Bryon DeVore Photography

SOU Preschool

2011-11-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

Also my ninth year with the SOU Preschool. I'm not sure what they put in the water over there, but every year this is one of the most pleasant and happy groups of little people. Always a pleasure.

The Siskiyou School... here we go again.

2011-11-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Year 9 for Fall photographs at the Siskiyou School. We had perfect weather in late September when most of these were done. I take so many photographs of each child that it's inevitable that I end up with some offbeat pictures that always end up being some of my favorites.

Bandon Wedding

2011-09-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Only my second beach wedding. Living in a valley... what a pleasure to get to work with the big open spaces of the ocean and it's unique light.

Some things really are black and white.

2011-08-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years, I've found my work boiling down and simplifying. What I'm drawn to is clarity and focus in my portraits, those that have a clear answer to the question, "what is the point of this photograph?" The ones I like best, of mine anyways, are unambiguous. One way to reduce a photograph to this essence that I'm after is to convert it to black and white.

Here are a handful of black and white photographs from this past month.

Growing up

2011-07-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've probably said this before, but one of the best parts of what I do is following families as they grow up. In the past couple of weeks I've had the pleasure of photographing three different families that I've been working with either since the couple's wedding or when their first child was born.

This is the first installment.

This little fella is the "baby" brother of a little girl I began photographing when she was a baby. He's also high on my list of happiest boys ever!

The point where I begin feeling old is probably right around the corner when some children from family sessions turn into brides or grooms and then parents themselves. Yikes.

Wedding Day

2011-07-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

We dodged the rain for most of the day and I had a wonderful time with Margie and Andy during their very cozy and intimate day. Thank you for having me.

Willow Wind Community Learning Center: B/W Bonanza!

2011-03-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

My photography business has been built upon a certain style of natural light, natural expression work. There are very few photographs on my website or on my studio walls that aren't outdoors and lit 100% naturally. So when crazy bad weather hit last week when I was scheduled to photograph the many dozens of children at Willow Wind, I was not super thrilled to say the least. Add to that extremely limited indoor options, we were forced to go "bare bones", studio lights on a white backdrop. Going through the photographs these past days, it's almost like I've been working on someone else's photographs... it has been uncomfortable and a little nerve wracking, but ultimately I'm super happy with how things came out. I especially am fond of the the photos edited into a really high-contrast black and white that focuses the viewer to really have nowhere else to go except straight onto the children's faces, their eyes and their expressions. Here are a bunch that I'm really excited to share.

ps: thank you to all the children and staff at Willow Wind for making my time there last week a real pleasure :)

Creative Dance Studio

2011-01-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of working with Cassie Preskenis' Creative Dance classes last week in the run up to their big recitals today and tomorrow nights at the Armory in Ashland. Nine classes, each with their own adorable costumes. "Life in the Siskiyou Forest" is the theme. Thanks for having me to your animal world!

The Siskiyou School Photos Now Online

2010-11-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

My 8th Fall photographing the Siskiyou School. Time sure does fly (recently wondered with a friend if this time thing is going to possibly slow back down as our children grow up? Remember how long 6th grade took? or your senior year? That would be a nice feature of aging, right?). This is a special year for me with the Siskiyou School since my son's class is graduating 8th grade, which also makes this the first class I've photographed all the way through the grades. Beautiful school and beautiful children.

Brianne and Dustin's Photobooth pics

2010-07-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

Great wedding on Sunday out at Eden Valley Orchards. The whole wedding will be online by July 18th but we decided to post the photo booth pictures now. Click the red "YOUR PHOTOS" button to the right to view all 114 of them! Enjoy.

Ashley and Chas for the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon

2010-06-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Chas are next in line to perform as the YSSO's featured "soloists" this coming Fall... only they'll be doing it as a duet. It was super fun spending some time with these guys downtown recently, and I'll be sure to send out a reminder as their performance get closer.

It's Good to be One

2010-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have been photographing Mason throughout his first year. I'd say that, on average, I keep 1 out of every 5 photographs that I take during a given session; that's my general batting average. With Mason, who is smiling constantly and just so full excitement, my success rate goes WAY up; probably 1 out of every 2 or 3 photos is a keeper. With that face, how do I ever miss?

