Anna Hoye's Photography Blog

Swimming In Winter's Reflection

2011-01-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Some moments I'm so compelled to capture something that it's not even an option, it's a need. I was somewhere in the middle of nowhere driving through Washington on a chilly white winter evening, when I was caught by the perfect beauty of the hoar frost coating the tumbleweeds, fence line, and trickling off into the horizon. There was such a perfect balance of soft evening light casting gently off the quiet frost of the sleeping earth and highlighting the intricate detail of the crystals of frost. I found myself oblivious to the temperature, wind, and passing semis. I was awestruck by nature. This fleeting five minutes of remaining light bubbled up urgency and excitement. Listening to my inner artist clearly, twisting frozen fingers around my camera tweaking exposures and depth of filed to highlight and capture this fleeing moment of stunning beauty, unappreciated and unnoticed by a soul, yet so precious to me it took my breath away. As suddenly as it had appeared it was gone, and with glee in my heart I crawled back into the heat of the car to review the gems. Nature is the grandest artist of all, limitless and capable of covering an entire country delicately, to such precision one could never reproduce.

Winter is a time to reflect, muse over our triumphs and short comings, goals, dreams, and redefine ourselves gently cultivating the desire and clarity so we can birth ourselves once again in the Spring. Honor your quiet, rebuild, redefine, and muse.

Available in Print, On Bamboo, & On Metal (Prices from $30)

Vivian, sweet little baby cake!

2010-08-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to my home state of Montana I got to work with several fun and exciting subjects! Vivian just a few months old took her first trip up the Going to The Sun Highway in Glacier National Park with her Mom. These are some of my favorites!

M's First Year & Already Her Own Person!

2010-06-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

The speed at which babies grow... unimaginable, if only we had foresight to truly appreciate the fleeting moments, their little soft hands trusting in yours, afternoon giggles, and warm cuddles. Looking back on this quick year, meeting M for the first time, seeing her first smiles, discovering and watching, the excited glee of sitting up and being a part of such rich interaction, the adventures and power of mobility and crawling, to this little doll just cruising down the road towards me, confident and already so unique!

Five photo sessions documenting the love and bond of a new family, and the blooming innocence of this amazing little M! These photos are from her One Year Session and I'll be posting a collection of favorites from her first year soon. It's a new package that has been in the making, being announced with the collection of her first year favorites!

Iris Models The Zippity Line

2010-04-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, like I am constantly saying, you can't let a little sprinkling of rain halt life! So, underneath a bright umbrella we discovered the joy of dancing in the rain, smelling the flowers, and the wonder of being two. Iris is modeling the new fabulous "Anthropology-esque" local line of clips by Zippity Bird! Is it life imitates art, or art imitates life? Juxtaposing black feathers with soft white linen, and gingham with the first blades of spring grass, these images are more of my OH MY favorites!

Shiny thick mud, stormy cumulus, vast jutting tulips.

2010-04-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Shiny thick mud, stormy cumulus, vast jutting tulips cutting through the landscape, powerful in number. It's so empowering to see such an immense display of spring pushing simultaneously up through the cold dirt to welcome the radiant sunshine. Spring offers renewal, a time to redefine in dramatic ways, life. Energy vibrating, we as humans bloom and push up new ideas redefining our lives. It's powerful beyond words to document your spring life, setting a tone for the fruits of the summer, fall, and winter. Commit to a session to honor your life, the tulips are calling your name!

Book (sessions through Sunday the 25th) a Tulip Festival Session through April 25th and get a FREE 5x5 Print Mounted On Bamboo to honor Your LIFE!

Anna Hoye Fascinating Photography .... Artistic Sessions from $125

Zippity Bird Blossoms

2010-04-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, these clips rank as Portland's most dazzling hand made, one of a kind, hip clips! They seem right at home perched on the blossoming branches, metaphorically blossoming, from inside the mind of their gracious creator for adorning the whimsical half pint society! These clips will soon be available to adorn your precious wee ones. They are unforgettable, keep your eyes peeled for Zippity Bird clips, coming soon to a boutique near you!

