J.R. Photography, LLC

Introduction: J.R. Photography is an on-location photography group that photographs weddings and portraits. We have full studio equipment if needed as well. Our photographer, also the owner, is a graduate from the New York Institute of Photography and has earned many awards for his photos. NEW NEWS - THE DAY, LOCAL NEWS PAPER J.R. Photography was built on finding ways to help the community in regards to photography. Below is a story that a local news paper did about the kind of work J.R. Photography has done. (Story is long) Bethsaida clients get makeover on first Glamour Day Norwich - Stephanie Brown slumped in the office chair at Bethsaida Community Inc. Friday morning, her hair straight and unkempt. A half hour later, hair curled, makeup applied, the 16-year-old Norwich girl was ready for her close-up with professional photographer Jay Harman. "I feel like I'm getting married!" Brown said. That's how the staff at Bethsaida's Homeless Women Deserve Treatment program wanted women to feel Friday during the first Glamour Day at the program's new home in the former St. Joseph Convent on Cliff Street. Staff invited women clients, residents at Bethsaida's Katie Blair House next door and women who frequent the St. Vincent de Paul Place soup kitchen to come and be pampered for a day. Ten women accepted the offer Friday morning and received framed portraits of the results to give to family members and friends for the holidays. Brown and her mother learned about the program at the soup kitchen, and while her mother declined, Stephanie, a 10th-grader at Norwich Free Academy, was delighted she allowed her to go. Her hair now in curls and set atop her head, Brown said she loved the photos. For most of the women, Glamour Day was a rare treat. Some said they haven't had a nice photo of themselves taken in 20 years or more. Amanda Calkins hadn't had a haircut in more than two years. Stylist Brenda Stone, who graduated from the former New London Beauty Academy 25 years ago, slowly worked the comb through Calkins' hair, removing kinks and snarls and apologizing for the pulling. Within minutes, Calkins' red hair draped straight and shiny across her shoulders. Stone curled the tips inward as a finishing touch. Stone couldn't offer more than quick trims, combings and curling in the carpeted office setting. She invited the women to come to her Hair Thang salon on Sachem Street for hair cuts "on me." By early afternoon, stylist Helena DePina of Helena's Hair Palace on Route 2 in Preston arrived to help out. Stone said she had been looking for a volunteer opportunity at Thanksgiving time and learned of Glamour Day from Bethsaida Program Coordinator Donie Jarmon. Lora Burgess had to be coaxed by her Katie Blair House roommates to come. "I don't like to stand out," she said, admitting she was nervous. Bethsaida Program Assistant Lakisha Lee-Olson offered "gentle touch" hand and feet massages to the sounds of waves crashing against the shore. She instructed Calkins to relax and asked if she would like spearmint oil on her feet. "I don't let anybody touch my feet, but that felt so good," Calkins said afterward. In her small office, Bethsaida Program Manager Eileen Normandin used the skills from her former profession as a makeup artist to get the women ready for professional photographer Jay Harman, who set up shop in the former convent chapel. With a homey Christmas scene of a decorated tree, fireplace and stockings as the backdrop, Harman first positioned the women on a stool between the tree and the fireplace. He folded hands on laps turned heads, fluffed hair and asked for smiles. Some subjects gave him skeptical looks when he ordered them to stand sideways to the camera, hands on hips and turn heads and necks toward the camera. But more than one woman chose that as her top photo selection afterward. "I tell brides all the time, 'You won't be comfortable, but you'll look great,'" said Harman, who opened J.R Photography in Ledyard six months ago. Take a look at what others have said. Customer 1: "I saw your work at another facility and experimented with bringing you in for a photo shoot at Beechwood. I heard nothing but positive remarks. The photos came back in a timely manner, and everyone was pleased with the results. We look forward to inviting you back in the fall. I also spoke with some of your customers and here is what they said: 'Jay was so patient during our photo shoot. When the baby calmed down, he got a perfect picture.' 'Thanks for the lovely photos of my granddaughter and me; what a treat to have you come to me at Beechwood.' 'I love the photos you took of my family, and the prices were very reasonable; thanks.'" Customer 2: The Tenny Family "I just want to thank you so very much for the photographs of my wedding. I was so impressed by how comfortable Jay made me feel throughout the entire process, and even though I did not notice him all throughout the ceremony, the photographs were amazing. He captured all the moments I remember fondly and even some I didn't realize were happening. What more can a bride ask for? Our traditional photographs of my husband and I and our families were absolutely amazing. I love how vibrant the colors are and how at ease he seemed directing us to stand where he wanted us. Everyone who has seen the photos has asked who did our photos, and I have been telling everyone how wonderful you guys are. I just want to thank you again for doing your part in making my wedding perfect." Customer Three: Groton Regency "I would like to take a moment and compliment you on your professionalism and kindness. The service that you offer has been well received here at Groton Regency. Everyone that had encountered you and your staff sang your praises. They enjoyed you and your staff's personality, and the quality of the photos were outstanding. I look forward to working with you again soon. This is a program that we will continue here at Groton Regency." If you would like to hear more, please contact us, and we will set up some time and get together.