Children's Portraits | Lifestyle Photography | Monmouth, Oregon

 I just finished up my last session before I take a much needed break this spring.

The "photographer's workout", bending, sprawling on the ground, climbing, 

and squatting, isn't possible any longer at nearly 9 months pregnant.



I was happy to catch a beautiful day with an equally beautiful boy for his 5th birthday shoot.




Nathaniel, self nicknamed "Nano", is a natural and I have fun with him every time I do his photos.






*Watching the evolution of my photography over the last 5 years is humbling, yet gratifying. 

Still love what I do!





All these photos are taken at my barn by my house. 

Nano is leaning on a grain bin that he thought was pretty stinky. Such is life on the farm

This city-slicker did really well, posing and smiling, enduring the smell. :)












 Just 10 more years and we'll hand you the keys Nano.



Photobucket

Wedding Day | Salem, Oregon | Wedding Photographer

 On Sunday I captured the moments of Diane and Kenny's wedding in Keizer.


Rain, sun, and everything in between came along for the ride,

but we were thankful the events went on without any weather related issues.

It was a lovely day!






We even went outside for some shots after the ceremony.

It was super cold (the ladies in their beautiful gowns were courageous!), but not raining too bad!


I love working with my second-shooter Jill because she captures something
special every time. This image is hers, the one above is mine from a different angle.







The few sprinkle were deflected by an umbrella and we

seized the setting sunlight for pictures of the happy couple.











The details were beautiful.














A privilege to be part of the first day of the rest of this special couple's life together.




Photobucket

Photography Class




The goal of this photography class is to provide information on digital photography to help you quickly improve your skills, using your DSLR to its full advantage. Weekly photo challenges (shared on Flickr) will challenge you and give helpful feedback as you learn. I’ll be using Scott Kelby’s book Digital Photography, as the main reference (not necessary to buy) and sharing from my experience as a self-taught photographer.



My hope is that we can bring together a group of women who are photo enthusiasts, eager to learn and have fun together in a no-pressure environment. The class will be held at my home on Saturdays in March from 1:30-3:30pm, or 4pm. The cost is $50 for all 4 Saturdays plus a field trip in Polk County to practice our skills at the end of the class. I am limiting the class size to 6, notify me ASAP so I can save your spot. 3 851 4122 or email: ajepeters@gmail.com

 *Week One (March 10, 2012):
 Shooting in manual
Aperture, Shutter speed, and ISO
Nailing Focus
Too dark vs. too light
Edit as you shoot
Photo Challenge: Manual mode using natural light

 *Week Two (March 17, 2012):
 Shooting Portraits
Where to focus, setting focal points
Positioning Subjects (groups, newborns, and kids)
Backgrounds Indoor/outdoor (using flash)
Photo Challenge: People picture

 *Week Three (March 24, 2012):
 Action Shots
Shutter Speed
Pre-focusing
Moving Portraits (kids ages 9 months to 10 years ☺ )
Showing Motion Shooting in burst mode
Vertical vs. horizontal shots
Photo Challenge: Action, showing motion

 *Week Four (March 31, 2012):
 Part I: Composing Great Landscapes
Shooting in Aperture Priority Mode
Horizontal lines, rule of thirds
Part II: Photo editing using Photoshop Elements, quick tips to make great pictures even better Photo Challenge: Landscape shot + Photo Editing shot



 *This is the basic schedule, although it may change due to the needs of the group and/or time restraints.







Family Holiday Photography | Independence/Monmouth, Oregon







I just finished up my last session of 2011.

I might try to squeeze in one more on Sunday if this nice weather holds out.

This time of year is so tricky with the weather and busyness. 

I love, love doing family pictures.







This was just a "mini" session, meaning I took fewer pictures and less poses to save on time in this inclement weather. I got so many cute pictures of these guys, this is just a small sampling.


I did a whole mini-session day last year and this family was among the brave souls who came out in the 20 degree temps for pictures. 


I'm so thankful for my loyal customers and I'm happy to serve this special family again.


Photobucket

Family Photography | Monmouth Oregon | Lifestyle Photographer


It has been a few weeks and I am finally posting a really awesome session from Vancouver, Washington.


