CLASS OF 2008!

Photosensitive Portraits is looking for a few good men - and women! If you'd like to earn FREE senior photos, give me a call for more information! Call 541-436-2755 today!

Monday morning blues...

but not in the sense of "I don't wanta get outta bed" blues - a glorious river of blue, composed of thousands of small blue bell-shaped flowers, winding their way through the sun and shade!

My husband and I went for a hike at Catherine Creek Trail in Washington on Monday morning. The balmy weather enticed us out of our usual morning routine and we just HAD to get out in it! I knew I had missed the early spring wildflowers at Catherine Creek, but brought my camera "just in case."

The balmy weather made for pleasant hiking and great views of the Gorge in both directions; we found small patches of lupine, cluster lilies, bitter root and poppies along the trail as well as the grand vistas of the Gorge. I couldn't keep the smile off my face - I was intoxicated by the combination of beautiful weather and incredible scenery!

I've turned this image into a painting using a new software I've recently acquired (Corel Painter). I just know Painter will allow me to create wonderful paintings from my portraits as well as rendering out-of-this-world landscapes - I look forward to experimenting with it and promise to post my best efforts!

A Celebration of a Man

That's me there, arm in arm with my mentor and teacher, Monte Zucker, at a seminar in Seattle last November - I can't adequately describe just how happy this photo makes me - or how grateful I am to friend & photographer James McFarland for taking it for me.

Monte passed away on March 15th, succumbing to cancer diagnosed only 9 months earlier. In his remaining months, he continued to travel the country doing what he loved most, teaching and spreading the gospel of evocative, classical, beautiful portraiture. (You can read more about Monte in this Washington Post article.)

Today, in lieu of a funeral or memorial service per Monte's wishes, friends and colleagues gathered together and shared thoughts and memories of his life. During the event, the Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts in Maryland dedicated their entire photographic program in Monte's name, a wonderful tribute to an amazing talent and generous teacher.

Monte's work in the last few months of life was to put cameras in the hands of children at risk. Monte felt that by teaching underprivileged children a vocation such as photography it might give each one of them a way out of their situation in their community and inspire them with a means for a better life. Thus he established The Zucker Institue of Photographic Inspiration - ZIPI. For more information about ZIPI, please visit www.montezucker.com.

Since I couldn't be in Maryland today, I just wanted to share my feelings here - I learned so much from Monte - I am not only a better photographer, but a better person for knowing him. Thanks, Coach - I will keep your spirit in my heart and strive to do you proud.

Ain't Love Grand?!

I admit it, I just love Love! I met the lovely Ruthanne when I signed up for water aerobics last summer - I was so struck by both her outward and inner beauty, that I persuaded her to come in to the studio and model for me. Which she did, and as an added bonus, her equally good-looking fiance accompanied her - well, I was in photographer's hog heaven! I've posted a few of the Hollywood-style portraits created that day, but waited until today to show you these couple portraits we also did. Once I put the two of them together, they seemed to forget about me and melted into one another - it warmed my heart to see the way they touched and talked. Ahhhh, romance! Why did I wait until today to post these images? Because today Ruthanne and Jim will be married - today I celebrate their loving relationship and wish them many many years of happiness together! May they enjoy a future filled to the brim with love and laughter!

Mr. Personality!

I so thoroughly enjoyed having this little guy in my studio the other afternoon - from the moment he came in the door, he was curious, engaged, playful and relaxed, all at the same time! I looking forward to another session with him soon, because next time Daddy comes in for portraits with his son and I've got a few special images already in mind that should melt a parent's (or grandparents!) heart. Did I mention it's never too early to start thinking about Father's Day gifts?!

Sugar and Spice

and everything nice, that's what THIS little girl is made of! finally, I got a little girl in the studio to wear one of my tutus! (wait, not MY tutu as in "I wear tutus" - I mean my tutu as in "I've been making tutus in different colors and waiting for a little girl to wear them"...)

This sweet little charmer was one easy-going baby - she must get it from her mom, who was Very Patient with a photographer who has not had alot of experience working with babies! I learned alot from these two that day: how to baby-proof a studio, what makes babies smile, postcards are tasty (this last bit of info I surmised from all the little teethmarks found on one of my promo postcards!)...and I had a wonderful time in the bargain!

Here are my four favorites from the session; the last was actually created once we had called it quits - Mom lay on her back and reached out for her little girl and I couldn't resist "just one more!"

