Just a Question

Aug 31 | Paul Rich | 3 comments » | ShareThis

Isn’t My Portland Photographer a wonderful resource for locating a professional wedding photographer here in Portland?  We sure hope so.  And you know what?  While I was working on the edit of Melissa & Matt’s wedding at Bridal Veil Lakes, I was thinking of ways that this site could be even more resourceful for brides.  Preparing for a wedding can be so hectic and time consuming, wouldn’t it be nice to learn a bit more about what’s out there?  I feel as though our site has all this potential and more.  In that spirit, while working on this wedding, I thought I would throw out the question to all the photographers (and brides) asking what venue is your favorite and why?  For me, Bridal Veil Lakes is one of my favorites because I love the variety it creates in my work.  For the brides, I wonder what aspect of a venue made you choose it specifically.  For the photographers, I wonder what locations you enjoy photographing the most.

This question brought to you by Paul Rich Studio.

Reception Details

Aug 24 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

When we photograph weddings, the bride and groom have at least 30 minutes of relaxation time prior to the ceremony. This enables the bride to go off into “hiding” and rest while all the guests arrive and it gives the groom some down time as well. Whenever possible, we use this time to then capture details not only of the ceremony location but of the reception as well.

A perfect example of this was at Janet & Ethan’s wedding in upstate NY at Blue Hill at Stone Barns.  As the guests arrived for the ceremony, my associate and I documented all the unique reception details – everything from the table setting to the place cards, the beautiful floral to the wedding cake, and even the actual food dishes themselves.  The two of you spend an incredible amount of time thinking through all the details for your wedding and we make sure to capture it.

Please take a moment to look through more of our work at Paul Rich Studio and the Paul Rich Studio Blog.

The Nines Hotel

Aug 17 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Melissa & Matt did a tremendous amount of research in preparation for their wedding.  In addition to finding the right Portland wedding photographer, the couple also wanted to utilize venues that photograph particularly well.  Time after time, they found themselves drawn to both The Nines as well as Bridal Veil Lakes.  While they are two distinctly different locations, Melissa & Matt took the opportunity to tie them both together by getting ready at The Nines (a hip urban downtown hotel) and then having their wedding and reception at Bridal Veil Lakes (a rustic outdoor location).  With enough advance planning, anything is possible.

Check out our most recent weddings at the Paul Rich Studio Blog or come visit us at The Bridal Loft to view a selection of wedding albums, framed art, and canvas prints.

Evening Stroll

Aug 10 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Molly and Dan planned the perfect wedding with many many personal touches throughout. They also chose one of the most incredible venues for their wedding — a personal favorite of ours — The View Point Inn.  As the sun set over the Columbia Gorge, we stepped outside away from the guests, and had a very relaxed and enjoyable photo session.  The location is so stunning, you are guaranteed to come away with gorgeous wedding photography.

See more of our work at Paul Rich Studio.

Serendipity

Aug 03 | Paul Rich | 2 comments » | ShareThis

Diana & Bryan chose the Hoyt Arboretum and the Pearl District as their two engagement session locations. They happen to be two of our personal favorites. While transitioning from the Arboretum to the Pearl District, I suggested that we pull over at Washington Park to do the wardrobe change. I know of an area with some extra privacy. As the couple was changing outfits, I noticed the field full of yellow color and knew it would make a great setting for their new outfits in blue. We grabbed a couple of shots, which happen to be my favorites, and headed down to the Pearl to complete the session.

Paul Rich Studio

Framing

Jul 27 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

I really enjoy employing my artistic sensitivities when documenting weddings.  Documenting your day with a keen sensitivity to light, composition, and the decisive moment is an absolute thrill.

As the three groomsmen approached the window to assess the weather, I immediately became aware of a composition that called upon the work of Eadweard Muybridge – a key historical figure in the history of photography.  Eadweard produced a large body of work starting in the 1870s that focused on stop-motion photography.  He would document a moving object by capturing multiple frames, which when sequenced together gives a flip-book like experience of motion.

Life imitates art.  We capture it.

Paul Rich Studio

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Jul 20 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Another one of our favorite venues in Portland is the Lan Su Chinese Garden.  We have photographed at the venue on a number of occasions and are listed as one of their preferred vendors.  While working on Amber & Jonathan’s wedding, I visited the venue’s website and wanted to share their description of the garden:

Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures—a powerfully inspiring experience that takes you through time, offering a window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer – by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Enter the wonderland.”

It is a wonderfully unique location for a Portland wedding.

Paul Rich Studio

Flower Girls with Mustaches?

Jul 13 | Paul Rich | 1 comment » | ShareThis

Yup.  Now you have seen it all.

Paul Rich Studio

Groom’s Garter?

Jul 06 | Paul Rich | 1 comment » | ShareThis

Why is it that brides always get to wear the garter?

Can’t grooms wear them as well?

Come see what else is different at Paul Rich Studio.

First Moment

Jun 29 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Lynne and Matt held their wedding ceremony in the Shakespeare Garden at the Portland Rose Gardens.  They chose to wait until their ceremony to see each other for the first time.

