A trip to the FUNNY FARM...

It took us 10 years to finally pay a visit to the local Funny Farm  just 5 miles from my town, Bend Oregon. 

Established in 1977, this property is a one of a kind road side attraction. 

You can stroll the Yellow Brick Road with music playing, walk through a garden where bowling balls grow and chickens and goats roam around a heart-shaped Love Pond. Inside the red barn there is junk and antiques to shop for or you can rent one of the hundreds of costumes. The highlight for my kids and I was exploring the overgrown garden. The photos below will give you a feel of our experience. 

The cat you will see was born without full front legs so she would happily sit like a rabbit. To top it off we got chased by a real snake  - a long narrow colorful looking creature. He was too quick for me to capture - with my camera I mean.

Enjoy..

An evening with Madelyn... in Tumalo, Bend Oregon

Last week I had a fun evening with a very sweet high school senior called Madelyn.  

The session was dominated with a vintage flare and the only thing that stopped it from ending was the sun going down.

The sunsets are happening so early now, a sign that winter is around the corner and my time out doors shooting will have to become more creative. I am envisioning some very unique winter senior portraits!

Thanks Madelyn for being 'you' and Megan for helping with the reflector.  I can't wait to capture you next year Megan and have Madelyn hold the reflector!

Sit back and enjoy the show!

An evening photo session with the Jenson Family in the Old Mill, Bend, Oregon.

Last week I met up with the lovely Jenson family for a photo session.
A favorite location of mine is on the banks of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill. Often you will see the old mill chimney stacks in the background of my photos. The stacks are just some of the old mill's remains which once fueled the little logging town, Bend Oregon.

During the photo sessions we got busy, from throwing stones to hitting golf balls. The cute brothers Alex and William were stars and I know afterwards ended up going for ice cream with their Mom and Dad!

Thanks Jenson family for being such a happy family.

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!!