Happy Birthday, Brother : Personal

I hate him.

No, you don't.

No. Really Dad. I HATE him.

I don't remember a lot from my childhood, but I do remember how much my brother and I fought. And I remember this specific conversation with my Dad.

I guess it all makes sense. My brother and I are as different as night and day. These differences are apparent from the moment you meet us - my brother strongly resembles our mother's side of the family; I look just like my dad - but they run much deeper than our physical appearances.

I'm the serious one; he's the fun one. I'm practical; he's a dreamer. I love rules and structure; he loves to bend, and sometimes break the rules. I am always planning and thinking of what's next; he lives for the moment.



I don't know exactly when it happened, but I think it started in high school. Instead of seeing our differences as a dividing wall between us, we started to see how our differences complimented each other and added value to our relationship.

He has a great sense of humor; I love to laugh. He loves to play music; I love listening to music. He's a good listener; I like to talk. He reminds me not to take life too seriously; I would like to think I keep him grounded.



My brother is one of the most amazing people I know, and I'm not just saying that because he's my brother. He's generous, kind and loyal. Absolutely hilarious. An amazing father, and a loving husband. He's a supportive and loving brother. Anyone that has met him knows exactly what I'm talking about. And they know how blessed they are to call him a friend.



Happy birthday, Tony. I am so proud of the man that you are, and feel incredibly blessed to call you both my brother and my friend. I love you.

Aslyn Ryan : Personal

I was the first. Well, besides the doctors, nurses, her mom and her dad... I was the first to hold her. Even before the grandparents. Sometimes, it really pays to be a photographer...

With the birth of my brother's first child, we knew they were having a boy, and I was invited in to photograph the birth. It was an amazing experience. Upon finding out they were expecting number two, they decided to switch things up. Not only did they decide to have a private delivery, they also decided not to find out the gender. Even though I begged. And pleaded.

The baby's due date came and went, and I {im}patiently waited. And waited. Nine days after her due date, my sister in law went into labor. I packed up my gear and headed to the hospital, eager to meet my new niece or nephew. At 6:39 pm, Aslyn Ryan was born. Shortly after, I was welcomed into the delivery room, where the secret of her gender was revealed to me.

I was honored to document her big brother meeting her for the very first time.









After we had taken some photos (and I had a chance to hold her) the grandparents came in. This is my mom holding her granddaughter for the very first time.

























My brother holding his son - this is my absolute favorite photo from the hospital that night.



To see more images and view the slideshow, click here.

Graham : 9 Months

Last weekend, I met with Graham & his family to do his 9 month portraits. The weather was cool & cloudy, so we started off in the studio.







I prefer to photograph children (non-newborns) outside in a more natural environment. Mother Nature doesn't always allow for this, but the rain held out for us, so we made a quick trip downtown for a few more shots.

A New Appreciation : Las Vegas Photo Shoot

As you might already know, I was recently in Las Vegas attending the 2011 WPPI convention. I had a long list of classes I wanted to attend and things I wanted to do while I was there, and at the top of my list was to meet Shannon Hollman of Thousand Words Photography. Shannon and I have been friends for almost 4 years, however we had never actually met. In the midst of planning the trip, I came up with the idea that Shannon should take photos of my husband and I in the desert. She had done a session for another couple last year while she was there, and I figured with this being the year of our 10th anniversary, it made perfect sense. Shannon quickly agreed to my proposal and we set a date & time.

I have to admit, being on the other side of the camera was quite an experience. I stressed about what my husband and I would wear and how we'd do as subjects. In the week before we left, I went to the mall four separate times. I purchased and returned outfits. Should I wear my hair straight or curl it? I over thought the entire process. During the session, I was clueless. How should I stand? Where should I look? Do I smile or not? Was I squinting? I would be lying if I said it wasn't a huge relief once the session was over. And it made me appreciate my clients and what they go through that much more.

Through it all, Shannon and her husband Jeremy were amazing to work with. The session was fun, playful and relaxed - everything it should be. And the results? Amazing! I couldn't be happier with the results and have posted a few of my favorites below. You can see even more images on Shannon's fabulous blog. Plan on spending some time on her site - you will not be disappointed.

Shannon and Jeremy, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It was such a pleasure to spend the day with you and we're so happy we could be a part of your first In N Out experience. We are so grateful for your friendship and for your willingness to share your amazing gift of photography with us! xoxo

6 day old Ayla : Newborn

Sweet Ayla came into my studio at the young age of 6 days old. I've known her family for several years now, and had the opportunity to photograph big brother Logan almost three years ago. Ayla was so excited to have her photographs taken, she refused to sleep for three hours. :) We did a little schedule readjustment and managed to get her to sleep for some photos.

Las Vegas : 2011 WPPI

I love taking trips. I love the planning, anticipation and excitement that surround a trip, and this trip was one of my most exciting yet. I just got back from Las Vegas, where I attended the 2011 WPPI convention and trade show. This was my first year attending WPPI and in spite of waking up at 6 am three out of the four mornings to attend classes, I had an amazing time.

We flew to Vegas with two very good friends of ours, Geoff & Amy Hilgemann.



We stayed at the MGM, where the convention was held. This was the view to our left.



The view during the daytime:



And the same view at night:



Geoff was a fantastic travel companion & researched the best places to go in our spare time.



Dinner our first night in Vegas.



Since Amy & I were often busy with classes, Geoff & Brandon kept each other company.



Amy waiting for our first class to start.



Becker spoke to a FULL room and I must say, the new preboard feature offered by WPPI was fantastic.



Bobbie + Mike (which we also preboarded for).



Their photos are beautiful and I must confess, I teared up a little during their slideshow.



One of the lighting classes I took:



While waiting for my next class to start, I walked through the trade show, where I ran into Jasmine Star. She was kind enough to let me follow her to the Leather Craftsmen booth she was getting ready to speak, and JD took this photo of the two of us.



JD



She did a raffle drawing at the Leather Craftsmen booth and gave away 4 beautiful albums, and I was the lucky recipient of one of them!



Another lighting class - this one on getting the most out of low light/available light.



It was fun to work with models.



Excalibur



New York New York



The city at night



We walked by this bar while exploring one night, and I just loved the way the back was all lit up.



I admit - I took too many photos of us in mirrors, but it was an easy way to get photos of the four of us together. :)



My handsome husband waiting for the tram.



The Hilgemann's on the tram.



Another mirror picture. :)



Geoff & Amy on the left. A chocolate fountain (heaven!) on the right.



Asian Art Exhibit (can't remember which hotel this was in).



What Vegas looks like at 6 am from our room at the MGM.



Of all the classes I woke up early for, I had the easiest time dragging myself out of bed to see Jose Villa. He is without a doubt my favorite photographer and his platform class did not disappoint.







Jose in action, showing a few tips he uses to get his clients comfortable in front of the camera.



After class, I was able to meet and have my photo taken with Jose. Thanks to my friend Shannon Hollman for taking this photo. She's obviously very funny. :)



The view out the window as we came into Portland.