Meet Jensen Walter | Wedding and Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jensen Walter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jensen, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who just hates peaches.” – Dita Von Teese I remind myself of this quote all the time, and I think it is such an important thing for every photographer and creative to understand: you cannot and will not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a hard pill to swallow, especially in the beginning, but I have found so much freedom and joy in my work now that I fully embrace and understand the fact that my work is good, but it’s not for everyone — and that’s okay!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been a wedding and portrait photographer for almost 13 years, and it has been a ride. I’ve been full-time, I’ve been part-time. I’ve loved my job and hated my job. I’ve been on creative highs and been in serious ruts. I think that is the beauty of being a creative, though. Oscar Wilde said, “life imitates art”, and I think anyone in the creative industry would tell you that is the truth. I look back at my work over the past thirteen years and can see every high and every low. I see the days that I didn’t know my style and was following whatever editing fad was popular at the time. Then I see when I truly came into my own. I see the hours of education and work that was put into becoming the artist that I am today. When I laid every aspect of my work at the feet of Jesus and prayed the words of Ephesians 3:20, asking Him to do immeasurably more, I found true joy in my work that reflected my heart as an artist. And, with that, my business grew. If there is anything I want the world to know about me and my brand/story, it is this: all to Him I owe.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I was giving someone a tour of the city, Ponce City Market would be the first place I took them. I don’t think there is a better place to take someone to experience the fun of the city. There are so many things to do, places to eat, and if you’re wanting photos, it’s amazing any time of day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Jesse. My greatest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and the one who has shown me the most grace even and especially when I don’t deserve it. I am the one behind the camera, but for ten years he has been the strong pillar holding me up and pushing me to be my very best. Not for myself, but for the glory of God. Jensen Rae Photography would not be what it is if not for his constant compassion, patience, and love.

Website: www.jensenraephotography.com

Instagram: @jensenrae_