in [STUDIO]

Julianne + Steve + Baby (Bump)! | Albany Maternity Photos

2012-02-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

First came love, then came marriage, now it's time for that baby in the baby carriage! :-D And really, I can not be more excited for Julianne and Steve. These two are such an amazing couple and everything I'm with them I'm reminded of why I love my job so much: the clients! I'm not sure I can really even call them clients anymore because I genuinely love them and am counting down the days until I get to meet their little bundle of joy! (Fingers crossed that the baby makes an appearance before I leave for Japan!) If the baby is anything like the parents, he or she is sure to be a supermodel... just look at the gene-pool that Baby is coming from!

Of course Julianne is still so cute and fashionable, even 8 months pregnant! I love her sweater!

Always laughing...

Julianne wanted some pictures of Steve before he got the "frazzled dad" look. HA! I'm sure being a father will only make him even more handsome.

Oh is that Brad Paisley?!! Nope... just Steve rockin a cowboy hat! ;-)

Julianne seriously has one of the best laughs ever, I love it!

The mother-to-be, GORGEOUS as always.

Julianne and Steve, you guys are amazing. Once again, you made my job incredibly easy by being prepared and knowing what it is you wanted for you photos. THANK YOU. I am so SO SOOOOO excited for you two to become parents and can NOT wait to meet your baby! I am keeping my phone in hand, waiting for your call... :-D

Elliana May | One Month Baby Portraits

2012-02-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

The best way to learn how to do baby photos? Get a best friend to have a baby with her loving husband and make sure that they are willing to let you manhandle their precious bundle of joy as you figure out how to get the perfect little baby into the perfect position for the most perfect baby pictures ever. Okay okay, so I'm not quite an Anne Geddes yet and I'm still learning how to work with babies who can't hold their own heads up but still, come on now, you have to admit, that these pictures are pretty darn adorable!

Mommy had to calm Elli down a little mid shoot. I am SO in awe of seeing my friend as a mother.

How perfect is that floral headband?! Thanks Aunty Jacinda for giving such a good photo accessory!

Can't get through a photo session without a few scrunched faces! :)

Now try and tell me that you looked through these photos without going "Aaaaaaawe!!!!" IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! Elli, Aunty Bethany loves you SO MUCH and am so excited to watch, and document, you as you grow. <3

Weekends are for Working

2012-02-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I had a crazy busy weekend! My Saturday alone involved 3 outfit changes in 3 different cities, no big deal. I had such a great weekend and there will definitely be a lot of photos posted soon (from a baby bump to a birthday to a baby, I took a LOT of photos this weekend)...but for now, I just have to say:

OhmygoshowfreakingcuteislittlemissElli!?!?!

Could kiss her all day!

And yes, some of the photos I'll be posting will be of her! After all, she did turned 1-month-old yesterday so we were due for a photoshoot! :)

Just a reminder...

2012-02-03T23:08:00.000-08:00

...that ACTION speaks a lot LOUDER then jus'talkin'boutits'more.

photo credit: Bradley Joyce

*note to self*

Meet My Friends

2012-02-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

I like to think of myself as a creative person for the most part. But in the areas where my creativity is lacking, I love other people who are also creative. In fact, I love all things crafty, creative, imaginative, unique, and most of all, handmade. That's why Esty is such an amazing place to shop. And since I have a few wonderfully creative friends with their own delightful Etsy shops, I can't help but share!

Chelsea is a native Oregonian like myself that has been transplanted to a new state. I think the colder weather in Colorado might have been what inspired her to start knitting so much. ;-) Or maybe it was all the babies that were friends back home were having! Whatever the reason, I am so excited Chelsea has opened her shop THE NESTING OWL to sell her gorgeous hand-knitted sweaters, hats, and mittens! I have seen Chelsea's work in person and the quality and care that she puts into each piece is truly outstanding. I may or may not keep the hooded sweater I bought for myself. Or when I give it to someone it might come with the stipulation that they must return it to me when their child grows out of it!

photo off of The Nesting Owl shop page

Rory is husband to Cassie who is someone that I've come to admire through reading her blog. When she announced that Rory had opened a shop to sell his beautifully hand crafted feather headbands, I was all over it! Check out his shop here: FEATHER KEEPER. I placed my first order earlier today and will now be checking the mailbox daily.

photo off of Feather Keeper shop page

And then there's Rachel. Rachel is crazy talented in all sorts of things! She's one of those people who is just naturally the best at everything she does. She designs jewelry here and most recently opened another shop, SUNNY & STUMPY for her amazing paper flower designs. If you're looking for a unique bouquet for your wedding or just wanting to add that something special to an event, you should definitely look into purchasing some of Rachel's creations.

photo by: Ashley Forrette

"This is all about love, right?!"

