The BLOG
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Personal Branding and why it’s important
Nicki reached out to me at the suggestion of Dawn…
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What to expect from a shoot with Irina Negrean
Hey gang! Thank you for stopping by my website! I…
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Cape Horn Estate Wedding
Philip and Lewanna got hitched at their church in Portland…
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What to expect from a shoot with Irina Negrean
Hey gang! Thank you for stopping by my website! I know a lot of my clientele is return clients and therefore have a fairly good idea of what working with me looks like! But in case you’re new or just curious, I thought it might be worth describing how the experience goes, what to expect…
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Cape Horn Estate Wedding
Philip and Lewanna got hitched at their church in Portland OR, then drove to Cape Horn Estate for their reception. I had the immense pleasure of second shooting this wedding alongside one of my besties, Brittany Forgette. It was our first time shooting together and 10/10 would do it again. In fact, two weeks later,…
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how to get natural, unposed family photos
Even if you are a big fan of yearly photos with your family, and you understand how important it is to document your lives, family photos can STILL feel so chaotic and stressful! Not only that, but often that stressful energy can be felt in the photos – but it doesn’t have to be like…
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Tia & Michael, Cape Horn Estate Wedding
This was the fourth wedding I shot at Cape Horn Estate and each time I’m blown away such a beautiful wedding venue exists so close to home! Overlooking the Columbia gorge and mountain sides, it feels like something out of a fairytale. Lush hydrangeas line its pathways, the getting ready room is so spacious and…
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How to Prep Your Family for Christmas Photos
Family photos season is here and I know what you’re thinking: “How do I get everyone on board without losing my holiday spirit?” And honestly, as a tired AF single mom – FAIR QUESTION! The good news is, family Christmas sessions with me are short, sweet, and full of genuine smiles. My approach is all about…
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Business with heart
So often business owners struggle to show up for their brand online and even in day to day life. They find it easy to fight for what they believe in, to sell the services they truly believe make the world a better place, to spotlight their products – but when it comes to showing up…
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Romanian Vacation: Part 6
We have finally reached my favorite part of our vacation and SADLY our last vacation post – CLUJ NAPOCA IS UP ON THE BLOG BAYBAYYYYY! If you missed the previous posts check them out here: PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5. GRAND ITALIA HOTEL We stayed at Grand Italia Hotel in…
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Why Christmas Photos Matter More Than You Think
As we near the end of the year, many of us begin to reflect on the past months. We think about the highs and lows, the milestones reached, the challenges overcome, and the moments, big and small, that shaped our families. It’s a season of gratitude, reflection, and togetherness. And what better way to honor…
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Romanian American Wedding in Portland OR
A beautiful pastel June wedding in the Romanian Orthodox Community
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C. Family photos, Cluj Napoca
While on vacation in Romania, Irina photographed Livia and her family on the hills overlooking Cluj Napoca.
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Romanian Vacation: Part 5
Irina visits and photographs the Transfagarasan road in Romania with her family and friends.
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Romanian Vacation: Part 4
Irina travels to Sibiu, Romania to visit friends and explores the old town and beautiful architecture.
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Irina: Self Portraits
Portrait Photographer Irina Negrean talks about the importance of existing in photographs
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Neli Portraits – Zalau, Romania
Irina Negrean is a portrait photographer based out of Vancouver WA. She traveled to Romania to visit family and photographed women in Romania. She talks about the importance of documenting your life and family.
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Romanian Vacation part 3
Romanian Photographer based out of Vancouver WA visits her grandmother’s village.
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Janna
When a Romanian living in America meets an American living in Romania
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Romanian Vacation Part 2
After the jet lag wore off we started the long 8 hour journey to my side of the country, towards Piatra Neamt. Some of the road was impressive brand new stretches of highway, but for the most part we drove thru sleepy villages, stopped along the way and ate everything in sight. Driving towards Piatra…
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Golden Hour Family Portraits – Cluj Napoca, Romania
When Bridgette heard I was traveling back home this summer she reached out to me months in advance about booking her family session. By the time August rolled around, she was driving to meet me (a complete stranger to her) on the edge of a forest outside of Cluj Napoca alongside her beautiful family. We…
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Romanian Vacation PART 1
This past August we spent 3 weeks visiting friends and family in Romania (where I was born and lived until I was 14). As a photographer, you can imagine how decadent it is for me to return to this lush green place I used to call home, to photograph the country roads, the villages tucked…
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Family Portraits in Camas, WA
I went on a hike with a friend earlier this year and cut a shortcut across a field, when I stumbled upon the most beautiful field of blue lilies. Unhinged with joy I posted about it on my instagram asked if any of my clients were willing to book a last minute family shoot! These…
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Fall family photos
Every late October, the Pacific Northwest puts on the most amazing display of color and light, which makes for the most magical fall family photos. It’s such a joy to help my clients document their beautiful families against this fleeting backdrop. And the results speak for themselves. These sessions are so convenient and easy and…
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Why Every Woman Should Experience Empowerment Photography
In a world full of noise about what women should look like, act like, or strive for, empowerment photography is a revolutionary act of self-love. It’s not about achieving a certain look. It’s about celebrating who you are right now, unapologetically. What Is Empowerment Photography? You don’t need lingerie or a makeover or even a dramatic pose to qualify…
