Oregon Coast Wedding Photographer - Neskowin Elopement

Due to an unexpected military deployment, Tracy & Jordon decided to elope at the Oregon coast in the fall of 2019. They rented a house in Neskowin, which was ideal for getting ready before a short walk to the beach for the ceremony.

Tracy & Jordon opted for a first look on the beach and then walked to their ceremony together. They were surrounded by close friends and family, including Tracy’s daughter, who was excited to help set up, and Jordon’s sister, who did a fabulous job officiating the elopement. Toasts and portraits were done right there on the beach, before everyone went out to dinner (and I headed home)

Salem Oregon Photographer - Happy New Year!

I had so much fun doing the hot cocoa shoot in my camper (see previous blog post), I decided to do a little shoot in my vintage trailer as well. Wanda, my 1969 Aloha camping trailer, boasts a beautiful green velvet couch, which I thought would make the perfect backdrop for my New Year’s Eve cocktails! And by cocktail, I just mean cinnamon whiskey. ;)

Salem Oregon Photographer - Happy (camper) Holidays!

Why yes, I did decorate our camping trailer for the holidays! I mean, it’s 2020…what else am I going to do?! I needed a creative project and we’re in a pandemic, so this was perfect. I turned on the heat, put on some holiday music, and sipped some cinnamon whiskey while I decked out our little glamper.

We got this little 1999 Prowler a few months ago and I am simply in love with it. It was in desperate need of a makeover, which it promptly received (I’ll have to post before and after photos at some point). We were able to go camping several times this year and we can’t wait to go again! It’s very small and cozy, but has heat, A/C, a fridge, a little bathroom, gas stove, oven, and a microwave! It even has a Keurig because, well, I’m extra like that… and so is Miss Patty. That is what we affectionately named the trailer, which was a brilliant suggestion by my best friend, Kate. We love Gilmore Girls and, well, the trailer IS a “prowler” after all. ;)

I purchased the little lantern string lights years ago, but never had the right place for them…until now! I don’t remember where I bought them (probably Ross), but I know they were less than $10! The snowflake and reindeer pillows, as well as the plaid blanket, are from my living room (ha!). The velvet bolster pillow, the trailer pillow, and placemats are from Ross. The black and white throw blankets, on the dinette seats, are from Tuesday Morning. The curtains and Happy Camper mugs were an Amazon purchase and I found the red and black buffalo plaid pillow covers at Shein.com. Target was my source for the mini (36”) pre-lit tree, the hot chocolate bar supplies, and the white twinkle lights. All in all, this shoot was both inexpensive and fun!

Ojai Engagement Photographer - Joey + Emily

This is an older post, from the archives (and by archives, I mean this was one of the many posts that got deleted when my old website crashed), that I just adore! When I traveled to Ojai a few years ago, to photograph my friend and her family, I also did this little engagement session at my VRBO rental! I mean, hello, the places was gorgeous! Not that Joey and Emily needed any kind of special backdrop…they could be standing in front of a pile of rotten potatoes and they’d…A) Be blissfully unaware of said potatoes. -and- B) Still be adorable as all get out.

Salem Oregon Engagement Photographer - urban sunset session

Tracy & Jordon booked a family mini session that also served as a last minute engagement session for their elopement. We walked around in downtown Salem late last summer (2019) for this session. It was warm and the sun was setting, which just made it kind of magical.

This was a fun little thing that the kiddo did during the session. The first photo is one that I took of her, as she was taking photos of the bride-and-groom-to-be. The rest of the photos are the ones that she created with a little toy (film) camera I loaned her for the session. I really had no idea if the camera even worked and I think we used expired film. Suffice it to say, I am in LOVE with how they came out…blurriness and all.

These two shots are my favorite from the whole roll that she shot! One has massive blur and the other has a beautiful light leak. Be still, my film loving heart.

Creswell Oregon Wedding Photographer - Kasha & Kris's Fairytale Inspired Wedding at the Cloverdale Chapel

Welcome to Kasha & Kris’s fairytale inspired wedding!

Because I’m always so behind on posting, this is actually a 2019 wedding, so pre-pandemic (in case anyone wants to try and make any assumptions). Anyway, these lovebirds got married at the coolest little venue in Creswell, Oregon.

Cloverdale Chapel is over 115 years old and it is full of all the charm you’d expect from a building this age. With a passion for literature, the couple had a really adorable book theme for their big day. From the aisle runner and flowers made of book pages, to the ring box, to the books on the reception tables, no detail was missed. The same is true for Cloverdale Chapel…the owners have elegant and charming details everywhere (in the church, in the yard, on the trail to the reception, etc).

Kasha got ready on site, in the little back room of the church, which doubles as a kitchen. Her mother and sisters were there to help her get ready, which was really sweet. Once Kasha was ready, she met Kris out in the churchyard for their first look, but only after the flowers girls got their first look and melted my heart.

