I met Elisabeth while she was a student in a photography class I team taught through Kilns College and I was honored to be asked to photograph her wedding this late Fall.

I met Dave during our fun Esession where I sat on his lap.  Yes.   I’m fairly sure that he was a bit shocked, but here’s the thing…

You need to be close with your wedding photographer.  Okay, maybe not sit on the lap close but it’s important to be able to laugh, have fun and trust.  Sitting on Dave’s lap was a way to open him up a bit, have some fun and get him to not worry about the camera as much…

Elisabeth and Dave were married at the beautiful Aspen Lakes Golf Course just outside of Sisters, Oregon.  The weather was cold but we made the best of it and enjoyed some great portrait time outside.

A brief tangent…

In order for us to deliver our style to our clients, we need three things:

First, time with the bride and groom, usually about an hour total, just them and us.

Two, for them to be themselves and be caught up in each other–not whether or not the best man is drunk or the cake got a taste test by little Billy who has the raging flu.  Things like that are circumstantial and a part of life–don’t let circumstances ruin your day!

Three, the bride needs to be less concerned about her dress.  Now, I know dresses are potentially expensive and you only wear them once (hopefully) but without some flexibility in the area of where the dress can go and what it can do, our hands are tied, especially while shooting in Central Oregon.

Tangent over…

Elisabeth and Dave were epic, full of trust and an absolute joy to photograph.  We’re so thankful to have been a part of their wedding.

A few of our favorite things…

Taken by our second shooter Tiffany (Red Owl Photography) who is an awesome up and coming shooter. I can't tell you what a blessing she's been to our business during Lauren's needed time off with the baby and more importantly to our family.

A few posts back I mentioned something about having a plan for epic images…

Sometimes it takes a 4-wheel drive and some spilled coffee to get to the place you envision shooting only to find out that your tires really aren’t large enough and you might be better suited with an 8-wheel drive.  Planning for weather in Central Oregon is like…well, like nothing else.

Jeff and Katie had a 4-wheel drive too, luckily we all made it out of location one and made location two and three no problem.

In regard to planning for a photo shoot, I feel it’s critical.  Equally critical is the ability to flex (not muscles, that would be weird) and be able to think spontaneously.  Please enjoy some spontaneous ideas…

Yes, our Bride and Groom's can Kung-Fu like nobody else...

It’s not often I get too excited about clothes, especially women’s clothes.

A month or so ago I was walking past a cute little boutique store called Kariella.  Outside I saw a jacket that I “had” to have for Lauren.  After walking through the store and talking with the Owner recently we decided to team up on some shoots for her rad on-line storefront.

We’re starting with some simple studio images then this Spring will collaborate on an amazing shoot for her Style Book.  Super stoked…  It doesn’t matter where you live, check out Kariella on-line and get some sweet duds.

If you are in the Bend area you can find the store located across from Strictly Organic coffee on Arizona, right next to Singing Sparrow Flowers.  Here’s a few images from our simple studio set-up, hair and make-up by the amazing Ty White–you’ll hear more about her soon I’m sure..

Although Riley and Elena have been married for months, it occurred to me we hadn’t yet posted any images of their Esesh.  We had a blast hanging out with them at the Deschutes County Fair and did a little “Fusion” shoot.  Fusion is taking stills and video and “fusing” it together for a final product.

I went into the shoot with big plans for epic imagery, however, the un-thinkable happened–a fair without a Ferris Wheel?  What?  “No problem,” I thought, “we’ll just get some cute images of them trying on hats, etc…”  Not allowed.    Despite the set backs we all had a great time while scarfing copious amounts of cotton candy.

We adore Jason, Katie and their family.  While hanging out in Sunriver recently the two thought it would be an ideal time for a quick family portrait.

We were blessed to meet Julie, who works at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, a couple of years ago while volunteering our services there.  It just so happened that while photographing a wedding this past year, Julie showed up with the bride’s Brother on her arm.

Everyone was quick to point out that we might want to get a picture of the two of them, “just in case.”

Well, just in case happened and Erik and Julie had a beautiful ranch style wedding in Tumalo early this Fall.

Our friends Elliot have put out a new five song EP, “Blue + Black.”  You can order the new album here.

We shot the album art a couple of months ago in the studio and I really dig the clean, simple approach on the inside.  Rock on.

Kristen and Cameron have a beautiful family and a huge heart.

After a lengthy roller coaster process, they have recently adopted a son from the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo.)

Bon is amazing.  He’s beautiful, curious and loves to see pictures of himself on the iPhone.  It reminds me of being in Africa and the smiles I would get when I’d show the children pictures of themselves on my cameras LCD.

I’m so thankful there are those in this world who desire to care for the “least of these.”   Many blessings to you Reynolds family, in this new season.

Mom brought props, awesome!

It took Bon a bit to warm up to the idea of being photographed...

Like any child, a favorite toy goes a long way.

I love shooting for creative clients and designers.  Brand Navigation had us shoot some images of Scout, the bendbroadband mascot for their Fwinter and Wautumn campaigns…Yes, Fwinter.  The only major challenge (other than the occasional drool dropping) was that Scout seemed to enjoy the taste of fake snow, which of course isn’t healthy at all.  Scout, you’re a beautiful life… And bendbroadband?  They keep us connected.

Set in the stunning Columbia River Gorge, the CG Hotel was the perfect place for Jordan and Maria to gather their family and friends for one of the most beautiful weddings we’ve seen yet.

After seeing Maria’s attention to detail for her own wedding, I’m sure she could be as busy as she’d like helping other brides bring their vision to fruition.  Jordan?  He’s just cool.

Jordan and Maria are headed over this weekend for a little post-wedding session, which I highly recommend.  We’re looking forward to seeing them and their trunk-full of props…

Here are a few of our favorite things…

We packed up the SUV and turned a 5 hour drive to Boise into 9 glorious hours with the kiddos, complete with copious potty stops and cry sessions.  Eric, a family friend, was kind enough to invite our whole family, including Mema and Papa–who saved our lives by watching the kiddos during the wedding.

I can’t say enough about Eric and Melissa, they simply were made for each other and waited their lives for the moment they walked down the isle.  Eric had a huge tear coming down his cheek when he saw Melissa for the first time, I couldn’t help but get choked up.

The surprise moment of the night?  During the cake cutting, seemingly reserved Melissa politely took her piece of cake then proceeded to smash it all over Eric’s face, then reached in, grabbed a huge hunk of cake and shoved it her mouth.  Stunning and priceless.

A few of our favorite things…