Rachel and Kyle’s Engagement Session in Downtown Portland.
Another amazing Murderino I got to work with! I mentioned this in the last post, but I’m a true-crime podcast junkie, and we are called “Murderinos” for listening to My Favorite Murder. It blends true crime with a tad bit of comedy to make the topic a little more palatable. ANYWAYS, Rachel had posted in the group that she was looking for a local engagement photographer, and another photographer friend of mine tagged me in.
After chatting for a bit, Rachel told me that she wanted a downtown Portland engagement, as her wedding would be on the east coast. So this way, she gets the best of both worlds. We met in one of my favorite little spots and headed out.
My favorite place to grab a pint in Portland may be closed, but their patio area is still gorgeous.
I don’t think I captured Rachel with anything but a giant smile on her face. It was either she was delighted to be there, or it was the horrible jokes Kyle was telling her the entire time.
Little cafe with some great string lights? Twirl her!
You ever want a really sweet portrait together, and then you pose and can’t keep a straight face? I think thats a majority of us.
I do believe that Portland has amazing cityscapes….and breweries. Every brewery you walk by down here just has the perfect ambience.
Speaking of ambiance, there are these gorgeous townhomes in the middle of everything in the brewery blocks. The blooming tree helped as well. This is where we pretend that any of us can afford anything like these in that area. They even decided to take a quick break on a gorgeous stoop.
And let’s talk ivy. Personally, it is not growing at my house as it takes over everything. But gorgeous, old brick buildings in the middle of the city? We need more of this.
At the north end of the area, you wind up at a greenspace opening with views of the Fremont bridge and an ancient industrial building. I think it explains Portland wonderfully. Old, mixed with new, and all along a waterscape. I genuinely love doing sessions where we aimlessly wander around and find exquisite backdrops along the way.
Thank you to Rachel and Kyle for being awesome human beings and amazing to work with! Congrats on your upcoming wedding!
Jessica and Ben’s Engagement Session at Cathedral Park
One of the things I listen to while doing all of the things that running a photography business entails (all the non-photographing parts) are true crime podcasts. I’m even in a few local groups where we can talk about the episodes and the cases. Well, not only do we talk about that, but the groups are also used to help find local, like-minded vendors, and THAT is how Jessica and I met.
Jessica and Ben already had booked their wedding photographer, so this was a fun session just with the two of them at Cathedral Park. This park lights up with colorful trees; you just have to plan around the rainstorms that come through. Luckily, we only had a few sprinkles, dodged the major downpours, and found a tree to hide under until it stopped again.
Look at the colors on that tree!
We dropped along the pathways along the bottom to catch more of the trees and the meandering trails through the park.
We followed them down along the beach and under the bridge as is spans across the Willamette river.
The gloomy day added a bit more drama to the portraits. I loved it! Plus, it made Jessica cuddle up to Ben some more as it was getting cold.
Heading back up, we stopped to admire why the park is named Cathedral Park. Look at that architecture, and not to mention, that gorgeous couple.
Walking back up top of the park, you get the classic view that it’s known for. The downside is, its also the most accessible and there are usually some crowds. Luckily, everyone was patient and we all got our turn in the arches.
The Walsh Family at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill.
I’m a little spoiled where I live, I mean, I have the Cedar Creek Grist Mill a short distance from me. So when a client, like the Walsh family, asks for location recommendations, it’s always near the top of my list.
Built in 1876, the mill is now restored and a historical building. They even offer demonstrations on Sundays (when there isn’t a pandemic going on. It’s tucked into a little hollow along Cedar Creek and offers a little hiking trail where you can look at the original water flume, a small fish hatchery, and climb along some rocks and enjoy the water.
The bridge was built much later, 1994, but is a great place to kick off your session.
Also, can we get a moment of appreciation for Neha’s boots! Love them!
Just to the east of the bridge (on the side across from the mill), you not only get a good view of the building, but this amazing old tree that I stop and say hi to every time I’m there. So, of course, it’s a great backdrop for you and your family.
