I'm seeing stars.......... - Emmett, Idaho Photographer

Today I helped a friend work on her calendar for an awesome non-profit cause. We had some good laughs over how "particular" I am (she calls it "being anal", I call it "being particular"). I just like uniformity on certain things; that's all.

After quite a few hours later, we were finished and I walked her and her daughter outside to her car and looked out at the bright moon. It was beautiful! Not quite a full moon, but pretty close. We had slight clouds over the moon giving it such a beautiful glow of colors and the stars were brightly shining as well. So I said my goodbyes to them and rushed back in the house to grab my camera and tripod.

I turned off all the lights outside and shut the curtains to the house (heaven forbid the family goes without lights for just a few dang minutes so I can get a good shot). Good things the curtains are nice and thick ;)

Unfortunately I don't live in an open field or on a desolate road where there's no light at all around me, and I didn't have time to get in the car and drive to the river (darn....that would have been an awesome shot!). So I had to deal with my surroundings and take what I could take from my open back yard porch.

If anyone is a constellation buff, can you tell me what the star constellation is on the right on these photos?

 

 You can see a bigger version of these photos on my facebook account.

November 2010 Special from Barbara Walker Photography - Emmett, Idaho Photographer

If you haven't thought about your Holiday Cards, NOW is the time to do so and take advantage of November's special!

BUY TWO SETS, GET ONE FREE ON YOUR CHOICE OF CUSTOM HOLIDAY CARDS

That's right....a FREE set of 24 Holiday Cards!! 


Now for the fine print.....
I'm feeling extra nice this holiday season. I was going to make this special for new sessions only, but I've changed my mind. This special can be images from your favorite past session(s) with Barbara Walker Photography or a new session booked and shot during the month of November 2010. Gift certificates, referral/rep cards, and holiday mini special cannot be combined with this special. If your proofing/ordering session happens to be booked in December, you can only partake in this November 2010 special and not the December 2010 special. Please note that even though the special ends on November 30, 2010, you will need to book your shooting date during the month of November; so book early!
Call me to take advantage of this awesome special at 208.794.7420 or email me at barbara@barbarawalkerphotography.com.

Relay For Life 2010 - Emmett, Idaho Special Event Photographer

Do you Relay? I do!

I have been involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life for a few years now and each year just amazes me with such inspiration. I was honored to be asked to photograph this year's Gem County Relay For Life at Emmett City Park.

Instead of going on and on with my personal story of why I Relay, I'll let the video speak volumes to you and hopefully inspire you too to Relay.








For further information about Relay For Life, go to their website HERE.

9 month old Cuddle Bug - Emmett Idaho Children Photographer

I love kids. Under a year old is some of the greatest stages to capture in a child. Donna (Evan's Mom) was visiting Emmett and Boise to see family and friends and wanted some updated photos taken. He was such a cutie! Definitely not a shy one, and those eyes....my goodness he's gunna swoon the girls with those baby blues.

Here's a slideshow of the fun we had

Spaces are filling up quick for my 2010 Holiday Mini Sessions - {Emmett, ID Holiday and Christmas Card Photographer}

With this heat wave we are having it sure doesn't seem like it should be fall, let alone start thinking ahead to Christmas. I do assure you that it is in fact fall and almost October already and that the Holidays are coming just around the corner. There are only 57 more days til Thanksgiving, 63 more days til Hanukkah, and 87 more days til Christmas. It may seem like alot of days and time, but time sure does seem to go fast these days.

My 2010 Holiday Mini Session were announced a few weeks ago and are booking up quick. Below I reposted the information and now you can see the days and times that are still open. I would suggest booking immediately before they are all booked and this awesome special goes away for another year. (click on image below to enlarge)

What are Holiday Mini Sessions? Holiday Mini Sessions are a client favorite because each collection is offered at a great discount and are ONLY available during the days and times specified. Mini sessions are short 25 minute sessions designed to capture a few fabulous images for your holiday cards & gifts. They do not include slideshow and one-on-one image proof presentation. All sessions are by appointment only, are limited to certain days and times, and book fast.......so call immediately! (For faq's, click here and scroll to the bottom of the post).