Violinist

2010-04-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Probably because my wife and daughter both play violin... I always enjoy my sessions with violinists and I've had the pleasure of working with quite a few over the years. Mary, a senior in K-Falls, was no different (and we lucked out with one of the super great weather days the week before last... remember those warm days?).

Willow Wind Community Learning Center

2010-04-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of spending parts of three days last week with the children of the Willow Wind Community Learning Center. We got super lucky with the weather (even dodging a snow storm on Thursday) and I think we all enjoyed ourselves. This is my second year visiting the Willow Wind campus, and again I was impressed by everyone doing their part there to make it a really nice place to spend some time. Lots of favorites to post here. Enjoy.

Ashland High School Seniors

2009-12-04T15:59:00.001-08:00

A big part of my fall each year is photographing high school seniors. These are some of my very favorite jobs. I get to apply my undivided attention on a single subject for an extended amount of time... that just doesn't get to happen for very long with a family session or during a wedding. The result is a much greater variety of images and I get to stretch myself to be more creative than I can in a shorter amount of time. And beyond the photography, spending time with these young adults each fall is an extremely uplifting experience. Every year I am completely impressed by the composure, maturity and poise of these 17 and 18 year olds. It really gives me an optimistic feeling for all of our futures. Anyways, the Ashland High School yearbook photos were due last week and here is a selection of photos from each of the kids I worked with this fall. Thanks to all of you... I really enjoyed meeting you all.

SOU Preschool photos now online!

2009-11-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

Well, Halloween is past and, as per usual, I am officially buried and will be until winter break. Because of the annual fall rush, I've moved most of my pre-school photo days to the spring, but the one I've kept is one of the first I did back in 2004 and is still one of my favorites.

These are some photos from SOU's photo day a couple of weeks ago. People often ask about the expressions I get from my school photos and this sample of pics goes a little ways towards explaining it. I put them on a stool in nice light, act like a crazy person and shoot like crazy. Lots of photos and lots of in-between moments. I love the sweet smiles and nicely composed headshot photos as much as anyone, but maybe it's from looking at photos all the time... for my money, it's the offbeat, off-center, head-cropped, not-looking-at-the-camera photos that make me smile.

SOU families, please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about your photos. Also, there's still some time to get some relaxed, natural portraits of your family for the holidays! Drop me an e-mail or give me a call to get all the info.

3 Days in Berkeley

2009-10-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

Just read an article about the photographer who took the picture of Sarah Palin for her new book (#1 on Amazon and it hasn't even been printed yet!). 6 day trip to AK with a full assistant crew. 2 days of scouting and 3 full days of photographing... all for one book cover photo! Meanwhile, I'm working with 5 families over 2 1/2 days in Berkeley this past weekend. Zero days of scouting, 13 kids, two dogs... zero Sarah Palin book covers, but tons of fun photos. Thank you to all the families involved; I had a blast.

btw... I plan on making this a regular/annual trip; if you know of anyone that may be interested in relaxed, natural portraits in the Bay Area... Let Me Know!

What happened to September!?

2009-10-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

Heading for a weekend photographing 5 families in 3 days down in the Bay Area tomorrow. I'll be making it a regular trip early each fall if you know anyone who might be interested down thataway. Spring in San Diego/So. Cal. as well.

My apologies to my 4 seniors whom I'm leaving hanging a bit longer. I tried and tried to have your photos ready before I leave tomorrow, but I didn't make it. I am up late getting a couple of favorites to you each. More to come very early next week... I promise!

Happy fright month everyone (and btw... did you see the trailer for "Zombieland"? Hilarious looking October fare.)

and Mr. Sawyer!

2009-08-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Almost forgot about my man, Sawyer, who is back for his second session after I met him at just 4 weeks. Is that a healthy, happy kid or what?

My Good Day

2009-08-28T22:34:00.001-07:00

More often than I probably realize, but most definitely today, I get to be a part of some very special things through my photography work. Today was a very good day.

This morning, I had the pleasure of photographing Ruth Miller and 5 nursing school students that she is helping via a scholarship program. This was a gift from the Hospital to Ruth for her generosity. You could see the appreciation of these ladies getting to meet their benefactor and it felt great just to be there with them.

