Salem Oregon Family Photographer - fall family mini sessions are right around the corner!

As you may or may not know, I only offer mini sessions for families on specific dates in the fall. Mini sessions throughout the year are reserved for newborns, maternity, individuals, and couples AND are only offered on weekdays. Fall Minis are on weekends and are open to everyone, but families get first dibs.

Anywho, my mini sessions dates will be as follows for 2026 (subject to change):

  • Saturday, October 17th & 18th (outdoor location TBA)

  • Sunday, November 1st (outdoor location TBA)

  • Sunday, November 8th (Studio location in downtown Salem)

If you would like to book a mini session, just send me an email at kelwardphotography@gmail.com!

Salem Senior Photographer - Teddy's Sunset Portraits

I love when we can incorporate a senior’s passion and/or hobbies into their session. Teddy is obviously a violinist, as well as a scout! We did his session at Minto-Brown Island Park and the fall colors, combined with the warmth of the sunset light was just dreamy.

Salem Senior Portrait Photographer - Mollia and her adorable family!

This was a first and I thought it was just the SWEETEST thing ever! Mollia really wanted to include her immediate family (including her little sisters, for whom she is a role model), as well as the matriarchs of her family (grandmas and aunt). We shot these in the studio I use in downtown Salem, which was really because it had plenty of room and air conditioning (it was a HOT day)! Don’t worry, we got other shots too (both in the studio and at a park)!

Oregon City Event Photographer - Leslie's 70th Birthday Party!

I met Leslie (seen in the 2nd row of photos with the kick-ass velvet pantsuit) when I was a teenager, as I went to high school with her kids. One of her sons married one of my dearest friends and although they are now divorced, they’re still family. Everyone (my friend, her ex-husband, their children, their friends, and relatives) came together to celebrate Leslie’s 70 years around the sun. You may recognize some of these faces, as I’ve photographed many of them in the past (senior portraits, family pics, weddings, etc.)

Unfortunately, Leslie lost her husband a few years ago, so her future doesn’t look like she thought it would. Although she will always grieve, she is entering this new chapter of her life with optimism. She has always wanted to travel the world, so that is what she is planning on doing!

As you can see, this party was “travel” themed. Her daughter-in-law (the woman married to her OTHER son) is an event planner (https://www.gingercatparties.com/), so she planned the whole thing and held the party in her own backyard! In addition to the travel theme, Leslie wanted lots of flowers, which was beautiful!. Not only that, but guests were invited to take a bouquet home with them!

Each center piece and table was dedicated to a different country (Scotland was OBVIOUSLY my favorite) and tables were set up under a big tent, complete with chandeliers. Leslie wanted something elegant, but casual and comfortable, and I think Kristi (the next photo of a person, after Leslie…blue spaghetti strap dress) nailed it!

Silverton Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - backyard session with Max

Max attended high school up in the Portland area, but we did some portraits at his dad’s house in Silverton the night before his graduation. I love doing backyard sessions because they’re so laid back and the client has everything they need in terms of outfit changes, etc. (no forgetting something at home!).

One nice thing about doing senior portraits at the end of the school year is that the senior usually knows what they will be doing after graduation (college, work, travel, military, etc.) . This allows us to incorporate that next step into the photos. In Max’s case, he knew he was going to Oregon State University in the fall, hence the Beavers t-shirt!

Salem Oregon Family Photographer - cute little outdoor family session

We did this session on a beautiful Spring evening in Salem, OR. This little family is so easy to work with and photograph, which isn’t always the case when there is a tween involved. ;)

Salem Oregon Headshot Photographer - updated acting headshots for Sam!

Sam was one of my senior portrait clients a few years ago and is currently away at college, pursuing his passion for theater. When he was home for a school break, though, we did a quick session to update his acting headshots! Fun fact: We shot these in his grandmother’s dining room!

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - Myrick, Class of 2025

Yes, this is a high school senior (not a 30yr old country music singer). Myrick is a great kid, with a good head on his shoulders, and I’m excited for his future. His Mom, who I have known for over 40 yr, taught him how to hunt and brought him to his session, so it seemed fitting that we do a photo with his rifle .

Good luck in the real world, Myrick, and good job, Katie, for raising such a great kid!

Salem Oregon Branding Photographer - professional headshots with Camryn!

We did Camryn’s branding session as a combination of indoors and outdoors. She wanted something modern, clean, and simple, so we started at Studio 22 and then took a quick walk around downtown Salem for a few more shots.

Salem Boudoir Photographer - sweet studio session with an adorable couple!

This couple is obviously adorable, but what you can’t tell is just how sweet they are! They were both pretty quiet and reserved, but had fun with their session and they were so easy to work with! With couples sessions we usually start by doing a few shots with everyone fully dressed (yes, including me). Not only does this give them time to warm up in front of the camera, but it means you end up with a few shots you can share with friends and family, without making it awkward. HA!

Anyway, we shot this session at Studio 22 in downtown Salem. It’s nice and spacious, with a private changing room in the studio and restrooms down the hall. If you want to book a boudoir session, but you want the “dark and moody” look, let’s chat about location! While this space can be adapted to create images that fit that style, I have other options available (and will soon have a boudoir studio at my house!).

Salem Oregon Boudoir Photographer - black & white studio session, using allll the lights

Earlier this year, I was a guest speaker for one of the advanced photography classes at Chemeketa that another instructor teaches. As part of that presentation, I did some sample shots in our studio at school. I wanted to show our students what they could do in the space that is available to them, using lights that are also available to them. I used natural light, off camera flash, strobe lights, continuous lights, and even a flashlight.

I’ve worked with Ashley many times over the years, so this was a breeze for us, even when I ran into technical/gear challenges.

Thank you for your time and experience, Ashley!

Oregon Boudoir Photographer - celebrating Trevor, part 1

Trevor is an incredibly sweet trans man that I did two boudoir sessions with. The first session (part 1) was prior to his top surgery, while the second session was after surgery. I’ve had several clients do this and I feel so honored to be part of their journey and to be considered safe to them. Thank you, Trevor, for trusting me with these photos!

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - congrats, Ember!

Yes, these are from three freaking years ago, but I’m just going to go ahead and congratulate her again! Ember finished high school and cosmetology school the same week, so we incorporated that into her cap & gown session. Her sister (who is married to my son) and her mom joined her for a few shots as well.