The 2010 Holiday Card designs have been released....check them out here

2010 Holiday Card Designs - Emmett Idaho Photographer

I've been warning you about the Holiday Season fast approaching for awhile now. Can you believe that there is LESS THAN 100 more days til Christmas morning?! To some that may seem like alot of days, but to many like me I'm already freaking out and making my lists and have already started doing some shopping. Time flies so fast and before you know it you all are going to be uber busy with your own shopping, cooking, decorating your homes, holiday parties and family visiting planning. Get your holiday cards planned now so that's one less thing to stress about later. Having some customized cards that showcase your amazing family will be the ultimate WOW factor of this 2010 holiday season!

I introduce to you.........the 2010 Holiday Card Designs!
Note: click on the image to enlarge ;)

All cards shown below are sized 5x7 and are available in Horizontal or Vertical formats. The colors, fonts, embellishments, and wording is all customizable to your liking. Even though these designs show as being double-sided, a single-sided format as well as a folded format can be created at no additional cost (just printing prices are different; contact me for further information).

DESIGN #1

DESIGN #2

DESIGN #3

DESIGN #4

DESIGN #5

DESIGN #6

Patricia, Middleton High Class of 2011 - Middleton, Idaho Senior Photographer

I love my clients! They refer me to all their friends and family! And this is how I met Patricia. She contacted me immediately after Karen had hers taken and her photos were uploaded onto facebook.

Patricia has the coolest family friends. She had 2 friends that offered their houses and surroundings to us specifically for her shoot (now that's some good friends!). Right in the beginning of shooting we were interrupted by mother nature. There were dragonflies all over the pond and one finally landed and stayed long enough for me to focus and capture this awesome shot

OK...back to Patricia. Patricia is a beautiful girl. She was shy at first but after about 5 or 6 shots she finally let go of that shyness and was laughing it up for the rest of her session.

I love to shoot seniors that are open to my quarky way of seeing something and telling them that I want to shoot them with it. That's what happened with Patricia and a barrel. There was an old barrel laying on its side. It looked like it had been there for years and was full of spider webs and dirt. When I showed Patricia the barrel she looked at me weird but trusted me. This is what came of that weird barrel.

Then there was the hay bales and the camaro and the tire swing that we saw and of course just HAD to get some shots.

Don't you just love her pink heels? I loved how they contrasted perfectly with the pristine blue camaro!

I am so proud of Patricia too. Patricia is a young mother and has managed to take such great care of her son all while staying in school and is going to graduate on time with her class. That takes alot of discipline and hard work and I'm proud that Patricia is so focused and determined. Michael (Patricia's 9 month old son) is so cute. He was just starting to try to take his first steps but would give up and crawl instead so I captured a few shots with Patricia and her son.

 (by the way....he walked his first steps the week after her shoot)

Isn't her collage awesome?!!!!!

And now....a glimpse into Patricia

My name is Patricia Crosby

My nickname is Patty-Jo or Trish

I go to school at Middleton High School

My favorite class is Science

My favorite color is Purple

My dream vacation is going to Hawaii

My all-time favorite movie is Phantom of the Opera

I never leave home without my lipgloss

After I graduate I want to go into nursing

My dream job is to be an R.N.

Dead or alive, who would you like to meet and why? Princess Diana because she came from basically nothing and helped change the world.

I love Barbara Walker Photography because Barbara is funny and made me feel comfortable.

Rain rain go away.....but let the rainbows stay! - Emmett, Idaho Photographer

I was sitting on the living room couch working on a Sudoku game when a bright light caught my eye. It wasn't a flash of light, it was a constant bright light and it was bugging me. So I take a look out the window and my eyes about bulged out of my head.

I run downstairs, grab the camera, slip on my shoes the best I could not caring that they weren't completely on but enough so my socks and feet don't get wet from the rain soaked cement, and start photographing.

OH MY GOODNESS.....the most brightest and gorgeous rainbow! Then I see the second rainbow above the bright one. A double rainbow!! And it's right above my house!!!!

(I absolutely love how the above shot tricks the eye to believe that the colors of the rainbow are dripping as it keeps raining)

Today was a first for me - Emmett, Idaho Senior Photographer

Today was a first for me in my photography business. I've been photographing High School Seniors for quite some time now and I've shot them with lots of "props". From the class ring to their car to climbing a silo to the railroad tracks, but today was a first for me shooting a senior with her horse.

