I'm One!

I was able to capture this beautiful little sweetheart all through her first year. We took photos of her a few days old in the pink tutu and have used it every session all year!

Her mommy came and helped her feel comfortable in front of the weird photo lady. She wasn't feeling all that well, and was feeling a little nervous. I sat down next to Mom and we talked for awhile until she was letting some sweet smiles escape. We also used marshmallows, and chocolate puffs to keep her happy and interested. Those are great because they are small and I can magically make them disappear on the finished photos! I love the shots of her in her tutu next to Mommy's jeans. Then the balloons came out and the clothes came off! She looks adorable surrounded by the bright balloons. The subtle pink little sailor dress and white hat are classic and elegant. At the end, we grabbed some "chicks" and she played with them in a bright green summer dress.

Mom, Dad and big brother came for some quick family group shots. They are planning on a wall with large black and white prints of their family. It should be stunning! So Happy Birthday "S" and I want to see you back here soon!

Bride and Groom

When deciding to go with me for the photography of their wedding, C & C decided to pay me for a Formal Bridal, an Engagement, and a Formal Bride and Groom Photo Experience. They wanted to invest in the more artistic photos, so they had a family friend photograph the wedding day. This was fun for me because I didn't have to rush around trying to be artistic in 30 minutes like some weddings!

This was the last Photo Experience I had with these two wonderful people. It was 98 degrees and my poor bride was melting under all of that fabric. It was pretty funny, though, because she would be looking like she was going to die and then I said, "Okay, now smile!" and her face would light up and she looked radiant!

We were able to go to the LDS Temple in Portland where they were getting married the next day. That place is the most beautiful and peaceful place! I was able to capture some stunning photos of the Temple in the background. There were people going in and out of the Temple and when they saw this couple, they always had to stop with big smiles and congratulate them. Every time I am working with a Bride and Groom out by themselves, we get such delighted looks from everyone. I think that when we see a new marriage, the romance, the hope and the commitment, gives us a brighter outlook for the future of our world.

These two were an absolute joy with whom to work! I loved every minute spent with them.

Introducing C & C, now husband and wife!

Drenched!

It was a hot and incredibly steamy day in August. I was drenched in sweat before I even started taking photos. My couple was dressed in electric blue which jumps off the page against the green grass. They look stunning!

I had already worked with the bride on a previous experience, so she kind of knew what to expect from me. Her fiance, however, was surprised when I made them make out in front of me right away! I can't help myself, I just love the romance in weddings! My favorite photos of my husband and mine are of us kissing, so I make sure to include a lot of them when I am the photographer.

Most people come to me expecting to sit quietly while I take nice photos and tell them to say cheese. Well, I'm not quite what people expect. This adventurous couple was made to lay on the ground in their dress clothes, start wrestling, pick each other up, and as a final act of surprise, I asked them if they would get completely drenched in the Columbia! I never know when my creative muse will strike, but I really wanted them to get totally wet! It was hot, so my bride was game from the start. We had to talk her fiance into it. I mean, who in their right mind would ask you to come for photos so you dress in your nice clothes and then ask you to jump in the river! At the end, however, my groom told me that this was the most fun he had experienced in taking pictures. "C" and "C", I hope you like these great shots and thanks for letting me get crazy with you!

Generations

This is a wonderful family of Grandparents, Parents, and lots of cousins! We were able to go out to the property that Grandma and Grandpa own, so we were able to capture images of everyone in the places they love to be! They were all dressed in variations of black, white, and jeans. The kids were full of energy and making them giggle was a lot of fun for me. One of the moms was especially good at helping me steal those elusive smiles! Thanks "J"! Grandpa brought out their wonderful green tractor and we got some great shots on it. I love the individual images we captured of each child. As you will see, they are all definitely beautiful children! As always, I made Grandma and Grandpa kiss. They were a little hesitant at first, but I think they enjoyed themselves! At the end, the boys took me to their favorite climbing trees and we had a lot of fun there. There are so many incredible images here, I don't know how they are going to choose from them. It was a beautiful warm summer evening and I had a delightful time with all of them!

Birthday at the Carousel

I have been photographing these two little ones since they were about 3 months old. I get so attached to my little angels who come to me for their first year! These beautiful twins have grown up so much since last November! Their Mommies love bright colors and every time I come to play, they use the most colorful clothing and set up. I loved their nursery - all green, orange and purple. They asked me if we could do their 1st birthday photos at a carousel. I loved the idea, but all the local carousels don't allow professional photography. Mom did some research and found a place in Salem, in which, if we could be there early, they let us in before they opened up. The incredibly vivid colors of the horses were stunning! I love the cowboys hats which usually ended up off the heads! When we were hustled out for the carousel to open up, we went out to the park and they laid out this incredible quilt, so full of color. They had two huge bags of balloons which quickly blew away! Needless to say, everyone was sweating by the time we were done! Trying to get two little mobile bodies to sit still at the same time is quite the challenge. When they brought out the cake, the twins quickly started sucking on the candles! There were these delicious cakes just waiting to be devoured, and the twins like the candles better! Too much fun!

I always feel such a bitter sweet sadness when my little ones turn a year old. I feel like I have been able to share in so many memories during the year, I can't stand the idea of it all stopping. Here are little "K" and "W" at One!

Brand New, Squishy and Completely Adorable!

This beautiful little one was just one week old when she came to visit me. I told her mother that if she wanted her to be in the "wrinkly, squishy" stage, that she would need to come within the first week. Her mom thought that "Squishy" was a funny way to describe her! I love little ones at this age, their skin is wrinkly, they are asleep most of the time, and you can pretty much pose them any way you want to! We captured some priceless images of this beautiful family of three. Mom and Dad brought some mementos which made the photos even more significant. Mom got a little teary as she was describing the meaning behind them, and I was touched to hear of their sweet relationship with each other and with their extended family members.

This little one had the sweetest disposition. She made little peeps when she was hungry, and otherwise she was content and sleepy. As you will see, she has long legs and long feet! She couldn't resist pushing those feet out every chance she got. She has Dad's crinkled ear, feet with the second toe longer than the big toe, and the same spot on her finger as her dad, her grandpa and great grandpa (I think!) The rest of her is her mother (Dad says). She has beautiful full lips and big eyes when they are open!

Mom is an incredibly accomplished musician. I first met her when I took voice lessons from her. I immediately fell in love with her and so when my daughter wanted to study Jazz vocal, I sent her to this wonderful teacher. My daughter has developed a love of singing and jazz through her association with her. She is the artistic director of an incredible vocal performance choir, Consonare Chorale" located in Portland.

Introducting the new daughter of "C" and "G":