Jon & Liddy say "I do"

Last weekend I had the privilege of shooting the wedding of Elizabeth & Jonathan (henceforth referred to as Liddy & Jon). It was my first time solo shooting a wedding and I was a little worried I might be a nervous wreck, but in the end it was pretty easy to fall into the flow of the day and enjoy capturing all of those little moments that make a wedding day so memorable. Now, on to what you really came here for...

The wedding had a subtle VanGogh theme. Sunflowers were present throughout and references to Starry Night and other famous VanGogh works graced various elements of the ceremony and reception.

I love the look on Liddy's face as her mom laces her corset gown. I was so happy to get a shot that included her mom's wedding ring. I love thinking about the history that makes up a wedding day.

Seriously, have you ever seen anyone get dressed out of the back of a volvo and make it look like a spread for GQ? I caught Jon completely unawares on this one, and I'm certainly glad that I did. I'm pretty sure that I told him that if he was going to do anything else as interesting as getting dressed out of a car trunk that he needed to give me a heads up.

This is Sam, the maid of honor. In this photo she has yet to change into her bridesmaid dress, but I still love this image of her.

Liddy and Sam have been best friends since about junior high. This year they faced some tough times together. Sam's father, Bruce, was a second father figure to Liddy. Last spring Bruce lost his battle with cancer.

Liddy wanted to honor this very special person in her life on her wedding day, so for her "something borrowed" she borrowed Bruce's wedding ring. Sam helped pin the ring inside of Liddy's bodice, near her heart. It was a beautiful, sad, happy, amazing moment.

This is one of my favorite shots of Liddy. She looked amazing.

Jon's dad is a pastor and he officiated the ceremony.

I think this is my favorite shot of the couple. This is a candid taken just moments after the couple exited the wedding ceremony.

The day of the wedding was rainy, rainy rainy, but miraculously the rain cleared for both the formal family portraits AND the post-ceremony shoot with Liddy and Jon at a nearby park. I could've done a little dance over that one!

The park shoot was fun, but time passed all too quickly and Liddy & Jon needed to head back to their guests. I'll never tell what rather embarrasing moment preceeded this image, but I'm sure you'll have fun guessing! Unless of course you were there, in which case I'm sure this will give you a chuckle.

Liddy & Jon left out postcards of VanGogh paintings on the tables for guests to write them messages on. What a cute idea! Notice that the votive shadow also looks like a sunflower.

Jon and Liddy, thank you so much for letting me share in your special day. I appreciated your confidence in me and your enthusiasm so very much. I couldn't have asked for a better "first couple." I hope you enjoyed your sneak peak. I had such a hard time sorting and deciding which ones to post! Congratulations. I truly wish you the best.

Jen, Jon, Cooper & Bailey

Bailey Rose {Portland Oregon Newborn Photographer}

A few days ago I had the wonderful privilege of photographing two week old Miss. Bailey Rose. Bailey is beyond precious with her full head of hair, deep blue eyes and sweet, calm disposition. No doubt about it, Bailey is a blessing to the D family. Big brother Cooper and parents Jon and Jen think so too.

Seriously, is there any other time in your life when flaky feet are cute? I love that Bailey spread her toes for me in this shot. She stayed wide awake for most of our session and she was very intrigued by how Mom and Dad's rings felt around her little toes. She playing with them with her feet and curling her toes around them.


This is Bailey's serious look. For her modelling portfolio I think.

and content...

I really do love baby feet. Jen will probably laugh when she sees all of the foot shots in Bailey's gallery.

Aren't those lips just amazing?

After spending some time photographing Miss. Bailey indoors I headed to the park with the D family to take some pictures of the proud new family and of two year old big brother Cooper. Those will be up next!

Rose Garden

If you happen to be in the Portland area, I would highly recommend taking a stop by the Rose Garden at this time of year. I also highly recommend having a husband that is fantastic enough to arrange childcare (this step is important!) and pack a picnic for two at the Rose Garden for your 7 year wedding anniversary.

Here's to 7 years with a wonderful partner, one that encourages all of my dreams.

Ethan Joseph, 6 weeks.

I'm very excited to be able to officially introduce Ethan Joseph.

6 weeks old can be a tricky age to photograph. They have already grown and changed so much from the squishy, sleepy babe they were just a few short weeks ago. Fortunately for me, Ethan decided to be cooperative for his modeling debut. He was willing to flash his lovely dark blue eyes and he was willing to catch a little shut eye for me too.

