Salem Oregon Photographer - cozy camper christmas!

I’m currently on vacation! Well, technically it’s more of a “staycation,” but I’m off work for a few weeks! I had a very busy year and didn’t really get a chance to do any creative/personal work, so this little holiday themed shoot in our camping trailer was exactly what I needed. Once I wrapped up all of my client work for the year, I went out to the trailer (in our driveway), turned on some Christmas music, made myself some cocktails, and decorated the tiny space. It was just what I needed to unwind, espeicially after such a busy fall season, This seems to have become an annual thing for me, although not always with the same trailer.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Vanvcouver Washington Family Photographer - backyard session with K & A

These photos are from last year’s session and boy has this little guy grown a lot since then (I recently did their annual Fall photos)! I met up with this family at their Vancouver home on a foggy fall morning, which worked really well with their colorful outfits! We took a quick stroll along the path behind their home, which was perfect for their session!

Salem Family Photographer - time flies

I know I say this all the time, but time really does fly. I started photographing these two “kids” when they were barely out of diapers and all of a sudden, they’re both actual adults! They were kind enough to do one last session with their Mama (my dear friend, Michiko) last year.

Salem Oregon Family Photographer - at home session with a family of 19!

I met Loui (in the white turtleneck sweater) my freshman year of college, when we were on the same cheerleading squad. Eventually, we became roommates and then lifelong friends! Shortly after meeting Loui, I met Amber, when I was her high school cheerleading coach. Loui ended up marrying Amber’s brother and here we are, nearly 30 years later, doing a big ‘ol family portrait session!

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.