Hello!

As my typical habits go, it’s been quite a long time since my last blog post, so I would like to share a “little” get-to-know-me! I find that any photo session goes so much better when we know and are more comfortable with each other.

My name is Rebekah, but you can call me Beka. I love photography, and art in all forms really. I’ve always loved drawing, painting, and music. I sang a solo or two in my high school choir, sang my own original songs with the ukulele at talent shows, and I played drums regularly for 6 years at the church I grew up in. I kept rather busy, so these days I try to allocate time for myself to chill.

Growing up, I also found that I like running. My dad took me on a 5k costume run in Portland Oregon when I was 12, and I’ve been kind of hooked ever since. He also offered me a spot on his Hood to Coast team when I was a teen. The Hood to Coast is a 200 mile relay race that takes 12 runners on a trek from Mt. Hood, to the coast. I took it upon myself to set a goal of running the relay 12 times, one for each leg of the race. I actually just completed that goal shortly before turning 30 in 2023! I have since been training for my second half marathon in March, and my first full marathon in October.

Being homeschooled before high school, there was plenty of opportunity for my mom to sign my sister and I up for various activities at our local community center. I had brief stints in studying nun chucks, bow staff, and fencing. All of which I took pride in, but felt overwhelmed in sparring situations, and was relieved to try other things. Years later, I also had the privilege of learning some Hapkido from one of my Hood to Coast teammates. These days, if I’m not at my 9 to 5 or working on your photos, you’re likely to find me in the bouldering gym that opened near my home. That activity has managed to hold the interest of my husband and I for over a year, and it's actually pretty good cross-training for running. The full body usage is great for my physical health, while the puzzle solving aspect is great for my mental health. Other than that, I’m always looking forward to when the weather permits hiking or kayaking/paddle boarding.

After high school, I studied at Mt Hood Community College and earned my Associates in Integrated Media: Photography. I worked as the Photo Editor for the school newspaper and received a couple awards for my work. Given my various interests in physical activities, it’s probably no surprise that one of those awards was for Sports Photography. Snapping a picturesque image of a baseball flying through the air at just the right moment is actually a similar thrill to catching beautiful moments at a wedding. While at MHCC, I met an amazing young man named Peter and we’ve been together for about 9 years now, and married for over 6. He enjoys the nature of my work and is a fantastic assistant when he’s available to join me on shoots.

If all that makes me sound like a rock star, I should preface that I truly am a rock star and my life is perfect- I’m kidding. Not about being a rock star, but my life is not perfect. It’s pretty great, but I have my own struggles, like everyone does. In all transparency, I focus so much of my time on activities that fuel the little sparks in my brain because my mental health has its highs and lows. I have absolutely sought out professional help and recommend that to anyone with a thinking mind, the same as I’d recommend anyone with a functioning body sees a doctor every once in a while. I’m familiar with things like depression and anxiety, but that means I’m going to do my best to be there for you if getting your picture taken is nerve-wracking. We’ve got this.

Peter’s love and support for me and my interests make me love love even more than I already did, and enable me to help people celebrate their love through photo memories. Whether that be romantic love with engagement or elopement pictures, maternal love with pictures of your perfect kiddos, or self love with some fresh new head shots that make you feel like a boss, I would love to celebrate that with you!
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If you’ve read this far, thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me a little more.

Halloween may be over, but I have one more chilling treat for you!

In lieu of Halloween and my little costume promo last month, this gorgeous lady donned the likeness of the iconic Morticia Addams, of The Addams Family. This shoot was especially fun, because this beauty is an old friend. She actually modeled for the very first asignment I turned in for my photography education. Life had taken us on our different adventures and it had been a while, but here we were again, roughly 8 years later, making some more pretty pictures together! Enjoy these highlights of our fun session at the Witch's Castle.

Congrats to this beautiful couple on their engagement!

The documentation and celebration of love deserves a beautiful location, although these two would be just as stunning and adorable anywhere. To celebrate their upcoming wedding, we took a stroll around Cathedral Park. Though this is a well known and seemingly favorite spot for photographers, this was actually my first session there. I see why it's a favorite. There were many picturesque options within this one park. What really made this session though, was the love between these two. They were nothing but giggles and kisses the whole time and I swear they lit up the whole park. Congrats again! You two are wonderful!

Happy Monday! I've been posting some of these on my socials for a bit already, so it's about time these cuties were up on the blog!

You may recognize this cute bunch from a session I did last year, Little Oliver. This handsome pup was adopted when he was still itty bitty, in celebration of his new Papa's birthday. With one year passed, Oliver having grown bigger and his parents grown wiser and stronger from learning the best ways to care for him and chasing his wiggly little butt around, what better way to celebrate than with some fun new photos!

