| 10. 23. 22 |

DOWNTOWN DURHAM, NC

Such a fun shoot with such a fun family! I always prefer to take my families and subjects on "dates" versus "shoots," because that's how you manage to get the best candid shots...and the kids actually have fun and can be themselves! For this shoot we just spent a lovely Sunday afternoon wandering around downtown Durham, checking out the beautiful murals, interesting alleyways, grabbed a drink at the rooftop bar of Unscripted, strolled through Tobacco Campus (always a favorite), and finished the evening atop the Corcoran St. parking deck for sunset pictures. 

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| 11. 19. 22 |

MIKE CHAPPEL PARK, CAROLINA BEACH, NC

This past Saturday's benefit and celebration of Nolan's life was a HUGE success!!! CB and 910 skateboarding community REPPED HARD!!! SO MUCH LOVE!!!! If anyone would like to contribute to the effort of expanding the skatepark please click the link here: https://www.friendsofcbparksandgreenways.org/skatepark

Full gallery of the event is posted here: https://www.hilarywalkerphoto.com/p515200833

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APRIL 16, 2022

OAK ISLAND, NC

A look at a recent wedding I photographed in Oak Island this past April. Out of all the weddings I've shot the past decade, this one was definitely one for the books. Words can't begin to describe the amount of overwhelming love, admiration, and respect that I have for these two. Thank you for letting me capture these precious memories for you and welcoming me into your family with open arms and hearts. 🥰👰🤵‍♂️🐶🥂🌊💍📸
 

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U N C  P E M B R O K E 

Sneak peek of this gorgeous, driven, and super smart babe and 2022 grad! Congrats Sky! I'm so proud of the young woman you've turned into and are continuing to become! BA in Psychology Class of '22! 

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G R E E N S B O R O ,  N C 

Had the honor and pleasure of photographing and witnessing two of my best friends tie the knot last weekend at their beautiful Greensboro home surrounded by friends and family. Cheers to Jean Marc and Nanci and a lifetime of joy, love, adventure, and embracing all of Nanci's personalities (hey, not my words, but yours Nanci ;))! Love u guys! Full gallery will be up soon on the website.

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WILMINGTON, NC 

9.22.21

I don't possess the right words in my vocabulary to accurately describe the emotions I'm feeling right now after yesterday's shoot with the very talented and beautiful Dylie Lou, aka Madgallica. Dylan, you are inspiration to all artists, bohemians, and creative souls. I am so proud of you and am in utter awe of how far you have come in both your personal and professional journey. The world needs more soaring spirits like you. All my love Queen.

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Spent the afternoon with this lovely couple and their adorable eleven month old touring the grounds of the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC this past mother's day.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect! 

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OCT. 2020

CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK

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WASHINGTON DUKE INN, DURHAM, NC

SEPT. 11 2020

I had the honor of photographing and capturing this sweet and loving couple on their special day at the magnificent Washington Duke Inn.  Their hospitable and welcoming family treated me as if I was one of their own.  I cannot thank you all enough for allowing me the honor and pleasure to be a part of this beautiful celebration! 

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This promotional session was shot in downtown Durham on 8-30-20.  We did a quick stroll through American Tobacco Campus, which was eerily quiet and ghostly (thanks to COVID) and finished the evening at the Corcoran St. Parking Deck.  

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SAVANNAH, GA

MODEL: VICTORIA GILDERSLEEVE

A look back at one of my favorite editorial shoots with the lovely Miss Victoria shot on location in downtown Savannah, GA.

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| W I L M I N G T O N, N C  JULY 2017 |

A look back at one of my favorite maternity sessions with the sweetest couple ever. Sarah and Mike had been trying for over six years to get pregnant so when they asked me to be their photographer, needless to say, I was honored.  Sarah looked like an absolute goddess in her white flowing gown and flower crown. Every time I look back on these photos, my heart is filled with the very same love they have for their beautiful daughter--now over two years old. 

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| B A T H,  N C |

Located in North Carolina's oldest city and original state capital--Bath--sits a stretch of dirt road nestled between rows of corn, soybeans, tobacco, and other common indigenous crops. The history behind the Joe Barr Rd is not something that can be found on google or in textbooks--in fact, the very road itself can not even be located on a map. Friends of mine that have a vacation home situated on the Pamlico River a couple miles away first brought me to the Joe Barr Rd circa 2008.  Pictured below is their daughter, and my best friend, Kelsey, who brought me out for my fourth trip back in July of 2015.  Although it's an absolutely majestic sight to behold in the late afternoon/early evening light, once the sun goes down, a completely different feeling arises--an ominous feeling--the kind that gives you goosebumps and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.  

