S T O R M

The pounding of rain and wind beats down on the roof, excitement pounds in my heart. Never mind the days and weeks of drizzling rain. Sudden sideways wind and hard storming rain forming braided rivers down streets, where by only those donning rain umbrellas, boots, and parkas dare venture out.... fascinating! Amidst the normally buzzing city lie empty streets where the only sign of life are golden windows and the occasional wafting of baking goods. Fleeting storms like yesterday's inspire life in me. These images posses their own language, of short fall and winter days, and the sharp contrast of cold and hot, wet and dry, but beyond that those feelings and emotions that we struggle to explain. The tangible and intangible changes we undergo during the earth's metamorphosis each year.

Dark Night Downtown Double 40th Party

I love photographing people as they exist especially when their inhibition subsides. Light, Darkness, Dramatic Textures, Dramatic Expressions, and Flappers. It's the greatest gift to be able to really use my creative vision and photograph people. Thanks to everyone who honors and appreciates my visual story.

Siena's Debut Into The World

Siena was a quintessential darling little client! Capturing her tiny details and loving family tenderness warmed my heart. Newborns still curl up their bodies and take the form they held for all those months tucked safely inside. When I saw this silver vessel I just had to tuck Siena inside it. She was actually awake, but once tucked inside she curled right up and drifted off to sleep. Babies are such wonderful reminders to live in the present, be grateful for all the little moments we are given. It's these moments that help carry us through those moments of sadness and loss. It's a beautiful circle of life. Thanks for sharing little Siena's with me!

Sweet Six Month Macie!

Little Macie stole the show with her charm and innocence! This darling gem was the epiphany of tiny clients. Honest, raw, excitement beaming through her twinkling doe eyed espressions. Chubby little baby fingers and toes do wonders for any wintertime blues. These are just a few of my all time favorites! Thank you for sharing your sweet pea Macie with me!

Faries might live here, but certainly laughter does!

Words fail me when it comes to speaking of the connection and joy presence with children. There is only now, and when you join them in the now the possibilities are endless. These sweet siblings have been an muse of mine since they were bumps in their mamas belly. Our session, a timeless afternoon wandering ancient botanical trails spoke to all our hearts. Such moments remind me of the constant fluidity of life, passing time, fleeting motherhood, and a reminder to cherish the perfection of imperfection. Children just don't lie, in fact they are brutally honest, and I have never worked with one who was not a little sad to see me go! As important as the session and artistic creative documentation is to me, the relationship with my littlest clients always comes first. I hope to, one session at a time, show children everywhere that "real honest photography" is fun, and requires only one thing.... BE YOURSELF!

Surreal Vaux Swift Migration

One of the most surreal experiences I encountered after moving to Portland was watching the semi annual migration of the Vaux Swifts at Chapman School. Year after year more birds come and more spectators flood to the hillside and lawns to watch these birds circle in a living tornado into the retired Chapman chimney, all before the darkness sets in.

This past friday surrounded by a community of friends we sat perched upon the Chapman hill, picnics spread wide, watching kids of all ages slide down the dry slope atop cardboard, all the while waiting for the grand finale of the Vaux Swifts. Most nights larger birds of prey join in the game. Camera in hand I locked the shutter catching a hawk prey.

It's still as amazing as the first time I witnessed them. Their movement and flight patterns as the dive 20,000, 30,000, 40,000 thick at times makes one feel part of some haunting movie. These photographs showcase the whir and sheer volume like poignantly choreographed performance.

Three Months Later, Baby Marlowe

Any parent will attest to the speed at which babies grow. The days often run together on limited interrupted sleep, bouncing, burping, feeding, and caring for their constantly changing needs. Until the days run into months and the months into a year or even five. This is why it is more important then ever to take the time when our children are young and cherish the moments, captured through professional portraiture it is possible to relive those moments later on for years to come. At just a few months old Marlowe has begun to giggle, smiles abound, as her personality blossoms. It seems that even before one can speak words, so much can be told through body language and expressions. Thanks for cherishing these little changes and for the opportunity to capture "her".