Carla Foth Christian Photography

Print your Photos!

2011-05-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

As a portrait and wedding photographer, I am asked with increasing frequency "Can I just get a disk of my pictures?" And my answer is "Yes, but why would you want to?"

With the increasing availability and quality of digital imaging, everyone takes pictures, all of the time. You may use a pocket sized camera, a camera on your phone, or a digital SLR that rivals the quality of professional equipment from just a few short years ago. You may use all three. And you are used to using those digital files, to share on Facebook, to Twitter, to share on photo sites, or to email to friends or family. Digital images are the medium of today. But are they the medium of tomorrow?

I have a photograph of my grandmother as a young girl. It is black and white, and a bit worn around the edges. The contrast has faded. Of course it has. It is 100 years old. I can hold in my hands this treasured piece of my history, and I will share it with my children, and their children. If cared for gently, it might even be around in another 100 years. Photographs were rare in the early decades of the twentieth century, and each image was treasured and carefully preserved.

Fast forward to today. I am going to pick on a friend of mine, because she has provided me with the perfect example. She just purchased a new external hard drive for storage. She transferred to this drive, 57,000 photos. 57,000! If one were to view these images at a rate of one per second, it would take 950 minutes, or almost 16 hours. Now, just to be sure I am not really picking on one person, I would say that while she probably has more images than the average person, she's certainly not alone in her enjoyment of photography, and her love for preserving treasured family memories.

I am old enough to have spent more years using a film camera than a digital one. My children span this rapid evolution in image capture. My daughter's first camera used film; my son, only three years her junior, has never seen a film camera. My own family albums reflect this shifting technology. I have volumes of 4x6 prints from the years when I used a film camera - that was the only way to see your pictures! My kids and I will cozy up on the sofa every year or two to relive those memories - Remember when I was a crow for Halloween?! Remember when I got a kitten for my birthday?! Once digital cameras became viable and affordable, my albums sit empty, and my images languish in mysterious locations, someplace on my hard drive, having survived transfers from old computer to new more times than I can count.

At least I am one of the lucky ones. My files have survived. Most of them anyway. But disks deteriorate, hard drives fail, file formats become obsolete. My son, my youngest child, will graduate from high school next month. One of my projects this year is to locate and organize those old files, choose the keepers, and print them. I will fill in the last pages of my albums, and my family's story, up until now, will be complete.

What does this have to do with clients asking about digital files? Of course everyone uses digital files, all the time. That is the modern method of image sharing. But when you have chosen to make an investment in professional photography, what do you want those photos to do for you? Do you want to enjoy them every day? Do you want to pass them down to your children, and their children, to preserve this day in the history of your family? Do you want an archival product that will survive for generations?

I know it's a commitment to schedule your portrait session. Haircuts, the perfect outfit, scheduling... your investment goes well beyond your session fee. You have chosen to capture a time in your life, in your family's lives, that you want to treasure and preserve. Of course you can just have a disk of your images. But really, why would you want to?

And while we're talking about it... Pull out those disks and files of your family's photos. Choose your favorites. And print them. Your family will thank you.

May Mini Madness!

2011-05-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

It's a little bit of May Madness! Just for the month of May, I am offering a Mini Session, PLUS one 8x10 and two 5x7 prints, for just $79! That's a heck of a deal for beautiful custom portraits. Good for your kid, your dog, your sweetheart. Or how about remembering Mom for Mother's Day?

What is a Mini Session? It's just like a regular custom session, only smaller. Sessions run about 20 minutes, and are limited to one person. Two kids? No problem, just reserve two sessions! You'll view 8-10 beautiful proofs from your session, with online viewing and a personal ordering consultation. Mini Sessions are held in Camas locations, and you have great themes to choose from - City Park, Downtown Style, Beachy, Nature Park, Urban Grunge, and more. You can choose one favorite pose for your included prints. Can't choose just one? You'll have the opportunity to order all the same great prints and products as a regular session.

These sessions are only offered for the month of May, and they are going to go fast, so call me today to reserve your spot! Call 360-833-0851, or send me an email at carla@carlachristian.com.

You'll love your Mini Session, and you'll love your pictures!

The Camas Photographer and her Horoscope

2011-03-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is my horoscope for Monday, March 27, 2011:

You want success, and you want it now. But there's a process, and it can't be skipped over. Be patient. All is unfolding in good time. A creative endeavor that has a slow start will have a long burn.

Just to be clear, I'm not one to wake up in the morning and plan my day around my horoscope. But I do read it, when I think of it, when I have time, and it often makes me look at my day in a new way. Sometimes, it seems eerily insightful. Like yesterday...

Boy, that's me. I am beginning my third year in this photography business. Success, lots of it, yesterday, ok, I'll take it! I fantasize about that perfectly beautiful studio, with high ceilings and light pouring in and a cushy lounge for my beloved clients. I would be the go to photographer when a big wig comes to town (hmmm, there's a fantasy for another day, which big wig would I most like to photograph...?). I imagine getting those calls... "I'm getting married next January, it's a five day wedding at a French chateau, with a reception on an island in the Mediterranean, and I only want YOU to be my photographer!" (by the way, if that's you, I am available, just so you know...).

I love this horoscope, though. Each step of the way has been essential to creating the business I dream of. Every single client, every single session, indispensible. Every single mistake, a lesson that needed learning. It is all unfolding in it's own time, and that is the right time.

Winter is a fallow time for photographers, that's just the natural cycle of the year. But in some ways it is the busiest time. This is the time when the garden is sown, and seeds are planted for the year to come. I am planting a big garden this year. I have a lot of exciting changes coming up, and I can't wait to see what blossoms!

Kindness where you least expect it

2011-03-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

I was driving home from an awesome consultation with an upcoming senior today, poking along a bit in Friday afternoon traffic. I was in the lane of through traffic, and I noticed a couple of vehicles in the right turn lane. Just as I glanced at them, the front car, a newer SUV, started to make the turn on a red, and then thought better of it and stopped. A rattle-trap Toyota behind her saw her accelerate and shifted into gear with a lurch, and before the driver noticed she had stopped he gave her rear bumper a thump. The SUV rounded the corner and pulled over; the Toyota followed suit, and if ever a car looked sad and hesitant, this one did.

Out of the SUV stepped a pert looking blonde woman, well-coiffed, maybe forty years old. From the Toyota exited a young man, about 18 or 19, his hoody pulled up around his neck, his shoulders slumped, his whole demeanor looking defeated. He clearly expected the worst.

The SUV driver took a quick look at her bumper and briskly approached the young man. He winced, and hunched a little deeper into his jacket. As she drew near him, she smiled warmly and reached out to embrace him in a genuine, kind hug, and gestured at the bumper with a dismissive wave. He looked startled, first guarded, and then astonished. He stood up taller, shrugged away his shroud of fleece and returned her smile. He apologized, she hugged him again, smiled, waved him along. He lit up, became animated, smiling, expressive, standing tall and happy.

I was in my car, probably twenty yards away. My windows were rolled up, I couldn't hear a thing. But their gestures, their posture, their expressions, told their story as clearly as if I'd been standing beside them. When the light turned green I drove off with a smile, my own day a little lighter, the gift of her kindness had reached me too.

In a moment when she had a choice between being angry or being kind, this driver chose kindness, and it changed everything.

Announcing Senior Model Search 2012!

2011-03-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

It's time for my Senior Model Search 2012! I am looking for current Juniors at Clark County high schools to represent my studio for the 2012 Senior Pictures!

