Cool Green
Aug 30 | Altura Studio | no comments » | 
ShareThis
A little bit of 90 tilt-shift fun on a super hot afternoon. I feel 10 degrees cooler just looking at the image. Anyone recognize the location?
If you don’t, you can find out here.
Dancing While the Light Fades at King Estate
Aug 23 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
This is my favorite image from Terra and Tim’s wedding at The King Estate near Eugene. They took the dance floor as the sun faded in the west. As the light became golden, Terra and Tim didn’t take their eyes off one another. The nerves and giddiness of the day were passed and now together they seemed at once lighter than air and also bonded permanently. Watching Terra’s eyes shine while she danced with Tim was pretty much the highlight of my day.
You can see more of Terra and Tim’s wedding at the Altura Studio blog.
The Sweetest Little Wedding
Aug 16 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
The light gave us a lovely surprise at the conclusion of Kelly and Nathan’s sweet and soulful Quaker wedding at Anderson Lodge last weekend. I can’t think of a better way to make a lifelong commitment than from within the center of a circle of those who love you the most. Read more about how this couple from Alaska tied the knot at the Altura Studio blog.
A Very Bright Day at Zenith Vineyards
Aug 09 | Altura Studio | 2 comments » |
ShareThis
Bright sunlight. Sometimes the very thing that makes a day lovely for a normal Oregonian is the very same thing that can drive a photographer batty. We were super excited to shoot at Zenith Vineyards for our first time, but I have to say, that particular day’s sunlight was challenging. Verrrry bright. And directly overhead. One lonely tree casting a meager patch of shade.
You can most always predict what a photographer will do upon arrival at a wedding venue. Scan for bright, open shade. With a nice background. Or, barring that, where is the light nicely angled for lovely rim lighting? Nothing yet? Arrgh. I guess that means we are shooting right into the sun.
That was the case on this day.
It’s more challenging to be sure, shooting into the sun. Half the time you can’t see through through your own squinting eyelids, or your eyes are watering like crazy from staring at the sun for an hour. But sometimes, like in this sweet photo, it can really work.
Tango
Aug 02 | Altura Studio | 2 comments » |
ShareThis
Marisa and John are fantastic dancers. Tango, swing, foxtrot–they can do it all. And from this pic you can see they do it all with a sense of fun and flair.
On this night, we were headed into the vineyard. They asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “Strike a pose.” Instantly, without communicating with each other, Marisa and John pulled this out. Wha-bam!
What a night it was! Visit our blog to see more of John and Marisa’s fun and wonderful celebration at Pendarvis Farm.
Dancing the Hora
Jul 26 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
I hoped that Jessica and Scott would dance the hora at their wedding in SF earlier this month. Not every couple chooses to. But on this evening, the guests were in full-hora mode. The couple, then the Moms, and then finally both Dads had their turn at the wild ride.
The ballroom shown is among the prettiest we’ve ever photographed. On a side note, my Dad (who is in his late 70′s and grew up in San Francisco) called me to say that he recognized that ballroom from his childhood. The Green Room of the Veteran’s War Memorial was originally built as a lounge for WW vets. Apparently my Dad was frequently asked to “go get his father” when Grandpa Morris would linger there too long. I wonder what it looked like in the early 30′s?
We are posting all the photos from this wedding today on our blog, Aisle Style. Check it out if you’d like to see more of this lovely San Francisco wedding.
Jessica Getting Ready
Jul 19 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
It was hard to choose a favorite from this San Francisco wedding. So instead, I’ll simply get you started. If you want to see more of this gorgeous wedding, including the getting ready photos at the Fairmont, or the “first look” on the roof top garden overlooking Union Square, or the traditional Jewish wedding, or the over-the-top reception at the Green Room of the Veteran’s War Memorial, go here for a slide show.
Or see a sneak peak at our blog.
Preparations in Black and White
Jul 12 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
The light from the window and the luminosity of Lisa’s shoulders makes this among the loveliest getting ready images we’ve made.
The mirror in this dressing room is gilded, the walls are rich ocher, the carpet vermilion. It’s sometimes difficult to discard vibrant color. However, in this instance, doing so reveals something quiet, delicate and lovely.
See more of what we do at the Altura Studio Blog. We’ve just created our new price list for 2011, available for download here.
The Hora
Jul 05 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
Of all the traditions of a jewish wedding, there’s none more fun than the Hora. The strongest of the guests will lift the couple, seated in chairs, high above the crowd as family and guests dance around them.
It’s always tricky to photograph: all the bodies and arms blocking a straight shot. Good thing John is tall. (I always seem to catch an elbow to the nose while trying for my shot.)
We are traveling to San Francisco this weekend to photograph a Jewish wedding on Sunday–I hope they choose to dance the hora at their celebration!
The Beauty of the Wedding Day
Jun 28 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
It’s true that the meaning of the wedding day lies in heart, love, commitment and connection. But we can’t help being fascinated by the beauty in the details. Silk, satin, lace or pearls; the wedding can be a day when a woman creates a kind of perfect version of herself. For some girls, organza and peep toes creates that ideal, for others it might be bare feet in white sand. For Adrian, on her wedding day, it was the rustle of silk satin that accompanied her on her journey up the aisle to her husband-to-be. It was a perfectly lovely start to an ideal life together.
