Posy Quarterman Photography Blog

Major cool points for this mama

2012-01-20T14:34:00.000-08:00

When Franny was a baby I vowed not to play kid music for her, hoping to avoid the endless replaying of Raffi (nothing against Raffi, seriously, but you know what I mean, right?). This backfired when Franny became obsessed with the music of Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Journey and Rihanna (umbrella, ella, ella...). It turns out, any music on constant repeat gets old fast. The girl is now over four, and though her favorite musicians include the Decemberists, Donovan, Carole King and the Beatles, she also really digs Kimya Dawson, "The Maybe Giants" (They Might Be Giants), and Portland kindy rock star Mo Phillips. We love Mo's music, and though we are extremely excited about his upcoming album, we have not grown tired of the last one, which we play very regularly. I find myself singing the songs when Franny isn't even around, and I never cringe when she asks me to play his music. So when Mr. Phillips rang me up and asked that I provide him with some fun new photos to use for promotion of his new album, I agreed to it, of course, set up the details, hung up the phone, and ran into Franny's room: "Guess who just called Mommy?!!!" It is true that I had already met and photographed Mo, but that day he was Mo the father and husband (and soccer player), so when I blogged those photos I didn't even drop his name. But this time around I was photographing the celebrity Mo Phillips, and I earned major cool points with my preschooler; she sat on my lap while I edited the photos, chose her favorites, and giggled a lot. "Mo Phillips is SO goofy." She's got that right.

If you live in Portland and have children, you should definitely check out a live Mo Phillips show. If you don't live in Portland, you should order his CD. Mo and I have a little something else up our sleeves, but you'll have to wait until April to find out about it. Happy weekend!

He calls her Red.

2012-01-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

First session of the year found me catching up with this beautiful, loving St. Johns family, a living room full of nice light, a happy baby, and a visit to foggy Cathedral Park. I'm loving 2012 so far!

2nd Annual Valentine's Mini Sessions at Black Wagon

2012-01-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Posies Bakery & Cafe just joined in on the fun by offering to provide mini red velvet cupcakes for each participant. This event just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T10:13:00.001-08:00

Our Year

2011-12-31T00:24:00.000-08:00

You invite me into your homes and your world so often, I thought it would be nice to end the year by inviting you into ours. Here is what 2011 looked like for us.

January

We said a fond farewell to long hair and, gulp, pigtails.

February

An unexpected snow day.

March.

April

April brought us bunnies.

May

In May my girl discovered Annie and spent a good six to eight weeks only wearing red, singing the songs (constantly) and requiring us to refer to her as "Annie," which, thankfully, is very close to her actual name.

June

First day of the St Johns Farmer's Market, tired by ready.

In June we spent a week in lovely Vancouver, BC.

July

All summer long I came home from photo sessions to heart-bursting father/daughter scenes like this.

Franny's first real person drawing (looks like a lion to me) was not of mom or dad, nor herself, but of our beloved nanny, Abbi. There are no less than three A's on there, just in case you can't tell it's Abbi.

August

We did Pickathon and loved it.

September

She looks for him every morning when we come downstairs and snugs him like this until he just can't take it anymore. (Please ignore the dirty kitchen floor.)

October

My girl turned 4.

2011 was without question the year of the unicorn.

November

Our Thanksgiving princess.

On December 1st I turned 35 and the sun shined all day, and pretty much all month, with rain holding off until the 25th. December 2011 was my favorite December in recent memory.

Nutcracker.

Christmas Eve. Why yes, there is a fire burning, on our television. Twenty points for the first person to spot the hidden unicorn in this photo.

Christmas morning.

Thirteen years ago I went home from a New Year's Eve party with this guy. That worked out pretty well, I'd say.

And that's it.

I hope you come back for more in 2012, I'm really excited to see what it brings us.

xo, pq

Top 11 of Twenty Eleven

2011-12-30T10:17:00.000-08:00

You know how I have a really hard time picking a favorite? Yeah, well I've spent the last week culling through a year's worth of photos, a really fabulous year. I came up with my favorite 50, 57, 52... and settled on 54, posted them on Facebook, and then painfully narrowed it down to a top eleven for this here blog.

I'll be honest, I don't know if these are really the best eleven, but they are the photos screaming at me the loudest right now. The year's end brings so much reflecting upon what was, and what will be, and I'll tell you, looking back at 2011 gives me that overwhelming, holler it from the mountain tops, I've said it before and will say it again feeling of I LOVE YOU GUYS.

You can see all 54 selected photos here, and vote for your favorite. Clearly I cannot pick just one, and yet, I would love to know what YOU think the best of 2011 was, because, after all, this is all about you. Okay, it's a little about me but it's mostly YOU.

Happy new year, and a big fat XO from me to you.

happy happy.

2011-12-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Wherever you are,

Whatever you may be celebrating,

We are sending you loads of love, warmth, comfort,

and wishes for peace, merriment and light in 2012.