What is a Senior Model?
A Senior Model is a photo model for Carla Foth Christian Photography. You will be featured in our advertising, marketing, and displays for senior pictures for the Class of 2012. You will also represent us at your school, referring your friends and classmates to our studio for their senior pictures. You’ll have exclusive discounts to offer them and great pictures to share, so your job will be easy!

Who should be a Senior Model?
A Senior Model for Carla Foth Christian Photography is Outgoing. Fun. Excited about your Senior Year. You are active in your school and your community. You love to be involved. And you are excited about your Senior Pictures! You don’t have to be a perfect size or look like a Hollywood star to be one of our models. I choose models based on personality and activities, and I’m looking for models who truly love my style and photos and are excited about being photographed by Carla Foth Christian Photography.

Why should you be a Senior Model for Carla Foth Christian Photography?
It’s fun!
You’ll have gorgeous Senior Pictures that you love.
You can earn cash, credit toward your picture order, and great prizes!
You’ll get real job training and experience in marketing; you can put that on your resume.

Who can I refer?
Anyone! It will be easy to share your pictures with your classmates, and they’ll be planning their senior pictures too. But you will receive credit for ANY referrals to Carla Foth Christian Photography, including families, babies, children, even weddings! You can even share your rep cards with your parents, because their friends will be looking for a photographer, and mom and dad’s referrals generate credits too!

What about Modeling?
We get creative ideas throughout the year, and will call on our models to help test them out! Although it’s not required, we appreciate your help.

The catch:
There really isn’t one… If someone sees and likes your pictures, then give them your rep card and show them how to contact me! Easy enough! You are not expected to discuss pricing or packages with them.

The rules:
Your parent’s permission is a must.
You will need to sign a Senior Rep contract and Modeling Release with me so that I can use your beautiful portraits in advertising.
You will promise to promote Carla Foth Christian Photography and ONLY her photography, positively! You can’t be a Model for us if you’re a rep for another studio!

How Can I Become a Senior Model?
Shoot me an email at carla@carlachristian.com. Or just pick up the phone and call me at (360) 833-0851. I’ll schedule a complimentary consultation with you and at least one parent, so you can choose the Model Program that is perfect for you. I can’t wait to meet you, and I know you will LOVE your pictures!

I'm shootin' in the rain, la la la

2011-03-18T09:34:00.001-07:00

Rain rain rain. This is the trickiest time of year for an on location photographer. Every year I watch the rain fall, itching to be outside with my camera, missing my clients as we all hunker down inside, warm and dry. About this time every year, I start eyeing studio space with a lustful twinkle in my eye. One of these days, I might even take that leap. I have it planned out in my mind... my perfect space would offer natural light, of course, and room to play, move, goof around, because that's what kiddos do, that's what people need to feel comfortable. It would be simple and spare, with no fakey pictures of trees or ponds. It's real trees or nothing for me! And I think that's what you come to me for, portraits that are simple and real and capture you being yourself!

I'll find that perfect space one of these days, but for now, me and the rain, we've made our deal. This beautiful, green, lush world is my studio, and I just have to be a little flexible. I have a couple of ways of scheduling sessions in the rainy season, and it works just fine.

1. I will come to your home! Really! What could be easier? And what could tell a better story about your kids, or your family, than the place you call home? Everyone says "oh no, my home wouldn't be nice for pictures!" but it would, I promise! Your home doesn't have to look like a Pottery Barn catalog. As long as you have a window or two (and who doesn't?) you'll have great pictures! And for newborns, this option is as perfect as it gets; they are tiny so you don't even notice the surroundings, and new parents are spared the stress of trying to get out of the house with their little one!

2. We can select a location with natural shelter. Public buildings, covered outdoor areas, heavy tree cover, doorways... there are plenty of great locations that offer shelter, and the added benefit is that they are great locations, rain or not. The lighting in a covered spot, on a cloudy day, is positively luscious!

3. Flexible scheduling. I am not a high volume photography studio. This isn't a mill where each customer gets a 15 minute window and then I'm on to the next and the next and the next. This time of year, I limit my schedule to a couple of sessions a week. This allows me to be Flexible, with a capital F. If your schedule is a bit loose, Flexible scheduling is wonderful. I reserve a session for you in the week of your choice, and then once we are close enough to have a weather forecast, we narrow it down to a specific day and time. You can enjoy your outdoor session in any season!

And the other great thing about scheduling a session this time of year? You probably aren't as busy as other times. Summer is filled with vacations and visitors and kids sports, fall is busy with holiday preparations, but early winter and spring is a quieter time. Do I have you convinced? Then give me a call! (360) 833-0851. If you miss me just leave a message, I must be out shootin' in the rain!

El Vaquero

2011-02-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

Los Cabos. In Mexico, the beaches are all federal property. They may be hard to get to, where hotels and resorts line the coast, but they are free and open to all. Our resort abutted a broad dry wash, a common sight in Baja. I'm told that annual rainfall is received in only one or a few days per year, mostly ensuring sunny skies for touristas, but leaving rutted gullies in the parched earth. This wash was unbuildable and public, so it was a popular beach access for locals, including merchants working the boundaries of the resorts with armfuls of colorful skirts, scarves and pottery. There was a truck that pulled in each day with a trailer full of horses, and the cowboys saddled them up, hopped on the lead horse, tied each horse to the saddle horn of the one before, then trotted to a strategic spot in front of a resort to offer horseback riding on the beach. They would come in the morning and evening, wait for an hour or two for any takers, and haul back out again. I was captivated by these images of the cowboys on the beach with their horses; I could spend an entire trip photographing them. Maybe, next time, I will.

Sun, Sand, Sea - Destination Photographer

2011-02-19T20:47:00.000-08:00

If anyone noticed I went missing for a few days last week (anyone?) I'll spill... I made a quick getaway with my hubby to Los Cabos! Sun, sand, ahhhh... I could not think of a single reason to come home. Well, ok, I did have some good reasons to come home, but none of them seemed as good as staying in a warm sunny place where other people cook for you and clean your room!

Erin - Camas Senior Photography

2011-02-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's always an extra special treat when I get to see someone a second time for a photo session! We already know each other, and it's like a big fun reunion, at least for me. By the end of a session I feel like I know all about my client, but then we're done and I don't get to hear how it all turns out; it's like missing the end of the movie! Erin was just starting her senior year at our last session (remember our Homecoming shoot with Flowers Washougal and Salon Magnolia?), and now she has her college acceptance letters, some great big scholarships (way to go!), and plans for her future. I went for a little bolder session this time; I knew she could pull it off, and boy did she ever! Isn't she rockin' those pink shoes?!

Joyce's Dogs

2011-02-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

Teach Sniff Learn Swim. That's the motto at Joyce's Dogs, where she trains both ends of the leash. I love the way she phrases that... not, you dummy, you've made a mess of your dog! She has a therapy pool (yes, swimming!) for dogs, and teaches basic obedience plus agility and canine nose work. We got together for a fun session at her home training facility, where she has acres of fenced fields for her dogs to run and explore. These are her own critters, her diverse and furry little family. I can't decide who's my favorite... the cuddly lap dog, the eager to work border collie, or the regal black dog (with a name I can't remember!). They are all beautiful and happy in her hands!

