walcott

caitlin & justin – married:: philadelphia area wedding photography

Jenna Walcott — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:56:08 +0000

Caitlin & Justin are just one of those couples that are simply lovely. I realize that makes it all sound so…well…simple – but the truth is – the best things in life truly are. When we met for their engagement session last year, I was just smitten – both with Justin’s funny little charm and Caitlin’s delicate and kind nature. Together, they bring out the best in each other. And their wedding was just as exquisite as their bond! I absolutely loved every second of it!

As spring often does, it delivered overcast skies that threatened rain the whole day long. But, that didn’t bother us at all - the soft, diffused window light perfectly graced Caitlin’s porcelain skin in her bedroom as she slipped into her show-stopping gown and like a blessing, the sky held back the raindrops until well after we’d finished our travels from the church to Valenzano Winery. Then, as the drizzle fell, it seemed to only add to the romance of the celebration, so no one really minded.

Congrats to Caitlin & Justin on their elegant and memorable wedding!

Dress – Alvina Valenta
Florist – Freshest Flowers
Cake – DiBartolo Bakery
Hair & Makeup – Casey Cowan

grace & abe – engaged :: philadelphia area wedding photography

Jenna Walcott — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:05:26 +0000

When Grace gave Abe the green light to make some executive decisions about where and when to conduct their engagement session, he didn’t waste any time cooking up an interesting plan. While originally Grace had her designs on a spring-style garden setting for their session, Abe had something a little different in mind. And so, when I received the email from him that he wanted to try some night shooting – I immediately perked up! An engagement session? In the DARK?? Who’d ever heard of such a thing? Well….truth be told, that is exactly the type of thing that makes my heart go pitty-pat when it comes to this job. Every one should know by know that I ~~am obsessed with~~ love light and finding new and creative ways to capture it. But I will admit that this session took me entirely out of my comfort zone and forced me to call upon my off-camera lighting skills in a totally different way than I am used to using them at weddings or in the studio. And you know what? I loved every second of it.

But, in total fairness – I wanted to make sure both Grace & Abe walked away with each of their visions truly represented, so we started our session just before the sunset to catch the most brilliant of warm golden hues in Fairmount Park as the sun came down over the city. Then once the dusk turned to dark we began our journey into the unknown – and I think it was worth every second of braving the chilly night air. A diverse range of lighting situations spans this post and I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m kinda hoping they won’t be the last couple to ask me to take on such a challenge. Any takers? Anyone? Anyone?

A huge thanks to Grace & Abe for presenting me with such a unique and risky concept for their engagement session! If you adore these images half as much as I do, they will fill your heart to the brim.

carolyn & parks – married :: annapolis area wedding photography

Jenna Walcott — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:57:03 +0000

Carolyn & Parks got married on the exclusive Gibson Island’s utopian grounds. A private and members-only community, Carolyn and Parks were excited to be one of the select few couples who got to take advantage marrying at St. Christopher’s Chapel in this traditional waterfront environment. While the forecast threatened heavy thunderstorms all day long, the sun proved to have other plans! We got more than our share of warm beams – and never saw a raindrop – throughout the entire wedding day – proving that Mother Nature truly has a heart of gold.

My little secret? Some of my favorite shots from this wedding are the ones where I snuck a peek of Carolyn & Parks practicing their dance routine behind the school before the reception began (you will know when you see them!). There is something so tender and wonderful about the glances that happen between two people in love when they really believe no one is looking.

Congrats to my first spring couple this year on tying the knot – a fabulous way to kick off2012!

Church: St. Christopher’s Chapel
Hair & Make Up: Behind the Veil

stefanie & pat – engaged :: rehoboth beach wedding photography

Jenna Walcott — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:50:48 +0000

Stefanie & Pat had their hearts set on a springtime beach engagement session – and being a few miles adjacent to one, I did not have any objections. So, on a mild Sunday they happily road-tripped to my neck of the woods for a fun and laid-back session by the water. We hit the beach, the docks, the marsh and the pier until the sun was almost down. Stefanie and Pat have been together for 10 years – and it shows. They are so happy and comfortable with one another that saying “I do” will come as naturally to them as exhaling that wonderful sigh of joy I saw both of them do on several occasions during our afternoon together. Which makes me all the more excited for their wedding – that is now only a few weeks away!