It's a perfect balance for the lively photo sessions I adore with my own half pint society! With a wide array of experience, I can be found working with far reaching subject matter! Half the fun is wondering, what it'll be next!

For The Love of Cloudy

2010-03-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

I find there are so many benefits to a cloudy day for photography. First off the light is smooth and soft, no squinting or sunglasses required. The often bustling city turns quiet and vacant, as if the city belongs solely to those out and about! Donning layers we explored and played along the waterfront, with glee and freedom. Just the day before this shoot I was on the same location, albeit sunny, and it was a wall of people, bikes, and dogs. A day of bright light, squinting, and a densely populated waterfront.

One mysteriously delightful image I created is thanks to all those little possibilities lining up. Her expression, the negative space, the angles, lines, overcast sky, creating a timeless feel. This image is an all time favorite of mine, business card material!

I have had the pleasure to photograph this family since their first year. It's wonderful to have a connection with everyone, and the richness that it brings into the images. There is a relaxed familiarity that brings honest, candid, and engaged moments to light. I could hardly believe their son who is a mere year old, running, crawling, and going, going, going with such curiosity. It reminded me of the first session I did for them, when their daughter was about the same age. How quickly time passes, and keeping traditions alive, like annual photo sessions, helps us process the time, enlivens our memories, and enriches our lives. We are our stories and our memories, thus our future is born.

It's here, the fleeting and magical BLOSSOMS!!!

2010-03-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

My favorite time of year, is blossom season here in Portland. It's a fast paced magical time where one day the blossoms are there and the next there gone! Good thing I pay attention to all those little locations around Portland that are popping and taking mental notes so I am poised and ready for your session.

Marlowe's first experience in the blossoms at just 9 months was delightful. The best part was how totally low key it was.. Easy peasy, fun, and almost austere in beauty. I hear all year round about folks wanting to take advantage and book a session for the blossoms and for most of them the miss the window.

The window is now, so DO set up your session now, and don't fret about the weather.. I've only been rained out once!! You can always start with a half hour session, and if it's just going wonderfully opt to make it an hour. Make it a spring goal to get out with the kids and get images that will pop off your walls on the new Bamboo plywerk!! It's local, it's beautiful, and it's totally sustainable!!!

Talk to you soon!!! Anna Hoye Photographer 503 880 3720

Thaw Art Show & Opening at Albina Press

2010-03-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

It's a match made in heaven, Bamboo Plywerk and Anna's Fascinating Photography. It's the Thaw show and along with 12 other artists of many different persuasions with one thing in common, Plywerk, are exhibiting work the month of March at Albina Press on Hawthorne. What an ultimate way to enjoy contemplating art, then over a steamy cup of Jo. So, come on by, be inspired and find an inspirational piece of art to bring new spring life into your home or office.

I am over the moon excited with the 20x30 exhibition quality silver rag prints (printed locally at Pushdot)I have chose for the show. It's been said that they evoke goosebumps and excitement. Personally, I still can't stop looking at them!

We'll be celebrating the Opening this Thursday the 4th of Mach from 6-9 with drinks and bites. Come on over and indulge yourself in fine art, mingle with the artists, and toss back a beer. When it's all over, you can swing up to one of my favorite little Portland secrets, The Saphire Hotel for drinks and late night eats..

I hope to see you there!

With a Zest for Life and Love of all things Fascinating,

Anna Hoye Photographer

Albina Press
5012 SE Hawthorne
March 4th 2010 6-9pm

Max

2010-02-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

What a treat to be in the company of a gleeful little six month old, so excited about their own bodies and thoughts. It's also a reminder that little ones keep us on their schedules, so how do we schedule around them. When Max arrived he was feeling just a little blue and obviously needed some down time. That's just part of a session with me, the flexibility and understanding that while our children are wonderful, getting these glimmering images of them, requires a sensitivity to what they need. So, we turned the lights down and little Max settled into his mommy's arms and a warm bottle of M.I.L.K Creating the perfect setting to get those cuddly close warm moments where they tuck into loving arms and drift off so trusting. Viola, after his quick cat nap he was game for plenty of play. This attitude towards sessions, relaxed, low key, low stress brings out the best in our children and us. If you watch your children, they will mimic the energy levels of those around them. So, when someone is yelling something about smiling and looking and threats and treats... it's a recipe for disaster. Sessions like Max's help us all remember why we are doing this in the first place. To document those moments our children melt our hearts, requires a general sense of peace and trusting that everything is exactly as it is supposed to be.. even when discord rules the moment. Thanks Max for helping us all remember to milk the most out of every moment!