Whether you’re at your best in charmeuse or chambray, maybe you’ll see something you like at Aisle Style, the Altura Studio blog?
This One Nearly Made Me Cry
Jun 21 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
This image slipped past me during our first round of editing. I remember seeing it, but not really. Is wasn’t till later, when I was reviewing the slide show we prepared for Jen and David, that the image caught me by surprise. Perhaps it was the sweet music, or or maybe I’m a softie, but when I played it back and saw this previously tough guy all scrunched up with his feelings–it gave me a little lump in my throat.
You can see Davis and Jen’s intimate Timberline Lodge wedding slide show here.
Travis and the Yellow Corvette
Jun 14 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
I’ve been browsing our archives looking some images for the Junebug Loves blog about interesting wedding departures and encountered this old favorite of Travis. One of the couple’s parents loaned the souped-up ‘vette as a getaway car. I have the feeling that Travis was nearly as happy about getting to drive that beast as he was to be happily wedding to darling Tymberly. Fun!
We love what we do. It delights me that our image archives are full of happy people doing happy things on happy days.
Happy Monday!
Intimate Timberline Lodge
Jun 07 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
We shot a teeny tiny little wedding up at Timberline Lodge last friday (only 7 people, a record for us), but it was soooo foggy and cold. There was no chance to get outside, so we had to content ourselves with shooting in the various rustic nooks and crannies, of which there is no shortage. Our photo today is not our last friday’s wedding, but instead a better reminder of how ethereal the light can be inside the Raven’s Nest.
Our clients tell us how easy getting married at Timberline can be. Really, it’s only one decision. Once you’ve chosen Timberline Lodge as your venue, other decisions can spool easily and naturally. See more weddings, from rustic to elegant, at our blog, Aisle Style.
Calm and Lovely Emily
May 31 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever: It’s loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness; but still will keep a bower of quiet for us, and a sleep full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing…” John Keats
As I observed Emily on her wedding day, I sensed such a quiet stillness inside her. I believe these moments of her getting ready reflect a peacefulness that matched her calm demeanor. What good fortune to have your mother and your sister at your side on such an important day.
What Happened to the Sun?
May 24 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
Yesterday I heard someone refer to this Spring month as “Mayuary”. What happened to all the wonderful, sunny weather we were having only a few weeks ago? I suppose I shouldn’t mind, since next best is reviewing the images of warmer times. I just zip through the files and I’m transported back on the beach with Jen and Brian. This pair of pics is my favorite from their March wedding at Hotel Las Palmas in Zihuatanejo.
I Heart Wedding Cake
May 17 | Altura Studio | 1 comment » |
ShareThis
A happy highlight of a fantastic day! Alison and Mike enjoy a sweet moment and a few needed calories for the epic dancing that was about to take place on the patio at Garden Vineyards.
A warm summer evening, a lovely setting and all your best friends. Who could ask for more?
Signing the License
May 10 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
I’m in love with this captured moment. The couple has just signed their license, the church is empty because the wedding party is awaiting them right outside the steps of the church. Check out the groomsmen on his cell in the background. One more minute and the newly wedding couple is underway to the celebrations.
Can’t help but smile every time I see this photo.
More smiles here. Or maybe some tears, or silliness, or whatever really happens on a wedding day.
Ashley Before Her Wedding at the Crown Ballroom
May 03 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
Here’s a lovely photo of Ashley just before her walk down the aisle at the Crown Ballroom. It was a gorgeous wedding, full of rich saturated color and yummy textures.
You can see more of our work at our blog, Aisle Style. Or use the date checker to see if we are available for your date.
Romantic First Dance at Waverly Golf Club
Apr 27 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
I loved this romantic photo of Emily and Colin’s first dance at Waverly Golf Club last June. Up to this moment it seemed like they couldn’t wait to be in each others arms. Their first dance was a sweet and slow swirl in the rosy glow of the dance floor.
One of the reasons we love to shoot at Waverly is the vivid color and great light that comes across in the images. For example, you can see what lovely effect the dark red walls contribute to the atmosphere of this image. Outdoors, the deep green of the turf can be a strong component, too. And during cocktails, the overhead light on the outdoor patio is supplemented by sunlight bouncing off the crisp white siding of the club’s outdoor walls.
An experienced photographer can observe the quirks of lighting at your venue and can capitalize on it to make your photos more lovely. Want to see how Waverly looked for Colin and Emily?
Joe and Kristen | Our Opinion About What Makes a Good Portrait
Apr 19 | Altura Studio | no comments » |
ShareThis
Of course there are certain things you need for a lovely wedding portrait. A bride. A groom. A pleasant background, nice light, a bit of privacy and room to work. If you’re lucky, some nice lines to pull into your composition. But then, when you have all the basics, it’s the job of a good photographer to conjure up that “something more”.
Almost all good portrait sessions begin a little stiff. After all, the first job of the photographer is to put a few “safety shots” on film. But once the basics are covered, the fun challenge is to shine a little light onto the personality of each couple. Together we play and we laugh, serious and silly, all designed to let the couple relax and and let their own connection and love shine through. And that’s the part we love to capture for a wedding portrait.
See more of what we love at the Altura Studio Blog.
RSS Feed
My Portland Photographer is powered by Wordpress |
· Log in