Life Becomes Art

NEW BLOG~

2010-12-08T17:40:00.001-08:00

I have moved my blog.. please join me.
www.artisticcliques.com/blog

See you there!

I ♥ Faces Orchard Entry

2010-10-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Over at I Heart Faces there is a contest for your favorite orchard image. This shot was taken near and abandoned house, the old apple orchard long forgotten. The light and the subject were perfect. Go on over and check out I Heart Faces!

Love that Shot! ~ My submission

2010-10-06T00:46:00.000-07:00

Great contest going on at Love that Shot and I decided to enter this shot of Kaelynn.
This was shot in September and was an amazing session with an adorable young girl. I just did some color adjustments, sharpening, a little PW lighten. I would love to see how this photo would come alive with some Florabella actions.

Show Me Your "Style" Contest

2010-09-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone I thought it was time to do a contest ~

Show me your style ~ Any style welcome! It can be Fun, Funky, Fresh, Retro, Rad or anything that makes your look fantastic. Send me a photo with your best look. Photos will be posted on Artistic Cliques fan page on facebook, and will be voted on by friends, family and fans. { all voters will need to like the fan page } Winner will receive a fun fantastic photo adventure that will come with a complimentary 11x14 print. Entries must be submitted to artisticcliques@gmail.com by midnight Sunday October 3rd. Voting will run until midnight Sunday October 10Th. Winner Announced Monday October 11Th. This contest is open to anyone willing to travel to the Portland Oregon or Yakima WA area {{I am in Yakima usually one time a month}} for the winner's session. This is a contest for Individuals and open to male or female 16 and older {under 18 must have parents permission and parents will need to sign a release form at session} Session must be used by November 30Th.

Paint The Moon Action Give Away

2010-09-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Paint the Moon and Inspire Me Baby giving away the entire store at Paint the Moon to one lucky winner. She has amazing actions to enhance your photos, be sure to check out Paint the Moon and enter the contest to win at Inspire Me Baby

Yakima, WA travel dates and session specials.

2010-09-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

I will be traveling to Yakima, WA and available for sessions everyday and evening Sept 7th through Sept 19th. Session special for these dates will be your choice of the following for $150 dollars. Session creation fee included in all packages.

1) Senior Style
(1) 8x10
(48) wallets

2) Family Affair
(5) Units ~ you design (see unit description below)

3) Make Mine Larger
(3) Units
(1) 11x14

A unit is the same pose in one of the following groups
(1) 8x10
or
(2) 5x7
or
(4) 4x6
or
(8) wallets

Please book your spot as soon as possible by emailing artisticcliques@gmail.com
You can also email for additional information. You can pay via paypal with check or credit card prior to session ~ Or cash the day of session.

This is great for seniors, couples, family, children, engagements, "ROCKIN" the dress, model portfolios etc.

Thanks and have an amazing day.

From Boys to Men ~ Seniors Class of 2011

2010-08-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

I took the challenge of photographing 4 young men while in Yakima ~ It was both fun and challenging. We started on some private property on the top of a hill.. It was bright and very warm with not much shade to speak of. After some suffering and several bottles of water, we moved into the small town of Tieton for better light and less misery from the heat. Meet Ryan, Tyler, Jared and Conor.

Brandon Class of 2011 ~ Selah, WA

2010-08-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

Brandon is soft spoken, with a gentle laugh and was a joy to photograph. We had a lot of fun at all the locations we explored and just wanted to share a couple of the first few edits. Brandon is my nephew and we were scheduled to do senior portraits on Friday night. On Wednesday I got permission to shoot at the old lumber mill but could only get in on Friday during the day. I called Brandon and he graciously said he would go with me to explore the mill and he brought his girlfriend with him. Thanks to Brandon and Maira for being my models for an amazing adventure in Rust, Textures, blinding sun and HEAT.

Yakima and Young Love

2010-08-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to photograph my nephew Brandon and his girlfriend Maira while in Yakima this last weekend, between their senior shots {those will be blogged soon}. Young love is so infectious and fun, they were a blast to hang out with. We had the chance to shoot at an old lumber mill full of rust, metal and textures.. Here are a couple of the first edits.

