Test: NYC Model

From a test with NYC model, Annie Montgomery.
Makeup and hair: Kelly Peach

Test: Q6 Model Sabrina

Just died when I realized Sabrina is only 12. Love the haunted look of her features and her simple, but emotive expressions.

Portland Fashion Photographer: 2013 Junghwa Lookbook and Campaign

New photos we shot are finally up on their brand new site. I'm a HUGE fan of this feminine chic jewelry line. Have a dozen pieces in my jewelry case. Check them out here.

Models: Emma Olson and Kiley Koehler of Option Model Management

Styling: Amy Stewart and Myra Callan
Muah: Raechel Packard
Assist: Anne Schuyler-Moon

Portland Fashion Photographer: Tied up and Tousled

Here are a couple shots that didn't make it into the final look book.
I wanted to pull them for my book though :) Some of these images will be featured in Portland Monthly next issue and I'm always excited to promote one of my favorite Portland designers, Tied up and Tousled.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Option Model's New Face Anne

Muah: Jessica Belknap, Assist, Travis Geny

Portland Fashion Photographer: Work Hard and Be Nice to People

I work with hundreds of people every year, between actors, models, agents, designers and various other clients. It would be overwhelming if I tried to analyze and break down the actual numbers.

With the blessing of more work, comes more responsibility and inevitably, more stress.

Working with hundreds of people throughout the year means that I come across every personality type imaginable. People I click with and love, people who confuse, but inspire me and more rarely, unpleasant people who I will quietly and professionally decide not to work with again. Not everyone is nice and I know that. So I try and choose to let go and move on. (There are exceptions to my patience, but we'll save that for another blog post)*

I'm very lucky, however, to be surrounded by some respectable businessmen and women, who have and continue to instill in me a quiet perseverance and hope that things always eventually settle themselves. Like karma, situations always seem to balance themselves out in time.



An important lesson to be learned a million times over- is the lesson of protecting one's own mental health. I think that for those of us who are passionate and in LOVE with our work, losing ourselves in our work is a common theme. It's both our greatest asset and greatest torment.

Being passionate means that I am the kind of photographer who will overextend and go the extra mile for a client- just to ensure a beautiful product, something I am proud of, something I can stand behind. I have a strong voice, but my reoccurring clients echo the same assessments about my strong work ethic, positive attitude, artistic vision and strong communication skills.

I gladly extend myself, because I love what I do. 

I am hyper aware of my work-obsession however, so I frequently and faithfully set time apart for my personal life, which means a space and time exclusive of absolutely ANY work. I do this in order to maintain my spiritual responsibilities as a "present" mommy, a good friend and an overall aware being.

(I was laughing so hard at this ecard quote, so I made my own poster... photo taken for EG Page)

Running is a way of taking care of my mind, but so is turning my phone off at the end of the day or taking Sundays to myself and my family. I learn little tricks as I get older, on how to drown out the perpetual draw of work, which I both love and hate so passionately.

A new lesson for me is also letting go of injustices in my work. 

Over the years I have learned many lessons on how to acknowledge work tension and miscommunications- whether at my fault or that of the client/ talent. I am quick to forgive and move on if the situation allows it, but I have had some hard lessons and haven't been perfect throughout every one. That's important to understand about ourselves.

We are all imperfect. 

The lesson in injustice has been a little disillusioning, nonetheless.

I had always imagined that as an adult in a rational society, that there would always be an opportunity for justice to prevail. (I know that sounds a bit pretentious and/or idealistic, but the term fits, so I'm using it for now). I'm the kind of person that sticks up for the little voices and if given the opportunity, I always root for the underdog, the unseen or the unpopular. (If you know anything of my upbringing, self-love and life-in-general did not unfold easily for me, so I have empathy for those at a disadvantage).

In some recent work-related incidences I've been splashed with an ice-cold-cup of reality and have had to face the ugly truth that those with money and power can do whatever the hell they want and those without, are at their mercy.

The quote "With great Wealth comes great Responsibility" comes to mind in this learning season. And it weighs on me incredibly.

Being on the receiving end of clients with the power to manipulate, bully and take advantage of me has inspired me to take inventory of my business. I have found myself stumped at the powerlessness and vulnerable state of my tiny business to those with no moral sense or moral compass.

And this is a common position for any free-lance worker, so I know I am one voice in a sea of voices.

After allowing myself a day or two of anger at the injustice of the situation, I began to think of my own responsibility and debt to those have so much less than myself. I find myself reflecting on my own opportunities to bless others and extend grace, courtesy and kindness when due.
Or not due. That is the definition of grace, after all.

I'm sad this week. But I'm also oddly inspired.

I'm pissed that people can walk all over one another unchecked- protected by their own ignorance and sadly, money. But I'm also inspired to be more appreciative of those who are kind and generous. Or those who are simply loyal and honest.

