mellow yellow: whitney + dave

The more I explore Oregon, the more beauty I find. How fortunate to be graced by such loveliness. Add to that - some kind, creative folks who are also talented and thoughtful photographers? Well, that is just icing on the cake. It is pretty exciting to have the opportunity to shoot fellow photographers, as I feel we all have different methods to our madness and can constantly learn from each other. (Of course, it always makes me a tiny bit nervous as well). These two were so much fun. They were carefree and loving; Whitney shining her sweet, infectious smile and Dave exuding his cool, calm, collected sense of self. If you'd like a treat for the eyes, please take a moment to view some of their photographs found here and here.
(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way). 

paloma: pretty in pink

Allow me to introduce Paloma - ballerina, supermodel and humanitarian in the making. Paloma is one of my ballet students, and I was absolutely thrilled to photograph her on a sunny Sunday morning on Alberta. I always thought this kid had style and no wonder - her beautiful mama is an owner of the boutique Frock. We had a blast - with balloons, laughter, frolic and a few passés of course.
I have a little story that I would like to share with you about this one. While we are doing our stretches in ballet class, we have the ability to fly to magical places. (I know, I know - I sound like the crazy ballet teacher here, but you do what you have to do to keep kids interested in warm up exercises). The girls go to wonderful destinations, like Grandma's house, Mexico, or outer space. One day, I asked Paloma where she was going and she replied,"I'm going to Haiti so I can help people." It is a moment I have never forgotten. How fitting that her name symbolizes peace.
(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way). 

we are family: the frigons

Allow me to introduce the fantastic Frigon family. I absolutely love to photograph clients in a location that is meaningful to them - in a place of beauty, calm, or one that holds a story. For the Frigon family, I believe such a place is Anderson Island. As soon as they hit the water, their shoulders can release and they forget about the internet, TV, and phone, and focus on each other. I had a great time with this family and admire their zest for life, learning and tradition. To the Frigon's, thank you so much for helping me discover a new part of our gorgeous Pacific Northwest. I hope these photos bring back happy memories. Here are just a few from our day together.
PS: Audrey does a killer robot! And, beware - they all play a mean game of Scribbage.

mama.

To all the moms out there, I have nothing but respect, awe and admiration for you. 

To my mama, I love you to Jupiter and back. You continue to amaze me and truly are my light. 

I wish we could be together this Mother's Day. Know that I celebrate you from afar and send my love and gratitude for all that you have given and continue to give as mother and best friend.

hello may.

Hello May. Recently, a dear friend of mine, who I like to call the Polaroid Queen, gave me a lesson on the Land Camera she so generously lent me months ago. (I hate to admit that it has been months – due to my intimidation of this jewel). Lately, I have been craving film and decided it was time to get a little uncomfortable and challenge myself to try something new. Despite any difficulties, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. (Let me tell you - it was hard for me). Instantly having a print in my hand felt pretty damn good, and I loved the pace and tangibility of the entire process. Why I decided to try this for the first time with a moving object is beyond me. We learned very quickly that this was not a smart decision on our part. We had good intentions with the skateboard - the skate, snow and surf subculture has been an infatuation of Silke’s over the years. Perhaps we weren’t the Z-boys we dreamed to be, but we hope you'll join us in our absurdity, silliness and yearning for long summer days as kids. To you Land Camera pros out there, thanks for being kind on my first attempt. I hope to become close friends with this camera in the future.
Are we jumping the gun on summer? Absolutely. But, after a winter in Portland and the rainy days of spring, can you really blame us?