elena wilken :: Portland Oregon photographer

A last post I promised a while back :: Free Templates for Photographers

2009-12-07T20:59:00.001-08:00

Before I moved to the new blog, a while back, I promised I would make one more post here, with a few new goodies for photographers. Check out the MCP Blog tomorrow to download a new set of free folding 5x7 Christmas Templates. They are really pretty... and I would say classy and stylish ;) If you have not downloaded yet the two sets of the free small marketing card templates, they will also be available for download there.Make sure you take time to check the blog and digg through all the great resources - lots of free stuff and great business tips, and really awesome interviews, packed with valuable information.

If you like the templates and would like to receive more free, no strings attached, classy template goodness, take the time to go to ewcouture.com and sign up to receive monthly goodies, sent straight to your inbox, starting January of next year.

(A little, cute marketing kit is in the works for the month of January.)

Here is what you'll be able to download tomorrow, on the MCP Blog.

And here are the old ones too:

Thanks for stopping by!

Do spread the word, if you like what you see ;)

NEW BLOG!

2009-09-15T23:22:00.000-07:00

This is going to be the last post to this blog (well, maybe there is going to be one more in the future aimed to photographers specifically, in the "Giveaways" section). From now on I'll be enjoying your visits over here www.elenawilkenblog.com.

And here is a sneak peak to the session I just posted tonight. She is absolutely adorable, and a reason to smile: www.elenawilkenblog.com.

www.elenawilkenblog.com :: new post

2009-09-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Where does the weekend go so fast?...

I have a couple more sessions I need to post images from sometime this week, but for now here is a new post with some of Taylors' shots on the new blog: www.elenawilkenblog.com

Nighty- night! :)

New post on the new blog :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or.

2009-09-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

I think I will be doing this for a few more posts, to smooth out the transition to the new blog ;) So, if you did not get a chance to check out the new blog and subscribe to the RSS, here is the link - www.elenawilkenblog.com

Enjoy! :)

A New Blog :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. Photographer

2009-09-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I mentioned a while back that I've been wanting to make some changes to the blog.

Still a work in progress, but here is a link to the new blog: www.elenawilkenblog.com

I'm going to be uploading all the new session sneak peeks there, so make sure you bookmark the new address or you subscribe to the RSS.

This image is from a recent maternity session I just posted.

Enjoy :)

By the way, if you are wondering what RSS is, here is a little, fun video that explains it in plain English ;)

LIttle angel :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. Newborn Photographer

2009-08-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Just an itty bitty tiny sneak peek for now, for mommy and daddy :) ... A lot more to come in the next couple of days. She was a sweet, little angel :)

The Miracle and Joy of Life :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or Newborn and Children Photographer

2009-08-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

This session was set aside especially for Joshia, but he decided otherwise :)

He loves his mommy and cuddling with her a lot more than posing. And you can not blame him for that :) Such a handsome little guy, very awake, and extremely content to just be there, listen to what's going on and stare at the world.

I really like newborn sessions, but it is even more fun when they go to sleep and let you pose them just the way you want to. Maybe we'll get a chance to sneak in a couple of poses next week during his big sis outdoor session :)

While Joshia spent time with his mommy I got to spend a little more time with Ellie. Very well behaved, happy and so friendly! Her bright and joyful personality inspired the post processing of her portraits - lots of happy, bright colors there to simply highlight her bubbly and fun girly ways :)

Trash the tutu session :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. Children Photographer

2009-08-23T21:34:00.001-07:00

These days I get a lot of "No"s, and not that much eye contact from the little princess :)

But that's ok - she's staying just as sweet as always and I know that she will outgrow the stage. She'll grow up to be mommy's little assistant, or maybe daddy's little guitar and piano player, or maybe a little ballerina. She loves to dance, read and look at the pictures in her daddy's old "Golden Books", and study "The Black Book" (photography portfolios) ... So we'll see :)

Hannah thank you for coming along and playing with us :)

Taking a moment to celebrate :) :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Oregon Lifestyle Photographer

2009-08-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

All the links are now restored (some of you might've noticed that I had quite a few broken for a week or two). Well, things are all back in order, and I'm pretty happy about that. Enjoy your visit and this shot of wild orchids :)

Soiree Sisters Event :: Portland Lifestyle Photographer

2009-08-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

As you can tell, I had a blast documenting another great event for Soiree Sisters. You girls did such an awesome job at making this come together, and I love your attention to details! Let me tell you I am looking forward to the next one, and I can not wait to be there and take in the beauty!

