We had a beautiful time with Shelby and Mike who drove over from Portland to hang out with us for a couple of hours for their Esession. We appreciated so much their willingness to trust us, and above all, their beautiful hearts.
Here are a few of our favorite moments…

A little fusion love…

This coming Thursday the 12th and Friday the 13th (eek), we’d love to share a few minutes with you in our new studio space located in downtown Bend.

Here are the details:

*10 minute mini-session

*$25 (check/exact cash) $30 (card) gives you ten minutes of studio time with me and one digital file. You’ll also have an opportuity to purchase prints from an on-line gallery that will be posted within two weeks.

*Thursday hours: 10am-noon

*Friday hours: 9am-11am, 1pm-3pm

*Come as you are, or all dolled up

*You MUST contact us to book a time slot.

*Booking deadline is Thursday morning at 10am

*For more information and to book your session, please contact tiffany@benjaminedwardsphotography.com

I’m very excited to see you friends, blessings.

–Benjamin

In his recent eloquent blog post, filmmaker and photographer Ron Dawson talks about the importance of spreading light, rather than darkness.

Ron then presents a challenge:

“Pick 1-3 colleagues you admire and write a short blog post or Facebook post about who they are and why you think they raise the bar in the industry”

“Then share your post (or video) on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Use the hashtag #ShineLight to make it easy for others to find positive articles, discover new artists, and be inspired.”

“If you don’t have a blog or the time to write a longer post, just use Twitter as your positivity platform, e.g. I want to #ShineLight on @skipcohen for being a curator & connector of photographic excellence.” or “I want to #ShineLight on @eliotrausch for his moving documentary shorts that inspire me as a filmmaker.” or “I want to #ShineLight on @shawnreeder because his whole being exudes love.”

“Then repeat as often as you see fit.”

I was honored to be included in Ron’s own list of three people in the industry, who happen to be of the Christian faith, he respected for starting a movement and being a positive representation of the faith.

While I don’t feel worthy to be included in Ron’s list, I’m thankful for the opportunity to respond to Ron’s challenge and list my own three people in our industry that inspire me and who I feel are spreading light wherever they go, and beyond.

It’s to be noted that this list could go well beyond three for me, however at this point, these three individuals stick out in my mind.

Without further ado, my list…

#1 Esther Havens…

I’ve never had the opportunity to meet Esther, nor her signature smile, but her work has had an impact on me for the last few years. Just as inspiring as Esther’s ability to document the joy, need and hope in the world is her willingness to “go” and use her gifts to change the world. How is it possible for a photographer to change the world? I’ve suffered this question many times while traveling, “how can I make a difference for these people?”. Ultimately, a cause can’t be taken up if no one knows about it. By documenting the work of organizations who dedicate their time and resources to making a difference at ground level, Esther spreads awareness through emotive, heartfelt (and tasteful) imagery that has no doubt stirred the hearts of many to get involved, somehow. Logging more air-miles in a year than most do in a lifetime, Esther stands out in my mind as someone who has found her gift and has lovingly shared it with the world. Follow Esther’s journey and be inspired.

#2 Kevin Kubota…

Anyone who knows me knows that I wouldn’t be a photographer without having met Kevin.  Many know Kevin as the “actions, presets and workflow guy.” While Kevin is certainly talented while sitting in front of his Mac, he makes my list simply because of his heart. I’ve been blessed to get to know Kevin over the last ten years and can call him one of my very best friends. The way that he lives out his life and runs his business sets a benchmark for us all. Kevin has shined his light all over the world and inspired so many in a myriad of ways. Follow Kevin and be inspired.

#3 Ron Dawson

Ron doesn’t make my list because I made his, this guy’s legit. Ron and his wife, Tasra, founded Teen Identity, an organization dedicated to helping teen girls feel beautiful, powerful and confident. Beyond Teen Identity, Ron and Tasra live their lives to improve this world using what they have, not what they wish they had. Ron continually inspires those around him to think, act and all the while leads by example. Truly, Ron is a light in our industry and beyond. Follow Ron, be inspired.

Teen Identity Portrait Experience from Ron Dawson on Vimeo.

I’m very excited to announce my first book, “Nikon Creative Lighting System, Digital Field Guide, Third Edition,” published by Wiley, is available for purchase.

The book can be ordered through Amazon both in paperback and in a Kindle edition.

Book description:

Detailed coverage of the three high-end speedlights built exclusively for new Nikon SLRs

Nikon speedlights put creative control of flash at the photographer’s command, and with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, flash control is practically intuitive and possibilities are seemingly endless. However, setting up, synchronizing the equipment, and determining lighting ratios can be a daunting task. This new edition of a bestseller puts your mind at ease in a flash.