So with their nuptials upon us, there’s no time like the present to share some images from our day at the shore. Stefanie & Pat – I can’t wait to see you both at the alter in May!

amy & jack – engaged :: washington, D.C. wedding photography

Jenna Walcott — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:21:25 +0000

They live and work on Capitol Hill – where they share more than just a passion for politics. Amy & Jack – a truly awesome pair that seriously have it all: they love their jobs, they live in the most desirable section of downtown D.C., they are completely down-to-Earth and are totally in love. And? They didn’t even flinch when I asked if they would meet me on the Mall at sunrise. In fact, they were ecstatic. I feel so lucky to have been able to explore our Nation’s Capital with this amazing couple – who shared so much of it’s rich history with me as we toured each popular spot. As a native of this city, I can’t believe how much I learned from them! So since they both share such a deep passion for our great Nation, there was no place better to capture their engagement than downtown in the heart of the city – where their romance has touched every corner. They are both such genuine people – and their love for each other is like an out-pouring that you can’t escape. I loved every second of it. Then, add Finn McCool (the seriously precious pooch that wears the name of the bar where Amy & Jack met) and instantly they are a happy family – ready to take on the world!

falling down buildings :: delaware styled portrait photography

Jenna Walcott — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Lately I have found myself fascinated with southern Delaware. Which probably sounds strange to those of you who have breezed through the state at some point in your lives. Delaware? Fascinating? Hard to imagine, I know. Though small and sparse, there seems to be no limit to the inspiration I find within it’s expansive marsh grasses, the aging structures, the clean coastlines, the countless farmlands and the rustic feel of the small towns that are peppered throughout the county. I see so much contrast between an old world and a new one and somehow, just about everywhere the light touches the Earth in this part of the state, it is magnificent.

For a very long stretch I talked a lot about finding a personal project and the importance of cutting out time to shoot for just me. Just me, my camera and my muses. Time to be creative with no limits, no timelines and no deliverables. It’s amazing how much easier said than done that was, with an exploding calendar of clients and bookings (all for which I am immeasurably thankful) not to mention a terribly adorable toddler who sweeps me off my feet on a regular basis – leaving me victim to his persuasion from my desktop duties to his pile of over-sized legos in the living room. Yet, finally, this mild and balmy winter gave me the perfect opportunity to get outside and create something – to finally let myself be open-minded to my surroundings. And in just aimlessly exploring a few times, I truly believe I’ve stumbled upon a concept that has legs. But it will be a slow, dedicated reveal as to where it has lead me. Starting with today.

I owe a great deal of thanks to my dear friend, Alix Passage, who is not only a talented photographer but who has also been an amazing subject each and every time I had the inclination to explore the boundaries of my imagination. Our first Delawarean expedition featured found tractors and railroad tracks. Today, I’m posting a collection of images from an afternoon in an extremely dilapidated building that held within it a photographer’s smorgasbord. Nothing like directional light, dirt, grime and endless texture can make me drool with such tenacity. Throw in an old car, and you can stick a fork in me. So we squatted and I shot ferociously, seeing an incredible beauty in Alix’s edgy yet soft, feminine features juxtaposed against what appeared to be such a dark and neglected atmosphere. It seemed as though this spot had a story to tell, one that didn’t have a happy ending. But you can decide what you see here – if you see anything at all – other than a beautiful woman in a dark place.

rock & roll :: philadelphia area performance photography

Jenna Walcott — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:35:36 +0000

I have a friend who is an awesome musician. Every opportunity I get, I rush to go to see him play live. I admit, it’s not often enough – but I am one wicked fan. And every now and then I get the chance to photograph him in his element, which I am always thrilled to do. This night back in November, he led his band at John & Peter’s in New Hope, PA (not only an awesome bar, but nestled within an amazing little town) and they brought the house down. Performance photography is not something I get to do very often, but I love every opportunity that I get to combine both my passion for photography & music and try as best as I can to capture that energy that can only be found on stage with a true artist playing his heart out. Here, you will see that The Williamsboy certainly has more heart than you can swing a stick at.

