A VERY SPECIAL SENIOR SESSION IN BEND'S OLD MILL DISTRICT

Last week Jennifer, a junior from Summit High and I headed down on a warm evening to the Old Mill to create some senior photos amongst the wildflowers.
Jennifer's beauty shone this evening both from the inside and out. I could feel her excitement and joy of being a young woman. I must say it was pretty easy from my end to capture her essence and her soul.
Our only challenge that evening were the local mosquitos who decided to have us  both for their dinner, we were out numbered!! We were munched!! I seriously photoshopped over 30 mosquitos on or around Jennifer. We both had dozens of bites to show for it but totally worth it!
I must thank Jennifer for being such a sport. At the end of the session I had her submerge herself very calmly into the Deschutes River. I think she is happy she did so.
Thanks Jennifer for sharing yourself with my camera and I.
I am looking forward to our part 2 session.

Jill

FAMILY SUMMER SESSION AT BLACK BUTTE RANCH

It is always fun getting together with a family who have all come from afar to be together. I had this pleasure recently with the Dewey family who were vacationing at Black Butte Ranch near Sisters Oregon. In addition to six family members we had two  four legged models. 11 week old Wilbur was a hit! Black Butte turned on a gorgeous night. Here are just some of my favorites.

Thanks Dewey family...

A visit to the local Reptile store...

Yesterday my kids and I visited the local Reptile Store called THE REPTILE ZONE here in Bend OR. Growing up in New Zealand none of these creatures can be found so I find them to be rather intriguing. The store has everything from Iguanas to snakes. We had fun asking the lovely and caring owners Jeff and Kay all about the different reptiles. The kids were very comfortable with the reptiles as you can see and always find it a treat to visit the store and hard to get them out!

Here is just some of the creatures you can meet if you stop in at the The Reptile Zone.

A special Bend Mom and her kids....

One evening last week I meet up with a good friend and amazing woman Lori and her two cute kids.  It was very special to be able to capture Lori with the most important little people in her life.  Not only is Lori an amazing mother, person and friend she is an incredible athlete. 

It was a delight spending the evening with them and capture the connection and love between them. 

Here are just some of my favorites!

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING TO A PHOTO SESSION IN BEND OREGON

The most common question I get from clients is 'what should I wear'? This is an important question as clothing does set a tone for your photos.
It is natural for clients to want or need some guidance as it can be overwhelming especially when it comes to family portraits.
I would like to share with you some suggestions on what to wear and bring to your next photo session.

• #1  - be comfortable!
• Clothing choices should be based on your session location and you or your child's personality.
• Keep it simple - solids or simple patterns.
• As a family avoid wearing the same thing, ie white polo shirt and jeans. But rather choose outfits that compliment each other. Color co-ordination lends harmony to a portrait.
• Avoid solid black and white - the camera doesn't usually enjoy these extreme on the color spectrum.
• Extra clothing is a must for kids and there is a good chance they will get messy before or at the session.
• Bright colors are best in my opinion and always photograph nicely especially on kids.
• Avoid graphics/logos, cartoon characters and shiny fabric on clothing as it can be distracting.
• Check your clothing for any stains and get the iron out if you have wrinkles!
• Choose clothes that are flattering to your body shape.
• Check that your child's feet, hands and face are clean.
• Accessories always make a session more interesting. So bring along a hat, scarf, head band, your child's favorite teddy bear or even a cool chair. Props are always welcomed. Bring something that reflects or connects you and your family, perhaps a guitar, books, a fun umbrella. I also have a selection of props and accessories which I can share with you.
• Make sure your shoes coordinate with your outfit. Bare feet always looks good too.
• Well behaved four legged friends are more than welcome to join you in your photo session.
• Don't over do the make up - natural is best!
• Layering always looks nice as well as the use of texture.

If you aren't sure, feel free to bring a few different things and we can decide together.
The most important thing to remember is that your clothing should be a reflection of you and your family.
If you need some inspiration check out the many websites such as:
Old Navy, Mini Boden, Hanna Andersson, J Crew, Gap.

Don't hesitate to call or email me for assistance.
I want you to feel comfortable and be yourself at your photo session so I can capture your soul!

Seattle family photo session in Bend Oregon.

This week I had the pleasure of capturing my first Seattle family. They were down for a vacation at the Sunriver Resort. They spent the day in Bend. Their day began with coffee with me and then off to a picturesque location to capture these photos.

Thanks Clark family, it was fun meeting you and capturing your beauty. 
All the best with the move!


Jill

A story of two special brothers...

When I am invited to photograph a family I try to meet with them before the actual photo session. I so enjoy getting a feel for each family member in the comfort of their home environment. A person's home can tell you a lot about a person and especially their personality.
During this visit it is always fun connecting with the children through playing and chatting. This is really a benefit on the day of the photo session. Kids have to be comfortable with a new person, especially one hiding their face with a big black camera, to enable them to be at ease and be themselves on the other side of my lens.
This week I finally got the pleasure of photographing a very special family. We meet 4 weeks ago and weekly we kept having to delay the photo session because of the abnormally cold weather here in Bend OR.
During my visit to their home I was instantly drawn to two little smiley boys, Boone who is almost 2 years old and Chance who is 9 months old. Their liveliness and energy was uplifting.
Boone and Chance's parents, Carolyn and Jeff shared with me their story of how they adopted Boone at birth. Finally they were parents to a beautiful boy. Their world even became more perfect when Boone's birth mother called months later to say she was pregnant and would they adopt Boone's brother. Today both boys have each other, a beautiful home environment and even more special, a Mom and Dad who are so in love with them.

The photos below are just some of what I got to capture this week at their home.

Thanks Jeff, Carolyn, Boone and Chance for showing me your beautiful souls!