Frankie = Mr. Independent

I had a session with Frankie two weeks ago, and I must have said "he's so CUTE!" at least 25 times during our hour together. He certainly is Mr. Independent, and our time was spent with me following him around. He only did something if he thought it was a good idea, and was entirely uninterested in the few poses or suggestions I threw at him. As much as I begged and pleaded, he had no interest in climbing into the prop-ready boat twenty feet away from us.

Such is life.

Instead, he appeased me for as long as he could stand. Letting Frankie be Frankie, I discovered two things that make him smile: bugs and his marbles. I discovered that he calls cigarette butts "cancer" (clever Mom!) and must point them out whenever he spots one. I also discovered that he loves climbing to the top of the slide... then turning around and walking back down without actually going down it.

We played the discovery game for a good amount of time.

Then, when he couldn't take it anymore, I got the magic shot. Frankie held his face in his hands in utter despair, probably pleading with God for the crazy lady with the camera to just go away.

And it is quite possibly my favorite shot of the day.

Frank's mom owns the cutest Etsy shop, aptly named Frank and Me, where she sells handmade, boutique-quality items for baby, including the infamous (and adorable) Burp Monster!

Frank, thank you for just being you. You're adorable.

Ethni Paper Shoppe: Urban Baby Series

I'm just putting the finishing touches on a brand new Urban Baby series! These baby shower invitations, birth announcements, and thank you cards were designed with the urban mom in mind who doesn't necessarily want all the pastels and teddy bears typically associated with new baby items. Set the tone for your shower subtly, and announce your little one while still expressing your hip, urban style!

All pieces will be available for purchase in the Ethni Paper Shoppe very soon, and might include one or two more patterns to choose from. Although each piece is offered individually in the Shoppe, the set is also available for photographers to purchase as .psd files to make available to your clients! If you would like to be notified of new sets as they are released, or are interested in purchasing this set of templates, please email papershoppe@ethniphotography.com.

Dawson + Anna

(This is the last weekend of the COBA Tour of Homes! Make sure to stop at house #38! They picked up five awards on Tuesday, and it's no surprise! The house is incredible! Go see for yourself why Bilyeu Fine Homes won: Best Architectural Design, Best Kitchen, Best Interior Finish, Best Master Suite, and Best of Show for the $350,000-$400,000 category!)

After weeks of secret planning, plotting, and scheming, Dawson found himself sitting on a plane. He was flying across the Atlantic to visit the love of his life in the most romantic city in the world. The only thing was... she didn't know he was coming. He planned the surprise trip with the aide of Anna's twin sister, Rebekah. With him was a diamond ring he had completely designed himself. A one-of-a-kind creation for a woman unlike anyone he had ever met before.

Once they reached Paris, Dawson surprised Anna, and the crew embarked upon a day of sight seeing. They stopped at all the expected destinations, even posing for some photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background. That night, they made their way up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. As the lights of Paris glistened far below, Dawson made his way down to one knee. There he proposed, with Rebekah catching every glorious digital minute.

Josh and I had the pleasure of spending some time with Dawson and Anna in Corvallis for their engagement session a few weeks ago. They have been incredibly patient with my insane hours these last two weeks, even through the excitement of seeing their proofs. Dawson: nice work! Anna: you are going to be a gorgeous bride! We love you guys!

Five Little Monkeys

I spent some time with these little monkeys as a surprise for their Grandmother's birthday present. Josh and I have worked for weeks to win over the two oldest girls. They are like fish tucked away in their coral. If you look carefully you might see an eyeball looking at you before it looks away. But once you get to know them, they are out of their hiding place and swimming all around you in their bright, vibrant colors.....

*insert scratching music stopping sound here*

(not the best description, but you know what I'm talking about, don't you?)

What? Did any of that even make any sense? Well... it made sense in my head. Yes, Megan, in one post I called your girls monkeys and fish. I'm also going on day four of 16 hour work days, working my tail off to get the August issue of True North completed on time, and trying to edit photos in between building articles. My brain is mush at best. And I almost deleted this whole thing altogether and started over, but what is this all worth if I'm not being real?

