I met Signe at RAW Artist Showcase @ The Bossanova Ballroom about a month ago.
( www.rawartists.org) She was such a bright light, that after the event I went home and searched for her online. She was one of the original band members of Jefferson Airplane in 1960. I was so excited I instantly emailed her and asked her if I could shoot her portrait. She was so surprised I wanted to shoot her portrait but said YES! So, after a few weeks of planning I went over to her home and spent almost 2 1/2 hours with her. We drank coffee and talked about life, music, death, the 60’s, Janis, The Who, Art, and we even discussed raspberries. I have to say my photoshoot with Signe changed my life. There were times when she would say something and it was like opening a door for me. She is a beautiful woman, an amazing singer and musician, a mother, and well…my new friend.

It is wedding season and boy did I get a big surprise at my last wedding. The wedding was located in Indiana, and a former client of mine flew me out for the summer wedding. The day went smoothly and the ceremony was held in a beautiful garden. After the ceremony and all the planned shots were taken we moved to an outdoor pavilion @ Shady Pines Golf Course. It was a hot day and temperatures had reached to 96 degrees. Just as everyone was enjoying their first cold beer, the power went out and the sky turned a dark gray. Within minutes the rain started and was followed by extreme winds. Before I knew it I was caring a 1 yr old boy in my left arm and my camera in my right arm. We were rushed to an underground safe room and waited for the outcome. The rain kept coming and coming and before we knew it we were standing in a foot of water in the shelter. It only lasted for about an hour and we were able to go above ground. There was a lot of damage and a lot of broken glass. The beautiful thing about this happening was that the family, bridal party, and staff all worked together cleaning up the mess. I was as present as always and captured it all. The bride was upset at first but she had also noticed everyone working together so they could continue on with the reception. It was truly an amazing event and to witness everyone come together was priceless!

I recently was hired by an organization called RAW Artist. This is an art showcase that happens once a month for nine months in 22 cities. Mike Surber is the Portland director and he hired me to photograph all 9 events this year. I have 3 showcases under my belt and I love it! I go in at 5pm @ The Bossonova Ballroom and I’m done by 11pm. I get to meet artists, dj’s, musicians, models, fashion designers, and a whole bunch of people in between. I am finding myself more and more networked and this city keeps getting smaller and smaller.

Just the other day I was stopped at a stop sign and crossing the street was a RAW artist I had photographed 2 months ago. I yelled out to him and I think I scared him a little but after seeing my face, he remembered who I was. I love living in a city where everyday I can run into somone I know and share a quick hello, or even just a smile.

Finally summer has arrived!  It seemed like it took forever for the sun to shine and stay around.  Now that it is summer I have been very busy having fun.  I have been trying to make a point to jump on the max and head downtown to enjoy all the festivities.  The streets have been full of people.  I love this because I really enjoy  people watching.  When know one knows I am shooting, is when I get the best photos.  I have also been camping a few times.  Only a short drive  and you can be away from the city and into the beauty of the Oregon wilderness. But most of all I have been enjoying friends in my neighborhood.  I love to sit on the porch and watch the people in the neighborhood move about.  I recently left my 9 to 5 and had a great party to celebrate.  We ate and drank and even played some live music on the sidewalk.  My friends Jimmy and Graham came over and tagged a window for me to mark the occasion.  Even though it is summer, I still have to work and boy have I been busy. Here are some pictures from my most recent shoots! Enjoy!

The happily married couple, Eric and Paul Starr. This wedding was based in the center of the only natural labyrinth in Portland. It was quit the honor to be apart of their very special day.

A toast from Eric’s father!

I shot a really fun family portrait this summer also.  Brian and Rae Reeves are both writers and such a fun couple. They are expecting their first child in just one month. They wanted to get photos done before their world really changes.

Brian ” this baby is the center of our world.”

I would like to thank all our friends and family that came out to our opening at Swift on April 15th!  Swift is located at 19th and NE Broadway.  It was a huge success and about 80 people showed up.  I think Jim the owner was a bit surprised.  The windows and prints will be up at Swift  until June 1st.  All photographs are for sale and can be picked up after purchased between May 31st and the 1st of June.  Becky and I are also very excited to be apart of the Dreamer’s Market starting June 6th.  We will have a booth selling matted prints, t-shirts, post cards, magnets, and of course our Windows!!!