Inspired Photo Blog

James is one of my oldest and dearest friends. It’s only fitting that I post this today as he celebrates his birthday. I met James as I was traveling through college, both of us studying photography. Over the years, he’s stood with me through many major life events and our friendship has become one of brothers.

The best words to describe James are enigmatic and esoteric. He is warm and caring to a fault. He’s also a gifted artist. He’s never pursued commercial interests with his photography. His realm is one of art and travel. His stories of European travels never get old and his images of those far away places are timeless. He has a deep love and respect of the land and a resounding faith that’s been tested many times.

James has taught me a great deal about art. He was the first to teach me that I could give myself permission to be an artist. Many of the things James taught me when we first met are still being used to this day every time I pick up a camera. And that’s fitting as James is so fond of saying, “Make every first a memory”. A man of ritual, every time he does something for the first time, he makes it special and memorable. I’ve tried to carry that forward in my own life. Firsts should never be trivialized. Those are the memories that define a man.

My goal this year is to play more as an artist. Explore, find the passion that started it all. Taking the time to visit my friend at his father’s farm was a day well spent. It’s wonderful to photograph a fellow artist. He gave me permission to try anything and never questioned the process. He understood that art is all about the journey and not about the destination. Whether or not we created an image worthy of viewing was irrelevant. We explored feelings and light and gave ourselves permission to create just for the sake of creation. I was able to try things I would never attempt as a professional. Not because my clients wouldn’t accept it, but because my fear of going too far and failing keep me from trying. This is the passion that I enjoyed when I first decided to become a photographer. The passion that I hope infuses my work this year.

James lost his father this past year. He loved his father with all his might. Cared for him night and day until he was laid to rest. James has become somewhat of a recluse these days, spending his time on his father’s farm, meditating and finding his way in life.

Thy rod and thy staff…they comfort me…

Into the fire, I am complete…

James has one of the best laughs you’ll ever hear and a great sense of humor. Of course drinking what could possibly be the world’s best beer doesn’t hurt either. More on that later. The day we created these images was so cold that I could barely feel my fingers by the end of the shoot. The 2 hours that we spent together were timeless. Happy Birthday my friend!

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Alright…I know you aren’t coming here to read my thoughts on anything. You’re here to see the pictures! So I’ll quit typing and starting posting. Brianne and Kevin are a wonderful couple. And I think it’s obvious in these pictures. We had a blast running around the waterfront on a chilly Saturday morning creating these images for their “Save the Date” cards they will send out to announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. I don’t think they can take a bad photo. They certainly make me look good! The key here is the lighting. I pride myself on finding the right light and “seeing” beautiful light that makes my couples look their best.

Continuing with my theme this year to create cinematic images, this is one of my favorite images of Brianne. Doesn’t this look like a still frame from a movie? All of these images were created with natural, found light. No additional lighting was used in the making of these images. How’s that for a disclaimer?

Yes, every now and then I’ll throw in a color image. My personal preference is black and white unless there is a reason to show color. This image has a warmth and richness that color enhances. The railroad tracks? Photographers are suckers for railroad tracks…

Congratulations to Brianne and Kevin. I can’t wait for their wedding day. I’m sure we will create amazing images and you can be sure they’ll end up here!

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Thirty days of solid rain and now a week of glorious sunshine. Dara and Jim are getting married in April and want to use an image from their engagement session for their “save the date” cards.We originally planned a photo shoot at Mt. Hood in the snow and we’ve cancelled one session after another because of the weather. At long last the sun broke through and we decided to take advantage of the opportunity with a photo shoot at Riverfront Park in downtown Portland along the Willamette River. My wife calls me a hopeless romantic, but I dare you not to feel the same way after looking at these images.

All of these images were created with natural light. In keeping with my cinema theme, I pushed myself creatively to create the look of a movie still.

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