Crystal the Artist

    Yesterday was for road tripping to Eugene on a last minute call as second shooter for a wedding. While I can't share the images, I do have to say that the drive down to Sweet Cheeks Winery was absolutely stunning. I love rolling hills and mountain views, farmland, and acres of green in luscious Oregon.     The wedding was spectacular and so sweet. There was a first look with private vows between the bride and groom, a food truck, a mariachi band, and a lively bunch of friends and family. The photos are amazing and I wish I could share more.     Here are just a couple because I have to give a nice shout out to Sweet Cheeks Winery . So fun being a guest with a purpose last night!

    I cannot express enough the gratitude that I have for this incredible care team. In their own words, " Canyon Medical Center is Portland Oregon's only naturopathic Birth Center & Primary Care Clinic, making our facility one that truly offers complete and convenient care for people and families of all ages."       I wish I had my own babies at this clinic. Look at that fun loving, knowledgeable and sweet birthing team! My family is fortunate enough to call some of these doctors our own. The personal attention that we receive at each office visit goes above and beyond the typical care you might find elsewhere.     My hat is off to the wonderful front office staff and administrative workers! They keep the wheels turning so many families may continue to receive exceptional services at their warm and welcoming medical clinic. For more information about the services they provide, please visit Canyon Medical Center's Website or call them directly at...

I forgot I was afraid of heights. That isn't in the set of questions when you're offered upgrades to your entrance fee. "Excuse me ma'am, before you pay, I need to ask you... are you afraid of heights?" No. That is not a complimentary interrogation question for tourists. I was asked, however, if I would like a photoshoot on their swing wearing a fancy dress rental with a ridiculously long train for the perfect photo opportunity. Upcharge. Upgrade. Paid service. The front desk attendant motioned to a set of cobblestone steps leading down to the dress shop near the swings. It wasn't until I was making my decent down to the deep ravine made up of scenic rice fields in central Bali that I remembered my fear.  As I approached the dress rental counter I tried my hardest to swallow my fear of heights. I settled on a beautiful, iconic, bold red gown that I wasn't quite sure would fit me, even though I was told, "all dresses are the same." The wait for th...

Doted on. Wanted. Held. Adored. Sheltered. Celebrated. L O V E D That's what we all want and need.  Parents that show up a little frazzled with arms ready to comfort and provide. Warmth. Compassion. Care. Acceptance. This boy is already ahead of the game. Fragility and innocence protected. Tiny toes adored. A miracle fully expressed, sought, and seen. An awe inspiring world awaits you, little one. Go forth. Be brave. Grow. Explore. You already have everything you need.

    The day was magical. Sunny, with a chill as the sun went down, illuminating the clouds above. Friends and family gathered around the track cheering on their favorite athletes. The calm of the evening only disrupted by the occasional bang at the start of each race. Peace, joy, determination, frustration and disappointment, the mingling of an emotional dance, telling a story of triumph and loses. It was an honor to get to photograph this senior as he glided over the high jump bar and across the finish line for each of his races. The scene gave my body and mind a reset as I sat observing humanity at rest and recharging through the enjoyment of life. It was beautiful.  

With the photography season coming to a close in the suburbs of Portland, and Autumn going out with a colorful burst of love from nature, I get to sit here catching up on my blog today. It makes me happy seeing families that I have been able to photograph over the last 14 years of shooting portraits, as well as to establish client relationships with new people. Photography remains fun and exciting for me. The day is bittersweet, with such lovely weather and all the time in the world, and no more sessions in the books this year. I'd rather be out shooting this day away! That's your invitation to keep me busy as we dodge the upcoming rainy season and light change with daylight savings time! If you are still needing pictures done this year, I am happy to work with you to make magic for your family photos happen! Here's a little sneak peak of my last session at a park in Tigard! The color is still there, holding out to sneak in a few more sessions!  Email crystaltheartist.onlin...