Dr. Weeks, Naturopath

2011-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

Catching up on some past sessions and I want to be sure to share images from Dr. Weeks session! I went down to his clinic in southeast Portland, located in an office shared by professionals in natural healing. The whole building had the most wonderful, peaceful feeling, and felt like a place where you can just relax and get well. I always love professional images that show people at work, doing what they do best. I find out at the end of this session that it was the first chiropractic adjustment *ever* for his patient! I know he has a super gentle technique, because she never even flinched!

A Photo a Day in 2011 - Week Three

2011-01-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

Didn't quite hit the photo a day mark, but I had fun. That's what matters, right? I've had a snotty cold all week and I've been under the weather and quarantining myself, so the camera has sat idle. There's always next week.

I guess someone lost a boot along the Dike Trail in Washougal. Someone *small*!

I love this old barn. I usually see it from the east, at Steigerwald Refuge. It's always interesting to see the same old thing from a completely new perspective.

Walking the Dike trail gives you a back door look at the industrial working areas along the river. This is where the manufacturing gets done, and the railroad comes through to pickup and transport newly created goods. We have become such a culture of electronics and information, it's easy to forget that the manufacturing industry has long been our economic backbone, and continues to provide jobs and products that we couldn't live without. I don't know what kind of plant this is; the tall cylinders remind me of grain elevators on the Kansas prairie. I think it has a stark, gritty beauty.

A Photo A Day in 2011 - Week Two

2011-01-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

I really do have good intentions. But then it's pouring rain outside. Or I get so busy. Or I have any of the other dozens of excuses that work so well... and my camera sits idle. I did make a few dates with myself to just shoot, and it feels just great. Amazing. Fun. A chance to try something different, to take a risk I would never take in a client session. It's a fresh week, and a fresh start. The nice thing about life is all the new beginnings. A new hour. A new day. A new week. A new year. Always a new opportunity to be the person you meant to be.

I really love the boldness of this. WOMEN. It seems like a doorway of such importance. It's just a bathroom, but I can imagine.

We had ice pellets. One of those things where you think "what the heck are ice pellets?", but when you see them you say "ah, *those* are definitely ice pellets!" I love the contrast of the rustic leaf against the machined wood.

Those eyes! Oh my, those eyes.

A Photo A Day in 2011

2011-01-07T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is a challenge that photographers are drawn to - Take one photo per day, 365 days of the year. It will inevitably make you a better photographer. There is the discipline of using the camera, every day. There is the challenge of making a photo in a day filled with the mundane - a trip to the grocery store, laundry to wash, perhaps a visit to the dentist. There is the dearth of ideas... what could I *possibly* photograph again today?! But, the fact remains, it will make you a better photogapher. Your camera becomes just another appendage, as comfortable and familiar as, say, your little toe. You develop an eye for light and form, a knack for seeing the picture when it seems there is none. And it's just plain fun (most days anyway). An artist's date with oneself... every single day. I'm using my Friday posts to share images from my Photo a Day week. If I like it, or I find it interesting, or I just think it's pretty, I'll share.

Dawn at Steigerwald

Rust

Serenity

River in Winter

Links

Oak Sentinel

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

A silvery Christmas morning sunrise.

Nifty Fifty

2010-12-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

My favorite lens is off to the manufacturer for repair, and I am feeling bereft. I have other lenses, very good lenses, but they aren't my good, familiar friend like my favorite. I know it's heft, it's range, it's nuances. It has been my partner for long enough, that it is like another appendage, a limb I use without thought. I spent a few days staring forlornly at my camera and pining away. I shopped online a little... I could just buy another one! Today! But no, patience, I can have patience. I shuffled through my camera bag, rubbing my own nose in my loss I suppose. My fingers wrapped around a small little bit of a lens, tucked into the corner. I don't normally use this one, but maybe I could? Maybe it would be fun to try something different.

I popped this little lens onto my camera. The Nifty Fifty, they call it. It's a 50mm lens, offering a perspective closest to the human eye. It's been made for decades; the original design standing the test of time. It's fast, lightweight, sharp, and cheap. The exact lens I have on my camera today, was in use on my husband's film camera when he was in high school (which was a LOT of years ago...). I wandered around my hometown of Camas, playing, just wanting to get comfortable with this new point of view. And you know what? I like it! I like seeing things from a little different angle. How often do we take ourselves outside our comfort zone and look at the world in a whole new way?

A share today, from my Nifty Fifty:

Clark College Pinning Ceremony - Vancouver Event Photography

2010-12-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

I once again had the pleasure of photographing the Pinning Ceremony of the Clark College School of Nursing. This is always a special event, with an appreciation for the family and friends of the graduates who supported and encouraged them in their journey, and it reminds me that any of us can accomplish more together than we can alone.

Miss S and Miss G... and brother J too!

2010-10-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Bree

2010-10-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

I'm still playing catch-up, but I couldn't neglect to blog this terrific session with Bree! I'd really like to be one of those bloggers who has something chatty and clever to say about every session. I'd even say I'm a pretty adept writer, most days. But when it comes to writing about images of clients, I find myself oddly speechless. What can I possibly say that the images don't say for themselves? And I completely adore each and every one of my clients, and every single one of them is fabulously beautiful or handsome through my lens. Really. If I start gushing on about one, have I short-changed someone else? That would never do!

I have a bunch of sessions to catch up on over the next few days, and I am just going to let them speak for themselves. So here goes, starting with Bree. So lovely, gracious, creative... I had to sneak a few words in there!

Miss {T}

2010-10-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have so many sessions to catch up on, it's hard to know where to start! Oldest first, because this session deserves to not be missed. Miss {T} is the lovely daughter of my very dear friend, and she's at that wonderful age between childhood and the teen years.

Someone told me once that if you remember back to what you wanted to be when you were 11 years old, it would tell you what your heart's desire is. I know that is true for me; the passions I had then still guide my life today, and the closer my path is to those early dreams the happier I am. Do you remember when the whole world was ahead of you, and every dream seemed possible? What did you dream for your life?

Homecoming in Style!

2010-09-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

How much fun can four high school girls and a photographer have with a camera? Pictures are coming soon, you can see for yourself! Some of our great local businesses provide really amazing styles and products for Homecoming, and we had models from Camas and Washougal HS come to help show off the goodies!

Flowers Washougal brought *gorgeous* wrist corsages. Look closely because they are so unique and beautiful; nobody had corsages like this when I was in high school! They are like flower jewelry, so delicate and sparkly. Flowers Washougal actually sets up a "candy bar" where the kids can choose the pieces for their one-of-a-kind corsage or boutonniere, and then the shop assembles it for them and it's ready to go. I can't promise nobody will be wearing the same dress, but *nobody* will have your corsage!

We took over Salon Magnolia in downtown Camas for the afternoon, and everybody came away with *gorgeous* up-dos! They looked amazing! I love the variety - some whispy, some playful, some very dramatic. This is an Aveda salon, and along with their hair care products, they had the most silken, translucent mineral makeup. I'm one of those "low maintenance" women (a tactful way of saying I probably look like a mess most of the time.. but I'm behind the camera, not in front of it!) and I was seriously ogling it.

And to top it all off, Lindsey next door at Bloom did everyone's nails! How is that for the pampered treatment?

It was soooo much fun, and my models were just amazing. I have a ton of pictures up on my Facebook page; come see me there! But just to give you a peek, I'll introduce our beautiful models!

Amanda and Kaitlyn, from Camas High School, and Erin and Kirstin from Washougal High School!

Puppy Therapy!

