Working Mama

The pressure to be "Super Mom" is building as the prospect of a very busy summer approaches. I find myself wondering what other working mom's are doing behind closed doors. Do they bounce kids on their knee with one hand, while typing (and editing photos) with the other? Are Portland's mom's checking for drool spots on their sweaters before meeting up with clients?
My favorite part of working from home this year has been watching my daughter grow plump, learn to crawl and gain a voice. She is my inspiration for everything now. I email clients and process photos while listening to her play with blocks beside my desk, or to the static of the monitor as she naps. I realize I am lucky to work from home with such a small child. The flexibility means that I get to watch my daughter grow up. I get to take breaks when she needs me and can take advantage of her down time from my home office.
But what happens when business begins to take off as it has been these past couple months? I'm not sure how other moms do it. I can't imagine leaving Ella all day as a regular part of my schedule, missing out on all the little moments and (gasp!) possibly the big ones!
In response to this growing need- this next season in our lives- I've begun to consider a more regular babysitter for Ella, someone who can watch her and play with her while I'm here. Of course, we have a neighborhood friend who can watch her sporadically, but I'm talking about a regular schedule. Something that I can create my work flow around.
Anyhow, Jelani and I have the subject on the table. We are excited to embrace our new roles as parents and want to make the best decision for Ella and our new, little family. I just know that my daughter, no matter what, will always be a source of inspiration and motivation for my work- never a hindrance!

Summer Love: Maternity Session with Alisia Ray

Here are the rest of the shots from our shoot in the Park last week with Alisia Ray! Alisia is one of those women who continue to glow and grow more and more beautiful as her pregnancy progresses. Due next month, we are excited to get her sweet little Anna behind the lens once she arrives ( :

Not many people know that I do maternity sessions, but since having my own daughter last year, I've grown to really enjoy the intimacy of these shoots. And having a mama photographer helps when choosing flattering angles and "poses". ( :

Please shoot me an email if you'd like to schedule your maternity session!

The Beautiful Kayleen

Would you guess it was freezing this day on the river?
Model: Kayleen Hazel - Muse Models
Makeup and Hair: Alisia Ray

Sara Pine

Here is a black and white set:

Maternity Session

Had a fabulous time with Alisia on our maternity shoot session today. The evening sun was peeking over the trees, giving us these last few shots of the day.

Seniors Website

So, the site has been up and running since the 15th and according to my Google analytics, traffic has been great! If you haven't seen my new Seniors Site and Blog, check them out now!
Blog
Website

Lavenda Seniors Launch in just 1 day!!!

Tomorrow is the official launch of my new, "Lavenda Seniors" business. I am so excited to connect with Portland's awesome teens. May 15th is also the cut-off date for all my senior rep shoots and I will actually be traveling to Eugene for one last shoot.
Once the new Seniors Website and blog are published, I will no longer be posting full length previews from senior shoots. I may post a fave here or there, but you will need to add my new blog to your reader to follow up on most future Seniors info ( :

For Seniors still looking for a sweet deal on their Senior Photos, please check back here on June 1st, when I'll be posting my summer specials.

Here is a sneak peak at our last shoot with La Salle's Senior Rep, Riley:

Senior Rep: Elle Ceccanti

We had a super fun shoot with Elle, yesterday. That's pronounced "Ell-lee". Elle had a modern bohemian vibe, so we trecked into the "forests" of good old Mt. Tabor park for some green backdrops. This is one of the last shots we took ( :


Alisia Ray on Makeup

Beach Classic

This set came out very classic. I like the timeless feel of her wardrobe and the beachscape.

Flash Back

Let's give a nod to all things 80's that were NOT an eye sore, such as worn jean jackets and colorful tights. Here is the Jean set we did with Kayleen:

Cozy indoors

I have been seeing waaaay too many "boudoir" shoots on facebook and elsewhere these days. I'm surprised how crass people can interpret a woman's body. I, myself, like to always ad a touch of romance and hint of melancholy.

Spring Inspirations

This past winter gave me plenty of time to build a shot list (in my head, of course) for the Spring. Since this spring has been a bit wacky, I had to put these off till recently. I am sooo excited to update my fashion book this summer. You'll definitely see most of these shots on the new site ( :

Blue Set:

A couple sneak peaks:

This first shot is from a shoot we did at the river. It was SOOO fun to shoot summer wear, but still too cold to get in the water all the way ( :


This shot is from yesterday's shoot with Portland's new LA model. I'm always excited to shoot a new face. She had some "Scarlette Johansen" angles too ( :



I'll get back to these shoots on Monday, so keep in touch.