The first few months of the calendar year tend to be a little slow for photographers. The weather is less reliable and clients are recovering from the Christmas spending spree. So this time of year becomes the PERFECT time to refine our skills, do some business planning, and play with other photographers. I belong to a fabulous networking group of Christian photographers here in the Portland area called Pursuit 31. It has been a great group for sharing resources, encouragement, learning, and referrals. We try to meet once a month and THIS month we did a styled shoot, organized by Shannon of Shannon Hager Photography. If you ever wondered what a photographer playdate looks like… it looks like this.
Not every photographer in our group is a Portland wedding photographer. Some photograph just newborns, some shoot children and family, and some are like me and shoot all of the above. So we tried to include a little something for everyone. We all chipped in finding props, and put together a shoot with a vintage-feel. We even had the amazing ladies with The Modern Proper provide food, treats, and cake for us to photograph. You need to check out their food blog because it’s a great read and about WAY more than food! Also, special thanks to Kailla Platt Flowers for providing flowers for the cake, boutineers, and a beautiful bouquet! If you’re a bride looking for a florist in the Portland area that understands flower arrangements that feel natural and ethereal… she’s your woman!
Now of course a wedding shoot has to have a bride and groom. Our models were not married, but WERE dating… so they didn’t mind being cuddly with each other which was helpful. This bride is wearing a beautiful vintage dress from Adorned in Grace. Adorned in Grace is a bridal and formalwear shop in the Portland area that sells new and gently used wedding gowns and accessories. The shop is run by volunteers and all proceeds are used to promote awareness and prevention of sex trafficking as well as restoration for trafficking victims. It is a FABULOUS mission and we couldn’t be happier supporting this organization!
Aaaannnndddd here’s some more of our beautiful bride and groom. I need to give a “shout out” to Beth Moyer with Bad Ass Make-up who did a fabulous job with the make-up artistry. And also a big thanks to Pure Elegance by Sarahi Welton who worked some magic on our models’ hair! If you’re a bride looking for a hair stylist and make-up artist in the Portland area, you should contact these ladies!
During the shoot I worked some with my off-camera lighting gear. The more I use additional lighting, the more I love that I have more control over the final outcome. Here’s a couple of shots going for a more dramatic look with the light.
And of course, no wedding shoot is complete without ring bearers and flower girls. All three of these children are kids of photographers in our networking group. They were obviously extremely used to being in front of the camera and were really patient with the “photographic assault”. The flower girl’s dress and cape was provided by Rainey’s Closet and comes from Tutu du Monde.
All in all, it was a successful shoot. It rained right up to the moment the models arrived and despite the mud, it was the perfect afternoon shooting with some amazing ladies. Thanks to all of you!
amy… what a beautiful job! your portraits are amazing and the shoot was stunning. such a great tribute to all of the vendors as well!
Nice job Amy!! Great iamges!
I love all of these Amy! Your images are beautiful. Thank you so much for all your hard work organizing everything. It was so much fun!
Gorgeous photos as usual, Amy!! This was such a fun day and you did so much to help put it together. Thank you!