Portrait Collection Special ~ Great for Everyone, Perfect for Seniors

2010-07-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

We will be running a Portrait special for the month of August. This is good for any session with up to 3 people. Class of 2011, engagements, families, models, children can all take advantage of this great deal.

Also Artistic Cliques will be in the Yakima area July 30th through Aug 1st {{sessions still available}}

$150 Creative session includes 1-2 hours of fun, online proofing of at least 25 edited pictures, webshare disc and the following prints

8x10 of your choice
and 48 wallets (48 one pose or 24/24 two poses)
*if wallets are not needed I will work out a custom package for you*
prints are a $175 dollar value

Session can be prepaid using credit card or checking account through Paypal
Or Cash at the time of session. Prints must be ordered within 2 weeks after online gallery is uploaded.
Contact me at artisticcliques@gmail.com

A "Summer" Day with a chance of shyness

2010-07-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

I photographed a beautiful blond 2 year old today.. Meet Summer. Summer is beautiful and a little shy, it took her a little time to warm up to me and my camera. Once the warmth of Summer set in she was off and running like any perfect 2 year old. Youth really has a way of reminding us how old we are! We played in the park, picked dandelions and smelled the roses {{Mom had a lovely bouquet of dandelions and several stray rose petals by the end of our time together. Summer loves sticks and found one that was perfect for our journey. She also wanted to help carry things and had her heart set on my little wooden seat.. {{It was almost as big as she was}} I hope you enjoy the lovely images that are in this sneak peek, and thanks for joining Summer and myself on our journey.

Anniversary Weekend ~

2010-07-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

I am having an amazing anniversary weekend. Lots of fun times with some of my favorite peeps {{my family}}. One of the adventures this weekend was a trip to Saturday Market. Very very busy so it was tough to really explore all the amazing sights, sounds and smells. I did however meet Ama ~ she was strumming her guitar along the pathway and of course my camera was drawn near. I had a chance to visit with her while I snapped a few photos. She was recently on the radio, a highlight in her young life as you could easily hear how proud and excited she was to share that. I asked Ama if she liked hanging out at the park, playing for people. She told me sometimes, when I asked how about today she told me it was half and half. We finally moved on and explored some of the amazing art scattered around the booths. I hope everyone's weekend is going well and that you are safe and happy.
{{hugs}}

Kelsie {{ WOW }} sneak peek

2010-06-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

I had the most fun with Kelsie today! She is amazing and beautiful, and so very comfortable in front of the camera. I always have loved close shots as I believe the eyes are truly the window to the soul. I do always try to get a little full length and 3/4 shots.. but with Kelsie her stunning eyes kept drawing me close. {{ I am sure you can see why }} Kelsie, Thanks so much for hanging with me, for crawling in the grass and for helping me rock your session with some amazing images!

Brandon and Tony ~ Sneak Peek

2010-06-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of photographing Brandon and Tony. I have known Tony for a long time and he is so dear to me. Tony's friend Brandon is in Portland visiting from California, so they wanted some pictures together, but Brandon also wanted some individual shots. He told me he had never had a photo shoot and all his pictures are selfies. A little shy in front of the camera at first with me joking a few nervous smiles. By the end of the session, He was much more relaxed. I was honored I was able to be a part of his first photo shoot and look forward to photographing him again in the future. Thanks Tony and Brandon for the wonderful morning!

Senior Rep Program {{The Art of You}}

2010-06-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Artistic Cliques Photography is looking for 1-2 seniors from each local Portland/Vancouver School to be our senior reps. What does being a Senior Rep include?

* Discounted session fee session is $100 that includes $50 dollar print credit.
* $15 Dollars in cash for every paid referral
* Additional $10 dollars in print credit for every paid referral

Send request to artisticcliques@gmail.com
Please include

Name:
School:

Even in the Rain {{Family Session}}

2010-06-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning the rain was not what I wanted to see as I had a large family session scheduled. After almost canceling, the Tisha decided it was rain or shine and the show must go on. Such troopers the little ones and adults alike. It made for a cooler and interesting time. Thanks for hanging in there and going ahead with full steam. Here is my fav family shot of the day and a few of the extras to tease you a little.

Tia ~ baby bump {{ 2 }}

2010-06-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick sneak peek before I am off to enjoy the sunshine. Tia is almost due with her 2nd bundle of joy. We finally had some sunshine to get a few baby bump pictures. Tia and Pika walked around a local park for a fun mini session.

