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Child athlete portrait session with hockey goalie and jiu jitsu theme in Eastern North Carolina

Gavin, Goals & Giggles – A Sports Portrait Session with Heart (and Pucks!)

May 30, 2025

Every once in a while, a session comes along that reminds me why I love what I do—and Gavin’s sports shoot was exactly that kind of day.It all started when Michele stumbled across the JW Portrait Studio Facebook page. She’d had some sports portraits taken of Gavin years ago, back when he was a little 6-year-old ballplayer, dabbling in baseball and soccer. Now 10, Gavin has swapped cleats and bats for grappling and goalie pads—diving headfirst (sometimes literally) into ...

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Military widow holding folded American burial flag in emotional tribute portrait session, Holly Ridge NC photographer

This Memorial Day: I Never Met Billy...

May 26, 2025

I never had the chance to meet Billy.He lived just one street over with his wife, Ashley, and their two young children. Like many families here in Holly Ridge—just twenty minutes from Camp Lejeune—they were part of a community shaped by the quiet strength and sacrifice of military life. I'm a veteran myself, having served in the Army, and that shared bond always runs deep, even when you haven’t shaken someone’s hand.One day, I heard about a tragic C-130 crash in ...

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A Blooming Bond: Kailyn’s Azalea Photo Session

Apr 21, 2025

Some sessions feel less like work and more like reconnecting with an old friend—and that’s exactly how it feels every time Kailyn visits. She drives two hours each way from Myrtle Beach just to shoot with me, and that dedication means the world. We’ve done five photo shoots together so far, each one different in style and setting, but always full of energy and creativity.Our most recent shoot was something truly special. The azaleas were in full bloom—a short-lived ...

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From Senior Portraits to Azalea Magic: Vess Returns!

Apr 11, 2025

One of the greatest joys in this photography journey is seeing familiar faces again—and again! Vess first stepped in front of my camera for her senior portraits, and from the very beginning, I knew she was something special. Her energy is magnetic, and that smile? It lights up the room (and every frame).Since that first session, Vess has come back a few times just for fun—no special occasion needed, just the love of creating beautiful images and capturing a little bit of the joy she ...

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Grace’s Senior Session: A Celebration of Her UNCW Journey

Apr 02, 2025

As a photographer, one of my greatest joys is capturing the unique spirit, personality, and passions of my senior clients—especially when they’re stepping into such a meaningful milestone. Grace's senior photo session was exactly that kind of experience. She's graduating from UNCW this spring, and like so many proud college grads, she wanted to celebrate not just the accomplishment, but the journey.We started right where her story began—on the campus of UNCW. Grace wanted ...

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Why I Consider My Photographs Art

Aug 09, 2024

I once had a painter tell me she never understood why some photographers called their photographs art. Initially, I wanted to start defending photography as an art form. But her comment made me pause and reflect—what is art? More specifically, why do I sometimes refer to my photographs as art?Is something art because it’s beautiful or valuable? Or maybe art is simply something that’s created. I know art doesn’t have to be shown to the entire world to be considered art. ...

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Do I Really Need a Professional Photographer for My Senior Portraits?

Jun 19, 2023

 Do I Really Need a Professional Photographer for My Senior Portraits?  When it’s so easy to take out your phone and take a good photo, you might be wondering whether it’s really necessary to hire a professional photographer for your senior portrait session.Most smartphones have some impressive cameras and they’re great for capturing your everyday moments with friends and family. However, your phone won’t quite hit the mark for your senior portraits – here’s ...

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What Every Parent Needs to Know Before Their Child’s Senior Photo Session

Jun 05, 2023

  What Every Parent Needs to Know Before Their Child’s Senior Photo Session  Your child’s senior portrait session is one of the many activities you will be involved in during their final year in high school. In most instances, seniors schedule their sessions during the summer right before their senior year. However, this is not a hard and fast rule.If this is the first professional portrait session you’re arranging, the below tips will help you feel more at ...

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5 Ways to Get Better Cap and Gown Graduation Photos

May 08, 2023

   5 Ways to Get Better Cap and Gown Graduation Photos  Not every graduate is crazy about wearing a cap and gown for photos, but there are ways you can capture better images you will be proud to show off.Here are a few tips to keep in mind.  Pick the Right Under-Gown OutfitInstead of placing all your focus on the cap and gown alone, think about what you want to wear under the gown. Your graduation gown merely drapes over your outfit, so choose a look that you love and feel ...

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Should I really invest in professional senior portraits?

Apr 24, 2023

 Should I Really Invest in Professional Senior Portraits? Perhaps you've heard of someone who didn’t have a great experience with a professional senior photographer or you’re just not sure senior portraits are your thing. Whatever your reservations, know that senior portraits are always a worthwhile investment.Here's why!       One of the first things that tend to put some seniors off a professional session is the photos they have seen. Unfortunately, ...

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Holly Ridge, North Carolina
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