And then this evening... who says an insanely sweet wedding can't just be you, your lover and 5 special people (and a photographer) up in the deepest, most secluded part of Lithia Park? Not me. I'm all for big weddings and love seeing lots of people celebrate and come together for a couple, but this little ceremony was just special beyond words.

and Ms. Abigail

2009-08-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

A few peeks from yesterday. This beautiful young lady was super smiley and wore herself out holding her head up for us.

Meet Mr. Mason

2009-08-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

3 babies in 3 days this week and first up is Mr. Mason. I had the pleasure of photographing his big sister 4 times during her first year and now it's his turn (her 3 year old photos are coming up soon). More sweet baby pics to follow!

The Wedding Photo Booth!

2009-07-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

So, when Barb hired me last fall, she was super excited about having a "photo booth" at her wedding. Buzz about doing this at weddings has been around the last couple of years, but this was my first jump into the fray. Having a second photographer covering the reception while we were doing this for a couple of hours was a must, but I think totally worth the the time and effort. This was not only a super fun part of the wedding, but I think we also got some photos that simply wouldn't have been possible otherwise. ME NOW BIG PHOTO BOOTH FAN!

Click the collage to view it large to pan around to the individual photos.

Sneak Peeks!

2009-07-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Handful of "sneak peaks" from Barb and Miles' wedding this past Saturday at the Grizzly Peak Winery here in Ashland. Beautiful event, great people, amazing food (with something like 15 spectacular cakes!), and good times had by all. Again and again I'm touched by the honor of being a part of these special days.

Playing with my phone camera

2009-07-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

I've been taking more and more photographs with my phone since I upgraded recently to one with a much better camera. I'm really enjoying the freedom of fewer (zero) technical choices and the fact that it's always with me (that nobody is paying me for the photos also takes some pressure off caring what anyone thinks!).

These are all from my trip to Las Vegas last week.

Catching up

2009-07-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

Back from a little poker trip to Las Vegas and now quite behind with a couple of recent weddings (including yesterday) and some super fun family sessions not posted here yet. Going to be glued to the monitor this week!

Here's the Champagne family from a few weeks ago. Three boys these ages can be a huge challenge but this gang was an absolute joy to work with and I had a great time running around and being goofy with them. Thanks guys!

Happy Summer

2009-06-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

Two weeks into my children's summer break (and well past last week's solstice) and it finally feels like summer to me. Several days of really warm afternoons at the little league fields was the trick, I think.

Had a super fun session a week or so ago with Andrew, an impressive young man going into his senior year at Grants Pass High School this fall. Interests ranging from his dog, drumming, natural preservation causes, photography and world travel gave us lots to talk about. He's off for a summer of hard work in Seattle, saving for a planned trip to Antarctica this coming winter which will complete his goal of visiting all the continents while still in high school! Rock on!

a Few More

2009-06-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more favorites from this very fun session a couple of weeks ago.

... and dogs even!

2009-06-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

I'm usually not super-stoked trying to get dogs looking good while working with a family on their photos. Most dogs are about equally challenging as a squirmy toddler. So two high-energy Pugs... I don't like my chances. Needless to say, the odds of capturing this photo in just a few minutes are pretty astronomical. Look at those tongues! I love it.

I get to photograph weddings... AND BABIES!

2009-06-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

What a sweet baby shower gift some friends pulled together. 4 sessions over the first year. Usually we'll wait until 3 months when they're moving around a bit more, but these 5 weeks shots are precious for sure. Love it!

Weddings Around the Corner

2009-06-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

After a couple of months of little people at the preschools this Spring, we have some weddings coming later this month and in July. First up are Amanda and Treg on June 20th and then Sarah and Dan July 11th. Look for the fun wedding photos this summer!

Children's World "Drop-In" Photos

2009-05-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well, we went about it a little differently this year with the Children's World Montessori classes and simply had a "drop-in" time set up for families to come by after school. For those that came, we had a great time and some fabulous spring weather on two afternoons, but I did miss seeing all of kids like I've done in years past. Hopefully we'll get that back on track for 2010!

Super Sweet!