I was nervous at first. At least I admit it! I'm not nervous around horses, as a matter of fact I really love them. I always wanted one {{insert here in a whiny voice "Daddy, I want a pony for Christmas."}}. I was just nervous because I've never photographed a horse up close and I personally don't have experience with a horse and know their behaviors. I went into the shoot with a plan, but Ria (Chyenne's horse) had plans of her own. She didn't want to cooperate right from the start. She wasn't bucking or anything like that, she just didn't want to be photographed showing her beautiful mane and then she didn't want to go into the water. I think it was more of that the rocks probably wasn't the best stability for her than the water being chilly; but what do I know?

I was able to capture some beautiful shots with Chyenne and Ria and will share those much later when Chyenne has her other sessions that'll take place next month. But I just had to share with you this great shot of Ria giving Chyenne a hug........

September 2010 Special from Barbara Walker Photography - Emmett Idaho Photographer

Oh boy oh boy oh boy. This month's special is gunna rock your world!

Book a family session during the month of September 2010, and receive your choice of 1 16x20 Metallic Finish Float Wrap OR 1 5x5 Custom Storybook Album for FREE. That's right....FREE!!!!!

Here's the fine print......
Family session must be booked and shot during the month of September 2010. Gift certificates, referral cards, and holiday mini special cannot be combined with this special. This particular family session special is ONLY for single families; meaning single parent with their child(ren), parents with their child(ren), and yes stepparents and stepchildren are part of the family too. Your choice of the 16x20 float wrap or 5x5 storybook album must be ordered during the proofing/ordering session. If your proofing/ordering session happens to be booked in October, you can only partake in this September 2010 special and not the October 2010 special. Please note that even though the special ends on September 30, 2010, you will need to book your shooting date during the month of September; so book early!

Call me to take advantage of this awesome special and book your family session during September 2010 at 208.794.7420 or email me at barbara@barbarawalkerphotography.com.

Oh Happy Day!!! - Emmett Idaho Photographer

I have been anticipating the day when my Phat Strap would arrive and it came today. I'm sooooooo happy.  It is so beautiful!!! Exactly what I wanted! The strap isn't too wide like the standard one that is included with your camera purchase. Phat Straps are ideal in that not only do you get a really thick and well constructed strap, you can really customize it to your liking. I added a mink hot pink lining on my strap because well, it goes with the design I chose and because I liked the thought of added comfort for those really long shoots I sometimes have. Of course I had it embroidered with "Barbara Walker Photography" matching the aqua that's in my logo. Ya, it doesn't exactly "stand out" persay, but I really like it!

I haven't even told you the best part yet!! IT'S LONG!!!! I have been trying to get my hands on a comfortable strap that is long enough to go on one shoulder and across my body and rests the camera body on my hip. I don't like the full vest straps so those were out of the question. The ones I have found aren't comfortable (it dug in the neck); returned that one, aren't long enough to fit my plus size body and large boobs; returned a couple of those that I tried, and was around a $250 or higher purchase; didn't even buy those because they were just outrageously expensive in my opinion. Phat Straps was priced very affordable even with all the add-ons that I wanted and it's just an awesome strap! I recommend all my fellow photographers (professional and enthusiasts) to check them out (and no, they aren't paying me to endorse their products...this is truly my personal opinion on their product).

Not only do they have camera straps, but they also have guitar straps, ipad storage cases, lens storage bags, and a few other items too. And their fabric themes are just phenomenal! WIDE selection of looks....you'll have a hard time narrowing them down to 1 favorite, I guarantee it.

August 2010 Special - Emmett Idaho Photographer

Since when did August get here?! I still have my wall calendar showing July LOL. My fault I'm late on the special of the month, so I'll make it a doosey of a great special. I'm not only going to give 1 great special, I'm going to give 3 great specials!!!! You read that right...THREE (3) SPECIALS!!!

First Special:
For the month of August 2010, Barbara Walker Photography is offering a FREE set of Accordion Brag Books (set of 2) with the purchase of a custom designed 4x6 Proof Box. This offer is good for any past sessions and new sessions in the month of August 2010 with Barbara Walker Photography.

