Chase :: Central Oregon Senior Portraits

His session came on my last day of my trip to Oregon. I was exhausted from shooting a wedding and six other seniors, and I missed Colton - ridiculously so. But something about Chase's session was more like a breath of fresh air than just another job to be done. His easy going nature and ruggedly handsome looks made our time at his grandparent's Central Oregon ranch a sort of reprieve from life. I left Chase's shoot wanting to change the way I structure portrait sessions to something more calm, relaxed, and simple. And maybe something a little more real. Like Chase.

The below right picture is with the chaps Chase's grandma made for him at age three. When Chase had his man-sized chaps custom made earlier this year, he had them designed after that first pair from his grandmother.

I like.

Happy Tuesday,

Michelle

Cassidy :: Central Oregon Senior Portraits

Her session was my third shoot of the day, which meant that I was stretched, thin, and was tired, way tired. But when Cassidy showed up in her blue summer dress, red cowgirl boots, and fabulously natural curly hair, I was certain her shoot would be a good one. And when her dad drove up a few minutes later in the teal truck he drove in high school, my day got even better. Cassidy, you are truly beautiful. Thank you for being so willing to traipse around your field as we found millions of gorgeous places to shoot - I had so.much.fun!

A rockin' field, some gorgeous light, and a beautiful girl make my job wonderful.

I can't decide what I like more, the hat or the tractor. Hat. Tractor. Hat. Tractor.

Have a fabulous weekend,

Michelle

John + Abby :: Virginia Wedding Photography

One great thing about being a wedding photographer is seeing the wide array of wedding possibilities available to brides and grooms. There are formal affairs in a gorgeous church with a hotel reception, private ceremonies on a relative's property, and over the top outdoor celebrations at the local country club. While I would be hard pressed to find a wedding I didn't truly, truly love, there are some days when I just know I'm going to be head over heels for a wedding. From the moment Jessie and I arrived at the Chanco retreat in Hampton Roads, I knew Abby + John would be throwing a party that was close to my heart. From the towering aspen and birch trees lining the gravel road, to the winding paths leading us through the woods to the outdoor reception pavilion, Saturday's wedding was my kind of affair. Add an incredible live band, amazing food, Argentine wines, and guests who were wild about dancing and I was one happy photographer! Jessie, thank you for bringing me along and John + Abby, thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us. It was such an honor.

John + Abby planted these peppers, along with a handful of other vegetables, in a garden on the property. How beautiful is that?!

Happy Day,

Michelle