A good friend of mine was in town visiting family and I was able to hook up with her for a couple of hours and take pictures for her.







We've known eachother for 15 years! It was such a pleasure taking pictures for her family.


They were married 5 years ago to the day of the session and had wedding photos at this exact location.







I love to SEE how time flies when you are having fun!


Last time I saw little Jack, he was about 6 weeks old. 

Check out this session for their great family shoot at the retirement home -- something I will never forget (link).














Love their outfits and the colors! Nice work :).








While the baby was warming up, I took some pictures of just the newlyweds (+ 5 years).


Their life-long friendship is still evident in their strong marriage.




I'm so happy I got to spend a little time with this sweet guy.

What a cutie! It was cold and blustery, but still he managed to be completely pleasant (thanks to Grandma was fantastic at getting smiles).





Photobucket

Destination Wedding Photography | Monmouth, Oregon | San Diego, California

The rainy and cold NW is a bit different than San Diego at this time of year.

Okay, it is different no matter what time of year. Palm trees vs. pine trees and all that.

The wedding was gorgeous, the weather perfect, and everyone I encountered was delightful.





We started the day bright and early at the church. 

The girls got ready and I've never seen such serenity and beauty in one room.






The details were lovely. Red and turquoise blue were the perfect accents 

for the bright and cheery day!













At the top of the church's property sat this little shed. It seemed pretty out of place in a parking lot, but absolutely perfect for photos. It was as though it was painted especially for this bride's color scheme.


The chair was a prop that my second-shooter, Lisa, brought. Perfect color!




The guys got ready quite peacefully too.

With a day surrounded in prayer and friendship, even little hick-ups like a best-man without a tie were handled without stress.

(With a quick trip to the tuxedo shop, a tie was found and pictures could go on :)













The church had this banner up that said, "It's time." 

So applicable for Adam and April who were filled with excited anticipation over this day. Adam got back from a lengthy deployment right before the wedding. It was so awesome to see this couple finally together as man and wife.


After the ceremony, the whole wedding party headed to the marina for pictures... in separate cars.


With a few getting lost, the 45 minute window for wedding party photos and bride and groom photos was crunched to about 15 minutes total.









Much thanks to a very cooperative wedding party, a local second-shooter (friend of the bride's) who scouted the location before-hand, and glorious San Diego weather.


I managed to get enough of this great group to make me happy.

Of course more time would have been awesome, but I'm happy it worked out in the short time available.







Check out the cute ring-bearer and flower-girl, nephew and niece of the groom. The two-year-old twins did fantastic. I kept thinking of how my own two-year-old would have been acting mid-afternoon without a nap -- not so sweet. 



I was so thankful these little ones were so good!








I first met April in San Diego in 2003, a friend of a friend. She kindly followed my personal blog from the beginning and then my photography blog as my business progressed.


It was an honor when she asked me to do wedding photos for her and Adam. I was so excited! Destination wedding photography isn't something I will probably pursue in the future (take regular wedding photography stress and quadruple it!), but it was really fun for this weekend and this special friend.


April found such a great match in Adam. What a privilege to capture their special day!







I wanted to spend the whole afternoon photographing this couple! 

Look how stunning they are. But we had about 5 minutes :).















 The reception was a short drive away and the guests were eagerly waiting for the bride and groom!







This is just a quick glimpse of the many photos from this awesome day!




Just married.....








Photobucket

Family Portraits | Dallas, Oregon | Lifestyle Photography








There was no shortage of laughter in this family's session.

Even though I met them the day of the shoot, I felt right at home with this bunch.
















This sweety-pie girl couldn't have been more charming.  How cute!















Love that the Fall colors were out in full force.

This is my favorite time of year!

Photobucket

Family Pictures | Dallas, Oregon | Lifestyle Photography

It was my second year taking pictures of this family. 

They are delight!









Our lovely Fall weather wasn't cooperating very well, but thankfully the people were.

I'll take nice people over nice weather any day. 

:)











Mom's out there everywhere are going to sigh at these next shots.....








After the "posed" shots,

Little K tried out his fireman rain gear.








Yep, it works!!




Photobucket