Capturing memories: Purcellville photographer pauses real life through images
By Lynn Wolstenholme
James Walker is one of the lucky professionals who truly loves what he does for a living – taking pictures.
Walker began taking pictures when he was 15, and now 15 years later he is making a living from it.
“When I started my business, I sat back and realized that I am doing what I love and I'm getting paid for it,” Walker said. “I don't know what I would do if I wasn't taking pictures.”
After graduating from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C., Walker expanded his credentials at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. He then went into teaching others his craft at Savannah College of Art and Miami-Dade Pinellas County Center for the Arts in St. Petersburg, Fla., a vocational prep school.
“I love to teach, but it doesn't pay that well,” said the Northern Virginia native who decided to move back north to Purcellville and open his own business. He said he also likes to travel and meet new people.
A member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association, a selective-membership photographers' association, Walker travels internationally to capture clients' moments on camera, mainly by photographing weddings. An upcoming job will take him to Dublin, Ireland, in August.
“I shoot on location, and do environmental-type photos,” Walker said. “Every time I shoot I try to do something different and challenge myself.”
His approach to photography is to capture decisive moments, showing the true feelings and emotions of his subjects, Walker said. His ultimate goal is to have anyone who views his images feel as if they were actually part of the event.
Through his business, Walker offers his clients three package options. All include an online gallery of the photos along with print credits, and the top two packages come with a DVD montage. Prices range from $2,000 to $4,000.
Walker works with an assistant but is the only photographer in his business.
“It's a quality-control thing,” Walker said. “Pictures are a work of art, and it is hard to have someone else do it for you.”
One day that he will give up the position behind the lens will be on his wedding day. He will be getting married soon and he will turn over the job of photographer to one of his good friends.
“He is an amazing photographer,” Walker said. But he does admit that getting the shot will probably be going through his head on his wedding day.
Walker also admitted that while he takes his camera every where he goes, his wedding day might be one day he doesn't have his camera with him. But only time will tell.