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B. Family Photos – Vancouver, WA
Here is a beautiful example of a summertime session that was partly in the studio partly outdoors. I often tell my clients to start their session indoors, and as the sun gets closer to sunset, THEN we run outside and chase that golden light. It turns out amazing! Check it out! We worked around baby…
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Wei & Shirley, LA California
I met Wei in French class in high school, back of the class more specifically, where the yappers were sent. Wei and I were two peas in a pod. Extroverted and incredibly sociable, we became instant friends. I credit Wei for a lot of my happiness in high school and the friends I met thru…
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Maia, Personal Branding & Empowerment
I had chatted with Maia here and there online, after she found me thru some friends and found her so delightful and lighthearted. When she finally booked a shoot with me, we felt like old friends. Then the day of her shoot came up and as she walked thru my studio here in Vancouver, I…
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Headshots for business owners
Personal Branding is ALL ABOUT infusing your brand with you. Your energy, your enthusiasm, your passion. Because there’s a lot of people that do what you do, there’s a lot of businesses that provide services similar to yours. And if you want to stand out, if you want YOUR dream clients to find you, you…
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Five tips for the most epic senior pictures
Senior photography isn’t just a regular photo shoot. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a statement – to show the world, your family and friends a glimpse of who you’ve been these last few years of high school and who you’re on your way to become. And unlike what you might think – your senior…
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BFFs shoot, Vancouver WA
Watching my kid find a bestie two doors down from where we live has been the greatest joy. They have been inseparable for as long as we can remember, they don’t even remember meeting – they only know life as a duo. They are girlhood personified. Between giggling and inside jokes, painting their nails and…
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Ainsley, Vancouver WA
We photographed this beautiful senior session late in the year, super close to the yearbook deadline in October, but you wouldn’t know it by the beautiful sunshine and warmth! We shot near the Fort here in Vancouver, beneath the shade of a fig tree, then played in the tall grass and blue water of Frenchman’s…
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Trip to Tillamook, OR
My beautiful momma and best friend turned 62 last week and we celebrated her with a beautiful trip to the Oregon Coast, near Tillamook! Honestly no matter how often we go to the coast (and we go a lot its my favorite place) I never get tired of the majestic beauty, the jagged cliffs and…
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The best time to book your senior photos
My advice is to start looking for a photographer in the middle to end of your junior year! That’s coming up pretty soon for us this year! It’s important to book early not just because you can get on a payment plan and ease your investment but also because all that extra time allows you…
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Izabelle, Vancouver, WA
My beautiful friend and client from the tender age of 16 is officially a nurse! Iza is one of the kindest, sweetest, smartest humans I know and also – in case you haven’t noticed, one of the most beautiful people on the planet. I like to joke with her that she looks AI generated, because…
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M&S Wedding – Ridgefield, WA
This Romanian Ukrainian wedding was the best of both worlds. Between the emotional touches the couple added, to the amazing Eastern European food, the cozy candle lit church ceremony AND the outdoor ceremony, it really was a blending of both worlds. I had the honor of knowing the bride since her sweet 16th birthday when…
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S. Family Photos
My friend Vickie and I went to Mountain View High School together and met in French class. She laughed at all my stupid jokes and I kept making them because Vickie has THE best laugh in the world. I shared my mom’s sandwiches with Vickie and bonded over having immigrant parents – the highs and…
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Ridgefield Family Photos
Family photos are not supposed to be stressful! That’s why you have to find a photographer that can take the pressure of you. Help you figure out wardrobe, location, time, etc. That’s literally a photographer’s job. All you have have to do is show up and BE PRESENT. Enjoy your time with your family and…
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N&N Wedding – Battle Ground, WA
These two lovebirds got hitched on the bride’s family estate in Battle Ground, WA and gave me the immense honor of letting me document their day surrounded by every single human that walked in their life and LOVED THEM. I cried as I cry at every wedding because love makes the world go round. I…
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J. Maternity – Stevenson, WA
A while back I shot this beauty’s elopement so when she called me about maternity pictures, it made my friggin day! She put on this beautiful yellow pleated dress and we frolicked amongst the July wildflowers in the Columbia gorge. That’s the thing about the Pacific Northwest – you never know where you find the…
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Heather, Vancouver WA
When you need personal branding images for your new company AND it’s your birthday, turn it into a full blown photoshoot! That’s what this beauty did. To book your own photoshoot click HERE. Signature photoshoots are perfect for this kind of stuff, but I’m also running special minis all the time! July is Water minis…
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PERSONAL BRANDING, Vancouver WA
Are you ready to elevate your brand? Then you need a photographer that will be as dedicated to your brand vision as you are. Someone who will care about everything from outfits, accessories, color schemes and vibes. Someone who knows JUST how important showing up the right way is. Someone like me – and I’m…
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Cassie Maternity, Washougal WA
I met Cassie at a photography shootout I was hosting at The Old Schoolhouse in Washougal (a stunning up and coming location for content creation, photography sessions workshops, airbnb and more) and I was instantly ga-ga over her long luscious locks and piercing blue eyes. Then I realized she is the mastermind behind Let’s Talk…
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5 tips to prepare for your photoshoot
if you’re not following me on TikTok here is a video I made recently where I share five tips all my best clients already do! Let me know if you want to learn more and I’ll get right on it!
