Engagement in the Orchard {Portland Family Photographer}

Its no secret that I love to take pictures. And even more so, to get the privilege of documenting a family's milestones, one by one. This beautiful family is the realization of that love: I've been blessed to photograph a glowing pregnancy, a precious newborn, and the wonder of a 3-month old baby.

Kimberly and I had excitedly anticipated the 6-month Fall portraits, planning to do them in a gorgeous apple orchard at one of my favorite farms. We discussed outfits, planned a few ideas, and set to meet at the barn on a mild Sunday afternoon.

"I'm SOOOO excited!" Her last text to me read, as I drove along the back country roads to meet them.

I laughed aloud to myself, "YOU'RE EXCITED? If only you knew!"

You see, there was just a bit more to the plan.

Just a week prior, I had received a call from Wyatt, who was wanting to surprise Kimberly in asking her to marry him. Totally unsuspecting of our plot, it was his perfect plan to propose in the middle of their family photos. Complete with her grandmother's heirloom diamond, set in a new ring just in time, he got his joyous answer, with lots of laughter and tears.

Now this would have been fun as it is, but because it was for Kimberly, I could hardly contain myself. There's no one more deserving of a guy like Wyatt than Kimberly. She's admirably selfless, never ceasing to put others' needs in front of her own. She's got a heart the size of Texas, and quite possibly, one of the most thoughtful people that I know. Her energy is contagious, in a simple email, she can turn around a day like no one can, and with nothing more than her true self. She's the friend, daughter, mom, and encourager that we all strive to be, yet can hardly come close in comparison.

We can now add bride to that list. And I can't think of any more beautiful.

Wyatt and Kim, I've loved every moment of watching your family grow. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

My Kind of Crazy {Portland Family Photographer}

I know, I know. I am WAAAAY behind in blogging. But I just couldn't resist this one today...on a cool, rainy day, this just seemed "fitting."

After having the privilege of photographing two beautiful weddings out in Pendleton this year, I got an email from the sister of one of the brides, whom I had greatly enjoyed getting to know. "We'd love to come to Portland for family pictures this Fall."

Charity had scheduled a date in October, one that in theory should have given us the perfect combo of the beautiful Fall colors and decent weather. When the date rolled around, however, the unbudging forecast called for 90% heavy rains all weekend, and nearly no chance of the thunderstorms letting up. Had it been a local family, we may have played things by ear, but with them living more than 3 hours away, I had figured that we had no other option but to call it off. After all, how bad would I have felt for them to drive over 6 hours roundtrip, only to have it pour rain?

Apparently, though, I forgot who I was talking to. You see, this family wasn't about to let a bit of rain get in their way of pictures.

"We're still planning on coming out," the email read. Crazy, I thought. These people are just crazy. We had hardly ventured out in the last few days at all due to the rain, let alone think of taking pictures in it. Now listen here, I understand that we live in the rainy Northwest, but not even hopeful ME would consider braving the rains for pictures.

Its a good thing, however, that Charity didn't take my "no" for an answer. Because, had she have, we wouldn't have had as much fun as we did photographing their beautiful family. We quite literally dodged the downpour on more than one occasion, laughing as we jumped over growing puddles, in search of the closest overhang that would hold us all. I was thankful to be amongst friends as we huddled in an outbuilding, dried off in the warmth of the lodge, and caught up on the last few months as we waited for the next break in the clouds.

Waiting for that 10% chance of a break in the rain wasn't so bad after all. And certainly not when spending it with some of the greatest people in the world.

Chelsea Hicks Foundation {Portland Photographer}

I had been in touch with Cheryl from our kiddos' school for the better part of the week, finalizing details on a church/school directory. While browsing through my website, she had noticed that I offer to donate my services for terminally ill children.

"Have you heard of the Chelsea Hicks Foundation?" her email read. Oddly enough, I had. Shopping at our local toy store for a birthday gift just that week prior, the red and white brochure next to the cash register had caught my attention. I picked it up, gave it a quick glance while waiting in line, tucked it into my purse, and then went about my regular chaotic day.

"They are looking for a photographer for their event Saturday evening. Its a Masquerade Ball, held at the Governor Hotel downtown. Might you be interested?"

I can't, I thought to myself.

"Why not?" My matter-of-fact husband replied.

"I am a family photographer. An outside photographer. A natural light photographer. I just don't do events like these."

"You do weddings. How is this any different?"

"It JUST is! Regardless, I have two shoots already scheduled for that day. I wouldn't be able to make it anyhow."

"The forecast is calling for a rainy weekend. Your outdoor shoots will be canceled anyways."

"I don't even own slacks!"

"Well, you can always go buy some. You love to shop."

He had me there.

I was out of excuses. Don't get me wrong, its not that I wouldn't want to help with something like this. Truth be told, it is exactly where my heart lies, but I couldn't bear the thought of not capturing the night as well as it should be. Not with something like this.

When the Hicks family lost their young daughter to cancer in 2009, they devoted themselves to improving the lives of the many children still undergoing treatment. Their goal was simple-to bring a bit of laughter, hope and healing through Chelsea's Closet, a lovingly orchestrated time of dress up, arts and crafts, hospital parades and tea parties.

The auctioneer announced that the foundation's goal was to make $10,000 from this event. Alison Hicks had high hopes of achieving $30,000, but never believed it possible. Arms flew in a flurry of auction cards, numbers called out quicker than I could keep up with. It reached a point in which my goosebumps started growing goosebumps as the numbers went higher and higher, raised emphatically in the spirit of something much greater than season ballgame tickets or a prized piece of jewelry.

It was far more incredible than I could have imagined. Costumes were done to a T, guests conversed as if they were all childhood friends, tabletop decorations rivaled that of some of the most elaborate weddings that I have attended. I caught myself holding back tears as they played a slideshow, but as I turned to take my next shot, realized that I was in good company.

You see, these guests weren't there for good wine, vacation packages, or expensive gift baskets. They were there to support what has become an amazing foundation, one that changes the lives of sick children like we'll never know. If tears hadn't flowed prior, there were more than enough to go around as the evening rolled to an end, and the auctioneer announced what had been raised.

$50,000.

Goosebumps return as I type this number. A mind-numbing amount to get this foundation off the ground, not only in the local Portland Doernbecher Children's Hospital that it was started in, but to have them in pediatric oncology units across the country.

Kudos to you, Alison Hicks, for dreaming just as your daughter would have.

Slideshow here.

Four Generations {Portland Newborn Photographer}

Four generations of beautiful women.

Now, let me correct myself.

Four generations of undeniably gorgeous women.

Together.

To celebrate the birth of a sweet baby girl.

Quite simply, blessed. No question about it.

Myles {Portland Senior Portrait Photographer}

If my job gets any more fun these days, I won't be able to call it a job anymore. Well, I guess I don't anyways, which is just as well. How can you call something this fun a job, anyways?

I met Myles and his mom on a cool summer evening to get his senior portraits done. His mom had chosen a fantastic location nearby that was quite fitting for his pictures, and we had a great time exploring the place. I am not sure whom was more excited for his senior year-him or his mom and I! Hard not to be excited when you've got a year chock full of activities, sports, good friends, and an eye on a fantastic university on the horizon.

I am fortunate to be able to take some of Myles' friends senior pictures as well in these next few weeks. And I have no doubt in my mind that I will have as good as a time as I did that evening.

Thanks, Myles, for a fun evening together. I wish you all the best!