It’s officially Fall and I couldn’t be happier! I admit it it’s my favorite time of the year. It’s so colorful and cozy and it just makes me happy! It’s also my busiest time of the year and I’m blessed that my job takes me out into all of the Fall beauty the NW has to offer. 

Last week I was on vacation at the beach. We rented a house in the cutest community named Bella Beach. It’s just north of Depoe Bay (which I kept calling Home Depot all weekend!). Our house had a decent view of the ocean and a great trail down to the beach. The only problem is that the waves were wild all week! I was mesmerized by them! The problem was that our beach was swallowed up by the waves and we were only able to walk on that beach a couple of times all week. 

We had fun exploring and finding new beaches, visiting old favorites, watching waves crash on rocks, eating caramel corn, reading, enjoying warm days and stormy days. I think Lucy may have enjoyed it the most. She can play fetch endlessly on the beach and she is a proficient wave jumper. She is so much fun!   I’m so thankful we had a week away and for most of the time life felt very normal. With all the virus frustrations and then our hazardous air it was the perfect time for a break!

Fall in the NW – time for pictures!

This is a very popular time of year for families to have their pictures taken. I came home to a full schedule and I couldn’t be happier! I think the smoke accelerated the Fall colors a tad and now we have gorgeous blue skies to go along with it! 

If you would like a Fall session for your Family or Senior it’s not too late! If you have time during the week (most start times for week nights is 5pm) I have plenty of options. If you need a weekend here is what is left. Morning of Oct. 11th. Or Oct 25th morning or evening spots available. 

I also have, as of this moment, one Fall Mini session still available. If you aren’t looking for a full photo shoot this 20 min session is perfect for you. Click here to see the details https://book.usesession.com/s/fA76vQ785

I am happily gathering pumpkins for the mini sessions! I love the variety I’m finding!

What I’m Photographing

 

Hayden – Class of 2021

One of the many things I love about being a photographer is being challenged. It is my goal to fit each and every session to match the personality and or interests of whomever I am photographing. When Hayden’s mom mentioned his love of music I thought the Pearl District in PDX would be a perfect location for him. I shoot in this area all of the time and I love the variety of backdrops that can be used. Hayden was super chill and easy to work with. I appreciated how he was able to relax and enjoy himself in front of the camera. 

Colin and Heather – Engaged!

Later that same day we drove over to McMenimans Edgefield in Troutdale to do an Engagement/Family session. This is another location I absolutely love! For starters McMenimans is awesome to work with! They are very welcoming to photographers who abide by their few and very reasonable rules and they are dog friendly. The grounds at this venue are full of beautiful background opportunities and I could happily shoot there all day! As we discussed location options for their engagement shoot Heather was excited about the Edgefield location since she and Colin had spent a few date nights at many of the McMeniman locations.

Did I mention a puppy was involved!! Look at that cheesier in the picture! I’m so happy for this beautiful family!

Houser Family – Fall at Lucia Falls

A mom, her three adult kids and their families plus gorgeous Lucia Falls makes for a beautiful afternoon! I love it when families gather together! It always makes me smile a little brighter to see how families grow and what a beautiful thing it is when they come together. Wendy reached out to me late last Winter about a scheduling a Spring family session. Needless to say that didn’t work. After several delays we finally gathered at Lucia falls under flawless blue skies. 

I love the variety of my job!

Clyde – What a sweetheart!

As much as I enjoy people I have to say I was pretty excited when Clyde’s dad reached out to me and asked if I do pet portraits. Look at this handsome boy! He was such a sweetheart! I told Clyde he is welcome back to the studio any time!

Head shots – Roy Day

I went to elementary school with Roy. What I remember the most about him was that he was the only boy in our class who was taller than me! I really appreciated that about him! It was fun to chat about life while Roy was in the studio for his head shots. 

What’s Next

I have a small wedding this weekend. I’m excited because with the Fall colors coming on and the location in the Gorge its going to be stunning!

Lots of Senior Sessions! 

New Baby! – Donesky Family – not gonna lie this may be my favorite upcoming shoot!

What I’m Reading

 

 

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg

With the passing of RBG I decided that it was a good time to read one of her books. While this is not a biography it does shed light on the remarkable mind of this woman. This is the first book written by RGB since becoming a Supreme Court Justice in 1993.  It is  collection of her writings and speeches which cracked the door for me on her personality, beliefs, friendships and sense of humor. I always enjoy reading about the personal side of prestigious people. Too many times I only know the superficial or what is fed me via social media. When I get around to picking up a book about some public figure I’m always surprised to learn about their personal side. There are some parts of the book that are a bit heavy and bogged me down.  For example some of her dissents are included in the book. Where she disagreed with a SC ruling and writes down her reasons. Frankly I’m not smart enough to follow all of the language used at times.

I think I would really enjoy an actual biography which would hopefully spend more time on her personal life. 

4 stars

 

 

 

 

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet

This months book club book is about twin sisters who take very different paths in life. They are born and raised in a very small town where the entire population is colored. However, the lightness of their skin is what defines them and those with the lighter skin intend to protect their families from those who are darker. If you are a dark skinned black person in this town you are looked down upon. The twins take very different paths in life. One marries an abusive man with very dark skin and has a daughter. The other disappears as she makes the decision to cross over and live a life of a white woman. The twins are separated by these decisions and their lives play out in the pages of this book. 

I really enjoyed reading this novel. Again it brought about a different perspective and presented some interesting what if moments for me.

4 stars

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy and I had some professional pictures taken yesterday. I went through the process of deciding what to wear. Which for me meant emptying my closet and trying everything on. Stressing about my hair and face and just being stressed. There is certainly stress being the photographer but it was good for me to remember how important it is to help those I’m photographing to relax and enjoy the experience as much as possible! It is not only a financial investment it’s an investment in time and I appreciate everyone who chooses to use me as their photographer!