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Irina turns 37
From the first flower to this armful, I’m celebrating 37 years of life today! And I dunno about you guys but I LOVE my birthdays! There’s always sunshine, there’s always friends and family, and there’s always cake! What’s not to love?!? Even now I’m cracked up on happiness, unable to sleep, delirious with anticipation to…
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The splendor of spring: an ethereal mother daughter photoshoot.
Esther is one of my most talented and creative friends. She started off as a wedding photographer, but very much so like me, cut back on her wedding work because y’all weddings wear your joints out after a while. These knees just weren’t made for shooting and dancing the night away at a 8+ hour…
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Motherhood Portraits – Washougal, WA
Alli and I have worked together too many times to count. So naturally we get to be wildly creative in anything we do at this point. We had a gorgeous vision and then… IT ENDED UP POURING THE MORNING OF OUR SHOOT. So we pivoted and dare I say it, it turned out even better…
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Ethereal Maternity Portraits – Washougal, WA
This beautiful momma ABSOLUTELY mesmerized me with her long fairy hair and piercing blue eyes. Enjoy a few favorite from our ten minutes together! I captured these maternity portraits right here in Washougal during a photography workshop I hosted for photographers. Hair and makeup was done by the talented Stephanie De Rosa. Set was created…
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VALENTINE’S DAY minis
This year we hosted minis in the studio and we had an absolute blast! They took place in my space here in Vancouver, WA, against this beautiful pink backdrop and heart props! Thank you to everyone who snagged one of these and got to play with confetti and flowers! Made my heart soar to create…
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Self Portrait Irina, Vancouver WA
Something set off my insecurities recently and immediately my mind started playing the usual soundtrack: “I’m difficult. It’s hard to love me. I have to earn love. I have to be funny. I have to be good. I have to be a martyr. And I can only feel the warmth of other people’s love if…
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Alyssa, Vancouver WA
Senior photos are not just about submitting a current picture for yearbook. It’s the first declaration of self, of independence and authenticity. It’s your first step towards the truest version of who you are. And I love to document this chapter of a young person’s life so much. For Alyssa’s shoot we met at Klineline…
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Isabelle in the snow
It doesn’t always snow over here, but when it does you better BET imma drag someone out and put them in a pretty gown. IT’s just the way of the world. lol Anyways, I just want you guys to know as beautiful as Isabelle is, it’s NOTHING to her inner beauty. Some people just absolutely…
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Meet Irina
Here’s a few random fun facts about me: * my name is Irina, I’m a portrait photographer for women! * I don’t care how you pronounce my name but I love you 30% more if you try to say it right (it’s the letter E + re + nah) * I’m a mom to one…
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Jasmine of Blossom and Beauty
Jasmine is the uber talented, beautiful mastermind behind Blossom and Beauty, a hair and makeup team located in Portland OR. Jasmine, alongside her team doll up beautiful brides, photography clients and anyone that needs a little glam in their life. So imagine how hard I fan-girled over Jasmine when she hired me for some empowering…
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Virtual Cathy, Vancouver WA
The first time I met Cathy was when I was contracted to photograph portraits for her company, Virtual Cathy (Seriously most of the images on her website, we took together). Back then it was just starting out and Cathy and her virtual assistant company was about to take off. It’s been a few years and…
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Edgy vibes only, please
One of the best parts of being a creative is meeting fellow creatives and if that’s not enough, sometimes we also get to play and create together. Stephanie and I often work together, as Stephanie is a fantastic hair and makeup artist that dolls up my clients. Amanda flew in from LA and helped us…
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Love will save the day
Rich + Camille Maecenas sed diam eget risus varius blandit sit amet non magna. Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum. Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at…
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Meet your photographer
It will shock you to learn I didn’t always think being in front of a camera in nothing but my underwear and some sheer THING was a good time. In fact, there was a time I would have gladly chosen a root canal over showing ANYONE my belly. So you might be asking yourself –…
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Jasmine, Vancouver, WA
Jasmine’s aunt came to get pictures taken with me twice now, once for maternity and once for herself and she LOVED her experience so much that when her niece needed senior pictures, she immediately thought of me. And I’m so grateful because Jasmine was such a pleasure to photograph. A little timid at first, she…
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Shootout at the coast
This past month I had the pleasure of taking part in a photography shootout (organized by the Teresa Vick) with a few gorgeous models (including my good friend Crystal) and a bunch of photographers. We got to hang out, collaborate and create with the beautiful backdrop of Newport, OR. Here’s a few favorites from that…
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Andrea M, Vancouver
Andrea and I have worked together four times in the last few years and I always call this THE SWEET SPOT because there’s a level of comfortable that you get to at this point, where you don’t waste any time and you get to create with wild abandon. I LOVE IT. Andrea opted to have…
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A note on gossip
A long time ago I heard a piece of gossip about me. Someone said “Irina’s so fake, she buys all her friendships with compliments and flattery but it’s all fake.” And it broke me. It literally broke my brain. I spiraled for months about how well, I MUST be a monster! I must do that!…
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Shana O., Vancouver WA
Shana and her daughter are living THE dream, working together side by side for their real estate goals! Don’t mind me being distracted by visions of working with MY little shadow one day! 🙂 We had so much fun in the studio, getting hair and makeup done, laughing, snacking on all the goodies I set…
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My favorite client closet dress
When I tell everyone this is my favorite dress in my closet they scoff. Surely not. But it is. It’s sheer, linen, light, white which is a “forbidden“ color for fat people, it’s revealing and natural. It makes me feel womanly, and sexy and ethereal and plump, which is exactly how I like to be…
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What are bodies for?