I'm inspired to send more thank you cards, listen more attentively and speak less.

It's nice. It's a quiet, sobering week for me to think on what more I can do for others. And where to go from here.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Rocky Horror

Something about this screams old, cinema films to me. I fell in LOVE with my model today and yes, I think I found my new, favorite lady crush.

Outtakes from a recent look book shoot for EG PAGE. Model, Sarah Schroeder Muah, Jessica Belknap, Assistant Anne Schulyer-Moon

Picture Perfect: How to be okay with a Messy Life

I was thinking about how everything on my sets- or the final image at least- has to be perfect in order for me to place it on my website. Then I was thinking how disorganized my office was at that moment, or my living room for that matter. And it occurred to me suddenly, that the final images I put out in the world don't always reflect the displacement or messiness of my own life.

It's weird. It kind of feels like I'm telling a lie.

I mean, obviously my work- my personal work- will always reflect my current point-of-view or my state of mind. It comes out through my voice, inspirations and final shot/photo/series in some form or another. But it's crazy to think that some people will only ever see this polished side to my work, my life. When in fact, I am a crazy hot mess about 95% of the time.

The best advice I've received (that I can remember) has been in the vein of "let the little things go" and "spend time on what's most important".



In order to follow this piece of advice, I must ALWAYS prioritize my loved ones. I don't have a lot of time after work and family to spend cleaning house, unpacking bags or reorganizing. And I have become okay with it. And by okay I don't mean excited about a messy house, I just mean I have peace about it. That's why I try and get help with the cleaning at times and schedule in "days off" to catch up on organization. But overall it's quite nice to change my perspective and see the messiness as a sign of well being.

When I see the kitchen table piled with mail and my daughter running round asking to play- I feel solid about ducking to the park to play. And I try to remind myself... sometimes it truly IS about the little things.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Permanent Vacation with FortyEight

Portland Fashion Photographer: Hello Eliza

A little sneak peek from our recent shoot for Hello Eliza. Eliza came up with this fabulous concept and let me do some set decorating with lots of helpless carebears.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Model Portfolio Shoots

Really enjoyed shooting this second round of models for Portfolio Updates. Had a great team including Samantha Lemiux, who creates custom styling guides for each model (even the ones who opt- OUT of personal styling) and Kelly Peach, who helps us retranslate each model into our personal vision of fashion, or lifestyle or athleticism... We also had the honor of shooting at Union Pine, which was an inspiring, gorgeous space for all three sessions.
Here's just a few sneak peeks at what we do...
You'll see that we were able to capture everything from high fashion editorial models ready for international markets all the way to lifestyle models and beachy blonde babes :)
Oh! And all models are from Muse Models this time around.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Polaroids + Lookbooks

Whew! No new outfit posts quite yet, but I did some collaborate styling for an editorial shoot with Boon Rodriguez last week and will post some of those photos once they are released.
What I do have to share is my 1 line wish list, which is this fabulous "polaroid" aka instant camera by FUJI.


I have been dying to incorporate a touch of film to my shoots. I have a roll from a Holga STILL lying around from years ago, so I figure actual film-film is not my thang. I'll do better to have some insta-fun in my hands. My anniversary is a couple weeks away AND my birthday is in May so chances of this showing up with a little blue bow are high.

Bookings and gigs have been crazy lately. Crazy good. I just finished shooting a fashion film for Ms Wood that will be featured in the Fade to Light fashion show this month. I'm ecstatic about this film and can't be more happy with the collaborative effort it took to make it happen. I also just booked 3 lookbook shoots... One with Tied Up + Tousled, The Portland Garment Factory House Line, and Shop Adorn. Additionally, I'm shooting a promotional campaign for Phagans this Spring, so we are in the pre-productions stages for that. Oh! And I met with the fabulous designer, Shannon Welsh, who is itching to shoot a fashion film this Spring/Summer so who's to tell what's in store for us there!



My photo of Zoe Sherman of Ryan Artists for Shannon Welsh, 2012

It's busy season and I will blog a little less, but my facebook page is a great place to keep up on casting notices and booking updates. Can't wait to share some pretty photos/ films in the months to come!

How to Shoot Models

Wow. I had a blast today. I ended up spending 12 hours at the studio shooting 3 models and then wrapping up, tearing down and cleaning up on my own. It's crazy without an assistant! Aparna Brielle came to give me a hand in the morning -thank goodness- or else I would have been at least 30 minutes late with set-up and missed lunch for sure!
The reason for my wacky brain today, is that I actually did all of the wardrobe pulls for this shoot myself. I have styled for shoots in the past, but it's usually been very casual. I have a few connections with local designers and boutiques, but I never had to pull 16 entire looks for 4 different concepts!
Our shoot schedule went down without a hiccop however and every model left with some AMAZING shots for their portfolio's. So excited to send their agencies these proofs...

