(A special noted added for Christmas 2023. I’m working on potentially collaborating with a farm to provide Nativity portraits with live animals. More info to come! Please contact me if you’d like to hear more about this opportunity.)
Christmas Mini Sessions – Nativity Portrait Experience in Portland, OR
Last week I held my first ever Christmas mini sessions – Nativity Portrait Experience at Riddle Farm in Sherwood, OR. The idea for these sessions is something I had been working on for a couple of years. I hadn’t seen anything like them done before. Celebrating the first Christmas is very meaningful to me. I’m so thrilled to see my vision come to life!
I’m excited to share with you some photos from my sessions (November of 2021). I plan to offer them, again. So if you are interested in finding out when they are happening, please make sure you are signed up to receive my emails. You can sign up here.
These sessions look different depending on how many kids you have and what gender they are. In the image above there are two girls, so I dressed them as the virgin Mary and an angel.
The farm where the nativity sessions took place has two sweet cows. Sometimes they peek their heads in to see what we are working on, as you can see in the photo above.
If your family happens to have a newborn baby, it would be so fun to have a live baby Jesus. Otherwise, a doll will do.
The sweet family in the image above has 4 children. Two boys and twin girls. It worked out great to have a Mary, a Joseph, a shepherd, and an angel. I told their Mom that she needs to have three more kids in order to have the three Wisemen. She said that’s not happening. haha!
I love that one of the cows popped in for this photo (above)! The cows aren’t cooperative models so if they happen to show up in a photo, it’s by pure luck.
Unique Christmas Nativity Portraits in Portland
I’m so pleased with these Christmas mini sessions – Nativity Portrait Experience and I believe these families will treasure their unique and meaningful photos. The kids had fun visiting the farm, as well.
Be The First To Know When I’m Holding These Sessions, Again
These sessions were held in November this year, however, I’m considering holding them in the summer next year. That way the ground won’t be so muddy, the weather will be warmer, and the photos will be ready with plenty of time to get Christmas cards out.
If I get enough interest, I’d love to hire some petting zoo animals for the shoot. Wouldn’t that be so cool?
If you’d like to stay in touch so that you can hear about these sessions and my other types of sessions, please sign up for my email list.
A Fun Surprise Pregnancy Announcement Idea for Daddy
The moment you find out you are pregnant, your to-do list becomes 10 miles long in a single instant. So many things to plan for and to prepare for. I know from experience that one of the first things many mamas start planning is a fun way to tell people that they are expecting. I was so honored to be in on this fun surprise pregnancy announcement idea. Chelsey asked me to photograph them as she told her husband that he was going to be a dad during a couples photo shoot in Portland, OR.
What He Thought Was Happening
Micah thought that they were helping me out with a photo shoot idea for couples. The idea that was described to him was that they would each write on their chalkboard something that they love about the other person. He loves her “sweet heart.”
What Was Actually Happening
Micah had no idea that Chelsey was not following those directions. She had written, “We’re having a baby,” on her chalkboard. She also held her pregnancy tests as a sign that she was serious, in case he thought it was some kind of joke.
The Surprise Pregnancy Announcement
They stood with their backs facing each other. On the count of 3, they turned around to show each other their chalkboards. I got to snap photos and capture his reaction. His shocked expression is priceless!
They were both so happy to start this new chapter in their lives. These pictures are actually a few years old (I’m finally getting around to blogging them), so I can tell you that they are both the sweetest parents.
Outdoor Fall Photo Shoot in the Rain
The timing of their pregnancy was perfect for doing a Fall photo shoot with gorgeous colors all around them. Fall is definitely a favorite time for a lot of people to do outdoor photo shoots. But in Portland, Oregon, a Fall outdoor photo shoot means that you often have to deal with wet weather.
Their photo shoot was time sensitive and Chelsey didn’t want to put the photo shoot off until we had nicer weather (for obvious reasons). So when we found out it was going to be raining, we just went ahead and did the photo shoot in the rain. Chelsey brought some clear umbrellas, which worked out perfectly for keeping them, and their chalkboards, dry.
The umbrellas are so cute and perfect for a rainy day photo shoot with Oregonians who aren’t afraid of a little rain. Since they are clear, they allowed light to come through them. Solid colored umbrellas would have created unflattering shadows on their faces.
Pregnancy Announcements and Maternity Sessions
If you love this idea and would like to set up a pregnancy announcement photo shoot of some kind, I’d love to chat with you and come up with something really fun.
Then, when you are about 30-35 weeks along, that is the perfect time for a maternity portrait session. So we can talk about setting that up, as well!
I invite you to send me an email and we can get the ball rolling on those things!
