{Benji is ONE!} Cake Smash Session in Bend, Oregon

I love seeing my returning clients, it always feels like no time has passed! The P family first hired me a year ago to photograph Benji’s newborn session. They hired me again in the fall for some family photos, and just recently again for Benji’s cake smash!

We had just had a crazy snowstorm here in Bend, Oregon and feet of snow was still covering the ground when it was time for Benji’s session. The family was unsure about using their home, so I suggested White Aspen Creative, a photography studio, which had just re-opened in a new location. The space was perfect and I love having it as a backup when weather is less than desirable.

Enjoy these photos from Benji’s 1st birthday cake smash session!

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!

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! 

Hansen Family ~ Old Mill District, Bend Oregon

When I posted a sneak peek on my Facebook page of the Hansen family, my caption said that families that come back to me is the biggest compliment I could ask for-and it's not joke! I'm so happy the Hansen's asked me to photograph their sweet family again this year. Last year, the session took place on their gorgeous property, but this year they wanted to branch out a little. The Old Mill District was the perfect spot and boasts a little of everything-some nature scapes, some industrial (as industrial as Bend can get… :) ) and a little mix of the two. 

The girls are full of personality and I LOVED spending my time with them. With my own household full of boys, it was a treat to hang with the girls for a while. Thanks again Hansen's for hanging out with me on a most gorgeous October evening! 

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! 

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