I’ll tell you what…this groom ADORES his bride! From the moment he saw her during their first look, he could not take his eyes off of her. I kept catching him just staring at her with these big googly-lovebird-eyes. It was super sweet, to say the least.

The ceremony was held inside the Chapel. The bridesmaids wore pink and blue dresses, while the groom and groomsmen donned light gray suits. Everyone, of course, rocked flowers by Morning Glories Floral, who also made the flower arrangement at the end of the aisle runner.

After the nuptials, everyone made their way to the reception, which was held in what I like to call “the hidden garden.” You can’t see it from the parking lot and you must take a (short) little walk on a trail through a wooded area to get there. Once you’re at the end of the trail, it opens up into a field type area where you can set up tables, a dance floor, etc. After some toasts, dancing, and food, we concluded the evening with some portraits.

Monmouth Engagement Photographer - fall session at WOU

It’s such a small world, I swear. A few years ago I met Justin when he was a student in one of my classes. I noticed one day that he was wearing a baseball hat with my husband’s high school alma mater on it. As soon as I asked him about it, Justin knew who my husband was, based on my last name (very small school back then). Then we figure out that Sandy, Justin’s fiancée, also went to school with my husband (her sister even went to a dance with my hubby!).

Anyway, Justin and Sandy are both graduates of Western Oregon University, so they thought it was fitting to do their engagement session there. How could I argue with a location as beautiful as this?! Oh, and they brought their dog who was hands down the easiest animal I’ve ever worked with.

Las Vegas Boudoir Photographer - fairy lights, polka dots, and lace

Vegas, baby…

Salem Senior Photographer - Hunter, Class of 2020

Okay, so the moms (as in me and this kid’s mom) basically had to force this session, but it was totally worth it! My son and this guy have been best friends since middle school, so of course he had to come along as an assistant (this was pre-Covid). I even got a behind the scenes shot of him assisting with wardrobe. ;) It was a very early morning session and nobody was really awake, but we got a few real smiles! Aside from the early hour, it was quick and painless…and Mom got some senior portraits!

Hood River Portrait Photographer - a hippie girl and her camera

I recently posted some boudoir photos that I did of my friend, River, but we also did some regular portraits that day. We couldn’t resist, seeing as the property was so gorgeous! In case you were wondering, yes, River really is this vibrant in person. She’s full of sunshine and light and she’s just an awesome person to be around. She is also a birth photographer and doula in La Grande, Oregon, so if you’re expecting and you live in her area…look her up (River & Wave is the name of her business)!

Las Vegas Boudoir Photographer - tool belt sexy

This woman is badass and it’s as simple as that. She recently sold her garage door installation company, but still works as a laborer for the new owner. Hence, all the tools. She also owns a neuro-boxing gym, is raising three boys on her own, and manages to squeeze in some time on the trapeze for fun.

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - Cameron, WSHS

As usual, I’m always way behind on blogging. To be honest, I think I might have blogged this session on my old website, which crashed about a little over a year ago. Anyway, this is Cameron and he graduated from West Salem High School a while back now, lol. Nice kid, adorable smile, and he obviously plays water polo.

Salem Oregon Teen Photographer - pink smoke

Ember is an aspiring makeup artist and at only 15, I think she’s pretty darn impressive! Anyway, here is a sneak peek from our recent “pink” session. I probably won’t share the rest, though, until closer to Valentine’s Day.

Hood River Boudoir Photographer - My friend, the sexy boudoir photographer, steps in front of the camera!

Back in March (literally days before the pandemic shut everything down here in Oregon), my dear friend and I got together for a day of laughter and portraits. I had rented out a home in Hood River (it’s called the Hood River Guest House, but is no longer available for short term rentals through airbnb) for my birthday weekend. I had a wonderful time relaxing in the gorgeous loft-barn-studio-farmhouse-apartment place, while my husband went over to Washington to ride his dirt bike. I also took advantage of the location and lined up a couple of photo shoots, including this one with River. I took photos of her and she took photos of me!

Salem Oregon Family Photographer - Last chance for fall minis!

DATE: Saturday, November 21, 2020

LOCATION: Woodmansee Park (seen in photos below) in the morning & Downtown in the afternoon

PRICE: $275

INCLUDES: Quick session with Kel & 10 digital files delivered by 12/15/20.

HOW TO BOOK: Email me at kelwardphotography@gmail.com

COVID-19 INFO: I will be wearing a mask the entire time, as well as social distancing. I will not have an assistant with me and I ask that you please not bring anyone with you that is not participating in the photo session.

Holiday Boudoir Event - Salem Boudoir Studio

I had so much fun last year with my holiday boudoir event that I’m doing it again this year! The only difference, aside from what is included, is that I will not be doing a Christmas setup this time. Space is limited (even more so than usual, due to having to space sessions out for sanitizing), so make sure you email me ASAP to reserve your spot! Please note: Images will be delivered by 12/20/20.

