Bryan and Leah are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Their son, Wellington, is a complete doll. He’s just 18 months old and has such a curious nature. He’s very smart, and extremely sweet. Not to mention those big blue eyes and his dapper hat and jacket! (Welly’s parents have GREAT style!)
At the end of the session he said “bye bye Courtney” and my heart totally melted. Pure, lovable, little boy.

I found this old barn over the autumn and was saving it for something special. It’s out by my house, and since Bryan and Leah live super close I thought it’d be the perfect place for our session! We only shot for about 20 minutes, and it was freezing outside, but I’m super happy with how the images turned out.

Enjoy!

It’s still strange to really think that she isn’t here with us anymore, that she won’t be at the next family gathering or holiday. My dad’s sister (one of two), and my mom’s-brother’s-wife, she was my “double aunt”. I remember spending lots of evenings over at their house as a kid,  playing in the back yard, the swimming pool, tinkering around on the piano, having dinner. I remember every time we asked her “what’s for dinner?”, she would always answer the same way- “food.”

One time my sisters and I were spending the night there (I think my parents were going out of town for some reason), and I was on medicine for strep throat. I begged my mom to get me the swallow-able pills, but she ended up getting me the liquid medicine instead. I don’t do liquid medicine, to this day (just ask mark!). But as a child, you have no choice, and you have to suffer (or gag/almost puke every time- in my case) through it.

She called me over to the table, and had the bottle of medicine sitting there… she then pulled out this HUGE wooden spoon and said something like “time to take your medicine!”. She had an interesting sense of humor  The medicine was supposed to taste like bananas or something (who’s idea is that!?!?) and I think we ended up trying to mix it into some applesauce to mask it… but I just ended up with a bowl full of nasty tasting applesauce that I had to then eat ALL of… bad idea.

I spent my first year of college at the University of Hawai’i, and as most college student know, opening your mailbox to find something in there is like finding gold! My aunt would write to me on a regular basis, and send me little gifts, stamps, etc. It was always nice to get a letter or a note from someone, and always fun to write back. I have no idea what we wrote about, it seems so long ago now. I should look to see if I still have any of those letters.

When she and my uncle were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, they came up with the idea of hosting a “show” of sorts. Each person in the family could choose an “act” to perform, and that would be the entertainment for the event. I was in the 5th grade, and completely in love with Winnie the Pooh… so I got my sister and a few of my cousins together, and we compiled about 5 songs to perform for our “act”. I remember rehearsing in my aunt and uncle’s living room for my aunt- she had pulled out the vacuum cleaner for us to use as a microphone to practice. I think I wanted to do something like 12 songs originally- over filling my plate (and probably everyone’s fill of winnie the pooh) like usual. She helped us narrow it down to just a few songs, and then we practiced our choreography. My cousin made us all costumes – they looked great!!! The show was a hit, and other performances (that I remember) included a piano solo, a choreographed girls dance group, oldies songs sung/choreographed by my mom and aunts, a HILARIOUS magic show, some song parodies, and probably more singing… what can I say, we have quite the talented family
It wasn’t until YEARS later that she told me that the show only went on because I was so excited about the whole thing, and no one wanted to let me down, so everyone got their act together. It’s true, I probably would have been crushed if I were told the show was cancelled. I guess that’s the power of love… and a lesson in thinking before you speak, or at least tell a child

There are many more memories I have with her that I will keep close to my heart. Most recently, I remember going to visit her at home after one of her treatments. She had lost all of her hair, and a considerable amount of weight, but she was working on regaining her strength. She had her walker out and showed off to my cousin and I how she could get up and walk around a bit. It was great to see her up and moving again! She had a very optimistic attitude, explaining that positive thoughts and energy were the best thing for her. To see someone go through what she went through, and prevail with optimism is inspiring to say the least.

She took off her head wrap and showed us her bald little head. I never thought that was something she would do, but she did. Sometimes people surprise you.

I am sad for my family and our loss.  I do find relief knowing she isn’t suffering any longer. She was always very supportive of me and my endeavors, and always made sure to tell me so.

She wrote this to me in an email in 2006, and it’s something I have always remembered. Boy, was she right.
“Whatever happens, not to sound to blunt, but life goes on. Sometimes change is good, sometime change is not good, but change is always hard.”

