Stories of LIGHT

A joyful light...

While I’m drawn to darker images and tend to create a few during a wedding, the majority of the images we create are light, bright and happy. Be it a mid-day first look, sunset portrait session and everything in between, there’s a joyful image to be made every moment.

Jake and Kristin's Brasada Ranch wedding was the classic light, bright and happy day many covet for their wedding celebration.
Often, during the heat of a Central Oregon Summer wedding day, we'll find shade to shoot portraits in after the first look. We always like to steal the couple away for a quick sunset session too. Though I'm confident enough to shoot in any lighting situation, nothing compares with the sun's kiss on the horizon.

This doorway served as an entrance for guests to enter the ceremony site and made for a great set piece for the couple’s session.

Brasada Ranch’s pond, located below a stunning wooden trestle, is a gorgeous backdrop for intimate ceremonies.

Summer skies are often filled with smoke, though not great for the lungs, it does take the contrast out of the sky and softens the normally harsh mid day sun.

This doorway served as an entrance for guests to enter the ceremony site and made for a great set piece for the couple’s session.

Brasada Ranch’s pond, located below a stunning wooden trestle, is a gorgeous backdrop for intimate ceremonies.

Summer skies are often filled with smoke, though not great for the lungs, it does take the contrast out of the sky and softens the normally harsh mid day sun.

Though this octagon shaped room is surrounded by window light, as the evening arrives there's a mix of fading sunlight and incandescent light from above, casting shadows and creating white balance issues. To get a great shot for the couple and our friends at Foxtail Bake Shop, I used three flashes. Two to uplight the curtains and one in a softbox for the cake. In less than 3-5 minutes I had a much better final image than I would have without using flashes.

Few things draw more cell phone and camera grabs than the parade of little ones down the aisle.

With children, of course, you’re never really sure what you’re going to witness-and we’ve seen some pretty funny things.

In this particular case, it was a perfectly executed flower parade, cuteness overload.

Capturing moments like this can be tricky with dapple light coming through trees overhead.

Thankfully, with much experience-we’re still able to deliver beautiful images to our clients.

Few things draw more cell phone and camera grabs than the parade of little ones down the aisle.

With children, of course, you’re never really sure what you’re going to witness-and we’ve seen some pretty funny things.

In this particular case, it was a perfectly executed flower parade, cuteness overload.

Capturing moments like this can be tricky with dapple light coming through trees overhead.

Thankfully, with much experience-we’re still able to deliver beautiful images to our clients.

Photographing the rings is truly one of my favorite parts of a wedding day. I usually take a couple of minutes, while guests are eating, to find the right location that fits the theme or look of the day. I'll often use a softbox to rake soft light across the rings and typically one more light behind to make them pop-or make the background pop for nice bokeh (how the out of focus area is registered or rendered.)

No family members were harmed in the making of this family portrait. When your client is an award winning DP and has access to a set—you use it.

The light was quickly fading on this beautiful evening in Nelson, Nevada, not too far from Las Vegas. In order to retain the color in the sky and focus the eye on the family, I created the light I needed to give them a moment they’ll never forget.

No family members were harmed in the making of this family portrait. When your client is an award winning DP and has access to a set—you use it.

Pronghorn Resort, located near Bend, Oregon, is a stunning backdrop for a wedding any time of the year. One of my favorite local venues to make pictures at, Pronghorn is full of little areas full of warmth and texture, offering a respite from the Summer heat, or a chance to warm yourself in the Winter sun.

As she stood at the top of the stairway, Evan’s eyes welled up and the tears couldn’t be held back.

Every person, every couple, show their love for each other in a different way, some more nuanced than others.

We love it when emotion escapes the confines of the heart and mind and overflow in a visible outpouring.

The Pacific Northwest often offers a generous soft canopy of light for such moments.

As she stood at the top of the stairway, Evan’s eyes welled up and the tears couldn’t be held back.

Every person, every couple, show’s their love for each other in a different way, some more nuanced than others.

We love it when emotion escapes the confines of the heart and mind and overflow in a visible outpouring.

The Pacific Northwest often offers a generous soft canopy of light for such moments.

A beautiful bride takes a moment for a portrait in the high Central Oregon sun. A smoke filled sky offers a gentle canopy of diffusion and makes for an epic sunset later in the evening.

Central Oregon has no shortage of areas in which one can hide-and one can seek.

This lava rock outcropping seemed an appropriate meet up for Brian and Sabrina to have a moment before connecting with friends and family to celebrate.

Even in the harsh Central Oregon sun, there’s almost always a point in which the sun can kiss your back while the shade provides a soft place for fingertips.

Central Oregon has no shortage of areas in which one can hide-and one can seek.

This lava rock outcropping seemed an appropriate meet up for Brian and Sabrina to have a moment before meeting up with friends and family to celebrate.

Even in the harsh Central Oregon sun, there’s almost always a point in which the sun can kiss your back while the shade provides a soft place for fingertips.

There is no bad season for a magic hour sunset, especially if it's filled with sweet kisses.
The dress, the veil and the snow can often be used to reflect light back to the groom-though he's usually glowing himself.

Nearly 100 years ago, a tiny seed began its journey to provide shade for nine beautiful young women to share a laugh under.

I’m almost 100% sure this laugh was a result of their photographer saying something funny…

Nearly 100 years ago, a tiny seed began its journey to provide shade for nine beautiful young women to share a laugh in.

I’m almost 100% sure this laugh was a result of their photographer saying something funny…

The California coast is one of my favorite shooting locations. As the sun fades in and out of the marine layer, technical adjustments are constantly made. I love to give couples an area to "play" in. I see what happens naturally and will offer suggestions as needed. I encourage them to think about one thing, each other.

Say Yes to Ben!
We recently had the pleasure of working with Benjamin (and his son) on a wedding and we cannot sing their praises enough. Not only are they extremely easy to work with and professional, they are incredibly creative while also being non-invasive. You hardly notice their presence while enjoying your day but somehow, they manage to capture the most amazing shots. When working with Benjamin, you'll be treated to prompt communication, attention to detail, and complete ease with the whole process. We'd highly recommend Benjamin to any couple looking for epic photography.

I wish for a moment, the world could see and hear the speechless gasps of wonder and aw from those around us. He is likely no stranger to accolades, but to work with him would effortlessly suggest otherwise. His genuine connection and heart for people is palpable and contagious. His humility holds space for ease and creativity, and we can't help but fall in love...all over again.

Benjamin was such a joy to work with. He is so accommodating, and so kind, we highly recommend him to anyone. He's such a gentleman and really knows how to capture the event. He takes such beautiful pictures too!! I never thought i'd have such beautiful wedding pictures. Everyone oohs and awes over them, and we'll treasure them forever!

If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Benjamin and Parker were a joy to work with - it seemed like we had been friends for years. His photos will undoubtedly be the difference between us having fond memories of our wedding to having the most epic story tale to share with our friends and family. They knew exactly where to be and when. Since we eloped, our friends and a lot of family were not there, but through Benjamin's lens they got the experience of the entire adventure.

Stories of LIGHT

A joyful light...

Premier

Shauna

Tim And Naomi

Kelsey + Ryan

Heather

Allison

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