I spent the better part of my life thinking I was fat (and that it was a bad thing to be), that I was a misfit, that I never belonged, that I was ok looking, but my teeth were too small, my voice was too deep, my thighs were too close together (wtf is wrong…
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Andi C, Vancouver WA
Andi and I have worked together for years now and each time I spend time with her, I’m reminded of what a delightful human she is. In our community of business owners, she’s got quite a reputation for being an amazing commercial real estate agent, a master connecter and a constant presence in community events….
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Snow day in February
Yesterday it started snowing. BIG FLUFFY GIANT snowflakes. More snow than we’ve seen for Christmas and New Year’s put together. I stayed inside, watching that white glittery magic dance in the wind, the sound of children filling up the streets, nostalgic memories of my own childhood back in Romania swirling in my head. But it…
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Christine
What do you do when you publish a book and need a back cover picture? You book a shoot! And while you’re wearing gorgeous makeup and your hair is styled, why not do some sexy empowering pictures as well! Christine absolutely killed her shoot. She was pretty nervous about being in front of a camera…
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My momma turns 60
This year my beautiful momma turned 60 and her lifelong dream was to spend a vacation in her favorite place on earth, Maui, with all of us. As you can imagine, we couldn’t refuse! 🙂 Enjoy a few of my favorite snaps from our travels!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Where are you located!? A. Fair question! I try to put my location on everything but in case something slipped my notice here it is again: I am based out of Vancouver, WA! I have a studio in my own home and I also shoot on location! I charge a small travel fee anywhere…
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Permission
Hi. I wanna give you something you never asked for: permission. Permission to enjoy your life (your vacation, your beach trips, taking pictures, traveling, holidays, special occasions, totally ordinary days, etc etc). I give it to you. I bless you with permission to have a good time and laugh and run and swim without a…
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Patricia Maternity Portraits
I say this every chance I get – please, please, please, please – GET MATERNITY PICTURES TAKEN. My daughter was born prematurely and the ONLY images I have of my beautiful pregnancy (where I’d never felt more beautiful, sexy and full of life) are crappy cell phone selfies in random bathrooms. I will never have…
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Alli and the power of the fearless woman
Alli is VERY MUCH SO one of my favorite humans. From the moment I met her, for a styled shoot, I loved her. Full of life, kind and funny, she carries herself in a way that just makes me go “I wanna be just like her”. She’s a badass. Momma of two, Barre fitness pro…
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Sara
When Sara walked into my home/studio, she had the most nervous smile. “I ALMOST DIDN’T SHOW UP!!!” she confessed. “I almost said screw the money screw it all, I can’t DO IT.” I felt her to the depths of my soul. Even as a photographer myself, I still get nervous! There is no question –…
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How we move forward…
I’m slowly returning to full time in my business, and I’m very careful and mindful of what I keep from these past few months and what I choose to leave behind. We have been through a lot, after all… For example, I’m saying goodbye to burn out; I’m saying goodbye to overbooking myself because feeling…
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How to find AMAZING light for selfies!
Ok y’all – as much as I wish I could be photographing you, I also want you to be able to capture amazing selfies and improve your own shooting technique while working with a smart phone! Business owners especially need to compensate their professional personal branding images with their own personal content and it’s SO…
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How to take professional looking self portraits on a cell phone
Since this cursed quarantine has started, I’ve struggled to figure out how to use my skills and knowledge to serve others. And so I slowly started creating self portraits to keep my hands busy and something interesting started happening – I started getting message after message from fellow friends and business owners asking me to…
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A note on the female body
As a photographer for WOMEN, I’m here to bring you a shocking revelation: WOMEN HAVE CURVES, ROLLS, FOLDS. I know, it’s crazy. But what can I tell you. As a proud owner of a BODY, it is in fact, TRUE. It’s ABSOLUTELY impossible for a woman to bend at the waist and NOT have some…
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Sarah Maternity Portraits, Vancouver WA
Sarah is (if you can believe it) a momma to two beautiful girls and a little boy and was expecting a surprise baby earlier this year! Needless to say, when you’ve got your hands full with three kiddos on a day to day basis, the LAST thing you feel like doing is planning a maternity…
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Risa Portraits, Vancouver, WA
I met Risa a few years back at a female photographers group and had the immense pleasure of photographing her when she won a giveaway. Alongside her hubby, they’re an amazing team of wedding and real estate photographers so I was SUUUUUPER nervous not to mess up! In the end, I LOVED these portraits because…
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Mother-daughter trips and the guilt we carry
Let me tell you a story. This past weekend, I took the love of my life, my daughter to the ocean, with stars in my eyes, excitement to spend one-on-one time with her and visions of us laughing and bonding like a migraine medication commercial. And then…… it sucked. JUST TYPING THAT HURTS MY BRAIN….
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Frida Kahlo Inspired Shoot
By now you’ve probably figured out I get really frickin’ pumped about helping women love the way they look and feel in photos. OH MAN, there is NO better feeling than watching a woman timidly peek over my camera screen and burst into an uncontrollable fit of giggles and OMGs and “NO WAY!” and “there…
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Personal Branding, Vancouver WA
The first time we met up for coffee we bonded over our experience as immigrants in this country, our undying love for GOOD STRONG coffee and our deep connections to the women in our lives – the ones that made us the women we are today. Kareen is one of those people that everyone in…
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Why female empowerment is not just a trend: A story of how I came to love all of me and how you can too.