2009-05-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Another crazy sweet group of preschool children. My own daughter was in Nancy's class several years ago and we still look back fondly on those two years.

Thanks for the great newsletter feedback!

The Sun Was Out Before It Wasn't

2009-05-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Grey, gloomy May Day today, but two weeks ago we had some killer spring weather and I was there with several schools soaking it in. Here are some grabs from the Creekside Cottage preschool out in Talent and the Waldorf on the Farm school by Emigrant Lake (an actual working, one-room school house with 20+ children from 1st-5th grades!).

Heading for Eugene this weekend for a 5k run with my daughter on Saturday and the 1/2 marathon myself on Sunday with my buddies Bill and Jesse. Full marathon in 2010 or bust!

Noah's Bar Mitzvah

2009-04-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

I just showed Noah and his family their photographs yesterday evening and it was as much a pleasure as every other contact I've had with them all since their first phone calls late last summer. The five of them gathered here at the studio on the sofa, watching their slideshow, laughing together... it was really fun to be able to share that time with them. Super sweet bunch.

Spring School Photo Season

2009-04-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Time for my annual tour of Ashland and Talent preschools! I'll be visiting about 10 different classes over the next several weeks and you can forget any preconceived notion you may have about how much someone would have to pay you to do this job and how hard it must be to get smiles out of that many pre-6 year olds... I have a blast with these kids! More to come soon.

Willow Wind Community Learning Center

2009-04-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yikes. Hopefully nobody noticed the posting lapse here. Spring break, biz revamping, (hiring! more on that soon), and such. What can you do?

So... before spring break, I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to the Willow Wind Community Learning center, on E. Main here in Ashland, to photograph as many of their students as we could for their annual yearbook. We struck gold for three days, weather-wise, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know a bunch of new kids, their fabulous campus and some of the many dedicated adults making this innovative place work.

Thank you all for making me feel so welcome and (kids) for putting up with my goofiness while trying to make you smile and laugh (hopefully no adults saw any of that).

Click on the montage photo to see a much larger version... all 167 of you who made it to the picture taking are in there!

If only every day was...

2009-03-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

...a session with a sweet and charming child. This was just a quick "school photo session", but what a pleasure! And it was sunny there awhile back. Remember?

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon Spring Soloist

2009-02-26T16:04:00.000-08:00

I recently had the pleasure of spending an hour with Rex Bufalino, the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon's (YSSO) soloist for their Spring concert series. I've known Rex's family since his older brother was in my 7th grade English class about 8 years ago and it's been great watching this talented young man grow up over that time. My wife even played in a violin group with Rex a few years ago that traveled to Carnegie Hall in NYC. Great kid and I wish him the best with his upcoming concerts and look forward to hearing all about his future conquests at Chapman University in Minnesota starting next fall!

ed: Many apologies! Rex will be attending Carleton College in MN not Chapman (that's in Orange County, CA!). Sorry, Rex.

Here's a link to the YSSO website and info about the upcoming concerts on May 15, 16, and 17th.

Ashland Snow Day!

2009-02-13T19:13:00.001-08:00

With school cancelled and several inches of snow on the ground, I decided to take the kids for a stroll around town. Lots of jumping, diving, climbing, throwing and drinking of hot chocolate later, we made it back a little spent, but better for it. Hope everyone in So. Oregon had a great day. Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.

Now THAT's a Family Reunion!

2009-02-05T22:51:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of joining this clan of 35 out at the McClellan spread out by Emmigrant Lake on Saturday. Wow. That's FOUR of my families right there. A couple of humongous group photos and 16 great grand kids later and we had it in the bag. I want 2 hours with that group of kids next time (not a minute apiece)! Great looking bunch. Enjoy.

facebook: testing, testing...

2009-02-03T23:18:00.000-08:00

I took the Facebook plunge today. After countless "friend requests" and an increasingly familiar feeling (like I had when I was way behind the curve with e-mail 10 years ago) I jumped in and signed up.

Hopefully the fact that within hours of signing on I was contacted by no less than 10 old high school friends, does not mean that I will have to relive high school in any shape or form (and hopefully I'll have more "friends" now than I did then... not such a stretch).

