What’s Happening – Northwest Fires

Hi Friends,

WOW! We are  having a rough week here in the Northwest with these fires! If your “lucky” you have fires surrounding you (from a “safe” distance) Or as many people I know, you are at some level of evacuation readiness due to the fires.  As I write this my brother’s family has been evacuated for the past two nights and they still don’t know when they may be able to come home. Their hopes were dashed today when the entire town the live in, Molalla,  went to Level 3 (go now!). My nieces along with many others were to start school this week and now this! These are trying times my friends. Let’s be there for each other. I hope you know if you need help all you need to do is ask! 

On the day all this insanity began in earnest Jeff and I had spent the day wandering around in some of the very areas that are burning so aggressively now. In fact here is a picture I snapped from the shore of Swift Reservoir looking South Monday afternoon. The wisp of smoke you see has now grown into the Big Hollow Fire that is burning some of the most beautiful hiking and lake areas around.  As it grows and moves West it threatens homes of many including some of my friends. So many prayers for their safety right now.

And then the wind began –

While we were still wandering around in the woods the wind started up. We had heard the forecast and knew it was coming. We tried to sneak in a picnic and had to figure out ways to hold everything down while eating. Then a gust blew one of my favorite Tupperware (yes, actual Tupperware) lids over the edge of the view point where we were picnicking. Jeff valiantly climbed over the wall and down a bit and wrestled it from a bush it had gotten caught in. 

Along with the wind we noticed ash in the air. We began heading home.

Instead of backtracking we headed south towards Hwy 14 and the Columbia River Gorge. By the time we got down there it was so smoky you could barely see Oregon on the other side of the river. The Columbia had such big waves rolling in it looked more like the ocean. 

By the time we reached home the smoke had blown in with us. 

Tuesday Morning 

Tuesday morning we woke up here in BG to bright clear skies. I had no idea what was coming.We could see the bands of smoke to the north and to the south but I believed the worst had passed and I was relieved we hadn’t lost any trees.  While I heard about fires I wasn’t paying really close attention until my SIL reached out to say they needed to evacuate. Things got real then.

Until Thursday we have had windy but clear skies. Last night the smoke began rolling in as the winds finally died down. It is dead calm out there and there is enough smoke outside to make it look like the fire is just down the block (it isn’t). We keep our windows closed because the smell is so strong. Our air quality is dangerous. In the Northwest our air quality is dangerous! Crazy times. 

At my brother’s place yesterday it was dark as night during the day and when you can see there is a red hew. 

My heart goes to those people who have lost property and lives as well as the amazing firefighters who are working so hard to stop these infernos. 

I pray for the safety of all and I really appreciate those firefighters! I can’t imagine what they have to endure!

It’s not that we don’t experience fires in the Northwest, we do every year. However, these are extraordinary because of the wind event and how close they are to populations. Entire towns have been destroyed, lives lost and devastation. 2020 we are ready for you to calm down!

What I’m Photographing – Adventure Sessions and Head Shots

On to happier topics.

I love the variety of my job!

Due to the storm this week I had a Senior session reschedule to next week but before everything went sideways I enjoyed a fantastic afternoon on Silver Lake.

My job for the day was to photograph family as they played and enjoyed each other’s company. The day ended with a beautiful baptism.  When I get to zip around on a wave runner taking pictures, or siting in the boat or standing in the water photographing it is an awesome day! Being surrounded by a large beautiful, loving, friendly family just made this such a fun experience! 

After the excitement of shooting on the lake my next job was a bit more subdued as I spent some time in a local CPAs office photographing their team’s head shots as well as other images for their website. 

Honestly, you would have thought I was giving people root canals with the groans I heard about having their pictures taken. I love the challenge of getting people to relax and show their best selves to me as I photograph them.

Next week I get to shoot an engagement session as well as a senior session. I love this time of year!

Fall Mini Sessions – Date Change – October 11th, 2020

As ready as I am for Fall it doesn’t seem very “Fallish” out there yet. So I have made the decision to change the date (thankfully this works with those who had already booked!).

If you think you would enjoy a 20 min Fall themed mini session at an outdoor location in Battle Ground click the link to see all the details including the remaining available spots. 

So grab your denim and flannel, your beautiful family and book your spot today. Click here – https://book.usesession.com/s/fA76vQ785

If you are interested in the full experience of a Fall family session or a Senior session scroll up and click the Contact button and shoot me a quick email and we will get you booked ASAP! 

New Look -Changes are coming

I am excited that I have hired a web designer and he is updating my website. As we work together making changes I’m getting really excited about the updates! I look forward to sharing it with you very soon.

To go along with that I am having a local photographer take some pictures of me in a few weeks. I don’t love having my picture taken either but when I relax and let myself enjoy the experience I know I will be glad I did it!

Stay safe friends! 

Shelly