The Williamsboy will be announcing an exciting album cover design contest in the coming weeks and if you are any kind of artist with music in your soul, you should definitely whip up some muse for this record. More details to come – and you can get them all by connecting with the band on Facebook.

caitlin & chris – engaged :: philadelphia wedding photography

Jenna Walcott — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:52:27 +0000

When Caitlin told me she hoped to do her engagement session in Society Hill, she got no complaints from me. With all its charm and possibilities, there are few sections of the city I love more. The fact that it is the spot where I met my husband doesn’t hurt either – certainly adds an extra layer of romance to my muse when capturing couples in that part of town. Even more ecstatic was I when she wanted to start at the Dark Horse, their favorite watering hole, for a few shots of them at the bar just being themselves. So that is exactly what we did – and from there we wandered all the way to the new Race Street Pier where we just couldn’t resist spending a little time under the Ben Franklin Bridge. Certainly a quintessential Philadelphia session. From the cobblestones and charm of the oldest part of the city to the majesty of the Bridge, we caught it all. And on our journey, I discovered a wonderful, sweet, tenderness between these two lovebirds that got me all the more excited for their November wedding this year!

little miss mabel :: delaware newborn photography

Jenna Walcott — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:51:21 +0000

This newborn session was definitely a special one. Aside from my own son, Mabel is the only baby in the world whose birth I was present for – thus she will always hold a very special place in my heart. Even though I have photographed mommies-to-be before their newborn sessions – which is a wonderful bond-forming experience – I can’t say I have ever felt like this before. When I arrived at her home for her session, I had already held her – I knew her face and I like to think that she knew me. So it was understandably important to me to do right by her first official photo session. However, Mabel wasn’t the only star of the show on this happy morning. When I entered her nursery I was floored by the amazing talents of her mother who had handmade every little detail in her Peacock inspired nursery (including the crib bedding!) and designed it so stylishly and flawlessly! I think this new mommy/artist may have a bright future on Etsy. Finally, Daddy, who is a proud member of the Air Force, suited up in his fatigues to hold his baby girl for a few shots beaming with both pride for his country and his precious growing family. So, though you’ve seen her before – please welcome Mabel just one more time to our big, beautiful world!

Newborn props and wraps designed by Baby Bliss Props & Leighton Heritage on Etsy.

the birth of mabel :: delaware birth photojournalism

Jenna Walcott — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:49:14 +0000

This post is indeed a very special one. I feel like there just aren’t words to describe what I experienced shooting this event and that I should just let the images speak for themselves, yet at the same time I feel as though it deserves a thorough description. Since I am not a “birth photographer”, this was a very unique assignment for me. When this amazing couple contacted me with a request to photograph the birth of Mabel, I was nervous, excited, exhilarated – and in so many ways, honored. While there are many similarities between photographing a wedding and other such life-changing events, I felt almost unprepared for the emotion that was sure to come packaged with witnessing and telling the story of this baby coming into the world. Being a mother myself, I was extremely sensitive to this couple’s designs for their birth plan and for their commitment to delivering Mabel at a mid-wife center, naturally and in a soothing and calming environment. I wanted nothing more than to be an unobtrusive presence for them and to let them have this experience exactly the way they hoped. I wanted to capture Mommy’s strength and admirable sense of control. I wanted to catch those first tender seconds of Mabel’s life. And though the roles each of them played were equally as important, I paid a great deal of attention to Daddy, knowing that his expressions of concern, bewilderment and unconditional love for both his wife and his unborn daughter would be a priceless gift to Mommy who was (understandably!) far too preoccupied with her very important task that night to notice the devotion just pouring out of her husband. To say that being a part of this moment with this family was beyond magnificence is just not saying enough. Not only did it inspire me as a photographer and challenge me in ways I never dreamed possible, but it opened my eyes to a type of love and bond that I had not yet been given the opportunity to capture. And for that, I thank this family.

So without further ado, I give you The Birth of Mabel.