Kaitlynn {{ 13 }}

2010-06-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

I loved working with Kaitlynn. A lot of us remember those years that begin around 12 and stick with us for a few years until we truly grow into the young men and women that we are becoming. Those years that are awkward where we are stuck between child and teenager. I love drawing out these free spirits, I love being able to show them that they are beautiful and handsome and this moment in life is amazing. Kaitlynn, you are beautiful and have a smile that radiates sunshine.. never be afraid to relax and enjoy who you are, never be shy about smiling.. you are beautiful!

Ashden {{ Adorable and full of Energy}}

2010-06-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Meet Ashden ~ I had so much fun following this beautiful little 3 year old around. She is certainly like your normal 3 year old, life is a playground and she wanted to explore it all! Her beautiful eyes and red hair enchanced by the evening sun. She kept her photographer on the move and we captured some amazingly beautiful moments. I am excited to really dive into processing these wonderful captures. Here are a couple to give you a little tease of the amazing things to come.

Ashes to Ashes ~ RIP Larry

2010-06-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a day of remembering my husband's brother Larry. Larry was an avid mushroom hunter and went up in the woods above his house often to hunt Morel Mushrooms in season. He not only enjoyed the hunt, but being a wonderful chef also loved the end result. Family remembered him as they honored their brother, first by spreading his ashes in one of his favorite hunting locations and then laugher and hiking through the woods to hunt in his honor. It was a good day and the family so enjoyed every moment together {{even when it came time to look for tics}}. Larry you are missed and we hope that your final resting place would give you joy and a smile. Thanks for the memories and we love you.

New action set from Photo Professional ~ Michelle Black's SPRITZERS II: SPECTRUMS

2010-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Michelle's first SPRITZERS action set were a must have, and she has done it again! This set compliments the first set and WOW's your photos ~ take it to the next level.

Click here to visit Michelle Black Concepts.

Amazing People ~ Meet Zach

2010-05-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a day with friends and family. We started the day by picking up my Senior boy {{ now a man }} and a friend. We took Dylan to Best Buy and had Panda Express for lunch. Yummy~ after that it was off thrift shopping for costumes for an upcoming Hollywood party! I enjoyed spending the day with my wonderful husband and my youngest child {{yes he is still my child}} The day was dry and we had a great time.. then it was off to the store to get a few things for a BBQ with friends. We walked into Safeway where Zach was standing there greeting us with a smile! You know how a smile always warms your heart.. anyway.. Zach then asked what I was going to be taking pictures of. {{I never leave my camera in the car}} I thought Oh no, I am going to get a pictures are not allowed speech. I politely told him nothing at the moment, we were on the way to a BBQ. He then smiled this amazing big smile, his blue eyes certainly danced with joy and happiness and exclaimed "You can take my picture". So I did! It is so refreshing to find youth that take the time to smile and be happy. I just wanted everyone to know that there are still people in the world the smile and have certain joy in their hearts. People that make you smile, that make your day a wonderful experience. Safeway should be so lucky to have someone so personable to greet people and make them feel welcome. Thank you Zach for a wonderful mid-day pick me up and thanks for letting me capture your amazing eyes and wonderful smile.

Southern Charm ~ Leesie

2010-05-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

It was a whirlwind work visit to Yakima over the weekend, but I just couldn't get out of town without stopping to visit my aunt. I have not seen her in over 15 years, and I have really been on a mission to reconnect with family that you just seem to loose touch with as you grow older.. Sitting and talking with my Aunt I realized how much she looks like her mom, I also realized though Aunt Leesie has been in WA for many many many years, you cannot take that southern charm away. I knew that during the visit I wanted to get some portraits, and she did not protest too much and even went out in the rain for me. I ♥ my family... Aunt Leesie, I love you!

Miss Shay ~ Pretty in Pink

2010-05-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday I met Shay, the most amazing young lady with beautiful eyes and an infectious smile. A little shy, Mom and Dad decided a little time in the swing would help with the shyness ~ I just sat on the ground and talked away.. Bring in the bubbles and all was right in Shay's world! She smiled and laughed and played with mom and dad, while I followed to capture the smiles and fun. I have so many amazing photos to edit, but here is a sneak peek for mom and dad!

