WELCOME to the JOURNAL

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to hire a professional makeup artist for your family photo session, my answer is always YES! This question comes up a lot in my pre-session consultations as clients decide what sort of experience they’d like. I wanted to take a minute to round up my favorite resources about […]

Family pictures coming up and you’re wondering how to pose for pictures to look your best? Today I’m sharing my top three tips for how to look great in family photos! While gently guiding my clients into flattering poses and authentic moments is my job, I always like to start out with these three reminders. […]

As you’re trying to figure out what to wear for your next family photos, a good place to start is to figure out your best colors for family pictures outside. Once you have a color palette in mind, it’s usually much easier to shop for clothing for pictures. I’ve rounded up my eight favorite outdoor […]

Today, I’m sharing everything I know about achieving a light and airy photography style. You know those soft, light-filled photos you see on my portfolio? That’s light and airy, and this guide can help you achieve that look! We’ll dive into the goals of light and airy photography, discuss essential choices you need to make […]

This year, I’ve focused on how I can improve SSP’s client experience. What can I take off of client’s plates so that they can show up to sessions relaxed and ready to enjoy their family time? How can I serve them? One of the things that has been a landmark thing for the client experience […]

September’s almost here, and whether you’re deep in the trenches of back to school clothes shopping or just starting to think about family pictures coming up this fall, I’ve got you covered. Today I’m sharing my favorite finds for picture-worthy kids clothes in Portland, from the best local boutiques for baby clothing. My favorite kids […]

While most of my photo sessions take place in wide open natural areas like the Columbia River Gorge or Champoeg State Park, there’s a special place in my heart for garden family photos. In the late spring and summer when everything is in bloom, they’re especially magical! I loved spending this late August evening in […]

  If kids haircuts are on your list before family photos or the start of the school year, I’ve rounded up the best children’s hair salons in the Portland area. These are salons that are made for children: they can play with toys while they wait for their appointment, sit in an airplane haircut chair, […]

As a lifestyle photographer in Portland, Oregon, I get the incredible opportunity to create art out of my client’s lives. On the very best days, that includes some travel to beautiful PNW locations like the Columbia River Gorge! This summer session was at Beacon Rock, a location filled with some great family memories for these […]