Category : Portraits
Family Portraits with the Chapins; Portrait Photographer Bend Oregon
Melissa approached me a few weeks ago and said that her daughter, Amelee, was growing big so fast and that she wanted to freeze a moment in time at this adorable stage before she blinked and it was gone. We had the pleasure of spending some play moments with Melissa, Amelee and Lucas as we snapped away. You gotta move quick because kids are so SQUIRMY!
…back to brides in a little bit but we pause to bring you this adorable little cutie and her family for a special surprise to Brian (well sort of surprise!).
Thanks Melissa!
B + W
Getting ready, deciding what to wear…decisions, decisions. 
Wipe that tear away little one!
Lucas playing in his sand pit
Melissa and the kids….surprise Brian!
My personal fav….CUTIE!
Tashia Davis; Senior Portrait Photography, Bend Oregon
Taking a short break from weddings, we had the pleasure of working with an awesome senior, Tashia Davis for her senior portraits. Right off the bat, she had the desire to shoot among the throngs of wildflowers down by The Old Mill. The color, especially at sunset, was AMAZING. Our goal was to capture youth and maturity….beauty and strength. Tashia, you ROCKED it and we had a blast. All the best to you and your family as you enter your last year of high school and grow into your own.
I look back on my senior pics and cringe (wayyyyy back in the day), so glad seniors are choosing pics to match themselves these days…
Cheers!
B + W
Young and fabulous – the hat adds it all!
This feels more like a painting with the myriad of color.
I would have again paid for the wind, it set off this peaceful setting.
Tashia bringing her intense modeling background (just kidding!)…she’s rockin’ it though!
LOVE, LOVE this photo…speaks of beauty, innocence, strength and maturity all in one.
This whole series (the above is just one sample) is my fav. FUN!
Stylin’ it up below ‘Salon Envy.’
Dramatic lighting, strong expression….WOW, Tashia you’re awesome.
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
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
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!
