A trip back in time to a Ghost Town with a great history called SHANIKO...

Recently on a sunny Sunday morning my family and I drove 70 miles north of Bend Oregon to discover how 'ghost town like' Shaniko really was. This particular weekend there was a Flock and Fiber festival going on so there was a bit more activity than normal. It was not the town to spend the night, as the Hotel recently closed down but you could find an ice cream cone and gas. 

I had fun being behind my camera and the kids saw a lot of things that sparked questions. 

It is definitely a unique town to check out or at least past though but certainly not the next Bend Oregon!

An 'inspirational' photo session with Rachel.

Last weekend I had an incredible photo session with a gorgeous young woman called Rachel. Never before have I meet someone so excited and thrilled to have their photo taken. I was so touched by Rachel I knew I had to blog and share why.
Rachel is very inspirational, she oozes a passion for life and her smile will warm a room.
I asked Rachel to share a little about herself and her experience behind my camera and she accepted my offer.

The photo below is what Rachel looked like about a year ago and following her words are the photos I captured of Rachel.

Lastly, I want to share the words that stuck in my mind that Rachel shared with me on the phone after seeing her proofs. She said, "I can't imagine ever looking better that I do". Wow, those words were like music to my ears. Seriously how many of us out there can feel that about themselves. Rachel you look amazing but more so you are an amazing soul and that is what shone through my lens and became beautiful photos.

Thank you Rachel!

Rachel's words.....

All of my life I wondered what it was like to be that model behind the camera; To feel the glamour, the beauty and the confidence that these women portray. Growing up, I was always overweight, convinced that exercise didn’t work and lost a lot of self esteem along the way. It wasn’t until I turned 23 that my eyes were truly opened. I was 260 pounds and on the verge of having heart problems. I knew then that something needed to change. With a tremendous amount of support from friends and family, I changed my lifestyle for the better. Slowly realizing that every decision I made mattered, I cut out things like fast food and soda pop, started to eat more organically and in moderation. Exercise is a lot more effective when you eat healthy! Today, when people ask me why I made this change, I simply reply “because I’m worth it”. After two years of working hard I am now 150 pounds and am loving life more than ever.

Recently I had the incredible honor of a beautiful photo shoot with Jill Rosell. The experience for me was a complete joy! Not only is Jill full of creativity, she is also full of passion for photography. This love and passion is put into every photograph. Being her model I felt all the glamour, the beauty and the confidence I had always hoped I would feel behind the camera. My photos could not look better and I could not be a happier client. Jill truly captured my soul and wonderful memories for me and for that, I will always be grateful. 

The new Rachel.....

A Rainy Day in Bend Oregon.... and a perfect time to play with my new camera.

This afternoon the my kids and I strolled through Bend's downtown streets during harvest festival. Down a favorite alleyway the kids found the rare sighting of a puddle.  Yes in Bend Oregon we don't get much RAIN! They went for it and so did I with my 'new' canon 5d mark 2. What an incredible camera  - I am in LOVE!

Baby CANON'S canon photo session, Bend Oregon

Sunday evening the sun shone, the mosquitos were gone and I got the opportunity to capture six month old Canon. Canon had just officially mastered the milestone of sitting up all by himself and did so well though out his session. 

Canon's Daddy managed to procure a variety of vintage cameras to add to the 'Canon' theme. As well as bringing along sports equipment - we know what Canon will be doing when he can walk!

Canon was a star, not only did he like me, he loved watching his Daddy be silly and his Mommy constantly holding a reflector. Not once did he shed a tear which was pretty good since he had been so excited he missed his afternoon nap.

Thanks Canon for being such a good wee sport and giving such wonderful smiles. Thanks Canon's Mom and Dad for sharing Canon and giving me the pleasure to capture your beautiful son.

PS. Yes I shoot with a canon camera!!

Pure joy and sweetness bundled in two little girls.. a child portrait session in Bend Oregon

Last week I had the pleasure of capturing pure joy and sweetness in the most adorable sisters. Last year was my first fall flavored photo session together with Delaney and Dakota. They were amazing then but this time boy did they shine!
They had fun dressing up in two petticoat skirts and a feather boa I had in my collection of goodies.  I must compliment their Mom Brandi who has such vision and is the perfect Mom to have around at a photo session.
Here are the highlights of our evening together in an old neighborhood of Bend and on the river.

Thanks girls and Brandi!