Second Special:
For the month of August 2010, Barbara Walker Photography is continuing the most awesome July special. All Metallic Prints & Metallic Float Wraps are 30% off!!! This includes any past sessions images and new session images. Now is the time to get your large wall portrait that you've been dying to get at an AWESOME discount!!

Third Special:
This special applies to Senior Portraits only. Book NOW (and pay in full the session fee to book your shooting date by the end of August 2010) for your Senior Portraits to be taken in September OR October 2010 and you'll receive a FREE 10x20 Mounted Collage Print ($150 value) created by Barbara Walker Photography showcasing images from your senior portraits session. Now go tell your parents because they will want to jump on this!

Below are some samples of collages created

All of the specials for August 2010 ends August 31, 2010 at 11:59pm mountain time. Call me to place your order at 208.794.7420 or email me at barbara@barbarawalkerphotography.com.

Announcing a Float Wrap Sale - Emmett, Idaho Photographer

Hurry and start measuring your walls. NOW is the time to order your Float Wraps with Barbara Walker Photography. If you've had a previous session with Barbara Walker Photography and put off ordering your favorite images on a float wrap, now is the time to advantage.

Float Wraps are made with a Lustre or Metallic photograph print and are protected with a matte laminate. Additional padding between the print and the masonite give the front of the Float Wrap a raised, elegant look and feel. Create a modern display with a Float Wrap wall collage that is ready to hang instantly.

Float Wrap Wall Portraits (available in many sizes from 8x10 to 20x30) are on sale for 30% off!! But there is a catch.......this sale is only available for a few days. Place your order NOW to get your Float Wraps at a steal because this sale ends Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 11:59pm (mountain time).

Call me to place your order at 208.794.7420 or email me at barbara@barbarawalkerphotography.com. Just remember, this special sale ends Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 11:59pm mountain time.

Madisen, Emmett High School Class of 2011 - Emmett Idaho Senior Photographer

Madisen is such a sweet and loving young woman. When we met for her consultation she was soooo shy and I assured her that we'd have lots of fun.

A week later was her shooting session and we met at a local park and her shyness went away, her smile lit up her face and her guard was down. Now it was time to really have some fun!

I've been told that Madisen rocks the Oboe (musical instrument for those that don't know), so I asked her to bring it. I LOVE this photo!!

Madisen loves her pugs with a passion and has the most clever names for them; Biscuit & Gravy.

Right after the above photo was taken we started to pack up and head to our next location but mother nature had something to say to us; clouds started to roll in quickly and were really dark and then we heard it....thunder. Oh nooooo. We decided to call it a night because we didn't want to get rained on nor get struck by lightning.

A few days later we tried again. Beautiful day, no clouds, not too hot, really just a perfect day for us.

Last but not least, Madisen was game for some real excitement. She told me that she was game to get wet so I took her to the river. She charged in that water like it was warm Hawaiian water. Such an awesome and brave girl!

Thank you Madisen. I had such a fun time with you and your mom! Keep smiling girl!



And now, a glimpse into Madisen.............

My name is Madisen Chinnock

My nickname is Mattis

I go to school at Emmett High School

My favorite class is Math

My favorite color is lime green and purple

My dream vacation is the caribbean

I never leave home without a picture of Biscuit & Gravy

My biggest fear is spiders and losing loved ones

My favorite high school moment is going to D.C.

After I graduate I want to move out and go to college

My dream job is to work in a greenhouse and own an animal hotel

If I had $5000 to spend I would go shopping and save the rest

I love Barbara Walker Photography because she is a very nice person and she takes awesome pictures! (Thank you Madisen)

Check out Madisen's rocking slideshow!

Announcing an Image Box Sale - Emmett, Idaho Photographer

Quick!!!! Now, and I mean NOW, is the time to order your Image Box from Barbara Walker Photography. If you've had a previous session with Barbara Walker Photography and put off ordering an Image Box, now is the time to take advantage of this awesome sale.

Image Boxes are customized to showcase your favorite images from your session(s). Available in sizes 4x6 or 5x7 and available to hold 100 prints or 250 prints. Image Boxes aren't just for holding prints, they also make great keepsake boxes for holding items at your home! And now they are available with the option of an elastic band closure (see image above) for a small additional charge.

Get your Image Box now for 30% off!!!! 

That's right....30% off!! 

