Pacific Northwest Photographer - my birthday trip to Vashon Island!

For the last decade or so, I’ve traveled for my birthday. I have chosen places like Hood River, Eugene, the Oregon Coast, Southern Oregon, and Vegas. I enjoy planning the trips and have always brought my husband along with me. Last year, though, I decided to take a solo road trip to Whidbey Island for my birthday, and it was absolutely amazing! I’ve taken lots of solo road trips and love traveling alone, but something about doing it for (and on) my birthday was really special. I’ve been obsessed wtih Practical Magic since it first came out, so getting to see the filming locations in person was simply awesome. My only camera with me on that trip was a cell phone, so I never blogged it. Maybe I will, if I can find the photos.

Anyway, I enjoyed the area so much that I decided to pick a similar/close location and Vashon Island seemed like a good choice. Fun fact: I looooove ferry boats, so any opportunity to ride one and I’m all over it. (Note: I used to just call them ferries, until I watched Grey’s Anatomy and now I will always call them ferry boats.)

I left Salem on March 8th (the day before my birthday). I made my usual stop in Kalama to visit “Forks” High School (i.e. Kalama High School, where they filmed Twilight), and then hit a few little shops downtown. Shortly before reaching the ferry terminal, I stopped to grab some lunch, which I ate in my car, while in line for the ferry boat. Even though the trip over to Vashon is short (15 minutes maybe?) I got off and enjoyed the trip from the upper deck (outside). I honestly don’t know why I love them so much, but something about ferry boats is just so…romantic or something!

Once I reached the island, I stopped for some groceries and then checked in to my airbnb. The beach front house was really cool, with an incredible view. I enjoyed coffee each morning, on the covered deck, overlooking the water and listening to the birds. During the day, I would explore the island, find yummy food (bakeries were kind of my thing this trip), and then enjoy the evenings with a book or Netflix.

Below is a collection of photos from my trip. All of these photos were shot with my phone or a point-and-shoot camera, as I really don’t like to take my camera gear on personal trips. Mostly just because I don’t like lugging it around with me (I don’t leave my gear in the car unattended).

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - Ainsley, class of 2024

Yes, I know I’m way behind on blogging. At this point, I don’t even know why I bother saying anything because it’s been this way for like a decade now. Anyway, Ainsley was one of my fabulous 2024 seniors. This portion of her session was done at a local park, which is one of my favorite little hidden gems. Not only does it look good year ‘round, but there is rarely anyone else there.

Vancouver Washington Wedding Photographer - Clark County Courthouse Elopement!

Ashley & Taylor got married at the Clark County Courthouse in March of 2024, on an absolutely perfect day! I’ve known Ashley since she was in elementary school, when my dear friend, Karly, married Ashley’s dad. Over the years I’ve done their family portraits, as well as Ashley and her brother’s senior portraits.

Anyway, I was so excited when Karly contacted me about photographing Ashley’s courthouse elopement that I don’t think she even finished her question before I said, “OMG, Yes, of course!” Not only did I get to see Ashley and meet her new husband, but I got to meet their baby for the first time!

I had never been to the Clark County courthouse before, but I was pleasantly surprised at how cool the building looked! Everyone took turns passing the baby around, while Ashley and Taylor did some paperwork as they waited for the judge to call them in. Once in the courtroom the ceremony was quick and easy (as they always are, and I love it!). Afterwards we did some quick photos outside before they headed off to a family dinner to celebrate.

Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - Ainsley in black & white!

I really do love the “then vs. now” shots and Ainsley’s is no exception! She was a cute kiddo, but has certainly grown into a beautiful woman! We did Ainsley’s senior portraits in 3 parts, one of which you can see by CLICKING HERE. I’ll be sharing the rest of them soon. In the meantime, here are a few b&w shots from those sessions!

Salem Oregon Boudoir Photographer - texture, texture, texture!

Miss K is all about the accessories and textures! She had pearls, sequins, lace, chiffon, mesh, and felt. I love texture, so it made my job all that much more fun. I decided to keep things really simple with the furnishings and background, as to not compete with the beauty of K and all her fabulous textures!

Salem Oregon Boudoir Photographer - happy 50th birthday to herself!

My favorite boudoir sessions are the ones women book just for themselves. There is something so empowering about celebrating and appreciating your body for yourself, rather than a partner. This goddess booked a sexy boudoir session to celebrate her 50th birthday!

And yes, I’ve shared this session before, but I love it too much to not share again!

Salem Oregon Boudoir Photographer - elegant b&w nude (not safe for kids or work!)

I do a lot more nude photography than people realize, but I don’t share most of it due to client privacy. Occasionally, though, I will get permission to share more anonymous shots like this one.

If you would like to incorporating some nudity into your boudoir session, please let me know ahead of time!

Please note: I do not offer erotic photography and men must be partially dressed (bottom half), whether they are doing a solo shoot or posing with their partner(s). Fully nude sessions are only available to women.

Salem Oregon Portrait Photographer - dark & moody portraits

I’ve taken a lot of photos of Porshe, but I think these might be my favorites. They’re so simple, yet so mysterious and alluring.

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer | four goofballs, one session

This session was total chaos, but an absolute blast! These four guys grew up together and wanted to do their senior portraits together, so we made it happen! We met up one evening at Riverview Park in Independence, as it was a place they’d spent a lot of time together. In the end, they each got their own mini session, as well as a few fun group shots, some of which can be seen below. I will be sharing their individual sessions soon.

Lake Oswego Senior Portrait Photographer - Noah at George Rogers Park

This was my first (and so far only) time shooting at this location and I loved it! I love shooting in new places and George Rogers Park was no exception as it was beautiful! There is so much variety and I really liked all of the hidden little gems for photo spots.

As usual, I’m ridiculously behind on blogging, and Noah actually just finished his freshman year at the University of Oregon. So, these were actually taken almost 2 yrs ago!

Salem Oregon Headshot Photographer - outdoor fall portraits

I’m always happy to do add a few headshots during family sessions, for those who may need a new one for work. Ashley needed some new headshots for work (she’s an attorney), so she threw on a shirt and blazer, after her family session, and we took a few quick shots while her wife got the kiddos loaded into the car. Success!

Salem Oregon Headshot Photographer - one person, two very different headshots

I have been photographing SheeAnna for YEARS and we have a blast every time. She’s one of those clients I just immediately clicked with (no pun intended) and I know we’ll be friends for ever, even though she recently moved far away.

Anyway, I love how different these two headshots are, even though they were taken only minutes apart.

Salem Oregon Boudoir Photographer - boho + earth tones

Kate was absolutely wonderful to work with. She brought a fun attitude, as well as her smoldering eyes. This session was a beautiful blend of textures, movement and muted colors, in a very simple studio.