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!

The Power of Motherhood

I had the absolute joy of shooting Kristin a few weeks ago to highlight the power of motherhood for the May online issue of True North Magazine. Her story is incredible.

Kristin is still a newlywed, and you can see it in her tenderness as she interacts with her husband. I'm not sure if the glow around her is from the little life growing inside her, being newly married, or both. She became a wife in September, found out she was going to become a mother in October, and found a lump in her throat just weeks after.

She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Recently, she had surgery to remove her thyroid, and she still has a week's worth of radio-iodine treatment ahead of her after their little boy is born.

The amazing part is that if you weren't told these details, you would never know upon meeting her, save a small line on her neck. I was so encouraged at the peace, and the joy, that pours out of her. And so humbled at her unspoken, confident, faith. Add all that to the fact that she's gorgeous and so easy to photograph! I truly enjoyed the hour and a half we spent together. And I am thrilled to share these photos with you.

Special thanks to Edman Fine Furniture for being so incredibly generous! It's a family-owned business with a lot of history--right down to the cash register that was used in the owner's great-grandfather's mercantile shop in the 1800s! They're located 1020 NW Wall. Be prepared to drool!

True North Magazine hits Central Oregon!

I swear, if you took an x-ray of my body, you'd see fragments of this magazine floating around in there. It is my blood, sweat, and tears, in the flesh. And 8,000 copies are being distributed throughout Central Oregon this week. Have you ever wondered what 8,000 magazines looks like? Here's half:

The magazines are sent to a press in Portland, and get delivered to us packed in boxes and shrink-wrapped on palettes. When they were first delivered, there were two of these palettes. The magazines began being distributed today, and already there was a buzz about them! Everyone who has seen them has inevitably asked two questions:

1. How much is it? (The answer: FREE!)
2. Where can I get one? (The answer: local family-friendly businesses, restaurants, schools... keep an eye out. It's like a big scavenger hunt!)

James, the True North Business Manager, and author of "Dad's Corner," is hand-building these awesome stands for a few businesses, so keep an eye out for them:

Finally, here's a glimpse of one of my favorite spreads in the magazine. Go out, pick yourself up a copy, and look for the Ethni portrait session giveaway somewhere in the 64 pages!

True North Magazine

The photo I took of Ila a few weeks ago is featured on the Ages & Stages landing page of True North Magazine website this month! True North is a brand new parenting magazine specific to Central Oregon. They just debuted their first issue online last month, and will be moving to a print magazine starting in April, as well as a separate print directory of Central Oregon businesses geared towards families in June.

Which brings me to my next piece of news... both the print magazine and directory will be designed by yours truly. I'm freelancing with True North as they work to get their first issues off the ground, and I couldn't be happier! A print magazine is the perfect, complimentary combination of my love for photography and design. My relationship with True North began in early December when I received an email from them asking me to submit some photography to their publication. From there, it's grown into a graphic design partnership, with photography contributions where they might need it.

Anyway, go check out their website. And if you're in Central Oregon, look for the magazine on stands in April!