Vivier Wedding

                Walk through a check-out counter at the grocery store and you will see any number of magazine covers sporting a beautiful bride in an elegant dress. I really didn’t even know these bridal magazines existed until my own wedding in 2004. Suddenly my wife was carrying around a small stack of them and asking my opinion about dresses, flowers, and cakes. I never thought I would be worried about the color of my tie matching the bride’s maid’s dresses, but apparently this is very important. While there are many decisions to be made during the wedding planning, choosing a photographer tends to be at the top of the list. My wife and I still talk about the whirlwind that was our wedding day and how grateful we are to have those memories captured and framed. Even today there is a beautiful black and white image of my wife and I caught in a brief embrace hanging in our room. If we didn’t stop to think about it we could simply assume that these types of images have been the standard wedding photography from generation to generation, however, history paints (or shootsJ ) a different picture.

                Wedding images began to be made around the early to mid 1800’s. At this point in history paper photographs didn’t exist. Images were captured on glass plates or copper and tin sheets. These images, like the one below, are called daguerreotype portraits.

Jenny Lind and Otto Goldschmidt 

Click here for picture details.

                Believe it or not the image above is an actual wedding portrait. A shot like this today would have me forking out a refund faster than you can say “doily neck thingy” but this was the standard of the day. Photography gear wasn’t nearly as portable as what we have today and as such, most portraits were taken in the studio rather than on-location on the day of the wedding. They tend to be shot a week or two before the wedding day, show the bride and groom in their nicest clothing offering a fairly somber expression, and typically only one image was made. As time went on and gear became more portable wedding images became more commonplace, the number increased and the style began to change. Around the Second World War we begin to see a larger number of formal wedding shots being captured and placed into wedding albums, and in the 1970’s the shift to “documentary” wedding photography begins.

                Today most photographers will spend an average of 8 to 10 hours capturing a single wedding. From the mani/pedi to the last dance at the reception and everything in between, couples want to make sure every detail of the day is captured. I recently had the opportunity to capture MaryAnne and Eric Vivier’s wedding and it was such an honor to join them for such an amazing event.

                If you can conjure in your mind the stereotypical “bridezilla” MaryAnne is the farthest thing from it. She and Eric were completely laid back and a joy to work with. I had a feeling this would be the case when MaryAnne began our initial consult telling me about their Futurama wedding cake topper. On the wedding day each guest was given a vial of wildflower seeds as a gift and the imagery of these flowers seemed a great analogy of the adventure that awaits Eric and MaryAnne. A seed is planted and as it is fed and nurtured an amazing life springs forth. As it matures and flowers it not only becomes stronger but it lends beauty and life to those around it.

                Congratulations Eric and MaryAnne! Your optimistic and compassionate character is so encouraging and I was blessed by my time with you and your family. Blessings to you on your new adventure and thanks for letting us capture a part of your story.

Images below are some of my favorites from my second shooter Linsey Field.

Mickelberry Family Shoot

Two days ago I had one of the scariest moments yet as a parent. My son and I were out enjoying the February sunshine. I was walking down the sidewalk while Asher rode his bike right next to me. I pulled out my phone to make a quick call to my sister and that is when things took a turn for the worse. Asher, while doing well as a beginning rider, started to pick up speed on our little hill. I didn’t realize he couldn’t stop until he was too far out of my grasp. Forgetting that I was leaving a message on my sister’s voice-mail I began sprinting down the hill after my terrified son. His heartbreaking cries for his dad still ring in my ear and I could do nothing but watch as he hopped the curb and had his first big wipe-out on his bike. Miraculously there were no large injuries, just a little scratch on his knee and forehead. I think both of us were more scared than anything else. I just held him there in the street as his cries faded and soon he looked at me and said “That was freaky dad!” I could do nothing else but laugh and then we were both smiling and giggling.

While this particular situation ended with laughter there are plenty of others that will come ending with questions, frustrations and pains. Sometimes there will be answers and other times all I will be able to do is sit with Asher and reassure him he is loved even though he is feeling a pain he struggles to communicate. I’m only guessing here, but I think Annsimone Mickelberry has walked this road and come away with wisdom to be shared.

I met up with Annsimone, her two children and her sister’s family to do a shoot at the Clackamas Town Center a couple weeks back. The second I met her I was intrigued. As you can see from the following pictures, she has a full sleeve tattoo down her left arm, a ring through her bottom lip and some purple worked into her bangs. Our world easily dismisses people on the basis of appearance. As a result I used to easily dismiss people based on their appearance, but that really said more about me than those I was judging. In recent years I’ve learned that outward appearance is merely the cover of an amazing book wrapped up in each individual.  I love listening to people’s stories and Annsimone wears her story on her sleeve (literally). It turns out that she is writing a children’s book that focuses on walking through the loss of a loved one. The early stages of the writing process are quite intimidating. You have to open yourself up to some heavy criticism each time you submit your work. And each rejection can seem as though they are rejecting you. After sitting and talking with Annsimone and her family I am certain I only got to see a glimpse of what makes her who she is. I do know that she will be able to weather the storm as she continues to submit her work and chase her dream. I know this because as I looked into the eyes of her kids, talked with them, played with them, and photographed them I saw two kids that were truly happy. Happy children are a product of love and security both of which have been given to Harley and Gunner. Godspeed Annsimone as you chase your dream and thank you for giving me a glimpse of the story that is your life! 

