Stephanie Klein Photography

A Winter Wedding: Chad and Teressa {Portland Wedding Photographer}

2011-02-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

We woke up to snow falling this morning. "Snow day!" I thought to myself, and enjoyed the slow of a normally-crazed morning. Being from sunny Cal, I've never known days like this until moving to Oregon, and even then, its not too often that we are treated to beautiful snow.

Speaking of winter...I'll share another love-post for the month of February.

Chad and Teressa had longed for a winter wedding. And a beautiful December wedding it was. Their day was reminiscent of all things winter--the colors, the decorations, and the joyous thought of Christmas just around the corner.

It was a high of about 40 degrees that day, with expected 35 mph winds. Talk about cold for a native Californian. These guys were troopers, braving the winds and dodging passing trains for pictures. I was fortunate to have the talent of Jason shooting alongside me, as we captured a celebration of an incredible love.

We were welcomed indoors to a ceremony that was cozy and warm, marked by a new stage in their love and fond memories of their past. Both friends and family danced away the evening, while the winds whirled outside. It didn't matter that the temps had dropped to freezing by that point, all that mattered was inside that building.

A love rooted in friendship. Two people made one.

Now that's something to celebrate.

Vanessa and Phanith {Portland Engagement Photographer}

2011-02-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

My husband says I am too wordy. "I am a chick," I tell him, rolling my eyes. "What else would you expect?" I don't take challenges lightly, so to prove him wrong, I set out to find a single word to describe Vanessa and Phanith.

I could easily say a thousand words about any of the couples that I get to photograph. But to choose ONE? A single one? Lucky for me though, this one was a no-brainer.

Adored.

There you have it. Adored. And it doesn't take a heavy camera to figure that one out.

You could see it on his face the entire time we were together. You could see it in his touch, hear it in his voice, and notice it as they kissed. There was an unmistakable feeling that you got around them, knowing that it was a love meant to be. Its a privilege to be able to capture that on camera...and know the depth of their love behind it.

I am so honored to be able to photograph their traditional Cambodian-American wedding ceremony this summer. It'll be an incredible day...tying together two lives, two families, and two cultures. And in a beautiful way.

Adored.

So there, honey.

Chris and Shannon {Portland Engagement Photographer}

2011-02-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

I am behind on blogging, I know. You should see my laundry pile. And if we have tacos one more night this month, I think I may have to start looking for another husband, as well.

This cool, rainy weather has given me a chance to get caught up on things. I had realized some time ago that in the busyness of Fall, I had never had a chance to blog about how I spent my days. There wasn't much I could do about it back then, after all, with as beautiful as Oregon gets in those autumn months, you don't waste a minute when you could be outside!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be fitting to introduce the couples that have the most exciting few months ahead of them. This Valentine's Day will mark their last one before they are husband and wife!

The first couple that I will introduce to you is one of the very first to ring in this summer with a wedding. And in a big way.

It'll be the largest wedding that I have shot, and maybe will ever shoot. They don't mess around with these things in Pendleton. It may be a small town, but its full of people with big hearts.

And Chris and Shannon are no exception.

The moment I met them, I knew that this gorgeous couple was meant for each other. Something about the way that their personalities complemented each other, and shared the same hearty values was the perfect foundation for what would be an amazing love.

An amazing love.

I'm looking forward to heading out to Pendleton for a few days this June. Its an honor to photograph their wedding, and just as joyous, will be meeting their parents, siblings, and scores of family and friends that will fill that small town.

Because if they are anything like these two, its going to be a simply glorious day.

Reflecting on 2010

2011-01-05T13:51:00.001-08:00

I recently returned home from spending Christmas in California with our family. Over the course of the week that we were there, so many of them asked, "How's the photography?"

Poor family. They likely hadn't bargained for the earful I'd soon give them.

There's just no easy way to describe this year, its been amazing to say the least. I look back at the files on my computer with fond memories of everything that we've celebrated this year. Beautiful couples joining together in marriage, new parents welcoming longed-for babies, talented high school seniors ready to enter the world, and families cherishing the children that seem to grow up all too quickly.

