Category Archives: Childrens photography

Spring has Sprung!

28 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by in Autistic Portraits, Childrens photography, Upcoming events

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We are so excited as we prepare the studio for our Annual Bunny Sessions! What could be more fun than a Mini Portrait session with Live Bunnies!

Above you will see our 2018 set design along with our model Gracee. The bunnies have just been born, so we will not know what they look like until the actual event. It will be a surprise to all of us!

Here is What is new this year ~

~This will be the last Bunny session hosted at our SE Portland location, next year this event will be in our new Gresham Location.

~We are proud to be offering longer Mini Sessions for our special needs clients. We believe that not all children fit within a cookie cutter approach, and at Visual Impressions Photography we allow for your unique qualities to shine, be that an extra chromosome, a touch of awesome autism, or any other spark you bring to the table. Just let us know when booking your session that your little gem will need our “extended mini” and you’re all set! Please note that while we believe all children are special, these extended mini sessions will be reserved for our special needs clients.

~This year our set features real birch trees to bring a more realistic approach to your Birch Treesportraits. This is our best set yet and we cannot wait to feature your child in their own artistic portrait session.

~ This year we will be limiting our sessions to children only. This allows us to focus solely on your child/children, giving you the best portraits possible. Your session fee includes up to 3 siblings with the ability to add more children (immediate family only) for a nominal fee.

Suggestions on wardrobe ~

~We all want your children to look their best, so we are here to help you with your clothing choices. Since spring is full of color, we choose our set based on the ability to cater to many different color and design choices available. Try and avoid mixing different prints among siblings. If one child wears a sweet dress with print, have your other child wear a solid but fun color so they don’t compete with each other.

~Shoes, While shoes are so much fun to wear and accessorize with; please be aware that when photographing children 2 years and younger, shoes often show only the sole. With this in mind, we will photograph your child in a variety of poses, some of which may include removal of the shoes, so we can highlight those adorable toddler toes!

~Hats are adorable and absolutely fun to use in portraits. Please bring your child’s hat with you instead of having them wear it to the session. This allows us to capture your child without the hat (and hat hair) and then with the hat as well, giving you options.

Ages that work best with our mini Bunny Sessions ~

~While I believe you are only as old as you feel, these sessions work best for the ages 6mo. – 10yrs. This doesn’t mean you cannot schedule a session for your 13 year old, please do. We simply offer a range to help guide your decision process. Personally my children (now 12 and 10) still absolutely love these sessions and beg me to photograph them each year.

~Infants are fun to work with and we do provide a fun cracked egg shell for those unable to sit solo at the time of their session.

I look forward to this year of giggles, laughs, and bunnies. Your children feel like my children by the end of your session. Feel free to book your session here and view our investment information here.

How to plan for a Family Portrait Session

06 Monday Apr 2015

Posted by in Authentic, Business, Childrens photography, Family Photography, Fun, How to, Informational

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If you’re anything like my family you probably have a million pictures of your children, tucked away, on your walls, in albums…everywhere. The surprise to most of us is that when we look around we realize it has been 2, 3, even 5 years since our last family portrait. Once we realize this it is then up to us to find, plan, and implement that task of a new family portrait session.

At Visual Impressions Photography it is my joy to help you through the planning process to the session and on to the design of your art pieces for your home. A few things are key to getting ready for your session and while my in person consultation will cover all these, I wanted to post the most helpful tips for planning for your next session here.
4A3A88201. A lot of people worry about what they’re going to wear to their portraits.  As you begin to mentally plan what you will wear to your session, look around your home, get a sense of your decorating style and color palette. Since your portraits will be highlighted on your walls you will want to wear a complimentary color that will compliment your space. Great color schemes included, colors from the same family but not necessarily the same shade, this gives the sense of cohesion important in a family portrait while also showcasing each family member’s individuality.

2. We all want our family portraits to look fabulous, even going to get a fresh haircut or color the day before the session. I recommend getting a new color no closer than a week to your session, this allows that you will still have that fresh new shine to your hair but will avoid any mistakes during the color process giving things time to “settle”. With haircuts, I recommend no closer than 3 days to the session as this gives you plenty of time to become accustomed to your new look and style.

4A3A95693. Any time we are planning a portrait session with small children we want to keep their schedule in mind. When are they at their best? Are they morning people or better in the later part of the day. Once you pinpoint this you can schedule your session accordingly to give your little ones the best chance for success.

