portland FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Before becoming a Portland family photographer, I exclusively photographed weddings. After several requests from past wedding clients to document their growing families, it didn't take long to realize that I was meant to capture couples in this new phase of life. Now I photograph families, just as frequently as I photograph weddings and I really enjoy the variety and change of pace that each life event offers.

Family sessions are all about documenting the small moments that won't seem small in years to come, when you want to remember how life felt in a certain phase of life. Capturing your family in tangible form is a chance to encapsulate a personality trait, a facial expression, a silly dance move, and a unique family dynamic, in a time when a child is growing and changing so fast. The storyteller in me enjoys capturing the really vulnerable moments you share with your children. I always aim to to create images that are genuine and heartfelt, over moments that are staged. I strive to create a mix gallery of candid imagery, paired with timeless portraits that multiple generations can enjoy.

After over a decade of working with digital, I've reintegrated film back into my work. I learned photography on a film camera back in 2004 but shortly after explored digital due to it's technological advancements. Full circle, the transition back to film was ironically a sign of growth in my career; switching back to film has elevated my work in a way I never dreamed possible.

For those of you unfamiliar with the difference between film and digital, I'd love to share some insight. Aside from the cost difference you'll see when comparing investment options with other photographers, there are more profound difference like the look and feel of your images and even the experience you have with your photographer over all. In a world where we are drowning in excess; excess digital images on our phones pushing us to invest in more iCloud storage, film offers a more minimal and more intentional experience. When you are working with film, you don't have the option to look at the back of the camera to see how the shot looks. There's no test shot. Therefore, you have to be mindful of available light, your camera settings, etc. Photographers shooting film have to be more present and aware so that we can maximize the chance that the 36 available frames per roll turn out. Why don't we just shoot unlimited rolls? Because the cost of the roll of film, the service to develop it by a technician and have it scanned into the computer so we can see it in digital form, is a minimum of $41 per roll. Film is expensive and most clients' budgets aren't unlimited so being mindful of the volume of film used is essential. So if you have to pay out of pocket then why not just shoot digital? There are so many reasons film trumps digital in my opinion. The look and feel of film cannot be replicated. People have tried to create presets that match the look that film provides but it's impossible to emulate something so nostalgic, and so rich in color. Aside from the look, you are investing in a photographer who has redefined how they see the world by working with film. Like I mentioned above, working with film slows down time because you don't have the option to check out and endlessly press a shutter and take a million outtakes. You have hired someone who is self aware and more present in the art.

All sessions are captured entirely on medium format and 35mm film and I invest a lot back into the cost of film stock, developing and scanning fees. As a result, the cost of a session is often more in comparison to someone who shoots soley on digital. I put a lot of though into location recommendations in or outside of Portland, in addition to outfit suggestions to give you the best possible experience so if you enjoy what you see on my page and want to chat further, scroll down to the contact form and say hello!

Natural & HEARTFELT PHOTOS On film