salem oregon photographer

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - Bradley, class of 2023

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!

Salem Oregon Family Photographer - adorable b&w family session (studio)

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!

Salem Oregon Portrait Photographer - curvy & colorful

This was such a fun session! Aly is obviously beautiful on the outside, but she was also an absolute sweetheart to work with! We spent some time, just walking around and chatting in downtown Salem, while also getting some updated shots for her modeling portfolio. It felt like I was catching up with an old friend, even though it was the first time we’d ever met.

Salem Family Photographer - flannel shirts & lots of love

While flannel shirts are practically a PNW wardrobe staple, they mean more to this family. Jennifer’s mom, who died shortly before their family photos last year, loved flannel shirts. So, it only seemed fitting to honor her in this way. Plus, they look cute as heck!

This session took place at Deepwood Museum & Garden (previously known as Deepwood Estate). I shoot at this venue a lot because I love the variety and the fact that we can usually shoot there in the rain, thanks to the tree cover, gazebos, and a few other little spots. Plus, it’s close to my house, which is a bonus.

Salem Portrait Photographer - goodbye, studio!

In case you haven’t heard, I recently moved out of my studio! The landlord sold the building, so it was not something I chose. I’ve been in this space for 7 years and it has served me well. I loved the evening light that came through the large windows (as seen in the photo below), the exposed brick, the amount of usable space, and how greaty my landlord was. Saying goodbye to Studio 343 (that was her nickname) was definitely bittersweet. I have not used the studio very much over the last two years, so it makes sense for me to let it go, but I’m still going to miss it.

For the time being, I do not plan on renting a full-time studio, as my schedule doesn’t allow me to do a lot of studio work. However, I will have access to part-time studios in Salem, Portland, and Corvallis, which I can rent hourly, when needed.

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 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!

Salem Oregon Photographer - test shots with the Canon R6!

A few months ago, I rented the Canon R6 (mirrorless) camera, to see if I wanted to buy it. In the end, I went with a different model, but this was a GREAT camera! The color was easy to work with, I loved the live exposure preview, and focus was spot on. I’d say 99% of the images were tack sharp, with the 1% being user error. Anyway, here are a few quick shots I took one day at a nearby park, just for fun.

Salem Portrait Photographer - testing, testing, 1, 2, 3

I recently rented a camera to try out for a few days, before possibly purchasing the same model. Although I didn’t end up buying one, I was REALLY happy with how the photos turned out with the Canon R6. Molly, was kind enough to model for some test shots on a COLD November morning and I can’t wait to share the rest! In the meantime, here are a few black & white stunners…

Salem Senior Portrait Photographer - Aleena, Class of 2021

As I mentioned on my sneak peek post, this girl is musical! I got to hear her sing, during her session, and her voice is beautiful! Not only is she gorgeous and talented, she’s also smart and drive. Aleena is graduating a year and a half early from high school! What?! Yep, true story.

Salem Oregon Portrait Photographer - monthly self-portrait project, January 2021

I’ve decided to do a 2021 self-portrait project. I’ll be photographing myself once a month for the next 11 months and posting them here. My goal was two-fold: To get myself in front of the camera more and to do something creative. I have no idea what the next 11 self-portrait sessions will hold, but January was a no-brainer.

I don’t really discuss politics within my business (and I’m not really starting now), BUT regardless of one’s political beliefs, having our first female VP is a really big fucking deal! I’ve liked Kamala Harris from the beginning…and even more so during the debates. I hope we start to hear a lot more of things like, “Excuse me, I’m speaking.”

What would self-portraits be without some outtakes? In the first shot, I was dropping my phone and saying, “shit.” The second was an accidental misfire and the last shot is just a totally out of focus shot of me being a dork. LOL!