Category : Portraits

To Byron, From Ninfi: Wedding Anniversary Photography Bend, Oregon

My Dearest Byron – my husband, my lover, my best friend

42 years, incredible, it went so fast.  I can remember our wedding like it was yesterday – all my dreams came true that day.  So many wonderful happenings in 42 years.  Two wonderful sons, vacations, work, sailing, skiing, tennis, motorcross, great music and so much more.

I start voicing a thought and you finish it.  We sometimes think about the same thing at the same time.  Your smile and the twinkle in your eyes makes my heart beat faster because I know they are just for me.  You are so caring and tender, you make me feel safe and loved.

My favorite poem says it all -

How do I love thee,
I love thee to the depth,
and breath and height my soul can reach.

Grow old with me my dear, the best is yet to come.

All my love, now and forever,
Ninfi

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Mom and Dad,

You both are our biggest fans and ultimate role models.  It’s a constant reminder of what can be possible when you wake up and choose love every day of your marriage.  We can only hope to attain the joy and happiness you both live everyday after 40 more years!  Thank you for so openly sharing your love with everyone around you, you probably have no idea how deep of an impact you make in us and others that admire from afar.

Even during this session (your first ‘real’ professional photography session!), you couldn’t keep your hands off each other and a tear was seen here and there.  That’s pure love.

Here’s a gift to your anniversary and to many, many healthy and happy years together.

All our love,

B + W

Love is a beautiful thing at any age….

Can I just say the flowers were full on AMAZING.

Now that’s one HANDSOME man!

Mom with one of her endless giggles, she’s constantly smiling.

One of our favs – do share the secret to your success?!

Portland, Oregon Photography Workshop With Lighting Wizard Joe McNally: Day 2

**warning, warning brain overload**

Ok, luckily it wasn’t that bad today as I really felt like I hit the ground running in the right direction as opposed to feeling like I had two left feet, or something to that effect.  Today, Joe showed us how he’d light a group of people and much, much more.  The shooting felt more (read way freakin’ more) synergistic as I was able to process all the information from yesterday and make it happen.

With 15 people in the workshop, we split into three’s and, well I have to say I’m now really spoiled after having two assistants working for me when I shot…..back to reality Byron.  Actually, my hot wife is my assistant so that’s way better than two any day…..right hun?  I got to work with Steven (dancer) again and the beautiful Kyli and we had a great time.  Really trying to push it with Steven in an area with some tagging on the wall.  During those last shots I really began to feel like I was in control of my light.  Ok, here’s some images from today, (again, unprocessed) and I’ll start dumping some info I learned on you in the next few days.
Cheers.

UPDATE: Top 10 takeaways from this weekend:

1. On Nikon bodies with the pop up flash, using the CLS (creative lighting system) is super easy but has limits mainly with other flashes being triggered by the pre-flash of the small pop up. Use a SB800 or 900 as the commander, point it straight up and put the diffuser on. The pre-flash signal is WAY stronger and 9 out a 10 it’ll trigger. Also, using the SB800-900 as a commander allows for adjustments with 3 groups of flashes and the pop-up only allows for two, providing you with an added level of control.

2. When shooting profile shots, position the flash at about 45 degrees in front of and BEHIND the persons face (the flash will be facing more towards the camera). This way the light will gently wrap around the subjects face and prevent the background from collecting unwanted light.

3. Great use of a Think Tank CF card holder: Cut the middle seam which initially separates them into two CF holders and presto, great holders for all your gels!

4. Wana light up a city block? Gel your car headlights and watch out!

5. Paint poles with male stud (for attaching softboxes, etc) can be used just as well as monopods for creating the “light on the stick”. In fact, these poles will be for the most part much longer and a bit more versatile (but a little less collapsable.

6. Any time your camera goes into High Speed Sync mode, (any time your shooting with flash and using a shutter speed of 1/250 or greater) remember this will draw lots of power away from your flash and you may need to either double up flashes to get what’s needed. Trying to overpower the sun is hard!

7. After you have accessed the location (light and background wise) and have a concept, place your subject in the frame where you want them and take a few test shots using AP (Aperture Priority) to determine what the ambient light is doing (looking for hot spots, etc.) and then build your flashes in from there.

8. Reflectors below the chin can light up peoples eyes. Or throw the reflector on the ground-just play around to see what you can get!

9. When changing auto compensation while using flash, this affects flash power when in TTL. Switch over to manual on the commander rather than using TTL to lock in the flash power.

10. New ideas can come from mistakes in prior frames you shoot. Maybe one of the faces you blurred gives you an idea. Don’t be afraid to just shoot and see what’s happening!