The path back to the fishery also has an area that opens up to a small picnic area and has a cool wooden fence running along the sides.
And of course, a good spot for the little one who just wanted to sit down for a little bit.
Down by the fish hatchery, they laid a log down as a nice bench to sit on and watch the salmon as it goes back upstream. Also, a prefect photo op for the entire family!
Now to my favorite spot. This area requires a little mobility and some solid legs. It’s not a bad area; there are just some boulders to scramble over. But moss-covered rocks, a gorgeous creek, and fall-colored trees all around make a perfect scene. Mom and Dad headed down here with me and let the little one hang out with Grandma for a bit.
We met back up with the little at the top and had some fun swinging her.
One last spot! On the way back towards the bridge, there is a moss-covered stone wall that gets prettier every year. These two might make it even prettier. If you follow me on social media, you’ll also know that Vancouver Family Magazine also thought they were gorgeous and made them cover models.
A huge thank you to the Walsh family that chose me to capture them!
Fall portraits are currently booking up fast, so let’s get yours on the calendar now!
Caroline and Alberto – The Perfect COVID Halloween Wedding.
In late September 2020, I got an email from Caroline asking if I was available a few weeks for a small wedding on Halloween. Normally, I take these holidays off to go out with my daughter, but with COVID sticking around, trick or treating was being done only inside your house. I should also mention that Halloween is one of my favorite days, so it was an instant yes from me.
I met up with Caroline at her hotel as she was getting ready. Alberto was getting ready at another location and was meeting us at their venue, Opal 28. Caroline’s mother was also there helping her get ready.
And Caroline’s dress! Look at her dress! The silver and the sparkles was so gorgeous.
After Caroline was ready, I booked it over to Opal 28 and met up with Alberto to get him all ready for his first look. The venue has a perfect little courtyard for an intimate session.
With the wedding being during the global pandemic, it was a small affair. So we all tucked inside for a their ceremony with just their closest family members.
With this being a small wedding, we quickly breezed through the family photos. It’s nice and easy because everyone is already in the same room and easy to direct.
I then snuck the couple outside to enjoy some quiet time to themselves….and the fall colors! Opal 28 has a little park right around the corner, so it was the perfect spot for some quiet time.
Back at the reception, the party was getting started! Well, as much as we could have had during the restrictions.
Check out their cute details! I had to keep the Halloween theme going with the detail images.
Next to the ceremony room, was where a smaller reception was held. A dance floor was setup fro these two to celebrate their first dance together.
And we ended at them sitting down and enjoying this amazing dessert spread.
Congrats you two!
The Rath Family
Kids grow FAST, so freezing them in time by photographing them is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. The Rath family did just that last fall with me at the campus at WSU Vancouver.
And of course, when you book your session with me, I expect you to bring your entire family! I am getting very good at holding/petting your dogs when you want images with just the human members of your family.
The path goes through the field and dips down and over a creek with a cute little wooden bridge.
Because the Pacific Northwest likes to keep us on our toes, this is also the spot that I tend to go to when the drizzle hits for a little bit. The tree cover gives us some decent break from the weather, and we don’t have to pause at all!
Just across the creek are tree-lined pathways that meander back to the main campus. But we found this perfect bench for some family snuggles.
The wooden gate area along Salmon Creek Ave always get the kids climbing, and I get them reluctantly to smile for me at the same time.
It was such a great day hanging out out with the Raths! Thank you do much for choosing me to capture your family!
If you’re looking to book your family session, head on over to my contact page and send me a note!
Senior Class of 2021
2020 was a ROUGH year. So much happening and changing, that we seem to forget that the younger generation is going through this in what is supposed to be the best of years. The classes of 2020 and 2021 have missed their senior years, prom, and graduation ceremonies.
Let’s make sure to celebrate them and let them know that we are all here for them and rooting them on in their journeys!
