For The Love of Cloudy

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!!!

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

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

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

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!