Now for the bad news.

This is a quick sale, as it only lasts from today, July 21, 2010 til Sunday, July 25, 2010. 

So take advantage of this awesome sale NOW!

 

Call me to place your order at 208.794.7420 or email me at barbara@barbarawalkerphotography.com. Just remember, this special sale ends Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 11:59pm mountain time.

Karen, Emmett High Class of 2011 - Emmett Idaho Senior Photographer

Karen is a beautiful girl that absolutely loves the camera....and the camera loves her. She is full of spunk and has such a fun spirit.

I moved to Idaho a little over a year ago and got lost one day on my way to the Nampa Costco (totally missed a turn!). I ended up coming across this awesome bridge and just wanted to photograph on it someday. Well, for the past year I have been trying to find that bridge (figures, I'd find it when I was lost! LOL). Somehow this bridge came up in topic with Karen and her boyfriend Cole (see his Senior Portraits here) and they both knew the bridge that I was talking about. OMG!!!! YES!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

The funnest part of shooting at the bridge was stopping traffic. LOL We had to stop traffic (only a couple of cars) a few times so we could shoot in the middle of the bridge and against the sides of the bridge. The people in the cars didn't mind (well at least I don't think they did since we didn't get any glaring looks nor yelled at).

We headed just below the bridge and there were some huge boulders and I had her lay back on them. I bet they were the most uncomfortable things to lay on, but beauty is pain ;)

We started to head back to Emmett and stopped off in Middleton to shoot on the little bridge and Cole & Karen played on the swings. Then we came across an abandoned shop that had an awesome green wall. So we detoured over to the wall. Coming closer to home I decided to check out the winery that's on Hwy 16 and soon realized that there was a wedding that was about to go on. Ooops. I didn't want to totally crash the wedding so we just shot in one area and quickly left (the guests didn't see us....only the groom and his groomsmen and they were fooling around themselves).

Here are a few more of my faves from Karen's Senior Portrait Session.......

And last but certainly not least of my faves........

I WANT A PAIR OF THESE CHUCKS!!!!!!

And now a glimpse into Karen........

My name is Karen Marie Owens

 
My nickname is Boo (by mom) or Sunshine (by dad) or Goober Head

 
I go to school at Emmett High School

 
My favorite class is Art, any Art

 
My favorite color is Blue

 
I love to listen to the sound of peace in the mountains

 
My all-time favorite movie is Dirty Dancing. Patrick Swayze is a BEAST!

My favorite possession is my car "Blurple"

I never leave home without my not so awesome cellular device

My favorite high school moment is when I was setting up for a friend’s Senior Project dinner, I was setting up tables and I tripped and took the table with me and threw the other table I was pushing into Cole. Cole, my friends, my friend’s parents, and my other friend all laughed with me due to my clutzy actions. The cherry on the top of the entire situation was that the school caught the entire thing on camera. Ah… The power of technology for Black Mail.

 
After I graduate I want to go for a road trip to the Golden Coast, drive all the way down Highway 1 stopping at all the cool beaches along the way with my best friend, Tabetha, and my man, Cole. Oh, then I'm gong to BSU to be a civil engineer. That's important too :)

 
My dream job is being a civil engineer in an area with a lot of water and getting to design appealing bridges that people who drive or walk them will remember for years to come.

 
Dead or alive, who would you like to meet and why? I would meet Jared Padalecki because he is an amazing actor and one FINE AND TASTY piece of man pie. And I would meet Walt Disney because he is the true inspiration for my art and an amazing role model.

 
I love Barbara Walker Photography because when someone gets photographed for the first time, it’s awkward. However, Barbara makes the “awkwardness” disappear because of her bubbly attitude, her unique style, and her obvious passion for her job. Not to mention the pictures are absolutely beautiful, even when she has you do some of the weirdest things :) 

Butterfly At Rest Cross-Stitching Project - Emmett Idaho Photographer

Now that the All Is Vanity project is completed and sent to my friend, I have started another cross-stitching project. This one has a bit of history to it. See, many years ago (no kidding, like over 6 or 7 years ago) I started this same cross-stitch pattern for my best friend Janet. She had seen the progress of it here and there and anxiously awaited its completion. Fast forward to my moving to Idaho........I lost it. Yes...I lost the more than halfway done cross-stitching project for my best friend. I kept searching and searching in boxes and cabinets for it while I working on the All Is Vanity project but alas it was lost. :(  I promised Janet that once I was done with the All Is Vanity that I'd re-start her Butterfly At Rest and she'd have it soon (secretly hoping by Christmas 2010).