Dream Horse Photo Sessions.
We all know that horses hold a certain place in the heart of many, especially kids. We also know that horses aren’t in the cards for everyone to own, so why not have a fun session of your child having the best day of their life?
I have teamed up with Meg at Wildish Way and her rescued therapy animals to create this experience.
Avalon is a 17 hand Shire Horse that absolutely loves kids and spending time with them. She also loves and poses for the camera.
Other amazing souls inhabit this magical farm; my favorite might be the miniature donkeys who want all the scratches they can get from you. And Tommy Turkey acts more like a dog than some actual dogs I have met.
Each session will be an hour-long and include time with Avalon around the barn, road, and other scenic spots within the property. It will also include Meg handling the animals safely and giving a safety brief in the beginning, to make sure there is understanding with the safety. The animals will not be ridden or mounted in any way; this session allows cuddling, walking, petting, and light grooming.
Prices for these experiences start at $800. They include the hour-long session, 25 fully edited digital images of your choice, a $200 print credit, a fully groomed and clean Avalon, and expert animal handling. You are also required to initial and sign a release from Wildish Way upon arrival at the farm.
If you are ready to book your special experience, feel free to contact me!
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival : Two Photographers Explain Their Approach
Rachel and Missy originally met in a local photographer’s group in Vancouver, WA called Viewpoint Collaborative. A group of Pacific Northwest professional female photographers, specializing in different photography genres and styles, but who all share at least one common theme; we believe in community over competition. Missy and Rachel are two landscape photographers in the Portland Oregon area and they adventured to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon together on April 7, 2021.
After their visit, Rachel realized how different each of their photos were on their independent posts on social media.
Then came the spark to create a collaborative blog highlighting favorite images and tips for being at the farm. We hope you enjoy this Collaboration.
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is going on until May 1, 2021.
Electronic tickets are required prior to arrival.
Click Here to Buy Tickets (scroll to the bottom of the page + select the date you’d like to go)
Click Here for General Information about the Farm
The Photographers
Hey there, Missy here. I’m a landscape photographer that also captures people in the wild as well. Portraits and weddings that bring the landscape to life. I’m also a mom, a wife, and a giant ball of anxiety that is slowly learning how to chill that part out.
You can check out more of my work on these sites:
Website: https://missyfantphotography.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissyFantPhotography/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missyfantphoto
Online Gallery: https://missyfantphoto.shootproof.com/gallery/5269189/
Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a landscape photographer in Vancouver, WA and during the past 6 years of being in business, I’ve traveled all over the country. I love photographing the beauty and wonder of this planet we call home, with my partner, Brian, and our pup, Maui. If you’re interested in purchasing a fine art landscape print of mine for your home or office, feel free to head on over to my print shop.
I’m all about community + would love to connect with you!
Online Gallery: https://rachelkonsellaphotography.pixieset.com/landscape/flowers/
Anything that worked really well? Anything you wish you had?
Rachel: Deciding what to bring on a shoot, can be a gamble, especially when you don’t know exactly what conditions are going to be. It can be fun to experiment and force yourself to use/not use specific lenses or tools, but it’s also important to have your basics covered.
For this day, I decided to bring:
- Nikon D810
- Tokina 17-35 f/4.0
- Nikon 28-300 f/3.5-5.6
- Nikon 105mm
- Peak Design Travel tripod
- Wireless remote shutter release
I’m REALLY glad I brought my 105mm. I ended up using this for the entire second half of the time we were there, just playing, and experimenting and I learned I LOVE that lens. The creamy blurry background in my macro photos is because of this lens. Just beautiful.
I wish I had brought my other camera body! I had my camera on a tripod, capturing a timelapse of the sunrise, and I wish I had another camera available to free-hand capture other things I noticed that I didn’t want to disrupt my time lapse for. I did have my phone, which I did use… but of course, that’s not the same.
Missy: For landscapes recently, I’ve been going bare bones and not bringing much, it pushes me to think outside the box to get something different.