I think I'll just stop talking and let the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy the weekend!

2008 Tour of Homes

The Tour of Homes kicks off tomorrow. Don't forget to make a stop at house #38 and enter to win some great prizes! The house is beautiful, with a master bath I want to physically move into my home. The stand up glass shower has five shower heads!

Josh and I spent three hours this evening filling the walls, and helping to get the house finished. Go check it out: 20072 Calvin Way off of Parrell Road in Southeast Bend. I'll be there all day tomorrow to kick off the Tour. Stop by and say hello! However, if you can't make it tomorrow, you have the next two weekends to make it that direction. And I promise, it's worth the stop!

Word Art

Do you ever have those days where you end up wasting time doing silly things when there is a mound of work taunting you just a few inches away?

I found a great website today that managed to distract me for about a half hour. You put in your blog address, and it makes word art out of the words on your blog. You can customize colors, fonts and layout. Such a fun distraction! I enjoyed going through and reading what words are picked up and displayed in the graphic. I might even try to find some fun way to display it in my office. Anyway, a mindless post. If you want to try it out and discover for yourself just how addicting it is, go to www.wordle.net.

Meanwhile, we are in the thick of the August issue of True North Parenting, and I have shoots stacked up just waiting to be edited. Someday I'll get caught up... but I have a feeling it won't be until after summer has ended!

Awaiting Jude

Remember that old Pringles commercial... once you pop, you can't stop. Such is the case with me and photo editing. I can't just do one or two. I inevitably get sucked into an endless vortex that I can't seem to pry myself out of. Even now, at this moment, I am 30 minutes late for a date downstairs with Josh to watch a movie. From now on, the term "I'll be down in 10 minutes!" will mean nothing to him.

When I sat down tonight, I intended to only do a few. But I was so thrilled with how these photos turned out, I just couldn't stop myself. This was the highlight of my 4th of July weekend. Don't let the photos fool you, the weather wasn't this beautiful for the entirety of our trip on the coast. But when the sun finally broke through, it was beautiful. Windy, but the light was gorgeous. As was the model.

It was the last night of The Fellowship at Bend's annual family camp. Loren was wrapping up the last chapter of our study of Jonah... and (being the model citizens we are) his wife and I snuck away while the remaining die-hard campers gathered at the fire for the last session. It was the tail end of a long, wet weekend that ultimately culminated in me hitting a deer on the drive back to Bend, doing some expensive damage to a truck that isn't ours. But that's another story for another time.

Here are a few of my favorites from our shoot Sunday evening. I really thought Jude would make his debut after Mommy and I hiked up and down sand dunes for nearly an hour. But he's a strong little guy. And we can't wait to meet him!

Ethni Photography & COBA Tour of Homes

If you live in Central Oregon, chances are you make a few stops on the annual COBA Tour of Homes. It's nearly that time again, and the economy hasn't seemed to dissuade builders from putting their best foot forward again this year. 2007 held the record for the number of homes on the tour, and this year boasts nearly as many, with a whopping 74 homes to drool over! I spent two weeks creating every last builder page for this year's book, and there are more than a few I'd like to check out (and move into!).

This year, when you get your guide book in the paper, turn to house #38 and bookmark it. I'm thrilled to announce that the incredible house built by Bilyeu Fine Homes will be fully staged with canvas prints, collages, and framed prints by Ethni Photography! See for yourself how photography can make a home warm and inviting, and get your brain moving for ways to display your portraits in your own home.

Circle it. Dog-ear it. Highlight it. Tear the page out. Do whatever you need to, and stop by 20072 Calvin Way off of Parrell Road in Southeast Bend starting next Friday, July 18. While you are there, enter to win great prizes including a free portrait session, and a $25 gift certificate to the Ethni Paper Shoppe!

I'll be there next Friday to kick off the Tour. Stop by, say hi, and celebrate summer with Bilyeu Fine Homes and Ethni Photography!

Ila Turns One!