This weekend I saw a bunch of old family videos and pictures and (not to sound like the most self-involved, vain human EVER) I kept saying: “oh my god… wow, I was so beautiful … huh look at me laughing…. I was so pretty and young….” To which my family kept saying… “uhhhh….duh… like ok…
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Kauai Vacation 2019
When my mom and I planned this trip, we had already booked our trip to Mexico. And I did think, “who the heck am I to take TWO vacations back to back?!” But then I thought about how much Dani would love it, especially since we surprised her and picked her up from school straight…
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Mexico
When one of my bestest friend’s husband turned 40 this year and invited me to Mexico, I was like HECK TO THE YES. I’ve never been and also, girlfriend, I NEEEEEEDED a break. It was the first time I’ve ever been FULLY PRESENT on vacation, not worrying about my business, my baby or all the…
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Personal Branding, Downtown Vancouver, WA
You guys know my love for Annie Hieronymus of Vivid Reveal runs deep. So when she asks you to be the lead photographer for a personal branding shoot, you say HELL YES. Annie is such a brilliant creative director and has such a precise way of bringing her clients’ vision to life. It was such…
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Modern Portraits, Vancouver Waterfront
Neli and I are FAMILY. She’s my niece and she lives back home in Romania. She also happens to be babealicious. She’d kick back her head and chortle with laughter if she heard me calling her that. A fellow taurus (like yours truly), she’s a real fire cracker. Opinionated and bossy, sarcastic and funny, this…
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Downtown Vancouver, WA – Personal Branding
Every once in a while, I get the amazing opportunity to work with my good friend and brilliant creative director, Annie Hieronymus of Vivid Reveal. I love working with her amazing clients and helping her bring their vision to life. I also feel a tiny jolt of joy and excitement at the thought that here…
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Personal Branding, Hazel Dell, WA
I LOVED creating these personal branding images for Kelly! It was the first time I got to work with Lacey, one of my AMAZING HMUA and close friend. Watching her be so professional and endearing and willing to make our client happy made me realize that I want all my clients to feel SO pampered…
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Moulton Falls, WA – Maternity Portraits
Dana is one of those effortlessly charming women that sort of remind you of a bubbly movie star (I see a little bit of Kate Hudson, do you see it?). Easy going and lighthearted, she’s SUPER easy to like. When we met for her maternity shoot at Moulton Falls, her daughter had throw up all…
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Personal Branding, RJL
When I started networking a few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined I’d meet people I’d admire SO much, they would become friends. But such was the case with Jen of RJL Business Services. Jen is a serious go-getter, ambitious, smart and motivated. This lady MEANS BUSINESS. But sit down over a cup of coffee…
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Maternity Portraits, Vancouver WA
When your old high school friend/college roommate/coworker/friend’s sister calls you for maternity portraits you say HECK YAS. Carolanna got to be pampered at our studio, while Renee worked her hair and makeup magic, while chatting about life, motherhood and everything in between. Then after a few different looks that we pulled straight from my studio…
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Anniversary J+D
Does it get any better than fall colors, a beautiful couple celebrating their anniversary and a trip to Sauvie Island?! I think not! Check out a few favorites from this BEAUTIFUL session!
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10 things that will happen during a shoot with Irina Negrean Photography
1. You will laugh at something I say (I talk a lot, me saying something stupid is BOUND TO HAPPEN)…. OR 2. You will laugh at me fumbling around cables and/or backdrop clips. Listen, I’m clumsy but I’m lovable soooooo….. 3. You will be pampered and feel like a frickin movie star. Girl, you deserve…
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Lani, unapologetically
I met Lani at a networking event and I remember noticing how elegant and professional and confident she seemed. I didn’t dare approach her for a long time, but eventually our paths crossed and I’m so grateful for it. My conversations with Lani have been so empowering and validating, such wonderful reminders that there are…
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An ode to light-givers
This week I threw my back out bad, then the next day it got WAY worse. So much worse, that I could. not. walk. Imagine NEVER having having so much as a broken bone, then suddenly you CANNOT dress yourself. It was the kind of pain that kept me still in my bed as I…
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Fall Family Pictures
Y’all, 2019 Fall Family Picture Season is COMMIIIIN’ IN HOT. YAS. You heard that right. It’s time to use your master (I see you, momma) negotiating skills and convince the kids and hubby its TIME. Time for family pictures! They’ve gotten a bad rap in the past but I STRONGLY believe the secret to a…
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Portrait of Taylor
Motherhood never looked so good! When it comes to pictures of you and your baby, you don’t need to overthink it or over-plan it or stress out – sometimes all it takes is a pretty dress and great light. Oh and a photographer that is ABSOLUTELY obsessed with showing women how incredible they look. *HINT*…
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Portrait of Jackie
Let’s be honest – the first few months as a momma are NOT the most glamorous moments in a woman’s life. There are SO many bodily fluids flying around everywhere and showering is a luxury. Yeah, I sure know how to paint a picture, right? haha Still, I invited past maternity clients to come be…
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What is female empowerment photography?
