What I’m Doing

I’m spending a lot of time being thankful!

We had the opportunity to spend Saturday with Ty and Kim. After lunch we decided Pips Donuts sounded AMAZING! So we made a plan to head there. But first we decided to visit Grammy.  Then Jeff wanted to show us a really cool building covered in the most stunning ivy (and it was). Next, I realized I didn’t know where my camera was and I knew I had taken it out of the house, but it wasn’t in the car…(insert panic attack here) so we drove home to find I had left it on the trunk of Jeff’s car. 

Then we headed towards Pip’s. As we were getting pretty close I Googled the address and noticed the words CLOSED. It was 4:06 and they closed at 4:00. HEARTBREAK

So we wandered a random neighborhood in NE Portland and took some pictures of Kim and Ty.

What I’m Reading

I’m someone who enjoys reading about lots of different topics. One of those topics is people who are pushing themselves physically. Usually that means it’s a book about someone climbing Everest, or discovering Machu Picchu for the first time.  I loved “The River of Doubt” by Candice Millard. It is the story of Theodore Roosevelt’s exploration of a previously unnavigated river in South America.

Reading about people as they push themselves beyond what anyone else has fascinates me. It fascinates me in a morbid rubbernecking sort of way. I am not inspired to follow in anyone’s footsteps in these books. I spend most of the time shaking my head and tisk tisking that they would risk their lives so recklessly. However, I’m also thankful they wrote a book about it. So I can explore right along with them from the comfort of my chair. 

So my current read is “Limits of the Known” by David Roberts. Roberts has been a climber, hiker, explorer for most of his life. He is also an author.  In this book the author “reflects on humanity’s – and his own- relationship to extreme risk.” So naturally I picked it up to read.   I’m enjoying the history of previous explorers and the question of what motivates these people to go where no one else has ever gone? 

Roberts spends a good amount of time reflecting on how much easier it is for modern day explorers like himself, because of all of the security modern technology has to offer those who venture into such harsh and dangerous locations.  He also challenges the question of are there any unexplored places left to discover? 

So probably not a book most people would enjoy but I like it. 

Goal Check

I know I’ve already said this but keeping up with my clients is my focus right now.  Whether I have one shoot per week or many I want my client experience to be the same.

I’m as busy as I’ve ever been and I’m thankful that so far I am meeting all of my goals in terms of  communicating and delivering photos to my clients. As well as keeping up with blogging and my newsletter.

Tomorrow I will be sending out the November edition of SFP News.  Have you signed up? Here is a link if you would like to join the SFP Family and receive monthly newsletters that put you on the inside of special events, sales, or the inside scoop of what’s happening. If you enjoy the weekly blog you will also find some of the same elements (book reviews and photos) in the newsletter. Here’s a link to join  http://madmimi.com/signups/f92831e48f4c4758a38ad3779e2d9f9b/join

What I’m Photographing

This past week has been AWESOME! I have had a variety of clients.

Sunday I began my day with Lexie who is a Senior. She chose the urban look for her portrait session. We decided on Portland for her location and met at 9:30am.

Lexie had 3 very distinct looks for her session and she looked amazing in each one! She was a lot of fun to photograph. Her confidence in front of the camera helped make some amazing photos! In fact one of her photos is easily my top 5 favorites ever!

Later, that same day, I was in the woods among the stunning Fall colors at WSU for this ridiculously good looking family’s session.

These boys and all of their energy along with their very sweet Mom were so much fun! I loved how one minute they were wrestling each other and the next posing for the camera so naturally I included a little of both. The awesome thing about outdoor sessions is there is plenty of room and opportunity for kids to wiggle, and play and be natural for the camera! 

Tuesday I had two head shots

Wed morning I had the opportunity to photograph Adrian what a sweet boy!

All 4 of these clients require very different skills. With each and every shoot I always have to pay attention to lighting and it is never the same! Outdoor lighting changes from one minute to the next especially when you are walking around an area. Studio lighting is an entirely different beast and lighting for adults and babies altogether different. 

My “Current” Favorite 

I love, love, love this portrait!!! The colors are just perfect! This is a random, rusty brown section of wall on a building in PDX. This is the first time I had ever noticed it or used it in one of my photos. It is perfect for her coloring and what she is wearing! 

Christmas Minis – Nov 17th – 3 spots left!

Hi Friends! Happy Thursday.  I am looking for my last 3 mini session people. As of this moment there is 1 morning and 2 afternoon spots available. Contact me today to sign up for your 20 min session. These sessions are always so much fun and they offer an excellent solution to what to put on your Christmas card!  Or maybe you want to print a Christmas pillow as a gift or make a Christmas puzzle of the family? Really the options are limitless! You will receive your 5 digital images within 48 hours of your session! Which gives you plenty of time to order those cards! 

Thanks for stopping by friends!

Shelly