4. Another point for small children is that they not be “coached”, by this I mean to avoid children who have been so prepared that they can’t relax and give a natural smile. Please tell the kids what the plan is but don’t mention smiles, the word “cheese”, or “please smile naturally”.  Most young children will give a natural look without any coaching. That being said, I should point out that I completely believe in “bribes”, I have a small stash of smarties in my studio that I will offer to young children that need a little coaxing. I always get approval from mom and dad before offering any treats and only have to use my stash 20% of the time.4A3A8532

These 4 pointers are suggestions meant to put you on the road to a great portrait experience. While they are helpful in any portrait situation I do want to stress how important a consultation is prior to your session, this is where I will go over our plan one-on-one and we will nail down your expectations and goals and build the session around your desires and style.

 

Baby bunnies, little hands and big hearts.

28 Saturday Feb 2015

Posted by in Childrens photography, Family Photography, Fun, Upcoming events

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Bunnies from our 2012 session.

Bunnies!  How much would your kids love to play with baby bunnies? Just imagine how precious the photos of their joy and excitement would be.

A lot of studios give you stuffed animals, but at Visual Impressions, we have baby bunnies for spring photos.  The difference you see in the joy, enthusiasm and tenderness in your children’s photos is tremendous.  Children are mesmerized and they forget the camera is even there.  That’s how I get the best photos!

I can’t believe it is closing in on spring already. These are my very favorite mini sessions and they’re just around the corner.

Spring Event, bunny, easter

2014 session

This year we have 7 bunnies coming to join us from a local breeder in Salem, OR. These bunnies are handled with care from a very young age and come to us ready to play! As our mini sessions take off our bunnies are expected to be about 2-3 lbs each, tiny precious bundles matched only by our own precious little children for cuteness.

Every year we choose a custom background that enhances the experience and creates a unique and special experience for our young clients. The sessions this season will begin March 14th and go through March 20th, they usually fill up fast so please contact us soon to reserve your spot!

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2014 session

The session fee is –per family ~ For complete pricing and package information click here.

Or for your convenience you can fill out the form below and we will contact you!

Personal, Authentic, Fun!

26 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by in Authentic, Business, Childrens photography, Family Photography, Fun, Informational, Newborn Photography, Personal

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Personal, Authentic, Fun ~ These three words say it all.

As the sole photographer for Visual Impressions Photography it is important to me that my clients have a great experience when having their portraits done. I want to make sure that we connect on a personal level so your images shine. As my client you can expect more from me than a product, you can expect personal investment and friendship.

The experience you gain at Visual Impressions Photography will be Authentic and Fun as well. I take pride in creating a space my clients can be comfortable in and that will be fun and relaxing for each person that walks through my doors. Your images will radiate the fun we have in the studio.  Whether I am rolling on the floor with a toddler trying to get that smile, or working with a newborn, the process from start to finish is a fun experience for all involved.

Authentic is probably the most important descriptor for my work. I am original, genuine and real and I want your time with me to reflect that. You may not know what you want when you meet with me; not every client comes in with a clear vision of what they’re looking for.  I will help you discern your expectations, and you will get the photos you never knew you always wanted.  In the process,  you will experience real joy, real emotion, and real friendship. Your images will be one of a kind and authentic to who you are.

If you want a true photographic experience that is Personal, Authentic, and Fun; I have you covered and we will have a great time creating images together.

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The time is right for newborn photos

12 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by in Childrens photography, Newborn Photography

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Newborn Photo

Newborn Photo by Visual Impressions Photography

As a mom, I remember the first week home with my new baby being busy, exhausting and full of so much joy I couldn’t contain it.  We will never get these precious first few weeks back, and as busy as this time is, it is the perfect time to schedule a newborn portrait session.

It is amazing how fast those first weeks go by. Even after just two weeks your baby will be so alert and much stronger as they move out of the “newborn” stage and firmly slide into “plump” baby life. You will want to remember this precious time when your daughter or son is so tiny and adorably new.  The best way to hold onto these moments is through photographs.  Trust me, I’ve been there:  “mommy-brain” is real and you will not remember everything!

The best way to make this happen is to book with me before your baby is born. That way we can talk about exactly what you’re looking for and we can settle all the details before fatigue sets in.  Then, after your baby arrives, all you have to do is give me a call and we can schedule a session.  I can even come to your house to take photos!

If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, give me a call today to talk about newborn photographs.

