Photography by Lainey Dyer

Confessions of a PROP JUNKIE!

2012-02-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

I just spent a little time going through Craigslist to see if I could find anything that I could use for photography props. It's time to say...."My name is Lainey Dyer and I AM a prop junkie!" Having said that....if you have something super cool just sitting in your basement, closet or garage just waiting to be used in a photo-shoot...CALL ME! I'll take it off your hands and put it to creative good use. I'm looking for things like, bowls big enough to fit newborns in, baskets, trunks, material for backdrops, old wagons or toys...etc. etc. My most recent find was an old steamer trunk that was from the 1800's! I only paid 20 bucks for it and it's my favorite thing EVER! Take a look at how I just used it for my last shoot....

If you're interested in booking a photo-shoot please e-mail me at info@laineydyer.com or go to my website www.laineydyer.com. Just wait until you see my other fun props coming soon!

Lainey-Bug Photography- My new line of Newborns-Kids & Family Portraits!

2012-02-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

Just a few of my favorite pictures from my shoot with 1 year old baby Bree!

2012-01-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

Time for a change....

It's only one month into 2012 and I already know that this year will be forever life changing. So many things have happened in the past year that it's making me take inventory and ask myself... "what do I really want to focus on in my life and what goals should I shoot for in the future?" (get it...*shoot* ha ha)

As I reflect on 2011 I had such great clients and wouldn't trade anything for those experiences but I feel like it's time to make a change and specialize. You know how the saying goes.... Jack of all trades but master of none. Most photographers would tell you that you should specialize in what you love....learn it, live it and love it. I started shooting in 2006 and I feel that enough time has passed to zero in on what I really enjoy and what I find challenging. Not that I don't enjoy it ALL because trust me....put a camera in my hand and I'm a happy girl. I'm not saying I'll turn down other types of shoots... but I do feel as if it's time to buckle down and specialize.

There is one type of photography that I enjoy hands down the best over anything else and that's Newborn, Kids and Family Photography. Interesting enough....I've never exactly been the "Kid Lover" type when I was younger but as the years have went on, my outlook has changed and most likely because my life has been changing! My daughter will be having a baby in February and this has opened up the flood gates of creative ideas for posing and fun props for babies and kids.

Anytime I have photo shoots with kids it's like they are total free spirits and they don't worry about what is their "good side" or if they look thin or old or.....etc. etc. etc. You get the idea. It's often challenging and fun trying to keep up with their energy and trying to capture the moments that embrace them as an individual little person. Most parents want to apologize for their child running around and jumping here and there... but honestly.....this is what I love best! It allows me to capture their true spirit and personality rather than something that is posed and fake. With my new little grandson coming soon....I'm going to have SO much fun trying new poses and props and challenging myself to think of truly unique and fun photography ideas.

I hope you will book your photo shoot with me this year! Your kids grow up way too fast....don't miss the opportunity to capture them now! Please check my calendar for available dates or e-mail me directly at info@laineydyer.com.

50 Years of Oregon State Rugby

2011-11-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

What a treat to shoot the 50th Anniversary Oregon State Rugby game and even though I don't understand the game it was so much fun to be a part of. If you've never spent time with rugby players before you are missing out. These guys are fun, passionate and play HARD! The game was the Alumni vs. the current student team and the alumni players dated back from the team of the 60's! If you've never before met a rugby player you notice pretty quickly that most of them have legs as big as tree trunks and they have the best example of comradery that I've seen a sports team have.

Coach Mark Webber who has been coaching for the past 30 plus years decided to retire this year and they'll be voting a new coach in for the new season of 2012. It was fun to watch how he interacts with the players and see the bond that they've established. They call him the Buddha and you can tell when they talk to him they have the utmost respect for him.

It was a perfect fall day for the game shoot and I got really lucky because it rained the day before, that night and the next day! The night events were held at OSU Alumni Center where over 200 people came to have Guiness, have their pictures taken and enjoy the evenings festivities. Thanks OSU Rugby for letting me be a part of your 50th Anniversary celebration and I was so happy to capture the day and nights historic events.