2010-09-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

I have shamefully abandoned my blog, and I have some catching up to do! There are a couple of things I love about sharing here. I get to talk to everyone following my blog. I can keep it current with fresh work, more often than I update my website. And, thanks to labels in all the posts, you can now search based on a wide range of criteria. So, for example, if you want to see images with Dogs, you can search for just that; you can't do that on my website!

And speaking of dogs, meet Glenda (like the good witch!). This pup is a therapy dog for Dr. Serena Sterling, a psychologist in California. Dr. Sterling needed a few images for her business, and wanted casual images that include Glenda. I'll tell you one thing about taking a dog along on a photo shoot; you meet *everybody*! But that is Glenda's job, after all; putting clients at ease, making friends, giving comfort.

Miss {S}

2010-09-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

What a great session I had with Miss {S}! I brought home this amazing chair, my mind racing with visions of Christmas pictures and party dresses, and was waiting for the perfect kid to try it out. Such blue eyes! Such rosy cheeks! Isn't she lovely? I'll bet you didn't even notice the amazing chair with so much cuteness going on in this blog!
And speaking of blogging, anyone notice I've redecorated? I barely get by in the technology department, but I've been longing for a single column blog for a long time, so pictures would show up big and beautiful. And, I hated to change blog hosts, and lose years of history. I finally figured it out, and I'm loving it! This picture layout is kind of cool too, dontcha think? I'll probably try a few things before I settle on a style, so keep checking back and let me know when you see something you like!

Whole House A/V and More! - Vancouver Architectural and Event Photographer

2010-08-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, I had such a great time on Friday night photographing Global Technology Solutions' open house! They are the nicest people you could want to work with, and their work is over the top Amazing! They've just completed this dream project, with whole house audio-visual and security bundled into one super smart system, and a simple touch pad module to control it all. I can't even operate my own television, with it's multiple remotes for the screen and cable and whatever else is there, but this system is so easy I could do it. Watching television in the family room and the doorbell rings? No worries, click on the front porch security camera icon, and you'll know if it's your pizza delivery or a solicitor. Watching On Demand in the theatre room and it's time to start dinner? Just pause your show and watch the ending on the kitchen television. Having a problem? Call Global Technology and they can access your system from their office and trouble shoot it from there. There's even a television on the deck! It swivels so you can enjoy it from your dining table, or from the hot tub.

This is control central for the entire home.

I have to add a shout out to Mickey Lane at Liquid Gratitude who kept the libations flowing and the crowd happy!

Hans Scheels with Global Technology Solutions, with the homeowners.

Julia - Clark County Photography

2010-08-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

What a terrific session with Julia! She showed up with all kinds of clothes and ideas and so much enthusiasm. And we found some great new places to shoot... I can't wait to use some of these locations again!

Now Hiring 2011 HS Grads for Senior Photo Models!

2010-08-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Would you like to have amazing senior photos to show your friends, and get paid for it?

I am hiring Senior Photo Models NOW for every Clark County high school. You will receive a full on location portrait session, your own FREE business cards, FREE Facebook images, great discounts on your print orders (your mom will love this!), plus CASH for every referral you send who books a paid session! Plus, there are special prizes for the top 2011 Senior Photo Model. You will be the exclusive representative for your high school; that market is all yours!

If you are that student who knows everybody at school, you love to be involved and you love to be in front of the camera, you would be a great Senior Photo Model!

To apply, please send me an email at carla@carlachristian.com describing why you'd love to be a Senior Photo Model, which high school you attend (you must be a 2011 graduate in Clark County), and attach a picture of yourself...a snapshot is fine. I'm selecting Models right now, so email me today!

Camas LIVE - Camas Family Photographer

2010-07-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Camas LIVE is coming next weekend, and I'll be there! I'll have a booth chock full of great samples, a cool giveaway, and of course lots of great entertainers and artists all around. I hope to see some of you there; it's sure to be a great time for a date night, girls' night out, or some family fun!

Annie and Josh's Wedding - Portland Wedding Photography

2010-07-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

For their beautiful wedding at the Willamette Valley Country Club, Annie and Josh landed a perfect sunny summer day in the midst of the rainiest spring I have seen. The blessings didn't stop there - the day was filled with happy kids, loving family, and a radiant couple so obviously in love, with each other and their adorable little boy.

Kalista Salon & Spa Doggie Day - Portland Event Photography

2010-06-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

I was the Pup-arazzi for a day at this fun event at Kalista Salon and Spa in Portland's Pearl District. This is a gorgeous industrial style salon in the historic Honeyman Hardware building, and they offer the works - hair, nails, massage, skin treatments, even a sauna, tucked away in a private loft. Their products are all organic, natural, and cruelty-free, which means the ingredients were never tested on animals. A place where you can pamper yourself and do good at the same time, so cool! I'm a dog lover anyway, and I made a bunch of slobbery, hairy new friends (helped along by the homemade organic, vegan peanut butter treats I doled out so liberally!). Enjoy these pictures of the day (don't you just want to hug 'em?!).

There were homemade treats for the pups and goodies from events sponsors, Lexi Dog and Dove Lewis.

Here's a peek at the salon. I think I want to move in.

Barn Duck

2010-06-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

I arrived at the barn today to see a funny looking lump at the head of the aisleway. I thought somebody must have dropped a piece of tack, but I couldn't figure out what. I wandered over to take a look... and it was a sleeping duck! He (she?) appears to be a tame duck; s/he wants to be next to the barn, and is calm and curious about people. The horses are quite amazed at this creature... it's the size of a cat, but certainly NOT a cat... what to make of it? It is looking like we have ourselves a Barn Duck!

It's Tallgrass Season! Clark County Photography

2010-06-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

A warm June afternoon and a field of lush tall grass and vibrant wildflowers are a terrific formula for portraits! I'm sure anyone who's tried to schedule anything outside this past month shares my frustration with the rain rain and more rain... but it looks like we will finally get a break, the fields are lush and colorful, and temperatures are still springtime mild. This is a great time to schedule your portrait session! And this is an awesome location in the Salmon Creek area of Vancouver, for those of you wanting a session up thataway. This is Tori looking oh so pretty; despite putting up with her photographer mom on a daily basis, she was an enthusiastic model for our session. Thanks Tori!!

Textures for Art Photos - Camas Photography

2010-05-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

I tend to be a purist about photography, and don't incorporate a lot of special effects into my images. But with digital photography and Photoshop you can do so much, and it's fun to play around with it.

I started with three images from a hike I took yesterday - the new trail along the Washougal River just south of 3rd Ave (which is really awesome by the way, highly recommended!). I started with an image of the purple lupine that was blooming everywhere, and then added a couple of images I collected just for their texture, both from the new bridge over the river - one is the rusty railings, and one from the decking boards. Here is what the lupine image looked like:

And these are the "texture" images:

I combined the images and adjusted the opacity of the textures; once I had it looking like I wanted it, I "levels" adjustment layer to reset the black and white points, which gives it a nice pop. Here is the final image:

It's just a matter of preference; the altered image has a vintage, textured look that has a more artsy appearance than a straight photograph. Portraits can receive the same treatment. Here's an image from a recent teen session:

And here's the same image with a texture applied - I masked off the skin areas so they would not show the texture; you still want natural smooth skin.

It's fun to play around with textures, and the options are unlimited. If you like the textured look let me know when you book your session, or when you select your order, and I can create a personalized image just for you!

