Sparks Lake {Bend, Oregon} Maternity + Family Session

I first met Maggie years ago when I was working childcare at Barre3 in Bend, Oregon. Maggie was an instructor and although she has moved on to other endeavors (she’s a fabulous real estate agent!), we have kept in touch via social media.

Maggie reached out to me for a maternity/family session and I was thrilled when she picked one of my favorite spots-Sparks Lake. Mountain views, water, wide open spaces-Sparks Lake provides the most amazing backdrop.

I can’t wait to meet the new addition to the family soon-a baby girl!

bend_oregon_photographer1.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer2.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer100.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer102.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer103.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer104.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer105.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer106.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer107.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer108.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer109.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer110.jpg
bend_oregon_photographer111.jpg

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 Ward Family | Maternity Photos | Smith Rock Oregon

I knew as soon as we exchanged that first email that Rebekah and I would jive. She just "sounded" like such a friendly person, plus she was up for meeting at one of my favorite places-Smith Rock. 

I could hear Rebekah and Dale's little girl, Clara, chatting away as soon as soon as I arrived. Clara didn't need much warming up to me and she even showed me her new baby doll, appropriately named "Baby". At the end of our session, Clara even gave me a kiss on the cheek! 

I'll leave you with my favorites from this lovely maternity session. Smith Rock certainly is a breathtaking backdrop for any photo session. I cannot wait to find out of the newest member of the family will be another little girl, or a boy! What do you think it will be?

smith_rock_bend_oregon_maternity_photos_0005.jpg
smith_rock_bend_oregon_maternity_photos_012
smith_rock_bend_oregon_maternity_photos_0004.jpg
smith_rock_bend_oregon_maternity_photos_0006.jpg
smith_rock_bend_oregon_maternity_photos_0009.jpg
smith_rock_bend_oregon_maternity_photos_0010.jpg
smith_rock_bend_oregon_maternity_photos_011
smith_rock_bend_oregon_maternity_photos_014

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! 

sparks-lake-family-session
sparks-lake-fall-session
family-photos-sparks-lake
central-oregon-photographer
sparks-lake-oregon-family-portrait
photographer-oregon
sparks-lake-portrait
family-portrait-sparks-lake

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.