You've Gotta Love Portland!

I have to admit that when I first moved to the Northwest, I thought Portland was weird. The Peace protests, the environmental terrorism, they even protested George W. Bush the day AFTER he was elected. Things move a little more slowly here than most places. People actually follow the speed limit if they are not going under it, they let you in when you turn on your blinker or when you are trying to exit a parking lot onto the street.

After living here for 10 years, I have completely and fully fallen in love with Portland! I can't imagine a better place to live! Today, I was photographing an adorable little three-year-old boy and his parents. We had decided earlier to meet at the Portland Art Museum and take photos around there. When I drove up, the streets were blocked, there were policemen on bicycles and horses everywhere, and a huge group of people was assembled in front of the Schnitz Concert Hall. We had no idea what was going on, so we went on with the photo shoot amid the helicopter circling overhead and the flashing lights and sirens. While we were in the middle of the shoot, the mom came up to me and showed me a group of people standing around one of the large stone statues. They were having a hippie wedding! Way too cool! Then at the end of our shoot, I saw this delightful guy on a bicycle riding by. I grabbed a quick snapshot of him and he caught me! He rode his bike over to me and I asked him if I could take a photo. He graciously offered to be my chauffeur to the May Day rally on his flower-laden chariot. He was quite insistent and I would have loved to have accepted his offer, but sadly, I had to get home.

All in all, I had a fabulous day with Portland. KEEP PORTLAND WEIRD!

My Wedding Site is Finally Up and Running!

Boy, I have had a difficult time getting my new Wedding Site up and running. There just simply isn't enough time in my day! I haven't completely worked out all of the bugs and there is a gallery still missing, but it's up for all to see. If you get a chance, check it out and let me know what you think.

You just go to my regular website: www.lightshadowphotography.com and click on the Wedding Site.

I will be creating a new wedding blog site as soon as I can find a few more hours to squeeze together!

Gretchen and Matt are Engaged!

This delightful couple is getting married in September! They wanted to get their engagement photos done early because they wanted to send out some "Save the Date" cards. They really wanted pictures outside, but we weren't sure about the weather in March. It had rained all week and I was afraid we would have to take photos in my studio. Photo day arrived and we planned to meet at Beaches, hoping for the best. It was freezing outside, but the sun peeked out from behind the clouds and stayed out for the couple hours we spent together! This is why we got such a fabulous sky in these photos! The clouds are heavy and full of texture. For those of you who live in the Northwest, most of the cloudy days are just one shade of gray. It began to rain just as we were finishing up.

I had a wonderful time with these two. They were so easy-going and willing to do whatever I suggested. And yes, they went barefoot on the beach at my request! I'm surprised their feet didn't freeze off! I love the photos on the beach, the water reflecting the blue of the sky, their hair blowing all over the place, their interaction with each other. This time of year, colors are less vibrant and everything is a little dead. However, because of the sun and blue sky, the colors just sang! I love the shots of them in the field of dry grass! It almost looks as though we are somewhere else.

Here you go, Gretchen and Matt! I can't wait to photograph your wedding day later this year!

Little Boy "Blue"

I have had the pleasure of being able to photograph quite a lot of newborns this Spring. It is such an intensely intimate and beautiful experience for me. I met this little sweet boy's mommies before he was even born (thank you Facebook!) They knew exactly when he was going to be born so we were able to schedule an appointment ahead of time. When he was 6 days old, they all came to play! He has the biggest blue eyes and his mommy calls him "Blue".

The moment they walked into my home, I felt right at home with them. They were so full of excitement and love over their new son. It was a privilege to be able to share in this wonderful time with them.

"Blue" is a perfect little gentleman with such a calming and sweet nature. He looks so adorable in his own orange and polka-dot outfit. My green couch looked fabulous with the bright colors they all chose to wear. We broke out the mouse snuggle for some Hickory Dickory Dock. And then, when his mommy said that she loved to garden, I had to bring out the little red wagon for our little pea!

My favorite time is always when the black backdrop comes up and the clothes come off! I adore the Fine Art quality of the light and the interaction between parents and newborns. There is one shot of the two of them with him where I got up high and shot down at them. It is definitely one of my favorites. Mommy kissing his toes, and his looking at me over Mommy's shoulder, snuggled close and held with tenderness, these moments are so dear to me.

Thank you "M" and "M" for sharing "M" with me! I can't wait to see him again at 4 months!

A New Little Prince!

On a wet rainy day, I was able to go and visit this lovely family who had just welcomed a beautiful little boy into their home. There is nothing quite like the feeling of a home newly visited by a tiny member of the family. There is a peace and comfort there which warms my soul.

This couple was wonderful and totally head over heals in love with this beautiful boy. They had a beautiful home with a fantastic view of a green belt so they seemed to be surrounded by nature.

We tried my little dragon on him as well as the "Little Prince" on his cute behind. I had the best time with him and his parents. There are some photos with his green blanket where his eyes are wide open and exploring. He is beautiful!

So here is little "I". He is definitely a little prince!

Tyler & Evan!

Here is my first wedding of 2009! My husband and I had such a delightful time with these wonderful people! Some of the images we were able to capture are priceless! I especially love the one where Tyler's dad is smiling as he is walking her down the aisle.

Tyler and her girls got ready in a room full of mirrors! Boy, did I have a great time with those! My husband was with the men and got some great shots! I'm not sure how Evan will feel about the "boxer" shot, but I love it!

I had wanted to spend some time alone with the two of them for formal photos, but the night got away from us! They will be coming back to Vancouver next Spring, so we've decided we would get together then! Evan is in the Navy and they are now living across the country.

Here you go Tyler & Evan! These are just a sneak peek at the over 500 photos we captured!

More Time to Celebrate Spring!

Due to the overwhelming response to my Spring Portrait Party, I have reworked my schedule to offer times on Saturday, the 18th. Friday is completely booked! I am so excited to see all of you! The details are on the entry below (look past the old lady entry and go to the next one!)