<3

Shauna is a dear friend of mine, and one of the most supportive. She truly loves photographs. She gets it. And she’s always thinking of fun ideas to incorporate. I love going over to their home and seeing all of the photos I have taken over the years, literally everywhere! It’s one of the most rewarding feelings as a photographer. THAT is what I aspire to give all of my clients- photographs that they cherish so much, they hang them all over the place, and keep coming back for more!!!

I love you guys, and I’m so happy that you keep coming back <3 I hope you enjoy your photos, and here’s to many more in the future! (Corey, you’re a trooper )

Anyways, they had an awesome combination plate there. It had all of my favorite Chinese dishes, right on one plate. Just how I like it, a little bit of everything. I know, I know, I’m totally that person who can never decide what she wants for breakfast because everything looks good… and why can’t I get pancakes AND toast and hashbrowns!? Why oh why do they make you choose???

Well now, in our new home, we have been scouting the area and trying out different restaurants. There is a Chinese place right across the street. Nice people, good food, great service…. but no combination plates. I have to pick just ONE dish, and then I get more of it than I can take. Thank goodness for Mark, or I would be queen of wasting food! I hate it. Sometimes I just want beef and broccoli AND sweet and sour chicken AND fried rice. But noooOOOooOOO, I only get one, family style.

This, out of all things, prompted me one day to reflect on my business structure. Why should clients be forced to choose everything a la carte? Shouldn’t I have something that gives you a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, for a better price? OF COURSE I SHOULD!!!

And so, my print and digital file packages were created.

This is something new for 2011 that I’m very excited about! I think it’s important to help guide my clients to pick items that best fit their wants and needs, and I think these new package options are just the ticket! I have three print package options, and three digital negative package options. You can view all of my packages in detail here.

I received an order in today, and I was SO excited about how awesome it turned out that I just had to take pictures of it!! So here, you can see the Complete Digital Negative package in a keepsake box. It comes with a complete set of 5×7 professional prints, and a disc with all of your images- printable up to 5×7. The box is designed to match your session, and is personalized with your favorite photos.

Without further ado, enjoy the gorgeous goodies!!!

I am SO excited to be offering these amazing products now- sure beats a cd in a white envelope! I love feeling uber excited for my clients to receive their purchaes, it makes what I do that much more fulfilling.

Now if only that chinese place would add combination plates…

Photos are a great Christmas gift, and Autumn is a great excuse to get those annual photos of you and your family,  your kids, your lover, or your pet! Skip the cheesy studio portraits and get some REAL lifestyle images this year! The NW has SO much beauty to offer, and it’s amplified in the autumn months when everything starts changing colors! It’s a great time to make some memories and get your Christmas cards out of the way (early this year!).

I am currently booking sessions on weekends in September, October & November. (I won’t be taking any sessions in December with the exception of newborns this year)
Last year I booked up completely, so make sure to book early this year to ensure your spot!

The Deets!
Sessions are $150 for up to 3 people (additional people are $25/each)
*Please note that the session fee covers only the actual session & post-processing work; prints & digital negatives are additional.*
There is a $50 non-refundable deposit required to secure your date; re-scheduling is limited and subject to availability and weather circumstances.
We will shoot at a location of your choice (Let me know if you need recommendations or ideas!)
Your photos will be ready within 2 weeks of your session date for review/purchase.

This year, give someone the gift of memories!
Contact me today more information, or to reserve your spot.

McKenzie is now three years old, and a little firecracker! She has got an opinion of her own and she’s more than happy to share it with you. I just love little personalities! It’s so fun to ask them silly questions and hear their answers. I’m convinced that child logic is amazing.

Then there’s the adorable Brady. He just turned one month, and this was the first time I met him. What. A. Doll. I could eat him up I love him so!! Congrats on the handsome baby boy Bowling family!!!

Sometimes, when I’m lucky, I’m able to get a photo of a child that is almost like a vision into their future. It doesn’t always happen, but it did this day. Maybe it’s just me and my eyes, but when I look at this photo, I see a much older McKenzie than just a three year old little girl. These are some of my favorite moments to capture <3 And isn’t she just gorgeous?? Watch out Steph, this one’s going to be a heartbreaker!!!

And who couldn’t love a face like Brady’s?? Just look at those eyelashes! They would make any girl i know completely jealous. Why is it that the boys are always the ones with the thick, beautiful, long lashes? Thank heavens for mascara!!