Kaden - Camas Child Photography

2010-05-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite times of the year for pictures! The summer grass is growing like crazy, and there are big fields of it just starting to turn golden, with wildflowers pushing up thick among the stems. It's such an awesome setting for pictures, and I had a ton of fun with this little guy. The grass was taller than him!

Dad's Love Pictures! Father's Day is June 20... here's a special for Dad!

2010-05-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Facebook Naming Party - Who wants a free photo session?

2010-05-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

I asked for your help and I got it! I recently got with the times and set up a Facebook page for my photography business. I wanted a way to connect with my clients and friends that was simple, direct, and current, and I'm loving how Facebook can do that. And I wanted an *easy* way to send new friends and clients there, not a looooong link that no one could ever remember. The catch? Facebook requires 25 "fans", who I guess are now "likers", before you can have your own Facebook handle. But sharing that long string of gibberish was just oh so cumbersome. How to share it so I would reach that magical number of 25? So I asked for help, and I got it! I have my new Facebook URL - www.facebook.com/carlachristianphotography - hooray!!

And... I am celebrating by giving away a totally free photo session! No catch, you can use it for the kids or seniors or family pictures or engagement pictures... whatever you need. You can pass it on to a friend who needs pictures. For my Kansas friends, I'll even be in Topeka in late July so if you want a photo session you can enter too! You can even SELL it if you like (but if you do that please tell me because I just might hire you!). Even better - I will include TWO 8x10 prints of your choice, plus five free Web Pix! This package has a total value of $255 So.... here's how you can win a FREE photo session...

Post the comment below, here in my blog, "I want to win a FREE photo session!" ***OR, send me an email at carla@carlachristian.com that says "I want to win a FREE photo session!"*** (because I guess you need a google account to post here, little did I know about technology, and I'm not the only person with long lost passwords to little used accounts!!) I'll put your names in a basket, and have an impartial (and probably totally disinterested) teenager pluck one out. Be sure I can contact you by clicking through from your post, and watch here for a winner on Tuesday, June 1!

Bree - Vancouver Portrait Photography

2010-05-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have a session with an adorable baby, and I think "babies are just my favorite thing to photograph ever!" And then I have a headshot session with a professional, and I think "that was great, grown-ups are where it's at!" And then I have a session with a family, and I think "that was so amazing to get to know the whole family, I love families!" So I guess my favorite kind of session is the kind of session I have today, and tomorrow's will be my favorite too!

But today's really, really was my favorite, definitely! I have taken Bree's picture before with her whole family, and today it was just her, so that was extra special. And, she is just the smartest, nicest, prettiest young woman, with tons of passion and creativity for all the things she loves to do, so it was very cool to talk to her about her life. And (there's another And) she is one of those people who just fires up the camera. You know what I mean. If somebody points a camera at me, I freeze and hold my breath and pray for it to be over soon. But Bree is just herself, warm and funny and fully engaged, and my camera (and I!) love her for it.

I've only just peeked, but I love this image!

Camas Family Photography

2010-05-01T01:05:00.000-07:00

I am up way past my bedtime editing pictures, but there is some major cuteness going on here!

It's time for Camas Lilies!

2010-04-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

There is a place in Camas, around the pond and through the woods and up the trail, where the Camas Lilies bloom in profusion every spring. It's a place apart from the dark woods surrounding it; the ground is rocky and perpetually damp and the trees don't grow here. But if you make the hike (and it can be a little steep, but just go slow) you'll be rewarded with a high meadow thick with blue-purple blooms. This is an amazing and uniquely Camas place for pictures, and only available for a couple of weeks of the year. The lilies are blooming now, and will only be there for about two more weeks, so if anyone wants a photo session in the Camas lilies be sure to call me... today!

The (B) Family - Camas Family Photography

2010-04-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

When I come back from a photo session and take that first look at the files as they flow into my computer, there is always one that just jumps off the screen and calls to me. This was one of the last images from my session with the (B) family; in fact, we were really done taking pictures, and I was visiting with Mom while Dad walked the girls out to the end of the dock to enjoy the water. Everybody was tired and relaxed and just hanging out, and when I spotted them I had to run down the dock for just a few more shots. Mom joined us too after a few minutes, but I just love the way they are all cuddled together with Dad here. So sweet!

Lilacs for Aylah

2010-04-15T10:37:00.001-07:00

A dressage group of which I am a long-time member lost one of our own this spring. Cancer. A very fast moving cancer, that reminded us all of the transience of life, and the fragility of the moment. Her favorite flower was the lilac, and we are all reminded of her when the lilacs bloom. My side yard is now thick with purple blossoms and redolent with the heady scent of lilacs. I have brought them into the house to savor them; their time here is too short. As life can be. Remember to smell the flowers.

Amanda

2010-04-06T21:21:00.001-07:00

Definitely, my favorite part of this job is getting to know my amazing and wonderful clients. I can get so distracted talking sometimes, that I don't even realize my camera is sitting abandoned in my lap... but then I grab it and snap off a few pictures, and those are the best! Everyone has an expression they assume when a camera is pointed at them, the particular tilt of their head and half smile that they used all those years for the annual school photo, for Christmas pictures with grandma, for the office party where someone is walking around with a camera. But when you take a minute to put the camera down and just talk and laugh and tell stories, then the next picture is magic! So here is some photo magic, Amanda style!

Amanda

2010-04-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

I managed to squeeze a portrait session in with Amanda today between rainstorms, and wow, I'm so glad we made it happen! Amanda has the most amazing smile and she totally rocked this session! It was really fun to hear about her jobs and her music, and the story behind those cool tattoos. Yes, you heard me say it here, *cool tattoos*! Just don't tell my kids!!

I haven't even looked at the whole session yet; I got so excited by the first pictures I had to come right over here and post a sneak peek!

Emma

2010-03-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have all kinds of pictures sitting on my computer waiting to be blogged and shared with the world, but it was easy to pick where to start today. I had an awesome time photographing baby Emma and put together a storyboard just for her. I always think every client should have a storyboard from their session; the multiple images capture a person in a way that one picture never does. It's like reading one sentence of a book... or reading the whole book! Without further ado, here is the story of darling Emma!

2010-03-02T22:05:00.000-08:00

Come springtime, I find myself photographing a lot of graduations. And a lot of graduates. For a hectic six weeks, I work with a national company that holds the contracts for big events, like the state universities. The graduates move through the line at a rate of one every 8 seconds. Sometimes less. At the end of the day, they are a blur of robes and tassles, and my arm cries to be lowered from the "camera ready" position.

The Clark College Nursing School is different. I once again have the privilege of being the official photographer for their Pinning Ceremony. It is in intimate event -- there are 40 new graduates this quarter - and you can't miss their giddy glee to see the end of this long road. Friends and families share their moment on stage, the joy and pride as well as gratitude that it's done. I love photographing this event, and seeing the unique stamp that each class puts on this rite of passage. The first step is a group photo taken on campus. Next up, finals. And finally, graduation in a couple of weeks. I'll be there, camera ready!

Julia

2010-02-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

It took me so long to get Julia's pictures ready, because there were so many beautiful images I couldn't pick just a few! Julia needed pictures for her modeling portfolio, and I love all the different styles and moods and ideas she had for her shoot. I always think the very best ideas come from my clients - the results are really comfortable and personal and expressive. Julia's pictures are no exception, and she has so many more ideas where these came from! With all her energy and creativity, I can't wait to see where she goes with it!