I last photographed Ila back in January, and I had the pleasure of another shoot with her last week. We ventured outside as the thunder rumbled overhead, and managed to get in an hour before the rain came. I couldn't have asked for better lighting! The hazy smoke from the California fires, paired with some heavy clouds to the north created some nice, warm light as the sun fought its way through. The first shot is from the last session I had with Ila, and the rest are of Ila now, as a walking one year old!

Celebrate Summer with Ethni Photography!

There's something about summer that just makes people... happier. Maybe it's the tan skin that causes faces to glow. Or the pure joy of running outside without shivering and pulling the hat over your frozen ears. Either way, it's here, along with the shouts of Marco Polo in the pool, and the lazy summer evenings with faint smells of barbecue in the air.

Today you can add one more item to that list: Celebrating Summer with Ethni Photography!

Book your session before August 1, 2008, to take advantage of a special summer session fee of $175, as well as other special summer incentives!

Because the best seasons in life have to be celebrated... even something as simple as summer finally hitting Central Oregon!

More Than Words

She grew up on 12,000 acres in eastern Oregon. He came from a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. This country girl and city boy eventually made their way just outside of San Diego, having both enlisted in the Marine Corps. It was there they fell in love. Nearly 23 years (and two kids) later, they have come full circle.

This portrait session was a celebration of their love.

It had been in the works since February, endured two weather rain checks, a never-ending winter, and endless emails through which God showed up. A few times.

As we settled into the groove of the session, Jerry pulled his guitar out of the car. Together they sat in the grass, as his fingers flew over the strings making music I can only dream of doing. After a few toe-tapping tunes, some familiar notes started making their way out of the guitar as a smile came over Teena's face. He played. She sang. The tears came to her eyes, as did the goosebumps on my arms.

Smith Rock wasn't just an off-hand location selection. It was the perfect, dramatic backdrop to celebrate a love and a marriage whose foundation is on Jesus Christ. He is their Rock. And I was so honored to spend the evening there with Jerry and Teena.

Teena, I know you've been chomping at the bit for a peek at your proofs. Your gallery is nearly ready. In the meantime, here are a few to whet your whistle.

Daddy's Biggest Fan

Stefan happens to be the defensive coordinator for the Vale High School Vikings and, on this particular Father's Day, he was in Idaho at a football camp. Mom surprised him with a print of this photo, and was interrupted as she quickly planned where they would display it in their home.

This Father's Day photo wasn't going to be hung in their house. It will be proudly displayed in his classroom. After all, Daddy might need some daily encouragement from his biggest fan, and greatest accomplishment to date.

Happy Father's Day, Stefan!

And Happy Father's Day, Dad... ya big crab apple. ;)

Dancing

Have you ever experienced passion for the Lord? The kind that starts in deep places of your soul, and moves out until it forms that sweet smile of pure joy across your face? I was listening to a song this morning by Evan Earwicker, and one line was resonating with me. A few simple words that hold so much truth.

"I don't want to sing of a passion I've never known."

How easy it is to go to church, or to a bible study, and pay lip service. Singing the songs without actually pondering the words leaving our lips. Putting on the mask. Fitting the part.

I don't want to do that.

We have a friend whose passion was dancing. For every play or outreach our church back home put on, she was there for months prior. She coordinated every dance step, and picked out the perfect music, praying through every decision. Her way of worship was through dance. Somehow, as she danced, the world around her melted away. And God used that gifting incredibly. Nearly a year ago, Sara was killed in a car accident at the age of 25. Six weeks earlier, she had put her heart and soul into choreographing a handful of hip hop dances for a powerful purity conference held on the Oregon State campus. She went out in a blaze of glory, doing what she loved. And people were impacted eternally because of it.

I don't want to passively sit on the sidelines, allowing the business side of things to take away from my passion. I don't want to be caught, when it's my time, having gotten away from the initial vision God gave me. I want to be caught, like Sara, in a blaze of glory. Passionately pursuing what I was called to do. Not just taking portraits of people. But telling stories. Encouraging believers. Supporting missionaries. Using this gifting He has given me to the fullest extent of His ability, which I cannot begin to imagine the possibilities of.

