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.

Danny & Rachel: Engaged!

Danny and Rachel found themselves at Avery Park on the night of Rachel's 19th birthday. As they walked on the railroad tracks near the park, Danny bravely revealed his feelings for her... and they proved to be unrequited. At least for the time being. Almost three years later, Rachel has a ring on her finger and Danny is glowing. They're set to get married on August 16 and if the diamond on her finger didn't give it away, the tender love they show each other would!

We planned to meet at the park in Corvallis for their engagement shoot. As we were shooting on the train, Josh spotted the railroad tracks across the street and suggested we move there next. Rachel's eyes lit up at the thought, and she explained their background story. Knowing it now, I can understand Danny's love-hate relationship with those tracks! I thoroughly enjoyed following them as they re-traced their steps along the tracks and, later, down a path that led us to the swings. The same place they ended up that night.

It was so hard to choose the photos for the blog. There are so many that I love, and that really tell their story. However, I managed to choose a few, and still save some for their gallery.

This first photo was an unexpected nugget. I love how the sun is shining through holes in the train at the top of the shot, and the natural smiles on their faces. It's one of my favorites from the shoot!

Danny has tattoos on both arms, and I LOVE them. So fun to photograph!


Both Danny and Rachel have amazing blue eyes. They just leap out and grab you in these photos--especially Rachel's!



She is going to be one gorgeous bride. Danny, you lucky dog!

It was incredibly hot on the day we were shooting. I'm talking high 90s. We were all very sweaty and sticky, but they did such a great job! The tracks in particular were warm because of the metal. However, we found a place that was somewhat shaded. Just a note when shooting graffiti-decorated backdrops: look very carefully for what has been left! I have another shot that I nearly finished up before taking a closer look. Sure enough there was an F-bomb in small letters I had to photoshop out. It's like a Where's Waldo of vulgarities. I'm so glad I caught it! Especially since both their parents are pastors... they would fire me from being their wedding photographer!

Danny and Rachel: thank you for putting up with the heat and an extra long shoot. I'm looking forward to capturing your big day!

Coming Full Circle

Josh and I are coming off of an amazing few days in Corvallis this weekend, and my heart is overflowing tonight. For us, Corvallis is our second home. It's where we met, and two years later fell in love. It's where we worked ourselves to the bone, built lasting relationships with so many amazing people. It's where we discovered who we were, and the gifts God instilled in us that would later harmoniously work together to glorify Him in ways too great for us to anticipate. And it was the springboard that launched us into ministry, bringing us to Bend in the first place.

We love Corvallis. And how good it was be home again.

How good it was to sit on the 6th floor balcony of Strega on what felt like a summer night with my closest girlfriend on the planet. Sipping on drinks, and chattering for hours as the city spread out before us. Somehow, on that night, it represented something I had conquered. Endless sleepless nights spent in the dark room, my hands constantly dodging, burning, and rocking the trays of chemicals. Hours spent worrying over exams and papers. Six years of my life invested in that town, and there I sat, four years later, overlooking it and marvelling that I had come full circle and was returning to the very same campus to do an engagement shoot.

How good it was to gather some of our very favorite people (who haven't been in the same room together for nearly two years) into one place to celebrate Josh's birthday Saturday night.

How good it was to sit in church this morning, and look down the row and smile at the friends around us, who we have seen through eight years of seasons and growing up. People who knew us simply as ourselves long before we ever came together as "Josh and Jane." We didn't realize it, but we somehow sat in the order of our season in life: Dawson to our left, has stars in his eyes and recently proposed to his girlfriend at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Josh and I. Heath and Krista to our right, pregnant with their first child due in mid-summer. And Caila and Brian on the other side of them, visiting from Hawaii, with a 10-month old adorable boy (whose face you will see next week). As we sat in church, my heart was full. And I choked back the tears as I remembered the moment was fleeting. And in just a few hours, we would be going our separate ways.

Topping it off was an amazing message on Psalm 42. Part of the message included a video clip of a man born without arms or legs, and how drastically the Lord was using his story to impact hundreds of thousands of people. As we drove home, I thought about his story. And how small our struggles really are. And how God is to more than able to help us be victorious. And I knew I had to put it on here for you to see. The clip is 9 minutes long. If the profile music on my blog is playing, you will have to scroll down to the music player and click stop to hear the clip. I guarantee you, you will be blessed. And you will say "wow" at least once.

Be blessed today. Look for the engagement portraits later in the week.

Introducing Adysen Mae!