As you guys know, I specialize in beautiful empowering portraits of women. My ‘THING’ is photographing everyday women (like you and me) in such a way that they have to admit to themselves they are undeniably STUNNING. I always felt that in the right light, with the right posing, setups, hair and makeup literally ANYONE…
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Timea Maternity Portraits
First time I photographed Timea, she was getting married and I photographed her wedding. The second was when I was shyly thinking about maybe starting a portrait business and she graciously volunteered to be my guinea pig (lord, I had no idea what I was doing). But believe me, the third time is BY FAR…
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R. Family Pictures
Having family pictures can feel a bit overwhelming, but that’s why you CALL ME. Giiiiiirrrrrrlllll, I GOT YOU. We’ll meet up and talk vision, wardrobe, styling, location, the whole shebang. Then we’ll look thru my studio wardrobe and grab any pieces we want to use to really glam up your session! Then we’ll see if…
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Oceanside Vacation
This July I took ten days off to be with my family and enjoy the beautiful PNW beaches. You guys, it was such a nice trip, lounging around, marveling at my daughter’s long tan legs, eating Tillamook ice cream EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. checking out Newport Aquarium, and just breathing in that sea air. Enjoy just…
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Why I’m more than just a photographer
Somebody recently told me: “I don’t understand what activism has to do with running your business. You need to sell your work, not post about women’s right and issues.” But you guys, the only reason I diverted to women’s portraiture from weddings was because I noticed how this culture treats women, how it makes them…
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ROAR – Fierce Female Storytelling
A while ago, my beautiful friend Erika Worth (the genius behind ROAR Voices) asked me to speak on stage at the Kiggins Theatre for her show on Bodies. My first thought was “ABSOLUTELY NOT”. My second thought was “OVER MY DEAD BODY”. Who the hell am I to speak in front of a huge crowd?…
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Gabby
I had the privilege to photograph this beautiful soul because her aunt, Danielle messaged me one day and asked to gift a session to her niece, adding, “I really want her to feel beautiful and know she is special and worth all the love in the world.” (PS. I read her message and cried. Ugly…
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BARE FACED BEAUTY
I LOVE photographing women. I think at this point, it’s OBVIOUS. RIGHT? OK, well I DO. I got into this game (of empowering women thru photography) as you all know, after I had my daughter. And I realized how frickin lonely it can be to be a mom, to want to be perfect at everything…
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Amanda & Aaron Wedding
A year ago, a friend of mine recommended me to a momma whose daughter was getting married. After a meeting with her, I fell in love with her, her family and her daughter’s love story. And then she told me to meet with Amanda and if her and I got along, she’d like to pay…
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An Ode To My Mother
How lucky am I? I have been loved for over 31 years by this magical creature. Any moment I feel unimportant or small or like I don’t matter in this great big world, I look at these old photographs. I look at my mom with her crazy 80’s perm and thick frames and I ask…
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Texas Styled Shoot
A few months back, I got the special honor of styling and photographing two beautiful shoots on a brand new wedding venue in Cypress, TX. Best part was that I got to do it with my uber talented friend, event and wedding coordinator, Logan of LCM Weddings and Events (who also doubled as our model…
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Happy New Year!
Hope you all had an amazing year but if not, guess what? There’s a new one RIGHT HERE! Holla, 2019! 😉 I love beginnings. I love fresh starts. I love symbolism. Which is why I cleaned my house spotless, took out the trash, did the dishes, cleaned out my closet and kitchen cabinets – giiiirrrrlll,…
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Wendy
My amazing friend and master people connector, Erika Laws, introduced me to Wendy. Y’all, THIS LADY. IS. THE. BOMB. A badass business owner of a highly successful roofing company, a momma, a girl’s girl thru and thru AND a wickedly funny smart lady! As you can imagine, I had a blast shooting her updated headshots!…
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All about hair and make-up
Does the fact that I offer hair and makeup services to all my clients DESPITE the fact that I rarely wear makeup (don’t even own foundation and don’t even get me started on contouring) make me a hypocrite? I don’t think so. Hear me out. First of all. One of my three big rules in…
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What’s this life all about?