<3

I met these two darling’s mother Jenn back when we were both working in cosmetics, and I was still in school for graphic design. She was just starting her very own business- a cute, funky-fresh retro themed line of baby apparel, bibs, burp & bum rags, and blankets: Pearly Grey. (Fun Fact Alert!: she was my first “client” for design! I created her logo, hehe) Check out her site and if you know anyone who’s expecting, she makes these awesome little Hospital Take-Out kits that are completely adorable (they even come in a Chinese-style take-out box!)!! I just gave one as a gift at a baby shower I attended, and you should have heard the “oohs” and “aaaahs” it got. Total win.

Jenn and her family are just beautiful. She is such a wonderful person, and her kids are to-die-for gorgeous!!! So of course, when she said she wanted to do newborn photos for her newest addition, little Liam, I was more than excited!!! It’s always fun to work with other artists, and Jen is just so laid back in general, I knew we would get some really great photos!

A lot of people ask me where I shoot, if I have a studio, bring props, etc. I am an on-location natural light photographer. That means that I show up with my camera, a few basic essentials, and my talents. One of the most important things to me is to capture people’s genuine self, which means capturing them in their own element, with things that are special or important to them. When I showed up to Jenn’s house, I was more than thrilled to walk into her completely adorable kitchen!!! These photos were shot in her kitchen right next to a sliding glass door. All natural light. Of course, she has a completely adorable kitchen, I mean, look at the wall color!!! And not to mention the black and white tile floor… my mind is spinning with all of the possibilities that I didn’t take advantage of… well, we’ll just have to do another shoot This woman has got style!!

Now, onto the photos! Welcome to the world little Liam Vincent You are perfect in every sense of the word.

Liam’s older sister Jane Pearl was such a perfect little model for me too! She wanted so badly to be a part of the whole shoot, and I couldn’t have asked for a more cooperative little model. Isn’t she completely gorgeous!? I can hardly believe she’s just 5 years old…

And she just loves being a big sister You can tell she takes so much pride in it. Little Liam, you are in good hands!

These next shots are probably my favorites from the entire shoot. Completely beautiful <3 There were too many good ones. Just look at how peaceful little Liam looks in her arms

Another cute shot of Jane I can’t help it, if only all 5 year olds were this excited to have their photo taken! haha.

Check out those little lips

A few of my faves with mommy, of course!!

I just love his expression in this one, it’s like he’s saying “awww come on mom! geez…” haha, I just had to post it!

And we just had to get a couple of product shots in there for Jenn to use to promote her business!

And of course, the adorable chair shot! (I know, I posted it in the sneak peek, but I just can’t help but post it again I love it so much!)

Thank you Jenn, for being so great, and for choosing me to take Liam’s first photos I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

<3

Be on the lookout for more from these sessions very soon!

<3

But for those of you who didn’t know, let me introduce you to two of the lovliest ladies who always leave me smiling- Tonja & Madi.

Tonja is a fashionista, seeker of beauty, and an extremely talented apparel designer. While she has recently launched her extremely gorgeous lingerie line, Knickers, she also gets to use her talents at her day job! During the 9-5 (and sometimes after-hours), Tonja is an Assistant Designer for Nike’s swimwear line.

Her daughter Madi, short for Madeline, is a beautiful, curious, intelligent and fun-loving five year old. She just started kindergarten this year, and while I’ve only known her a bit less than two years, it’s simply crazy to see how fast she grows! She loves animals, faeries, playing solitaire, and her favorite princess (also her most recent Halloween costume– which Tonja made from scratch btw) is Aurora from Sleeping Beauty.

Now that you know them a wee bit better, onto the photos! Oh yea, we met at Starbucks, LOVE those pumpkin spice lattes! lol

We decided to shoot at Laurelhurst Park, since it’s one of the most beautiful locations in the Portland area during this time of year. The trees, leaves, and entire setting is just picture perfect! Plus, while Holli and her family have lived here in Portland for a few years now, they are originally from New Orleans– so I thought it would be the perfect landscape to capture some memories!

Holli and her sister Lindsey are so gorgeous, they made my job really easy!! I’m really happy with their photos

(random side note- I got my passport this weekend!!!! AHHH!!! I’m so excited!)

Ok, now onto the photos!!!