I am owner / operator of J West Photography. I truly have a passion for photography that is hard to explain. There is no more fulfilling moment than seeing the tear in a bride's eye when she looks at her pictures, having a bride's mom hug me and tell me how much she has appreciated working with me, or seeing parents smile when looking at pictures of their children. The one thing that you will always get with me is individualized attention and a passion to make your images something that you are proud to show your friends and family.
I was born and currently reside in Louisville, KY. I am a graduate of Louisville Male High and University of Louisville. My beautiful wife, Mary Rose, is my business partner and strongest critic. I couldn't do this without her support. I am also blessed with eight tremendous nieces and nephews. In addition to photography, I enjoy traveling, watching sports and movies, golfing, and spending time with family.
My mission is to take the stress out of having pictures made. Whether it's your
wedding day or your family portrait session, pictures should not cause you to stress out to the point of not being able to enjoy the day. Let me help prepare you and take the burden off your shoulders. Just sit back and enjoy!
I will always give back to the community and to causes close to my heart. Some of my favorite are Susan G Komen for the Cure and The American Heart Association.
Below is an email that I received from the mother of a recent bride. This is exactly why I do what I do......
Dear Joe, I have just finished viewing all the wedding pictures. I didn't take one break through them all!! They are absolutely gorgeous! You truly captured the essence of my baby girl. Her happiness, beauty, and contentment come shining through in them. They weren't bad of Joseph either - ha! I can truly and honestly say that all of them were absolutely perfect. You captured the true feelings of everyone. Nobody ever gets Tucker (the ring bearer) to smile, but you managed to! I am touched and overwhelmed by all that you captured on film. Thank you for helping me to relive that night because there were so many things I didn't get a chance to see. You have given us pictures way beyond my expectations, but most of all I appreciate your kindness, your humor, and your going above and beyond. See, a mother's intuition is right!! After just a few minutes of talking with you the first time, I knew you were the one!!! Of course, Katie couldn't decide, mainly because she's Katie, but I just knew, and you proved me right. You helped to make Katie's day the best! She thinks the world of you! She still laughs about your comment about the Spanx coming in XXL, and you saying you'd be the spokesperson. Personally, I think that comment is one for the books. You were not only a photographer that day, but a caring and kind friend, and for that I thank you with all my heart. You made the whole day so much fun for her. I can never thank you enough for everything! She will always be my baby girl, but she is truly the most beautiful young woman, and you captured that beauty and that smile in many different ways. Katie was so honored that you asked her to be a part of your forum/discussion panel. She called to tell me and was very excited. However, after all the positive things, I do have two complaints that I'd like to voice. One - How will I ever choose which pictures to purchase? Two - I can't believe you didn't ask me to be a Mom on your discussion panel! Gotcha!! Of course I am only kidding about point two, but number one could get me in real trouble! Again, thank you so very, very much! Take care, Emily
