tess + adam: engaged!

Congratulations to Tess + Adam on their recent engagement! For their shoot, they wanted iconic imagery of Portland that makes this place feel like home. So, we headed down to the waterfront, and from sunset into evening, enjoyed the cityscape of our Rose City. Tess and I met while working at a coffee shop, and when you have to be at work at 4:00 am, it's really nice when you enjoy who you are working with, especially for that sunrise shift. Let's just say that Tess and I had an understanding about each other's morning behavior.  It was so wonderful to meet her husband-to-be Adam. It is so much fun to witness the two of them together. To you both, thank you for a fantastic sunny evening. Oh, and Adam, what a gentleman you are, insisting to help carry my equipment. Thank you. Can't wait for your wedding in the spring!
(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way). 

tricia + will: a new tradition

 And a polaroid just for fun...

Meet my friends, Tricia and Will. After realizing that it had been a long time since they had photos taken together, they decided to create a new tradition. Every year, around the date of their anniversary, they would set aside time for photographs. Isn't that a sweet idea?
These two are creative people, and they decided that an important part of this tradition was to work with different photographers, who carry distinct points of view - as to be captured in that artist's own likeness and style. So, we headed out to a wheat field, took in some of that late summer light, and for Tricia and Will, started something new. Think of the collection they will have on their 25th anniversary! To you both, thanks for your trust in me, and asking me to take part in this new tradition.
Tricia is also a talented artist. Check out her work here. 
(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).

hello autumn.

Hello autumn. Despite my resistance, I suppose it is time to say farewell to summer and embrace fall's arrival. As much as I love to savor the last drops of summer, I do have quite an affection for autumn. I welcome that feeling of change. After a few years in Portland, I know now that the swifts are a sure sign of September (and it's fleeting nature). These swirling birds are currently gracing us with their presence, but not for too much longer. If you haven't seen them, please pack yourself a picnic, bring a blanket, and go enjoy. It is truly a sight to see. Here's to the first day of fall...

ayisha + ben: hitched!

A few words from the bride + groom:

When we took our road trip across America in 2006, we wound our way up to Mike and Jill's farm after traveling over 3,000 miles. It was the middle of summer, the hills were soft and green. We worked in the fields, picked berries and fell in love with a dog named Izzy. On our last day, as we looked out onto the land that means so much, we were inspired. We agreed that if we were to ever get married -- this is where it would be. And so the story goes....

It was my honor to document Ayisha and Ben's wedding in a place that held so much meaning for them. It was a beautiful, homegrown and heartfelt celebration that was shared with good friends, loving family and a sweet dog named Izzy. Ayisha and Ben, congratulations and I hope this finds you safe, sound, happy and healthy in your beloved Brooklyn.  Come back to Oregon soon! Thank you so much to Ann McGarry for her assistance and Polaroid magic. I am so excited to introduce a "Polaroid Please" addition to my wedding packages.  I can't wait share her Polaroids with you. Stay tuned...
(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way). 

workshop.

I am excited to teach a Digital Night Photography workshop through OCAC's Studio School, scheduled for September 25 & 26. To see more of my work that explores the contemporary landscape at night, please feel free to visit my site or go to www.kimikolba.com. Please find all of the details about the workshop below. Also, you can visit Oregon College of Art & Craft's website to see all of the wonderful class offerings and even register online. If you are unfamiliar with OCAC, it is truly a magical, inspiring pocket of Portland that is worth a visit! 

Digital Night Photography
PH701 • SEP 25-SEP 26 (2 sessions); SAT-SUN 4:00-10:00PM SAT & 10:00AM-5:00PM SUN 
Curious about the visual experience at night? Learn how to photograph stunning nightscapes and create beautiful prints from your digital images. This exciting class encourages students to seek out and capture the varying hues, tonalities and light that play across the landscape during the evening hours. Students will participate in a shooting excursion around Portland, learn editing and toning techniques with Photoshop, obtain aesthetic and technical photographic knowledge, and learn about digital printing. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Photoshop, a digital SLR camera with fully manual settings, USB cord and a tripod. Location: Digital Imaging Lab

and the winner is...

When I think of what I love about Portland, I do find it hard to narrow it down. I recall the time a couple years ago, when  I watched an elderly man slowly cross the street with a cane, only he was sporting a rainbow colored Mohawk. (Seriously). Or, when we first moved here, I was fumbling with a map in the passenger seat and a guy on his motorcycle pulled up next to us and asked, “What are you looking for?” He not only helped us get from A to B, but he told us a great place to eat along the way. I’ve never been in a town that is so community oriented. I love that you can be whoever you want to be in this city, and not only is it accepted but fully embraced. I share your appreciation for good food, art and culture, and the beauty of Oregon’s landscape continues to amaze me. But what I find most important is that this place understands and promotes the idea that it is about making a life and not just a living, and that is truly something to celebrate.  

Without further ado, congratulations to the winner, Liz, who made the 3rd comment! Thank you again to all of you who entered the giveaway. There were 49 wonderful comments, and because it was impossible for me to choose a winner, I decided to use the random method.  This was difficult as I'd love for everyone to win. So, to show my appreciation, I am offering 20% off any photo shoot to those who entered. Your session must be reserved by September 30th, 2010 and bookings are available from now through the month of October 2010. If you were interested in giving your session to a friend, gift certificates are available.  Liz, please email me at hello@kimikolbaphoto.com and we can figure out all of the details for your shoot! Congratulations! Thank you again to everyone for your participation and for sharing your comments about our one-of-a-kind city.

closed.

The giveaway is now closed. Thank you so much to all of you who entered and for your thoughtful and kind comments. I enjoyed reading what you love about Portland. It's quite a special place, isn't it? I will happily announce the winner on Wednesday so please check back then!