Just to give you an idea of how it works: I like to be in touch with the agencies from the get go. This way  I can get a heads up on how each model is marketed... For Jacki (below, first set) we were going for "flirty and sexy, but still fun" versus, Kaila, (below, second set) who needed "something more high fashion and editorial" to prep her book for NYC.


Model: Jacki of Option Model and Media Makeup&Hair: Madeline Roosevelt Styling: Lavenda Memory



Model: Kaila of Seattle Models Guild  Makeup&Hair: Madeline Roosevelt Styling: Lavenda Memory

I didn't have a chance to edit shots of our first model, because my cards are yet to be fully uploaded, but her session was trickled with some commercial and some edgier urban shots... Even more shoots to come tomorrow!

Another Sequin Kind of Day

Don't know what my deal is with all the sequins lately. I threw this on with an all-black ensemble because I wanted to downplay the patchwork sequined vest. The glasses bring the whole thing toward a John Lennon, 70's vibe which I love.


Vest: Vintage, Sweater: H&M, Glasses: Brian Atwood 

Marc Jacobs Give Away

First things first: This Give Away!! All of the names were written down and folded up according to their posting on my blog... To make it fair, I had my husband shake up all the names and draw the slip of paper himself.

As promised, I drew the name from my hat and here it is... THE WINNER! 

"Amy S" also know as Amy Stewart is mutual fan. I adore her jewelry line, Jungwha (I of course- own quite a few pieces myself) as well for her fashion and interior design sense. You can see more of her personal style on her blog here.

She will receive this fabulous Marc Jacobs leather pouch from the Neiman Marcus & Target collaboration in the mail and will be filling it with "a diaper, baby wipes, cookies, lip butter, cell phone, eyeliner, and coupons"

Thanks again everyone who submitted for this first 2013 giveaway! I already have some other little treats put aside for upcoming monthly giveaways.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Model Books SPECIAL

This special booked up so quickly that we are doing a "take II" this February as tax-returns special. Can't wait to work with some fresh faces from Portland all the way to Seattle!

How to Play down Sequins for Everyday Wear

I love this little Tracy Reese top, I ordered from the Neiman Marcus & Target sale. Of course, I would rather it be silk, but the price point was crazy low and the sequins make up for it. I layered it with this JCrew cardigan I got for Christmas, a little pleated skirt and my Miista booties. Bracelets are all an assortment from Nordstrom and Anthro.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Lavenda's Closet

This is a little "wishful spring" outfit I put together and then couldn't wear because of the near- freezing temparatures. I am asked often asked rhetorical questions by less-daring skeptics such as "oh, my- aren't you cold in that?" And the truthful answer with this outfit would have been hells yes I'm cold!





Shirt: Abercrombie, Cardigan: Alexandar Wang, Skirt: Asos, Necklace: Top Shop, Shoes: EllyClay 

Portland Fashion Photographer: MARC JACOBS Give Away

I am always so excited to see give aways on my favorite blogs. I had a sponsored $50 give-away almost 2 years ago and LOVED it! Now that I have more fans and followers, I am hoping to offer them more frequently. These give-aways will include anything from fashion accessories to fashion PRINTS (signed of course) by me.

We had to start off the official first give-away with a bang, so I chose this brilliant leather pouch by Marc Jacobs. This beautiful, metallic piece is great for carrying makeup or odds and ends in your larger totes, or you can use it as a travel piece for your bathroom kit. It's from the recent Neiman Marcus and Target collaboration and the quality is just lovely. You can see me modeling it here. 

(It will be mailed (or hand delivered) to one winner in this beautiful collectors box.)

The rules for the give-away are as follows: Like my Facebook Fanpage and "share" the Marc Jacobs Give Away post to your page with a little quip on what YOU would fill your leather pouch with. Please leave the same comment in this blog post for your chance to win this pouch! 

Names will be Drawn by Monday, January 21st. Good luck!

Portland Fashion Photographer: Lavenda's Closet

I had two shoots today. One in West Linn for local celebrity and screenwriter, Randall Jahnson (writer of the The Mask of Zorro and The Doors) and the second for a Portland child-actress in Portland-proper... It was fun checking out West Linn and Oregon city. I felt really inspired by all the historical buildings and the beautiful backdrops of nature versus industrial. I'm brainstorming a shoot for that area in the next few months.

Anyhow, I bought this little velvet, BCBG, romper a few months back in mind for a Christmas party, but was too sick to wear it out, so it's just been sitting in my closet. I finally purchased this little yellow belt that made it feel a little more day-friendly and warmed it up for a January outing with my Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket. The shoes are from Urban Outfitters (purchased last year).