You see, these people aren't clients, they are friends. Some of these friends I have known for the past two years, some I met just last week but feel like I've known them forever.

When I tried my hand at photography as a weekend hobby two years ago, I knew exactly what I would set out to do. I would take and edit pictures. What I didn't know, nor could ever imagine, was the amazing relationships that would come from doing just that.

I came in the door a few days ago, and took off my cowboy boots, bought after two trips to a small town 4 hours east of Portland to shoot two weddings there this summer. "I have to fit in," I reasoned to my husband, "if I ever get to go back." I slid them off with a boot jack, graciously given to me by a family I photographed days before Christmas, after commenting how handy theirs was in getting my winter-wet boots off without hopping all over the place. I turned to put the boots away, and saw Christmas cards on my entry door, smiling as I recall circumstances of the days that we took those pictures. I then read an email that night, and yet another one of these friends had inquired about my husband's job situation after he was laid off this past summer.

Talk about blessed.

I couldn't even begin to give justice to what I've been privileged to do this year. Those poor relatives would get just a speckling of what I do, but will never know how much fun it was to dodge pouring rain, sweat away the afternoon with new parents in a steamy hot house while trying to get a stubborn newborn to sleep, and the lengths that we'd all go in trying to get a kiddo to give me a real smile. They might not know that I get goosebumps the moment wedding guests stand in unison, welcoming a bride down the aisle. Or that so many of these parents are role models for me, in how I strive to raise my own children. Or that just as they are, they stand some of the most incredible people I know.

I am forever thankful that you've allowed me to share in these moments with you. I often wonder what I've done to deserve the honors of being with you throughout this year. You've treated me like family and welcomed me into your homes, all of which I cherish more than you'll know.

Thank you for making this year so special...I wish you all a glorious, blessed 2011!

Ya'll know I can't wait to see you.

Take a look at the year here

Engagement in the Orchard {Portland Family Photographer}

2010-12-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

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}

2010-11-08T09:23:00.001-08:00

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}

2010-10-28T12:28:00.001-07:00

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}

2010-09-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

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}

2010-09-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Tiny Packages {Portland Newborn Photographer}

2010-08-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'm told the best things often come in small packages. Without a doubt, that was definitely the case with this tiny peanut, weighing in at under 6 pounds. Perfect, no question.

I didn't think that babies could have gotten any more cooperative than Max, whom I got to photograph this summer as well. Well, I think that Max may have communicated how easy it is to take pictures while snoozing, because his best bud Isaac did that just as well. You see, these two tiny babies, born just weeks apart, are destined to be the best of friends. Their parents have the neatest history of meeting and marrying, and now that they live just across the street from each other, its only a matter of time before they, too, become inseparable.

Its one of my absolute favorite parts of doing photography--meeting and getting to know family and friends of those that I have photographed in the past. It makes this huge world just a bit smaller each time I am fortunate to do so. And as they say, the best things come in small packages.

For All of Time {Portland Wedding Photographer}

2010-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am forewarning you....I, for one, am going to get a bit sentimental in this blog post. But I promise, I won't make it a habit. Now listen here, its not that there isn't enough to say about Blake and Brandalyn's wedding, its just that there were too many things that were incredibly special to me to not put it into words.

Their day was beautiful....an oddly but perfectly overcast day in August for an afternoon wedding out in a field. And not just any field, but the same field where her grandparents lived long ago. The land that they worked for a living, now groomed to perfection for this day. The truck that her grandfather bought new in the early 50's still sits, worn with both time and love. A place too special to pass up for the wedding of a granddaughter.

I am not sure what struck me the most about this wedding, but I know for certain that there is an undeniable love not only between these two, but for these two as well. There were four loving bridesmaids that didn't leave Brandalyn's side. Groomsmen that you could tell whom stood not only for Blake, but for Brandalyn as well. Both sides of their families and lifelong friends putting their all into making their day as special as it was. Undeniable love.