This post is really just me trying to see how my blog connects/interacts with FB when I have this site "imported" into it (I think blog posts here can show up there... we'll see).

I'm adding these photos of sunflowers and Mina because she is just that darned cute (and because I found them today while posting to Facebook. Also because, yes, it will be that warm and sunflowery again).

Happy New Year!

2009-01-13T13:20:00.001-08:00

Just trying to separate myself from the pack by delaying this a little bit! Actually, just had a really nice winter break with my family and then a 4 day poker marathon in Las Vegas last week, so I'm just getting back to work here. Considering 1/2 of my business year is crammed into October, November, and December, a little down time is definitely needed this time of year.

Back at it now, though, and looking forward to a fantastic 2009!

Be sure to check out this month's "Locals Guide" and the full page ad I ran showing photographs from all of my 2008 sessions (or see the larger version here by clicking on it above).

Finally, some Las Vegas photos taken with my phone.

2008's final session; a sort of minor miracle

2008-12-31T00:15:00.001-08:00

Yes, those are short sleeves and yes it was that warm right around Thanksgiving. This was a beat-the-deadline senior session done in 30 minutes and I told her as we were photographing... "It just isn't ever like this at this time of year." I'm glad this one worked out; some photographs that I'm really happy I was able to capture at a time of year when the camera is usually down for the count.

Some final favorites from the final sessions

2008-12-31T00:06:00.001-08:00

As I run out of days here in 2008, the final sessions of the year deserve their due, too.

Commercial Job

2008-12-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Besides the more personal work of family photos and individual portraits, I occasionally photograph a commercial job if the fit is right. Despite the white background and conservative nature of the photographs we needed, we ended up having some fun as well.

Families, Families, Families!

2008-12-17T23:21:00.000-08:00

The great weather and fall color just kept coming and coming this year.

Senior, Senior, Senior

2008-12-16T21:38:00.001-08:00

Three more late-October senior sessions.

As of today, all orders that have been placed are in the pipeline and on schedule for delivery late this week! Yippee! There were a few days over this past weekend when I wasn't really sure it was going to happen, but in a little college finals week deja vous, we got it done.

Senior, Family, Senior

2008-12-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

Besides the school photos and a wedding or two, my fall is always kept busy with high school senior sessions and families. Each type of session has it's own challenges and particularities and within that, each individual and family have their own uniqueness. End result... no two sessions are alike and I'm always getting pushed to be original. NIce.

Seeing the light

2008-12-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

At the end of the tunnel, that is. Print orders in hand will definitely be ready later next week, but there's still an outside shot at new orders placed this weekend making it to you by the 23rd. Give me a holler.

Going to start posting some favorites from earlier sessions this fall that haven't made the blog yet. First up is this very cute group of siblings on one of those amazing late October afternoons we had for weeks and weeks. I'll be posting one or two of these sessions each day through next weekend.

The Siskiyou School Individual & Class Photos Are Now Online! Slideshow Below!

2008-11-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

We started almost two months ago, in late September, with the 2nd grade class and now The Siskiyou School photos are online and ready to roll. Some stats:

8 classes
171 students
5000+ photographs taken
66 gigibytes of data!
whew.

Students came home today with information about viewing and ordering. To check out the photographs, click the "your photos" link at the upper right and find your way to The Siskiyou School. Photographs are separated by class and prints can be ordered online, by the paper order form that came home, or by simply zapping me an e-mail (the phone would work too!).

THE DEADLINE IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST, RIGHT AFTER THANKSGIVING BREAK.

A couple of "specials" of note: photographs are ordered by the 8x10 sheet. Each sheet consists of a combination of print sizes. For every 3 $15 sheets you order, the 4th is free. And this year, any order of $60 or more gets a choice of bonus items: a 4x5 photo magnet (for the fridge?), a handy photo "bag tag" to tell your suitcase or backpack from the masses, or a slick little photo keychain. Sounds like stocking stuffers to me. Zap me an e-mail if the lone little bonus gift just won't be enough. We'll take care of you.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions... about anything... really.

As always, working with the kids of The Siskiyou School has been my pleasure.

Here is a fun slideshow of each of the 171 students of The Siskiyou School. These are the photos that ended up on the class collages now hanging in each classroom. Enjoy.

