Salem Editorial Photographer - a nod to Spring & camping

Here we are, about to head into Summer and I’m posting a “hello, spring” themed shoot. I’m nothing if not predictably last-minute! I guess this should more of a “goodbye” to Spring, but I’m not sure Mother Nature received the memo. As usual, I had fun decorating our travel trailer, Miss Patty.

Salem Oregon Lifestyle Photographer - elizabeth, the knitter

Every once in a while, I get an inquiry from someone who is looking for photos that showcase their hobby or craft. I love doing little in-home lifestyle sessions like this, so if you’re interested, shoot me an email at kelwardphotography@gmail.com!

Anyway, I had fun watching Elizabeth work her yarn magic and seeing some of the pretty things she’s made! By the way, how cute is her little assistant?

Salem Oregon Headshot Photographer - real estate portraits

I love an excuse to spend time with this babe, so when she needed some real estate headshots, I was all in! I usually do business portraits at my studio or on-location, but we shot these in my garage! Logistically, this was the only thing that worked for both of us, so we made it happen. I have to say, I think they turned out quite lovely!

Vancouver Washington Family Photographer - casual in-home family session

I met Jeremy & Sade a few years ago, when I photographed their beautiful vineyard wedding. They are very laid back (the perfect personalities to be caring for a toddler) and so easy to work with. I photographed baby Aaron when he was about 6 months old and boy was he a cutie! We scheduled his next session for 12 months, but thanks to a baby cold, we postponed a few months. It actually worked out perfectly, as Jeremy and Sade were able to close on and move into their new home in those three months!

I couldn’t believe how much he had changed between 6 and 15 months! He looked like a completely different person! In addition to him growing, his hair changed a lot too! He want from short, black hair to much longer, light brown, curly hair! He was also MUCH more active, so doing an in-home session was perfect! Plus, I got to see their beautiful new house!

Side note: Aaron will be a big brother very soon! I believe his Mama is due next month and I can’t wait to see their new little one! They obviously make adorable little humans1

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - b&w sneak peek from a session at Silver Falls!

I can’t believe I’m already booking senior portrait sessions for the class of 2023, when I haven’t even blogged all of my ‘22 seniors yet! Anyway, here are some black & white shots from Dalaney’s senior portrait session from Silver Falls last year. I can’t wait to share the rest (soon)!

Oregon Boudoir Photographer - floral milk bath session

When I first started photographing this beautiful woman, several years ago, she told me that she wanted to do a tub session at some point. It took some time for the stars to align, but we finally made it happen last August, at a vacation rental in The Dalles, Oregon.

Side note: No, I do not “fix” tan lines in editing. I think they’re sexy and part of your story. If you don’t like them, however, book your session in the winter months. ;)

Salem Senior Portrait Photographer - Colton, Class of 2022

I think it goes without saying, but Colton is an artistic kid, with his own, distinct style. I had fun chatting with him during his session (he has great social skills) and am excited to see what his future holds!

Salem Oregon Photographer - the fern

The fern, in infinite slowness,
uncurls each frond; each frond a sister
to another, so many fingers and hands

learning to flourish on the underside
of things. The fern is steady, unafraid
of the dark, pushing through stem, bark,

growing vein by stubborn vein through
morning dew and winter rain. Mists
gather to watch the rills incise themselves

and ripen with spores ready for release —
the beginnings of another, sprung from moss:
fragile, maidenlike, translucent in the light.

-Eileen Chong

Salem Boudoir Photographer - plus size mermaid vibes

Lauren and I created these stunning images at my studio, just after sunset. Our only light source, other than a little bit of dusky goodness, was the glow from cars and nearby businesses. Lauren, a fat-positive model based out of Portland, styled everything herself (hair, makeup, wardrobe) and I think she did a fabulous job!

Salem Photographer - chickens & cats

Yep, chickens and cats. I was testing out some gear and didn’t have any human models, so this was the best I could do. Ollie is our fluffy black cat and Val is our grand-cat, who currently lives with us. The chickens are our neighbors, but basically live at our house. I think they’re all pretty handsome, although the cats look much meaner in photos. Haha.

The Dalles Boudoir Photographer - sexy tub session!

When I started working with this gorgeous soul a few years ago, she mentioned wanting to do a boudoir session in a clawfoot bath tub. It took some time, but we finally made it happen. I booked an airbnb in The Dalles last summer, as I was shooting a wedding in Tygh Valley. As soon as I realized it had a tub, I contacted my client to give her first dibs on a session there. The timing worked out beautifully and we we got some amazing shots (and of course got to enjoy each others company).

Salem Family Photographer - fall family portraits at the gray lab!

This was my first time photographing this family, but I did senior portraits for their oldest daughter (seen in the cream sweater below) a couple of months prior (I still need to share those…oops!). Anyway, they’re very easy to work with and hello, look how pretty they are!