Who I am…
Hey, I’m Kel . . . a spunky, down to earth portrait photographer in Salem, Oregon! I am a wife, a mother, an artist, and an educator. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, but have called many places my home, including the Northern Oregon Coast, New Mexico, Eastern Oregon, and even Guam (Hafa Adai!). Lifelong friendships were made in each place I’ve lived, but I’m also the type of person that could be content just about anywhere…as long as there is air conditioning.
I am outgoing, with a good sense of humor, and I swear a lot. I cannot function without a decent amount of coffee, which I prefer be homemade and consumed while still in bed. I’m obsessed with anything vampire, witch, or Outlander themed and I can’t shut up about the trip my husband and I took to Scotland, back in 2018.
Kel is short for Kelly and my pronouns are she/her. Please let me know yours when you introduce yourself!
my background…
I spent my childhood with a little 110 camera glued to my hand, taking photos of my friends and experiences. Once I finally stepped foot in a darkroom, that was it for me: I was in love. I spent an absurd amount of time inhaling fixer and stop bath fumes throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Art from Eastern Oregon University, I worked as a photojournalist and a freelancer, before starting my portrait business in 2008.
Somewhere along the way, I got married, had a few kids and learned how to use a digital camera. While I honed my business and portrait skills, my babies grew up in front of my lens (when I wasn’t wearing them in baby slings). It’s bittersweet and one of the driving forces behind the work that I create. I’m so grateful to have the high quality photos of my children that I do, which will be passed down to future generations, that I wish this for all of my clients.
my shooting style…
First and foremost, I want my clients to be comfortable in front of my camera. I try to keep things casual and we will probably laugh a lot (have I mentioned how funny I am?). I keep posing to a minimum, in an effort to create photos that look as natural as possible.
As a hybrid photographer, I use both digital and film cameras. My decision on which gear to use depends on several factors, including location, lighting, and subject matter.
Light and emotion have always inspired me the most, especially when working with people. Texture, movement, and composition also play a big role in my work, as does my affinity for fashion. So, don’t be surprised if I have you stand in an odd location because, “OMG, the light is so amazing right here!” or if I ask you to twirl or dance during your session.
If I’m documenting a birth or elopement I am much quieter, as I want those real-life moments to be captured as naturally as possible.
fun facts about me…
-I have been married for over 25 years and we are still in love.
-My husband and I have three adult children.
-I’m an only child, which apparently “explains a lot.”
-I teach photography (part-time) at Chemeketa Community College.
-The University of Guam was my home for a semester in college.
-I collect vintage cameras and have over 75 so far.
-I adore long dresses, jean jackets, and big sunglasses.
-Once upon a time, I was a high school and college cheerleader.
-My orange 1973 VW bus is named Ginger.
-My 1962 Shasta Compact trailer is named Honey.
-I’ve spent the night in Bella Swan’s room, from Twilight.