Three Wee Munchkins

2010-01-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

These three siblings just adore each other, so much that they were even bribed with holding their baby brother!! That's sweet that doesn't make your tummy ache. Working with these three kiddos is always miles of fun! Loads of energy and charisma they dazzle my eye. These three are some of my favorite to photograph for their engaging and whimsical nature, but also because their parents truly see the depth each photo has and why it was chosen. The idea that photography can bring out our complex personalities as insight into ourselves. We so often just don't see ourselves or our kids, because we are simply so too close and involved to really see. It's a reassuring experience as an artist to work with clients who see so closely to what you do, it's a perfect match. Often times clients creative eyes have a different view on which images are the cream of the crop. It's a creative and very personal experience, choosing the photos that speak to you. It was such a fun session, and we finished off with nostalgic Christmas moment, not complete with out matching moose pj's. Quintessential!

Awe Marlowe

2010-01-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Sweet smiles, that swell up in your chest.. Every time I work with Marlowe I feel such a joy of life. It's surreal the change that babies make in their first year. Having photographed M at four days, three months, and six months has driven home the miracle and wonder of babies. Ever evolving and engaging in deeper ways, from innocence of birth, to laughter and meaningful engaging. Having these photos reminds us of all these fleeting stages. Thanks for sharing Marlowe so often. I can hardly wait to put together her first year of life in an artistic documentary series.

Red Dress On!

2010-01-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

I love the whimsy of age four, innocence and confidence. Ruby, shined like the north star in her sparkly red dress, adorned with crown and magical wand! It was a joyful thing capturing her off in wonderland dancing away. Children have this incredible power to pull us right into the moment, candidly. It's powerful to witness three generations working and living in close community. It does take a village to raise a child, and this family really embraces that. The beauty in support, friendship, and respect was truly evident throughout our photo session. Becoming present and focused on each other is the greatest way to really get candid engaged photographs. Thanks to this extended family for being open and sharing their beautiful dynamic with me!

Tiny Tea For Two

2010-01-13T16:47:00.000-08:00

Donning felted cupcakes, a tea set, and don't forget teddy, this photo session was made for little Iris. A girl so girl she even runs with her pinkies out! It was almost as if 'she' had brought her whole family along with her, hmmm three year old model! I have photographed Iris since she was born, three years ago. It's a precious bond that develops when over time I get to document this birth of little people's personality and their own unique style and gamut of expressions. Iris has as many different pensive expressions as there are names for snow, but today she left many of them behind, turning over a more confidently happy set of expressions. Thanks Shelby for bringing in the creativity and a willing dance party. Hey, when it comes to being candid in the studio, I'm thinking family dance party!!!

A Lesson Children Teach Best

2009-12-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

It's fun to see the sparkle of the holidays through the bright eyes of children. In the cozy comfort of the studio tucked away from the elements I have been having lots of fun. These sweet kiddos just had such a ball playing and glamming for the camera, they were on the floor laughing over an hour later, in no hurry to go anywhere. It warmed my heart to see them act with such love toward each other. Kids are excellent role models for how to simply "be" in front of the camera, candidly. Thank You Hawkins Family!

S T O R M

2009-11-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

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".

Capturing More Then Just A Smile

2009-08-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

So much can be said with a photograph, and so much of that in portraiture comes from expression. As an artistic photographer I analyze the details to uncover expressions beyond smiles. These expressions tell us magnitudes about a person's attitude, outlook, confidence, tenderness, strength, past, present, dreams. So, it's beyond a 'perfect' smile that I find images that intrigue me and that speak honestly of my subjects.

