Category Archives: Men

Father’s Day Gift Idea in Portland, OR

Father's Day gift ideas. This family photo was taken with natural light in a studio with a father and his daughter embracing and smiling in front of a white background. He is wearing a black polo shirt and she is wearing a yellow polka dot long sleeve t-shirt with overalls and a yellow flower in her hair. This photo was taken by Photography by Rayleigh in Portland, OR. See more at byrayleigh.com.

Why are men so hard to buy gifts for? It almost that time of year when we get to show the fathers in our life how much we appreciate them. But, if you are like me, you often feel stumped about what kind of gift to get them. Allow me to share with you an idea that I believe makes a fantastic Father’s Day gift idea.

Does he really need another tie?

The tried and true Father’s Day gift ideas like a new necktie might work sometimes. I like a “Best Dad” mug as much as the next girl. Actually I was really considering this funny mug that I saw on Amazon for my Dad this year. It says, “Dad, since having a favorite child like me is the only gift you need… consider this mug a bonus.” Haha! But really, how many mugs does a person need?

The guy who has everything.

Both my husband and my dad are hard to shop for. If they want something that is inexpensive, they just buy it for themselves. On the other hand, if they want something that is expensive and specific to their hobby, I likely don’t know enough about that hobby to buy the right thing.

I always end up buying gift cards for them, which, let’s be real… is super lame. I’ll be the first to admit it.

Father's Day gift ideas. This family photo was taken with natural light in a studio with a father and his daughters embracing and smiling in front of a white background. He is wearing a black polo shirt and the girls are wearing yellow polka dots with overalls and a yellow hair accessories. This photo was taken by Photography by Rayleigh in Portland, OR. See more at byrayleigh.com.

Instead of giving more stuff, give an experience.

For a Father’s Day gift idea that doesn’t involve giving more stuff to clutter up the house with, try giving an experience as a gift. Something fun for him to do. Or better yet, something fun that he can do with his kids to celebrate fatherhood.

My favorite Father’s Day gift idea.

Have you considered gifting a photo shoot experience to your Father or to the Father of your children? What I LOVE about this idea is that not only does he get to experience a fun photo shoot with his children, but he gets to keep the photos as a tangible gift to enjoy for years and years. This could be a family shoot. Or a shoot that includes just Dad and the kids (even grown kids). Father-Daughter shoots are the sweetest! Or even a shoot for Grandpa to have with his grandkids.

If you are thinking, “He’s not the kind of guy who likes to get dressed up and smile for photos,” then another idea I have for you is to gift some beautiful photos of the kids. Something like this.

On the other hand, if he’s more in to photos and you think he’d even enjoy a photoshoot all to himself, you can see what that might be like here. Even guys can use a confidence boost every now and then!

If you don’t have time to get the photo shoot booked before Father’s Day (*ahem* any other procrastinators out there?), don’t worry! You can gift him a gift certificate and we can do the shoot at a later date. No pressure or rush.

Father's Day gift ideas. This family photo was taken with natural light in a studio with a father holding his baby daughter and smiling in front of a white background. He is wearing a black polo shirt she is wearing yellow floral shirt with overalls and a yellow polka dot headband. This photo was taken by Photography by Rayleigh in Portland, OR. See more at byrayleigh.com.

A memorable photoshoot experience that is more than just a great Father’s Day gift idea.

I can’t tell you how much I treasure photos of my children with my Husband. My husband feels the same way. I know my children will be so glad to have these special photos when they are older, as well. These mean SO much more to all of us than a funny mug or another necktie collecting dust in the closet.

Ready to book?

I can’t wait to chat with you more about what kind of shoot you would like to do for the father in your life and to either schedule your shoot or arrange a gift certificate. Of course, I’m happy to answer any questions that you have. Just contact me and we can chat!

My Husband Is Perfect

My husband is perfect for me. This is a black and white boudoir or "dudoir" image of a man lying on the bed. Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit ByRayleigh.com.
My husband, Nate.

My husband is perfect…. for me

My husband is perfect. Having said that, know that I am using sort of a loose definition of perfection. Mostly I’m talking about the way that I see my husband and the way that I think of him.

It’s true that Nate isn’t actually a perfect person. He has faults and sins, just like me. And just like you. But if I choose to focus on those faults and sins, I’m destined to be unhappy.

I aim to be the happiest wife

Since I aim to be the happiest wife, I choose to focus on Nate’s great, amazing qualities. I frequently remind myself and I also remind Nate, that he is perfect…. to me!

I married him because I decided that his great qualities far outweighed his negative qualities and that I would love him completely, for who he was, including his faults, and not try to change him.

Focus on the good stuff

So before I allow myself to dwell on any kind of annoying habit that Nate might have, I instead focus on the fact that Nate loves me and wants me to be happy and he is a good, good person. He is good to me and treats me like a Princess. That is a perfect dream come true.

God brought us together as part of His perfect plan. We were perfectly made for each other. To me…. my husband is perfect!

Want to see some more photos?

If you’d like to see more photos of my adorable husband or of the other men I’ve had the honor of photographing, click here.