Bend, Oregon Engagement Session For Bride and Groom-To-Be Jess and Chase
It’s kinda funny how things just fall into place. Case in point, I found out about the area where we did this photo-shoot from a completely different source than expected. This persons band website had these really cool promo images and when I saw that a photog friend of mine had shot the images, I was intrigued to find out where this area was. Did I even begin to mention the fact that I’ve lived in this area since 96 and have biked literally 1-2 miles from this building 1000’s of times? So, what really was this concrete foundation of a building shell used for? I’m really not 100% sure yet but I’ve heard a few guesses transcending from fire lookout to irrigation something or other.
Fast forward a few days and I’m meeting Jess and Chase for a consultation. It turns out that they not only knew the person in the band who’s images of the building I’d first seen, Chase had even lived with one of the other band members and knew about the photo-shoot himself. Like Tetris, everything was falling into place and when they both agreed they were looking for images that were off beat, unusual and creative I knew just the place to take them. Jess also told me about some chairs and a small sofa that they thought would be cool to incorporate into the shoot. Family heirlooms you say? Yellow velour? It just doesn’t get any better! I ended up scouting out the area the day before we did the photo-shoot and was super stoked to bring Jess and Chase out there.
Luck was on our side once again as I got up in the morning only to find a blue bird day in front of me and the sun shining. Normally I’d be looking for a nice diffused light rather than a harsh sun to deal with during a photo-shoot, but this is February and far from Arizona temps! Don’t get me wrong though, this isn’t to say that we were all basking in heat since the shade was still around 40F. I was the only one moving around enough to stay warm so thank you Jess and Chase for making the images look warmer than you might have been!! At this point, I usually don’t know too much about the couple I’ll be working with, other than our prelim conversations, so it’s fun to see how the two interact together, how their own personalities come through and really, how creative they’re willing to be. Jess turned out to be from Melbourne Australia, 6′ tall and Anne Hathaway could be her twin and Chase is a student/musician. Both have amazing hearts, super fun personalities and lots of stories. I love stories.
After spending a bit of time with them, I really have to say that they were not only amazingly fun to work with, (the whole time they just laughed and joked with each other and it was hard to get them to not smile!), but super daring to capture something different. I’m sure I looked a little crazy to them as I climbed, jumped and hung off this building with my camera and equipment, (ah yes, I knew my years of rock climbing would come in handy) and still, even out in the middle of no where, a few people drove past with quizzical looks. To be standing on a crumbly concrete shell of a building that looked more at home in Europe during WWII than in Central Oregon, this cliff side shoot with the rocks/ground at least 20′ down required some focus and Jess and Chase rocked it big time! I look forward to the fun we’ll have at Smith Rock for their wedding. Maybe a shoot on the top of Monkey Face is in order?
Such a sweet kiss….
True adventurers – they’re like 20 feet off the ground on the ledge!
One of my favs for SURE.
A rock star shot…
A pure beauty shot….
A serenade 20 feet up 
I wanted Jess to stand on the edge, (only if she wanted to!) and have Chase on the other side of the wall. I’m still impressed at how calm they both look as they hold onto each other. Now that’s confidence!
An antique couch added to the moment for the scene – we encourage our clients to bring props (thanks to Jess and Chase for adding this awesome touch!)
We also encourage and look forward to photographing couples in unusual areas that allow their personalities to flourish!
Business Portraits For Executive Director Of Bend, Oregon’s Downtowners Association-Chuck Arnold
Trying to get in a photoshoot during someone’s weekly lunch time can be tough, but when it’s uncomfortably cold out it tends to make everything move much faster. I guess that’s the ultimate goal during these types of shoots, however, as the photographer I still want to make a great connection with my subjects regardless of our time frame otherwise the results just aren’t going to be what we’re looking for. Let’s not even begin to mention the fact that, at that point, my job actually begins to feel more like….a job!
Chuck and I were able to meet up during his lunch, stroll through Drake Park and shoot 3-4 different scenes within a matter of 45 minutes, (heck, it might have been less for that matter). In the end, no digits were lost to frostbite, we got the shots he needed and when 3:00 rolled around, he wasn’t caught using his leather office chair for a quick snack.
A Family Portrait Session for The Source Weekly – Bend, Oregon
I had the opportunity last week to go out and do a family portrait photoshoot for a good cause. The Source Weekly was running an article about a family who left their dog Zoe at a kennel for three days to only come back and find their dog was ill. After much undercover work from the family, it turned out that Zoe had been beaten by one of the employees at the kennel and sustained a multitude of injuries – including six broken ribs. Now the family is looking into what they can do to tighten up the laws regulating kennels not only in the state of Oregon but thoughout the country.
I’m happy to say that Zoe and the Burton family were in great spirits when I came over for the photoshoot and I want to thank both John and Caren for their hospitality in letting me into their home. I look forward to keeping up the Burton’s success in changing kennel regulations and applaud them for their efforts. As you all know, Wendy and I have two of our own dogs and I’m sure all of you pet owners out there are on the same wave length with me when I say that this should never have happened and should never happen again! For the full story please click on this link: The Source Weekly
A beautiful portrait for a beautiful dog.