I have been going thru an existential crisis of sorts lately and I’ve been trying to understand what is the point in all this. What is the point in life? Are we all just born to work and dream away our lives, work ourselves to the bone, fantasizing about that one moment when we have…
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On being a social chameleon
I like to think of myself as a social chameleon – all part of my immigrant background, I’m sure. You see, when my family moved to the United States, I wanted nothing more than to blend in. So I started adapting – quiet and studious with my straight A friends, swearing like a sailor with…
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Brianna and Kai, Yale Lake Wedding
I met Brianna at a networking event about two years ago. She was a photographer covering an Impactful Women’s Conference and I was braving my first ever networking event. She talked fast, laughed at all my stupid quips and put me STRAIGHT at ease about being nervous. She has that quality about her…. makes everyone…
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Senior Portraits, Izabelle
You know how you just meet people and you like them instantly and you have no idea why? That’s how I feel about Iza. I met her and I liked her instantly. End of story. She’s modeled for me a few times now so when it came to her senior pictures, OF COURSE I had…
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Personal Branding, Arkady
Arkady is a beautiful successful boudoir photographer based out of Portland, OR. She is a mega-empowering, body positive and an overall sweet human being. So when I met her at a networking meet-up, I of course, liked her instantly. We chatted and she told me she was working up the courage to have personal branding…
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Selena’s Portraits
I first heard Selena speak at an Impactful Women’s quarterly conference hosted by the beautiful and mega lovely Erika Laws. She spoke about loving yourself more, giving yourself room to be imperfect, to treat yourself with a bit more love because how could you possibly do everything you want to do and be the kind…
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S. Wedding – Seattle, WA
I met Skyler the day of her wedding – it was also the first time I chatted with her too. Don’t get me wrong – ain’t nothing wrong with that, but generally I have a really strong relationship with my clients. But Skyler had hired my good friend Logan of LCM Weddings. And trusted her…
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Summer
I don’t exactly know when I went from being “silly-no-need-to-worry-there’s-plenty-of-time-laaaater” Irina to “stressed-sleep-deprived-work-hard-hustle” Irina. It was so subtle. A night spent editing until 3-4 am here and there, a few hours spent polishing an article instead of going to the lake with my family… next thing I know I found myself red-eyed, eternally tired and…
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“A normal life”
I wish we could get rid of the concept of a normal life. What the fuck is that? I have friends who went thru horrible divorces and friends who married their soulmates. And you know what? They’re all ok. They’re all on amazing paths that should never be compared because our path belongs to us…
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Madeline and Elliot Wedding – Seattle, WA
I met Madeline shooting Sara and Stefano’s wedding and remember how much I loved her thick glorious bangs. She was one of Sara’s bridesmaids and was so funny, smart and sweet – just my kind of gal… and then to get the call that she wants me to shoot HER wedding in Seattle? I was…
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Tiffany and Brian Wedding – Kennewick, WA
I met the beautiful Tiffany and her fiancé at THIS styled shoot I was a part of and instantly loved photographing her. I told her flat out that day that I wanted to shoot her wedding and that when the time comes she should contact me! Not long after, I found myself driving thru the…
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Mini Shoots and Mother’s Day
I get asked fairly often if I ever do mini sessions – especially for Mother’s Day – and my answer is unequivocally NO. It goes against everything I preach on a day to day basis. Moms indeed book these minis because they are cheap and quick and don’t take too much hassle. Because you see,…
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Erica
I “met” Erica at a networking event for creatives. I didn’t actually talk to her but she remembered me. I stood up in front of a room full of strangers and spoke for a few seconds about who I was, what I did and WHY I believed so wholeheartedly in my mission to empower every…
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“Photogenic”
I hate that word. What is that?! Photogenic. What, some people are just meant to live a life of shitty pictures? HECK NO. To me there’s no such thing as photogenic or not photogenic. There’s good photographers and bad photographers. That means, if you’ve ever been photographed by a pro and hated your pictures, it’s…
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Welcome back!
Phew! It’s been a good long while since I wrote on my blog but I’m back, I’m fired up and boy do I have a LOT to say! As you can see, my website has undergone a quiet fab transformation – more on that later – but I wanted to wait until it was finished…
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Anca C.
Here’s the thing – MOST women hate having their picture taken. Add the title “mom” to the mix and the odd go down even further. Add mom of TWO under 4 and Oh boy. Good luck with that. Still – DO IT ANYWAY. Mommas – you will miss this crazy, exhausting, tear-inducing, wonderful time of…
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Ashley J.
Ashley turned 30 RIGHT on the day of our shoot! Which made the whole thing even more special – top that with sharing memories of our time spent in high school, laughing about the joys of new motherhood and how important it is to be a girl’s girl; caring for your family, overcoming the many…
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Andrea B.
Andrea is a beautiful momma, a wickedly funny lady and smart as a whip. But under my direction, with my studio wardrobe and HMUA’s ridiculous skill, Andrea took on a new form – smoldering, fiery goddess. You see, you never quite know who appears once my camera points at them. And AHHHHH man, I LOVE…
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Cynthia M.
The perks of knowing amazing, kick-ass business owners who just HAPPEN to be drop dead gorgeous? Spontaneous visits to my studio. The truth is, if we are friends, I’ve likely preached to you about how important it is to be in pictures. We have just this one short life and our babies grow up so…
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Karyn H.
Karyn won a gift certificate for a photoshoot with me and brought her beautiful daughter along! My amazing HMUA Renee J. did a few gorgeous looks and Karyn blossomed before our very eyes. From a busy, hardworking momma to a glam bombshell, Karyn absolutely rocked her shoot. We styled each look with pieces from my…
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Tanya Z.
Personal Branding and Business Headshots are my absolute favorites lately – there’s something so absolutely fantastic about capturing who a woman is from a professional standpoint. I love to not only make my clients look professional but also beautiful, fashionable and elegant. We’re done with the stuffy blazers and old fashioned backdrops. Today’s head shots…
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Brittani
Brittani was one of my brides a while back and I loved her spicy personality, taste for travel and adventure and passion for her community and having an impactful life. I knew I’d love to photograph her again and with her approaching 30th birthday, we finally got another opportunity to connect! I always say my…
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Logan and Colin, Leavenworth
Logan and I met at a friend’s wedding. I was the photographer, she was the event coordinator. One styled shoot later, I knew I’d made a friend for life. Wickedly talented, kind and sweet, Logan is a force to be reckoned with in the Seattle wedding industry (check out her website if you’re in need…
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Alyssa – Vancouver, WA
A few weeks ago I shot this amazing senior shoot and AHHHH, it was one of my favorite shoots to date. It’s always those people that fully trust me that get the most amazing work out of me. Alyssa’s session truly invigorated my spirit and creative energy and I value clients that give back so…
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Aleena – Vancouver, WA
Glam sessions aren’t just for supermodels. I wanted to put a twist on a beauty session and include this bundle of joy. Her momma, Aleena, looked stellar of course, but I wanted to capture a complete portrait of exactly where she is in life right now: THE ULTRA GLITZY WORLD OF MOTHERHOOD. Welcome to the…
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Sarah and Josh – Aurora, OR
Sarah and Josh got married at Langdon Farms in Aurora, OR. Lord, where do I even begin – I LOVE LOVE LOVED this day. I felt more like a family friend than a hired vendor. Sarah and Josh are one of those people who truly enjoy each other’s company, truly in love, truly friends. Together…
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F. Family Pictures, Vancouver, WA
I met Charity when I commented on her photography online and one thing led to another and here we are! Charity is many things – a widow, a single momma, a warrior, a photographer, but what I wanted to capture in her family shoot was that unmistakeable light within her. That SPARK that makes her…
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Diana, Vancouver, WA
To book your own portrait session visit FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM.