Barely three weeks old, Adysen already has a marked personality. She will not be pushed into anything. And she will take her sweet time, only doing something when she feels she's ready. This was made very clear through the journey of multiple trips to the hospital, and several labor-inducing walks over the course of eight days. The signs were there. The pitocin drip was started. But Ady wasn't ready.

Finally, my phone rang, the vibration causing it to dance across my desk. Adysen Mae had arrived. All 6 lbs, 5 oz. of her. She was ready to greet the world. And we were ready to meet her.

Last weekend I did meet her, and had the pleasure of a shoot with her. She did wonderfully. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

Sometimes I like to post a "before & after" of a photograph I work particularly hard on. The one below is an example of that. The suitcase Ady is laying on was purchased for $45 at an antique store in Vale. Old, worn, and with amazing color, it was quite possibly the steal of the year. Good eye, Marcia! This was taken in Grandma's backyard on a pretty grey day. But with the wonders of photoshop, I was able to brighten it up, add a punch of color, fill in a dead spot on the tree (thanks to the detailed eyes of my husband--I didn't notice it), and rendered in some blue sky and clouds. What would have been an otherwise uninteresting snapshot came alive with a little bit of time, creativity, and elbow grease.

Finally, Adysen needed an amazing announcement to inform the world of her arrival. After talking with her Grandma, I came up with the idea to combine a birth announcement and a thank you note into one folded card. This was the result.

Are you as happy as I am that we've officially made it through the first half of the week? Cheers to the upcoming summer temperatures that await in the second half!

Happy Mother's Day!

To every mom out there: Happy Mother's Day!

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Ady yesterday--all 6 pounds of her! I had time to work on one of the photos late last night so it would be waiting for Mom and Grandma when they checked their email this morning. More shots from the session will be posted later in the week. In the meantime, moms, enjoy what's left of your Mother's Day. You deserve it!

A Portland Love Story

I was finally able to sift through the wedding photos from last weekend. This is a little bit of a longer post because there are so many that I loved.

The day began at The Benson Hotel downtown where the bridal party got dressed. I love it there! It's classic and swanky with rich, ornate furniture in the lobby and an incredible gigantic mirror on the landing of the main stairwell.

The guys jumped on the bed for a quick photo to toast the day. I think nine men on one bed together must be some sort of record!

Meanwhile, a few floors down, the girls were busy with last minute preparations.

I love the mood of this shot. The bride is on her way to see her groom for the first time. I remember the anticipation of that moment on my wedding day--excited, nervous and giddy all at the same time with a thousand butterflies flying in your stomach.

A photographer's job is so much more than simply taking photos during the day. It's also keeping things on schedule, fluffing the dress, and ensuring the bride looks perfect at all times. Here she waits on the landing of the main stairwell. The main photographer is readying the train on her dress for the arrival of the groom.

She catches a glimpse of him for the first time.

A sweet, private moment together before the rest of the bridal party arrives for some photos.

This is one of the amazing pieces of furniture I mentioned that decorates The Benson: a leopard print ottoman. I think I want one for my own house! This ended up being one of my favorite shots from the whole day.

The reception was held at the Adrianna Hill Ballroom downtown. A gorgeous venue that, for some reason, made me feel like I was transported back in time to a luxury cruise ship in the 1920s.

The bride gathered all the kids whom she had babysat for a photo at the reception.

I'll leave you with this--one of my other favorite shots of the day. I have so many pictures of this little guy. He was absolutely adorable. I happened to catch this look on his face in the middle of the reception. I like to call this one "First Crush."

If that doesn't make you smile, nothing will. Enjoy the weekend!

Portland Mini-Sessions

When I was in Portland last weekend for the wedding (the photos from which will actually make my blog someday...) I spent my Saturday morning downtown on 23rd. I love it down there. When I was in high school, we used to drive down there for lunch, grab some pizza at the New York pizza place, and take it up to Washington Park to eat. Great memories. Anyway, there were so many little nooks, crannies, alleyways, walls, stairs, and porches crying out the attention of my camera!

So for all you Portland dwellers, I will be in town in a few weeks! If you're in need of a great Father's Day gift, contact me to snag one of the 20 minute mini-sessions I'll be having while I'm up there!

THE DETAILS:
Sunday, June 1st :: 4pm - 6pm :: Downtown Portland :: $75
***Edited for a typo. Sessions are June 1, not May 31.***

The location is yet to be determined. More detailed information will be sent to you via email the week before the shoot.

Below are a few shots I snagged of the friends I met for an early lunch last Saturday. Ethan is so precious! And I can't forget the sweet Vespa store down there--how can you walk by and not take a photo of the colorful goodness?