I loved the 'table for two' you set up :)

I will make sure I will post a lot more yumminess from your future events ;)

... some of my most favorite details!

.... and I can not forget the lady of the day :) Happiest birthday Ligia!

Technical difficulties... (of sorts)

2009-08-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Having some technical difficulties with some of the pictures in the posts (broken links) and I will most likely not be getting around to fix them before the weekend. My apologies :(

Come back and visit again later for a more enjoyable experience. It will be worth your time :)

Free Templates for Photographers Giveaway :: Elena Wilken

2009-08-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

It's been about a year since I first become very serious about my passion and I started my journey in photography. I learned a lot from many other photographers this past year so I created these two sets of templates as a way to say thank you and give back.

While I keep growing, I have come a long way. I am thankful for the inspiration. It is really cool how you can learn something from every one - what to do and sometimes what not to - good photography, bad photography, kind manners, bad manners.

Enjoy them! ...and pay it forward someday :)

All the templates are BC size. As the examples show you can use them as play date cards, save the date (gift to the couple after an engagement session), cards for mommies of newborns (most hospitals offer mommy and me classes that new moms attend), or as senior rep cards. All awesome ways to market your business. (they follow the WHCC specs.)

A few facts:

- the templates are created with the CS3 suite, all the final files are.psd files. I have not tried to work with them in other versions of Photoshop, so I don't know if problems are going to come up when they are opened in other versions. (it would be cool if you can let me know what your experience was - haven't heard of any 'bad experiences' so far)

- you can not sell them in any way, shape or form as templates, but you can use them to create printed products for your clients

- here is a link to the free font I used for the front/name (OptimusPrinceps); the second font, the serif is Baskerville. if you do not own that I strongly recommend using another similar, serif font.

- the image is cropped to the shape you see in the examples I posted, with clipping masks. you will find that very simple to use once you understand the concept. I don't have any directions included, but here is a link to a video tutorial on the whcc website on how to work with clipping masks (the first video on the page; here is the link )

For these templates the clipping mask is already included. all you need to do is:

1. drag your photo in the template (sized down so it fits within the card),

2. make sure that on the layer called LAYER MASK the mask is the one selected (just click on the box on the right to do that)

3. and then while holding down the option key drag the mask on the layer where your photo is and watch the magic happen :).

So after all this talk here are the goodies :)

Victorian set - MAC users

Victorian set - PC users

The cool thing about the second set is that you can change the colors on pretty much all the elements (pattern included) to match your business identity color scheme or to complement the colors of the picture you pick for the front. (With this set I set out to create artwork with a modern feel to it and in the process I was inspired to put together a set that's a cross between modern and retro, I would say.)

Retro Flair set - Mac users

Retro Flair set - PC users

Comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated :)

If you like these, come back again. I am planning to create and give away a couple different templates every few months. I know I enjoy gifts :)

Personal Project :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. lifestyle photographer

2009-08-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well, tonight, with all the work I need to get done, I took some time to play, explore and enjoythe goodies I received the other day! And I absolutely love them :) To make it even more special, tonight, for the first time I tried freelensing. Tricky, but I love the results!

Tonight it is just a start to lots of exploration to come :) A way to substitute for the tilt-shift lens I have on my wish list (for a while anyway).

Stalking blogs pays off - in many, many ways :))

2009-07-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting at my computer, taking a break from editing, browsing through the new posts on the blogs I follow through Google Reader (quite a handy tool, btw). There are quite a few photographers out there that I look up to and whose work inspires me, so I follow their work and visit their blogs every so often, when new posts are up.