(Frances applied all the stamps to our holiday cards this year.)

gratitude

2011-11-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

Last week I was on the receiving end of a message that rendered me speechless, made me teary-eyed, caused my heart to burst and head to explode. Okay, I exaggerate, but the message came with a lot of heart, and it felt tremendous to be the recipient. I have read and re-read it, and am still wavering on whether I want to share it or keep it close. But that is the whole point of writing this post: Sharing Gratitude. I will not paste the entire message here, but the summary came three quarters of the way in, when my client and friend wrote these words:

Posy, the view that you have on the world, the view that you share with those of us lucky enough to know you, is so absolutely important. By doing what you do (and, it seems to me, just by being who you are) you're helping to both create and document a solid chunk of the 90% of everything that's going right in the world. And that's something I think we'd all do well to stop and see more of.

Do you see how being on the receiving end of such kindness and gratitude might leave one without words? I decided to share this with you because it was so powerful receiving this message, and because it made me realize that we need to do this more often. There is no reason to wait for Thanksgiving, birthdays, and other holidays, to send cards, words of love, encouragement and thanks; We should do it just as soon as the moment strikes us. So I encourage all of you, next time one of your friends pops into your head, take a few minutes and write them a card, send them a text, holler at them on Facebook, call them, do whatever you do to communicate with people. I promise you it will stay with them a great deal longer than it will take you to compose the message.

Happy Thanksgiving.

My Shop Local Pledge

2011-11-21T21:51:00.000-08:00

Don't feel like you have to slog to the big boxes on Black Friday. There is hope!

Supportland Triple Points Black Friday & Small Business Saturday (read: HOPE!):
In gratitude for your support of locally-owned businesses, Supportland is offering TRIPLE POINTS network-wide on Black Friday and Saturday. Hit as many businesses as you can - 60 points for new-to-you businesses and 15 points for your usual haunts. Woohoo! As always, transaction is required and the 3x effect only applies to points given by Supportland, not those extra point incentives offered by select businesses.

(Those cuties at the top are Daphne and Zucca, daughters of the brilliant peeps who created Supportland.)

Extra Special Supportland Love from PQP:

I am offering a $100 print credit when you purchase of a gift certificate for a family photo session, to all Supportland cardholders for the holiday season. Buy one on Friday or Saturday and rack up those extra points! (You must register your phone number to your card and contact me about the gifit certificate before 4:00 on Saturday to get your points.)

Why?
Why shop local? Supporting your local small businesses feeds creativity and diversity in your community, it feeds relationships within your community, and it feeds local families! Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60% higher rate than big box stores and internet retailers. If you want to read more about why I have pledged to buy 100% of my holiday gifts at locally owned businesses or from local artisans, check out the post I wrote last year.

Where?

Here are just a few of the spots I plan to spend my dollars and swipe my Supportland card:

Toys and Kids clothing: Mississippi Treehouse, Spielwerk, Black Wagon, Queens Mab, Milagros, and Bella Stella

Gorgeous gifts: Aster & Bee, Branch & Birdie, Etcetera, Kenton Antiques, Queen Bee Creations, Cargo

Clothes for grown ups: Consign Couture, Bonnet, Jet, Pin Me Apparel, Sock Dreams

We will be hitting Mimosa Studios to do some Christmas crafting, and will be refueling at Posies Cafe. And though they are not on the Supportland network yet (I'm hopeful), I can't write this post without spreading a little local love on the Salty Teacup and, of course, Gilt.

Please, take the pledge, keep your money local, and get out there and spread some local cheer!

Hofmanns in Fall :: Portland, Oregon Family Portraits

2011-11-17T21:22:00.000-08:00

Juniper was a little reluctant to cooperate.

Lelia thought it was funny to close her eyes.

That fist, that tongue, they are in at least 20 frames.

The Hofmann girls are totally 4.

Authentic family photos, Peeps, that's what I'm all about. This one is totally authentic Hofmann, each and every one of them.

Here's what Rachael was shooting:

Those leaves were stinky.

and I'm out.

Smiles, grimaces, and snarls.

2011-11-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

Luke is totally punk rock.

xo.

Colorful Grays :: Lake Oswego Family Portraits

2011-11-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

What can I say that I haven't said before? I love them. But yeah, I've said that before. Let me say it again: I love these dear friends, a lot.

The Grays just get better with each babe they add to their gang. I am so grateful that I get to document them regularly, and feel lucky to bear witness to their amazing love and awesome togetherness.

Sweet, yes indeed. I should probably show you the photo that follows, the one where the girls are yelling at the ducks. They are fiery, these Gray girls.

It just doesn't get better than completely spontaneous dance parties. I don't remember what prompted Memphis and Odessa to bust out their Beyonce-inspired moves, but I am ever so glad they did!

These girls, they can be apprehensive, particularly of the camera. But something happened between our last visit and this one, and they just turned. it. OUT. Memphis, who has been described by her mama as "all business," completely let down her guard with me and gave me so much of her natural self that weeks later I'm still feeling all squishy about it. Memphis Ella Merritt Gray, the biggest of the big sisters; I've known her since she was just a few months old, when Tiffany and I met in a group for new moms. She and my girl rolled around on the rug next to each other, and Memphy gave my camera the stink eye. I'm telling you, serious business this girl. You can't really blame me for loving her a little something extra.