Review: Day 1 Portland, OR Joe McNally Photography Workshop

Best looking guys in the class!  Thanks Joe.

Below:  Behind the Scenes – a jungle of lights

The mind reels………….hey, by the way check out all the flashes on that light stand.

Portland, Oregon Photography Workshop With Lighting Wizard Joe McNally

Like many, I’ve been intrigued with National Geographic images since I was a kid.  But to have one of the most famous of those photographers holding a softbox light for you while shooting away is an experience I won’t soon forget, (in the first image below, Joe was holding it right above Ashley’s head and just higher than my framing).  If you’ve ever checked out a N. Geographic magazine in the last 25 years, chances are you’ve seen one of his shots and with one of his specialties being shooting quickly and efficiently with only small speedlight flashes, this was THE one workshop high on the priority list.

My main reason for wanting to attend Joe’s class is learning how to create so many diverse moods with these small flashes on the fly so to speak.  Yesterday was around 8+ hours of brain dump information with time for us to practice with some models, some of which are members of the ballet theatre in Portland.  My head hurt from processing all the info, but the pirate pub crawl in Portland that night didn’t help either….no I won’t go into explanation.  I can’t wait for today’s fun to start and will shoot out some of the more important tidbits of info I’ve learned in my next blog.  Here’s a few I shot from yesterday. 

Cheers.

P.S. All images below are raw, unedited…McNally style.

These next two below are of Steven from the Oregon Ballet Theatre.  Awesome guy to work with and had the most amazing vertical jump.  The first is only with ambient (more of a test shot really) but Steven’s positioning in the frame was just too cool not to show. Not too stoked about cutting off his hand though in the last shot but this class wasn’t about getting THE shot, it was really about pushing ourselves with light!  I really do look forward to working with dancers again!

To Baby, From Shelly Phillips: Maternity Photography Bend Oregon

Dear Baby,

Wow, you’re almost here and we are so excited to finally meet you.  Your dad and I have been waiting for you for 9 long months and pretty soon we’ll get to see you, touch you, and gaze into your beautiful eyes.  I’m especially looking forward to holding you in my arms and nuzzling your sweet smelling head.  Let’s spend hours together just cuddling, nursing, sleeping, and enjoying life together.

I can’t wait to be your mama.  I’ve been preparing for motherhood since I was a young girl and I feel so ready to welcome you into my life.  I’ve studied everything I could about how to be a good parent, how to help you learn and grow, and how to be the best example I can be for you.  I’ve even practiced by taking care of lots of other babies and kids, but really it was all for you.  Taking care of you and teaching you how to take good care of yourself sounds like the most fun and rewarding thing I could possibly do in my life.  Thanks for helping me fulfill my life’s purpose.

Just wait ‘till you meet your dad.  He’s fantastic.  I just know he’s going to be such a wonderful daddy to you.  When I was choosing a husband I decided to choose the man with the biggest, most beautiful heart I could find.  And that’s your dad.  He cares so deeply, and shares himself so openly.  I love his honesty and the way he has trouble keeping a secret, even when it’s a fun surprise.  I completely trust him to take exquisite care of all of our hearts, which is really the most important task of all.  And on top of all that, he’s hilarious!  With your daddy in our lives, we are sure to have lots and lots of laughter and fun.

My friends keep telling me that you’re “one lucky baby” and I agree.  I’ve always thought of myself as one of the luckiest people I know.  And I’m so happy to pass on my good fortune to you.  In fact, there’s no one else I’d rather bless with endless good luck and the ability to appreciate and enjoy it.

One of my deepest hopes is that we can always communicate openly with each other, that no matter what’s happening, you know you can always come to us, share whatever’s on your heart and we’ll always love you no matter what.  There may be times when we don’t like each other very much, but even then, please know, that we love you dearly, deeply, and without conditions.  And even in times when you think you don’t, we’ll remember that you love us too.  Because that’s how it is in our family, we practice unconditional love and acceptance no matter what the circumstances.

So, welcome to life on Earth, and welcome to your family.  May you be surrounded by love, inspired to learn and grow, and always know that you are deeply cherished.

Love,

Mom

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Shelly and Kevin,

We sure cut it down to the wire but I hope you find these images to be a late lasting memory of pregnancy!  You’re SO beautiful!  Thanks for trusting us and for being adventurous even at 2 weeks to your due date!  It’s been an honor to document your journey from engagement, to wedding, to baby   Lots of love to you both and congratulations on your new addition.  I hope everyone found the tissues because I sure was grabbing them reading your powerful love letter!

All the best,

B + W

This is a classic shot – nothing that’s totally unique but totally special.

I LOVE this giggle, Shelly…it’s like Kevin was tickling you!

