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...

Welcome to my new Creative Assistant!

So, I finally had to own up...I couldn't do it all. Ouch, it hurt to admit that. I really, REALLY needed someone to handle, among other things, the all-important verbal communication piece for the studio. But where would I find someone eloquent, personable, and able to deliver the 'Cherie Renae' experience to my beloved clients when they call?

Enter one talented and amazing person - Chris Buckley! I've known Chris since 1994. He is one of the most gifted musicians I've ever met, and he currently leads a Celtic band, Bold Riley, which plays to packed crowds here in Salem. He is a counselor to many and a friend to all.

I'm thrilled that he's going to be working as my Creative Assistant here in the studio. Between Chris, who will be my right hand; Harper, who handles my filing; Eli, marketer extraordinaire; Ariel, my capable business consultant; and Gabriel, who pinch hits where needed - I just may be able to keep the wheels on my busy bus!

Camera 101 continues!

People are welcome to join our Camera 101 class!

This ongoing series explores both technical and creative aspects of photography, and is appropriate for both beginners and more advanced amateurs.

Learn how to 'see' the light; how to take the camera off of 'auto'; what on earth is MASP, ISO, and all those other technical terms - and why should I care? :)

We spend about an hour in the studio learning a new concept every month, and an hour-and-a-half in the field, practicing. You can join at any time. Pop in for a class!

Cost: 39. Limit 10 students. Call ahead to ensure there is room in the current month's class. 503.508.5157

Extreme Business Marketing Makeover contest winner!

Matt's Entertainment won the Salem Extreme Business Marketing Makeover contest. Tim Fahndrich of The Third River was the mastermind for this contest, which offered over $10,000 in marketing services to the lucky winner. I was pleased to be part of this campaign, along with Tim and Signworks of Oregon.

Matt came into my studio on Monday for his new biz pic. What a great guy! He is personable and reliable, and I am thrilled to find a DJ/Master of Ceremonies that I can recommend whole-heartedly. The link to his website is: Matt's Entertainment.

As part of the marketing makeover, a NEW website will debut tomorrow. I can't wait to see it!

A Question of Balance

I had someone ask me today how I balance the math & science part of myself with my artistic, creative side. I responded:

"Life is all about balance, isn't it? It's about standing under the sky at night and dancing with the stars. It's about love poems to the setting sun and sharing grief with the predawn moon. It's about walking the wilderness and knowing that even if I die, some part of me will walk out whole, ready to enter the land of milk and honey.

"It's about looking at those around me and caring more about what they need than what I want. It's about laughter and joy and being gentle with myself when I get knocked awry. It's about believing in good, in love, in those around me. And I do believe."