Savannah and Tom ~ Garden Flowers and Orange Shoes

2010-05-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of being able to celebrate with friends this weekend at Savannah and Toms wedding. I have known Savannah since she was born and her family are very dear to my heat, they are not related but in my heart they are family. I was not the official photographer so I was able to really enjoy and capture moments, I was able to focuse on the beauty that is Savannah. I love her and her family with all my heart and welcome Tom with open arms into the family. She had amazing garden flowers and rocked a pair of orange heels.. Cupcakes to die for and an evening of love and laugher!

Love is in the Air ~ Wedding Special

2010-05-11T09:50:00.001-07:00

Wouldn't you know it, I am behind on blogging about all the happenings at Artistic Cliques. I have been busy with sessions and edits and it seems when that happens my little blog gets neglected. With summer fast approaching I decided to offer a special on Weddings ~ I have a limited number of spots available so you want to book act soon. I am offering $100 dollars off any wedding package and on top of the discount every wedding package booked will receive an additional 11x14 portrait print in the package. $100 dollars off good through weddings booked by May 31st.

Dandelions are wonderful ~ family session with Ryan, Kasey and Allison

2010-04-16T17:48:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Ryan, Kasey and Allison. They were full of smiles and you could just tell they enjoyed each other. Allison was all about dancing, and giving mom and dad kisses. Thanks you guys for spending some time with me.

Spring Break Mini Sessions ~ new special

2010-03-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

I am offering for approximately the next 2 weeks until 04/18/2010 a mini creative session for $50 dollars. This includes approximately 30 minute session and 5 web resolution watermarked files for you social sites. You will also be able to order prints if you would like. This is a great time to update your facebook/myspace/linkedin etc site with some fantastic shots. This is for a single person, additional models will be $10 dollars each. This can be your child or yourself. Celebrate spring with me and book your session today. Non refundable retainer fee of $50 dollars (does apply to the mini session fee) due upon booking to hold your time. Use the contact me section of my web page Artistic Cliques to inquire.

The Lovely Miss "A" ~ Sneak Peek

2010-03-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Miss A today. At four years old she is a little ball of energy. Together we romped around her grandparent property. It is a place that for her means play and she was all around, moving from one spot to another. Her favorite color is red, and she loves all the Disney Princess'. I told her she looked like a princess so here is Princess A. We also threw daddy in a couple of pictures. Thanks Bryan and Princess A for helping make my Saturday a fun adventure.

Brenda and Family Sneak Peek ~ Yakima, WA

2010-03-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

Here is my 2nd Yakima session from the weekend.. I got to go hang out with Brenda, Travis and the kids. We had a great time at the closed fruit stand and the abandoned house across the street. I had a long weekend, but it was so much fun. Thanks Brenda and Travis for getting a little fruity with me!

Pam's Kids ~ Yakima WA session

2010-03-15T20:13:00.001-07:00

This weekend I was in Yakima and did a couple of sessions while there visiting. Pams has two rough and tumble teen boys and beautiful twin girls. I was able to take them to my uncles property and explore it with them. It was an amazing adventure with lots of fun stuff.. I can't wait to go back and do more sessions there. Here is the sneak peek from that session.. Meet Jeff, Jared, Sierra and Jaquelyn.

Lets Celebrate ! Special and Giveaway

2010-03-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

Today my website Artisticcliques.com went live! I am sure I will still be doing some fine tuning but it is such a relief to have it up. To celebrate I am running an amazing special on my creative sessions. For the next 2 weeks, anyone that prepays for a creative adventure with me (must live in or near the Portland Or Metro area) will receive the session at $100 dollars. Now that is a savings of $50 dollars! Also the session will include $50 dollars in print credit (does not come off of tax or any shipping fees). Session must be prepaid and can be scheduled anytime in the next 60 days, and booked for up to 3 months out. This can be an individual, or a group of up to (4) four people. The retainer of $100 dollars is not refundable. And that's not all! Now for the giveaway.. I will be giving away ONE of the following, winner will choose.

♥ Free creative photo adventure (must be local)
♥ one of my texture packs
♥ 11x14 art print
♥ $10 dollar Starbucks gift card.