I enjoyed this session to the point my cheeks hurt, and as we progressed through the session I could see more clearly these honest, genuine, and unique aspects. We have so many layers and one is always just hinting of another. Some of my favorite images from our session were during the laughter and honesty, it's always more the just asking for a smile... (which I rarely do). In the process of being with clients we find comfort and dialogue together that allows those 'obligatory smiles' to take the back seat.

It's an extremely opening experience to 'just' have your portrait done for the sake of connecting with YOU. It's a must for each of us to discover yourself, with confidence, beautifully, honestly, and openly. It's putting your best foot forward, don't we all deserve to feel good about ourselves?

Elk In The Sunset Beach Dunes

2009-08-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

I had the luxury of spending some time with friends and enjoying Sunset Beach and the Dunes recently. I was taken back to see these Elk wandering past us, in no hurry grazing, the little ones stumbling through the tall thick ocean grasses. In passing we gazed at each other slowly with inquisition.

End of Summer Sale***Two Days Only

2009-08-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it's here, the end of summer, and I am offering for two days only the biggest photo session sale in years! $99 Location Photo Sessions, Saturday and Sunday August 15th & 16th! Let your child's whimsy rule, we'll meet out for an hour at one of Portland's amazing locations, play, explore, and I'll capture your kids as they are naturally, beautifully, and individual. Perhaps barefoot in a park, in the sand, wandering through flowers, along a quiet pond, in the swaying grass. Have you captured your child's summer whimsy?

Call me at 503.880.3720 to reserve your session today. A limited number of sessions are available from sunrise to sunset in the Portland Metro Area and a bit beyond.

My favorite quote from a five year old after the end of our session... "You're leaving already???? When are we going to take photos? This little boy was used to sitting through photo sessions and being coerced to smile... child torture!!! He was wildly amazed when his photo session became running and playing at one of my favorite natural parks!

Light, Shadows, Art, Music, & Community

2009-07-14T22:49:00.000-07:00

I love AWOL, Portland's Dance Collective, and enjoyed their opening warehouse show last month. They always amaze me with their motivation and execution, and here on their opening night of their new space, it was no less. They invited local area artists to participate, AWOL is all about artists, living your dream, being creative, and being a part of the community! Myself along with other artists in ceramics, painting, sculpting, two bands, and of course AWOL dance was there. Wine and beer was aplenty and the seats were at capacity, and the rest of the space loaded with an art centered community. It was a night you just don't feel like going home or going to bed, and it seemed everyone was inspired and enjoying the riches of living with art. I took along my camera and my artistic documentary eye. I was especially intrigued by the shadows of the dancers.

Little Fascinations

2009-07-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

Everywhere, everyday, little details, small fascinations. Juxtaposed

Mt.Hood

2009-07-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do as a Oregonian is to investigate the little lost areas of Oregon like, Lost Lake. As a birthday request we camped on Lost Lake and enjoyed some endless sun on a quiet lake reflecting the icy glaciers of the North peak of Hood. It's almost unreal that in just two hours we can be here, in a quiet, remote land, where the standing trees here were mostly born in the 1,600's! I actually counted an old growth tree that was cut down to be 450 years old! As people here on the North American Continent, we are young and new. The contrast to what was and what is, is well, inspiring. This is such a remarkable place to spend time thinking about time. We did some kayaking and spent time with the great Mt. Hood waterbound.

Pelicans

2009-06-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

While spending some time at the coast we spent the afternoon at one of our favorite beaches, Hug Point. One the way our daughter told us she was going to see lots of pelicans. While that is all together possible, it is just not so probable. However we arrived and after a few minutes on the beach we were stunned to see a giant flock of fishing pelicans. They were just mesmerizing and with the sunlight shining right through the water it looked like we might be in Thailand. I thought a panoramic was the only way to really show off the surf and those pelicans. You never know what you will experience on the Oregon Coast.