I think you can see why.

To see more Portland wedding photography, check out Paul Rich Studio.

Window Light

Jun 22 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

When you choose your wedding photographer, you are making an investment in the type of photography that will document your wedding day.  So make sure you are selecting a professional who knows what locations, camera angles, and types of lighting are the most flattering.

A great example of this is when photographing the wedding dress.  Hang the dress by the window.  Why?  Because the natural light is so flattering.  It compliments the subject matter and transforms the documented moment into a creative piece of art.

To view more of our work, please visit Paul Rich Studio.

Getting Ready

Jun 15 | Paul Rich | 1 comment » | ShareThis

Being behind-the-scenes is an open invitation to capture all that happens during the wedding day.  When it is time for the guys to get ready – typically chaos ensues.  How do you tie a tie?  Which way do the cuff links go?  Which buttons do we use on the jacket?

Even though we have answers to all these questions, we typically stand back for a bit and watch everyone try to figure it out.  It makes for some of the most entertaining photos.

See more of our work at Paul Rich Studio.

Wedding Album

Jun 08 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Once the wedding is photographed and the selected images have been individually re-touched and enhanced, the album design process begins.  Images are carefully chosen and sequenced together to tell the story of your wedding day.  An online preview is made available for the two of you to review and submit any change requests.  Once we receive your final approval, 6-8 weeks later your completed wedding album arrives!

Depicted on the left is an excerpt from Kristen & Chad’s wedding album (it happens to be the first page of the album).  To see Kristen and Chad’s entire wedding album design, please follow the link.

To see more of our work, visit Paul Rich Studio and the Paul Rich Studio Blog.

Please Hold My Bouquet

Jun 01 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Nicolette & Taylor’s wedding party consisted of just themselves.  So when it came time to exchange rings, Nicolette needed someone to hold her bouquet.  The officiant was the clear choice and the guests erupted in laughter as she passed off her bouquet.  Unplanned moments like these are such a treasure to capture.  I am especially drawn to the gesture of Nicolette’s hands as she delicately slides the wedding band onto Taylor’s ring finger.

See more moments like these at Paul Rich Studio.

Unscripted Moments

May 25 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Following the toasts, Dana and Steven took a moment to thank all of their guests.

A really funny moment occurred when Steven, while thanking his parents, said:

“I want to thank my parents for all that they have done to me.  I mean, for all they have done FOR me.”

The entire ballroom of guests erupted in laughter.  It was a great moment and a very touching speech by both Dana & Steven.

Portland wedding photography by Paul Rich Studio.

The Wedding Party

May 18 | Paul Rich | 1 comment » | ShareThis

I vividly recall the evening before Beth & Nate’s wedding.  As I was packing my gear and preparing for their wedding day, I was thinking about how I wanted to document their full wedding party.  Beth & Nate live in Hawaii but chose to have their wedding in Portland, OR.  I wanted to push myself creatively to come up with something a little stylistically different for their full wedding party photograph.

We stopped off at Pittock Mansion on our way to the reception for formal portraits.  I used the stairs leading up to the mansion in combination with pairing the bridesmaids and groomsmen into little clusters to make my composition.  That, coupled with the raking light, allowed me to capture the full wedding party the way I had envisioned the night before.

See all the elements fall into place at Paul Rich Studio and our newly updated Paul Rich Studio blog.

Seattle Engagement Session

May 11 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Tiffany & Will’s Seattle engagement session was very playful and fun.  It started off in the kitchen with Tiffany and Will making Bananas Foster.  It is a dessert that Will made for Tiffany during one of their first dates.  Incorporating a special theme or idea into an engagement session is a great way to really personalize your photographs.

After indulging in the wonderful dessert, Tiffany and Will set their sights on downtown Seattle.  The session included such locations as: the Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, Kerry Park, and other sights throughout the city.

Follow us on our journey of over 30 weddings and events this year at the Paul Rich Studio Blog.

Cannon Beach Sunset Session

May 04 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

I truly enjoy the opportunity to photograph unique locations.  Cannon Beach happens to be one of my favorites — for both weddings and engagement sessions.  In fact, we offer a specialized engagement session called “The Cannon Beach Sunset Session.”

To give you a little sneak peek of what one of these sessions looks like, check out our behind-the-scenes video.

Interested in heading out to the beach for an engagement session?  We will come away with photos that you will absolutely love.  Check out Paul Rich Studio for details.

The Groomsmen

Apr 27 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

Is there anything cooler than hanging out with 12 groomsmen?

Come hang out with us at Paul Rich Studio.

Check out the Paul Rich Studio Photoblog.

Friend us on Facebook.

Follow us on Twitter.

Formals Before or After the Ceremony?

Apr 20 | Paul Rich | no comments » | ShareThis

No matter what you choose, the experience of seeing each other for the first time will be a moment the two of you will remember for the rest of your lives.

If documenting moments like these are important to you, it’s important for us to meet with you.

Please check out Paul Rich Studio and the newly designed Paul Rich Studio Blog for more information.