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.

Blogger Connie Chen, of Daydream in Color.

PDX artists, bloggers, business owners: Have your portraits updated! We have just two more promo days in the studio (August 24 and September 21) – with special rates for business owners, writers, artists, and musicians. After the summer, Artisan Portrait rates will normalize at $225+ for weekday sittings.

Meredith Frengs, Marketing Maven, came into the studio on one of my portrait promotion days and did some funny little outtake photos. She has a great sense of humor. Funny enough, she has just recently also appeared on I Live Here PDX this week.

PDX: Get your photos done! We have two special promo days in the studio (August 24 and September 21) – for business owners, writers, artists, and musicians to enjoy affordable rates for business and artist portraits. After the summer, rates will normalize at $225+ for weekday portrait sittings.

Chris Wallace, Independent Consultant and Facilitator

PORTLAND OREGON: Only two more dates in the studio for our “Artisan Portrait” promotion (August 24 and September 21) for business owners, writers, artists, and musicians to enjoy affordable rates for business and artist portraits. After the summer, rates will normalize at $225+ for weekday portrait sittings.

I was up for the challenge when multi-talented singer Stephanie Kramer came into the studio telling me that her current profile photo was an old snapshot from a trip to Disneyland. As Managing Director of Oregon choral group Resonance Choral Ensemble, Stephanie is actively involved in the musical scene in Oregon. (Earlier today I saw her trying to round up more ushers for the Oregon Bach Festival programming!)

I grew up obsessed with classical music and have seen my share of ho-hum biographical photos in concert programs. Worse, today with facebook people have access to all kinds of “candid” photos of themselves that sometimes make their way into official programs for lack of a professional alternative. Call me old fashioned, but if you perform for a living it’s not optional to have a fantastic, expressive headshot ready to submit for your summer festivals.

We took all of these images within a very short timeframe. The beauty of being in a controlled environment such as a studio is that the images are all about your personality – there’s a timelessness but also an opportunity to go beyond being just another generic photo on a gray paper background.

I don’t know how Stephanie will react to her photos, but I just received feedback from another recent client who came in to do a headshot for her acting portfolio. She writes:

“I have spent the past 30 minutes in AMAZEMENT. Rachel, there are SO many good photos here!! I wouldn’t even know where to begin to choose the right headshot because there are SO many to choose from! You did an incredible job. I have seriously never had a shoot where so many of the pictures were so usable. You are so, so talented. THANK YOU times a million.”

I’m trying to keep my summer session fees as low as I can to accommodate musicians, artists, and small business owners. I’d love to meet you and learn about your art, then provide you with a small portfolio of images you will love. This summer’s Artisan Portrait days are July 13, July 27, August 24, September 14 when I am offering short 30 minute sessions in the studio for $125. Wheee!

David Burn, Chief Storyteller at Bonehook, a Marketing Services Company in Portland.

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

Casting call: seeking a young girl in Portland, Oregon between the age 5 and 11 for a test shoot in our new studio space. Dress code – colorful, trendy, crew cuts style. This session may be used as headshots or just fun portraits to mark this time in your child’s life. A parent would be required to be present at the shoot, and sign a model release. Time is slightly negotiable, but my preference would be for a 4:00 session.

Please spread the word if you know someone who might be interested.
Email rachel@rachelhadiashar.com for more info or to sign up!

Casting Call details

Who: girl, age 5-11 years – must be accompanied by parent (who will not be in shoot)
Logistics: Saturday, May 28, 4:00pm in studio location in Portland, Oregon.

Session fee: $250 (waived due to my specific request for test shoot)
Model release: parental release required
Included: online proof gallery from photo shoot, 8×10″ fine art print of your choice from the session
Photographer: Rachel Hadiashar