Full Gallery on FACEBOOK

INTRODUCING....my NEW Stock Image Website!

2011-10-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

www.laineydyerstockimages.com

I am a HUGE fan of my town of Corvallis Oregon. Six years ago as I was living in Scottsdale Arizona and worked in a high rise in downtown Phoenix and I knew that it wasn't the life for me. I could look out my office window and the brown smog was at eye level and the shades of tan were less than exciting to me. (not to mention the 110 degrees) There were people everywhere (4 million and still counting!) and I really longed for colors and elbow room and a different culture.

I'd never even been to Oregon but I saw a picture of a waterfall on a calendar and had no idea it was so green and beautiful. I started researching it on the internet for over a year and we decided to find out first hand. That trip changed everything!

My husband and daughter and I flew into Portland, rented a car and drove all the way to Ashland. We took almost every exit to check out the different towns. I'd take pictures and take notes of what we liked and what we didn't like. As we saw the exit for Corvallis and turned on Highway 34 I loved the scenery like no other. I still remember driving over the Harrison bridge and falling in love at first site. Snuggled along the Coastal Mountains and resembling a Norman Rockwell painting was Corvallis. Home to Oregon State University, it has been named the Most Beautiful College town in the Pacific Northwest and its rightfully deserved. I knew right away that I wanted to live in the Willamette Valley and hopefully Corvallis.

It took a huge leap of faith but within a year I had moved from Arizona. It's been over 6 years and I still love Corvallis as much as I did the first year. My love for the Willamette Valley fuels my passion for capturing the scenes, cultures and beauty of everything around me.

I've spent much of my time capturing the area and have thousands of images of the Willamette Valley. As a business owner who has a website, blogs, has a facebook page and marketing campaigns I realize how useful having local images can be and I'm happy to introduce my stock image website. All images are local within the Willamette Valley. These images could be used for the following:

Custom Calendars of Corvallis for your Clients. You pick your images and I can make you a beautiful calendar with your business name!
Blogs
Websites
Marketing Materials
Social Media
Fine Art Prints for your office
Fine Art Gifts for clients

As of 2011, I am a freelance photographer loving life in the Pacific Northwest. If you are interested in local stock images please contact me at info@laineydyer.com or call me directly at 541-231-0198.

Corvallis Knights win the West Coast Title Championships!

2011-08-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

What an amazingly fun game to shoot with the final score 11-4. So proud of our Corvallis Knights!

Shouldn't Family Photo Shoots be FUN?

2011-05-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

I had a family shoot with the Marshall family last Sunday and I have to say...it was probably the most fun I've had! Their little girl Ava was bursting with personality and you can clearly see that when seeing the pictures. We met at the riverfront in downtown Corvallis and it was non-stop laughter from the beginning to the end. There was no problem trying to get this family to smile...it came naturally and it was so refreshing to be able to spend an hour having fun and getting to know the Marshall family. Thanks Chad, Selina, Justin and especially little Ava for entertaining me.

Snapshots for Soldiers Contest

2011-04-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

Snapshots for Soldiers

If you or someone you know has a family member, loved one or friend in the military and will be returning home in the next few months, please write me and tell me their story. If I choose your story you will have several options to choose from.

1. Airport Reunion- I will be there when they return and help capture the special moments of their reunion. (prints and web images on CD included)

2. Family Portrait Session (prints and web images on CD included)

3. Spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend portrait/boudoir session. *Fun photos to send your spouse while they’re overseas. (prints and web images on CD included)

The only rules:

1) They must be currently in the service and overseas.

2) They must be returning to Eugene or Portland OR so that I can photograph their reunion.

Please e-mail your story to info@laineydyer.com

The deadline for the entries is August 15^th, 2011.

Running my FIRST Half Marathon on Sunday!

