted to capture our wedding day.  Haley's work has been featured on wedding blogs like The Wedding Chicks, 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty & more. 

This spring, to my delight, Haley afforded me an opportunity to shoot along side her in a mentoring weekend.  A weekend full of learning, of questions & answers, of growing and a whole lot of fun. 

To Haley - (the fact that you are reading my blog thrills me!) - thank you so much. Thank you for allowing me the chance to learn from you. Thank you for having a kind, generous heart and (at least for a weekend) a patient teacher's spirit. Thank you for encouraging me to continue this adventure & know that you've had an incredible impact on it. 

To my clients - Taking your picture isn't just a "zoom-click-print" thing for me. Creating fine art images that you can treasure forever is my passion. I will never settle for good enough, I am always moving forward, learning and growing so that I can give you the absolute best I can. 

Without further adieu, please enjoy these images of Kaylee & Bobby's anniversary session, captured during my mentoring with Haley. Prepare yourself for romance!

{to life, love and perpetual learning}

-jbw-

To see more images of Kaylee and Bobby, check out Haley's post by clicking here!

Bri + Brian + Baby

First things first - congratulations to this beautiful couple on the birth of their beautiful baby GIRL! 

Bri and Brian chose not to know the gender of their baby before birth; how exciting! As evidenced in these photos - before her arrival they were anxiously awaiting and excited for the best surprise of their lives. They got their surprise just last week and let me tell you, she's a beauty. 

This day earlier this summer wasn't just special because it was their maternity shoot - it was also their sixth wedding anniversary. If that doesn't spell L-O-V-E then I don't know what does! It is my hope that one day their daughter will look at these photos and see just how much joy she brought her parents before she was even born. I hope these images become her treasure and reminder that she is dearly, deeply loved by two amazing people. 

{to joy; little, tiny, precious bundles of it}

-jbw-

Around the world...

Well, where have you been lately? I can say that today, I think I have the coolest response: Europe! If you're wondering where j.b. ward photography has been the last two weeks, the answer is on vacation in Belgium & Germany! 

My husband and I had an amazing time together and while I am still savoring our Belgian chocolates, I am also excited to get back to work. I have so many great photos to share; a lovely Charlottesville maternity shoot, some absolutely romantic couples photos from my shadowing weekend this spring with The Photography of Haley Sheffield (one amazing artist), a Chesapeake Beach wedding and of course travel photos from my time abroad. 

WIth it all listed out like that, I just can't wait to get started. 

{to the journey; around the world or around the corner}

-jbw-

Mechelen, Belgium