Finding a professional headshot photographer in Portland, OR
You can’t throw a rock in Portland without hitting a photographer. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But there really are a lot of photographers around. Some are amazing while others are pretty inexperienced. No one wants to spend their time or their money having headshots done, just to end up disliking their photos or the entire experience. Especially busy business owners. But how do you choose the professional headshot photographer that is the right fit for you? Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a professional for your photo shoot.
1. Personality
You want your photos to feel like the real you. In order for that to happen, you need to choose a headshot photographer whom you connect with. Someone that will make you feel comfortable. I realize it can be difficult to know that just by perusing the internet. So I suggest looking at the photographer’s About Me page and reading their reviews. Click the links in this paragraph to learn more about Photography by Rayleigh.
2. Style
How do you want your photos to look? What part of your personality should your headshots convey? Do you want to look strong, confident, and trustworthy? Do you want to portray a welcoming and friendly vibe?
You may be looking for a cooperate look with a plain background and straight posing. Or it’s possible that a more relaxed, lifestyle look with varied backgrounds and interesting posing may suit you better.
When you are searching for a photographer in Portland, check out their portfolio. Do any of the photos in their portfolio match the vibe you want for your professional headshots? Some photographers can achieve different kinds of looks based on their individual clients needs, while others claim one style as their strength.
A corporate look verses a lifestyle look.
When thinking about style, another thing to consider is whether you are strictly wanting actual headshots or if you also want what is known as “personal branding” photos. Personal branding photos are photos that you can use in your marketing that aren’t just pictures of your head and shoulders. Such as, 3/4 body or full body portraits, photos of you working or even customized stock photos taken in your space. If you are considering a photographer for your headshots, just ask if they have experience with personal branding photos, as well.
Photography by Rayleigh can accommodate a corporate look, a lifestyle look, or a personal branding session for you.
An example of a Personal Branding photo for businesses.
3. Studio, Outdoor, or On-Location
Do you have a preference about where your photo shoot takes place or what kind of environment you want? Some photographers have a studio, set up with backdrops and perfect lighting, so that’s where they prefer to shoot headshot portraits. Others consider the great outdoors their “studio.” Of course, even if a photographer has a studio, they may be willing to take the shoot outdoors if that’s the look you want for your shoot. So it’s definitely worth asking about.
If you want your place of business in the background of your professional headshot photos, you might want the photographer to come to you for the photo shoot. This is what’s known as, “on-location.” Or if you have a team of employees who all need headshots, it might just make more sense for the photo shoot to happen where it’s easiest for everyone to gather. Find out if the photographer you are considering is set up to be able to do that.
With Photography by Rayleigh, most clients choose to have their shoot at my studio in Tualatin, OR. However, an outdoor location or other location is an option, as well.
Outdoor verses Studio or On Location portraits.
4. Pricing
According to an article on Snappr, the average price of a 1 hour photo shoot with a photographer in Portland, Oregon is $258. You can really find headshot pricing anywhere from $75 to $1000+. You likely have a budget in mind for your portraits and you’ll surely want to find a photographer who can accommodate that. Just keep in mind that, as cliché as it is, it’s still completely true that you get what you pay for. If you want to look professional in your headshots, you’ll want to hire a skilled photographer who can accomplish the look you need for success.
A lower priced photographer could certainly get a photo to you that you could use on your website. Actually, a friend with a nice iPhone could probably do that for you for free. But if you want to impress your clients and customers and give them a better sense of your company’s commitment to quality, you need to invest in a headshot that speaks the same level of quality.
You’ll want to decide if your priority is quantity or quality? You may find a photographer who will give you more photos for a lower price. But you will likely have to sacrifice quality. I highly recommend investing in high quality photos, even if it means you get fewer photos. Your business marketing will thank you.
Below you will see a comparison of a photo taken by an inexperienced photographer verses a higher quality portrait of the same beautiful business owner.
An inexpensive headshot portrait verses a higher quality portrait taken by an experienced professional headshot photographer.
5. The Experience
Aside from the skills of the photographer, there are other services that may be included. Does that photographer simply show up, snap a few photos, and hand over the unedited photos? Or is there more involved in the experience?
Professional hair and makeup
Does the session include professional hair and makeup? This may seem like a frivolous expense at first. However, I assure you, it’s so worth it! Not only because your hair and makeup look fantastic. Even more than that, it’s because you will feel more confident while having your photos taken. That confidence makes all the difference in the final photos! The time spent in the makeup chair, chatting with the photographer also helps you feel more comfortable with the photographer before the shoot starts. That’s makes a difference, as well.