Spring White Sale!

Oh man, I am just LOVING the nice weather we've been having! I discover new flowers coming up every day - my side yard is full of gem-like grape hyacinth, petite and perfect narcissus, and jazzy purple & white striped crocus. An added bonus is the deep blue violets sprouting all over the grass - I've forbidden my husband to mow until they've disappeared and well, he's not fighting me too hard about that...

Naturally, in Spring a girl's thoughts turn to...shopping! What else comes with Spring but a good White Sale! So I'm offering a mini-session on a fresh white background plus a 3-image collage print of your session favorites for only $95 (a $135 value!) until the end of April. This is a very popular look, contemporary, fresh and fun! So get in on the giggles and call me at 541-400-0939 to reserve time for your child - please note these mini-sessions are limited to 1 or 2 children.

Just take a look at my favorite photos from this afternoon's White Sale Session with my favorite guy, Cole! While some fellas try to dazzle you with a swagger and a big grin, Cole steals your heart with his shy ways, sweet smile and goofy antics - it's always a pleasure to have him in the studio.

Spring has sprung!

At long last - everywhere I look I see that fresh, bright green that means Spring is finally here! Crocus, narcissus, hyacinth and daffodils are blooming in my garden - colorful heralds of a brand new season! This weekend past was a glorious tease of things to come: warm weather, blue sky and an abundance of gorgeous greenery...

What else does the return of good weather mean to me? Outdoor portraits! I had the good fortune to spend an afternoon at Edgefield (a sprawling 38 acre resort filled with historic buildings, beautiful gardens and artful landscaping located in Troutdale) with a few photographer friends. Once again I had the pleasure of working with the lovely McKinsey, daughter to one of the photographers - she is really getting the hang of the modeling thing and is a wonderful young woman to work with, a real pleasure! Here's a few of my favorites from Sunday - enjoy!

Another Hollywood Moment

Presenting my most recent attempt at recreating a little "Hollywood Magic!" I always enjoy experimenting with a new lighting technique - I get a thrill out of challenging myself to de-construct an image, figure out where lighting was placed, the how and the whys of it all and then attempt to duplicate it, finally adding it to my lighting repetoire. (Hey, I'm funny that way!) Lately I've been entranced by the work of the early Hollywood photographers, well-known names like George Hurrell and not-so-well known artists like Ruth Harriet Louise. Portrait artists like these were responsible for crafting the stars' public image, polishing it to a high gloss and holding it up for their fans to admire. These wonderful portraits are even more amazing considering the challenges of the equipment used at the time - hot tungsten lights and slow film emulsions meant an exposure measured in minutes rather than seconds! Every portrait was a well-thought out, planned production and that care and craftsmanship shines through in the evocative images created by these artists. I aspire to emulate these dedicated photographers and hope my commitment to craft shows through in every image I create, whether for myself or for my clients.

Looking for models...

I'm looking for models, male and female, to continue to refine my skills using this "look" - in exchange I offer some free prints and promise a fun time! If this sounds interesting to you, please contact me via email in the next couple of weeks. I want to mention that "youth" is NOT a requirement for modeling - I would be THRILLED to work with "mature" men or women for this particular look! If you've ever fantasized about being a Hollywood star, here's your chance to play...

Win a FREE headshot portrait session!

A popular business event, the 6th annual Small Business Showcase, is scheduled for Thursday, March 1, at Hood River Valley Adult Center, 2010 Sterling Place, next to Hood River Sports Club.

The event is organized by the Hood River Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and is open to the public. "People love this event, because it lets them learn about the variety of goods and services available in this community," said Mike Doke, event chair. "For businesses, this is a great way for them to introduce themselves to the community."

Patterned after the Chamber's successful Business After Hours program, the Small Business Showcase is an opportunity for more than two-dozen businesses to promote themselves in a single location. Door prize drawings will conducted at the booth of each business. Catered refreshments will be provided.

Photosensitive Portraits will be there! Come on by the booth and say hello – don’t forget to drop your business card off and be eligible to win a FREE headshot portrait session!

THE WINNER:
Congratulations to Lindamay Woosley of John L. Scott Real Estate in Bingen, WA - Lindamay will soon have a brand new portrait to display on her website and business cards!

High Key Fun!