Award-winning photographer Benjamin Edwards begins with the basics and demystifies the complexities of using multiple speedlights, adjusting flash outputs, and setting up a wireless studio in an understandable, approachable way.

• Teaches you how to fill in shadows, reveal detail, and add a sense of motion or visual effects to your images, all with automatic ease and total wireless control
• Includes coverage of other Creative Lighting System components such as Nikon’s wireless commander and macro speedlights
• Explores the basic functions of the SB-910, continues with the SB-700 and the similar, but less expensive, SB-600
• Boasts unique, detailed advice on lighting specific subjects: weddings, pets, product shots, corporate locations, portraits, large groups, sports, and much more

While the Nikon Creative Lighting System speedlights are like having a low cost, wireless, studio lighting system that’s portable enough to fit in a camera bag, this invaluable guide does fit in your camera bag and goes where you go to help you take control of this amazing lighting system.

I’m completely honored to have had this privilege and thank Wiley for the opportunity.

Nikon shooters, get yourself a copy and feel free to leave a review on the Amazon page!

All of the people who have helped her throughout her diagnosis and treatment of Cancer…

A few weeks ago we drove North to Sisters Oregon to hang with Valori and her family.

As the snow fell heavily outside, we spent some time capturing what life is like inside the house.

What a beautiful family.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Amanda for a few years now and I’ve always respected her love of Africa and travel.  Amanda is a gifted photographer herself, and one of those people that you just know is a rarity. Andrew realized that and decided to ask her to marry him. She said Yes.

How many photographers did it take to make this wedding happen? Let’s count…

Last year I received one of the kindest emails that has ever graced my inbox. Kari, a student at Mt. Hood Community College and wonderful photographer (photog#1), needed to do an internship to receive credit for her degree program. I was honored that Kari wanted to do her internship with our business, which in turn meant that she’d be driving over from Portland nearly every week to fulfill her credits. Kari was such a blessing for us to have around, especially because Tiffany (my right hand of awesomeness) was in New Zealand for several weeks (not even remotely fair.)

In Tiffany’s absence, I needed a talented second shooter for Kari’s epic wedding. I happen to have a few past wedding clients who’ve turned into wedding photographers (weird and cool), and in this case Maria Lamb (photog#2) was a perfect fit. For better or worse,  when a spouse starts a small business the other spouse can naturally get sucked in as well. In Maria’s case, her husband Jordan (photog#3) enjoys the occasional second shooting position and was a perfect assistant for the day.

Zach and Kari’s wedding was held at the amazing Oregon Garden in Silverton, Oregon. Because this was a wedding we needed to travel to, and because of another shoot that required my family to be present the following day, I needed someone to watch my oldest boy while I photographed the wedding. Alycia White (photog#4) has an amazing eye and an equally amazing heart. She agreed to hang with my kiddo until Lauren could arrive the next day with Poet.

While for me, the counting stops at 4 photographers, I have no doubt there were other photo enthusiasts enjoying the visual candy Zach and Kari worked so hard to produce for their family and friends.

I have felt honored to be a part of Zach and Kari’s life from day one, I continue to be honored to know them.

Kari’s pre-wedding bridal session…

And their beautiful wedding…

We were approached by Oregon Bride Magazine to have a wedding of ours featured on their popular wedding blog. (Brides, Oregon Bride is a great resource for you in 2012, visit them on-line or get their magazine in print at your favorite book store.)

While we’ve never thought of being a “secret weapon” for a bride on her wedding day, we feel blessed and humbly thank them.

Insert Karate kick here…

In the months and days leading up to Drea and Michael’s wedding, we knew we would witness a very special day. Drea, an interior designer, had a plan from the beginning as to what she wanted her wedding to look like and now it’s clear; Drea’s income could be based on designing weddings alone. From the moment of our arrival at the House On the Metolius our eyes were met with a visual feast of detail and warm hearts (like Orlando’s!).

Having been a bit tired from a long summer of shooting weddings and commercial work, I felt like a little boy at the fair; visually overloaded (a good thing) and excited to see what was around the next corner. Design and detail are but a shell if not filled with passion, and Drea’s passion for life and her man were very apparent.

To our dear friends Drea and Michael, God bless you in your new season of life. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of “you.”

Assisted by: Tiffany Lausen, Kari Rae Lewis

Venue: House On The Metolius

Rentals: O’Brien Events

DJ: Flip Flop Sounds

Floral: Florabunda, Portland, Oregon