We visited the beautiful Tsuru Island, nestled within Main City Park of Gresham.

To see how tiny Oliver used to be, click here.

Enjoy!

Happy Labor Day! I received an official wedding invitation for the day these two tie the knot and I am soo excited!

I've known this bride to be for a while now and her spirit constantly inspires me. When any sort of trouble comes around the corner that might make me lose it, she'd be the one picking up those around her saying, "Alright, let's do this."
So it's no surprise that during the crazy year of 2020, when the world has seemingly turned upsid down, she is thriving and getting married to this awesome guy.

When shelter in place orders were given right before we were scheduled to shoot their engagement session, they handled it with patience and grace. When we rescheduled, only to wake up to rain that day, they brought an umbrella and danced around the puddles.

There's a pretty cheesey quote I'm sure we've all heard about learning to dance through the storms. That's these two. Please join me in sending out an early congratulations to these two as they set out to take on the world together. Love you guys!

Hey all! How are you doing with everything that's been happenning / not happenning lately? I for one, have been missing taking pictures with all my lovely people out there, and cannot wait to get back to brunching and thrifting. I've been blessed with a job that gives me time at home, allowing me to do my part in slowing the spread of Covid-19. It's been quiet around here.

Today however, my sweet sister needed assistance with something and came for a visit. When I heard she'd be at my place with my nephew (who hadn't had his 3rd Birthday photo sesh with me yet), I pulled togther something cute.

Already out on an essential errand, I stopped by Sugar Cubed Cakes for an assortment of adorable mini cupcakes. I prepared a little cupcake picnic and brought the birthday boy out for a couple pictures.

Please continue staying safe so we can get back to seeing eachother soon, let me know of any future sessions you'd like done when this clears up, and enjoy these at home pictures for now!

Today, I was able to support a local business! If you'd like to do the same, I'm a fan of many places in Gresham, including Gresham Burrito, Spinella's, Local Cow, and Cafe Delerium. These are all places you can get yummy things togo from.

And when we're able to go out again, be sure to do some thrifting at Chase Me Again, and get a massage from Healing Treasures Massage. Both of these places are dear to my heart and are currently closed to protect health and safety where they can.

See you soon!

The intimate ceremoney was held at The Suttle Lodge in Sisters, Oregon. Let me tell you, this venue had everything. The bride and groom got ready in their respective cabins before a first look on the shoreline of Suttle Lake. Amid their suiting up, the groom bestowed a heartfelt gift to his best man. Vows were then exchanged in a breezy gazebo, before a snowy portrait sesh, and donut reception back at the lodge.

I'm very thankful to have been one of two photographers present. It was both fun and stress relieving to tackle things from different angles, knowing the other had a different view covered. His photos are not included in this post, but I hope to work with him again in the future. I'd also like to give special thanks to the help I recieved from my wonderful husband/assistant, who had a hand in staging the first look.

Please enjoy these highlights of the beautiful day!

With the 2010's over and done,
​I'm very happy to say it's been an eventful year to end the decade on!

Working on personal projects, as well as working with some wonderful new clients, I kept busy in 2019. I wanted to share just a few of my favorites, before diving into the new year.
Enjoy these highlights and have a very happy 2020!

Here's the first installment of some upcoming highlights I'll be sharing from last weekend's Holiday Mini Session Event. The title of this post is in reference to the sweater, worn by the adorable little princess of a Frenchie, Stella.

"Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal" is a phrase fondly remembered by fans of the classic movie Home Alone, although this little pup prefers to keep herself clean and presentable. She actually refused to sit at first. We soon realized this was due to her not wanting her little bottom to touch the ground. Once placed on the cozy gold throne, she sat very comfortably.

​Stella also celebrated her 1st Birthday shortly after this session, so please join me in wishing her a very happy first year of being so very cute!

Enjoy these photos from one of many adorable Holiday Mini Sessions I got to do!

The next Mini Session Event will be February 8th, 2020!

Happy December 1st! I'm sure you're all excited for Christmas and the whole festive month leading up to it! Allow me to give you one present a bit early.

 You may have gathered by now that I enjoy taking pictures of dogs, people with their dogs, etc. And if not, well FYI: I love taking pictures of dogs!

This little guy got a photo shoot in celebration of his addition to this happy little family. His new Mama and Papa are absolutely smitten with those big blue eyes, puppy breath, and snuggly fluffiness. So am I! I had so much fun capturing memories of his petite size while lasts. They grow quick, so be sure to get some quality time with your loved ones this holiday season.

​Enjoy these highlights (there's a lot), and have a magical December!