Category : Extra

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 Ian, From Jenni: Portland Oregon Engagement Photography

Dear Ian –

While I am rarely at a loss for words, I struggle to articulate how excited I am to marry you.  We have both said that we know our life together is going to be amazing and so much fun and now we get to put it into action.  We make such an incredible team together, you are the perfect balance to me and I feel honored that you want me in your life forever.

When we first met, I was skeptical of meeting someone online.  But something about you drew me in even before I ever heard your voice.  Your eyes were kind and I could hear your sense of humor come through your typed words.  And everyday since we’ve met, you look at me with such sincerity and care, it makes me feel as though I am the only one in the room.  And while our first date was “interesting” to say the least, you had me laughing so hard my sides ached.  Those two traits kept me coming back for more….and more I will get!

So here is to a lifetime of raising our crazy pack of dogs, the never-ending list of home improvement projects, skiing, camping, our Sunday trips to the grocery store and planning for our next international adventure.  Whatever life holds for us, I want to do all of these things with you.  You are my best friend and I am so honored to have you in my life…

Love, Jen

Okay, we’re just going to start with a smokin’ hot one first.

‘You turn me right round baby right round, like a record baby, right round round round.’

A dainty, sweet moment

Jenni, I’m going to tell you one more time how much you rock those boots.

Fisheye love.

One of my all-time-f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e-s.

Ohhhh, classic shot of Ian.

That’s a keeper….

Here’s the second smokin’ hot one.  Get a room you two!  he he…

Pure bliss   Yum.

Love the vanishing lines here – this is classic urban chic.  You’re rockin’ it!

Thank you, to this particular graffiti artist who made my day.   Oh yeah, saved the best for last Jenni.

Portland, Oregon Engagement Photography Adventures

Travel you say?  Absolutely!  When given the opportunity to travel and shoot weddings or engagements sessions, we jump.  Like you say jump, we jump.  This past week we ventured to Portland (okay, more like hop, skip and a jump from Bend) to meet up with two fantastically funny couples for their engagement shoots.  When we say funny, we mean it!  They had us rolling laughter throughout the day, adding to the sunshine, which is oh so rare in Portland, Oregon.  Everything from hurricane winds on the Columbia River, purple boots, graffiti walls to drunken stories, we had so, so much fun with these two newly engaged couples.  Both of them actually share a similar secret – as a testament to eHarmony, both couples found love online!

Here’s a sneak peek of two of our favorites from each shoot (more to come this week!) and of course, some of us goofing around in a sea of blooming cherry blossoms right off 23^rd avenue.  We hear you…and are going to be proactively posting more photos of the two of us.  Stay tuned for more of Meredith + Joe and Jenni + Ian…

We love this funky, one-of-a-kind shot   Meredith + Joe, you guys are too cute.

On the Columbia River in a brief moment of wind stall.  A shot of simple romance…

Jenni + Ian in their funky, one-of-a-kind shot!  Jenni, you’re fearless…

Love, love, love this   Blow kisses anyone?  Portland has the most fantastic urban settings…

Wendy is so classic – what a cutie

Fun with the bloooooming cherry blossoms!

My ‘give me some attitude’ look (a well used saying for all clients).

And of course, myself in true form. 

A Trip Down to Vegas For WPPI-To Inspire And Educate!

This is THE place to be if you are a wedding photographer.  The top wedding & portrait photographers in the world speak here to thousands of people who come from all over the world.  If fact, the attendance was up…..5000?!  from what it was last year, making the total attendance around 15000-I did say big, right?  It was great to see friends and family and did I mention Red Rock Canyon?

In addition to the four days of seminars, trade show and parties, Wendy and I got to spend some time with my parents who came up from Phoenix and stayed with us.  Unfortunately, the only time we saw them was when we walked back to the hotel prior to going out again for a party each night but it was better than nothing and we spent a few more days with them as well.

Here’s a quick list off the top of our heads as far as what we both learned that crazy week:

1.  Just because you paid for the conference, doesn’t mean you don’t have to wait in line for a seat at WPPI!

2.  Kevin Kubota and Doug Gordon’s moves on the party bus dance pole could be considered legendary.

3.  Jerry Ghionis‘s secret weapon is his voice.

4.  Jasmine Star in person was as inspirational as her writing.

5.  Finao’s booth design ROCKED THE HOUSE!

6.  Bend, Oregon was represented well with the full Kubota team and Big Folio (this little town has one big impact on this industry!).

7.  Casino smoke is hard on the lungs!

8.  Justin and Mary Photography taught us about the beauty of ‘Lovemarks’.

9.  Animoto won us over; okay, we were already halfway there.

10.  Be you, don’t be afraid to be different, be bold – that was the overall message from the ‘new wave’ photographers.

Here’s our friend, world famous wedding photographer Kevin Kubota at the Nikon booth.  You all know he lives in our little town of Bend-right? Hey, I used his actions to edit this photo-is that weird?

Ah yes, as far as wedding photographers go there’s always talk about the illustrious “uncle Bob” at every wedding who has all the equipment and ultimately ends up getting in the way!

Here’s Lens Baby creator Craig Strong.  A great product that opens up lots of door to creativity!

No WPPI discussion would be complete without an image of famous wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis. This time it’s of him singing and hey, he’s got a pretty good voice!  A very inspirational photographer who can create the most amazing images out of the most mundane settings!

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.

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…