Have you ever felt a bit, old?  I’m really not, at least I choose to look at it that way (I’m not even 35 ; )

One of our very first “paid” jobs was photographing Kevin’s senior portraits.  Kevin’s all grown up now and, ironically, we photographed him and his beautiful fiance Janette at the same location we shot his senior images.

I’ve realized the importance of coming to a shoot with at least one specific shot in mind.  An image that we almost always shoot at an engagement session (and wedding) is a re-creation of Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”

I wanted to put a twist on it for this shoot and have a heavy rope that Janette could be holding while the other end would clearly show Kevin had been “caught.”  In searching through my garage, the only rope I could find was our cowboy lasso, it would have to do.

Upon arriving and greeting Kevin and Janette, I noticed something familiar in their truck, props that they had brought for the shoot–two lassos… I geuss it was meant to be, kinda like them…

Please enjoy a few of our favorite things…

years ago I remember receiving one of the kindest emails that has graced our inbox.  it was beautiful, encouraging and flattering.  that email was from fellow photographer cassie diacogiannis.

cassie told me the night of her engagement session that it was like a dream come true, to be engaged and there with her (incredible) fiance, dean–and to be photgraphed by us.

well, no pressure, right?

cassie and dean.  clearly meant for each other, clearly meant to bless each other throughout their lives together, and clearly meant to bless everyone they come in contact with.

dean with his soothing thoughtful voice and piercing eyes.  cassie, with her electric and contagious smile, laugh and heart.  clearly these two will be used for the good of all.

cassie, dean, you have blessed us.

a few of our favorite things…

About 5 years ago, I took my first transatlantic fight.   I would be using photography to help tell the story of an organization doing outreach in Eastern Europe, specifically Estonia and Latvia.  It was on this trip that I would meet Jeramy Burchett, an amazing musician with an amazing heart.  Jeramy is real, speaks his mind and has a heart for the lost.  Throughout the past 5 years Lauren and I have gotten to know Jeramy and have patiently waited for him to find, “the one.”  We’ve always known that it would take a very, very special woman to walk through life with Jer… Mission accomplished.  Jeramy and I agreed that a) I married up, and b) he was going to marry up too ; )

Jer and Katie have a cool theme planned for their Portland wedding, so we did our best to find an area of Bend that would match their vision.  We had to look no further than the courtyard at Between The Covers, a sweet little bookstore on Delaware and Bond.

If you’re in to books, you have to check out BTC.  First, check out some of our favorite moments with Jer and Katie…

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...

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.

Tony and Brittany are getting married this Saturday and since they just got into town from SoCal, we thought we’d better do an engagement session–it’s (almost) never too late for that.

I spent some time with them in downtown Bend, inspired by the thunderstorm that had recently passed through, we found some old garages, cool alley ways and played a bit in the puddles.  These two are as sweet as they come.

Here are a few of my favorite things…

I love their story.

As I contemplate telling it on my blog I realize two things: First, it would be a very long blog post and Secondly, well, it’s private.  Let’s just say it all ends up with her getting a rad ring on her finger while visiting Smith Rock, the site of our Esession.

Assisted by the awesome Tiffany and Amanda and with a gazillion (that’s a photography term) balloons in tow, we hiked, played and dare I say, even frolicked.

Molly, you are electric.  Your sense of humor is contagious and inspiring.  And, you’re a banker.  Need I say more?

Tim, you have big guns, a sweet smile and we love the way you adore your girl.  Plus, you’re a cop and that’s just cool.

For the photogs:  Shot with Nikon gear, some off camera lighting courtesy of Photoflex and finished in post with Lightroom and some love from Kubota Image Tools.  Images are lovingly being hugged by the sloppy border, “LipSmack,” from BorTex.  I thought LipSmack was fitting.  Rock on…

Jordan and Maria drove over form Portland to spend the weekend in Sunriver, so it was the perfect time to shoot their Esession.  We are very excited for their upcoming wedding and loved the chance to get to know them a bit better.  I super loved the fact that they even brought some props, so rad!

Assisted by the wonderful Amanda and Tiffany, I shot Jordan and Maria in some various “travel” themed areas around Bend.

Maria:  You have a wonderful eye, don’t stop shooting, and never fear being in front of the camera.

Jordan: Your muscles photograph very well.  We loved the way you looked at Maria and your woodcarving skills are second to none.

For the photogs:  Shot with Nikon gear, some off camera lighting courtesy of Photoflex and finished in post with Lightroom and some love from Kubota Image Tools.  Images are lovingly surrounded by the sloppy border, “Gertrude,” from BorTex.  Phew, that’s a mouthful.  Rock on.

For the past few years we've taken images like this of our clients, inspired by the painting "American Gothic." These two rocked it.

Matt & Kristin from Benjamin Edwards on Vimeo.

I adore Summer evenings in Bend, Oregon.  I love that what I get to do for a living enables me to spend time with people like Matt and Kristin.  I love putting all that together and coming up with a blessed engagement session.  Prayers were answered, the sun didn’t disapear as it has so often in the evenings as of late.

We started with a little kiss ‘n cruise action downtown, then off to Jackson’s Corner for a little root beer float, the two then tried their luck at our very own “spontaneity game,” then off to one of my favorite fields near the Deschutes River for some love in the setting sun…

Matt and Kristin, we can’t wait for your wedding, rock on…

For the photogs…  Shot with Nikon, processed in Lightroom 3 using my own presets as well as Kubota Image Tools presets and finished with “Candy” sloppy border from the “BorTex pak.”

She’s the easy going city girl who digs camping and bare feet, he’s the country boy who digs the “metro” in life.  Together they are perfect, fun and as beautiful as they come–inside and out.

So looking forward to their wedding next month!

Photogs: Post in Lightroom with Kubota presets, textures and border applied in Photoshop with BorTex.  Border name: Jack.

Rock on…

We met Heidi and Ben at one of their old hangouts for a little pre-wedding esesh.  Tomorrow, it’s wedding day baby.