Capturing real moments.
Making real memories.
a Documentary Family Photographer in Portland, Oregon
Striving to capture your life story and create timeless images that you will proudly display throughout your home and share with everyone you cherish.
WHY I do what I do.
I’m a born and raised Oregonian who has grown up around cameras all my life. I’ve called Portland home for the last 21 years, 19 of which I’ve been fortunate to spend doing what I love as a professional ballet dancer with Oregon Ballet Theatre. As an artist and performer, I am naturally drawn to the art of storytelling, and that’s what I strive to do through my camera lens.
The moments I share with my family mean the world to me, and I began photographing families as a way to explore movement and light in our everyday lives, and to try and capture that sense of magic that lies just beyond our vision. As time goes on, I find more and more joy in it. I also find joy in rhubarb pie and having way more books than I have time to read, but that’s a different story. Let’s focus on telling yours...
FAMILY is everything.
I don’t know about you, but it makes a huge difference in my life when I take the time to unplug and just hold space with the people I care about most.
Playing games with the kids on the living room floor. Having a picnic in the backyard. Whether it’s a cuddle pile on the bed or a day out at the beach, these are the moments that mean the most to you - this is what you want to hold onto.
You need a calm, no-pressure atmosphere where you can spend time with your family and I can capture all the emotions - the tender ones, silly ones, even the cranky ones - this is the stuff that makes life worth remembering.
Whoever you are and whoever you call family, I’m here to help tell your story. And when its all done, those memories will be in your hands and on your walls.
I want to help you SLOW DOWN and appreciate the chapter you’re in right now.
“…Brian is a friendly, laid back, experienced photographer that produces great results within a quick timeframe!”
- Lindsay, West Linn, OR
“Brian is wonderful and easy to work with if you want some beautiful portraits.”
- Daniella, Portland, OR
The EXPERIENCE
— Schedule a call
It begins with a quick phone call to help us connect and to book your session on the calendar.
— Have a great session
Sessions usually last between 45-90 minutes and can take place at your home, or at a location of your choice. I certainly have recommendations if you need ideas.
I will hang out with you and your family, taking a documentary approach to capture your family’s natural emotions and a slice of your everyday life. And I will send you a style guide beforehand so you are fully prepared to enjoy your relaxed and no-pressure session.
— Cherish it for life
My goal is not only to capture beautiful images that will create an authentic portrait of your family, but to make it easy for you to actually use those images! That’s why I include a generous print credit with every collection I offer.
your MEMORIES in your hands and on your walls.
Every collection I deliver includes a certain number of digital files plus print credit for my gallery store. This will help you get started bringing your favorite photos to life. Studies have shown that having family photos on display in the home can boost children’s self esteem. I provide prints to make sure your beautiful images are not forever hidden away on some random hard drive. These moments should be shared and celebrated.
Here’s how it works:
Two to three weeks after your session, I’ll send an email with a link to your gallery of 50-60 fully edited images. From the gallery, you can download the files, back them up, and use your print credit to purchase elegant, high quality print products to display or share with family and friends.
FAQs
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After the session, I carefully review all the images and select the best of the best, which typically ends up being between 50-60. I then fully edit each and every one to deliver a beautiful set of final images for you to enjoy.
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Yes! Each photo collection I offer includes a set number of digital files plus a print credit to get products like fine art prints, calendars, and albums. I offer three different collections so you can get as much or as little as you like. And you don’t have to pay for your collection until after you’ve seen your images.
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Early Summer and Fall are the busiest times of year for outdoor family photos in Oregon. If you’d like a session during one of those times, please get in touch as soon as possible. At-home sessions can, of course, be done any time of year. If you have a particular date or holiday by which you need prints or gifts, be sure to book a date at least one month in advance of that date to ensure sufficient processing and printing time.
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Comfort is key. But I will say that solid, muted colors are best. And try to avoid large logos/text and neon colors. I have a getting-ready guide with even more tips that you’ll receive once you book your session to help you prepare. And I will always be a phone call away if you need help coordinating outfits.
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Yes! If you decide to have your session take place outside of your home, I have several locations that work beautifully for family sessions, school portraits, or engagement sessions. And we can talk about what your family loves in particular and find a place that’s meaningful to you.
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I get it - I’m not the most comfortable in front of a camera either! But I’ve heard this countless times from clients who end up having a blast and walking away with amazing images. Most of the time I will just be letting you interact with your loved ones, but I am always there to guide you through easy prompts so that you look and feel amazing.
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I am based out of Tualatin, Oregon and can travel anywhere between Portland, Vancouver, Salem, Hood River, and Cannon Beach. I am more than happy to travel further to wherever you are in the world, but travel fees may apply.