2011-04-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

I'm getting super nervous to run my very first half FULL marathon on Sunday! I joined a runners group called the Heart of the Valley Runners (HOTV) to be sure that I would train correctly and not hurt my old woman bones. I am almost 40 ya know! It has been so much fun meeting twice a week. I had no idea I would enjoy it so much and I've met so many new friends through this endeavor. I really thought it would be torture but now that we're almost to the goal I know I can do it and I'm looking forward to crossing the finish line with my daughter and parents there to cheer me on!

It's taken months of training, focus, determination and drive to accomplish this and I'm so proud of all my friends who have endured those cruel Wednesday night track work outs. By natures law Wednesday was always the worst weather night of the week simply because that was our training night. We ran through hail, rain, wind and freezing cold temperatures but we DID IT and we're ready for the Corvallis Half Marathon!

This is one thing I get to cross off my bucket list! What's next? Hmmm....

Make a Change 5 & 10K Trail Run & 2K Walk

2011-01-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

Introducing....the first annual Make a Change 5 & 10K Trail Run & 2K Walk with all proceeds going to our local charity Love INC of Benton County. The race is located just south of the Benton County fairgrounds. Run or walk through beautiful Midge Cramer Park and up and over Bald Hill with vast views of the most beautiful college town in the NorthWest....Corvallis! Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Pacific Northwest. You won't want to miss this opportunity.
: This trail run starts heading West on the Midge Cramer asphalt trail and hits dirt fairly quickly as you run past a local farm and on to dirt trails as you ascend Bald Hill. Once you reach the top you'll get stunning views of Corvallis. A Spring run could mean a muddy trail run...but isn't that half the fun? Sign up today and start the New Year off to a good start by training for this run! Make a change in your health AND your community. Mark your calendars for March 26th, 2011 at 10am.; This is a great opportunity to run, sponsor or volunteer! If you can't afford the race entry fee we have several people in the community who will sponsor you! If you're interested please contact Lainey Dyer @ 541-753-5660 or lainey@hendererdesignbuild.com or click on this link and Register HERE; Make a CHANGE in your health....MAKE a change in your community!

Shooting Passion

2010-10-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I bring my camera with me everywhere! It's a passion that never dies for me and I wake up and go to bed thinking of what I can shoot next, unique perspectives and creative ideas. Shooting people doing what they have a passion for is one of my favorite things to do. It doesn't matter if it's playing a sport or making wine, as long as I can capture that burning passion in pictures and tell their story I'm a happy camper.

Enter...the Oregon State University Fermentation Science Department! Every year in the Willamette Valley, October rolls around and I start getting excited for the harvest of the grapes. I've been lucky enough to go with the OSU students to Woodhall Vineyard in Alpine Oregon to capture their harvest for the past few years. Woodhall Vineyard is a research vineyard for Oregon State and also happens to be the most beautiful place on earth!

Capturing the passion of these students doing what they love is on my top ten lists of incredible experiences as a photographer. Thank you to all the students for making my world more interesting and most of all....thanks for not minding that I have my lens stuck in your face! Go Beavs!

The Adventures of Sports Photography

2010-07-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

Shooting sports isn't my first love, but surprisingly enough for a nature girl I do really enjoy it. The challenge of getting that amazing shot jumping through the air to catch the ball with sweat dripping down their faces or sliding into home base while taking out the catcher with a huge cloud of dust in the air. No matter the sport or the athlete, I'm focused on their every move and loving every minute of it.

When shooting sports you have a whole new element of excitement that is brought to the table. It's called....danger. Whether you're standing on the sidelines of a football game or shooting front row at a baseball game, the fact that you could be hit by a player or a ball is always front and center in your mind....or it should be as I've experienced numerous times.

While shooting at a Corvallis Knights baseball game for In Corvallis Magazine, I was the only person sitting in the section reserved for Media front row. I was right behind the 3rd base and at that angle it looked as if all the players were looking right into my camera. They were actually looking at the 3rd base coach but whatever, the pictures tell a different story.
While the pitcher was winding up I positioned my camera to get the batter hitting and looked over my camera for a split second to see where the pitch was. In an instant all I could see was a white blur coming straight at my face. Luckily I turned just in time for it to avoid my face and camera but a line drive drilled me and left the worst bruise I've ever had in my life. It hurt of course but with the whole stadium and team pausing to see if I was okay I continued to shoot like nothing ever happened. I was showing them that I was a tough girl and I was going to get my shots no matter what. In reality it felt like I got hit by a MAC truck and was crying on the inside. It was worth it, I got some great shots and soaked up all the sympathy I could for the next week.