It was an amazing day, one that makes me stop to think about what was important in this life. And these guys got it right. Pairing the history of their family's past with the new life that they'll share together made for an amazing day that will not be soon forgotten.

Chatting with joyful godparents who knew that instead of losing a goddaughter, they were gaining a godson. Watching the bride's grandparents outlast anyone else on the dancefloor during the anniversary dance, married far longer than our minds could fathom. And watching as not only Brandalyn's dad held onto her for a bit longer before handing her to Blake, but Blake's mom hugging him in a tear-filled joy as their children were joined together.

It was an honor to photograph the the first day of a long life and love.

Made for Each Other {Portland Wedding Photographer}

2010-08-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Over 1500 pictures taken in a single day at a gorgeous late-July wedding.

The number in which she's not smiling from ear to ear?

I could count those on a single hand.

Glowing might be a better word to describe how she looked that day. From the moment Rachel arrived, you could feel the joy that she had, and it resonated within everyone that was there. Anxious and excited parents, bridesmaids giddy with getting her ready, and crowds of friends and family that mulled around her, not able to take their eyes off of her.

And apparently she's found her perfect mate.

You see, we all know that in general, guys are slightly less likely to show emotion than us gals. Not this guy. Now don't get me wrong, Kellen's as macho as they come. Standing an entire foot taller than me, even this Nebraska-raised, truck-driving, southpaw pitching, Husker fan couldn't help but break into one of the biggest smiles that I had ever seen as he watched Rachel walk down the aisle.

Amazing.

Brothers and a Blue Blankie {Portland Child Photographer}

2010-08-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

I grew up as the child of an avid antique collector. "People's old junk," I'd say, as we'd go in search of what they'd discover. I vividly remember being dragged around to estate sales and antique shops, swearing to myself that I'd own nothing but brand-new IKEA furniture once I grew up.

Somewhere down the road, that changed. Warranting just short of a told-you-so from my mother, I fell in love with all things old and and antique, rustic and worn. There's just something about these things that carries more character and history than you can describe. Our garage is full of all of my treasures....steamer trunks, vintage luggage, heirloom chairs, wooden crates, antique scales, a galvanized baby bathtub, and baskets of any shape and size.

You can imagine my delight, you see, when I got one last email before meeting up with a family for some child portraits. We had planned on doing some pictures on the shore of the Willamette, and as an afterthought, she mentioned, "I have some vintage suitcases, can you think of a use for those?"

CAN I?

It took all I had in me to not call her that same second with my ideas. "Of course," I casually replied. Unbeknownst to her, I was plotting what I had wanted to try for months.

And these kiddos fit the bill perfectly.

We had a great evening together. Sure, we got the pictures of the boys on the water, but even more fun was our trek downtown, lugging suitcases and an old leather trunk. We cuffed their jeans, rolled his shirt, and even let a loved blue blanket come along for the trip. Their rosy-cheeked little faces atop worn old luggage reminded me of everything that I loved not just about antiques, but about how neat it is to be able to capture these kids in such a special moment in time.

Now don't ya'll go telling my mom.

Sunset on the Lake {Portland Wedding Photographer}

2010-08-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

A modest sign displayed on a busy Portland thoroughfare....who would have thought that just beyond the gates lay the most fabulous setting for a summer wedding?

It was a gorgeous mid-July evening, and the colors were in full bloom. Hanging baskets of purple flowers graced the wooden bridges, which twinkled with white lights as dusk fell on the crowd. The lake water glistened, making the two white swans appear to glow. A white gazebo, adorned with garlands of lilies, made the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows.

And that was just the location.

The couple? Gorgeous. Her dress? Stunning. It was picture perfect, down to the last detail. I couldn't have imagined a more wonderful setting for them becoming husband and wife. Andrea and Brian, thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

Meet Max {Portland Newborn Photographer}

2010-08-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

I think if every baby slept as well as this little guy did, there'd be a lot more newborn photographers in the world. And really, who wouldn't want to, with how easy babies like these are?