You don't even have to be a photographer to like good photography. It is like candy for the eye. We all like good photography...

I left a couple of comments on some, and went on with my work.

Sometimes some of the photographers e-mail back to say thank you for taking the time to leave comments. And tonight I got just one of those e-mails from Amy. Their work (her and her husband are a team) is truly fantastic. You can see for yourself, if you haven't came across them before. Filled with emotions, very earthy, modern and vintage at the same time, out of the box - it is seriously hard for me to put in words all the feelings that their art evokes for me. It feels like words would just water it down.

I thought that it was really sweet that she took the time to e-mail back, and that it was pretty cool that my comment meant something to her. And I continued my work.

My mail program went 'ding', 'ding', 'ding' again. After a little while I switched over to check the new messages. "Red Leaf Photographer Boutique" - two of them, "Red Leaf Studios" the third one. I went from thinking that this was a newsletter from the studio, to thinking that there was a glitch in the system because I got too many, to being really confused because I knew I did not order any actions or textures. I was probably even more in disbelief, because I really wanted them. Eventually I grasped that it was just their way of saying 'thank you'. This is such an awesome and kind gesture. I am really, really excited about them, but even beyond that I was moved to tears by their kindness. It was just a simple comment...

This made me realize once again that every word I say matters, even when I think they don't. Words are powerful - they can build and they can bring down the spirit. I felt really content that my words meant something to them, ...and know that your gesture meant so much to me (way beyond the financial side). It is the coolest thing when people take the time to go out of their way and do such nice things.

Thank you so much again, Richard and Amy.

You made my day! ;) I am looking forward to use the Retro Actions and the two sets of textures, especially! I received as a gift the Vintage set around Christmas and your BW Vintage Brown is my favorite b&w.

p.s. I strongly believe that it doesn't matter the field you work in or are passionate about, you should 'hang out' with the best in your industry. Read their books, watch them, learn from them, be inspired by them (don't copy if you want to be great at what you do and stand out. Innovate. Be yourself. - but that is beside the point). Always soak in the knowledge and always be ready to look at things with an open minded attitude.

You want to become a trusted, quality ...electrician? Find one that you heard and came to know that does an flawless job, has a great work ethic and inspires you, and learn from him/her.

Bottom line? If you are a photographer (or not) - stalk blogs! ;) It really is the thing to do and it pays off. You can not ever put a price on learning new things and being inspired. :)

Pregnancy Glow :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. Maternity Photographer

2009-07-27T00:20:00.000-07:00

Most of the time my sessions run somewhere between 1 1/2 and 2 hours (young children don't have the patience or that kind of attention span so that type of session could be around an hour long, and on the other side of the spectrum I can spend longer than 2 hours with newborns, until they 'give in' and get comfy and sleepy.) From every session I shoot to get out of it about 25-30 really good images that I then edit and present.

Well, as it is I tend to take more shots than I need (the sessions seem to be more fun towards the end and children as well as adults tend to relax and be more likely to share genuine smiles and be themselves during the second half of the session). I never regretted overshooting. Except for when I have to narrow down the session to the best shots.

This time I really did 'overshoot'. I'm not even going to mention how many shots we took the hour and a half I spend with Ema. And how many of them I really love. And what a hard time I had picking some for the blog post :))

She is beautiful and she has that glow about herself that many mothers - to - be have. And it is hard not to want to capture every once of that beauty. Ema there is a lot more where these came from. Literally ;)

Baby in fairy land :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. Newborn Photographer

2009-07-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

You might remember her other newborn shots. She is one of the cutest little girlies I had the honor and the chance to document the beginnings of, so far. All newborns are little miracles and amazing little beings each in their own way, but she had my heart wrapped around her little fingers :)

Thanks guys! I am so thankful for the warm weather that allowed us to take her outside.

One of my most favorite sessions :)

Happy Birthday Beth! :) :: Portland OR. Lifestyle Photographer

2009-07-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

I hope you had an awesome birthday party, an evening of relaxation and good time!