I've been very lucky a number of times shooting sports....from getting ran over by the Oregon State University Football team defensive line or nearly falling in the Willamette River to get shots of the OSU Rowing team, whatever it is I'll continue to take my chances because I'm in love with the thrill of the capture. It's dangerous, it's exciting and there is absolutely nothing like the energy of being so close to the action.

If you're interested in shooting sports here are a few tips:

1. Capture more than the game- don't forget the fans. Some of my favorite shots are not on the field but in the stands.
2. Don't forget the mascot. They are always entertaining!
3. Always know where the action is or know where it's going.
4. Ask where you can stand on the field. The NCAA has strict guidelines and they'll let you know if you've crossed the wrong line or if you need to take a knee.
5. Lastly....if you do get hit, wear that bruise like a trophy and show everyone possible. Play it up! Get the sympathy. That hurts!

Birds & Blooms Announces Best of Birds & Bloom 2009

2010-03-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Birds & Blooms Magazine announces Best of Birds & Blooms 2009!

This image of the tulips for sale at the Corvallis Saturday Market was chosen as one of the 2009 Photos of the Year. Every year Birds & Bloom Magazine puts together a glossy coffee table book filled with their picks of the best photos.

Best of Birds & Bloom 2009 are available for purchase at your local bookstore or the Birds & Bloom Country Store website: http://www.countrystorecatalog.com/Books/BKS,default,sc.html

To order a print of this photo click on this link:
htp://www.laineydyer.com

2009-11-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

Imagine being on the sidelines of your favorite college football team so close that you have to move out of the way so your not trampled by football players screaming towards the end zone. Thanks to Jeff Taylor who has worked for Oregon State University for the past 17 years in the athletic department filming sports...I had that opportunity.

Jeff handed me my press pass and I quickly headed down the tunnel area to the field and scouted the best spot to not be in the way. Keeping in mind the NCAA rules and so I wouldn't get kicked out my first time shooting a game, I carefully scouted out a place on the student section of the stadium. In retrospect I should have been on the other side to get face on shots of the players running into the stadium...but the student side looked a lot more fun! Every time I would point my camera to the stands the students would notice and go completely crazy practically spilling over the side with their sea of orange.

They have line markers to let you know where press can and can't stand. If on the end zones you have to "take a knee", which I was unaware of until a security guard filled me in. I found out quickly that knee pads would have been handy. I did feel like the odd man out being the newbie and surrounded my photographers who obviously have been shooting games for quite some time. They acted calm, cool and collective...totally unimpressed with the moment. I tried my best to take on that look but my insides were screaming with excitement the entire time I was on the field. The energy in a stadium is incredible but even more so when you're so close capturing each move frame by frame with your camera. By far one of the top things I've done in my photography career and hope to do many more. Basketball season is next...stay tuned!

Fall Road Trips in the Pacific Northwest

2009-10-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

I can't decide if Spring or Fall is my favorite season but I know that once the chill hit's the air after a hot dry summer...I'm ready for it. The changing of the seasons is one of the main things I missed when I lived in Scottsdale Arizona for 6 years. The leaves changing and turning bright eye popping oranges and reds is a photographers dream. Enter....the Pacific Northwest! If you're looking for a fall road trip don't forget about Oregon. My favorite one is the Historic Columbia River Highway. For more information visit: TravelOregon.com

National Geographic Editors Pick- Vote Now!

2009-09-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Daily Dozen Editors Pick!

Image was taken at a wedding in Salem Oregon at Zenith Vineyards. The most beautiful wedding destination ever. 360 degree views of rolling hills and vineyards. The sun was shining in the reception hall which was held in the winery and when I glanced over and saw the flower girl and ring bearer quietly playing in the floor it reminded me of a classic oil painting. The floors were a shiny concrete stain making for an incredible reflection.