If you know anything about the area of Bath, you'll know it was once home to the famous 18th century maraduer of the seas--Blackbeard. Gaining a royal pardon, he settled in Bath in 1718 before being captured and executed by Virginia forces later that year. The town of Bath has changed little since its colonial days--and it's quite obvious as soon as you arrive into town. I can almost envision the hundreds of slaves that once inhabited the plantation (owned by Joe Barr) tending to the fields--sweat dripping down their brows while they vigorously wield a scythe. The images that flood my mind are haunting, much like the feeling that takes over my body.

According to my friends, legend has it that one of the slaves hung themselves from an oak tree tucked along the perimeter's edge. They say some nights you can even hear the cries of agony from the family upon discovery. Although they have never seen an apparition, they, like me, have often sensed an "otherworldly" presence when visiting the property at nighttime. I've even had times where my shutter on my camera would fail for no reason--other times, no trouble at all. Logic tries to convince me it's something to do with the magnetic force, but my gut tells me otherwise. 
 

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| W I L M I N G T O N,  N C | 

I am a lover of stories. I love hearing them, telling them, creating them. Part of why I love Personal branding sessions is for this very reason--helping share an entrepreneur's story.  With this digital age ever-evolving, so much emphasis is now placed on content. You may have heard this saying before, "Content is King" and there is a reason. With the right content, comes the right audience. Think of content like the seeds you must water and nurture in order to someday have a bountiful and thriving garden.

I helped my friend Kelly, the owner and founder of Botanic Synergy, craft her story a couple years ago.  Her line consists of handmade, earth-friendly, 100% natural and organic skin, hair, and beauty products designed for outdoor-loving bohemian-type personalities. Quite fitting, as Kelly is one of the most vibrant and beautiful souls (inside and out) that you will ever meet. So, for our concept, I knew that the images had to reflect both her free-spirited personality as well as draw upon the emphasis of environmentally-friendly and sustainable ingredients. Photographing her beautifully-crafted and designed products against a white background would not give off the right message, neither would using models wearing high-fashion and heavy make-up. 

You'd be correct to assume that some of the props used along with her products are every-day household items.  Coffee beans, patterned napkins, colorful flowers from the garden. The idea was to use objects and locations that would reinforce brand identity. The SeaFoam Hand soap sitting on the shoreline, the Venus Grooming Oil posed atop a seashell to mimic the Botticelli painting, sprigs of rosemary used as garnishes for her Rosemary Hydrosol. "Staging" the products created more visual interest, which in turn, creates longer and returning user sessions, increases following and brand loyalty, which, furthermore ::drumroll here:: results in higher conversion rates! 

Now, I'm not here to say that the images alone helped pave the way for Kelly's online marketing and business presence--this girl works her tail off networking at markets and festivals--but they definitely helped to convey her brand and resonate with her target audience. The most important thing to remember during a branding session is to create the type of content that will both authenticate your vision and market position. And the value that you will receive? Aside from a larger following, increased web traffic, and higher conversion rates, you'll receive something that money cannot buy back--precious, precious time. The typical small business owner averages up to seven hours a week in content creation alone. Times that by four and you've almost dedicated an entire work week just in creating content! A personal branding session takes a few hours to complete and yields 3-4 months worth of content. Need I say more?

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| Wilmington, NC | November 7, 2019

My most recent Maternity shoot with one of the most adorable couples ever--Nick and Caitlin.  For their session we decided to combine their love for each other and their future baby girl with their passion for nature and serene outdoor locations. While discussing location ideas with them, I knew that one of my favorite spots in all of Wilmington (Fort Fisher) would be the perfect place to document their love and laidback personalities. Luckily, the weather cooperated beautifully--a rare and pleasant mid 60's, low-humidity, and sunny November day. We started our photographic journey at the Hermit's Trail and ended with some epic sunset shots taken at the Air Force Recreation Base.  Evidently, the shoot must have made baby girl very excited...she was born the very next day!  

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Durham, NC Portrait PhotographerDurham, NC Portrait Photographer

Pop Art PortraitsDurham, NC Portrait Photographer

Spent an hour wandering around this Photographer's dreamland today. What was once a Lucky Strike factory has now been converted into a million sq ft entertainment, business, and residential park--perfect for anyone scouting a hip and urban location for their next portrait session. Featuring an array of restaurants and shops, DPAC (Durham's prized performing arts center), the Durham Bull's stadium, an outdoor amphitheater, and an open grassy park, ATC features an assortment of amenities and attractions suitable for all ages. Click on the photo collage below to visit the American Tobacco Campus's website for more details and info. 

American Tobacco Campus