Speaking of eyes... I love this little peeky expression.



Ethan likes to take everything in... all at once.






This one is, hands down, my favorite from the shoot. Lovely mom, lovely baby.

This one isn't too bad either ;) There is just something amazing about about capturing the Mother-Child bond. You know, the one that gets you through the fussy nursing marathon that is the 6 week growth spurt.



Enjoy it Lindsay, I'll be doing his one year portraits before you know it.

Sneak Peek- Ethan

You know me, I love a sneak peek. So while I work on some lovely images of Mr. Ethan, I'll tide you over with these:

Sweet Shira

15 day old Shira was sweetness personified. He was such a pleasure to photograph. I probably could have stayed all day.

His mom, Ashley, is pretty amazing too. Seriously. She has the makings of a wonderful mom.

Look at those lips!



I got just a couple little peeks.





...and then back off to dreamland



Maybe he did get upset a time or two. I love this crying shot. Pretty photogenic for a mad little guy.

My favorite from the session

Session Information

Before the session you can expect to have a pre-session consultation with me by phone. We'll cover location, clothing and other session basics. Together, we'll come up with a plan for a portrait session that is a perfect fit for your family. If the session involves children I'll ask a little bit about their personality so I can be prepared to work with them in a way that suits their energy level, emotional needs and interests. You will also receive a welcome packet and what to wear guide.

For a family session you can expect to spend about two hours playing, laughing and tickling at a location of your choice. Of course, I always have location recommendations if you don't have something in mind. You'll never feel rushed or hurried and your kids will be allowed to be kids.

Newborn sessions take place in your home and are best if scheduled BEFORE 14 days old. If possible, contact me before the baby is born and I will leave several possible openings around your due date. These sessions are calm, peaceful and relaxed. We will be sure to allow plenty of time for all of the feeding and diapering needs that punctuate the typical newborn session. Expect me to come with a few simple props, swaddle wraps and hats!

Maternity Sessions are best scheduled around 34-37 weeks of pregnancy to really show off that lovely baby bump.

High school senior sessions take place on location and also last about 2 hours. The options are endless for seniors and so are the clothing changes.

Be sure to sign up for "Enjoying the Little Things."

About Natalie

When I was in the second grade I had three great career aspirations:

1.) I wanted to be an artist.

2.) I wanted to be a teacher.

3.) I wanted to be a mom.

I feel extremely blessed that I've had the opportunity to do all three. I'm sure my 8 year old self would have been quite pleased that I graduated from the University of Iowa with my degree in studio art and my K-12 art education certification. In 2005, my husband and I welcomed our first daughter and even my 8 year old dreams were far surpassed.

I became familiar with photography in high school, but I really started channeling my personal creative energy into photography once I became a mom. The days of infancy and childhood rush by so quickly (I know, I know cliche... but profoundly true) Documenting those every day little moments became a passion.

I live in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland with my husband and our 3 lively young children. As a family we enjoy making art projects, family movie nights and having dance parties in the living room.

My favorite portraits capture relationships. A quick snuggle with mom, a ride on Dad's shoulders... those little bits of childhood that you'll never want to forget. My style is fresh and playful, but also extremely personal. I'm not usually looking for the big cheese smile. I know I've down my job well when I hear you exclaim, "That is SO my son/daughter!"

Investment

Portrait Session … $100

Includes…

*Pre-session phone consultation

*What to wear guide
*1-2 hour session for up to 5 people. (Newborn sessions include a 1.5-2.5 hour session) at a location of your choice.
*Proofing of 20-30 selected edited and retouched images.
*You may request a low resolution, watermarked digital copy of any image that you order a print of to use for online sharing.

The session fee is due at the time of booking. In case of client cancellation (with notice) the session fee is transferable, but not refundable.

Please inquire about travel fees for sessions outside of the Portland area.

An 8x10 gift print a la carte is $30. Portrait collections start at $300. Full resolution digital negatives are available. Please email me at nataliewhisler@hotmail.com for a current price list.


Special Offers

Referral Program
Refer a friend and get $50 off a future session or a free 8x10 gift print of your choice! Your referral must be a new client and they must mention your name when they book their session. Print credit or session credit will be applied when the new client pays his/her session fee.

First Year Package
$200
Includes newborn session, one infant session (recommended for 6-7 months), and first birthday session. A maternity session may be added to the First Year Package for $75. This package does not include prints or collections and may not be combined with any other promotions.