2012-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

2 words. 8 letters. They aren't enough, but they're all I got.

THANK YOU.

Because of YOUR love and support, because of your belief in my ability as a photographer, you have made it possible for me to get to Japan and visit my Joshua! Thank you, gracias, arigato, and mahalo.

It a pretty amazing thing when the result of you doing what you love is loved enough by others that it gets you to see the one you love. It's such a beautiful circle of love and as one supportive ~~client~~ friend said, "This is all about love, right?!"

I am so incredibly thankful to have this job and to be able to do what I love, to be able to pursue my passion. It's such an awesome responsibility to be the one entrusted with the task of capturing the photos of someone, of a family, of a wedding, that will end up in the frames and albums in their homes. These are the images that all their guests will look at to learn of them and the images that all their family with hold dear. These are the reasons that they'll be able to recall special moments and when seeing a photograph, say "Oh! Remember when this was taken...?". Photographs are the most precious of heirlooms and my greatest joy is to be able to craft those treasured memories for my clients. And the fact that I even have "clients"? That someone, anyone besides my own self, thinks that I should be trusted to do this?! It's humbling, so so humbling. I take that trust very seriously and I hope I never let you down. Thank you for trusting me, for enabling me to live my dream life.

So to everyone who purchased a Japan Special Photo Session, thank you! To everyone who has a session scheduled and to everyone who has ever scheduled a session, thank you! To all you all who have hired me ever, thank you! Thank you thank you thank you thank you! My business thanks you, my creativity thanks you, my heart thanks you... and my boyfriend thanks you as well. :)

Now... the official count down has begun. THIRTY DAYS until I am on a plane to Japan, camera in hand. Hallelujah.

What if...

2012-01-31T14:45:00.000-08:00

What if this were YOU??

Please help

Homeless Woman, San Francisco

Makes you think, doesn't it?

My Poor Car!

2012-01-30T22:09:00.000-08:00

While I was in San Francisco last week, my car sat in front of my house, parked along the road. And this is what happened...

Oh, are you confused as to what you those are? Are you thinking that they're 3 bullet holes? BECAUSE THEY ARE!!! Okay, maybe they're actually more of bullet "dents" since they aren't actually "holes" but still... somebody, some no good, rotten, hooligan SHOT MY CAR. I don't understand how there are people who think it's okay, who think it's fun to damage other people's property! It's SO SAD.

Palace of Fine Arts

2012-01-27T18:37:00.000-08:00

map of SF

Today, the brother and I took a cable car down down to Fisherman's Wharf for lunch and then set out, by foot, towards the Golden Gate Bridge. I had it in mind to go to Presidio National Park, for no other reason then that it looked important on the map we were given. I had no expectations and my only hope was that I would be able to get a decent picture of the Golden Gate Bridge. We had a lovely walk in the warm California sunshine (clear skies, high of 64, it was perfect!), stopped for some Ghirardelli ice cream at Ghirardelli Square and took in the view of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge form Fort Mason. By the time we finally made it to outskirts of Presidio, we were both fairly exhausted from all the walking. Or more accurately, our toes were thoroughly exhausted! We stopped to use the restroom at the Exploratorium and were starting to look for a bus to take back to the hotel when we noticed some amazing Roman/Greek looking ruins off to the left. "Let's walk through here" I said... and oh man, I am so glad we did! The Palace of Fine Arts is a gorgeous structure, left over from the 1915 World's Fair. The towering columns, the classical statues, the way the light filtered in through the massive rotunda... it's breathtaking. I seriously have a kink in my neck from craning my head around so much, trying to take it all in. I wasn't able to get that great of photos of it with my 50mm but trust me when I say, if you're even in San Francisco, go here.

angel

And don't forget, only a few days left to take advantage of the JAPAN SPECIAL! Pre-purchase your 2012 photo session at last year's prices! E-mail me at B.Raelene@gmail.com if you're interested!

Kelly & Kate | Bend, OR Children Portraits

2012-01-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

sweet Kelly

When I got my first dslr camera (thanks Dad!) back in 2007 I lived in Bend, Oregon and was nannying these two beautiful girls so I'm pretty sure they get the official title of my first models (or guinea pigs).

baby face Kate!

Now, five years later, I was so excited when their mom contacted me via my facebook page to book a session last weekend! I cannot believe how big Kelly and Kate have gotten but it was no surprise to see that they are as sweet, kind, funny, and even more beautiful then ever.

We had our session inside because of the snow flurries that were happening outside. It always makes me a little nervous to do a session inside because the lighting can be unpredictable... but luckily there are lots of big windows in their house that let in the lovely central Oregon light! *phew* Plus, I got to hear them on the guitar, piano, and flute. These girls are talented!

