[Moreno Valley, California - July 2011 - Ilford HP5 film]

As an enemy of mediocrity, I am a big believer in specialization.
Lots of photographers today try to do it all: weddings, newborns, families, pets, corporate headshots…

I have discovered that my joy is found in giving creative people photographs of themselves that help them feel successful and confident in life and on stage. This means that when symphony musicians, visual artists, and small business owners walk through my doors, I am confident I can provide interesting headshots to add to their repertoire. I also know that the women of all ages and all sizes who come through my studio to have a private boudoir folio made will walk out with a collection of flattering and natural-looking images to help her confidently celebrate a life milestone. Artisan portraits are my niche, and it means that despite how charmed I am by sweet families and funny children, and while I do enjoy bringing artistic black and white photography into the home for the occasional portrait commission, I am now redirecting potential family portrait clients elsewhere.

(The kids I do photograph tend to be individualists with a sense of humor like these two lovely ladies I photograph every year in Boston. Their mother’s love for black and white photography has been a basis for a wonderful collection that has grown through the years.)

I did one final set of family portraits in September for my east coast clients who live in the Boston area. Many of the legacy clients who hired me this year were among my first wedding commissions, and found me when I was just a fledgling photographer. Every time I am on the east coast I try to find an excuse to connect, and I am grateful for their enthusiastic support as my artistic voice emerged.

I also flirted with a personal project this year in the THREE YEARS OLD study. Those photos were fun, hilarious, and full of personality. I loved the whole thing.

But… I don’t want you to hire me to do your family portraits this year! I want you to go to someone who specializes in child and family work, and will traipse all over Portland with you.

Here are some Portland photographers I know who will treat you right and give you a good price for their work. (Bonus: much less than I would charge you.)

1. Kersten Green is in North Portland. Kersten is an up-and-coming photography superstar, so hook up with her now before her rates go up and make her your go-to gal for warm family portraits.  kerstengreenphotography.com
   
2. Margaret Jacobsen is a beautiful creative soul. Previously in California, she brings a huge smile and inspiring spirit to her work. Margaret, out of Lake Oswego but serving the Portland metro area, is running a holiday mini special through the end of November.   margaretjacobsen.com
3. Emily Garrick is another woman whose child and family work is beautiful.  emilygphotography.com

A couple of other Portland family photographers with specials this month:

• Lisa Teso
• Amy Vining

Two other Portland portrait photographers whose work I admire:

• Lisa Warninger
• Morgan Day Cecil

TIP: try to book your photographer as early as possible

so you’re able to schedule during a time that works for you and before the weather gets too dreary – and start ordering your holiday cards in time to catch a sale from tinyprints.com! Popular photographers like these ladies fill up quickly during the pre-holiday season, not to mention take time off to spend time with their families.

Good luck!

Ramsey is growing up to be quite a little lady. Boston, MA.

Tyler is almost four, with a brand new baby sister. She was the most instantly gregarious of the children who have come into the studio over the past few weeks. Tyler turned the studio into her personal performance platform, dancing and singing as a “contestant” with the stage name Jenny. Charming and playful, she didn’t hesitate to try to boss me around.

I’m still looking for three one more three year old in the Portland area to come in for a studio portrait sitting. Do you know anyone who might be interested? More info here.

Miles was excited to come into the studio. His mother is a photographer, so he is no stranger to being in front of the camera. He decided he was going to wear his Harry Potter shirt for his photos. Miles is a mix of influences – he doesn’t hesitate to punch his older and much taller sister smack in the eye, but if you put him near a baby he becomes the most gentle little guy in the world. Also: this kid helped himself to all of my graham crackers!

I’m still looking for three one more three year old in the Portland area to come in for a studio portrait sitting. Do you know anyone who might be interested? More info here.

Alinea started out already friendly and sweet, and then she found some fluffy pink props in the back of the studio and was in pink princess heaven. In her spare time, Alinea loves to play Mousetrap and Candyland. Personally, I was charmed by her crazy three year old hair.

I’m still looking for three one more three year old in the Portland area to come in for a studio portrait sitting. Do you know anyone who might be interested? More info here.

Oscar has visited the studio before, and he remembers the ceiling fans! Like Jude, he also became obsessed with the fans during his visit, turning them off and on. Oscar wasn’t really into talking with me or answering any questions, but he sure was happy to poke around the studio and look at all the equipment. Being up on a high seat made Oscar nervous.

Charlotte is usually quite talkative, but was “shy” in the studio. She also decided not to use any words on this visit. She enjoys exploring with her daddy and loves to eat waffles.

Seba is three, but almost four years old. On his birthday, he thinks he might go to OMSI. He is a very serious three year old. His hood protects him from things falling on his head, like snow.

I’m so excited about our July & August 2011 casting call. I’m looking for Portland THREE YEAR OLDS to photograph in the studio — it’s an age I don’t quite ‘get’ and I’m trying to experiment to see how a three year old responds to the camera and the unnatural situation of going to a studio location.

I don’t care what the kid wears; in fact if s/he dresses herself, ALL THE BETTER! I will be attempting to elicit extremely natural photos, which means no one will be asking your child to smile or pose. If s/he is feeling uncooperative or grouchy, THAT’S OK! We’ll just see what happens.

Photo shoots happen on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at my studio in SE Portland. Session fee is waived, and your child will probably be featured in some kind of publication (at least blogged). If you want to support us, any files are available to purchase after the session for $20 but of course no purchase is required or expected. It’s all in good fun!

Here’s my first subject, Jude. He’s currently obsessed with ceiling fans and switches, and claims mommy is one year old.