Abby, SMHS

2008-11-03T19:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, not too long ago we were wearing sleeveless dresses outdoors at sunset. And today... sparked the furnace up for the first time this year. It was a nice run while it lasted.

Kelsey, SMHS

2008-11-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

Late crunch of SMHS students this year as their deadline snuck up on everyone! Nice meeting you, Kelsey.

The Dwindling Light

2008-11-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

Besides the unpredictable fall weather, I also get to contend with less and less daylight this time of year. While I lucked out with an unprecedented October weather-wise, this particular session had to compete with busy family schedules, sports, school... long story short, it was almost dark by the time we got to N. Mt. Park! Luckily the Hearn kids were ready for a high-energy, go, go, go session.

Catching up!

2008-11-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a handful of photos from two family sessions in early October. Every year, October is the month that I take the most photographs, which explains the lack of blog postings. Between school photos, fall color, high school seniors and an occasional wedding, October becomes the "take photos" month and November the "look at photos (finally)" month.

Great meeting the McClouds and this was the third time 'round for the Vivians!

The Siskiyou School

2008-11-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Both of my children go to The Siskiyou School, Ashland's fledgling Waldorf school on middle Clay Street. I began my photography business 5 years ago photographing my son's first grade class when it was an independent class w/o a school and several other independent classes that, together, became the Siskiyou School two years ago. It's been a great pleasure photographing the children each fall and watching them grow along with the school. Last month, in addition to photographing all 175+ children, I also spent several hours documenting all aspects of the school for publicity purposes and I wanted to share a handful to give a "slice of the Siskiyou School life".

One more from last month

2008-10-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

The Hoyts! I never posted anything from this session. Met them at the Harris State Beach during what was otherwise a beautiful, sunny week. Not so this particular afternoon, though. A steady drizzle wreaked havoc with my camera, but we braved it and and ended up with some fun photographs.

Seniors 3,4, and 5

2008-10-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

This was a fun and unique challenge. Three seniors at the same time, in one session. Sisters Sarah and Deborah along with cousin Robert all met me at the girl's house/Grizzley Peak Winery across the freeway. Wonderful setting, another beautiful afternoon and three more great "kids".

Senior 2

2008-10-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

I don't care what anyone says about "kids today"; these "kids" that I've been meeting the past few year, through photography, are well on their way. Great meeting you, Karla!

Seniors 1

2008-10-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Brennon, for a great time on a beautiful day.

Must catch up!

2008-10-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

Yikes. Got a bit backed up there for two weeks editing and editing. LOTS of new photos to share from those warm days before the rain... how soon we forget!

Extended Summer

2008-09-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Managed to squeeze in a few more "summer" sessions these past couple of weeks. It's been some of the best photography weather of the year. Feels like we finally turned the corner on Fall, though. More "warm" photographs to come early next week!

Congratulations Sara and Trevor!

2008-09-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

With a beautiful ceremony in town and an all-out reception up on the Greensprings, Sara and Trevor's wedding was a great time for all involved. Thank you both for trusting me with your most special day. I had a blast.

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon Soloists

2008-09-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Two times per year the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO) award a member of their group a soloist slot in their big concert programs which happen in the Fall, Winter and Spring of each year. This year's winners were Ian Greenburg on cello and Taylor Anderson on violin. I've had the privilege of photographing YSSO soloists for the past 4 years for their concert promotional materials and I had a great time with both Ian and Taylor a couple of weeks ago. These sessions are always fun and every one unique. Ian's concert with the YSSO will be this fall and Taylor's in the winter. For more information about the YSSO, concert schedules and tickets visit their website www.ysso.org. This is a fantastic resource for young musicians in Southern Oregon and all you have to do to support them is enjoy a great concert!

Congratulations Melissa and Mark!

2008-08-29T22:21:00.001-07:00

My wedding partner, Shane, and I photographed Mark's sister's wedding several years ago... another returning family! I love it. I'm thinking that there really can't be any higher compliment and I feel honored and privileged; it's been a good summer for me that way.

