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".