Brannen Maternity Shoot

In 1998 a cute little movie was released called “You’ve Got Mail” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Basic premise: Two business owners hate each other but unknowingly fall in love over the internet.   At one point in the movie, as the relationship between the two is growing, Meg Ryan’s character says “I turn on my computer. I wait patiently as it connects. I go online. My breath catches in my chest until I hear 3 little words, "You've got mail." Do you remember the days of dial-up internet and America On-line? Do you remember the anticipation of hearing those three words? You’ve got mail…I used to LOVE hearing that. It meant someone wanted to connect with you. Someone thought you were important enough to e-mail. Now days our in-boxes get loaded with messages for tax help and foreign lottery winnings and the “you’ve got mail” rush isn’t as exciting. But I’ve found a way to resurrect that rush…

I’ve got a separate e-mail account for my photography business and my phone regularly checks for new messages. When there is e-mail waiting for me a little camera shutter sound plays and I know someone is interested in my business. I have to admit…I smile every time I hear that sound :-). About three weeks ago, while I was at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) with Asher and Cami that sweet little shutter sound played as I received an e-mail from a new client named Michele.

It turned out she and her husband Paul were in the Portland area for a week before heading back home to Alaska. Michele was 30 weeks pregnant at the time and was looking to get maternity photos taken. Since they were on such a tight schedule, I rearranged a few things and met them a few days later for the shoot.

Meeting new clients is always a little bit interesting. You see, being photographed just sits differently with people. Some have no problem at all. They’re fairly social, willing to let you into their lives a bit and bring out their personality for the shoot. Others are locked up like Fort Knox. You can crack jokes, act like a fool, try to target their interests, and if all else fails talk about the weather…and you’ll get nothing more than a grunt and a shrug. Michele and Paul were not Fort Knox…not in the least :-)

From the moment I walked into the house I felt at ease. Paul immediately cracked a joke about the photo session not really being “his thing”. He was more than willing to let Michele take the lead on this one because he knew just how important this shoot was to her. In fact, there were a few times he referred to her as “boss”. I got the feeling that this was a loving title Paul tends to use often when addressing his lovely wife:-). Michele had a couple ideas for images she wanted to capture and while we posed and positioned Paul told me about his dentistry work in Alaska. Turns out dentistry in such a remote area isn’t quite like working here in the lower 48. Paul regularly hops on little puddle jumpers and flies from village to village seeing patients and meeting their needs. By far the most amazing statistic he shared was the number of extractions (pulled teeth to you and me) he performed in 2011, are you ready for this…a little over 2000! Paul pulled a little over 2000 teeth last year, are you kidding me! I guess you’ve got to have a sense of humor when you are regularly diving into decade mouths.

Michele and Paul simply have a way of making you feel like family and I’m certain I would have invited them over for dinner…if it weren’t for the fact that they live nearly 3,000 miles away. Paul and Michele, thanks so much for a fun afternoon. Blessings on the new addition to your family and Paul…here’s to hoping that the extraction number drops a little in 2012!

Glaser Family Shoot

      With a hot Duch Bros. latte in my hand I left Oregon City around 9AM and headed out highway 26 toward Mt. Hood. Tucked back in the woods off a tiny road in Rhododendron is a cute little cabin by a stream, the location of the day’s shoot. As I turned off the main road, winding through the maze of trees I could see patches of blue sky, streaks of light through the trees and just the smallest bit of snow on the ground. The setting was perfect for some family shots with a new client. I had met both Brian and Jordyn Glaser previously but this was the first time I would meet their two children Davis and Rory.

     I walked through the door of the cabin, chatted with Jordyn and Brian a bit then directed my attention to their gorgeous children. I try to make the photography process as stress free as possible for kids so I tend to pull out my gear and let them examine it before we start shooting. I held my camera out for Davis, who is 2, to examine and he was immediately enthralled. He checked out the view finder, looked in the lens and twisted a couple dials. I pointed his finger in the direction of the shutter release and let him snap a few shots. While this seemed to be enough at first, eventually he wanted to hold the entire camera himself and his own little photo session commenced. Unfortunately his images didn’t make the final cut, but given his enthusiasm I think we may have a photographer on our hands in the years to come. As Jordyn and Brian finished getting the family ready I asked Jordyn about a comment she had made in a previous e-mail. Apparently both kids had given the family quite a scare at birth and I was curious about the rest of the story.