As I listened to this song this morning, I thought about dance as a form of worship. I'm not a dancer. But as I shoot, I'm dancing. And with every spin, and graceful move of that dance, photographs are thrown up in the air above me. Rising up to the heavens with a beautiful dance of their own, a sacrifice back to the God who created me.

May I never be caught doing my own dance. Because it really isn't pretty.

To listen to "Dance With Me" by Evan Earwicker, pause the music on the player to your right.

Be blessed today!

New Designs in the Ethni Paper Shoppe

There are a few more designs in the Ethni Paper Shoppe. I will be adding new items steadily for the next few weeks, but I love this one so much I had to share it with you.

Cheers to the fact that season-appropriate weather has finally hit Central Oregon! Now it's time to work on getting rid of the ghostly winter skin!

Ethni Paper Shoppe

In the last two weeks I feel like I've been hit with a bolt of creative lightning. The kind that can strike without warning and leave your hair on end. Anything, it seems, has given me inspiration. Vases, flowers, trees... (For some reason, I have a strange fascination with trees. It's one I haven't been able to shake since college, and am convinced will lead me on the endless pursuit of the perfect shot under a perfect tree.) Anyway, even a belt in an ad in the Harper's Bazaar magazine I was flipping through today sparked an idea. My mind is always going. A pad of paper and a pen are never far away to catch cryptic notes to be incorporated into something hopefully fabulous later.

Last week I began consolidating all these sparks of ideas into the next phase of my business: the Ethni Paper Shoppe, nestled deep in the wonderful world of Etsy. Now I must warn you, this is when the geeky graphic designer in me comes out. Please excuse me while I put on my thick-rimmed glasses... Ok. Much better. Now I can say this in full confidence: I giggle a little every time I see the avatar on my etsy page. It just so happens that the initials of my shop name spell out "eps," the vector format of choice for designers. No, I didn't plan it. But I kind of enjoy it.

Anyway, I have been working steadily for the last week to pound out solid designs for the shop. I would like to have more for the big reveal, but there just aren't enough hours in the day. There are currently seven birth announcements, save the date cards and invitations for sale, created to complement your brand new portraits. However all the designs are for sale to the general public, and can be customized with any photograph (with the photographer's permission, of course.)

What are you still here for? Go check out the brand new Ethni Paper Shoppe! Add me to your favorites or add an RSS feed to be the first to know of new designs that are added. The shop will be greatly expanding in the next few months. You guys are the lucky ones to be with me from the beginning! Now I'm going to go put my nerdy glasses away...

Design Aglow

Whether you are a professional photographer, or an avid hobbyist, Design Aglow is an incredible resource to have in your back pocket! The first day I stumbled upon it months ago, I was in love. The woman behind it is none other than Lena Hyde (who is also behind the Learnfest that I can't keep my mouth shut about!) Staying true to the tag line, Design Aglow has now produced four digital magazines chock-full of tips, real world stories, successful studios, and design inspiration. Issue number 5 is in the works as we speak, and will feature a spotlight on Jen Thompson's fabulous Redmond studio. To prepare for the article, Jen needed some new bio shots. So I met her at her studio to get some head shots for her. These photographs could have taken themselves! A beautiful Jen in a beautiful studio. I had to spend a few minutes helping her mop up my drool before we left to connect over some yummy chicken wings, french fries and margaritas. Keep an eye out on the Design Aglow website and make sure to buy Issue 5 when it debuts! I know I will!

Meanwhile, I've been busy behind the scenes working on some of the creative ideas rolling around in my brain. I'm working feverishly to get them implemented and in front of your eyes. Check back soon for the big reveal!

Warning: Long Post Ahead!

From the first moment I lay eyes on a photograph of little Hudson, I knew I had to get my camera on him. The problem was, his big baby blues were across the pond in Hawaii. So I waited, and drooled, and gushed to his mom over his photos whenever I had the chance. Finally, the day came when I got the good news. I was sitting in a booth at the Huckleberry Inn in Government Camp, enjoying my freshly cooked French Dip sandwich, killing time before shooting at a wedding at Timberline Lodge when I saw I had a voicemail. With my mouth full of food, I wiped the crumbs from my hands, held down 1 until the phone connected and almost choked when I heard the words.

