Salem Maternity Photographer - stunning, bald, inspiring

I think these photos speak for themselves, but for a little context…this beautiful mother-to-be was going through chemo and decided to do some photos without her wig.

For anyone who is curious…these two are now the proud parents of an adorable little girl! Anna has metastatic breast cancer, but she is stable and doing well.

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 Maternity Photographer - beautiful family maternity session! LGBTQIA+

I’ve been photographing this couple since they were engaged and I have loved watching their family grow. The are now a family of four (I’m just way behind on blogging) and their two kids are so darn cute! Anyway, we got some beautiful photos at Deepwood Museum & Gardens (formerly Deepwood Estate) during golden hour.

Cannon Beach Senior Portrait Photographer - downtown stroll, with a bonus bug!

This girl could not be any cuter and I love that we got so much variety, all in the downtown area of Cannon Beach! I’ve known her since she was born and I can’t believe she’s already graduated from high school (class of 2023).

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 Boudoir Photographer - b&w studio boudoir

I had a great time, photographing Anna at my studio. She has the most beautiful eyes and flawless skin! She was also a good sport and agreed to dance and twirl around in one of my studio pieces (which is available to all of my clients),

Salem Maternity Photographer - cancer & pregnancy

I started working with Anna & Ken back in the Spring of 2017, when I did their engagement session. Their plan was to get married that Fall, But Anna was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because the wedding would be right in the middle of Anna’s chemotherapy treatment, they decided to elope that December and then wait until the following year to have their wedding and reception. I had the honor of photographing both of those events, which were absolutely beautiful for so many reasons.

So, they got engaged, eloped, had a big wedding, and kicked cancer. Fast forward to the summer of 2021, when Anna and Ken found out they were expecting! This was awesome news, but Anna found out partway through her pregnancy that her cancer had returned. :( Thankfully, Anna is a badass and went through chemo again, but while pregnant this time.

For most of her maternity photos, Anna wore her wig, but she knew she wanted to do a few shots without it. This woman always looks gorgeous, but I can’t even express to you how beautiful and strong she looked without her wig. She was breathtaking.

Baby Asha just celebrated her 1st birthday and she is absolutely thriving (and so adorable). Anna’s cancer is metastatic, but she’s stable for now…and has a full head of beautiful hair!

Salem Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer - Kyle, Class of 2022

Yes, I realize the Class of 2023 just graduated, but here we are. Anyway, Kyle’s family lives on gorgeous property, just outside of Salem, which made the perfect location for his session. We also did a few photos at his high school one beautiful Fall morning.

Congrats to Kyle, who just finished his first year of college at Grand Canyon University!

Oregon Coast Boudoir Photographer - Outdoor Session, with an LGBTQIA+ couple

I think our initial conversation went something like this…

Asil: We’re an LGBTQ couple and would like to do a couples boudoir session in the woods.

Me: Say no more.

To celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, Asil (they/them) and Hope (she/her) booked a romantic trip to the Oregon Coast. Even though it was December, they insisted on doing an outdoor boudoir session. I, of course, was completely on board with the idea and we all agreed that braving the cold was absolutely worth it. I mean, look at these photos!!

California Wedding Photographer - Rehearsal Dinner at AAH Ranch

Earlier this year, I flew down to California to celebrate (and photograph) April & Chris’s wedding celebration, including their rehearsal dinner. If you recognize April (the bride), it’s because I’ve been photographing her for well over a decade now. However, this was my first time meeting and photographing Chris.

Both the rehearsal dinner and wedding (those photos coming soon) were at AAH Ranch, which is located in Lompoc, CA. It’s a rustic, outdoor venue, with a covered area and outdoor heaters, to make the space nice and cozy.

Corvallis Oregon Wedding Photographer - Unique Nuptials at The Vue Corvallis

Shaylynn & Michael tied the knot at The Vue last year, but I’m just now getting around to sharing the images. Their theme was inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, with some of their hobbies and their love story (via pictures, on easels) , sprinkled throughout.

The Vue is located in downtown Corvallis and is a really cool venue. It has multiple floors, which makes it easy to separate the ceremony and reception areas. They offer catering, as well as bar tending, and a killer view!

Salem Boudoir Photographer - gorgeous curves in a dramatic emerald robe

I am SO excited to have this amazing robe in my boudoir closet, for clients to wear! It’s a gorgeous shade of emerald green, has about 10 million ruffles, and fits a wide range of body types and sizes. Of course, Aly looks good in everything, but I promise this is flattering on just about everyone.

If you would like to wear this during your boudoir session, just make sure you let me know ahead of time, as I have it stored at home, rather than my studio, due to it’s…volume.

Cannon Beach Senior Portrait Photographer - Jayden, class of 2023 (part 1)

I’ve known this gorgeous senior since she was a baby. Actually, her mom was pregnant with her when I was pregnant with my youngest and somewhere there’s an old photo to prove it! Anyway, if she looks familiar, it’s probably because I did her sister’s senior photos a couple of years ago and they look a lot a like (and for those who know their parents…they look JUST like them, don’t they?) . In fact, we did part of her sister’s senior portraits at this same beach (click HERE to see that blog post). Although she doesn’t live there now, the Oregon Coast is where she grew up and this specific beach has a lot of meaning to her and her family.

If you would like to book senior portraits (or any portraits) at the beach, we can totally make that happen! Just let me know.

Because Jayden booked the biggest senior portrait package, I will be doing two more blog posts featuring her photos!

Salem Family Photographer - mama, baby, and a VW bus

How cute are these two (three, if you count the bus)?! Porshe is a longtime client-turned-friend and it has been such an honor, watching her family grow. Mo’orea (8 months old here) is her third baby and she is just as sweet as can be!