Meet Max!

All in the Family {Pendleton Wedding Photographer}

2010-07-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

It must have been pushing 85 degrees on the day of the wedding. That didn't stop me, however, from getting goosebumps as I watched her make her way down the aisle. They were the good kind of goosebumps, you see, like when you hear someone proudly sing our national anthem, or when your favorite team scores the winning goal to take the game. Or when a gorgeous bride is lovingly escorted to her waiting husband.

Rewind to a few weeks prior to her wedding. Upon meeting for the first time, I asked her, "Will you have lots of family there?" "ONLY family!" she gushed, with a huge smile on her face. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of these family members before her wedding, and so I knew her reasoning behind this.

Or so I thought.

It wasn't until I arrived back in Pendleton did I realize just what that had meant. The backyard that I had seen weeks before was even more perfect...carefully tended by her grandparents for this day. The details were so well planned, and carried out by siblings, parents and grandparents. Throughout the day, the home bursted at the seams with family that arrived by the carload, each of them excited to be there and ready to take part in this next chapter in their lives.

As I watched her walk down the aisle, I knew just then, why they had chosen to spend the day with those that they cared about the most. Being the photographer, I not only get to see them, but I get to see everyone in attendance as well. And I can tell ya, there is nothing that can compare to a family like this one. Amazing.

We stepped back in time for their reception at the Slickfork Saloon, one of the neatest and oldest places in town. They danced the night away with their entire family, and I got to watch once again, as they enjoyed the company of those who cared about them the most.

Sweet Baby {Portland Newborn Photographer}

2010-07-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

I was excited to hear about this sweet baby's arrival. After doing Bridget's maternity pictures a month or so prior, I was thrilled to hear that this sweet peanut has made her debut. And what a debut she made...perfect in every way, and with the most kissable cheeks.

Call me giddy, but I was ecstatic to arrive to their home and find that Bridget had an array of headbands, bows and the cutest knit hat I've ever seen to use for the pictures. Silly reason to get excited? Maybe. But you see, baby girls are a rare commodity in my world. I've photographed many a newborn boy this year, with a handful more still in the oven. So, its a treat when I actually come across a baby girl!

She did great...sleeping soundly through most of our time together. Ah...seeing a sweet baby girl like this almost makes me want another. (Just jokin, honey.)

Playing Tag {Portland Family Photographer}

2010-07-08T13:38:00.001-07:00

"You'll really like them," our neighbor mused. "I think you'll definitely hit it off."

Sure, I thought, as I talked to the neighbor that had connected me with this family, whats not to like? After all, I consider myself a lucky gal. I get to photograph some of the most amazing families out there, and haven't come across one that I didn't completely enjoy.

I met these guys for a very special session on a warm summer evening. We spent the next few hours playing tag, relearning how to play rock-paper-scissors, and laughing as we tried tirelessly to outsmart a three year old that was clearly too clever for us. Oh, and we got some fun family pictures in the midst of it all.

Now you'll say that this a beautiful family, and I'll have to agree that you are correct. But perhaps what is more beautiful is what lies behind all these pictures, something that I got a glimpse of watching them all that summer evening.

So my neighbor was right. And I think I've only just scratched the surface.

Chasing Gazelles {Portland Family Photographer}

2010-07-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore this family. I seriously do. And whats not to adore? Their kids are beautiful....and a ton of fun to be around. We've been fortunate to be able to get together with them outside of these sessions, and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have gotten to photograph them 4 times over the last year, so you'd think by now the kids would be used to me.

Think again.

Their parents lovingly compare it to "chasing gazelles," because as soon as I hold the camera up to take a picture, the kids are out of sight. Gone. Adios. Quicker than a gazelle, I think. SO, you can imagine what it might look like to have their pictures taken. Its a good thing these little guys are so cute, after a few tries of this, it may just have sent ME running in the other direction!