A pillow fight may or may not have been my suggestion. I plead the 5th. :)

These two seriously have the most gorgeous brown puppy dog eyes. So so lovely.

This cracks me up! I asked them to make a funny face and they made the same face! Me and my sister do the same thing. I guess it's a sister thing!

Maria and John, you have two amazing daughters and I'm so glad that I got to spend some time with them again. Kelly and Kate, don't ever stop being your amazing selves! I love you girls!

This session was purchased through the Japan Special offer! You too can get last year's price on this year's photo session! Click HERE for details! And thanks for the support! xo

This is a postcard from San Fran...

2012-01-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

...please deliver to Joshua, my love, care of Japan.

San Francisco

2012-01-24T16:48:00.001-08:00

Day 1 from my iPhone...

Weekend Roundup :)

2012-01-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

So, I just got back up to WA from a fun and adventurous weekend in Bend, Oregon. Which is where I did NOT go snowshoeing in this blizzard:

But I did get to have an awesome lady's weekend with my mom, sister, and sister's mother-in-law!

Me, Mari, Jill, and Mom all bundled up for the mountain!

I also got to visit my cousin and his family and finally hold his 2-month-old son:

Remember when he was just a bump?!

And right before we left to head back to Portland, I squeezed in a photo session with these lovely girls:

Kelly, me and Kate!

Here's a little preview of their session...

Aren't they beautiful?! More photos to come!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I'm off to San Francisco in the morning... I'm sure I'll be posting lots of touristy photos so check back all week long! Does anyone have some recommendations for places to go or things to do? Let me know! Thanks!

Rrrrrraaaaannnndommmmm friday

2012-01-20T13:51:00.001-08:00

For the first time since October 2007, I drove in the snow without having even a mild anxiety attack! I credit my car, Lolita, and her few-month-old tires that Mom convinced me to get siped, with giving me the confidence and calm to get around in the snow once more. She gripped the road like nobody's business.

Fun fact: snow days don't really matter when you're self-employed. That's the thing about working for yourself, you can take a day off whenever you want... But really, you NEVER take a day off. I know people like my brother will understand what I'm saying. ;-)

Also, snow is kinda overrated. Yes, it's beautiful but I hate being cold and snow is REALLY cold!

That being said, I'm going snow-shoeing this weekend in Bend and will probably freeze my tush off! But it'll be a fun weekend with my mom, sister, and sister's mother-in-law! So excited! Shout out to my dad who is letting us use his timeshare at Eaglecrest! Stoked! Thanks Da!

And last but not least, I really really really miss my Joshua! But! I should be purchasing a plane ticket real soon! YAY!!!! Thanks everyone. You know who you are! :)

Best. Clients. EVER.

2012-01-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get stressed out about money and bills and equipment and taxes and business and life and howcanieveraffordtovisitmyboyfriendinjapanwhenihaveotherstufftopayfor and blah blah blah... but then... something always happens to remind me that I have the best job in the world and that I get to work with the BEST people. This time, it was Karen and Josh who reminded me of this. And it literally brought me to my knees, sending a prayer of thankfulness to God. I am so blessed!

Newest Camera Love

2012-01-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

My new favorite camera because it's reminiscent of an old classic: the Fujifilm Instax Mini 505s! I call him Fernanado... or Ferni for short. I absolutely adore everything about this camera and can not get over how each picture always seems to turn out perfect. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Me and Ferni

I really should scan them in to show you exactly how awesome they are but I don't have a scanner at the moment so here's an iPhone snapshot of a few of my prints, though technically Mom took the upper left one that I'm in.

Please feel free to buy me film for my awesome camera! :-D

Precious Photographs

2012-01-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

It always makes my heart so happy when, on a whim, I open a neglected desk drawer and find a precious treasure, long forgotten under old birthday cards and a layer of dust, a sweet, sweet memory of the past.

It may just seem like a grainy old photograph to you... but that's me at 2-year-old with my Grammy who has passed away and my Papa who hates having his picture taken, feeding a deer that I fed every summer of my childhood at Cow Camp. It is such a happy memory for me and I am so thankful that I found it... thank you Dad for taking it [I'm sure] and for keeping it all these years.

And so I ask you once again; why can't you be bothered to take out your camera and take a few pictures every now and again? This is what you're stealing from your future self and from your children; that precious moment when you happen upon the photograph and your heart gets warmed by the memory of something you didn't even realize that you missed. It is precious, precious indeed.

It's Barely Winter

2012-01-11T15:35:00.001-08:00

But we found some snow!

Don't forget to take advantage of my desperation to visit my man in Japan! Details HERE! :)

She is LOVED

2012-01-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

...the most beautiful girl in the world...