God bless you sis! ;) Keep at it and you'll eventually get to meet Karen Tran and share fun flower conversations with her over coffee. All kidding aside Beth! ;) {I could not believe it the day the very photographer whose work inspired me to pick up the camera and follow my passion noticed my work and made comments on my pictures.}

... You're very creative, you put your heart into it and you have God's blessing to follow your dreams :) ... Have an awesome year! :)

p.s. I think the Mother's Day sunflower arrangement is my most favorite out of all I've received ever.

Carly, 6 months later :: Elena Wilken :: Portland OR Children Photographer

2009-07-04T23:09:00.000-07:00

My little brother, who is not so little anymore, and his beautiful family.

You might remember the newborn pictures of Carly, from around Christmas time, here, here and here :). Such an adorable newborn, and such a perfect gift to her parents - born on Christmas day.

Audrey likes her quite a lot. They get to spend a couple of days a week together, while grandma babysits them both. I am glad they get to spend time together this early. Now we just need to figure out a way to get Jonah, the newest cousin (my other brother's 3 weeks new baby) and his mommy and daddy to move over here from Seattle, so we can get all three of the cousins together :)

7 days young :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. Newborn Photographer

2009-07-04T01:37:00.001-07:00

Babies are such a nice way to start people. ~Don Herrold

... sweet, soft, sleepy, cuddly and so lovable :)

Certainly Olivia is all those things! Such an adorable tinny tiny girly, and so easy to photograph once she fell asleep. Just like a dream. And that's what I wanted the images I captured of her to be like - soft and dreamy.

It is amazing how we all start so small, so helpless and in such a need to be loved and cared for, and how we all grow into such different people, who will make a difference and leave their mark on the world around us in small and in big ways. We are free to dream and to become who and what we dream of being.

Thanks guys for allowing me to be a part of her history, by capturing these memories of her :)

God bless her and God bless you so you can nurture her dreams and help her grow into who and what she wants to be.

Too many things to do, too little time to get them done :) :: Elena Wilken :: Portland OR. Children Photographer

2009-07-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't been too good to my blog lately... Lots of updates coming up. :)

I have been working on a blog redesign (planning stage at the moment - still :). While I was hoping to make all the changes sooner rather than later, it will probably take a few months before it will happen. While I work on branding and design on a daily basis, I am my worst

client. It seems like it will take a little bit before I come up with the perfect logo and branding that will make me happy.

Besides work and all the fun projects, I've been enjoying my little Audrey and Paul, and the much needed time together with them (road trips, zoo trips, visiting family).

If you are in the Portland area, take the time to check out the Lavender Festival next year. We were not able to go this year, but we stopped by the farm one evening before the festival, and the lavender fields are gorgeous. Quite an experience. Audrey had fun running and being chased, and also picking rocks (it seems to be her favorite thing to do, doesn't matter where we're going :)

I love the quote I came across a couple of days ago: "The most important things in life aren't things" (~ Anthony J. D'Angelo). I think it is a good principle to build and grow ones values on... I've learned that one of the most important things in my life is to give my time and attention to my husband and my daughter. They need me just as much as I need them. Audrey truly enjoys having me watch her grow. And she will always remember that I've been there doing just that. And she'll remember if I don't...

Will and Elizabeth's wedding

2009-06-17T04:25:00.000-07:00

Meeting with fellow photographers... :: Portland, OR Portrait Photographer

2009-06-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

I've met both Amy and Hannah before, separately, at different times.

When I invited them to get together I knew that we would get along well and have a really good time, but I didn't think that we would have SUCH a great time! ...We all agreed that it was also an eye opening experience being on the other side of the camera and being photographed. :)

Looking forward to our next get together! :)

Madelyn and Sam :: Elena Wilken :: Portland OR :: Children Photographer

2009-05-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I had my first morning session with two adorable little ones, good friends and playmates, who are very close in age. (I love the glow of the late afternoon/evening sun, but mornings seem to be just as great when you can find nice open shade.)

