Fantastic Four

Does this group of guys look like trouble to any self-respecting photographer, or what? They wanted to do a group photography session, and I thought, "Why not?"

Why not? Well, what are a group of four guys going to do when they're together? Besides give each other a hard time, indulge in friendly slaps and punches, and generally wreak havoc?

Just kidding. These guys were great. Well, yes, there was a bit of the above, but when it came to camera time, they were more than ready. And gracious. And fun!

So, here is a preview of the session I had with Harris, Nathan, Bryce and Andrew. Thanks, guys. It really was a LOT of fun!

Models 09 - South Salem

As I mentioned in the prior article - it's that time again! I love senior portrait season, and each year I invite students from the upcoming graduating class to be models for my marketing, website and travelling art gallery.

Rachel visited my studio today. We took advantage of my portrait park! Rachel is a member of Symphonic Choir and Southernaires at South Salem High School, a powerhouse for music in the state.

Models 09 - McNary

It's that time again! Each year, I ask students from the upcoming graduating class to be models for my website, my marketing materials, and my travelling art gallery.

Carin attends McNary, and she came to my studio today. She is in the Oregon Junior Miss pageant, and she is a member of the always awesome McNary choir program.

Here is a sneak preview of the images to come....

Spring - a season of love

I give every wedding couple the gift of an engagement session. The engagement session captures the couple in their casual moments. It gives the couple the opportunity to enjoy portrait art when they are 'looking like themselves', to quote one groom.

As importantly, it gives each couple the opportunity for a 'dry run' before the all-important day. Most people approach portrait sessions with fear and trepidation. Either they are nervous because they've never done it before, or their prior photographic experiences have only reinforced their aversion.

If you've had a session with me, you know that I believe that photography can AND SHOULD be fun! I love to make people laugh, and to watch them relax and enjoy their time with me. When my couples discover that my camera is not a thing of fear, it makes all the difference on their wedding day.

Neil and Angela visited my studio today. We managed to avoid raindrops (for the most part) and to enjoy the fresh green of the budding leaves and the yellow of the daffodils at Deepwoods Estates.
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I also had the pleasure of photographing Megan and Josh's engagement session recently. Again, we were blessed with beautiful weather. Oregon is such a wonderful place to be in the spring!

Wedding Bells for Michelle and Bill

Best wishes to Michelle and Bill. I had the privilege of doing formal portraits in their traditional Russian Orthodox wedding finery on the day of their wedding. Michelle's spark and Bill's quiet confidence showed through in their portraiture. What a fun session!

Swimsuit Contest Begins!

The contest begins! Well, at least, the photography has begun. We are looking for at least 50 people to compete for our "Men & Women of the Willamette Valley" swimsuit calendar. Do you know someone (perhaps yourself?) who would enjoy posing for Cherie's camera? Please help us get the word out. We need more entries for the contest to fly -- There is no cost - no obligation - just a lot of fun.

By the way, the images shown here are not their contest entries - they're just a preview of the fun that we're having. See the website for details, and consider joining the fun!

Cherie Wins at State Convention!

I won Best Portrait of a Man at the annual Professional Photographers of Oregon convention! I can’t tell you how exciting it was to hear my name called. This portrait, commissioned as a commercial piece for Salem Senateaires, is truly an expression of my creativity and passion, and I was so happy to have that passion recognized.

While the accolades of clients are the best (and truest) statement about the quality of portrait art, I have to admit that it is also thrilling to receive the affirmation of peers. And with my success at this convention, I have also earned enough points to receive the Associate Fellow Photographer designation. (Although designations are only awarded annually, so I will have to wait until February 2009 to be officially recognized.)

WARNING: SOAPBOX SPEECH APPROACHING. TURN BACK NOW.

Well, I warned you…

As you know, membership in professional organizations is one of the crucial pieces in growing and developing in our careers, whatever careers we have chosen. Attending classes and seminars keeps us abreast of new developments and new ideas. The feedback and instruction of peers brings us to higher pinnacles than we would achieve alone. Studying and working toward professional designations ensures quality, be it a photographer or a physician or an auto mechanic.

That’s why I belong to the national, state and local associations. I encourage everyone looking for a photographer to ask what associations they are affiliated with, and what designations they have earned. (Or, just save yourself time and come to me...) :)

Would you go to a doctor who wasn’t a member of the AMA? Would you use an attorney who wasn’t a member of the state Bar? Would you pay a hairdresser who’d never graduated from beauty school? It is the same with photography.

Because I can minister to my children’s boo-boos doesn’t mean that I’m qualified to set a bone. Because I can successfully negotiate a lower price on a vehicle doesn’t mean that I can argue a case in court. Because I can snap dozens of photos of my children and come up with a reasonable one now and then doesn’t mean I am a professional. Professionals work at their craft. They associate with other like-minded professionals. They study. They grow.

OK, I’m off my soapbox now.

I just wanted to express exactly WHY the honor I received this past weekend was so meaningful to me, and why it should matter to my current and future clients.

I’m so excited – come visit me and see my trophy!