Raleigh "Roo," looking a little bigger (okay, a lot bigger) than the last time I saw him.

364 days apart, these girls, and even closer in their hearts.

Can we get a resounding "STUNNING!" amidst the chaos that is three children?!

Thanks for letting me and my camera into your world again, Gorgeous Grays.

I do love you five.

The Reluctant Child :: Portland, Oregon Family Photography

2011-11-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Some kids are not so crazy about being told what to do (um, most kids?), some kids prefer being on my side of the camera, some kids are really shy, and some kids are so camera phobic they get excused from school photo day. Henry is in the latter group, so when his mom contacted me about having family photographs taken, she explained that I would have a challenge to overcome. We spoke at length about her son's reluctance, and ways we would work around it without making him feel like he was being tricked into something. We hatched a plan, we checked in with each other prior to the session, and then I just showed up one morning and photographed the family doing their thing. Because that's what I love to do - let kids call the shots, literally, and capture them being themselves. It is more common that a child have some resistance to the photo session than not. Honestly, when a child just sits down and starts posing I don't know what to do with myself (okay, not true, I snap a few shots and then I try to get them to laugh and be silly).

If you have resisted having your family photographed because you have a reluctant child, know this, I do too. My daughter Frances is four, and for the last two years she has become increasingly camera-shy. Initially I thought it was because I photographed her every move, but as she has grown into herself more, I have come to realize that it is just part of her personality; I see it in other aspects of life as well, it isn't just the camera, for her it is more the attention on her and expectation. So as you can imagine, when I scheduled not one but two photo sessions for our family this year, I was pretty sure at least one would be a bust. My goal was to get photographs of us together, but I really never expected her to face the camera and be her normal goofy self. You should have seen the way she worked it for the photographers - she was over the top Franny. I tell you this because sometimes kids really turn it on for other people, sometimes they do just the opposite of what you would expect (okay, most of the time), and more frequently than sometimes, kids eventually drop their guards and relax into themselves, making for photos that may not be deemed "proper" family portraits, but something bigger and so much better: records of your family as they were for this fleeting moment in time.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

This tree-hugging winged unicorn and fancy witch wish you a super fantastic Halloween!

2011 Holiday Card Designs from Shanna Schlitz!

2011-10-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Check out this year's beautiful holiday card collection designed by the awesomely talented Shanna Schlitz, exclusively for PQP clients! You guys, aren't they the best ever? I love them SO much! LOVE! They are available in matte & pearlessence cardstock, and come with envelopes (white or parchment). Clients with open galleries, the cards are in the "products" section of the PQP Store now! Clients with expired galleries, if you would like to order cards, fret not, shoot me an email and we'll make it happen!

At Home with the DiMoff Family :: Portland, Oregon Lifestyle Portraits

2011-10-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

My first title to this post was "Lola Steals the Show!" Well, just look at the girl.

xo,PQ

Family Portrait Time! :: Portland Family Photographer

2011-10-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

What better a way to make up for not blogging for... too long, than with a super duper extra photo cram-packed post?! Each of these family sessions from late summer could warrant their own blog post, but if I don't get the photos on here now you may never see them. It is that time of year again. Are your toes cold? Are you selecting which sweater to pull on? Fantasizing about new boots? No, maybe that's just me. But you don't need a calendar, or me really, to tell you that fall is here. And fall = busy time for family photographers.

Carson & Ruby, 3-year-old twins. Too much fun to only share a few.

Reading cousins. Love.

So many newborns this summer!

If you are looking at these photos thinking Woops! We haven't had our family photographed this year... consider this your reminder. I have just a few October dates/times left and a few more than that in November. The last date to schedule a session with an order turnaround before Christmas is November 20th. I love this time of year; in addition to the colorful changes, the baking, the cozy crafting, and yes, the boots!, I thrive on the busy. I really don't know what to do with myself if I'm not zipping through the weekends with one photo session after another. And I really, really love catching up with all of you, seeing how your children and families have grown and changed. Documenting your lives hovers around the top of my list of passions, and this time of year fully nourishes that passion.

Calvin loves eggs. Like LOVES them. Isn't that just so cute?!

Can I tell you a secret? His dad is whispering "applesauce!" in his ear. Seriously.

These photos should make it clear that summer delivered. Even if we didn't get much sun (we didn't!), we managed to capture a whole lotta love together me and you. And to those who I haven't seen yet this year, I'm sure it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, I really hope to see you soon!

xo, PQ

In the Woods of Hood :: Portland, Oregon Family Photographer

2011-09-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Christy started out as a client somewhere around two years ago; I am lucky to now call her a friend, a dear close friend, a trusted peer, and a cheerleader! Like I said, lucky! So when Christy told me her whole family would be here in August and wanted to hire me to photograph them in the woods on Mt. Hood, you might say I was a little giddy. Or a lot.

I had to resist the urge to name this post "Damn! I love this family!!" I really, really do.

I've been photographing Petra Blueberry since she was in the womb. I like to think we have a special bond. Seriously, if I could spread her on toast like butter and eat her up I would. Woops, I mean like vegan margarine, sorry Christy.