Pre shoot consultation
Does the photographer help you figure out what kind of look might work best for your business? Do they offer wardrobe guidance?
Posing
Is the photographer skilled at perfect posing that makes you look slimmer, more confident, more friendly, or whatever other look you want that can be accomplished with posing?
Post shoot editing
Does the photographer edit out skin blemishes and clothing wrinkles (or face wrinkles if you want that)?
To learn more about what it’s like to have a shoot with Photography by Rayleigh, I invite you to check out my What To Expect page. Spoiler alert: the answer is yes to all of the above questions.
Professional hair and makeup before a photo shoot is an important service to consider.
Conclusion
I know that finding a professional headshot photographer in Portland who is a great fit for you can be daunting. Especially for busy business people. I hope these 5 tips help you focus on what to look for in a photographer so you can make an educated decision before spending your hard earned money.
Are you looking for a professional headshot photographer? Let’s chat!
If you would like to discuss your headshot session near Portland, please send me an email and we can chat! Let’s see if we are a good fit for each other.
Are you looking for ideas for what to wear for a Fall photo shoot in Portland?
Ahhh… the time of year I look forward to most! I know some of you ladies treasure your sunny days, but all summer long, I’m dreaming of the day when I can don my cozy Fall attire. Fall is my jam. It’s also my favorite time of year for photo shoots, I love how Fall outfits look in portraits. If you have a photo shoot coming up, you may be wondering what to wear for a Fall photo shoot in Portland, OR . Here are some ideas to give you inspiration.
Sweaters
Sweaters, sweaters, and more sweaters. My favorite kind of wardrobe to photograph, happens to be trusty sweater. Their softness brings out the softer side of a woman’s personality, which is so lovely . I particularly love the comfy, long sleeves against her face.
I recommend a sweater that is more on the light weight side. A chunky, bulky sweater can add weight, which is something my clients typically aren’t hoping for. lol
For a beauty photo shoot, slouchy, off the shoulder sweaters look good on everyone. If you like this look, make sure your sweater has a wide neck or deep v neck. Cardigan sweaters work great for this, too.
Leggings or ripped jeans pair well with a sweater and look fun and casual. Skip the pants all together for a more intimate look. Add a tutu or other skirt to glam up your sweater for a dressy vibe.
A sweater poncho or shawl gives an even higher level of comfy-coziness. (Is that a word?) Your photos can feel like you are relaxing at home on a chilly day, watching the leaves fall from the trees out your window. If you are looking for an outfit that’s slimming, I wouldn’t choose a poncho or anything that is too oversized. But they can look really cute if you aren’t worried about that.
Have you ever worn a sweater dress? That is another way to add femininity and dress-uppiness (there I go making up words, again) to the sweater look.
Fall Colors and Textures
It probably goes without saying, but Fall colors are always great and so obviously reminiscent of the season. Orange, brown, black, tan, green, maroon, mustard yellow, and gold. In addition to the softness of sweaters, corduroy is another texture that shouts Fall. Knits, lace, tweed, and wool are other ways to add texture. Wool can get pretty warm, though, so you may want to avoid that if you run warm.
Layers
One of my favorite things about a Fall wardrobe is the ability to add layers to outfits, which always adds interest. Scarves are a great way to do that. I recommend a solid color or subtle print. We wouldn’t want a bold pattern to distract from your face.
I love bare feet in portraits, but for Fall, a pair of knee-high or thigh-high socks are also so cute. Boots are a great way to add an additional layer over your pants this season.
Halloween Attire
If you’ve got something special, Halloween costumes can be fun to photograph. We just want to be careful not to cross over to the cheesy side.
This beautiful Mother (below) has a shirt to match her daughter, which is so fun to do sometimes. What I like even more, though, are outfits that are coordinated but not too matchy-matchy. For family photos, start by choosing Mom’s outfit. Then find 2-3 coordinating colors for the other family members that compliment each other.
Football Jerseys
When you think about Autumn, is football what comes to mind? If Football is your thing, it can be fun to incorporate your love for the sport in your Fall photo shoot. Showing support for your team is one way to share your unique personality and interests in your photos.
Now you have some ideas for your Autumn photo shoot wardrobe
I hope these ideas help give you some inspiration for what to wear for your Fall beauty, glamour, senior, maternity, boudoir, headshot, or family photo shoot in Portland. If you’d like more ideas, Pinterest is always a wealth of inspiration! If you don’t already have a photo shoot booked, I’d love to chat with you about scheduling something. Please send me an email! I can’t wait to hear from you.