"Janer Baner! We're coming to Corvallis and we want you to do some family portraits of us!"

Josh nearly had the remnants of some half-chewed French Dip goodness all over his face when I listened to it. I was thrilled! And it was to be on my birthday! What a present! As the weeks went by, their three-person, one hour family session turned into a six person session with Caila's parents and brother. From there, it quickly turned into a 17-person extended family reunion, two hour portrait session set at her grandparent's wheat farm in Lebanon. The timing was perfect. But as the day grew closer, weather.com was quickly becoming my enemy.

By the time Saturday rolled around, the forecast was grim. Showers steady from 10am on, and thunderstorms in the afternoon with a 60% chance of rain all day. I prayed for two days. As I got up that morning, I prayed. As we drove over the pass and into Corvallis, with blue skies peeking between the clouds, I prayed. This was a family gathering together from California, Hawaii, Salem and Albany. And it was set to rain. But by 2:00, I was astounded. Not one drop of rain had fallen, and the skies were absolutely clear. So clear in fact, that I prayed again. (I love that God has a sense of humor!) We had yet another discussion.

"Ok Lord. This is awesome that you answered my prayer verbatim. Thank You for Your faithfulness! However... You created photography. And while this sunshine is beautiful. we're set for a 3:00 photo shoot and You know the light will be a little harsh. A little bit of cloud cover might be nice..."

As we pulled into the driveway that had marked the entrance to the family property since 1954, I was speechless at the incredible landscape in front of my eyes. And I couldn't help but smile at the high clouds that had started to formed overhead.

God is good. And He is so faithful to answer our prayers. The result is quite possibly my favorite shoot to date. It helps that it was with people that we love, and who love the Lord as much as we do.

Here are just a few of the many from that afternoon.

Hudson had just started walking a few days before the shoot. As soon as his wobbly little legs were under him, he was off. Arms outstretched, trying in vain to walk straight, and concentrating with all his might to get to his target destination without face planting. This shot pretty much sums it all up:

I had to include this one because in this shot alone, 110% of Caila's dramatic personality is wrapped up in Hudson's little 10 month old body. Knowing her well, and having known her for nearly nine years now, this shot makes me laugh every time I look at it.

Photographers for Africa

I stumbled across an amazing website today that is the fruit of one woman's vision, and her obedience to one little idea she had. And it's a pretty cool idea at that. Rather than trying to sum it up myself, I'll post their own summary of the background of the organization as explained on their website, It's one of those incredible stories that only God can orchestrate:

Written by Erin Adams, Owner of LaCour Photography

In late 2006, Annette and her husband Mike hosted a Ugandan children’s choir at their home, while the group was performing in Southern California. They had several kids spread all over their home, in beds and sleeping bags. One night she struck up a conversation with the choir leader, Alex Mutagubya, and he mentioned that he would be getting married soon back home in Uganda. Annette knew that most Ugandans cannot afford to hire personal photographers for their weddings, so she immediately told him, "I am going to come to Uganda and photograph your wedding for you." The man's eyes welled up with tears as he told her he could not believe he was receiving such kindness from someone he barely knew. When she showed him some of her work, she said he was in disbelief that someone was offering to make such beautiful photos for him, asking nothing in return.

So in late March, Annette made good on her promise by flying to Uganda on her own money, with her husband and their two youngest children, to photograph Alex's wedding to Faith. Annette and her family found themselves mesmerized by the astounding natural beauty of Uganda and the pure friendliness of its people.

The day of the wedding, a man she did not recognize approached her and said "Annette?" She was confused, and then she looked down and saw a camera hanging around his neck. A familiar camera. HER camera. She was completely bewildered and speechless, until it hit her.

Two years ago Annette had donated an old Nikon film camera to a Ugandan pastor who was visiting California. They were discussing photography, and the pastor, Peter Kasiviru, mentioned that most Africans still used primarily film cameras. So when he was leaving to return to Uganda, Annette gave him her camera and said to please give it to someone who would make good use of it.