I am not sure who laughs harder....me, at my attempt to get some good pictures of these two kiddos, or their folks, who must enjoy the show that I put on trying to get their attention. They've figured out my antics and are a step ahead of my shenanigans....One can only hope though, that their third kiddo gives me a break!

Sunny Skies {Portland Wedding Photographer}

2010-07-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

I have heard the saying, "It never rains on a bride," but since moving to Oregon from Southern California, I am convinced that the person who coined that phrase must not have lived here in the Northwest.

It had been one of the wettest Springs in Portland's history. We'd been plastered with rain and cool weather for a record number of days, so you can imagine our apprehension as Samantha's wedding day approached. What a great surprise to wake up that June morning to clear skies and perfect wedding weather! With a huge sigh of relief, we quickly ditched our black umbrella idea and embraced the sunny skies. It was a wonderful day, topped off with friends, family, and some of the most heartfelt speeches I have ever heard.

Maybe what they say is true?

Seeing Double {Portland Newborn Twin Photographer}

2010-07-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

After a Spring chock full of newborn baby boys, you can imagine my delight to be able to photograph not one, but two beautiful baby girls. Whereas ONE baby is typically enough to make this mama exhausted by the end of a shoot, these gals were fabulous. They were easy as pie, sleeping soundly through most of our session. I offered to move in to help, but these parents had things all under control.

I ask that houses be a toasty 78-80 degrees upon my arrival, so we sweated away the morning with these two beauties. Worth it? Absolutely.

Gone Country {Portland Child Photographer}

2010-07-01T16:51:00.001-07:00

I think I've gone country. The city-girl-married-dairy-farmer has finally admitted it. Not sure if it is the fabulously fun weddings that I have gotten to be a part of in Pendleton this month, my kids singing along to the latest country songs, the yearning to own a big truck again, or if its just another adorable toddler that sports a cowboy hat for their session to benefit Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

Portland ain't exactly the country, but this kiddo rocked his new cowboy hat in honor of the children fighting cancer in our own backyard. Not many 1-year olds will keep a hat on their heads, but Tanner was thrilled to wear his...a buckaroo in the making?

Thought I would share a few pictures from Tanner's session for ya'll to see...and then I'm going to go find my boots.

CJ and Ali {Pendleton Wedding Photographer}

2010-06-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

It was one of those weddings in which you smile the entire way home. And it was a long drive home, 4 hours to be exact. After being in touch with Ali for nearly a year, I was thrilled to finally be able to make the trip to Pendleton to celebrate their wedding.

It couldn't have been a more perfect weekend......it was an incredible wedding with no detail overlooked. Any more guests and it would have been standing-room only in the church, with friends and family joyously watching them become husband and wife. It was a wedding that was long awaited, but happened in perfect time.

CJ and Ali, thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

Welcome To My Blog!

2010-06-07T20:01:00.001-07:00

I resist change. I prefer snail mail to email, phone calls to texts, good handshakes and long hugs. Call me old-fashioned, but its who I am. Starting a photography business, however, has forced me to embrace (albeit reluctantly at times) some of this crazy new technology that is shaping our world.

I have to admit, its not all bad. It just takes a bit to get used to, especially for me. One thing I DO love about all this communication business is that it keeps folks in touch. Living out of state from both of our families and nearly all of our friends has forced us to rely on these conveniences to keep in contact with one another. And THIS I do like. So there, I admit...its kinda nice.

Photography brings me much joy....not so much the exact science of capturing the perfectly exposed image, but rather being able to capture what is on the other side of my lens: people. And with people come relationships, and there really isn't much more important in this life than relationships, after all. These people are more than just names in my inbox or files on my computer. They allow me the opportunity to celebrate alongside them some amazing times in their lives.

So while I am still aways from Tweeting, having a cell phone that does more than just ring, and being able to navigate myself via GPS, I do commit to sharing the moments that I am lucky to be a part of. I present to you this blog. I'll warn you though...you won't see any families or couples more beautiful than these.

I can promise you that.