When to Schedule Professional Portraits

02 Tuesday Dec 2014

Posted by in Childrens photography, How to, Informational

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There are so many opportunities to take professional portraits, and some of my favorite are the non-traditional times.  Many people limit this services to yearly highlights, but there are so many more times a year that make for good portrait sessions.

Some typical life events to hire a professional that we all know are:

  • weddings
  • newborns
  • high school seniors
  • annual family portraits
  • birthdays

While these are the most common reasons to commission professional portraits they are not the only reasons.

We have clients come into the studio for many reasons and some of my favorites may surprise you.  Once I photographed a 12-year-old girl and her new pug to celebrate his arrival in the family.  Puppy Love

Bringing pets along for a portrait session, or building a session around a furry friend is a great way to celebrate their role in our lives. Our pets are part of the family and often make family portrait feel complete.

 

 

We love to create custom thank you cards and our clients do too. By creating a portrait session following an event –birthdays, weddings, etc.– you benefit from custom images you will get to enjoy for a lifetime as well as a unique way to thank your guests for their attendance. This sweet little girl just celebrated a birthday and wanted a special way to say thank you to her friends and family for sharing in the celebration.

Thank you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any event in life is worth photographing.  If you want a to capture a time in your life to treasure forever, that is the perfect time to call in a professional.  Whether it’s for newborn portraits or lifestyle pictures the end result will be memories you will never forget and the freedom to enjoy your life while a professional handles the details.

 

2nd Annual Santa Charity Event

13 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by in Childrens photography, Upcoming events

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I LOVE the Christmas season and all it stands for; giving, love, family, togetherness, I could keep going but you get the idea. One of the ways we like to celebrate our Christmas holiday at Visual Impressions Photography is by inviting Santa into our studio and offering private mini sessions with Santa.

We capture beautiful images of your child with the Jolly Ole Elf without the lines, noise, and pressure found in malls. Our Santa is the real deal and cares about each child, asking great questions and engaging with them on their level.  These special photos become holiday treasures for many of my repeat clients!

The best part about our Santa Charity event is that $25 from each session goes to benefit Doernbecher Children’s Hospital – a great way to purchase portraits you want while supporting children and their families during this holiday season.

Our event this year runs from November 30- December 8th. These special sessions with Santa always fill fast so please contact us today to reserve your spot and give your children a memory of a lifetime. If you want pictures and are not sure how your little one will do with Santa, we understand and are offering portraits on our custom backdrop without Santa on December 1st. so you can still join in the fun!

For our complete list of packages she our limited edition price list.

It’s time for Christmas!

20 Monday Oct 2014

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Book your Christmas photo session with Visual Impressions Photography today!

Book your Christmas photo session with Visual Impressions Photography today!

You have 66 days until Christmas.  Are you the kind of person who takes that as a challenge or are you terror-filled into immobility?  Around the studio, we’re getting ready for Christmas pictures and 66 days does not feel like a lot of time!

If you are planning to give family photos as Christmas presents this year, you still have time.  But the process does take a bit of planning:  scheduling photo shoot, editing the pictures taken, choosing your photos, ordering them and then waiting for them to come in.  It’s not a last-minute process.  Gifts worth a life-time are worth planning and preparation!

I still have time in my schedule for photos that you will get back in time for Christmas, but don’t wait.  The window of opportunity is closing.

Get in touch at info@visualimpressions.org or (503) 320-3076 to book your session today!

Senior Photos with Madeleine

30 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Childrens photography, Senior Pictures

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This is the second in my series of blog posts co-written with my subjects.  My recent subject was Madeline, a senior at Clackamas High School.

Recently I had the privilege of photographing Madeline.  When she called

our studio to set up her senior portraits, I could tell right away that she was sweet with a little shy mixed in.

We talked for a while as I tried to get a feel of what Madeline was looking for in her senior portraits.  I suggested we meet in downtown Portland at the waterfront.

Madeline’s perspective

I had a phenomenal experience with Visual impressions Photography. I’m pretty

Senior photos from Visual Impressions Photography

Madeleine photographed by Visual Impressions Photography

shy, so I was nervous about getting my senior pictures taken. But Amanda made me feel totally comfortable and the pictures turned out great.

Melissa, Madeline’s mother

Our experience with Visual Impressions photography exceeded our expectations. When we talked to Amanda, she had great ideas for where the pictures could be taken. One of her suggestions was the downtown waterfront. It was an ideal location because she was able to take pictures by the bridges, in the grass, by the river, by Saturday market, and by the trees.