And there she was, two years later, standing on Ugandan soil and face to face with the man who had received her old camera. The man was Godfrey - incidentally the bride's brother and a groomsman in the wedding. Godfrey told Annette that he used her camera to open a portrait studio. He also made some photos with it that he sent to the local newspaper, which began paying him for his work. He told her this camera had allowed him to make a good income to support his family. Annette and Godfrey hugged and hugged, and cried over the sheer improbability of this meeting. Annette says she remembers feeling bad that all she was sending was an old film camera, but when she got to Uganda she realized it was the nicest camera anyone had there. "It was nothing for me to send my camera over there," she says. "But it changed his life."

Today, Photographers for Africa receives donations of used cameras, cell phones, and laptop computers, and gives them to the people of Kenya and Uganda, along with business training for the next generation of entrepreneurs. A great project on its own, but I love that they are also connected to Africa Renewal Ministries and Gospel Lighthouse Church. One woman's simple obedience to give away an old camera, and to bless someone with wedding photography they otherwise could not afford, turned into an incredible ministry. I can't help but wonder "what if she shrugged it off?" Oh to be a person of faith and of obedience! The things God is then free to do is incredible!

To make a donation to Photographers for Africa, call 949.481.1345 or email annette.biggers@heart4africa.org.

Special Announcements

The June issue of True North Parenting is at the printers as we speak, and I'm confident in saying that it's even better than the last, premiere issue! With a cover shot by Jen Thompson, and editorial photography by Erik Dungan and Kristi Eckberg (among others), the June/July issue is truly a showcase of the talent of local writers and photographers! We also added a new feature this month called "Local Picks," a review of locally-made products that we love (product photography courtesy of Heather Leggett). Look for the latest issue out on June 1!

Also, when you pick up your copy, look for my new ad in the inside back cover. Not many people know that in addition to capturing your favorite moments, I also offer custom graphic design for all your special announcements! This includes birth announcements, graduation announcements, save the date cards, invitations, business collateral and more! A page on my website dedicated to available templates will be coming soon. However, custom designs are also available. The first two people to respond to this post via email get a special discount on their custom design order! Email me at jane@ethniphotography.com to snag the discount!

And speaking of announcements, I have a few of my own! First, I've added my name to the list of proud sponsors of the upcoming Learnfest in September! The attendees will receive a fabulous swag bag, and there will be some surprises from me tucked in there among all the goodies! Learnfest will be the highlight of my year, even topping WPPI in Vegas! I can't wait!

Finally, congratulations to Lauren Blackwelder! She was the winner of April's Gentle Reminder contest in the premiere issue of True North, and will be receiving a free portrait session with me. Make sure to flip to the last page of the magazine to see the photos she submitted for the contest. They are certainly the epitome of "this too shall pass."

Don't forget to pick up the magazine early next week! Cheers to a great Tuesday!

Birthday Re-Cap

It's amazing how quickly your birthday sneaks up on you as an adult. As a child, the countdown to my birthday started back in March. Planning the perfect party (that my twin sister and I both had to agree on), asking for the perfect presents, and being queen for the day. Well.. Queen "A" at least. Between building the June issue of True North, a full schedule of shoots this month, and still working 40 hours a week, my birthday snuck up very quickly. And there was no resting on this day.

Josh woke me up at 7am with my signature Starbucks drink in one hand and a pumpkin scone in the other. He always knows the way to my heart. We were on the road by 8, en route to Corvallis to give back a friend's hot tub we had been babysitting for a few months. Yep, you heard right. One of my best girlfriends took her hot tub away from me on my birthday. The nerve! Another (more faithful) friend had us over for some homemade enchiladas for lunch, and her kids greeted me at the door with a flurry of handmade cards drawn with crayon on construction paper. One of them even had a box of Skittles Bubble Gum taped to it. You know you're loved when a five year old gives you their precious Skittles gum!

But the highlight of my day ended up being in Lebanon, Oregon of all places. I'll tell the story later in the week with a sample of photos from the shoot, but this is how I spent my afternoon. Amazing location with one of my favorite couples.

Birthdays are good. And this one happened to be extra good. Tonight I'm counting my blessings... and realizing I don't have enough fingers.