Julia

2010-02-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

Julia braved the cold and rain yesterday to meet up for a session for her modeling portfolio - now that's dedication! It's always so much easier for me, because I can bundle up and I don't have to look good *behind* the camera! Weather.com promised a break in the steady rain at 3pm, and sure enough, we had a dry (but chilly!) hour or so to shoot before the rain started back up again. I've only had a chance to glance at the pictures, but I can't resist a sneak peek because she looks so gorgeous, wow!

Madi

2009-12-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

I posted a sneak peek of Madi's pictures already; I couldn't resist after I took a look at the images from her session! It didn't get any easier to choose a selection for her proofing gallery, and picking just a few to blog, whew! I've managed to come up with some favorites... Madi, you really rocked this session! Thanks so much for letting me take your pictures!

Heather

2009-12-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you meet a person who it seems like you've known forever; you just seem to speak the same language. In Heather's case I think I know why that is... she grew up in a small Missouri town just down the highway from my Kansas hometown, which in the expansive midwest makes us practically neighbors. With the holidays on our minds, we covered everything from turducken to green been casserole and just about chatted all afternoon! Heather asked me for some Christmas pictures for her mom, and especially some pictures with her little dog Gus. She warned me that he might be shy, but no worries, I found the perfect assistant for dog photography... a chattering, teasing squirrel!

Madi

2009-12-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

I just got home from a terrific senior photo and portfolio session with beautiful Madi, and even though I meant to just download photos before I started on some other work, I couldn't tear myself away without editing just a few! We got lucky with a mostly sunny day, but not so lucky with the beginning of an Arctic air mass coming through, and Madi was a trooper, goosebumps and all!

The (W) Family

2009-11-24T15:49:00.000-08:00

I met the (W) family at Esther Short Park on a beautiful November morning, and got a reminder that the holidays are coming soon when we arrived to find the park busy with a holiday light hanging crew! Baby B took to the process like a pro, full of smiles and clowning around. She made it easy to keep smiles on all our faces!

The (P) Family

2009-11-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

What I love best about taking pictures is getting to know my clients, and getting to know the whole family is even better. Even better than that? Taking a family's pictures at home! After trying to dodge a string of rainy days to get their session scheduled, I was thrilled when mama P said "Would it be possible to take pictures at our home?" Absolutely! Taking family portraits - really *any* portraits - at home is terrific, and it really doesn't matter whether you live in a palace or a more modest abode. I learned that Mama P used to work in the fashion world, and she must still have some secret sources because she looked great. And the two year old's boots? Wow, to die for, I want some! (if only I could look half as cute in them! lol) When we were done with the "serious stuff" we went outside for some serious puddle jumping; these kids can catch some air!

Dr. Shields Natural Health

2009-11-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

Dr. Alexis Daye Shields is a naturopathic physician in NE Portland, and she's just opening up a very cool new office near Mt. Tabor. It's on a stretch of NE Stark Street that has seen a surge of new life - businesses coming in bring out an active street life, which brings more new business in - and I loved to see this urban neighborhood shopping district bustling and thriving. Dr. Shields's Natural Health is part of a Wellness Center on NE Stark Street that includes a yoga studio and two chiropractors - one stop shopping for healthy living!

Dr. Shields needed a new professional headshot, and we brought in one of my favorite models, Hollie, and her irresistably happy and adorable son Kaden to be our "model patients." We got in plenty of chatting between pictures, and it was great to hear the excitement and passion Dr. Shields brings to helping her patients.

Patricia

2009-11-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Patricia is the tiniest, newest baby I have had the priviledge to photograph yet. In fact, she shouldn't even be here; Patricia was born at 29 weeks, and now, 8 weeks later, weighs a mere six pounds. She lives with her foster family, where she is showered with love and attention, and she is amazingly alert and curious (especially for somebody who by all rights should be enjoying a little more time in the womb!). Patricia is simply beautiful, and absolutely perfect in the tiniest of packages.

Andrea

2009-10-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

A few more images from my session with Andrea; they weren't all wild and crazy action shots! I love all the color of the fall leaves and the perfect temperatures; it's a great time to sneak some pictures in between the rainy days!

Andrea

2009-10-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

I got a new camera last week. A really amazing camera that puts other cameras to shame, and I am so excited to do some new work that I could not have done with the old equipment. But, nevertheless, it still all comes down to the person behind the camera, and I needed to get comfortable with it. I snagged Andrea from her leisurely fall break and put her to work modelling action shots for me, so I could get familiar with the metering and autofocus. Doesn't she look great?! And wow, that girl can get some air!

Susan and Kirk's Wedding

2009-10-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have shared Susan and Kirk's wedding day. I have known Susan for a long time. We were neighbors back when, and our children played together in our cul de sac - days filled with roller-blades and dress-up, soccer balls and fingernail painting kits. We both saw the end of our first marriages, both dove courageously if blindly into single motherhood and the wide world of dating. Susan was looking for just the right guy. Life was good, and it would be tough to find the man who could add something to their happy lives. When I finally got to meet Kirk, and see the happiness they have all found in each other, I could see why he was the guy for this family, and they were the family for him. Susan and Kirk married at a gorgeous Yamhill County winery on a perfect October evening, and danced away the night under a full moon. I don't believe there was a dry eye in the place. Congratulations Susan and Kirk, Callie and Vik, and even Joey the ring-bearer dog, and wishing you many many happy years ahead!

Lisa

2009-09-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

I met Lisa at Heron Lakes Golf Course, where she is an avid golfer, for some...what else could it be... golf themed pictures! This photo session was as much fun as a Girls' Night Out - well, at least for me... does that tell you I should get out a little more?! I don't think so, I think it was just fun fun fun. Lisa has a great sense of humor, and she was really excited about having some pictures taken just for herself. Adults don't do that very often. We capture baby every few months, then school kids once a year, we take senior pictures and wedding pictures, and that's about it. So most of us go for decades without having any pictures taken. And painful as it may be to admit it, we don't all look *quite* the same! It was a wonderful treat for me to spend an evening doing a photo session just for Lisa. And, I think she looks amazing!

Callie

2009-09-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

I promised more pictures of Callie, so here they finally are. This was one of those photo sessions where I felt like the more I just got out of the way, the better; Callie has a terrific style and grace that just comes naturally to her. We met in one of my favorite photography places, near the Columbia River waterfront and just steps from the land bridge to Fort Vancouver, and we took advantage of all the great settings for a wide variety of images. Callie told me she heard it's a good sign when the photographer gets excited looking through the camera, so judging by my enthusiasm I think she knew she was going to have some beautiful pictures!

Levi and Evan

2009-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

These two brothers are both delightful and charming, and as different as can be. Levi is older, and has these amazingly bright, ornery, twinkling blue eyes, and a constant search for the next adventure. His little brother Evan is like a baby Buddha, with an infectious laugh that starts deep in his belly and bubbles over with hilarity. It was a super fun morning to meet these guys in the park with their mom and grandma for some play and pictures, and more play, to heck with pictures!

Chris and Melanie's Wedding

2009-09-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

I love weddings. I love the freshness of a new relationship, the optimism for the future, and the bright shining love and hope that fills the day. I love to be a part of the community who shares and supports these most sacred of vows. And I love the specialness of the day - how often do you dress in yards of white tulle and carry luxuriant bouquets of fresh flowers? Chris and Melanie's wedding was simple and rich, tucked into a grove of trees at the summit of a city mountain, friends and family gathered in a circle around them, and beautiful rituals borrowed from cultures both near and far. Their love and tenderness for each other was palpable. It was a priviledge to record the day in pictures, and a blessing to be reminded to cherish the ones I love.

