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

Spring Sale!

A Prayer In Spring, by Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
To which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends he will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill.

      Spring is one of my favorite seasons, if for no other reason than it is an indication that summer is on its way:-) It’s quite a remarkable experience to reflect on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that is present in nature. It is reflected in our own lives from time to time as well. Moments that we never deemed possible are only bearing fruit in our lives today because of a process of death and regeneration. In our moments of weakness something new is born and its presence not only reflects new life but offers us peace and restoration. I was walking with Asher the other day and he saw a bird sitting on a branch singing its own little spring tune. Asher said “What’s that?!” I told him it was a bird singing a song and then I asked him “What do you think the bird is singing about?” Asher thought for a minute and then said with a matter of fact tone… “God.” I think he’s right. I’m thankful for the life I have been given. I’m thankful for the stories that I have acquired and the stories yet to tell. In thinking of new life and new stories I thought “Why not offer a spring discount for families that want to capture the moments God is leading them through right now.” If you are thinking about getting some family portraits follow the link below and let’s capture your story together!

Grant Torgerson ~ Senior Rep

     Rod Steiger was an American actor who died in 2002 from complications of pneumonia. He filmed over 100 movies during his career yet most of his hits came in the late 60s and early 70s. If you’re a movie buff you’ll recognize titles like In the Heat of the Night, Dr. Zhivago, On the Water Front and The Harder They Fall. Steiger went on a journey of self awareness throughout his movie career and somewhere along the line was quoted as saying “The most important thing is to be whatever you are without shame.” If I was looking for a single sentence that communicates who Grant is, this would be it. If I were still in high school (thank the Lord I’m not!) I would want to be friends with Grant. The guy simply knows who he is and passes on the good vibes to everyone he comes in contact with.
     He’s a part of the student council at Oregon City High School and yesterday all of next year’s seniors were “kidnapped” and taken out to breakfast…at 6:30 in the morning! They were required to wear whatever the kidnappers brought as a costume. Grant had the unfortunate experience of having to wear a tiger-print singlet. Now, I wasn’t in attendance to see this glorious event but I was told that it was quite hilarious. Grant sat through breakfast, zipped up in a singlet, sweating like a madman and growling in response to any questions posed to him. Cami couldn’t stop laughing while she told me the story. I tried to convince Grant to wear the tiger suit for his pictures, but he respectfully declined. The images below are what we have to settle for…I’m disappointed I didn’t get to see the tiger, but I think the pictures turned out successfully none the less.

Mari Petrous ~Senior Rep

                Glory Hallelujah!! The sun was shining today and it made for the perfect weather to capture my newest senior rep on camera. Mari’s family owns Jimmy O’s Pizza here in Oregon City. Not only is the pizza amazing but their salad bar is phenomenal, however Cami has informed me that their honey mustard dressing takes second place (Red Robin wins). There have been a number of times that I have strolled in to get lunch and ended up talking to one of the family members for a good hour. The reality is they are one of those families that truly care about what’s going on in your life. When they ask “How’s it going?” they actually want you to tell them the truth. So as I walked with Mari down Main Street it was like chatting with my sister. She told me about the mission trip she’s taking this summer to Mexico. Her church is taking a group of about 30 across the border to build homes for poverty stricken families. Pretty cool way to spend a couple weeks of summer vacation. I have no doubt it will be a life changing experience and while she’s sure to be touched by the stories and lives of those she serves; she will also bring strength and compassion to those on her team. Thanks for a fun afternoon Mari and I can’t wait to hear the stories of hearts reaching out and lives being changed!

Mother's Day

            When I first got engaged I remember people asking if I got along well with Cami’s family. They would say “Remember, you don’t just marry the girl, you marry the family.” We’ve all seen movies that depict the in-laws as the eccentric family that implodes at every family reunion. The reality is we’ve all got a few inappropriate and obnoxious family members woven into the branches of the tree, but I have been blessed with in-laws that would give anything to make sure Cami and I are taken care of. How many people can say that they would choose to spend time with their brother-in-laws on a regular basis? How many people enjoy heading to the in-laws house for dinner and pinochle? Cami’s family welcomed me in and made me one of their own and for that I am blessed!

Yesterday we got to spend Mother’s Day together. We ate brunch at Izzy’z and then headed to mom and dad hurt’s place to relax with the family. It just so happened Cami’s grandma was with us, so we took the opportunity to get some shots that include 4 generations of family. It’s pretty cool to think about all of the history that runs through that many years of life. We are humbled by the wisdom the older generations bring and invigorated by the energy and innovation our kids exude. If Cami, Asher and I lost everything tomorrow we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our families would rally for our support. Not everyone can say that, and it is a blessing for which we are grateful!

Sasha McLaughlin ~ Senior Rep

     I walked out my door today and was met by a little drizzle in the air. Annoying, because I was hoping to do some senior pictures with Sasha. I had a few errands to run before we were supposed to meet so after each stop I would peek my head back outside to see if the sun had punched its way through the clouds. As four o'clock rolled around the sun was still hiding behind a big gray canvas but the rain had stopped. That was good enough for me, and the clouds were actually a nice little diffuser. Me, Sasha and her dad strolled through downtown Oregon City with Mariachi music providing the sound track, (it was Cinco de Mayo after all)  snapping a few shots here and there. We talked about music, photography, AP classes and I quickly realized that Sasha is one of those "they can do anything" people. The future awaits but her playful spirit allows her to enjoy the here and now. We should all be so lucky!

       

      If you or someone you know would be a good senior rep click here to read about the details. Once you've checked out the information there is also a link to the application which will get the process started.  

Makay Campbell

     A couple months ago I had the honor of traveling down to Corvallis Oregon to shoot the maternity pictures for the Campbells. We spent some time walking around the Oregon State University campus, drinking some good coffee, and finding cool little places to snap some shots. Despite a small drizzle of rain here and there the day was a success and we got some great shots. Two weeks ago I made the drive to Corvallis once again, this time to capture some images of the newest Campbell. We spent some time with grandma and grandpa Smith, hauled some furniture into the back yard to build our “set”, and had a “foot washing” to make sure Marks feet looked just right :-) Thanks again Campbells for letting me be a part of such a special time in your lives. It is always a pleasure to spend time with you.

Blessings,

Garrett

Ava Anderson

      There is something special about holding a newborn baby in your arms. So fragile, so pure, it's a truly amazing experience. So it was even more amazing to hold the newborn baby of some very good friends. Ava Leigh Anderson was welcomed into the world on Feb 16th to two of the most amazing people I know. I had the honor of joining them at their home and capturing some of the most precious images of a beautiful little girl. Congratulations Anderson's! She's amazing!

Tom and Roberta

     In 2004 My wife and I exchanged vows and set off on an amazing journey. We're coming up on seven years of marriage and we've seen our fair share of ups and downs. We are blessed to have an amazing family that celebrate with us when we celebrate and comfort us when we hurt. In a culture that tends to throw in the towel rather than walk together "for better or for worse" they are an inspiration to Cami and I. We decided to head out for a fall stroll and get some shots of the lovebirds as an anniversary gift. Thanks so much for the encouragement and guidance you give!