How do you enter? Leave a comment on this blog post.. Want more chances to win? One extra entry for each of the following

♥ Share the blog link on facebook, myspace, your blog and/or twitter. (please include links)
♥ Become a fan on facebook (if you are already a fan, just mention in your comment and you will get the entry)

So you can earn up to (6) entries ~ How exciting is that? I am hoping as time progresses I can do even more giveaways.

Meet Little Miss "I"

2010-03-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

Meet Miss I, she is 8 days old and today she had her portrait taken. Now mom and photographer wanted the adorable sleepy baby shots, but Miss I had other plans. She was bright eyed for the entire session. Mom tried the swing, feeding, holding and walking and she would not budge. So she wiggled and squirmed a lot and even initiated the photographer who dared disturb her and hold her without a diaper. I was able to get some adorable shots. Here are a couple of the first ones processed.

Day at the OMSI

2010-02-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we took two of the grandkids to the OMSI for a day of adventure. I went with the intention of getting some fantastic photos of the kids exploring and having a great time. HA! They were off an running as soon as we arrived, I no sooner got my eye to the viewfinder and they were off again. I did get a few shots though, most of those during lunch time, go figure. We had a wonderful and exciting adventure and came home with a few tuckered out children. Not only that they ran me ragged as well. Oh to have the energy of children. I hope everyone is having a wonderful and peaceful Sunday, and I hope your weekend was full of family and love.

Adventurous Amazing Awesome ~ Aleena

2010-02-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

There are just times when everything clicks with a model. I ♥ photographing Aleena, with her unique style and quirkiness. She is always game for about anything, and always on a whim willing to go out with me for a daring photo adventure. With the winter starting to wind down and the sun peeking through a little more, I really needed to get out and enjoy the sunshine. So my amazing husband Mike, extremely cool friend Kina, and myself dragged Aleena on a location scouting shoot. We found an Abandoned house (always cool), Old equipment complete with shattered glass and rust, a boat, and of course no scouting adventure would be complete without a little bit of nature. We had a blast and I am very happy with the end result.

Being the Youngest ~ Kristen

2010-02-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Kristen is so beautiful with an infectious smile. Her eyes sparkle when she smiles. Beneath all the beauty and sparkle, Kristen is a little shy. This is the second time I have been able to photograph her and she is coming into her own and learning to relax in front of the camera. I think a lot of her shyness plays into being the youngest of 4 girls, all beautiful and vivacious. I think being the youngest she does not yet see that in herself. I see it, and can't wait until she sees it and believes it within herself. When that happens WORLD watch out.. she is going to rock the camera more than she already does.

Still a Little Camera Shy ~ Marcus

2010-02-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

Marcus loves to go out with me and take pictures. He is my nephew and 10 years old. Even though he loves to have his picture taken and model for me, he still has difficulty shedding the nervous smile. It is fun to go on a photo adventure with him as he is not afraid of bugs or dirt. Not afraid to climb and have fun. On occasion, I can catch him enough off guard to get an amazing natural smile. Look for more from Marcus as I am going to continue to encourage his love for the camera.

Life is Amazing..

2010-02-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

I know that life is full of ups and downs and mine definately follows that path. I know that it cannot always have the mellowness and tranquility of a merry go round.

But you know what? I love the Merry Go Round, I love all things fun and amazing at the carnival.. I love the way it teases your senses, I love the thrills and laughter. I even love the scary rides, so why wouldn't I love life? I have an amazing supportive family I adore. I have the most perfect soul mate! I love photography and people. So quite Simply! I love life.

Justine and Chris

2010-01-31T17:18:00.000-08:00

I have known Justine as my nieces friend for years and years. She is funny and creative and a joy to be around. I met her fiance Chris officially for the first time today. I had such a wonderful time getting to know both of them. Chris even though according to him, he is "not" a picture person enjoyed himself.

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Fun day with Jamie ~ Cody's sneek peek

2010-01-31T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today I went out with another photographer and a few models. Great overcast day, I loved it. We explored an industrial area that Justine told us about. Lots of fun stuff all around. I want to thank our models for letting us drag them around. Here are a couple of Cody's from the morning.. Justine and Chris will be next. Oh, and this is a brand new blog.. it's a brand new name.. it's a brand new day! Leave Cody some love!