So for this trip, I brought only my prime lenses, something I usually do just for portrait sessions. It also may have been because I lent my favorite zoom lens, my 24-70, to a friend.
- Nikon D750
- Sigma Art 35 mm 1. 4
- Sigma Art 85 mm 1.4
- 3 Legged Thing Brian Tripod
My 85mm is the stand out here as I should also admit, it’s my favorite lens ever, but also, it is a tight crop and makes you think more about the composition. My plan was to make the tulips the star of the show, not the entire landscape.
I do wish that I brought my ND filter as the clouds would have given me some great long exposures to show the movement of them.
Your favorite thing about visiting the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm?
Rachel: It’s totally a unique experience! The farm is a great place to get back in touch with nature and have fun. I also love that they open it for sunrise, and photographer or not, I highly recommend this unique opportunity.
Missy: The different fields of colors and of course, the location. When the clouds don’t move in, there is a great view of the sunrise coming over Mount Hood.
Top 3 tips
Rachel:
- Bring more gear/lens options than you think you need. You can always keep them locked up in your car, and grab them if you decide you want them. If you have a macro lens, bring it.
- Explore the whole farm… Look at it from far away, get down on the ground and look at the flowers up close. Heck, do some people watching if that’s up your alley, and watch the little kids in amazement or the flock of photographers each with their own vision.
- Go more than once if you can. Every day is going to give you a different experience. Plus, supporting local farmers, and local business is always great!
Missy:
- I’m the opposite as I like to think simple. Bringing too much will make you continually guess which one to use at the moment….and then you lose the moment. STOP OVERTHINKING.
- Take time to just enjoy it. Put the camera down for a bit, sit on one of the benches, and just take it all in.
- DON’T be like everyone else. If you see the massive line of photographers forming for a shot, break out and try a new/different angle.
Break away from scenes like this, unless you really do want that shot!
Favorite Macro Image
Missy: Not a macro in its definition, but still, a standout with some details. The rebellious mini daffodils growing amongst the tulips.
My Sigma Art 85 is not a macro lens, BUT it does take gorgeous closeups and creates the bokeh that I love.
Rachel: “Sometimes we’re just not quite ready to open up.”
The ‘Black Sheep’ Image
Missy: We went for tulips and landscapes, and I focus on the old tractors scattered amongst the fields.
35mm Sigma Art. Wanting more images that don’t line up with what you typically seen shot here.
Rachel:“I need to be right here. …Even if I’m different. I just couldn’t be over there.”
Favorite Conceptual Image
Missy: If you couldn’t tell, my whole spiel here has been to be different and stand out amongst others. That’s EXACTLY what this guy was doing. Be like them. Otherwise, you just blur into the background like the others.
The gorgeous 85mm again, open at full 1.4 to get the one flower in focus and blur the others.
Rachel: “Be kind, for everyone you know is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
In loving memory to all those who have passed or lost a loved one to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Favorite Sunrise Image
Missy: This one is my favorite. If you saw the line of the photographer image above, I was here lining this up. I was all alone, and I had a blast. I mean, I did have another photographer come over after I got this one and look around like I was crazy, but I’ll take it. And yes, it was cold, the dirt was near frozen and I’m sitting on the ground, watching the sunrise, and clicking with my other hand after I lined it up. I just wish I had a hot cup of coffee on the other hand.
Rachel and I did head back to the car after this for a bit to unfreeze our fingers so we could still be functional.
Rachel: “I woke up at 4:30 for this. Surprise! It was worth it.”
Overall, this was such a fun project for us to take a look at how we see things differently.
We hope you enjoyed it and feel ready to go get your own photos at the farm!
Have you been to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival? Let us know in the comments.
We’ll see you out there!
If you would like to see Rachel’s post, you can see it here!
https://rachelkonsellaphotography.squarespace.com/blog-category/-oregon-wooden-shoe-tulip-farm
Sarah and Stacey’s Magical Elopement in the Columbia Gorge.