I first photographed Sam as a tiny, sleepy newborn in the fall, last year. I can't believe how fast time passes us by. He is such big boy now, who loves to cuddle with his mommy and looks a lot like his daddy :)

It was my second time meeting Madelyn. She is such a sweet little thing - so deep in thought, pensive, beautiful and delicate. I love her daintiness :)

I think I love this age best! They are very expressive, they love it when you act silly around them, and they can sit up on their own and move around just enough, so you can have a captive audience. :)

Thanks guys for the opportunity to capture these moments :) Enjoy!

My favorite kind of mix... LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay)

2009-05-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

... piano, cello and a whole lot of soul and passion to it.
LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay) - Piano Cello - by Jon Schmidt

Great music can stir the soul, can heal it, can bring hope, or just keep it alive. And it can amplify the happiness one feels.
...Our little Audrey loves music, and she loves to sing. That makes Paul very happy, and me too. I hope she will never give up that.

...Enjoy :)

Sneak peek :: Will and Elizabeth

2009-05-26T01:17:00.000-07:00

Hey guys :)

Here is a quick sneak peek from tonight. You were awesome. :) I really enjoyed the time I spent with you, and getting to know you a little bit.

Thank you for choosing to make me part of your big day. I am looking forward to it :)

Happy Birthday my dear Tali!!

2009-05-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

The awesome times we had together in high school will make for some of my best memories about it :) Riding the #30 bus home from Grigorescu, walking barefooted in the warm rain and being crazy happy about it (to the point where poor people stared at us), eating the chicken liver at your house before bacalaureat so our memory would be better and stronger... :)) I kinda' miss those times and I miss you :)

I hope you had the happiest birthday, with Dan, your little treasure Victor and your mom.

You are and always have been a good friend, ready to make others laugh and ready to listen to what hurts and try and make things better.

Have an awesome birthday my friend, and an amazing year ahead of you. :)

And know you are and have been an inspiration.

You are right - "If you can dream it you can make it"!

This is for you my dear friend.

Love,

Elenus xoxo

Portland Lifestyle & Portrait Photographer :: Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival '09

2009-05-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, on a rainy afternoon, we got our little family in the car and went for a drive. I've been really looking forward to this short trip to the land of tulips for a couple of weeks now, but didn't think I was going to get out of the car, with the pouring rain. Paul however was going to make me get out and at least take a few pictures, he said. He even made sure we had two umbrellas with us (so I would be free to roam around) :)

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is a beautiful place, but even more so on an overcast late afternoon, when the sun is peeking through the clouds :)

I love the Northwest and I truly enjoy days like these. It is just so refreshing. Not a lot of visitors on the grounds of the farm - I loved that! The rain stopped - well it still drizzled here and there - but we had SUCH a good time. Audrey had such a hard time keeping her hands off the flowers :)

I honestly can not wait for next year's festival. I will have to go a couple of times to be able to take it all in and enjoy the beauty in its fulness.

Here is a peek into all that amazing beauty - hope you enjoy it too :)

...God's gift to us :)

And I can't pass posting a few pics of Audrey as well :) She is such a joy!

Portland Portrait Photographer :: Cami

2009-05-03T02:09:00.000-07:00

Cami's a fellow photographer (her work is beautiful - she has such a talent at capturing emotions and make everyday life moments memorable) and she is just a really nice, down to earth person.

Having a beautiful model to photograph is so enjoyable, but to make it even better the overcast sky and the beautiful evening light were just too perfect :) I love me some northwest overcast skies, and even the rain is welcomed as long as the sun stays. :)) I feel at times that God put me smack down in the middle of a photographer's paradise. :)

Portland and this part of Oregon are just soo beautiful...

We had such a good time. Cami thanks for putting up with the cold :)

Here are a few shots from the TON of shots we took. Enjoy :)

Little Miss Hannah :)

2009-04-23T00:11:00.001-07:00

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.
~Vincent van Gogh

... and Em & Ty - best big brother and big sister :)

.Spring. inside and out.