Limited Time Christmas Nativity Experience in Portland, OR
I’m so excited to announce something that I’ve had in the works, at least in my brain, for a couple of years. I’ve seen some amazing Christmas sessions being offered by other talented photographers in Portland, such as beautiful Santa sessions and mini photo shoots, that are so much fun. In our family, though, we find a lot of meaning in remembering the first Christmas. So I came up with the idea of offering a stylized Christmas nativity experience. I’ve never seen anything like this offered, before, so I’m super excited to offer this unique opportunity to my clients. How breathtaking to experience the magic of the most important Christmas there ever was.
Your Family Portraits
Each family will have a unique look to their portraits depending on what characters your family can play. Do you have a daughter who can be Mary or an angel? Do you have sons who can be Joseph, a shepherd, or an angel? If the timing is just right, maybe you have a beautiful new baby who can play Jesus. Or a dog who can dress up like a sheep. Mom and Dad could also play Mary and Joseph.
Costumes
I have a few costumes that are available for use and I also have an ideas list on Amazon for costumes you may need to get for the shoot. We can discuss your shoot and figure out what we need.
The Details
I’ll be holding sessions at a farm in Sherwood, OR on November 6, 2021. If this date doesn’t work for you, though, please let me know. I may open up a second date, depending on interest.
$99 Session fee
The “Fine Print”
5 available sessions
Live animals are a possibility but not guaranteed
Minimum purchase requirement of $500 for portraits
IF you have any questions or if you are ready to book your Christmas Nativity Experience, please send me a message to claim your time slot.
It’s the thing to do. Every year, your kid gets school pictures taken and you wait to see what kind of awkward face they made or what they spilled on their outfit between home and picture time. (Check out these hilarious awkward school pictures from the Awkward Family Photos website) It’s tradition. I’m a professional photographer who has gobs of great photos of my kids and I STILL purchased the photos that were taken on Picture Day at my daughter’s Preschool. But what about school pictures for homeschooling families? Kids who are homeschooled don’t automatically get offered that opportunity. That’s why I’m hosting “School Picture Day” in my studio on October 13th and 14th 2021.
What if we don’t homeschool?
If you don’t homeschool your kids but you still want to take advantage of this “School Pictures for Homeschooling Families” opportunity, that’s okay! It’s open to any kids. It’s not meant for adults, though. Even if you are a kid at heart.
What if I’m not available on those days?
If you can’t make it on October 13th or 14th, please let me know. I could possibly add another day, depending on how much interest there is.
How does this work?
On “School Picture” day, we will have a 10-15 minutes to take pictures and then immediately after the shoot, we will look at the photos and you will choose your favorites. We will have about 15 minutes to make selections. There is a minimum purchase requirement of 2 photos ($50). If you have multiple kiddos and the added up cost is prohibitive, please let me know.
Can I invite my friends?
If you are part of a homeschooling coop or you just have friends who homeschool, please share this information with them. The more the merrier!
Send me a message if you have questions or to secure your time slot!
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Who’s got time and money to waste on, yet, another business portrait session that ends up in photos that you don’t like? With Photography by Rayleigh in the Portland area, you’ll be amazed at how much you can love a photo of yourself. With an expert guided process from start to finish, you’ll look and feel your best every time.
Book a Business Portrait Mini Session and get ready for your best headshot ever.
October is breast cancer awareness month
For October 2021’s business portrait mini marathon, I will be donating $50 from each session to Breast Friends. Breast Friends is an amazing organization that helps women survive the trauma of cancer, one friend at a time. Breast Friends’ mission is to ensure that no woman goes through a diagnosis of cancer alone. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Breast Friends, providing portraits to women who have lost their hair due to chemo. I invite you to check out these “Bald Is Beautiful” portraits.
Looking for something more custom for your business portrait?
There are more options for you to consider. If this date doesn’t work for you, or you are looking for a longer, more customized session, that is an option I’d love to discuss with you.
Does your business have multiple employees all needing business headshot portraits? If so, we can talk about setting up a shoot just for your crew. If you need some group shots, I can help with that, as well!
Whether you are interested in the mini session marathon or a custom session, let’s chat!
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I had the pleasure of working alongside Breast Friends, based in Tigard, OR, for a unique experience. Breast Friends is a wonderful organization dedicated to supporting women through the trauma of cancer. Part of their program includes an opportunity for the women they support to have a makeover with a professional makeup artist and a portrait shoot with a photographer who volunteers their time. We called them Bald is Beautiful portrait shoots.
Bald is Beautiful
Bald Is Beautiful portrait shoots are for women who work with Breast Friends and who have lost their hair due to chemo. The complimentary session provides a little pampering and beauty in the lives of women who aren’t feeling their best. The experience also serves as a memento that the women can look back on. A reminder to themselves of how strong they are and what they’ve been through.