"Alright Sparky, here's the deal..."

2012-01-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend is in Japan. And will remain in Japan until April. I am a self-employed photographer [who loves her job with a passion] and I do not have a lot of extra money [okay let's be honest, I don't have ANY extra money] for a plane ticket to Japan. But I need a to visit him. For my own sanity and the sanity of everyone who has to come in contact with me. But my birthday is in March... so I might get some extra money then... but if I want to visit said boyfriend who is in said country I would need said extra money BEFORE said birthday to keep said sanity. My solution? The Buy Your 2012 Session For Awesome Photos NOW at Last Year's Price and Help Get Bethany to Japan as a Bonus Special! Or maybe I'll just call it the Japan Special? Sure, that rolls off the tongue a wee bit better. :)

As you know, I posted my prices for 2012 on Thursday... BUT if you want to support love and happiness and help me get to Japan for my birthday to visit my boyfriend AND, you know, get some pretty great photos this year as well... the JAPAN SPECIAL is for you! If you know you're going to want photos this year [and hello, you definitely should be getting some photos done at least once this year] then here's your chance to purchase a session for last year's price:

1 Awesome Person Session [headshots, newborns, seniors, just because, etc.] - $125
2-4 Awesome People Session [engagements, family, friends, etc.] - $175
5+ Awesome People Session - [family, large groups, parties, etc.] $200+

So for everyone who has told me, "We would like to have you do our photos... someday" or thought to themselves "Man, we really need to get some updated photos done" [or any variation thereof], it's time. It's time for you to purchase a session, to plan to finally get those photos done, to make 2012 a well documented year.

How do you purchase the Japan Special? Leave a comment here on my blog or over on the facebook page or e-mail me at B.Raelene@gmail.com letting me know that YES! you want to purchase a 2012 Photo Session at last year's price! I will then let you know where to mail your payment. Also... whoever can tell me first what movie the title of this post is from, can get their second session for HALF OFF OF LAST YEAR'S PRICE! Heeeey-o!

the thought of being apart is hurting his head ;-)

Any questions? Just ask! 2012 Photo Sessions must be purchased by January 31, 2012 and must be redeemed by December 31, 2012. Scheduling is subjected to availability and just to warn you, wedding bookings will be given priority durning the months of May-September. For any session outside of the Bremerton, WA area or Portland and Newberg, OR area, an additional travel fee might be necessary, I assess the travel cost for each individual session. This is the only special that I will be running until it's time for the September Special again so take advantage! You can purchase up to 5 sessions so feel free to buy multiple sessions so that all your special occasions are covered this year or you can even purchase them as gifts for others! At the very least, you should definitely tell others about the deal. :) Please make checks out to "Bethany Raelene" and contact me for the mailing address. My e-mail one more time is: B.Raelene@gmail.com. Gracias, Mahalo, Arigato, and thank you everybody! I can't wait to shoot you! :-D

Elliana May

2012-01-06T23:11:00.001-08:00

My soulmate friend had her baby yesterday at 8:18pm! 7 lbs 1 oz. of beautiful, perfect, baby girl. I am so in love and so in complete and utter awe.

2012 Pricing

2012-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

I'm a few days late with this but here it is!

Check back on Monday for an announcement on how you can get last year's prices this year!!!

The Young McDonalds | New Year's Portraits

2012-01-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

First photo session of the year goes to my favorite sister and brother-in-love! Mari and Brian [and my brother Brad and friend Rocio] joined Josh and I [and about 30 other people] at Josh's house for New Year's Eve. [Thanks for coming up guys!] On New Year's Day, we were FINALLY able to do their annual photo session. So no, if you didn't get your holiday card from them yet, it's not because you got dropped from their mailing list, it is simply because we were unable to get together for photos until now! But don't worry, it was worth the wait.... in my humble opinion anyway. :-D

The way to get Trooper's attention so he actually looks at the camera? Hold his tennis ball above my head like I'm going to throw it! Look at him, all tensed up and ready to bolt after it!

Love these two... and Trooper too!

Can't wait to see how they use their photos for a "happy new year" card! Oh wait... I'm designing it. ;-) Better get back to work!

sigh

2012-01-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

I dropped my man off at the airport this morning. He should be settling into his apartment in Japan right about now... that's right, I said JAPAN. Which is where he will be for... oh the next FOUR MONTHS. I really don't know what I'm going to do with myself...

...I'll probably end up staring at this photo of us. The last photo of us for the next FOUR MONTHS. Can you tell that I'm having just a little bit of a hard time with this???? I promise I'll get back to work and back to functioning tomorrow. For now, I'm still wallowing in my sorrows and counting the moments until I am back with my love.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T23:03:00.001-08:00