Got together with a couple of photographer girlfriends recently and drove to Beaverton to welcome the talented Amie Stipech (who just moved from central California) - it's the first time so many of us got together at once and well, it was a party! Amie had a thriving wedding photography business back in California and will open her studio doors in Beaverton soon (if not already!), so take note all you brides who want the best!

Amie showed off the new house and we naturally congregated in her new daylight basement studio - sure, there were still a few piles of boxes here and there, but we set up a couple of lights and brought her three adorable kids onto the set and away we went. Those kids must have felt like rockstar models with 4 different photographers all calling their names and firing away! Here's what I think are my best images, one of each of Amie's adorable children, Micah, Ethan and Emma...

A Beautiful Boy

I met a lovely young family last week and was completely charmed by their precocious 2.5 year old son, Cole. It took him a little time to warm up, but before long he was playing with me and giving me deliciously sweet, shy smiles! Cole is a beautiful boy whether he is smiling or not and I find I love the quiet, more serious images of him just as much as the "happy face" ones...matter of fact, I love one of them so much I had a 20"x24" custom print made for my studio walls! (It's the image shown in color.) Cole will be back soon with his parents for a family portrait - if the weather cooperates, we may even venture outdoors to create something special for this wonderful family. (This has been my first "real" winter in over 25 years - I am SO looking forward to Spring!)

1940's Hollywood Glamour!

I had a great time yesterday photographing a new muse, the lovely Ruthanne - she came into the studio with her fiance, Jim, for some couple portraits and I was inspired to use a little Hollywood-style lighting I've been wanting to try. I think she has the perfect face for it, don't you? (Photos of Jim the Fiance looking Hollywood-studly and the young couple in love coming in the next installment, I promise!)

Looking for models...

I'm looking for models, male and female, to continue to refine my skills using this "look" - in exchange I offer some free prints and promise a fun time! If this sounds interesting to you, please contact me via email in the next couple of weeks. I want to mention that "youth" is NOT a requirement for modeling - I would be THRILLED to work with "mature" men or women for this particular look! If you've ever fantasized about being a Hollywood star, here's your chance to play...

Update your look!

Did I say the people here are FANTASTIC?! I've had the pleasure of working with some of Hood River's real estate professionals recently and would like to share some of their comments and their accompanying portraits (yes, this is a shameless plug for my headshot services!)...

"Working with you has been both fun and pleasurable. In addition to the successful photo shoot in your beautiful studio, going off site for some specialty photos was yet another wonderful experience. You always brings the fun!"
• Louise McCulloch, Nunamaker Realtors

"I've never looked better. You're a master of photography and retouch! Many thanks. It was fun!"
• Eric Shetterly, RE/MAX Results, Inc.

"You are just fabulous!! My pictures were exactly what I wanted! You made me feel so at home in your studio, creating a wonderful atmosphere to capture the perfect shot!"
• Ginger Budrius, RE/MAX Results, Inc.

Is it time to update YOUR professional headshot? Is it important to you to project a confident and successful image? Then by all means take advantage of my current promotion; here’s what you will receive with this special introductory offer:

• an in-studio business portrait session for only $75 (regularly $125)
• a CD with your selected pose
• two fully retouched jpeg files, one color and one black & white

Call before January 31st to book your portrait session appointment and receive a free gift of an additional pose from your session (a $40 value).

Don’t put off taking advantage of all the benefits you can receive from a quality business portrait any longer. Please call me to discover what I can do for YOU.

Happy New Year Everyone!

I am SO excited to discover what lies ahead in 2007! The old year was so filled with changes, new home, new studio, new friends - I'm still very thrilled to be here, marveling every day at the beauty that surrounds me.

And the people are FANTASTIC! For 18 years I only knew Hood River as a visitor, and often commented on how friendly people were, how they smiled so readily at a stranger - remember, I was a Big City Girl back then. Now I move through the everyday motions of living (grocery shopping, going to the Post Office, taking a walk) and I find that the people I encounter on a daily basis aren't just putting on a happy face for a tourist - they are genuinely kind-hearted, open and friendly folk. Maybe I've lived in the City too long, but I can't help but feel it's a privilege to live among such caring and friendly (I can't stop using that word!) people - thanks for this first 6 months, Hood River! I am looking forward to the years to come...