DATE: Saturday, December 5, 2020

LOCATION: My Studio (343 Court Stree NE, Salem, OR)

PRICE: $150

INCLUDES: A quick mini session in my studio, in one outfit, and 5 black & white digital files

COVID-19 INFO: I will be wearing a mask the entire time and will do my best to practice social distancing, but it’s nearly impossible with boudoir. You, however, will not be required to wear a mask. I will also be sanitizing everything in between sessions.

Omaha Nebraska Senior Portrait Session - Emeliann, Class of 2020

The very first time I photographed Emeliann was when she was in Kindergarten! Em and her mom said it was only fitting to have me do her senior portraits, so they flew me out to Nebraska to do them. It was a fun-filled few days, which included a decent amount of coffee (they introduced me to Scooter’s, which has an insane peanut butter something or other coffee drink that I ordered multiple times, while on my trip), some midwest steak, and a whole lot of laughter.

I met Amy (Em’s mom) 15+ years ago, through an online mom’s group. We eventually ended up living 20 miles away from each other and met in person. We haven’t lived near each other in over a decade, but we still keep in touch and I love watching her kids grow up.

We did this session in two parts, which is typical for my full session, as it allows for multiple locations and the ability to switch up hair and/or makeup. This is part 1 of Em’s senior session, which was held in The Old Market neighborhood of Omaha. I’d heard about it and knew I’d eventually make my way there (we didn’t get a chance the previous time we visited Omaha), so this was perfect! It was overcast and rainy, but still warm, and we had a blast! I love her sense of style and the way she laughs!

Oh, and because I’m posting these a year later, I’m happy to say that this beautiful senior received an academic scholarship to University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is currently enjoying her first semester of college. It’s not what she thought it would look like, but I am sure she’s rocking it anyway!

Salem Portrait Photographer - Sexy Witch Shoot (Halloween 2020)

Nothing says Halloween 2020 like sexy witches, wearing pandemic masks, am I right? These women represent so much more than just Halloween costumes…they are different shapes and sizes, various ages and ethnicities, and many here are mothers. Some rocked no makeup and some went all out. Some wore sexy shoes and some were hippie witches, running around barefoot. Some are practicing and/or learning witches, while others just enjoy dressing up for the holiday. All of them, though, are strong, badass individuals who do not fit society’s traditional definition of how a woman should act. After all, isn’t that what witches represent?

I would like to give a HUGE thank you to Amanda, Becca, Kristal, Heather, Lauren, Kristie, LaTess, Tiffany, Michiko, and Miyako for collaborating on this shoot and to Sophia for being an all around awesome assistant! Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I did get permission from the fire department to do the smoke grenade. ;)

Happy Halloween!

If you’ve followed my work for any length of time, you know that I love dark themed shots and that I do a Halloween themed shoot every year. Well, this year I did more than one (so check back later for the other one)! My son, Karson, and his girlfriend, were kind enough to model this year. India’s sister, Ember, did their makeup and she is only fifteen! What?! You can find her Instagram page by clicking HERE.

Model Call (vintage trailer photo shoot)!

I am finally finished renovating Wanda, my 1969 Aloha trailer! I purchased her in July of 2019 and after 13 months of work, she’s officially photo ready! Wanda will serve as both a mini studio for my photography business AND as a mobile photo booth for new business, Wicked Hitch.

Anyway, it’s time to do a few promo shoots with Wanda and I need some models! If you are interested in modeling with this adorable vintage trailer, please read the information below and then contact me via email at kelwardphotography@gmail.com. Please note: I am looking for NEW faces on this project.

DATE: Sunday, October 25th
LOCATION: Scio, Oregon
TIME: Varies, based on shoot
COMPENSATION: Trade for images

Here is what I’m looking for, in terms of models:

Shoot #1: Couples “Engagement” Shoot (1 hour)
This needs to be a real life couple. All shapes, sizes, and genders encouraged to apply. Wardrobe will be a combination of what I have in my studio closet and what you have in your closet. Hair and makeup will NOT be provided, so you must either be comfortable with and competent in doing your own or you will need to make arrangements for MUAH on your own, prior to the shoot. If you would like to have your MUAH done on site, by your own artist, that can be arranged. Couple will receive copies of all final images (approximately 10).

Shoot #2: Couples Boudoir Shoot (1 hour) - SPOT FILLED!
This needs to be a real life couple and both of you must be comfortable with your bodies. You must also both be under 5’10” tall, due to the height of the ceiling i the trailer. You will provide your own wardrobe and I may add some layering pieces from my studio closet. Couple will be compensated for gas and will also receive copies of all final images (approximately 10).

COVID-19 Info: I will be wearing a mask and/or following social distancing protocols for all shoots. Models, however, will not be wearing masks for the photo shoots. If you have any symptoms within 14 days of the scheduled shoot, please notify me ASAP.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: Please email me with a photo of you and your significant other, along with your names and height. I will be making final selections no later than 10/20/20 and will notify everyone either way.