Evan

2009-09-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, have you ever seen a belly laugh like this?! There are more pictures to come of this happy boy and his big brother, but I couldn't wait to spread this joy around!

Kristal

2009-09-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

I have been having fun fun fun with baby pictures! I met Kristal and her mom at a park in Lake Oswego that neither of us had been to before, and as luck would go, we arrived on mowing and watering day. So the grass was not just freshly cut but soaking wet! And of course babies are all about crawling around on the ground, so we just made the best of it, and made a real laundry mess of her cute pink outfit. Sorry Mom! Kristal is a real cutie, and a busy girl; she's a power crawler and probably not too far from walking, and you can tell she is thrilled as can be to be mobile!

Gaea Schell

2009-09-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure this week of a photo session with the amazingly talented and beautiful jazz pianist and vocalist, Gaea Schell. She's in Portland recording her newest CD, After the Rain, and you can catch her performing one more night at Wilf's on September 2, before she heads back to Los Angeles. I took one peek and had to drop everything to play with a few of these pictures!

Callie

2009-08-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Callie and her family are old friends of mine; in fact, I first met Callie when she was five years old! Which made it extra amazing to get to take her senior pictures this weekend. I haven't even had time to look through them all, but I know she can't wait to see and I couldn't either. Here is a sneak peek of the *very first picture!* Wow!

Lexie and Cameron

2009-08-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

When they say it takes a village to raise a child, they must be thinking of these two cousins! Lexie and Cameron came for their pictures with their grandma and two of their aunts, and as we talked (yes I'm one of those nosy, talkative photographers! I can't help it, I love my clients, and the best part of taking pictures is getting to know them!)I heard about the whole extended family. A kid doesn't end up in this clan without a lap or a hug or a soft place to land. Lexie had just taken her first steps two days before, and she gave me a few more gray hairs with her bold, tipsy forays down the concrete sidewalks! I can tell this is just the beginning of adventures for her. Cameron is quieter, and he sits back and watches; you can see the wheels turning in his little mind. This guy is the Thinker. I loved to take your pictures, little ones!

Jizele

2009-08-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

I met this cutie-pie at Crown Park - one of my very favorite places for portraits, with plenty of shade and lots of play structures and a good old laid back attitude. I was greeted with a thousand-watt smile as only a four month old can deliver it. Her grin reached from the curls on her head all the way to her wildly pumping little legs! What fun this baby girl is, and adorable too!

When the World Was New

2009-08-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Dawn was beautiful this morning, the sun rising golden into a narrow gap of horizon before clouds and misty rain rolled over. I never tire of this magical world.

Hollie

2009-08-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Whew! Sometimes a photo shoot just comes to life in the camera and the photographer is hardly more than a button-pusher. Hollie is one of those models who really lights up the frame, and I felt like I just peered into my viewfinder and watched it happen. We met at Cottonwood Beach for a "trash the dress" portfolio shoot on a perfect summer evening, and our crossed fingers and toes for a beautiful sunset paid off in spades. I don't even know how to pick a favorite here so I've blogged a bunch - thanks Hollie!

Andrea

2009-08-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Spar got to be a model horse yesterday when I met Andrea and another photographer, Ashley, at my barn for some pictures. It was a warm evening and he was pretty droopy until we pulled out the cookies, and then we had an eager, if bratty, pony! I had my camera and managed to sneak a few shots in too; how could I not, with two of my favorite people in front of the camera!

The M Family

2009-07-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

The first time I met with the M family we had a very sleepy one year old in the group, so we gave it another "shot." We met down at Cottonwood Beach on a very hot July afternoon, got our picture, and even had time for a fun splash in the river!

Worldwide Photo Walk - Moulton Falls

2009-07-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I joined my photographer friend Tarin on the Worldwide Photo Walk to Moulton Falls. It seemed like a good way to spend the morning wandering through some beautiful woods and enjoying lots of girl talk, and better yet, with camera in hand! I don't really consider myself a nature and landscape photographer, so it was a stretch for me, and I kept taking pictures of the other people in the group. My pictures need *people*!

We were supposed to submit two images from the morning for the event, so I managed to choose two that I like ok.
These colors are for real. The sun shining through the trees turned everything bright green - it looks like I got carried away with my green saturation adjustment, but nope, that was the light.

This was the "small" falls. We started with this one and then wanted to check out the big falls, supposedly "four city blocks" away, but we somehow wandered all over for over a half an hour and never found them, and finally had to turn back to meet up with our group. I clambered around the edge of a bridge railing and down some big rocks to find this shot; I really wanted wildflowers in the foreground!

Sable

2009-07-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

My heart beats a little faster when I know I will get to photograph a baby. Such cuteness and sweetness and joy, all wrapped up into a soft wiggly little package. Sable is one happy, easy-going baby, and oh so much fun and full of smiles. I felt like her most favorite person immediately! I snuck in a few pictures of her beautiful young auntie too - I couldn't resist!

Mike

2009-07-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

I really love to take guy's senior pictures. I know there are exceptions, but I am going to indulge myself in sweeping generalizations for a moment. Mostly the girls like to have their picture taken, and they've spent weeks choosing the right outfits and planning their hairstyle and makeup, and they are full of ideas and ready with cute poses and big smiles. Guys, on the other hand, do it for mom. They come as they are, and they don't really care what pictures I take, but they are good sports about the whole thing. Even so, I can't help thinking they are secretly pleased to have their good looks and charm captured in pictures! Mike was a fantastic photo subject, patient and cheerful, and with his big brown eyes and great smile, I don't think I could take a bad picture! His girlfriend tagged along for part of our session and I even got a few adorable shots of them together.

Travis

2009-07-20T15:03:00.001-07:00

Travis is in the final days of baseball playoffs, and we literally had to squeeze his senior pictures into the ONLY evening he had free. We met at Esther Short park and wandered around downtown Vancouver to find the perfect spots for pictures. We had a lot of variety to work with, and Travis was a great sport about all my picture ideas. Me - "Stand here in the weeds - look out for the broken glass - and we'll squeeze against the wall when traffic goes whizzing by." Him - "OK". And we got the shot. I kept looking for the perfect light to catch his amazing blue eyes; I hope I succeeded a few times!

Miss {O}

2009-07-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

{O} is the adorable daughter of my photographer friend Emmy. Wow, is she a character! She does not leave her opinion to guesswork; it was hard to edit pictures because every one has a different expression, and every one of them is pure {O} through and through. I finally narrowed it down to a few favorites though!

Kaden

2009-07-08T16:31:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh... cuteness overload! Kaden is 4 months old and the most happy, content little guy! He is always ready with a smile or a giggle, and fascinated by everything around him, from his amazing little hands to the sunlight dappling the leaves overhead. I met Kaden and his mom at a nearby office park with beautiful lawns and ponds and waterfalls, and we just found a shady spot and played with baby, while I snapped away. Here's a big dose of pure baby magic!

Mya

2009-07-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

The best part of my job is getting to know the families I take pictures for. The second best part is getting to explore my community and discover great new places to take pictures. I really scored on both counts here, getting to know the B. family and exploring a different area of the Columbia riverfront and Fort Vancouver. Mya is a leggy middle school track runner with an adorable dachsund/chihuahua/jack russell terrier buddy. She has a calm, serious way about her that totally works - she rocked this photo shoot!