Amanda

When I met Madeline for the first time I was struck by how quiet she was. The fun part of my job beyond photography is to get to know my clients and draw out that sparkle that might be hiding behind a shy exterior.

Madeline had her mom and sister with her and it was nice to meet her family.

As the session moved on I was so excited for the images we were getting and also for how Madeline was warming up. She is such an interesting person. She has a passion for reading and shares her enthusiasm with you as she talks about one of her favorite authors.

At the end of our session I was very excited to have Madeline and her family back to the studio to view her images.

Madeleine

I really think [the photos will] stand out in the yearbook. She helped me choose a location (Downtown Portland) and she had some ideas for poses, which was incredibly helpful. Plus, she took care of sending in my senior pictures to my school directly, taking the hassle out of yearbook photo submissions.

Melissa

Amanda made us feel comfortable and we had so many awesome pictures to choose from afterwards. Amanda could send the yearbook pictures directly to the school, saving us time and worry. The overall experience was wonderful.

Amanda

In the end Madeline fell in love with my personal favorite image, the one that shows that sparkle in her beautiful eyes while picking up the green hues of the Portland summer grass.

She will definitely stand out in her Yearbook Photo.

Thank you for choosing me as your photographer Madeline, and good luck as you make your mark on the world.

Family Photos with Bryn and Paul

18 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by in Childrens photography, Family Photography

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Recently, I took family photos for the family of my social media consultant, Bryn of Wittmayer Social Media.  We’re trying a new thing here on the blog with photo session posts, and for this one Bryn and I are each going to share our thoughts on the session.

Family Time.

Family Time.

Amanda

Having already worked with Bryn for our social media needs I knew we were going to have fun. I was excited and nervous because it’s always really important to me to make a good connection with the whole family. The two young girls were vibrant, and curious. I loved the clothing choices because you could tell the girls were really proud of what they were wearing.

Bryn

Amanda is one of my first clients and I knew that she and I would work well together.  But adding my family to the mix?  I was a bit nervous about that.  She made us all feel comfortable right away and my kids immediately loved her.  Also, getting my family ready for photos is always stressful.  As the mom I worry about what everyone will wear and how they will look together in the finished photos.  My girls badly wanted to wear some fairly bright and colorful dresses that didn’t leave me with a lot of options for my own clothes.  Looking at the finished photos, I like how they look, but I wish I was wearing something better.  Why do we do that as women?  When we’re looking at a gorgeous image of our family, why do we focus on the imperfections in our own appearance?  We’re too hard on ourselves.  Every time I look at one of these amazing photos, I try to remind myself how happy we all look together.

Amanda

Bryn and Paul's family

Bryn and Paul’s family

When working with someone I have an existing relationship with, it is extra important for me to make them feel comfortable enough in front of the camera that they don’t feel “staged”. Bryn’s family was so wonderful together that I was able to guide and nudge the little ones into scenarios that created beautiful and natural images. Asking the girls to do something or say something silly to engage mom and dad often allows mom and dad to focus on them instead of the fact that they are having their pictures taken.

Bryn

The photo session went fairly smoothly, especially when I forgot to worry so much about if my youngest was smiling and just let her be her natural self.  Without Amanda’s encouragement I probably could not have done that.  I was extremely conscious of looking good in front of Amanda, who is a valued client, but as we got into it I found all of that fell away.   As I focused on looking like a loving family, I increasingly felt like a loving family in ways I sometimes forget in the bustle of everyday life.

Amanda

While it was important for me to create a great lasting family portrait for this family, I also found myself drawn to the close relationship between the two girls. Capturing these precious candid moments allowed me to see how these two interact on a daily basis and really helped me feel connected to their family. I always feel blessed when I photograph a new client, it takes a level of trust to allow someone access to your family; to be able to glimpse the intimate connections between them is a true honor.

Bryn

The girls together with Dad in the background.

The girls together with Dad in the background.

The best moments of the photo shoot were the natural ones.  My favorite photo so far is this one where my oldest daughter picked up my youngest.  That is something she does all the time, and to capture that love between them, with Paul looking on in the background, is a treasure.

I didn’t want the morning to end.  We had so much fun with Amanda and so much fun together that I wanted to keep going.  It’s almost a cliche, but taking photos together really reminded me to take time to just have fun together.  Life is so busy, ballet, soccer, homework, chores, that sometimes we just don’t have fun.  This was a morning of fun together and it made it clear how much we need that as a family.

Thanks Amanda for the wonderful photos!