Camera Obscura

2009-06-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

About a year and a half ago I was sitting up late thinking of designs for a camera obscura, that could be easily accessed by adults and kids alike, something waterproof for outdoors, and that will withstand the Oregon weather! A tall list, so during one of my late night creative insights I thought how the perfect camera obscura would be a revolving darkroom door. Only thing is they are often about $2000 before shipping!!! I found one on the east coast on ebay for a few hundred in poor shape, then on a whim I check the Portland Craigslist only to find one that had been posted ten minutes earlier at 11:55pm just outside of town for a song!!! This is how affirming creativity can be. I spent the process of a rainy winter cleaning, priming, painting, creative wool baffles, securing the camera to it's base and so creating a magnetic aperture set that the kids can interchange for different light and effects. The camera obscura is installed in the lower playground of Multnomah Playschool, where my daughter attended playschool for the past two years. It has been life inspiring to see kids and adults alike take in the amazement of the living world question what we see and how light works. It's unreal to see the world upside down and backwards moving, and all projected through a hole the side of a paper punch. The image wraps around the entire inside of the camera from floor to ceiling! Here are a few images of the camera, and a few photos corrected for orientation that were taken of the image reflected onto the camera wall.

Car Pe Diem!!!

2009-06-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

You just never know what the day holds until it comes. I am always amazed at life and the intricate connections it is always offering. Just last November I met a woman from my home town, who I'd never met, yet we shared so many connections. Over the past six months she has proven to be a client, teacher, friend, and most of all a contagious inspiration! It's like we've needed to know each other and with each day I am so grateful for her presence. Through her dance collective team AWOL's Grande Opening Performance, coupled with their passion for the arts and networking, I am going to be showing some of my images along with other artists, Saturday night, 8pm, at NE 10th & Flanders for the grand opening of AWOL's new space. Emily is a little of everything and an amazing artist she is. She will be presenting with the AWOL Collective Team an aerial dance performance you'd be better for seeing. The whole experience is only $5, so get out this Saturday, support the arts, have a ball, a beer, and experience art at the ground level, Portland Style!

Climbing at Smith Rock

2009-06-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Summertime in spring, sunscreen, blue sky, and open rock at Smith Rock. Delightful! The vista from the belay point is a stunning wrap of rock hitting the high desert and a wandering creek where birds spend the days riding the currents. We had a solid group of climbers and made our way up and down the face and cracks all day. Off the wall I enjoyed playing with light and shadow. These are a few of my favorites!

Milestones... Two Wheels & A Leap Of Faith

2009-06-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our daughter just turned 5 and for her birthday had been asking for a big girl bike with no trainers for months. After an outing for birthday breakfast we bike to the park when she eyes a bike all curled in ribbons. From wonder, curiosity, and desire to discovery, excitement, and a leap of faith, she saddles the bike and surprises herself! What a perfect moment to watch unfurl.

Alex, Jake, & Sam Under A Shady Canopy

2009-05-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

How wonderful it is to get the opportunity to photograph children over their first years of life as they grow, change, and come into their personalities. These two kiddos are so sweet and not shy of the camera one bit. We had such a fun time together walking and exploring under the shady canopy on this sunny spring afternoon. Thanks! Enjoy a few of my favorites until your full gallery is up.

Marlowe's Debut

2009-05-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Little Marlowe cooperated perfectly at just three days old! We had lovely evening light and warm weather to take her outdoors. Marlowe was 9lbs 7oz and just fit into the little "peanut" shell her mom knitted with anticipation for her photo session. Newborns usually sleep right through photo sessions at 3 days, but Marlowe opened up her eyes and gazed right into the lens. Who says newborns can't focus, it seemed she was looking right into my soul. What a little gem! My gratitude runs deep for these first time parents who were so supportive in being creative with Marlowe's Debut Photo Session. Thank You!!!

Enjoy!

Jack & Sofia

2009-05-21T23:43:00.000-07:00

These are two truly sweet siblings. I have know them since they were born, and am over the moon touched by our photography adventure. Jack and Sofia really opened up and shared some sweet, loving, and sad moments. The funniest moment was when my reflector blew over into the spring, and little 2 year old Sofia started to cry because she was worried about it! A photo session for Mothers Day, a perfect gift.