The down side of this event is that it made me feel my age. Several of the bridesmaids and one of the groomsmen were ex-students of mine at Hedrick Middle School some eight years ago. I guess if they'd all been thirty I'd have more to fret about, but this was a very young event and a few "Hi, Mr. DeVore's" isn't the worst thing that could happen.

Very fun wedding and I must say an especially big congratulations to Melissa for pulling off such a great event. I know she worked extremely hard on just about everything to do with this wedding and I was constantly impressed by how on the ball she was, calm in the heat of wedding battle, and really a lot of fun to be with that day. Thank you again for having me.

Congratulations Tessa & Pete!

2008-08-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

One of the hidden bonuses of making it through the make-or-break first few years of a small business is the satisfaction of working with families over the years. I first met Tessa's family two years ago for her sister's wedding and have since been lucky enough to photograph some of her extended family more than once.

So this was another fantastic wedding at Tessa's father's Black Diamond Ranch high in the hills above Ashland. Great site, great people, and a lot of fun had by all. Congratulations Tessa and Pete!

Lucky Me

2008-08-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Another thing I always like about this work is that often things work out much, much better than how I think they will turn out when I just finish a session. The photos below are from a recent session with a 1 1/2 year old and her mother. This little girl was a bundle of energy and wanted very little to do with sitting still at all. I knew that there were great photos to be had because she was smiling and having a great time, but I wasn't nearly as confident as I'd like to be that I'd actually caught anything. Going through the photographs I was thrilled with what I found. Warning to any young couples considering children... these photos could be contagious!

High School Senior Season is Here

2008-08-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

Part of what I enjoy with this work is how different the types of photography sessions I do really are. Family sessions have the relationships that I'm trying to capture and children have the playfulness I like to join in on and encourage. High school senior sessions are totally different. I have a single subject and it's a very collaborative thing that we do. As opposed to working with a 5 year old who is simply reacting to me and the situation and not to the camera so much, with a high school student we do a lot more posing and maneuvering to find looks that are real and natural but at the same time appealing visually and fun. It's harder in some ways to make natural photographs with older subjects, but I have a lot more control.

Here are a few from one of my first senior sessions this year.

Oklahoma!

2008-08-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

Another photo shoot for The Children's Musical Theater of Oregon (CMTO) this week. "Oklahoma!" will be playing for 3 days only at the Craterian Theater in Medford on August 21-23 at 7:00 pm. There will also be a matinee on the 23rd at 1:00. This is a really fun bunch of kids and I'm looking forward to the show. Check them out at http://www.cmtoregon.org/

Back to work!

2008-08-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

Back from a very sweet 5 days in San Diego (near the ocean in Solana Beach). Ocean was warm and I went in a couple of times every day... so refreshing! Made a point of not bringing my camera bag, but kind of wish I had.

Here are a few photographs from another session with a child I've followed for awhile. I was able to photograph Tyla 4 times during her first year and this was a year later near her second birthday.

Phew!

2008-07-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Back Wednesday night from 9 days in Japan... wedding tomorrow... and then leaving on Sunday for a family reunion in San Diego! Lots of wedding photos coming to the blog in the next few weeks and was also lucky to be able to squeeze this sweet session in this morning. I love photographing children as they grow. I first photographed Julia a year and a half ago when she was just learning to walk and now she's running and climbing and jumping... and looking super sweet.

ps... could the Rogue Valley been any more perfect this past couple of days? I left 90 degrees and insane mugginess in Japan and returned to paradise! I dare the San Diego beaches to be better.

Congratulations Sarah and Matthew!

2008-07-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Do you remember that short and crazy lightning and wind storm we had two weeks ago? That happened in Talent 5 minutes after Sarah and Matthew said, "I do". It was wild... and perfect. Fortunately it didn't rain up at "The Old School House" like it did in Ashland, so it was just a few minutes of wind and some fantastic lightning. The upside was a nice temperature drop and a great wedding story. Congratulations!!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

I'm heading to Eugene for the weekend and even get to catch an evening at the Olympic Track and Field trials!

Thought I'd share a few photographs of my son from last week. He played baseball on the Ashland 9/10 year old all star team this year and after two weeks of daily practice after the regular season they headed out to Klammath Falls for the tournament. Having my son on the pitcher's mound for the first game, against a group of very strong-looking boys from Medford, was a bit much on my nerves to say the least. Despite being clobbered, and me skipping some heart beats, they had a fun time and Kye is looking forward to next year. I think that's really all I can hope for.