2009-04-17T21:47:00.001-07:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
-- Marianne Williamson

Out and About :: Portland Children Photographer

2009-04-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

...and we found our little cherry tree orchard - and I mean little! even the trees were midget size - just perfect for Audrey to reach up and enjoy the flowers (and 'make snow' :)

Spring is probably one of my favorite seasons... next to fall (in the Northwest), and winter

(snowy winters)... There is so much beauty surrounding us, every season!

Portland Children Photographer :: A beautiful day

2009-04-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

An amazing way to start the Easter week. Warm (high 70s), sunny, and just really comfortable and pleasant. Best day so far this year, if you ask me :)

Audrey loves being outside and going for walks, so we took advantage of the weather to check out this new location for a shoot that's coming up (so excited about it, Cami! ;).

... Like always she got busy picking 'stuff' - rocks and dandelions , this time - and running around :)

Portland Children Photographer :: springbrook hazelnut tree farm

2009-04-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

Always busy, picking something... :)

On our quest to find a cherry tree orchard we came across this really pretty filbert farm. Audrey had the best time picking hazelnuts off the ground, moss off the trees and running away from me (Quite a workout, I should add :))

It was fun to add one more entry to her 'video diary' as she's getting close to the 18 months mark (that's our version of a scrapbook for her). She thought it was quite fun being chased around :)

We'll definitely go back in the fall to admire the trees in all their splendor. Paul was telling me that the colors are amazing and everywhere - the ground is covered with a coat of leaves.

... Still wanting to find that perfect orchard - I'll just have to do my research :)

A Sneak Peek for Em & Ty :) :: Portland Children Photographer

2009-03-29T00:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you Em and Ty :) You guys were great! :)

Can't wait to meet Hannah ;)

photography - art and vision :: the amazing thing called post processing :: Portland Lifestyle Photographer

2009-03-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer.

There are many factors that can make that moment captured in time memorable - the location, the lighting, the clothing you're wearing, the mood you (and your kids) are in... All these and the vision of the artist create the work you'll treasure and want to display forever, memories that will only gain value over time.

I love processing photos just as much I do taking them and planning a shoot. In the digital darkroom I get to bring my vision to completion. The way I see it, I get to enhance and bring forward the beauty I see inside my subjects, that special something they let me capture, that makes them unique, that makes them who they are.

Any great final piece of artwork needs to start with a solid, good capture in the first place, just like in the 'old' times of film and print trays, and processing chemicals. But just like Ansel Adams processed his film negatives in the darkroom, digital photographers process the raw information in their digital darkrooms (dependable computer systems loaded with different creative software programs that can help bring one's vision to life - Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Lightroom, just to name a few... ). Any given shot could be processed in a million ways, through different eyes.

This is my vision.

... and on a different note, sweet little Audrey turned 17 months today :) expect a lot more pictures of her in the next month as she approaches 18 months, that show off the way her mommy (and daddy :) see her - adorable, happy, an amazing little fire cracker, a beautiful gift :)

Raluca :: Portland Photographer

2009-03-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

Soiree Sisters Event :: Portland Lifestyle Photographer

2009-03-14T01:17:00.000-07:00

Today's weather was a real treat - the sunshine, the warmth - I missed that! Time to get outside and play :)

... The Soiree Sisters mini shoot from tonight ended up turning into an impromtu shoot with Mia, Emily, Jakob, family and a couple of the guests. Not what I expected, but Mia and the kids are just too cute, not to enjoy taking pictures of them.

Here are a few shots of the table set-ups, the cake; sorry I couldn't stick around until all the yummy food came out of the oven. It would've been fun to photograph all the dishes as well as sample them ;)

Happy Birthday Mia! the lady of the day, who stole the party :)

... her good looking kids ;)

and last, but not least the ladies of Soiree Sisters who made things happen - JP and Liz.

A few of our favorite things :: Portland Lifestyle Photographer

2009-03-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

... one of Audrey's favorite things :) she could eat lots of them if she would be allowed to have as many as she would like to :))

...freshly baked Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate chip cookies - Paul loves them enough to wake up early in the morning and bake some fresh ones every so often, so we can have them for lunch at work (and when I say early, I do mean early - we live the house about 5:30 in the morning :))

...and one of my favorite things - caraway tea with lots of lemon and honey.

