The Dreaded Photographer

So, I’m the dreaded photographer. Truly. About a month ago, I went to a styling salon in Portland that specializes in dreadlocks, and emerged with a VERY new look. It will take six months or more for the locks to mature; they take nurturing and patience. But the first time I glimpsed myself in the salon mirror, I thought, “I look like ME!”

I did research into dreadlocks. Today, we associate dreadlocks with Rastafarians, but they were first worn in ancient Egypt, and also by the earliest Christians, including James, the first Bishop of Jerusalem, who wore them to his ankles. Locks can be a fashion preference or an expression of political or spiritual beliefs. The stylist who created my new look did not have locks, though she has worn them. She said, “I won’t wear them again until I’ve earned them.” She felt they were an expression of accomplishment and wisdom.

I like that sentiment. My locks are an outward expression of an inward journey - a symbol of spiritual & emotional maturity. They are a reminder, every time I look in the mirror, that I am ever and always in the process of becoming who I've always been.

The Amazing Tacchini Girls!

Aren't they great! Their dad, Tom, has been a friend of mine for many years. When they visited my studio last week, we even got Dad in front of the camera!
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BIZ PICS - HALF PRICE!

Why should Groupon have all the fun? Here’s OUR deal:

March is Biz Pic Month! Business portraits, liberally sprinkled with Cherie Renae fairy dust, are normally $150 (which includes the session, 1-2 images, Cherie’s ever-so-flattering retouching, and a CD of both full-res and web-size versions) – but for THE ENTIRE MONTH OF MARCH, they are only $115.

But wait! It gets better! If TWENTY or more people sign up, EVERYONE’S session will be only $75. Yep, HALF-PRICE, folks. Come on, you know you want to participate, and it won’t get any better than this. Call your friends, encourage them to participate, and schedule today!

Did I mention that TODAY is a good day to call? 503.508.5157

DARE to be RED

Be bold. Be passionate. Never settle! Dare to be RED!

This popular annual event runs for the WHOLE month of February. Only $69 session fee - OR, sign up with a friend, and the session fee for you AND your friend is only $25 each! (Yes, you can recruit more than one friend...)

Be part of Cherie's 2011 marketing campaign. Do you dare?

We still have sessions available the last week of February - call us! 503.508.5157

Camping!

I wandered the southern Coast region with my friend Bryan this weekend. He introduced me to Camp Myrtlewood, a place of healing and peace.

We hiked a mile-and-a-half to a beautiful vista, and spent the afternoon eating and talking (and I took a nap). The forest felt primeval and I felt Tolkeinesque wandering amongst the giant ferns and firs.

The camp hosts are among the most loving people I've ever met. They opened their home and their hearts to us.

True riches reside not in accumulation, but in fullness of heart and soul.

Finally - an event for Men!!!!

I'm looking for confident, sexy men to be part of our Band of Brothers - Men in Kilts event! The first photo shoot is happening this Saturday, August 7. The images will be used on calendars, posters and on websites. Are you game? We will provide the kilts. Give us a call NOW! 503.508.5157

Bold Riley!

I recently photographed a Celtic band, Bold Riley. (Yes, the guitar player/lead singer is my new assistant, Christopher.) For this type of photo shoot, I'm not just capturing the essence of the individuals, I'm trying to capture the corporate spirit - attempting, in images, to portray the flavor of their music. Imagine hard-driving and joyful, energetic and intense - now how do we 'catch' it in visual form?

The first step was to take them into an unusual setting. A local park worked well, because it screamed CELTIC - think Stonehenge and Druidry - it put the music into context in an almost subconscious way.

The next step was to catch them as they played, because the intensity and the joy shows on their faces when they perform.

I scouted out the location ahead of time, so I could choose the appropriate time of day for this session. I chose early evening, around 6 pm. The sun was low but the light wasn't yet flat.

I'm pleased with the results, and the band is THRILLED. Here's a link to their website, just in case you're local to the Pacific NW...