Her big sister, Eleanor is equally as awesome and is on my daughter's short list of favorite people. This photo of her and her heart-shaped leaf is a great example of why I infrequently pose people or tell them what to do. She raced over to this leaf, hollered at us to come see, and I snapped two photos, one of the top of her head looking at the leaf, and this one as she looked up at me. Then I asked her to hold the leaf out for me, and posed her a bunch with the leaf. I'll be honest, those photo aren't great. This one though? This one I love.

Cousins! Teamwork! Cuteness times three!

Eleanor and Petra's cousin Annika with her parents, all the way in from New York. I was excited to finally meet, and photograph, these folks.

I love this; I don't know what you see, but I see Miss Eleanor, rule-following and obliging, exasperated with the antics of her ever-so-unruly little sister. Let me be clear, Eleanor is an extremely patient and kind big sister, older cousin and friend, but she knows I have the mission of getting a photo for Grandma with her three girls, and she also knows Petra is going to make it... FUN!

Hello authentic family portrait!

Petra and Grandpa. Squeeeeeee!

I'm not kidding, I want to eat her up.

"The Full Posy Experience" :: Portland, Oregon Lifestyle Photographer

2011-09-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

This summer was a memorable one for the Hofmann family. It was the summer their twin daughters, Juniper and Lelia, began selecting their own clothing, outwardly expressing their individuality. It was the summer of the excessive accessorizing; the summer a mama robin kept her nest in their backyard tree; when they discovered their neighbors have a tire swing, and the last summer Poppa was able to give them a double-double piggy back ride (or so we suspect). In the final weeks before these girls began preschool, we spent some time documenting their life as it was in Summer 2011.

Last year I photographed a family who was moving to Australia. Their souvenir from Portland, they told me, would be the images I created of them living their lives as they loved in Portland. You can check out my blog post about them here. After I blogged their session a few families came to me requesting longer, more in-depth sessions. A friend of mine coined this “The full Posy experience” and it stuck (with tongue in cheek, of course!). Here’s what you get: Two two-hour photo sessions, on two consecutive days, or within one week of each other, or four hours in one day. I will be a fly on your wall, a fly with a good camera and photographic eye! I will follow you throughout your daily routines, favorite outings, and most fun family activities. These sessions can include portraits of the entire family, and each family member individually, of course, but the majority of the photos will be gorgeous documentary-style images of your life. I love these lifestyle sessions, the extra hours that allow me to dive deep and capture and record daily life, the ease at which the children dance about their regular routine, forgetting momentarily that I am there. I'm dreaming up ideas for future lifestyle sessions, thinking about fall rituals and holidays. The planning of these sessions make me giddy, the shooting delighted and the editing makes me swoon. Like I said, I love lifestyle session, and I suspect you would love one too!

Ari's Rockin' to the Moon 4th Birthday Party

2011-08-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Back in April, I know, I know, I'm a bit behind, with no good excuse, well plenty of excuses but you don't need to hear them. Aren't I so good at digressing? Ahem, back in April this gorgeous, hilarious, sweet sweet boy turned 4, and his amazingly cool parents not only hosted an incredible music and space themed party, but they hired me to document it for them. I know, cool right?!

As always, we started with a little mini session with just the family. These photos were taken just outside of Mississippi Pizza, where the festivities took place.

They made their own rockets

and Ari's dad made him a rocket cake. I told you! Ah-may-ziiiiiing!

Happy [late, late, LATE] birthday, Space Cowboy.

Happy Red, White & Blue

2011-07-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Please be safe!

xo,

Encourage Your Young Photographer! :: Portland, Oregon Child Photography

2011-07-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

(You're going to have to click the image to enlarge it enough to read.)

When Melissa Favara contacted me for her article in Metro Parent’s July issue, I was delighted! I love her column (Going Places with Ramona), and was honored that of all the family photographers in Portland, Melissa's editor suggested she talk to me. How fun it is to see my name (and "sage" advice, ha!) in print, but even more fun is seeing Franny's. She was so excited when I read it to her this morning; first she said “Posy Quarterman!” excitedly, but when I read the part about herself, she exclaimed “Franny? Franny!” Melissa’s phone call came with perfect timing because just a few weeks beforehand, I had given Franny a camera to run around with. In one of those we-live-for-this-moment parental moments, all snuggled up in my arms, Franny declared: “Mama, when I grow up I want to be a ‘otographer like you.” How could I not get her started? Though in all honesty, she received her first camera just after she turned 2, one of those “indestructible” made-for-kids cameras. It stunk. The quality of photos was so lousy and it stopped working after a few months. So now she’s walking around with a pretty decent point-n-shoot, and I have to say, I think she’s creating some mighty cute images! See for yourself…

Her self portraits are my favorite, though the little vignettes of her world are pretty awesome too, and I just LOVE that photo of our shadows. I followed my own advice and let her do her own thang while shooting - no direction from Mama, I promise! (She's 3 1/2, if I gave her direction she would just go do the opposite thing anyway!) Maybe I'm biased, but I think she's a good little 'otographer.

