Salem Oregon Senior Photographer - portraits with Parker in downtown Salem!

Parker was so easy to work with during his senior portrait session! He was pretty quiet, but easy going and happily did whatever I asked of him. I love photographing read heads, especially on summer evenings with the warm glow of sunset light. The red hair and freckles add some contrast and dimension to each photo and I have fun looking for complimentary backdrops (hello, turquoise walls!).

As usual, I’m way behind on blogging, so Parker actually graduated in 2024!

Salem Oregon Engagement Photographer - surprise double proposal!

Lisa (in the black shirt) contacted me about photographing her proposal at Bush Park. Her and Tiffany were celebrating their anniversary by taking a walk where they had their first date. Lisa’s sister arrived early to set up a little picnic, complete with meaningful items, and then hid behind some trees. I walked around, pretending to take photos of the rose garden, while sneaking photos of the two of them. Yes, I felt like the paparazzi and no, I didn’t hate it. HAHA!

As part of their anniversary date, they danced to their song in the gazebo and then SURPRISE… Lisa got down on one knee! After accepting the proposal, SURPRISE AGAIN… Tiffany got down on one knee and also proposed!

I love, love, love photographing proposals and really wish I had an opportunity to do MORE of them! After the proposal, I went over and actually met the couple I’d been essentially stalking for the last 15 minutes. We did a few engagement portraits and then I was on my way, while they enjoyed the rest of their picnic date (and of course I snuck a photo of that, as I was walking to my car).

Congratulations on your engagement, Lisa & Tiffany!

Salem Oregon Headshot Photographer - Erin's business casual portraits

If you’ve followed me for a while, you have probably seen this face. Erin is a good friend of mine that I’ve known for 20+ years. She has modeled for me countless times and I’ve also photographed her family quite a bit over the last decade or so. Anyway, this beautiful mom of four is now in her career era and needed some new headshots. She wanted something casual, but classy, and I think we nailed it!

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - Katie, class of 2024

Katie is absolutely adorable! A girl after my own heart, she loves reading and flowers. We did her senior portraits at Deepwood Museum & Gardens her in Salem. I love shooting here because it offers a LOT of variety, within a small area. The scenery changes, as you walk the property, but it also changes throughout the year. So, no two sessions ever look the same!

Side note: Do you see her cute dinosaur necklace?!

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - Longing for Summertime!

As I sit here, listening to the winter rain outside, I can’t help but wish for some summer warmth and sunshine (even though I hate the heat and will regret saying this in a few months). Ainsley knew she wanted to do part of her session in this type of grass, wearing her cowgirl boots and sundress, and I knew just the spot! So, we met up shortly before sunset to get these fun shots!

Salem Oregon Wedding Photographer - rehearsal with Sarah & Rej

I don’t photograph wedding rehearsals very often, but the few that I have shot were so much fun! It’s usually constant action and I love any chance to embrace my photojournalistic roots. Sarah and Rej’s rehearsal was at their church in sunny California. In addition to the actual rehearsal indoors, they had henna paint, Sarah’s makeup trial, and of course some dancing! I say “of course” because Rej very clearly loves to dance.

Salem Oregon Photographer - farewell, fall!

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!

Salem Oregon Family Photographer - annual photos with Tiffany & her boys!

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.

Salem Senior Portrait Photographer - mini session with Aidan

Aidan is the third kid in this family that I’ve done senior portraits for. Yes, I realize he looks like a 30 yr old man, but I promise this is the face of a high school senior.

One thing I like about Aidan is that he keeps it simple. He wore school colors, chose a simple location, followed directions like a champ, and we were done in record time.