So I started working on this beautiful project. It's a nice transition using lots of beautiful colors now as opposed to the black & white & gray tones from the All Is Vanity.

I started the Butterfly At Rest Project in May (don't remember the exact date, but I know it was towards the beginning of May). It killed me to start with a clean slate again knowing how far I had been on it before, but alas it is for my best friend of over 20 years so she's worth it!!

Starting with a clean slate.....

As of May 28, 2010 I had completed almost 1/6th of this beautiful project....

Now take a look at it. June 28th and I'm practically 1/3 done with it (minus the outlining/backstitching). It's starting to take beautiful shape now and check out the colors!!! P.S. Sorry for the glaring TV screen behind the canvas.

These pics were taken with my dinky 2MP cell phone camera so please don't judge on the quality of the photos ;)

July Special - Emmett Idaho Photographer

Everyone likes a good special. I know I do!

For the month of July 2010, all Metallic Prints & Float Wraps are 30% off!!!That's right, all metallic prints are on sale. This includes any past sessions images and new session images. Now is the time to get your large wall portrait that you've been dying to get at an AWESOME discount!!

Offer ends July 31, 2010 at 11:59pm mountain time. Call me to place your order at 208.794.7420 or email me at barbara@barbarawalkerphotography.com. Just remember....this special ends July 31,2010 at 11:59pm mountain time.

Mother Nature is not liking me today - Emmett Idaho Senior Photographer

Today was an extremely hot day. And I mean HOT!!! I think at one time I saw the weather temperature gauge thing that I have read 111 degrees. Now that's HOT! I knew that I had a Senior Photo Shoot scheduled in the early evening so I just kind of took a "chill day" to relax and drink nothing but iced tea all day...ok ok and some Diet Pepsi too. 6:30pm came around and the sun is shining through some clouds. No biggie, it's cooler so I'm happy and I like shooting under clouds (it's what photographers call "nature's soft box"). I meet-up with my client and her mother and we start shooting. All is good, everything is flowing greatly and then we gather up and get ready to go to the next location spot that I wanted to shoot her at. Then I see it.....the clouds all of the sudden got really dark and now lightning had started. Mother Nature played a trick on me today! First it was just plain hot, then it got cooler with light clouds in the sky, and now it's storming with thunder and lightning with huge rain drops. I had to call it a night for the photo shoot. No way am I taking shots with laying on the ground and my butt in the air holding my expensive camera that has a metal bracket on the top of it. Plus, my client really wanted some awesome water shots and I didn't want her in the water with it being cold outside and nasty cloudy (even if it didn't rain). So we rescheduled.

Hopefully Mother Nature will be kind to us during our next shoot.

Chillin - {Emmett, Idaho Photographer}

My dog Micki is a character. All dogs seem to have their own "personality" and Micki definitely has some "personality". Whenever NCIS comes on, we tease the heck out of him and put the show on 2 TV's; one upstairs and one downstairs (the stairs aren't steep....only 7 or 8 steps). Micki goes completely nutso when the theme song is played; he'll run and literally dive over the stairs from one TV to the next. We tease him and mute one TV when he gets near it just so he hears the theme music on the other TV and run to it...then of course we mute that one and he'll run to the other TV that's now not muted and blaring the theme music. It's hilarious to watch! This is just one of the MANY things my dog does that makes him such a fun character to be around. He certainly is entertaining!

Now to my reason for posting. I caught Micki in a rare form; chilling out. Yes, it's something that he does each and every night, but keep reading and you'll understand why it's a rarity that I captured this moment. See, every time that I have tried to capture him laying down being calm he then gets all excited and thinks that it's time to play and will get his ball and throw it at me (yes, he throws his ball at me from his mouth LOL) or will basically gently attack me and want to wrestle and lick my camera. Well, this one night I guess he was just plain pooped out and didn't want to budge for anything. I slowly grab my camera and lay down on the floor, focus and capture this rarity.