2020 was a mess in so many ways, but there are some amazing moments that made the year so wonderful.
With COVID restrictions and numerous other things, Sarah and Stacey messaged me asking if I would capture their elopement that they moved up from their wedding planning. They are still planning on an epic reception, but just couldn’t wait and not be married anymore. Of course I said yes and even showed them a magical place to do so.
On a COLD day in December, we headed out to the stone house and set up for a sweet ceremony with just their parents and a few friends.
There wasn’t much setup needed as the stone house is already perfect. A half fallen stone house covered in moss with the fireplace working as the alter, all hidden in the forest just a few yards from the highway.
Their vows were so special, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house (including me).
And, if you read their engagement session post, you know there will be some humor. Sarah didn’t fall out oof a tree this time, but the hand-fasting decided to magically undo itself in the greatest of fashion.
Following the kiss to finalize it all, there was also tequila shots!
And let’s not forget the amazing sign their friend made them!
Around the stone house, is a small trail and a LOT of trees. Not to mention, it is all built on a slope. So just some small areas for portraits, but of course these two made it work just fine.
Congratulations to Sarah and Stacey and I can’t wait until its all safe again to hang out!
For those wondering about the location, we keep it hidden for a reason. There has been many reports of vandalism and destruction. As of March 2021, the access point is currently gated and it looks as if they are taking down some trees that look as if they could fall any moment. So we got to access it in the nick of time!
Lee and Ricky’s Engagement (and Family) Session.
When you book your wedding with me, I include an engagement session in every package. But really, you can use that session how you choose, so Lee and Ricky brought along their awesome kids, and we did both an engagement and family session!
In fall, there are plenty of options for locations here in Vancouver, but I LOVE the fields over by WSU. The open fields lined with trees, the path to the creek with the little bridge over it. Rain or shine, you can find some great spots here.
Look at how handsome all their boys are! And they were all awesome to work with.
With every set, we did a set of family images and then had the boys step out so that Lee and Ricky could have some sweet shots as well.
While COVID may of pushed their wedding until 2022, but I a so excited to work with this family again!
Kailie and Bobby (and Whiskey’s) Engagement Session in Downtown Camas.
Kailie and Bobby’s favorite place to hang out is Caps N’ Taps, so of course, we met up there to kick off their engagement session. Little did I know that their pup, Whiskey, was a celebrity there and knew the right people to get treats from.
I have yet to met a person that could resist a Corgi.
Being a taproom, there had to be some beers (and cider) as well. Thank you to Caps N’ Taps for letting us shoot in there, have some beers, and maybe sneak back for a cute shot.
Downtown Camas has some great little spots; even some tucked into a side alley. I love these wings and may have used them a few times.
The Liberty Theater was opened in 1927 and has been a landmark along 4th ave since. I love the old architecture and the marquee. I added a little flash in there since it’s still dark.
I make it a bit of a point that if you bring your pup along, they get their own portrait. I think it’s a dog lover thing.
And of course, just strolling along the main street.
After our little walk downtown, we headed up the hill to Crown Park. That way, Whiskey could get a little running around in as well. Bring along a picnic blanket, and it makes a perfect photo for save the dates!
Congratulations again to Kailie and Bobby and I am excited to see you again in May!
Hercules and His People, Amanda and Jamieson.
Growing up, we always had many different animals around the house, from turtles, mice, frogs, and iguanas, but we ALWAYS had dogs. The moment we bought a house and had a backyard, we’ve had dogs. If you follow my social media, you’ll see the two I have now. One is my constant hiking companion.
When Amanda asked if I did pet photography, I thought to myself, well, dogs ARE family. I am a family photographer, so YES!
Hercules came to them as a rescue who needed lots of love. But now, he’s an old man, and Amanda and Jamieson wanted to make sure that they got pictures together that they could treasure. So that is precisely what we did.