     Gastroschisis is a rare birth issue that deals with the wall of the abdomen. As a baby is developing in the womb the intestines make their way through a small hole in the abdominal wall and the child is actually born with the intestines outside their body. Most cases are corrected with a small surgery after birth but the whole process means weeks in the ICU while things are being sorted out. Currently the chance of having a baby born with this condition is 1 in 5,000. Davis just happened to be that 1 in 5,000 case. Doctors told Brian and Jordyn that the chance of their second child having the same complication was next to impossible. I can only imagine their shock when Rory came along about 2 years later with the same condition.  Now, four months after Rory’s birth, you would never guess any of it took place. Both children were all smiles (well most of the time anywayJ ) and giggles during the shoot. Davis especially likes it when you make farting sounds with your mouth…but then again, what two year old boy doesn’t. My time with the Glasers was a joy and you could tell as Brian and Jordyn held their children that they were holding something amazing in their hands.

     This life brings challenges to us all; some require a bit more energy than others. As Jordyn and I talked I was amazed at the level of peace reflected in her voice as she recounted the events of such trying times. My guess is one can only live day to day in moments such as these. We wonder what went wrong, how or if we could have changed things and pray that the outcome will be positive. I’m certain Brian and Jordyn would never want to walk through that journey again, but I also know they have come out on the other side with two amazing gifts. Their children are phenomenal and while it sometimes seems cliché to say that children are little miracles, in their case, it couldn’t be truer.

Newborn Shoot

     As fall settles in on the Pacific Northwest I am reminded why I never want to leave Oregon. The Willamette Valley is beautiful any time of year but when the leaves begin to change color a long drive through the hills can recharge the soul. Oranges, reds, yellows and greens are splashed across an endless canvas and can’t help but remind us of the intricacies of the world in which we live. The cycle of the seasons speak of a deeper cycle that is embedded in the very fabric of our lives. Each of us have experienced times of exhilaration, excitement and growth in life and, on the flip side, have walked through times of sadness, challenge and even death. This dance of life, death and rebirth was playing out in my mind as I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed to meet our friends for their newborn shoot. It only seems fitting that as the world outside is heading for a time of dormancy the they are experiencing the joy and energy of new life.
     From the moment I walked in the front door I could feel the paradox of peace and electricity. My friends had such a glow about them as they introduced me to the newest member of their family and even he seemed excited for his big shoot. Over the next couple of hours we posed, positioned, chatted and laughed and the joy was simply infectious. While I know this family will have their hands full with two little boys in the house I also know they wouldn’t trade it for the world. Thanks so much for sharing such an amazing time of your lives with me, and blessings to you as you enjoy the wonder that only new life can bring!

Cori Campbell ~ Maternity Shoot

     I’ve always had a thing for Stevie Wonder, correction…I’ve always had a thing for Stevie Wonder’s music. I remember my parents playing mix tapes in the car on long road trips. There was always one or two of Stevie’s songs in the mix and later in life those songs still bring back great memories (Wow, this is starting to sound like one of those late-night CD compilation infomercials!) In 1976 Stevie Wonder released the song Isn’t She Lovely on the album Songs in the Key of Life. In 2003, the album was ranked number 56 on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time and it is widely recognized as Stevie’s signature album. So what does all this talk of Stevie Wonder have to do with a maternity shoot with Cori Campbell and Family? Well, as we set up for the very first shot (see below) Isn’t She Lovely started playing in my head. I lifted the camera to get the shot and Cori looked up giving me a beautiful smile. My guess is every expecting mother has an aura of joy about them but the peacefulness that fills Cori poured out of her, filled the room and set the tone for the rest of the shoot. Here’s the ironic part. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Isn’t She Lovely was written after the birth of Stevie’s daughter Aisha. While the song is about his daughter and not so much about the mother, I still find it fitting and can lovingly say “Pregnancy looks good on you Mrs. Campbell!”

Student Council Senior Night

       There are few tasks in life that require more commitment than building and maintaining relationships. A certain vulnerability is required, for, to truly be connected to someone or something else you must lose a bit of yourself in the process. Now and again there are frustrations that make us question the need to engage with others. Yet in the end, the life received from being connected surpasses the brief moments of doubt encountered.  I am blessed to watch this process play itself out year after year as I watch my wife, Cami, advise the student council at Oregon City High School.  As each new school year begins Cami reconnects with returning students while also embarking on new journeys with incoming freshman. It would be easy to dismiss the student council as just another class for just another grade, but that would be a mistake. What has developed within this group is a sense of family; A family that some students have never known before. How do I know that this class means more to the students than a mere résumé builder? I know because every now and then she invites me along to events like senior night.
       A couple weeks ago all of the seniors from her class gathered together to celebrate the end of the school year. They played silly games, ate great food and laughed…there was lots of laughing. But the most intense part of the evening was listening to each student share their heart for the family that had been created. The tears were real and the stories were phenomenal.
       The student’s futures are varied. Some will stay close to home, some will leave home behind. Some will continue to study, some will begin their careers. But whatever they do and wherever they go, they will undoubtedly think back on their student council family from time to time and they will realize they are blessed.

       Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
~Harold R. McAlindon