Gratefully yours,
Denise

The many moods of McKinsey

A photographer friend came over today for a little camera play and brought her daughter with her - we spent a pleasant afternoon chatting and trying the patience of our young model! I did more talking than shooting (who me? a chatterbox?!), but am still pretty darn happy with the few images I created - here I present two of the many moods of McKinsey...can't wait to have her back in the studio again!

The "Gorge Kids" Sessions

Some of you may have noticed I have had an offer running for the last two months on the terrific parental resource website, www.GorgeKids.com - the first five people who called in November and December received a FREE session and a custom 8x10 print. Well, the response has been very gratifying! I have met some wonderful families over the last month or so. I had the opportunity to create keepsake maternity portraits, holiday gift portraits, and a signature collage for a family - I had a great time getting to know everyone and am very pleased with the resulting portraits! These are a few of my favorites...

My first snowfall in a long time!

Okay, the white stuff has been on the ground two weeks by now, but I am just getting around to playing with the images I snapped the first two days it fell...I know it sounds trite, but it WAS rather magical that first morning. I knew there was snow outside before I even got out of bed - I recognized that "hush" the world takes on when snow is falling and the light filtering into the room was nothing short of dazzling...I jumped up and peered through the blinds at a wonderland I hadn't seen the likes of in over 20 years! I was as giddy as a little kid - I ran out and built a snowman before breakfast - I stood in the yard and tried to catch snowflakes on my tongue - I threw myself down on the ground and made a snow angel (to the supreme enjoyment of my husband, who was sure I'd finally lost it!)...and then I grabbed a camera and took a few photos of the house and yard to send to my family back in Michigan (who can't believe I left California for a state where it snows) - here are a few of my faves, enjoy!

Holiday Bazaar Portraits

I kicked off December immersed in the spirit of Christmas! Spent a few hours on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd creating family portraits at the Asbury United Methodist Church Annual Holiday Bazaar - made new friends (see the portraits shown above), ate FABULOUS desserts (genuine, old-fashioned creme puffs - to die for!), did a little Christmas shopping (beautiful jewelry made by artisans in Guatemala), and raised funds for a very worthy cause in the process.

All monies raised by Photosensitive Portraits that weekend will be donated to Los Amigos de Los Romeritos, an organization of volunteers who work to support the Los Romeritos Day Care Center in Guatemala City. Los Amigos was founded in 2003 by then-pastor of Asbury UMC, Larry Monk. This very special day care center was created by Jaime Marcia and Oregonian Meggan Parkinson as a safe shelter for some of the poorest street children in Guatemala City. For the last ten years, Los Romeritos has provided a safe harbor for these children, providing them not only shelter, but food, education and training.

Donations of any size are appreciated - the smallest amount can help to change a child's life.
• $20 provides 2 nutritious meals a day for one child for a month
• $50 provides a child's school uniform, books, supplies and school fees for a year
• $100 provides school supplies and art materials for the entire center for a month
When you give your gift to Los Romeritos, your entire donation goes directly to Guatemala and the children of Los Romeritos.

You can learn more about this compassionate work by visiting www.AmigosDeLosRomeritos.org - or you can contact Larry Monk at 503-657-5026.

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza!
Sunday, Nov. 19th • Best Western Hood River Inn

Soroptimist International of Mt. Adams is holding their "2nd Annual Holiday Artisan Shopping Extravaganza!" this coming Sunday (11/19/06) from 10am thru 4pm in the Gorge Room at the Best Western Hood River Inn located at 1108 E. Marina Way, Hood River, OR. Featuring local and Portland artists, you’ll find fabulous gift items such as handcrafted jewelry, glassware, paintings, cards, massage & more! All the artists are donating 10% of their profits to Mt. Adams Soroptimist, a non-profit organization that works to enrich the lives of women & children in the community. For more information, contact Ginger Budrius-Swanson at ginger@gorgeproperty.com or (503) 805-1292.

Sounds like a fun event with great opprotunities to purchase unique and wonderful holiday gifts! Oh, did I mention that I would be there as well?! Yes, Photosensitive Portraits will have a table at the Extravaganza - I hope a few of you will come on by and say hello! Just for this event, I will have a special Gift Certificate available for purchase: a studio Expression Session for one child that includes a 12"x 18" Trio Collage. The Trio Collage is created from three of your favorite images from the portrait session; you can even add text, such as the child's name and a favorite quote, to your custom-created collage. Each collage is designed by yours truly, one at a time, guaranteeing that each collage is an individual work of art.