Once upon a time a long time ago when I was a teenager I worked briefly with a photographer. Sadly I don’t remember his name but I do remember the images we worked with. Being a photographer in the PNW has always been a deeply held dream of mine, but for most of my life not realistic.
Portlandia Arrives in the PNW
This is back in the dark ages when digital files were unheard of and everything was shot on something called film. My job was to help sort through the negatives looking through them with a small round magnifying glass that would set directly on the negative which had been placed on a light table. There were thousands and thousands of negatives! The images were of Portlandia arriving in Portland. Do you know what I’m talking about? She floated into town down the Willamette on a barge and was then paraded through the streets of Portland until she arrived in front of the Portland Building where she has perched for over 30 years. Here is a link to some google images. There are some very impressive images of her arrival on the barge on through the streets of Portland.
13 years ago…
This week one of my FB memories was of my very first SLR camera purchase 13 years ago. I had no idea then that I would eventually leave teaching and one day have a studio along with my very own photography business! As a teenager, helping the photographer, I had interest in photography but I never saw it as a realistic option for my future. During my Senior year of HS it is recorded in the school newspaper that my secret ambition was to be a photographer for National Geographic (still is) but I never really considered pursuing it. Why?
For the past few months I have meet a lot of Senior High Schoolers. One of my favorite parts of each Senior session is just chatting with them. I almost always ask what their plans are for next year. More often than not this year the reply has been “I have no idea” or something along those lines. My reply is “naturally, I think the next few years are about exploring and learning what you do like”. While there are always those individuals who just know, and they’ve known for awhile what they will become, I think for most the future is a bit more unclear.
Here are some of the amazing people I got to hang out with last week as I pursue my dream of being a PNW photographer –
Jackie – Class of 2022 BGHS
Last week was rainy and I really didn’t know if we would be able to get the scheduled shoots in! Jackie and I chatted and she decided she wanted to go for it and I’m so glad we did! The light on an overcast day can be beautiful if you are brave enough to go for it! We met at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge Carty Unit. It was my first time shooting there and I loved it! The giant Oak trees there are so amazing. I could stare at them all day! We had a great time getting to know each other and exploring the area. I love that Jackie brought some balloons as well!
Location: Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge Carty Unit
Why I like it: For me the key is always variety with some unique features. I love the trees here! But I also enjoyed photographing Jackie on the bridge and out in the fields, trails and near a pond. This a beautiful place for someone who likes nature.
Cierra – Class of 2022 BGHS
The very next day I made a similar phone call regarding Cierra’s shoot. They too decided to go for it! As you can see we even had a few rain drops (top left photo) but overall no rain and gorgeous light for Cierra’s Senior session! Which included a few shots with pup Dakota. I loved Cierra’s style and while she confessed she was nervous she relaxed and did such a good job during our time together!
Location: WSU – You’ll notice many of my clients choose this location.
Why I like it: Variety! Woods, fields and we can always head up to campus for a more urban look.
Angelica and Darrel Say “I Do!”
We had no weather concerns last Friday. I was invited to photograph this wedding/family session and I was very excited about it. I’ve known Angelica for many years and I was thrilled to hear that 10 years after her first husband’s death she had found love again! Angelica and Darrel arrived at the church in a 1953 Bentley! After a private ceremony at her home church we headed out to Ft Vancouver for a family session which, of course, included some shots of the car. It was such a happy occasion I loved having a small part in it. Congratulations Darrel and Angelica!
Location: Fort Vancouver
Why I like it: For this particular session I knew we wouldn’t be moving around a lot and I wanted to be able to have the car in some of the shots. I knew of a parking area close enough to the grass that we could do that. It was also very sunny and bright and I knew there would be shade from the beautiful trees.
Sean – Class of 2022 BGHS
While I have done several Senior Sessions in Downtown Vancouver this was my first morning session there. Once again under the threat of possible rain we met and had an awesome shoot with beautiful light! Sean is a hat guy which honestly is not my favorite thing (only because it cast shadows on the eyes). But we worked together and we were able to get many great images of him as we explored the area. Sean had a great sense for what I needed him to do regarding posing and lighting and he was really awesome to work with!
Location: Downtown Vancouver (all my favorite spots and some new ones)
Why I like it: So many great options downtown and with easy parking and quiet streets it is a very easy place for some great urban shots.
Claire – Class of 2022 PAA
When I heard that Claire had seen my previous Rowena Crest session and wanted her session there, I was super excited! – here is a link if you want to see that one again https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/back-to-school-shelly-fry-photography
This location is stunning anytime of the year! Located between Hood River and The Dalles, this is a viewpoint with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. This is an awesome location anytime of the year. The wildflowers are breathtaking in the Spring, the views are year round, and the Fall colors are magical! Once again we were blessed with beautiful light. While it wasn’t as windy as my last session there, there was enough breeze to keep Claire on her toes!
I brought a bench to sit out in the field (I love random furniture outside!) as well as a blanket. Other than that we just used the resources in the area – mostly stunning views! Claire’s parents and Jeff and I all went to college together. It was really fun to meet their beautiful daughter. Claire was really excited about the images we were capturing, which is always a very rewarding experience for me!
Location: Rowena Crest – Columbia River Gorge
Why I like it: PNW photography is at it’s finest here! The lighting, the views are just spectacular! Easy access and plan it right you can have a yummy meal in Hood River before or after your session.
Family Mini Sessions – Coming Soon!
Hey friends! Have you been wanting some professional pictures? Here is a great opportunity for you to get that marked off your to do list! I have two weekends in November scheduled for mini sessions. For those of you who have kids away at college the weekend before Thanksgiving has 4 spots available. Here are some other reasons this could be a great opportunity for you
- It’s been too long and it’s just time for those photos!
- These are a lower price point than a full session
- Great gift idea for the upcoming holidays
- Life changes since your last photo session (is your youngest child even in your last photos!)
- Beautiful locations in the PNW for your backgrounds
Here is the link with all of the details – once you’ve checked all the info out you can go ahead and book! https://book.usesession.com/s/XKx4zejEp
Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly
