Mamarazzi at its very, very best || Bend, Oregon Photography

I was very, very lucky to have a student lend me a very fancy lens this weekend... and while I haven't gone through all of the images with a fine-toothed comb yet, I did want to share a couple from the boys' last games this weekend. The lens, in case you're wondering - is a 300mm 2.8 beast of a lens (the older version, not the VR). In laymans terms, it zooms far (well, technically it doesn't zoom at all... it just "is" far), and lets a LOT of light in at once, while also giving a shallow depth of field (what's sharp versus blurry - so you better nail your focus!) Not layman enough? Suffice it to say - its  sweet, but heavy. Even using a monopod - I was quite ready for the hot tub after 2 games & topped off with a client session in the evening.

The first image is of Sam's last tackle football game. He made HUGE strides this year, and I'm so proud of his playing & sticktuitiveness... Here he is, protecting his man! Way to go, TEICHROW! 

Here is Max on the Summit HS field playing for FCTimbers U12 White team.  I'd hoped I'd get something worthwhile with that GORGEOUS view in the background. In fact, I think I got several from the game... but grabbed this one first, as it's pretty cool. Max, too, has made huge strides in this season... he's a bit "fresh" at soccer - but has worked very hard to gain confidence and skills on the field. I had no doubts, and its fun to watch him grow.

In the end - do I covet the lens?

Kinda. It's pretty heavy - takes a lot of care (not exactly throw it in the pack and head for the hills, footloose and fancy free), but it DOES hum... and I walked away with some SWEET images of my kiddos playing hard.
Mama is happy.

And, I've got a student to work with to help him get some awesome volleyball images!
Teacher is happy.

Bunny Wrangler - Amanda

2010 Bunny Encounter

I’ve been lucky enough to know this young lady for 4 years now… and  thought you may want to know a bit more about who wrangles the bunnies for my live bunny photos at Easter, otherwise known as the Bunny Encounter.

Meet Amanda!

 Amanda started in 4-H when she was in the 4^th grade. She currently belongs to the Tumalo Community Club and raises both rabbits and pigeons. You can find her at the Deschutes County Fair – where she is happy to take you on a tour of her animals!

When asked which animal she prefers to raise – she replies,

“hmmm… I don't know which one I like to raise more honestly I like to raise both rabbits and pigeons.”

Amanda plans to go to COCC to complete her basic courses and then on to OSU to major in graphic design. She also wants to become a 4-H leader to give back into the program.

In case your family is thinking of bringing home one of these adorable bunnies this spring, Amanda offers the following advice:

Thoroughly research the animals before hand to see what you are getting into and don’t forget that clean cages, fresh water, and good food makes for a healthy happy rabbit.

2011 Bunny Encounter

2012 Bunny Encounter

2012 Deschutes County Fair

Don't forget - you can get your OWN bunny encounter pictures this year! Schedule today!
Space is limited! Full details on the Bunny Photo Sessions HERE.

Seasons Changing - I love it! || Bend, Oregon Photographer

I love this time of year - when the hectic summer days settle into a nice routine, which is not any less hectic, but at least punctuated by the scheduled comings and goings of the school bell. I tend to thrive under that external motivator - and am thankful to have a bit more time to settle into our new home, and tend to my business with a bit more focus. 

I also happen to love the routine and tradition of our back to school pictures - taken the morning of, and in front of our front door. I was very pleasantly surprised that the light on our porch is just as nice as our previous house... and I love how they turned out. 

Here they are: Knucklehead #1 (AKA Max, the 5th grader), and Knucklehead #2 (AKA Sam, the 3rd grader)

For the first time ever, Daddy gets to participate in first day of school mayhem - as it was his day off.

First Day with Mrs. Masterson. 5th Grade

First Day with Mr. Miller. 3rd Grade

Fall Photography Special || Bend, Oregon Photography

20 minute short & sweet sessions full of

personality & fun Central Oregon locations.

$99 session fee include $50 donation to help support local mom & fellow photographer Jen Thompson in her fight with ovarian cancer (amistillagirl.com) as well as access to specially priced print, digital & holiday card collections.

SCHEDULE:
(check back often, as I'm adding locations and dates!)

Saturday, September 22nd
NEW! Portland sessions
I've got a very limited number available - call soon to book your session!

Friday, September 28th

Limited evening times available

Location: NEW home of Kimberly Teichrow Photography in South East Bend!

Saturday, October 13th
Zenith Vineyards in Salem, Oregon

Friday, Saturday & Sunday October 19-21
DD Ranch afternoon/evening sessions

Locations to come:

Farewell Bend Park
Eagle Crest

 { MORE DATES ANNOUNCED SOON! }

Print collections start at $79, contact me for details and full collection pricing.

Fall is a great time to update your family’s story! 

What {a lazy Fourth} looks like || Bend, Oregon Photographer

Together with five other Oregon photographers I am continuing a lifestyle blogging project entitled "What ___________ looks like," an idea inspired by a group of photographers out of Montana.  On the third Monday of each month I will fill in the blank with my own word or concept, and link to the next photographer's blog until the circle is complete.  I hope you take the time to enjoy this monthly photographic journey, and enjoy each of our monthly projects. 

What {a lazy Fourth} looks like.

I won't lie. We've been busy. 

I know, I know - everyone is busy these days, but I do believe this summer takes the cake. I won't bore you with the tedious details (perhaps the "sale pending" sign in our yard will give you a hint of one aspect of our crazy summer), but suffice it to say that I haven't really brought out my big camera too terribly often. 

For the Fourth of July, however, I felt I should at LEAST go through the motions - if somewhat half heartedly. My go-to lens was in the shop, so I grabbed my new & improved 50mm and figured I'd snap a few of the kids and our fireworks. 

Along the lines of "we've been busy" - we simply didn't have the energy to make a huge day out of it. No trip downtown to the annual town parade, elaborate fireworks, no yard decorations, and no fun red, white or blue food. {What a slacker mom, right?}

But, in the end, we spent a lovely, lazy day together. My dad was in town (how'd you like his garage, by the way? Me? I thought it was a great post! Haven't seen it yet? Be sure to make the blog-loop!) - and my mom had joined us as well for dinner and festivities. The boys had picked out a few of their favorite fireworks - and delighted in setting them off themselves. As for me? I need to go through the motions more often. I love these images of a lazy Fourth - as they succinctly tell the story of what our day looked like. 

I hope you enjoyed these images, now head on over to Jessica's Blog:

Jessica Woodford Photography

My own personal second shooter || Bend Oregon Photographer

Last night I was scheduled to photograph my dear friend and her darling family up at Eagle Crest near the river. My oldest, still recovering from a minor surgery, wanted to tag along. I figured we wouldn't be going too far and wild, and these were good friends of mine and would welcome his presence, so why not?

He did great, and was a welcome addition to the photo crew, helping with the young kids. 

Yup - I'm a proud mama, and look forward to working with him as grows into a fine young man!

Sweet Summer {Digital} Special || Bend, Oregon Photographer

Summer is here and it's time to capture those amazing summer moments! Take advantage of this great summer special!

What's the deal?

You get one Lifestyle session, lasting approximately one hour, in or around Bend, with a custom CD and case loaded up with the best images from your session, in high-resolution JPGs. They will look fantastic in YOUR digital albums, or allow me to put one together for you & your loved ones (books or album options are additional).

For a limited time, only $499

(that's a $200 savings!)

Upgrade to a portrait session for only $200 more.

What's the difference?

Lifestyle sessions are sweet, simple sessions... based on activities or locations meaningful to your family. Basically, together we'll pick a place and time, and I'll show up to capture you and your family just being YOU! I help guide your family in it's activities, but generally leave the moments to develop on their own. It's a really fun and relaxed way to capture your family or children at their best - doing what they love. Lifestyle sessions are fully edited, but minimally retouched. 

Portrait sessions are a bit more involved... a bit more polished. We discuss time, place and a final look for your images. I'll evaluate whether or not to bring in an assistant, and whether or not to use supplemental lighting. Portrait sessions are fully edited, and retouched when necessary. 

 Lifestyle session ideas: Evening picnic. Playtime at the park. Sunday pancakes. A visit to the High Desert Museum. Hiking along the river. Golf with daddy. Bubbles in the front yard. Fishing along the river. 

It's summer in Bend, folks! The possibilities are endless!

I have limited digital sessions available this summer - so call today to check availability. 

Here's an example of a recent Lifestyle session, just hanging out by the river, 

down at Farewell Bend park:

Happy Birthday - in STYLE! || Bend, Oregon Photographer

I love a good cake-smash session!

I love it even more when the whole family gets involved! The icing on the cake - the adorable crown & banner mama brought for the party! Throw in a little zebra print & we've got one heck of a celebration. 

This session wrapped up an entire year of celebrating Mr. O - and I'm so happy to share these highlights with all of you!

BTW - the amazing banner & crowns are custom creations by Lori Savage - a la' Etsy. Check out her shop here!

Dessert first... I'm jumping ahead, but this is one of my favorite shots!