One of our total favs from the day, has all the right unique elements with magical smiles from you both and still shows your belly. – YUM!

A fun daddy shot

Who knew you could be so sexy at 8.5 months?!!  Grarrrw. Love it – Wendy

This feels lonely yet a totally surreal with you and the baby.

Beautiful soft focus on the hay and grasses – like a hidden moment.

Love the connection between a single, growing organism with the grass in front and a single, growing organism with the baby in the back.

Love these belly portraits – WOW!  Color pop is lovely.

One of my favorite portraits, love the lighting on your face and belly.

At the end of the session, Wendy spent a little time alone with Shelly for these more intimate shots.  We fell in love with this one and are thankful Shelly and Kevin let us post this beauty.  Capturing the body at this stage in life in true form.  Shelly, you’re GORGEOUS!

Congratulations to Runner Max King; Montrail and Mountain Hardware Catalog Covers

Congratulations goes out to local Bendite and supreme runner, Max King.  To add to his many accomplishments, last weekend at the annual Footzone Dirty Half, Max won the fastest time making him the 2010 USA Half Marathon Trail Champion.

Max is passionate about running (it’s obvious) and about teaching running but he’s also one of those wonderful athletes that balances his supreme athleticism with a full-time career (he’s a chemical engineer) and family (he’s got an 8 month old!).  Above all, Max is an all-around fun guy, easy to get along with always cool, calm and collected with a smile.  Over the last few months we’ve had the opportunity to spend some quality time shooting Max for various marketing projects for some of his big sponsors: Montrail and Mountain Hardware.  Below are some of our favorites from the last few shoots out at Smith Rocks State Park and Sisters, OR and as we just found out, the covers of the new 2011 Montrail catalog and Mountain Hardware Excel Run.

Ohh la la

This was the ‘hydration’ shot   The view was spectacular though…

Max stretching before the photo shoot run   Very difficult, max effort.  he he…

One of our favs; Max has a fantastic stride, focus and dedication to his sport.

Max’s ‘All-American’ smile and portrait.

This is one of Wendy’s favs – great lighting and intensity.

Max is quite fearless, when we say jump – he jumps…across a chasm!

This was honored by making the cover of Mountain Hardware’s 2011 Excel Run Spring Catalog.

The new Montrail’s 2011 catalog cover shot

Another hydration/hero shot of Max.

One of the many classic, casual running shots out at Smith Rocks.

Max showing off ‘parkor’ style…goofing off really.  Just happy he didn’t get hurt   Oh, and he’s several feet off the ground here.

Another hero shot – that dude is strong.

Jumping over the 4 feet wide chasm.  Every time he landed, Wendy breathed a sigh of relief.

A Montrail shoe focused shot, Byron’s fav

To My Dear Sweet Baby: Aura Carr Maternity Photography Session in Bend, Oregon

Dear Sweet Baby,

Your father and I are so excited for your arrival. We have been preparing for you for many years and it’s truly amazing to us that you’ll be in our arms in just a few short weeks. Our hearts are so full of joy that sometimes we look at each other in tearful wonder that we’ll soon have the honor of being your parents. We take this responsibility very seriously, but you’ll find we are both really two big goofs, who just love to laugh and play. There are so many beautiful places we can’t wait to take you to see, play and smile as we have together. Your father can’t wait for the day to come when you slip on your first pair of climbing shoes. I can’t wait to see the wonder in your eyes on your first airplane ride or first trip to the ocean.

We promise to support and provide for you with open hearts and open ears. We promise to listen to you and hold you when you need support. We promise to give you the freedom to see and experience life through your own perspective, and to honor that you have much to teach us. We promise to role model to you patience, kindness and acceptance of others and things we don’t always understand in the world. We promise to do our best to instill in you a sense of responsibility as a human being to this planet and all the life that abounds. But above all of these, we promise to love you unconditionally and without bounds.

For now, I listen and wait for the day when you signal to me that you are ready to make your journey from the womb to the outside world. And I wish for strength and surrender that you and I will both need on that day. Until then, sleep in peace and wonder of the new journey you are about to embark. We are here for you with open arms.

Much love,
Your mother

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Aura, you’re a gem.  We wish you and Logan the very best through the coming year of transformation.  It’s been so wonderful to be your friends, witness your engagement and wedding – continuing to document your story.  Thank you!  – B + W

This picture deserves a frame for the baby’s room

Oh, so cozy!

Who’s that cute momma-to-be?  Your eyes POP here – love it.

We love the perspective here and the light on the tops of your hands.

Does this mean it’s a boy?  Only time will tell!

Your body, your joy, your moment – timeless.