Have a great weekend!

Congratulations Tiffany and Mikey!

2008-06-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

My first wedding of the summer last Saturday on the solstice. What a gorgeous day in Ashland, both in the park for the ceremony and on the beautiful land up at the top of Ashland Mine Road for the reception. Thank you, Tiffany and Mikey, for asking me to be a part of your day.

Giddiyup!

2008-06-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

In what was a very short baby session this week, during 1/2 of which the little guy was not at all sure he wanted to go along with the whole thing, we ended up with some of my favorite baby shots of recent memory. Check out this little fella!

More fun in the sun

2008-06-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Usually summer doesn't wait for the actual solstice to begin in earnest, but this has been a wild weather year already, so why not?I'm actually photographing a summer solstice wedding tomorrow in Lithia Park which I'm really looking forward to. Look for photos in next week's post.

Here are some recent warm weather photos. Have a great weekend!

June in the Park

2008-06-13T23:50:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day today! Had a morning and afternoon session and played some baseball with my son and his buddies in between (apologies to my forehead for not having my hat on... ouch).

Lithia Park isn't usually my favorite place for photos because of the mixed, spotty light and mostly green color, but on a very warm day like today it can be really nice. Here are some fun ones from my afternoon session.

Have a great weekend! Happy Father's Day (and birthday to my wife)!

Congratulations Class of 2008!

2008-06-06T12:10:00.001-07:00

Well, I wrote that last post and thought I could do better for the gang of high school seniors I photographed last fall. I do really enjoy the seniors each year and all of their energy, uniqueness and sense of beginning that they bring. Good luck to all of you on your new adventures!

Click the collage below to see a larger version.

First June Photographs

2008-06-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

I guess summer is waiting for it's "official" beginning on the 21st this year as it's been a bit chilly recently. But, I have found some sunny moments this past week for the first June sessions of the year.

Congratulations to all you children finishing another school year and to all you graduating high school seniors!

Thank you, Children's World Montessori!

2008-05-29T23:30:00.001-07:00

Wrapping up print orders from several preschools around town this week... hustling to beat the summer break deadline.

Wanted to do a fun little slideshow for Marcy and the Children's World Montessori School. Children's World was one of my very first jobs back in the fall of 2004 and I've enjoyed photographing the many children here each year since. Thank you to all of the families who sent me very nice notes along with your orders this week... I really appreciate it.

Just click the Play button below to watch the slideshow or click the link for a larger version. Enjoy.
CLICK FOR LARGER VERSION

Something different

2008-05-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've seen this before; it's been around for a little while, but I just saw it again recently. Weird and wild stuff. Short and worth a gander. How 'bout we try this on the Ashland plaza?

More and more faces.

2008-05-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the brave Willow Wind parents who mustered the energy to bring their kids out for photos early this week in the heat. Another batch of very fun photos, though. Glad we could make that happen at the last minute.

My son Kye came along to help on the Willow Wind gig. Wow it was hot!

Hey! Back to work!

Photo Contest Prize Delivered

2008-05-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sabrina for passing this photo along. That's the great grandparents from the winning photo being given the 16x20 canvas print that Sabrina won. I love it! (I also love that nobody can think that this was one of those bogus "contests" where you're almost certain that there will never, ever be an actual winner. I'm not nearly that good at Photoshop.)

Ashland Preschool Faces

2008-05-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

I've been busy photographing children at various preschools around town the past few weeks. I must say that these are becoming some of my very favorite jobs. Plop a 3-5 year old on a stool for 1 minute and fire away while making every goofy noise, face,... anything... no shame whatsoever in the name of the shot. Hopefully the very few adults who have actually witnessed this spectacle keep the details to themselves. I often ask parents to hang back if they are around for these photos... "the kids can be more natural w/o you close by," I may say. The truth is that I can't manage to be the insane crazy person I need to be for these photos if there's an adult within 30 feet of me! The photos below most likely aren't the ones chosen for the class collages, but... just look at those faces!