... a couple of weeks ago I had a surgery - the results came back and there is no cancer - just a benign tumor that they removed. I am relieved, happy, and very thankful. Life, health, being able to enjoy my favorite tea, Audrey and Paul are gifts from God. But it is so easy to forget that and take things for granted ...

Adelinne :: Fall '08 :: Portland children's photographer

2009-03-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

As I go along posting sneak peeks from new sessions I'll post a few from last fall as well. I got the chance to photograph quite a few cute, fun little ones. Adelinne is one of them :)

I love the expressions I captured right before the end of the session. It seems to always be like that - they warm up to you and show you who they really are towards the end of a session. Most of them :)

Adela, thank you for the opportunity :)

9 days old Hazel :: Portland newborn photographer

2009-02-23T00:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you guys! I am honestly happy I had the chance to capture her on camera - she is beautiful! Enjoy :)

Nico & Mircea's wedding :: part 3

2009-02-21T00:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks again for your help Cristina :)

Nico & Mircea's wedding :: part 2

2009-02-18T01:13:00.000-08:00

come back for part three on Thursday night :)

...way too late to stay up and post any more pictures... have a good night ;)

Nico & Mircea's wedding :: part 1

2009-02-17T23:18:00.000-08:00

Hi guys :)

Thanks for making me part of your special day! Such a great experience - and adventurous ;)) Cristina, thank you for your help!

I had such a hard time picking just a few for you to look at from the TON of shots... Hope you enjoy your sneak peek (will probably post in three parts). I will be posting a slideshow in the next couple of weeks, with more pics, so friends and family back home can enjoy your wedding and be a part of it of sorts.

Hope you're doing well. Talk to you soon :)

Stepping back in time

2009-02-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

Such a fun session! And I had even more fun in the post processing. I don't do a lot of textures and vintage, not at this level anyway, but your images made me think so much of old times, with hand color tinted black and white photos and rock solid, "I'm here for you forever" kind of love :) With a bit of an urban flavor, here's a step back in time...

Thanks for putting up with the cold!!

And come back soon for a sneak peek from the wedding :)

5 weeks old Carly

2009-02-01T22:47:00.000-08:00

She's beautiful and such a good baby. Very alert during her awake time, but so content - we love you little girl so much! ...and your mommy and daddy too :) (I can't fit her in the round bowl anymore - they grow so fast!)

Miss K :: 2008

2009-01-29T23:56:00.000-08:00

"Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at." ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

...She is so bubbly, fun and full of energy, has a beautiful smile and can also give you the most serious look. But most of all it seems to me that she likes to laugh. Thank you guys for the opportunity to capture these moments over the past year and learn and build my skills ;) I greatly appreciate it :)

...The abandoned house and the field where we took these pictures last summer, it is not abandoned anymore. I will be scouting for another spot soon.

...a few shots from my first 'official' photo shoot. We had quite a lot of fun and I learned a very valuable lesson :)

...and a couple from Christmas - giggly and beautiful miss K :)

My very own - the most precious people in my life :)

2009-01-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

I didn't take the time yet to post any pictures of our little one (who is not so little anymore...) from 2008; I will still do that eventually, but meantime, here are a few I captured of her the other day, during our play time. Our very own, an amazing gift, a perfect little miracle, a happy little firecracker :)

'on the roller coaster' with daddy :) she loves playing with us and I think Paul must just be her favorite ;)

Carly :: part 2

2009-01-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

...and many, many more to come in the next several months and years, most likely :)

She is such a doll! This only reminds me that I need to post some of Audrey - I find it really hard to narrow my favorite shots of Audrey to just a few, so I keep putting it off... I will have to enlist Paul's help :)

7 days old Carly

2009-01-01T23:24:00.000-08:00

One more reason to celebrate this Christmas! I am an auntie - my brother and my sister in law received the best Christmas present this year - little Carly :) Amazing, beautiful, and most pleasant newborn ever :)

We love you little girl so very much!! Can't wait to have you over for sleep overs with Audrey ;) Until then I will be content and more than happy to babysit you and take lots of pictures of you :)

Merry Christmas everyone!

