Posts Tagged ‘Portraits’

I had coffee (actually a chamomile tea with honey) with Gina Emerson, of Gina Emerson Photography, this morning. I think it is just amazing to be part of a community of photographers in Portland, that are truly supportive of each other. When I was first starting out I had several established wedding photographers offer me advice, and point me to networking groups. Over the years, I’ve become part of a group of Oregon Flickr photographers that are always willing to share ideas, and another group of women photographers in the Portland area.

Brides are often surprised when I tell them that a lot of photographers here are friends, or at least friendly enough to help each other out. Yes we are each others competition but we’re also coworkers in a way. When dates are booked we need to know other photographers to refer brides to for their wedding. When a portrait client contacts me, and they are too far away, it’s great to be able to send them to someone closer. It helps all our clients, and each other. It’s also an absolutely essential resource for a wedding photographer to have in event of an emergency on a wedding day!

I did a post a couple weeks back about engagement sessions. I realized I didn’t touch upon what to wear, which is something I get asked a lot. There is no right answer but here are some suggestions.

Dress in something that represents you. Think about where we are photographing when you choose your outfit. High heels and a dress may not work well if you want photos in a field, unless you are a kick off your shoes and run barefoot type.

Talk to each other before dressing. You don’t need to match your fiance but you shouldn’t clash. You’ll want to be about the same formality. One of you in a suit, and one in your favorite ripped jeans might look silly. Being a little aware of how your colors go together is good too.

Avoid clothing that will over power the photograph. I had business portraits done last year and wore a top that was patterned with bold flowers all through my mid-section. If you are a size 2 this might be okay and give the illusion that you have more curves. On me, it draws attention to my mid-section and the pattern is just too bold, drawing attention away from my face. I still really like this shirt but not for photos. Logos, even small ones, and writing are even worse.

Think about color. Most people look best in certain colors. Black is a difficult one for photos. For some it works okay, but it can wash out pale skin. It also tends to fade and show every little piece of lint.

Break the rules. Always feel free to bend, twist, or break the rules. Maybe your fiance always wears bright blue polka dots suits, and you love all black. Then this is who you are and by all means express it!

When in doubt, bring a couple of outfits or at least shirts. Email me, or comment on this post, if you have specific questions.

During our “shoot me” session (using Deanna’s words), we kept talking about how stunning Jenkins Estate would be to have a wedding at. There are so many little nooks and crannies to take beautiful wedding photos. I adore the combination of history and nature.

Deanna, of Deanna Russell Photography, is so much fun to work with. She seems to feel about the same as I do about being in front of the camera. I try to use the experience to imagine what my clients feel like, and to improve my communications skills as a photographer. A gigantic part of my job as a photographer is interacting with my clients and making them feel at ease. When I first started out I thought the end product, the photos, was all it was about. Now I realize the experience is just as important!

Jenkins Estate Portraits by Portland Photographer Jessica Shepard

Portland Professional Photography

Shoot me photo session with Sherwood Photographer Deanna Russell and Portland Photographer Jessica Shepard

I used to be one of those people who could get out of the house in ten minutes, twenty including a shower. It really hit me this morning how much being a mom has changed this. While I never used to enjoy putting on makeup or drying my hair, it’s now a sort of luxury to be able to take the time to do these things on occasion.

Our house can be a bit hectic in the mornings. I am so used to it, that it never even occurred to me until my mom, who is visiting, commented on her first morning. I tend to wake up while my hubby is in the shower, sometimes our little girl is the culprit waking me up. Other times she sleeps deeper than ever laying across our queen size bed, as the morning light starts to roll in. Once she is up, I go downstairs and get food ready for my hubby so he can squeeze in a few minutes with the little one. Even if it involves a diaper changes, it’s still time together. Downstairs it’s breakfast to go for hubby, lunch in a box, breakfast for the furry ones, toddler in the high chair and finally some food for me.

I do all this in a very sleepy state.

This morning it was all of a sudden 8:15 by the time the routine was done, and I realized I needed to get ready for my portrait session. I put on a bit of extra mascara and change my outfit a couple times, since I was about to get a turn being on the other side of the camera. Almost ready, I told my daughter I had to go out and take pictures. She ran to the closet I keep my gear in and said “camera”. I took a few minutes to show her the photos (of her) still on the memory card, which just made her smile.

A bit later, I met Deanna Russell, a photographer friend, at Jenkins Estate. We did a business portrait swap. Getting in front of the camera for a photographer always feels a bit odd. We explored the park a little bit, and found some great buildings to use as backgrounds for our portraits. Here is one of my favorites portraits of Deanna.

Jenkins Estate Portrait Session

These portraits of Laura were taken late in the afternoon, just before dusk. Laura is a photographer too. It’s always a bit different working with someone else who is used to being behind the camera. Sessions become kind of an exchange of ideas, which is neat. These were taken in Portland’s SE Industrial neighborhood.

Creative Business Portrait taken in SE Portland, by Oregon Photographer, Jessica Shepard

Business Portraits, on location in Portland Oregon, by Beaverton Professional Photographer, Jessica Shepard

Professional Portrait Photography in Portland Oregon

-->