I love looking through theses photos and remembering all the strength and beauty that came through my doors. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to be part of my community in this way. I stopped volunteering after a couple of years, when I had my babies. I needed to take a step back from some of my obligations to take care of my little ones. But I’d love to work with Breast Friends, again, one day.
You’ve finally made the jump and scheduled a 50’s inspired photo shoot. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun we are going to have! Now you’re probably wondering what to wear for your 50’s retro shoot (Portland Pin Up Photographer). It’s not like we all have 50’s style wardrobe hanging in our closets (but if you do, you are super awesome).
What to wear for your 50’s retro shoot – Portland Pin Up photographer
I’ve pulled together some images from a few of my past 50’s inspired shoots to give you a little inspiration for your own retro pin up photoshoot. It’s pretty easy to find some simple things online. You might actually find that you have a piece or two from your own wardrobe that will work. Once you have your hair and makeup styled in a fabulous 50’s look (thanks to my amazing hair and makeup artist) and we add in some vintage props (which I have a bunch of), you can make almost any outfit look 50’s inspired.
Swing Dresses
50’s style swing dresses can be dressy or more casual. A dressier version would considered a cocktail dress. A more casual swing dress is more reminiscent of a homemaker’s entertaining dress – complete your outfit with some cookies, fresh out of the oven for your guests. If you search Amazon for 50’s swing dress, you’ll find a ton of great options.
Bathing Suits
Halter top or high wasted bikini bathing suits are very 50’s pin up like. They certainly give a more fun summer vibe to your images, if that’s a look you’d like to go for. Check out these 50’s bathing suits on Amazon.
Jeans and Casual Tops
For a fun casual look, try high wasted capris (you might even have some in your closet) with a retro button up blouse, crop top, or halter top. You can find a few tops like this by searching Amazon for “women’s 50’s style tops.” I like this top that comes in a bunch of different colors and patterns.
Pencil Dresses
50’s pencil dresses are also known as wiggle dresses. Don’t you just love that name? They are sexy, curve hugging dresses that give a more dramatic and serious look. I love these 50’s pencil dresses.
Glam Dresses
I love an elegant 50’s evening gown for something totally different than the more casual looks. This dress, below, can be found on Amazon. These black gloves and hat are something I keep in my studio and are available for my clients to use.
Lingerie
The nice thing about a lingerie look for your pin up photos photography session is that you can just choose some simple black pieces and they will work fine. High wasted bottoms are very 50’s looking and as a bonus, they usually flatter the tummy. Win-win! I like these ones.
Accessories and other details
Here are some accessories to consider for your retro pin up photography session in Portland. Red heels, a pearl necklace and bracelet, cat eye glasses, vintage hats, or a thin scarf around the neck or in your hair.
No matter what kind of outfit you choose, some common colors are patterns I see a lot of in 50’s inspired outfits are the color red, polka dots, gingham, and cherries.
You are on your way toward an amazing shoot
I hope these images and ideas give you a good head start toward figuring out what to wear for your own retro pin up photography session. I do have a handful of pieces in my studio wardrobe that you are more than welcome to use. If you’d like to see what I have, just let me know. Also, feel free to ask me about my vintage props that are available for your photo shoot.
Let’s chat!
If you haven’t, yet, scheduled your session, please send me an email and we can plan your amazing retro 50’s pin up photoshoot! My studio is in Tualatin, OR, and I serve clients from Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Salem, and Vancouver, WA.
You may also be interested in these topics
My Pin Up Portfolio Gallery
Session Tips
Free Guide to Preparing For Your Shoot
Some of the beautiful hair and makeup styles in these featured photos were done by Kerrin Burchenough. Others were done by Tracy Schulz.
Attention: Beautiful Moms! (And by that I mean ALL MOMS!) The kids are back in school. It’s time for you to appreciate how amazing you are! I’ve got a PORTRAIT SPECIAL for you! My annual Back to YOU special.
For just $99, you’ll get hair and makeup artistry, a wardrobe consultation, and your very own one hour long Beauty Portrait Shoot at my Tualatin, OR studio! (usually $290) Photos are purchased separately.
I am giving away unlimited sessions at this value from September 15-19, 2022. Please pass this information on to your mom, sisters, and friends to share the news!
ALSO, the first 5 people to book will receive a bonus gift. With your portrait order, you’ll receive my hot seller, the modern 8×10 Folio Art Frame (valued at $264).
Please contact me and mention this promo to book your shoot.
P.S. You don’t have to be a mom to take advantage of this photography promotion. Any woman or young lady who wants to take some time for herself is welcome!