Portland’s Japanese American Historical Plaza is a scene of riotous beauty every spring. Fluffy, light-filled cherry blossom stretch along the city’s waterfront begging lovers to smooch and dance and celebrate the season hand in hand. The plaza is a spectacular stage for engagement portraits. Can you think of a more romantic scene in the Pacific Northwest for couple’s photography? Please leave a comment and share your ideas as I would love to check them out.
My first conversation with Emily was great. She said she wanted pictures in the sunflowers. Oh, yes, I wanted to do that!
My second conversation at the photo shoot was awesome. We had planned to do a few family photos at the beginning and her whole family popped out of the car in University of Oregon attire. The duck in me was in love!
Getting to know Emily is a gift. I am not sure what Sherwood High School will do without her. She is a leader, a doer and a generous role model. Tough shoes to fill for the Class of 2016. I have watched Emily this year do fabulous fundraising through the Mr. Bowmen campaign for Doernbecher as well as volunteer through Interact/Rotary. I laughed at her very early morning “flamingo flocking” throughout the local neighborhoods, and her helpful advice to hire a professional flocking removal team by simply paying a “suggested donation” to Doernbecher. Emily makes all of the hard work look like fun.
So happy Emily chose the sunflowers for her Senior Favorite so I could share it with you. Emily says, “I like how natural it feels, and I also have a funny memory of trying not to get poked in the face with the sunflowers.” Sunflowers are kind of bullies when you try to walk through them!
Emily had some great choices for college, and ultimately chose Linfield College where she will study Elementary Education with a double minor in Spanish and either environmental studies or international studies.
Talk about a dream photo shoot.
First, I love the family. Second, the girls are GORGEOUS. Third, Mom absolutely nailed the wardrobe. The colors were great and the styles fit each personality. Fourth, I stumbled upon this pretty location a few weeks ago and it was even better than my first impression.
There are a couple of handsome guys in this family too – who are totally outnumbered! I love their photos, but today is feeling like a sunny, twirly girlie day. I’m sure the guys are used to waiting for their turn 🙂
Oh, I am thankful for S-P-R-I-N-G. After a long, colorless winter, the pops of pink and purple and yellow are exciting. I take my camera everywhere this time of year.
With the uncertainty of the honey bees in our world today, I am so thrilled when they arrive at my little farmette in Sherwood, Oregon. I have buzz-zilions of the little darlings going to work in my cherry trees. And then, my California lilacs. And then, my herbs. And then, my lawn. I always joke that if you want honey bees, leave some weeds. You’ll never find a patch of clover without a honey bee in it. My lawn has just a little bit of clover. Hey, it’s for the bees!
These photos were taken with my 70-200mm lens with the 2x extension. A mighty lens combo to wield at a little bee. But, I love the pink bokeh and the honey bees backlit fuzz.
The instant I saw the “The Old Oak Tree,” I was thrilled, overjoyed and in LOVE with it.
What a perfect, poetic setting for family portraits.
A huge old oak tree, in the middle of a grassy field was the perfect EVERYTHING for the images I wanted to create for some good friends.
During the session I kept thinking, “I need to look up the song lyrics to By The Old Oak Tree.” Such a cute, romantic song. And, I bet there’s a good chance that this Old Oak Tree has been right there since 1930 when Percy Wenrich wrote the song.
Thanks, Becki and Mike for trusting me to find the location for your lovely family. I think you’ll enjoy the happy lyrics, too…
There’s no spot I cherish like the old oak tree I used to know some years ago
With my sweetheart by my side we’d spend the happy hours
They linger yet, I can’t forget.
By the old oak tree, by the old oak tree,
By the old oak tree we sat together
There we learned to care, all our troubles share
Whether it was fair or stormy weather.
Down in the shady lane, In gingham gowns so plain
We sang love’s sweet refrain
So tenderly
Life was full of joy,
Happy girl and boy
When we met together
By the old oak tree.
(Instrumental interlude)
Down in the shady lane,
In gingham gowns so plain
You sang love’s sweet refrain
So tenderly Life was full of joy,
Happy girl and happy boy
When we sat together
By the old oak tree.
My biggest photo obsession in 2011 was backlighting. It’s a tricky fish to net for sure. But, when I get that perfect glow shot, it feels so fantastic.
So, it’s no surprise that backlighting was my goal for my boys’ annual photo. I started using it for clients and so wanted it for myself. These are some of my most favorite portraits of my kiddos…and my smiling Schnauzer, Otto. I’m still in awe that the dog thinks these sessions should include him and that he actually smiles!
My boys really liked this session, too. It was quick. A low, about to set sun meant I couldn’t take very long. And, the location was convenient. I just dragged a bench to a spot with the light I was after in our yard. Easy.
Some things I’ve learned in shooting backlit photos: