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.

Q: Did you like being photographed by Rachel? What was your favorite part?
Aryanna: Yes. Just hanging out with her was my favorite part. She is pretty cool.
Kaety: Yes. My favorite part would have to be the lightning round [at the end].

Q: What did you think about coming to the photo studio?
Aryanna: I thought it would be fun. When I got there I liked the space. It made it easy to do what I was doing.
Kaety: I liked it. I liked just getting to be there.

Q: What do you think about being in pictures? Was it hard work? or 100% fun?
Aryanna: I liked it. She got me used to it. It was 100% fun.
Kaety: 100% fun. I liked getting to do all these cool poses and stuff.

Q: Any other advice for kids out there?
Aryanna: You don’t have to be a super star to [be photographed at the studio].
Kaety: I would recommend it to them because it is really fun.

Photography: Rachel Hadiashar
Styling: Cindy Page
Models: Aryanna and Kaety
Type of Shoot: Casting call test session; child headshots for comp card
Location: Portland, Oregon
Date: May 2011

I did a little studio shoot for local Portland company Idiot or Genius. We got some funny, quirky little photos for them with my friends Oscar and Cadence and Aryanna and Kaety. I hope IoG sells more from their kids line (but they also do some very “adult” work with show posters and other screenprint designs as well).

Right now their eponymous t-shirt is a top seller.

They also have some very Portland, and some subtly political stuff as well:

You should check out their stuff! I’m trying to get them to list these t-shirts up on their etsy page asap to accommodate the rush of orders after you all fall in love with their quirky, brilliant work.

There’s something wonderful about the anticipation of a classic childhood moment, like blowing out candles on a huge ridiculous birthday cake.

Film: Kodak 400NC, converted to BW, handheld

Birthday party for a 3 year old (ladybug theme). Portland, Oregon. The Village Ballroom. Face painting. Piñata. Cupcakes!

In-home portrait session: Portland Oregon.

Her mom and dad bought the file for this image, and I hope they print it HUGE and put it up in the office. This is the kind of smile that would brighten up the most gloomy of days!

(a few more posted here)