We picked up this book, Quincy the Hobby Photographer, at St John's Booksellers. It is a guide to becoming a dog photographer and Franny loves all of the goofy dog photos inside. I think she may have found her niche.

Happy First Day of Summer!

2011-06-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Alright so the first day of summer is not until tomorrow, but our family is kicking off summer TODAY by taking off for Vancouver, BC for a week. There will be no phone calls, facebooking or checking of email, just parks, pools, adventures, sushi, and most importantly, family time! When we return we will be refreshed and ready to start checking off some of the fun things on our summer list. What are YOU doing this summer?

This One is for the Daddies!

2011-06-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

It won't take away your manhood, it'll give it to you.

~ Louis C.K., on fatherhood
Hear all of his wise and funny words here.

This post wouldn't be complete without a photo of my two favorite dads, my own and my daughter's. I am so very grateful for these two men.

Happy Father's Day to ALL the fabulous fathers out there!

Mother's Day Mini-Session LOVE :: Portland, Oregon Family Photographer

2011-06-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

The day before Mother's Day, 2011, 19 mothers, 3 grandmothers, and 34 children celebrated their love for one another, and, lucky me!, I got to capture it. The good times took place at the lovely Mississippi Treehouse, with music from the talented Miss Tylena Fairy Funk Mother, cupcakes by Frost, the Art of Custom Cake, coffee from Mr. Green Beans, and gorgeous flowers from Emerald Petals. The mamas received gifts from local businesses including Ruby Jewel Ice Cream, Jet Clothing, Jane Cowan Facials & Waxing, and a number of artists who sell their goods at the Treehouse! I am so grateful to all the awesome business owners who jumped on board to celebrate the mamas!

Despite sideways rain, harsh-bright sunlight, gusts of wind, and yes, hail, we managed to get everyone outside, happy and beautiful! The day was exhilarating and I was high on motherly love for days after. And though I love individual photos from each mini-session for all their personality, joy and spirit, this one below makes me laugh the hardest. It might just be my favorite photo of all time (for this week anyway!). Much love to you mamas! xoPQ

Welcome Raleigh! :: Portland, Oregon Family Photographer

2011-06-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

You know that fabulously colorful family splashed all over the entry page to my website? They recently added a new bird to their nest, Raleigh Asa. Little Raleigh made these folks I adoringly refer to as the "Gorgeous Grays," into a family of FIVE, when he entered the world on Cinco de Mayo. I think somebody's got a lucky number...

Love love LOVE you Gray Family.

xoPQ

Twins :: Portland, Oregon Child Photographer

2011-05-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

These girls who love to "model" instantly forgot me once they spotted a little frog

I love it when this happens.

Hello Laura Ingalls Wilder (okay, maybe I mean Melissa Gilbert!)

The photo above is Noor hamming it up; the one below is simply Noor. Swoon.

This here is a proper portrait for the grandparents.

And this one, this one is Lucy and Noor being themselves.

I cannot tell you how much I adore these girls.

An outsider might think Noor looks unhappy in the two photos below, but I will tell you, this is where I most accurately captured this enchanting girl. I think her parents will back me up here.

My favorite, by far (above). If I titled my photos (which I don't) this one would simply read: Twins.

Chasing Ruby :: Portland, Oregon Baby Photographer

2011-05-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky enough to photograph sweet Ruby Jane three times over the course of a year and I am as mesmerized by her currently as I was when she was three months old. Big eyes, energetic smile, huge spirit, and awesome parents, this girl's got it all. Oh and she's running, so I got a workout trying to capture her 1st birthday photos at the Rhododendron Garden last month!

happy spring

2011-04-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here's to a weekend filled to the brim with sunshine, bright colors, laughing children, chocolate bunnies and MORE sunshine!

Mother's Day Mini-Session Event & Par-tay!

2011-04-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

3rd Birthday and a Giveaway!

2011-03-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Beloved Clients of PQP,

Three years ago this day, I took a leap and hit the publish button on www.photoposy.com. Since then, Posy Quarterman Photography has grown in spurts from chubby sweet baby to gorgeous and sassy, oh wait, I'm describing my daughter! It is true that Franny's birth allowed me to reconsider the path my life was on and gave me the inspiration to launch my first website. It is also true that the business has blossomed much in the way my girl has, and I, as a business owner, have gone through the milestones like her – I learned how to walk, discovered new words, and stumbled here and there, but at 3 years old am full of big ideas, strong opinions, and loads of love for those around me. This is why I chose to accompany my words today with photos of Franny taken each year around the birthday of my website - from nearly six months old, when I began this journey, to this 3rd birthday of PQP with photos taken last evening.

I try to take time to say THANK YOU a few times each year, whether it be in a newsletter, holiday card, blogpost or hug. I will say it again and again, and mean it every time, just as honestly as I say this: I could not be here without YOU.