Wedding Photography

2009-08-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Wedding Photography

Wedding photography in the Pacific Northwest has endless possibilities to capture the moments in a unique perspective. This wedding took place in Corvallis Oregon in the valley between the Willamette River and Mary's Peak of the Coastal Mountains. The grass field that was between us made the perfect backdrop. For more information contact info@laineydyer.com. I have personalized rates to fit your budget.

Summers fill up fast so call me today to book the summer of 2010!

Flies...the unexpected pollinator!

2009-03-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

Some researchers suggest that the efficiency of pollinating flies, midges, and mosquitoes exceeds that of bees in some cases. I never would have guessed....I thought they were just annoying.

This is one of those little secrets of nature. Macro photography reveals those little secrets of nature which is the reason it's my personal favorite to shoot.

Find me on Facebook!

2009-02-25T15:02:00.001-08:00

Find me on Facebook and become a fan! Receive updates, specials and events from Photography by Lainey Dyer.

Now taking Applications for Model Representatives!

2009-01-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

Have you always wanted to be a model? Now is your chance! Portrait Photographers are always looking for models (Guys & Gals) for photo shoots to try out new equipment, try new poses and add to our portfolio. If you are interested please contact Lainey Dyer at info@laineydyer.com

I will send you an application to fill out and you could be picked for a free photo session which includes:
- 1 Hour Photo Shoot
- 6 of your favorite images on a CD for your internet accounts! (Myspace/Facebook/Etc.)
- Model Representative Sheets to give your friends and family

National Geographic Daily Dozen Vote Now!

2008-12-24T10:25:00.000-08:00

My image of a Mossy Filbert Orchard taken in Corvallis Oregon has been chosen by the Photo Editor of National Geographic Magazine and is featured on their Daily Dozen Editors Picks Page!

Here's my chance to be published in National Geographic Magazine and with your help you can VOTE and help make it happen! Click on this link and my Mossy Filbert Orchard image is located in December- Week 3. The rating system is from 1 - 10, with 10 being the best. (hint hint) Voting ends January 6th- 2009

I appreciate your time and support. This is quite an honor for me to be selected. I can't think of a better Christmas present.

2008-12-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Art Fair at the Linn County Fairgrounds

2008-12-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the Christmas Art Fair at the Linn County Fairgrounds this weekend. December 13-14, 10am-6pm. Ginny Morse will have over 30 original paintings for sale and I will be selling fine art prints, greeting cards and my new coffee table book titled "Capturing Corvallis". There are over 50 vendors and it is located in the Santiam building. We hope to see you there!

Christmas Time

2008-12-03T16:49:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again! Instead of stressing about what to get your friends and family, check out my website at www.laineydyer.com You can pick out your favorite image, click the shopping cart and your imagination can run wild.

You can create:

Greeting Cards
Puzzles
Pictures on Canvas
Digital Downloads for Wallpaper
Stickers
Coasters
Posters
Coffee Mugs
T-Shirts
Sweatshirts
Aprons
Mouse Pads
Photo Key Chains
Magnets
Ceramic Tiles
Buttons
Playing Cards

And Much Much More....

Thank you for your business in 2008 and I look forward to 2009. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Photography by Lainey Dyer

2008-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect fall day in Corvallis last weekend. The highlight was spending time with Joslyn and making her pose for me in a few different spots around town that I had scouted and deemed to be great backdrops for portrait images . We ended up firing off 40-60 images and I headed straight for the studio for processing. I was really pleased with how they turned out. I'm so lucky to have such a beautiful and willing "poser".

I'm excited to be adding Senior Portraits as well as Child/Family Portaits to my list of services. This was at first, my most dreaded form of photography but as life goes on I'm finding that people are so interesting and it's also fun and challenging.

Hold this page...there is bound to be more of my "Joslyn Series". She's only a sophmore so I have 2 more years before I can take her Senior pictures.