Newborn Session in Bend, OR | Baby Reece

I typically recommend clients to contact me as soon as they know they want to schedule a session with me since I tend to book out in advance. Reece's mama contacted me when he was already a few days old but luckily, I happened to have an opening that very weekend! I knew as soon as Jennifer and I connected about a newborn session for her new baby boy Reece that I would fall in love with her session. You see, Jennifer is a former KTVZ-News Channel 21 news reporter and producer here where I live in Bend, Oregon. She has such style and grace-I was so excited to work with her! 

I arrived at the house to Jennifer's mom welcoming me in while Jennifer was finishing getting ready. I use this time to look for where the light is falling and where the best natural light is. We decided the master bedroom had the best light and got started in there. I brought with me a couple neutral props which mama and I had emailed about; a basket, a simple wrap/swaddle and a couple of cute bonnets. Of course, we had to get some shots in Reece's adorable nursery and it's a must to get a few breastfeeding photos-it's something I wish I had. 

Little Reece was SO good to me. He needed just a little bit of persuading but quickly zonked out for a good chunk of time and we got so many great images!

Here are some of my favorites from this lovely session:

Michael & Joella ~ Bend, Oregon Photographer

Funny that I should be posting a snowy winter session just as it's finally starting to warm up here ;) 

I first met Michael and Joella last September when I signed up to train for the Happy Girls Half Marathon through Fleet Feet of Bend. Michael and Joella were my coaches! 

Joella reached out to me about needing some professional photos for an upcoming marriage and family therapy conference she and Michael were speaking at. Michael and Joella are marriage and family therapists at Cascadia Institute located in NWX here in Bend (www.cascadiafamilytherapy.com). 

 After a few setbacks no thanks to the weather, scheduling conflicts and life getting in the way, we finally set a date. Turns out, the date we decided on was the same day a huge winter storm was set to roll in. I was expecting disappointment and having to re-schedule our session (again), but instead, Michael and Joella were game and excited for their snowy winter session-a score for me because I'm always up for a bit of an adventure! 

We drove up to Mt. Bachelor with Michael and Joella's dog, Abbey, in tow to find the weather cold but so beautiful! We had a pretty impressive snow season here in Oregon and there was no shortage of the fluffy white stuff. We finished our time together with some fun couple(y) photos and of course, we had to include Abbey. You'd have no idea Abbey is an older dog judging by her bounding around in the snow-she looked like a puppy! 

During our last communication a few days ago Joella shared with me that "Michael just said “Its time to schedule our summer session”'. It makes me so happy to hear that clients had a good time at their session and love their images! 

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! 

Jundt Family ~ Sparks Lake, Oregon

Wow, you guys. I'm so way behind on blogging. Running and growing a small photography business + raising 3 boys = no time, but here goes!

When communicating with the Jundt family they expressed an interest in a family session with a view of the mountains. Immediately I thought of Sparks Lake. I'd been wanting to have a session up there forever, but most of my clients have wanted to stay closer to town. The trek up there, granted very beautiful, is a little more lengthy than most would like. 

Little Addie and Charlie (mom & dad too) were such troopers! The sun was still setting later than what is convenient with little kids, but they were fantastic. I was told by Addie that they do a lot of hiking so taking a walk to explore a little was right up their alley. The light was just a photographer's dream! 

Thanks Jundt family for our evening of adventuring! 

Welcome to the World, Patti-Lu ~ Bend, OR Birth Photography

Ty contacted me months ago asking me to photograph her baby girl's birth. See, her husband is overseas with the Marine Corps and they weren't sure if he would make it back for the birth. Ty wanted everything documented and I was so excited she asked me! Photographing births is something I hope to offer more frequently. Luckily, Ty's husband, Kevin, was able to fly in after all and we spent the beginning part of the night chatting, along with Ty's sister and Ty's doula.

Things were progressing slowly, but steadily. Soon enough, it was time to push. Within 30 minutes, Patti-Lu (Patricia Louise) was welcomed into the world. There was not a dry eye in that room! Thank you, Ty and Kevin, for allowing me to photograph this amazing miracle. I am so honored to have been there.

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.