I will do my best to continue to think up new and creative ways to say THANK YOU. Today, to celebrate this 3rd year milestone, I am going to show my gratitude the sweetest way I can think of – by having my friends at Frost, the art of custom cake, deliver one dozen cupcakes to the doorsteps of 3 lucky clients (in the Portland Metro area). All you have to do is leave a comment here by next Tuesday, March 22nd at 9:00 a.m.. If you are an existing client of PQP your comment number will be entered into the generator at random.org and 3 of you will receive an email next Tuesday with details on how to receive your cupcakes. I told you it was sweet!

Frances remains my daily inspiration, though thanks to so many of you, your families fill that role as well. I hope to see you soon! All my love and gratitude, Posy

PS... Your comment won't appear right away, I have to approve it first (this is how I avoid blog spam). If you are concerned, check back here a few hours after you post your comment, or hit me up with an email if it doesn't appear within 24 hours. Oh oh oh, and check this out - I am so honored to be the first entrepreneur featured on the Moyo Jasiri blog, read my interview HERE.

UPDATE: With help from www.random.org, comments number 12, 4, and 8 have been selected to win a dozen cupcakes delivered to your doorstep next Monday! Congratulations Autumn, Stacy & Kristen!!! You'll be receiving an email shortly. Thanks to everyone for all the love and encouragement this week and always! xxooPQ

Mia Marie is Three :: Portland Birthday Party Photographer

2011-02-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

I first met Mia when she was just eight months old. I captured images of her then that I still treasure today, and since then have photographed her family 10 times, including her 1st, 2nd, and now 3rd birthday party! Many of my favorite have been of this family, and as they continue to grow (Mia and Sophie's mama is pregnant with her third!) I will continue to be there to capture their memories. This is a true honor and one of the greatest gifts I receive from being a family photographer.

When I arrived to photograph Mia's party she was still asleep. Under most circumstances I would wait for the child to wake up, or let the parents wake her and prepare her for her session. But not with this family. I quietly walked into Mia's room, sat on her bed and rubbed her back until she awoke. She sat with me for a while, and when her dad walked by her room she exclaimed "Daddy, Posy's here!" I then dressed her, photographed her, fed her, snuggled her when she bumped her head, and sang "Happy Birthday" with the rest of the family and friends. Yes, I am there because I have been hired, but the beautiful thing about photographing a family time and again is the transition from hired photographer, to family member and trusted friend. Although I would argue that I do a good job befriending children upon first meeting them, integrating myself into their worlds in order to capture the most honest portraits, there is something to be said for seeing children again and again over time. I have bonded with so many children during this journey, and I hold all of those little relationships very closer to my heart.

(It feel the need to tell you that I did not request that these two do this, Jake and Mia have are good little buddies who have known each other since birth, and I have more than one image like this from previous birthday parties. I am lucky enough to have photographed Jake and his family a number of times as well.)

When I am hired to photograph a birthday party, that is my primary goal, making gorgeous images of your child's birthday celebration. I get there before the festivities begin and have a mini session with the birthday girl or boy, and their family. For the party, I usually set up a little photo station where I can pull each kid aside and snap a few photos of them before sending them back to enjoy their friends. Of course I photograph all the sweetness of little friendships and family interactions, and the party details as well; I stick around until after the cake plates have been licked clean and the floor is scattered with torn wrapping paper. If you would like to see more examples, you can view a gallery of birthday party photos on my website under the "Events" section. Happy weekend!

Aw man, I just LOVE this girl.

Preserving those memories...

2011-02-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

At some point in 2009 my daughter and her little gang of toddler friends became known as the 2 Crew; I don't know which mama gave them this label, but it stuck. Throughout their year of being 2 these kids saw each other a lot - a nanny share group, many play dates, music time, visits to OMSI, the ,zoo, etc. And every couple of weeks the mamas tucked the 2 crew into their beds and hit the local bar for a 2 Crew Mamas Night OUT!

But as we have learned throughout this journey called Parenthood, life is ever-transforming and as quickly as we found ourselves in a comfortable routine, things changed. The kids turned three, many of them started preschool and all of a sudden we found ourselves struggling to find a day of the week when we all could get together.

Although I was unsure of what the future held, I knew changes would come with 3, and so last summer as the parties were being planned, the potty training was in full force, and change was in the air, I decided to give each 2 Crew member a very special 3rd birthday gift.

Long live the 2 Crew!

Bailey, Iris, Nova Rose, Juniper, Lelia, Oliver, Eleanor, and in back, the daughter of the photographer refusing to participate in this photo moment, Frances.

UPDATE: One of my most favorite blogs, ohdeedoh re-posted this and I could not be more DELIGHTED! I love their blog and am honored to have a little spot of my own on there.

The family that bowls together...

