The J Family | Old Mill District | Family Photos in Bend Oregon

I have known the J family since my oldest son was in preschool with Liam. Since the day we met, Lisa and I have been close friends. Do you have one of those friends who just "get you"? Lisa's mine. The boys now go to different schools so we don't often get to see each other as much as we'd like.  I was so honored to be asked to photograph their family again. The Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon was the perfect backdrop for this fun session. I love the urban feel to it! We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place-there are endless fields, woods and natural scenery. It was fun to step out of my norm a little :) 

Next time you're looking for fall family photo locations, consider the Old Mill District in Bend for a little bit of everything!

The P Family | Family Photos at Shevlin Park | Bend Oregon Photographer

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this session was so much fun! I really feel like I say that about all my sessions, but I really do have the best clients who make our sessions so enjoyable.

When Terri mentioned she wanted some shots of her family and their two dogs, I had no idea they would be bringing bears to our session! Ok, maybe not bears, but two very large dogs. They each weigh about 200lbs!!! I'm pretty impressed though, they were so well behaved and sweet. Had it not been 90 degrees during our session I would have LOVED to snuggle up with the dogs. 

We met at Shevlin Park which is one of my favorite places to shoot. There's such an array of beautiful areas to photograph in this large park. Whether it be the meadow in front of the Aspen trees, which by the way is absolutely breathtaking in the fall when the colors change, or the multiple bridges available, and even quaint little spots by the water-there is no shortage of beautiful scenes. I couldn't have asked for our session to go any smoother-the dogs were great,the kids were great, and the weather was perfect  :) 

Thanks P family!

a look back at twenty sixteen.

Wow-what a year!

I wanted to get this post up before the end of the year; my FIRST year officially in business, a year of successes, break-throughs, lots of ups, some downs, but most importantly, a year of privilege. Privilege because being invited to capture the memories of so many families, being invited into their homes and into their lives, to capture these moments forever IS a true privilege. I am so lucky!

Twenty sixteen was a year of growth and personal struggles trying to balance family and work life. Having been a stay at home mom for the last seven years where parenting was the biggest challenge (and boy, is it a challenge some days!)  I won't lie, there were days I came home from a shoot during the busy season to my husband pulling his hair out keeping our wild boys in check. 

The thing is, I LOVE photography. I love capturing a season in time for a family. It's no secret that family is #1 in my book and documenting a moment in time for them is my passion. Looking back at photos of my own family and knowing the memories I preserve will be cherished forever gives me all the feels <3

I'd like to thank my husband for his never-ending support. He truly is my biggest fan, my biggest cheerleader. Without him there would be no Yvette Seile Photography.

Finally, an enormous thank you to all my clients I've had the pleasure of photographing this year. It's been amazing meeting you and sharing our time together. I can't wait to see what next year will offer and hope to see you all in 2017! 

What to Wear Guide for Family Photos-Bend, OR Photographer

So, you've booked a session with your favorite photographer but now you have no idea what to wear! More than any other question, clients ask me what they should wear for their family session. Putting together outfits can be a daunting task, but hopefully this tips and tricks guide will help you! 

• I always recommend to start with one base outfit and build from there. Usually it's mom's chosen outfit that dictates the flow of the color palette.  It seems to be so much easier that way, and moms are usually the reason why the session is happening in the first place anyway.
• Wear what you feel good in! Too often we choose an item of clothing because we love how it looks, even if it is uncomfortable. If you are not comfortable in what you're wearing, it will show. 
• Long gone are the days of each family member matching (think everyone in jeans & white shirts). Instead of matching color, coordinate color. Choose two or three main colors for the wardrobe and add maybe an extra pop of accent color. It's important to express yourself, too, kids especially. 

• Dress appropriately for the weather. If you live in Central Oregon you know it can be 70's and sunny one day, and low 50's, windy and cloudy the next. Don't put your little girl in a short sleeved summer dress for a 55 degree fall evening session. Similarly, don't put your son in a wool sweater for your session when temps will hit the 80's!
• Avoid fluorescent colors. I know they're in style at the moment (especially for kids), but soon that style will be old news. They can also photograph very harshly. Of course, neutrals are fantastic as well.

• Layer & accessorize! Layers can add such fun dimensions to images. Cardigans, belts, hats, scarves are all fantastic options! Don't forget that statement necklace, earrings..

• Lastly, keep in mind where your shoot is taking place. If your session is in a wooded, grassy area, avoid wearing green, as you'll blend in too much with the scenery. Same with blues and ocean/lake/water backdrops. 

Fall Family Session Winner! Bend, Oregon Photographer

We have a WINNER!

Congratulations to Lindsay Haley Corder for winning a free fall family session!  Make sure to contact me so we can start planning your session!

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this contest a success! 

*winner chosen using random.org, a true random number generator.

 

Ty - Shevlin Park, Bend OR Maternity Session

I first met Ty years ago when we both worked childcare at our local barre3 studio. We've kept in contact ever since and I was so honored when she asked me to take her maternity photos. We spent about an hour and a half talking, laughing and exploring. Little miss Veda is quite the sassy girl and multiple times belted out Frozen's "Let It Go" for us. We had a blast! 

Ty, you're beautiful in every way. I can't wait to meet and photograph baby girl <3