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Sadie and Nick, Seattle, WA
I met Sadie and Nick because their photographer bailed on them a few months before their wedding. A friend of a friend connected us and from the moment we met, I LOVED THEM. They’re one of those couples you REALLY REALLY want to be friends with. Their wedding party was a huge group of the…
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Roger and Cristina, Portland, OR
This beautiful wedding at Lakeside Gardens, in Portland is very dear to my heart. You see, the bride is my godmother. To me, this felt more like a family affair than shooting for my clients – but then again, most weddings make me feel that way. It’s hard not to get attached, to care, to…
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Z. Family Pictures – Vancouver, WA
You may have notice my tiny obsession with photographing my beautiful friend Diana! I met her earlier this year and we’ve already had two amazing shoots together! While getting to know each other in the beginning, we discovered we had a million things in common – including the fact that I went to high school…
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Michelle – Happy Valley, OR
I ran into my friend, Michelle, at a birthday party and started talking about pregnancy and all its ups and downs, about school, work and then started planning a maternity photo shoot. You see, if you’re pregnant, you will get my little speech about HOW IMPORTANT pictures are, how I didn’t get any, then gave…
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Country Chic Wedding – Styled Shoot
I met Logan of LCM Weddings when I shot Sara and Stefano’s Seattle Wedding. That is important not only because she’s one of the coolest chicks you’ll ever meet, but also because she is one of the most brilliant up-and-coming wedding and event planners in the Seattle area. SERIOUSLY. Artistic, creative and with a real…
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Exist in Pictures
I’ve never met a woman that absolutely loves to be photographed. Myself included. There’s something so dang vulnerable and intimidating about having a camera pointed at you. Like it can see you. REALLY SEE YOU. And then there’s the matter of preparing for a shoot – hair, makeup, dropping those pesky 50 pounds (oops), finding…
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Carmina – Vancouver, WA
I’m still booking senior reps for the upcoming year but in the meantime I’m so excited to FINALLY share these beautiful senior pictures from my friend and 2017 Senior, Carmina! Smart, accomplished and ambitious, she’s one of the hardest working kids I know. Carmina also participates in her father’s Romanian Folk Dance group, is part…
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Courtney & Karen Wedding – Seattle, WA
When I met Karen at the University of Washington, commiserating over exhausting Calculus homework, I never would have imaged she would change my life. But she did. While pursuing a degree in Sociology, she convinced me to pursue photography and was relentless in her encouragement, even going so far as to send me my very…
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Sarah – Vancouver, WA
Throwback to last year’s gorgeous senior session with the lovely Sarah. Enjoy a few favorites! HMUA @ Debbie Zilinsky
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Cristina & Roger Engagement – Vancouver, WA
This beautiful woman? MY GODMOTHER. Yes. You read that right. She also happens to be my daughter’s godmother. She’s family thru and thru. So being part of her engagement and wedding felt nothing short of a dream come true. Can’t wait to share her wedding with you guys! HMUA @Vickie Stana
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Alina – Vancouver, WA
Throwback to one of my first beauty shoots! Thanks as always to my beautiful friend for trusting me with her family pictures.
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Pete & Marcela – Battle Ground, WA
Throwback to a sweet elopement in Battle Ground State Park!
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T. Family – Ridgefield, WA
One more throwback of this amazing family shoot – Marina is one of my closest friends and I love her. So I won’t bother gushing all about what a phenomenal woman she is, how spotless her house is and what a wonderful mommy she is (although……she is). Enjoy a few of my absolute favorites –…
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Crystal and Jason – Depot Bay, OR
Trying to share a few favorites from my 2015 Weddings and I stumbled upon this lovely small intimate family affair! Enjoy!
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Sara & Stefano – Seattle, WA
Sara and Stefano are high school sweethearts. But more than that, they are avid travelers, wonderful friends and incredibly intelligent and kind human beings. The fact that they are so beautiful is just the cherry on top of the cake. Their wedding day was nothing short of perfection – from the moody Seattle weather contrasting…
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D. Family Pictures – Vancouver, WA
A few weeks back Toni contacted me about needing family pictures, since their newest addition turned her little family into a trio. HMUA @ Betty Artistry
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Brittani and Gonzalo Wedding
Brittani and Gonzalo got married at the Troutdale House after a year and a half engagement – so you can imagine that this wedding was a confirmation and validation of how great these two work together. Brittani planned and designed every single bit of this wedding with her fiancé by her side – from the…
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