2011-02-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

I love this family. I know, I know, not only am I a broken record with the "I love" business, but I'm a broken record about being a broken record! How can I not say it about these guys though? Here's the story: I first heard from Ryan during the fall of 2009; he had come across my photos in the St. Johns bookstore, and then realized that I was the photographer behind the Gilt ads he had been enjoying for years. His family hired me to take their family portrait in November of that year, shortly after their son William had been born. They live walking distance from my home, they have an incredibly delightful daughter named Aili, a sweet springer spaniel named Tess, and a comfortable casual home and family. I couldn't help but love them. So of course I was psyched when they hired me again during fall of 2010 for an update on the family portrait. We caught some sunshine on an up-to-that-point rainy day in November, so we hit a trail on Sauvie Island and had a blast. The photos came out great. But that's not even what I am blogging about here today! I know, shut up already and get on with it already. Ryan emailed me in December to say that his family would be coming for the holidays and his dad wanted to hire me to photograph the entire family together. This was huge, Ryan explained, as his father had always been against having a portrait made of the family during Ryan's youth. But his dad, he went on, loved the photos I had captured for them and wanted some of his own! They didn't need more than a few group shots of everyone together, and despite being nature-lovers, it was just too dang cold for an outdoor session. So they got to thinking outside the box, and asked if I would be game for a bowling family session. Can I say HELL YEAH on a family photo blog? Hell yeah I can! This is why I love this family!

There were just so many fun shots from this session, here are a few more favorites...

We did, of course, get the obligatory group shots, but even those were fun (see below)...

An important note on cuteness: Mr. Amazing was very sick the day we took these photos. He was a great sport and even perked up (or tylenol kicked in?) when we got to the bowling alley. But these family portraits do not do justice to his serious cuteness, and I am extra thankful that we had seen each other on that much sunnier day in the fall.

Happy LUUUUVVVVV Day Ya'll!

2011-02-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

So you all know how much I love YOU and love my work and just plain love love LOVE, right? In early January I had an idea for a way for your children to express their love to friends and family. Well, actually, a good friend is responsible for planting the seed for which this idea bloomed. She asked if we (that would be me and Shanna Schlitz, my uber talented graphic designer buddy) would be designing Valentine's Day cards. I said "nope" and left at that. Except I didn't. A day or two later I had this great idea to hold an event at Black Wagon for the big LOVE day, an event which would result in printed valentines for little cuties to send to loved ones on this BIG DAY OF LOVE. I begged Shanna to design something on the quick, so I would have time to promote. I also asked my friend who got this ball rolling, if she could quickly craft up a felted heart backdrop. Oh, and I emailed Black Wagon, of course, and they jumped on board. 1, 2, 3 and... Back up! I also contacted Robots Love Cupcakes and asked them to contribute some sweet treats for the kiddos. And the result of all this collaborating between talented, fabulous, lovely people? Well here you have it, super duper darling valentines for 14 of Portland's most lovable families.

The ladies at Black Wagon were incredibly helpful, easy to work with, and most importantly, FUN. The cupcakes from Robots were delicious and adorable and well-loved by the kids and their parents alike. And the kids, oh the kids, just look how fabulous they were!

Don't worry if you missed out on this event, we will most definitely be doing it again next year.

Happy Valentine's Day!

PQP and Black Wagon Present: Valentine's Day Mini Photo Sessions!

2011-01-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

with sweet treats provided by Robotos Love Cupcakes and printed Valentine's designed by the ever-talented Shanna Schlitz! I'm over the moon about this event!

Keeping it Local

2010-11-23T20:22:00.001-08:00

All of the kids in this post have something in common. Yes, they're ridiculously cute, very photogenic, and adored by me, that's all true. But they also have kick-ass hardworking mamas running retail stores in Portland. Those girls up there, they are the little fairies of Queens Mab. And these girls below, they are Lucy and Noor, seven year old super twins, frequently on hand at their mom's store St. Johns Booksellers.

And these two sillies below, oh man, Eleanor and Petra are so lucky. Their doula-extraordinaire mother, Christy Hall, runs Lily Toad when she isn't busy attending births. She is also one of the most kick-ass people I know. But all of these women are -- they are my inspiration and, I feel so lucky to say this, my community.

And that's why I am here with all of these cute faces today; we want to tell you something important. You have probably heard it before, and you are hopefully going to hear it again and again: SHOP LOCAL. Yep, that's it. It's pretty simple, but it is incredibly important. So please don't click away just yet, read some of the info below, enlighten yourself as to what all this SHOP LOCAL business is about, and consider it when deciding where to shop this holiday season. Please and thank you.

The week of November 26th through December 5th is the 8th annual national Buy Local Week, AND in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Small Business Saturday. I cannot encourage you enough to get yourself out there to support the businesses that make your community just that, a community.

Please, pretty pretty please, go take Supportland's Loving-local Holiday Pledge. My pledge is to purchase my gifts 100% local, small business, and hand-crafted. I just bought a ridiculously cute gnome doll from Etsy. Shhh... don't tell my gnome-loving daughter! Mr. Gnome (and his lovely wife) are made right here in Portland, by this Crafty Mommy who just happens to to be the mother of these two ridiculously cute kids (below).

Here is another great SHOP LOCAL post by another great local business owner, specifically he talks about how free shipping (from big box chains) is not at all free. My favorite thing he says is this: Consider that map of how your money spent at a local retailer may cycle through your local economy. On average, every dollar you spend at a local-independent business has an economic benefit for your community that is nearly 40 percent higher than the same dollars spent at outlets of national and out of state businesses located in your area.