The M Family - All Together

2009-06-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

I took pictures for the M family recently, and had a sleepy one year old who just was not going to be in pictures that day. What do you do? You try again! We met at Cottonwood Beach on a very hot July afternoon, but got to finish the session with a splash in the Columbia River. I think we got our picture - everyone looks great! And everyone has a fun new watering hole!

The M kids

2009-06-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph the M family and their four girls. They chose a business park area just a skip and a jump from my home, but I had never seen it before; this is definitely a new favorite! There were beautiful lawns and paths and ponds and waterfalls and flowers... such a great setting for pictures. We took a little extra time to drive down the road to a big field of tall grass and wildflowers, for a different setting. There is something so enchanting about kids in a field of grass almost as tall as them!
Jazzmyn is 11, and a charming young woman. She is poised and confident, and patient and sweet with her little sisters.

Taeyler is 9, and a blonde haired, blue-eyed, sports-playing dynamo. I can picture this kid tearing up the soccer field - the other team had better look out!

Emily is 3, and after looking at me skeptically for about 30 seconds, she was all smiles for the camera. And she has found her color - doesn't she look beautiful in pink?

Baylee is 1, and she missed her nap this day. Picture taking was not high on her list - she wanted to be snuggled into dad's arms. There is something very sweet about a dad and his sleepy little one, so she got her picture taken anyway!

Andrea at NoFest

2009-06-30T09:10:00.001-07:00

Andrea modeling in a fashion show at the St. John's NoFest community fair. It was great to see St. John's busy and full of life; I remember it as run down and empty of people. On the way home we drove by the St. John's community center, where the kids and I went to indoor park every week, while sitting next to me is my 6'3" son with his newly minted driver's license. The years sure fly by!

Rosie's Girls

2009-06-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

After a string of rainy day cancellations that left me wondering whether I would ever get to photograph these little girls, our session time finally arrived last night with the sun shining. We met at the International Rose Garden in Portland, just in time for the last of the season's blooms, and what a delight! These three young ladies were a pleasure - polite, focused, and full of smiles. In their matching dresses and golden braids, they were like three peas in a pod. I just love their pictures!

Isaiah and Harley

2009-06-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have not visited Peninsula Park in North Portland in years, so I was delighted to take pictures of Isaiah and Harley at this beautiful location, and at the peak of rose season! Harley is a cheerful, easy-going baby, and Isaiah a careful and sweet big brother with a love for water and BMX bikes. It always takes a little more time to take group pictures with a lap baby, and Isaiah was a real trooper and such a great help!

A Very Small Photographer

2009-06-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

I have to post just ONE more picture from B&R's wedding! Toward the end of the day we were finally taking the casual group pictures outside, and trying to get a few with the flower girls. These ladies had just Had It! They were D.O.N.E. with everything wedding and just wanted to be out of their frilly white dresses and on their way. We managed to get three into position, but the fourth one, an enthusiastic participant all day long, was saying No. So I offered her a deal. If I could take a picture of her, she could take the next picture. Her eyes lit up! We had a deal! She stepped right up, smiled for the camera, then marched right over to me, ready to take her picture. She wanted to take a picture of the bride and groom, so I squatted down beside her and told her to look through the little hole and tell me when she found the picture she wanted to take. I put the autofocus on the middle of the frame and just pushed the button. And this is her picture! I think it's fantastic; how often does the photographer take a picture of the bride and groom from the height of a five year old? It reminds me to keep thinking outside of my point of view when I am looking for a picture to take.

Brittany and Robert's Wedding

2009-06-01T12:51:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to take pictures at a wedding in May, and what a perfect day it was! The sun was shining after weeks of rain, and the wedding couldn't have been more beautiful. The whole family pitched in with flowers and decorations and food, and you'd have thought the Martha Stewart of weddings had come through! I think weddings are always sentimental, and it's no different when you are there as a photographer. It's a day filled with hopes and plans for the future, and the dream of sharing this life with the one you have chosen. Brittany are Robert were so easy going and relaxed, and took everything in stride. I think they had it all figured out... what matters is that you are married at the end of the day! It was a pleasure and a priviledge to share their special day.

I love tryptichs!

2009-05-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with making tryptichs from some old photo sessions, and they are just so cool! I love the way the whole is greater than the parts; the pairing of the photos has greater impact than any single photo alone. The first one I've posted before, but I had to add it to the bunch because it fits!

Andrea

2009-05-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

I had great plans for taking pictures when the Camas lillies were blooming this year, but then I caught the flu and by the time I was up to the hike, I only had time for one photo shoot. But it was worth it; Andrea looks so terrific, and I love the way her blue flowered skirt plays off the hillside blanketed with lillies!

37 Brand New Nurses!

2009-05-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

I was asked to take a group picture for the Spring 2009 graduating class of the Clark College Nursing program. There are 37 members of the class, and I was sooooo pleased that everybody made it to our photo session! Yesterday we had pouring rains and today was predicted to be bright sunshine, neither of which would be very good for our outdoor shoot at high noon. But we lucked out, clouds rolled in and conditions were promising. These guys look great, and a big congratulations to them all for the completion of these years of hard work!

Micalah

2009-05-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Micalah is a photographer in Portland and needed some headshots for her website, which made me realize that I, too, should have a picture of myself for my website! Since I am always on the other side of the camera, I haven't had my picture taken, except for snapshots, since I was a high school senior?! We met in the Pearl for a mutual photoshoot, it was a beautiful day, and there are so many great places to shoot in NW Portland; I can't wait to do some more photo sessions there. Micalah has a great sense of style; she arrived wearing the cutest cowboy boots with a simple white sundress and a pretty sweater, and she looked fantastic. Her blue eyes are amazing, and her bluish gray sweater shows them off perfectly. I love these pictures!

Jim

2009-05-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Adults rarely have pictures taken of themselves, and men especially, so I was thrilled when Jim asked me to take some pictures for him. He was so at ease and cheerful in front of the camera, it made my job easy! We got lucky with a sunny May Day and headed for a really cool park near Jim's home in NE Portland, Joseph Wood Hill Park next to the Rocky Butte Natural Area.

Katie

2009-05-04T15:39:00.001-07:00

Katie was my neighbor in photography class at Clark College - me a returning middle aged student, she a high school student in the Running Start program. That's one of the things I love about community colleges, that they bring all kinds of people together who want to learn. I was thrilled to get to take Katie's senior pictures for her; I think they turned out great!

Jack

2009-05-04T15:29:00.001-07:00

This is the second time I have gotten to take Jack's picture. He's grown up so much - he's solid on his feet now, and he's faster! But in some ways he's exactly the same kid he was six months ago - his chubby fists are always clutching a handful of twigs or leaves!

Jocelyn and Ashley

2009-05-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

These two cuties are as charming as they are beautiful, and we had a sunshiney spring day in Crown Park for picture taking. What could be better?

Project Runaway

2009-05-04T14:50:00.001-07:00

I have a lot of catching up to do here! In March I had the opportunity to photograph a benefit fashion show. The occasion was the 15th birthday of Sarah, one very lucky girl who wants to be a model and who happens to have an event planner for a mom. The result was a super fun evening for everyone, and $1400 for the Yellow Brick Road project, a service for homeless teenagers.

Leena

2009-04-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Stephanie and Shawn

2009-03-21T15:52:00.001-07:00

Lilli and Peter

2009-03-15T21:08:00.001-07:00