Stacey & Jonathan

Let me introduce you to the most picture-perfect family you'll ever meet. This session was originally planned as family session, and then turned into a mini-engagement session at the end of the shoot.

Earlier this summer, Stacey found herself with Jonathan on one knee trying to propose. I say trying because he was so overcome with emotion, he could only choke out "will you?" between tears. I don't care who you are--that's so cute!

Stacey and Jonathan will officially be Mr. and Mrs. in just a few short weeks, and he is such a great fit into the family! You can tell the kids really love him, and Stacey is head over heels for him.

I don't need to say that he very much reciprocates it all and then some. You can see it for yourself in his face.

A Guest Book With Style

Here's a little sneak peek at a guest book I designed for an upcoming wedding. Try as I might to do a nice, crisp, classic design... I just can't. I have recently tried going that direction, but I can't seem to get the rich colors and textures out of my system. Somehow, a project just doesn't look finished unless there are at least two dozen photoshop layers.

I suppose it's my signature style.

Anyway, here are a few of my favorite pages.

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!

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!

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!

Shad & Melinda

I did an engagement shoot with Shad and Melinda on Sunday afternoon, and it was COLD outside! I could hardly move my fingers by the time we were done, but it was still fun, and I'm so pleased with how the photos turned out. They brought their dog, McKinley, along for the shoot who kept me laughing. I'm doing Shad and Melinda's wedding in September, and I can't wait. It's going to be beautiful!

All in the Family

My family came to me this Thanksgiving and it was wonderful! Everything turned out better than expected, and I even got to get some shots of my twin sister and her husband. They were in town from Arizona and graciously braved the 29 degrees for some great photos. I wish the holiday lasted a little bit longer!

Scott & AJ

Last weekend our precious friends, Scott and AJ, were in Sunriver with 125 college students from Calvary Chapel Corvallis for the annual fall retreat. After all the students left and they had a chance to breathe we went out to get some portraits. It was tough to narrow down my favorites mostly because I always see them in "ministry mode." Their tenderness and love for each other is so strong in these photos! And I had to include one of Josh, who tagged along as comedy relief to get a good smile out of Scott! :)