The Burton Family
Dr. Theopolis Brings Down The House In Portland, Oregon
My mother would say that classical music is the only music to listen to. Being a professional opera singer I guess gives her some credibility and her thinking is: hey, isn’t classical the only form of music to still be around after 100’s of years? My father’s a bit more open to the idea that just because it was created in the last century doesn’t make it all that bad…..Joe Cocker, Johnny Cash, The Stones…..maybe it has something to do with the fact that a few in his family, including himself, played the drums. The bottom line is that music provides us with an outlet to express ourselves regardless of how we’re feeling. Ah, therapy!
It’s hard not to want to express yourself listening to the band I went over to Portland to see and photoshoot last weekend. I first caught wind of this 9 piece funk/rap band named Dr Theopolis back in 04 and have yet to find a band that always seems to be having more fun than the crowds they pack in. What would you expect from a band that’s named after a computer that sat around a robot’s neck in Buck Rodgers? Is there really a better way to shake your booty dancing while a group of extremely talented musician friends who’s catchy lyrics, as I’ve said before, are like Weird Al Yankovic’s on crack? Nope. Wrap this all up with a guy named, “Mr Fabulous” who’s job is to essentially dance with all the ladies in the crowd and you have the making of one solid night of entertainment! If you ever hear word of them coming to town, you’d be a fool to miss a show and if your willing to, “let your hair down” for a night, this might just be the therapy you need…..bring on the doctor! Please check out their website Dr. Theopolis to find out about shows and listen/purchase the music.
Mr Fabulous doing what he does.
How do they fit everyone in such a tight space? 6 of the 9 getting their groove on!
Frontman Ezra Holbrook
Till next time…the antics of Dr. T
Wedding Musician Duo “the Ashlings” at The Oxford Hotel in Bend, Oregon
Lauren Brauns and Amy Mitchell have filled this town with soft, sultry harmony for a few years now (playing under The Sweet Harlots). Now they have a new gig to add to their repertoire – Weddings. This dynamic duo – named “the Ashlings,” with Laurel having the most incredible voice and guitar and Amy, a beautiful cellist and backup vocalist, will no doubt be a wonderful addition to wedding music in Bend and surrounding Central Oregon. Amy Mitchell, part of a string quartet that played at our wedding (a few years ago!), added a beautiful range of traditional classics; together with Laurel, they make the most perfect blend of traditional and folk. Listen and learn more on their website: http://www.laurelbrauns.com.
It was our pleasure to take some photography to enhance them breaking into the wedding market. What better place to do it than The Oxford Hotel (new to downtown Bend, Oregon!), which is spread with modern decor and sophisticated style. It was the perfect backdrop for the photo shoot. We always have fun with these two and as usual the photo session was filled with laughs and Byron trying to be a ‘model’ and show them ‘the look.’ Special thanks to Ben Perle over at the Oxford for allowing us to lug all of our gear in to do the shoot in the first place!
We can’t wait to do some weddings together, so be sure to book these two fabulous musicians for a great addition to your wedding event.
- B&W
How swank is that?! (Wendy’s favorite)
A beautiful portrait – can’t you see this on a poster?
These two are never far from a smile…
Here’s a picture of the ‘egg’ (the silver coffee table) we kept laughing at. Damn, I want me a green rug like that though…
Official Coverage Of Facebook’s New Data Center In Prineville, Oregon
Wow, what a day! Lot’s of, “I wish I could tell you what’s going to happen/who’s moving to town but…I’d have to kill you…” type stuff has shrouded this event from the beginning. Well, it was finally unveiled today that Facebook will build and own their first data center, (rather than lease) in Prineville, Oregon. Evidently, the high desert’s dry climate is perfect for this type of operation and for all of us in Central Oregon we couldn’t be happier. From what it sounds like, all it takes is someone like Facebook to make the first leap and from there, other big guns in the tech industry, etc will be sure to follow.
It was great to be part of something like this. The event was basically on the site where the facility will be built, with the tents set up at the end of a road and security super tight. Most of the people attending, (including myself) didn’t know what business was coming until today. I’m really amazed this secret was able to last this long…especially with how powerful Facebook is! Excavation only began on the 130+ acre site about two weeks ago but when the GM overseeing construction drove me around to get some images, it was evident that by the beginning of 2011 they would be up and running-think, TIGHT schedule.
At around noon, Prineville Mayor Mike Wendel announced to everyone the big news and after several speeches, the official ground breaking ceremony occurred, lunch was served and within 1.5 hours everyone had moved on to their next appointment. I love challenges, and today I got to hammer out one of my quickest photo edits to date, since one of the stipulations for my shooting the event was that the PR firm in charge of the events media distribution needed the images literally after I was done shooting. Pressures a good thing….especially when things go right! So here’s to Facebook for putting Central Oregon in front of the world’s eyes. Oh, did I say again how much I love my job?!!
Big shout out to all my friends who did an outstanding day today. This includes Heidi Berkman with H. Berkman & Associates Inc., the Marketing & Special Events Consultant-541.480.8700 who made everything go silky smooth, Pinnacle Media’s Matt and JoAnn Hand for handling the video content, and Joolz Restaurant from downtown Bend for providing the amazing food.
Cheers-
Getting ready for the fun…
Mayor of Prineville, Mike Wendel showing some of the excitement we all are feeling!
Facebook’s Director of Site Operations, Tom Furlong (brown jacket) celebrating with others that got the job done!
Three of the finance wizards from Facebook–you can thank them for making it happen.
