Given that this is my last blog post before December, it's time to look back on fall (which technically isn't over yet, but wow it's getting cold) with one of my favorite sessions this season!

This girl right here has been a friend of mine for a long time. Though we've both kept busy and hadn't seen each other in years, this session was a breeze. Not only does she work hard every day to further her career and education, but she can work it for the camera!

We headed over to the Sauvie's Island Pumpkin Patch after work one day and made it just in time for some beautiful evening light. Her husband tagged along, so I was even able to get a couple shots of them being adorable. We caught the last hay ride of the night and had fun admiring and sitting on the best pumpkins.

Shout-out to the artist who'd just finished up her gorgeous sleeve tattoo!
Check out their instagram: @v_a_l_l_e_y
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This was also my first session with the new camera I received as a birthday present from my husband and our sweet family! Check out highlights from this fun shoot!

I totally missed blogging last week and here's why! I was surrounded by my wonderful family, having such a fun and busy time.

My sister and her husband came up to visit from out of state. Also visiting from another state, were my brother, his wife, and two of their kids. They joined my local, immediate family in exploring, eating lots of yummy food, and celebrating a birthday!

Along the way, I rounded everyone up for a photo. I was able to take photos of some of the smaller family groups before it started to rain and we headed out for a delicious cake, specially ordered from Tany's Bakery.

After our big family photo, one of my sisters gave us some very exciting news, which I had the privilage of documenting and helping them announce to the world yesterday! I'm so excired to be an auntie again!

Congrats!

It's always so incredibly cool to work with other artists and music is another art I am very fond of. I recently got to do a session with this cool dude who makes music in Portland.

I'll be honest with you. I love photography and I also really love music. It's been a desire of mine for a long time to take photos for musicians. I got to do this earlier last month, featured in my blog post Sunshine and Melodies, and again here.

​Pete's played shows in places like Holocene and The Big Legrowski, bringing energy to big crowds with his tech house mixes. He's got some nice, long mixes with a bit of disco thrown into them. They're great listinging, so I recommend you check him out on Mixcloud!

Here are some of my favorites from our session at Washington Park station. Enjoy!

Welcome home to this gorgeous, talented, hard working young lady! She's been putting in some long hours for a while and it's paid off by making her a homeowner! And what do you do when you accomplish something of exciting nature? You have a photo shoot, of course!

It seems to me that most other people around my age are struggling to find comfortable and secure living situations. Many have multiple roommates, or rent with family. It is such a blessing to know your family and friends are there to help when needed, but it is also so inspiring and encouraging to see a friend take a big step like this.

​I'm told it took a couple jobs, a bit of time, and determination. Honey, you have my applause and congratulations. And to anyone currently working towards their next home, living situation, or other goal in life, you got this!

I'm so honored to have documented this achievement!

It was such a treat to photograph this beauty while she serenaded me!

This talented young musician and I took an afternoon walk on what was possibly the last sunny day for a while. Her smile exudes joy and I honestly had so much fun. She even played some lovely tunes on her guitar. Thank you for the fantastic day!
​I guess I normally have more to say in a blog, but this smile speaks for itself.

Last weekend, I was given the very fun honor of shooting senior portraits with this cool guy. We toyed with the idea of a few different locations, but ultimately fell in love with this one, as it reminded us of a castle.

This senior has put in the work and has so much contagious joy. I'd say he deserves a castle!

​To get this castle look, we visited Joseph Wood Hill Park on RockyButte. Built in the 1930's, this park does have a very classic look that reminds me of architecture found in the Columbia River Gorge. The high elevation also provide beautiful views of surrounding mountains.

There were definitely some laughs had. Enjoy highlights from this fun shoot!

About a week ago, I was feeling some strong urges to take self portraits and make composites. I've always loved composite imagery and surrealism. While studying photography at MHCC, I practiced both by making a series of portraits in which each subject was holding a frame. Through the magic of editing, I made each subject appear to be invisible, but only where the frame would cover them. This allowed viewers to see what was behind the person photographed, while also still seeing a part of them.

Naturally, I named the series, "What's Behind You?". I feel my artistic abilities have improved since that series, but I'm happily transparent and constantly working to further my skills. That being said, you're welcome to view the old series by clicking here.

This time around, I wanted to reuse my trusty old frame, but I wanted to do it one better. I took it a step further and rather than just making whatever was in the frame appear invisible, I decided to make it look as though someone were actually being transported through the frame, to Somewhere Else.

In a single afternoon, with additional modeling and assistance from my stunning friend Makenna(pictured 1st), we've created four images for your viewing pleasure. The series will officially be named "Somewhere Else", as it was inspired by my childhood longings to be swept away in some sort of magical adventure. I plan to continue the series with future instalments down the road, so keep an eye out!

​Enjoy!

This week, I'd like to share a little throwback from before the sun left us last year.

A client introduced me to this little gem called Wintler Park and I love it! If you're looking for a chill beach area in the Portland area, this Vancouver spot is just across the river from the Portlan Airport. While I quickly became obsessed with this lovely view of the river, the park also has nice wooded areas that showcased some gorgeous fall colors.

We were even treated with some tunes on the ukulele. How fitting for the surroundings, right?

Big thanks to this young man and his family that arranged this session. Congrats on your upcoming graduation!

If you haven't gotten your senior's portrait taken this year, now is the time!

This lovely lady and I took a walk around the Powell Butte Nature Park. With a variety of open and wooded scenery, this is definitely a favorite spot of mine for portrait taking. The colors of autumn are here and we had so much fun playing in them!
Enjoy these highlights of our nice little stroll.

Be sure to get some senior portraits before your school's due date! Book with me today!

These two were such a joy to photograph and celebrate this past summer! We took some portraits at The Grotto before heading to their beautifuly decorated tent wedding! All of the food and decor was prepaired by these two and their loved ones. They were such sweet and welcoming hosts. The Groom himself even delivered beverages to guests moments before the ceremoney.

​Please enjoy some highlights from their big day!

Congratulations to this perfect pair!