2008-12-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to wish you a merry day today. I hope you had a beautiful Christmas day with family and friends, and like somebody said the other day, if you have nothing else to give, give a kind smile. That is still more than many people can offer.

It is a time to celebrate - Happy Birthday Jesus :) It is the reason for the season...

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

(pictures taken by hannah robinson - used with permission)

Samuel four months later, and Bobby Jr.

2008-12-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

Bobby Jr, and his four months old buddy Sam ...little, tiny Sam from the previous post :)

Such a pleasant, handsome little guy!!

Samuel

2008-12-24T14:23:00.000-08:00

My second newborn session - tiny and beautiful Sam. Born three weeks before his due date, he was one of the most sleepy babies I had the chance to take pictures of. Dad is a big tennis fan (he "breathes tennis ball fuzz" - in his own words : ) and an extremely talented player himself - it was quite fun trying to incorporate that aspect of their lives in a few of the shots.

Thank you Em for the opportunity to capture these precious moments!

Sebastian

2008-12-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Over the next few weeks I'll be catching up with the blog and post more of the sessions from this past summer and fall. The posts are not necessarily in a chronological order, even though that crossed my mind.

I haven't posted any newborn sessions, so here is the first one.

Even though he was three weeks old by the time I met him, he was so good to me - he slept almost the entire time. A little angel :)

More of Bianca and her beautiful family

2008-12-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

The fall colors are long gone by now - it feels like winter's been here for a while, even though today is the first day of the season. In merely two days we got about 5 inches of snow and freezing rain. It is the winter of '03-'04 all over again.

We're planning to take Audrey outside today and take some pictures in the snow - it is beautiful, but it is also SO cold and windy... It is this kind of weather that opens opportunities for me to catch up with the posts on the blog and many other things ... can't go anywhere ;) ...

I had an awesome session with this really good looking family! It was really hard to pick favorites to post. I have plans for a fun shoot in the spring with Bianca and I can't wait for that. (Think fairies and cherry blossoms :) ...Thanks guys!

summer seems so far away...

2008-12-10T00:22:00.000-08:00

Emily

2008-11-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you guys! She is so adorable and such a pleasant little girl. I had a great time taking pictures of her :) The pink iPod kept her quite happy :)

The R family :: Mia, Jakob & Emily

2008-11-29T01:09:00.000-08:00

I had just as much fun editing the shots from this session, as I had doing the session. Thanks guys for you patience. It was well worth it. :) Mia you're a beautiful mother and Emily and Jake are awesome! It is going to be fun to get together again.

Ellison

2008-11-24T00:07:00.000-08:00

It's been five months since I last saw Ellison and her mommy.

At nine months she's just as happy and friendly. A sweet little girl, with chubbiest, most adorable cheeks :)

We had a beautiful day, with lots of sunshine, but lots of wind too. Given that and the fact that she did not have her afternoon nap, she did amazingly well and had lots and lots of smiles to share!

Bianca

2008-11-22T01:51:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for the next chance to photograph her again. She's a natural!

Samuel

2008-11-22T01:13:00.000-08:00

Baby Samuel, at the beginning of the summer, and last week... Same amazing, beautiful blue eyes, and happy , bubbly personality :)

It is about time...

2008-11-21T22:36:00.000-08:00

I've been planning to modify and make this blog my own, and beyond that to start posting, for a while now; almost 10 months... I don't write code though, and I don't really like code for that matter, so I kept putting it off. The other day I was inspired reading a post on-line, so I decided to give it a try. Well, I did it and I'm thrilled with the results and how much more simple than I thought it was.

"Most people can do extraordinary things if they have the confidence or take the risks. Yet most people don't. They sit in front of the telly and treat life as if it goes on forever." Philip Andrew Adams Take at least one risk this coming week ;)

...here is a link to the post I mentioned, from Stephanie Robin