salem photographer
We had a field trip last week, for a class that I teach, so I took it as an opportunity to practice with my Lensbaby lens. It has a fun swirl effect, but I haven’t had a chance to use it much yet and there is a bit of a learning curve. It is challenging, but such a fun lens. Anyway, here are the photos I took down at Riverfront Park on that field trip!
I would like to give a big thanks to my model, Katherine, for making this such a fun shoot! Just a couple of witchy gals, cackling amongst the trees. I haven’t been able to do a Halloween themed shoot for a few years now, due to my schedule, but I’m so happy that it worked out this year!
I’ve been photographing Tiffany and her boys for over a decade now and I have to say…it’s like they were MADE for the Autumn! I mean, look at them! Even their hair and eyes match the season.
This is the third (of four) mini sessions with this family, celebrating a major milestone. Right before one of their kids leaves for their first year of college, the family dresses up in that school’s merch and we do some photos at their house. The oldest went to Oregon State, the second oldest is currently at Grand Canyon University, and Miss Ellie is currently enjoying her time at Montana state (these photos are old, as usual). Anyway…GO, BOBCATS!
Anna wore the cutest 90s inspired outfit for this shoot. It had sort of a Catholic school nun meets Wednesday Adams.
We did this session shortly after SheeAnna lost her grandmother. They were very close, so the loss hit her especially hard. The tattoo on her arm is a memorial tattoo, in her grandmother’s honor, so I decide to create special photo for her.
I know I say this every time, but I looooove working with the same families year after year! It’s such an honor to be chosen as their family photographer and it’s really incredible to watch these families grow and change. This family is a special one, though, as I’ve been photographing Anna & Ken since they got engaged, and I’ve watched them deal with some really hard things (like Anna’s metastatic breast cancer). Little miss Asha has brought so much joy their lives and I just love seeing that.
Anyway, thanks to all of my clients who keep coming back. Your loyalty means more than you can imagine in a business like this!
Joseph loves to read and asked if we could do a few shots at The Book Bin, in downtown Salem. He got an immediate yes from me, of course!
Asha took hardly any time at all to warm up during their family session. Within a few minutes she was laughing, playing, and enjoying here time with Mom & Dad.
I always have a good time photographing Ember, who happens to be the younger sister of my son’s fiancé. I don’t think I’ve seen her with the same hair color twice, and she has some really fun outfits! We usually shoot outdoors, but decided to do a quick studio session as well.
Side note: Ember actually graduated high school in 2023 and has been a licensed hair dresser for 2 yrs. She specializes in vibrant hair color, so if you’re looking for someone, she’s your girl (@erahhair on IG)!
I shared most of Sam’s senior portraits a while back, but these black and white shots are some of my favorites. We were fortunate enough to have access to Salem’s historic Grand Theater, as Sam is an actor and was involved with a production there at the time.
As usual, I decided to decorate my little vintage trailer (Honey) for the holidays!
While I enjoy shooting in a studio, I looove photographing people at work, for their business headshots! These photos of Ka Rin were taken in her downtown Salem office, where she does therapy sessions. Not only does it allow the subject to be a little more comfortable and relaxed in their own environment, but it gives the viewers a little peek into where they’ll be hanging out. Thankfully, she had some beautiful window light in her space, which meant I didn’t have to bring all of my cumbersome lighting equipment.
Yes, you read that correctly, as this handsome guy graduated a year and a half ago. Which means these photos were taken over 2 years ago. Honestly, I don’t know if I’ll ever be current on blogging, but I’ll keep trying.
Anyway, I’ve known this guy’s mom since 1994! We met our freshman year of college, when we were dorm neighbors. Neither of us grew up in Salem, so it’s pretty cool that we both ended up here AND that we live so close to each other (our kids graduated from the same high school)!
I am happy to report that Bradley is in his sophomore year of college in HAWAII! So, suffice it to say, he’s going great!
I adore this little family and love when I get to see them each year! The kids are beyond cute and I can’t decide which I love more…their big, brown eyes, or their pinchable cheeks! Side note: This session was from 2 years ago and I can confirm that this little baby is still rocking those cheeks!
I am always behind on blogging, but this is a little ridiculous. Somehow I forgot to share this session, which is from two years ago! Nevertheless, check out adorable little Asha, with her parents.
I always tell my boudoir clients that I have “layering pieces” in my studio closet, so I love when I have an opportunity to actually show those pieces on my blog. Aly wore a simple navy bra/underwear set, which looked beautiful with both of these robes.
Boudoir doesn’t have to be light and airy and you don’t have to wear pretty lingerie. Sometimes it is dark and moody, with combat boots, funky tights, tattoos and piercings.
I love shooting outdoors, but sometimes (usually due to weather) shooting in a studio is a necessity! Families, especially those with young children, tend to have more fun when they’re not freezing cold or soaking wet. As you can see, this adorable little family had a great time during their indoor fall mini session!
Side note: I no longer have my own studio, but I still have access to several others (including the one in these photos) that are available as hourly rentals. So, if you like the look of this space, let me know when you book your session!
Sometimes it’s just too dang hot outside do do a maternity session. This was one of those days, when we had record highs last August. Rather than try to sweat through the heat, we opted to shoot in the studio, where we could all rejoice about the air conditioning.
The parents-to-be brought some of their favorite baby books, their ultrasound images, a baby blanket, and a name sign. I gathered up all of the plants (fake and real) that I could find, and Jessica’s emerald green lace dress tied it all together perfectly.