And lastly, a press release from BALLE that pretty much sums it all up:

8^th ANNUAL BUY LOCAL WEEK KICKS OFF

shopping at locally owned businesses boosts community heatlh & prosperity

Communities across the country will kick off the 8^th Annual Buy Local Week on Friday, November 26,2010 with events continuing through Sunday, December 5, 2010. Business and citizen networks celebrate Buy Local Week during the holiday season to educate people about the benefits of shopping locally and to encourage shopping at locally owned and independent stores before shopping at chain retailers.

Economists forecast that U.S. consumers will spend approximately $445 billion during the 2010 holiday season. Studies have shown that dollars spent at local, independent businesses re-circulate in the local community up to three times more, making local holiday shopping an important investment for all towns and cities. It helps boost the potential for local business owners to be prosperous and encourages the growth of economic security, rather than send profits to corporations that own big box stores and out-of-town chains.

We encourage people to buy local first this holiday season, that means first buying the items we want and need at locally owned stores in order to maximize the benefits for our community.

Buying local helps build more prosperous and healthier communities on several fronts. It:

· Strengthens the local economy: Local business owners buy more often from other local businesses. Therefore, the money spent is retained in the community.

· Creates a healthier environment: Buying items made closer to home cuts down on fossil fuel use, reducing the carbon impact. Reduced transportation costs can also mean more affordable goods.

· Retains local flavor: Experiences at local establishments are completely unique, expressing the local flavor of the area.

· Increases community involvement: Local business owners are more likely to get involved in and contribute to community efforts than corporations that own big box stores.

Studies support the idea that buying local has significant economic, job and environmental benefits:

·Money spent at a locally owned business stays in the local economy and continues to strengthen the economic base of the community.[1]

· Small, local businesses make indispensable contributions to communities and neighborhoods and at a higher rate than larger or out-of-state corporations.[2]

· Most job growth comes from local independent businesses[3]

· Small businesses, which are more often located in central business districts, have less impact on local ecosystems compared to larger retailers located in strip malls or stand-alone buildings.[4]

Visit the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) research page for a wider list of annotated studies: http://www.livingeconomies.org/aboutus/research-and-studies

[1] A 2002 case study in Austin, Texas, showed that for every $100 in consumer spending at a national bookstore in Austin, the local economic impact was only $13. The same amount spent at locally based bookstores yielded $45, or more than three times the local economic impact (Civic Economics, Austin Unchained, October 2003).

[2] A study of businesses in Oregon detailing charitable giving showed that when in-kind contributions were included, small firms gave an average of $789 per employee, medium-sized firms $172, and large firms $334 (NFIB Small Business Policy Guide). Additionally, large firms contribute primarily to the area where the corporation is headquartered, not necessarily where they do business.

[3] David Korten, Yes! Magazine, September, 2002. Also, according to a recent analysis by Civic Economics, an Austin, Texas-based research firm, if residents in West Michigan redirected 10 percent of their spending to locally owned companies, this shift would create 1,600 jobs.

[4] New Rules Project, Home Town Advantage Bulletin, September 2003.

A little reminder from Miss Eleanor. xo

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

from my kiddo to yours...

2010 Holiday Cards from Shanna Schlitz Designs!

2010-10-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

I am beyond thrilled to share with you the 2010 holiday card collection designed exclusively for PQP by the ever-fabulous Shanna Schlitz! I hope you love them as much as I do...

In Print

2010-09-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like the feeling of seeing one of your photos in print. On the cover, no less. Oh happy day. xoPQ

Documenting Your Life :: Portland, Oregon Family Photographer

2010-08-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Larissa did not call requesting a family portrait, she asked that I come to her family’s home and document their life in Portland; they were getting ready to move back to their native Australia and wanted to make a record of their life here. I assured her that I was up for the task, that what she was asking of me is why I do what I do. And here is what we did…

Baked bread, danced, read stories, colored, played ball, walked through their neighborhood, rode bikes, fed chickens, climbed trees, and visited their favorite gelato shop. We spent our time together going about their family’s favorite weekend activities, and we had so much fun!

The Lewis family has lived all over the world, and their home is decorated with little memories of the places they have called home. As we were wrapping up our shoot, Larissa told me that when they return to Australia, their piece of Portland will be the images I captured for them. I don’t know that I can accurately explain how that made me feel, except to say that I will smile every time I think of that, every time I look at their photos and remember the little glimpse into their world that I was so lucky to be granted.

Not Your Average School Picture! :: Portland, Oregon Portrait Photographer

2010-07-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Announcing: Back-to-School Mini Sessions for school-aged kids (5 and up)

The details:

The session fee of $45 covers one kid, one location, and as many outfit changes and you can cram into our time slot!

Sessions last 15– 30 minutes in your home or selected location.

3-4 weeks after your session you will have an online gallery of at least 10 images to chose from.

Print packages begin at $45

Additional prints can be purchased at standard print prices (on my website) only after a print package has been purchased. High resolution Digital photos are also available for purchase.

Session fee must be paid at time of booking.

Favorite attire, costumes, lovies, and props are encouraged!

Though the session fee is for one child only, a discount will be given for siblings scheduled at the same time! If you organize five or more children for one location and one session, the session fee will be waived for all participants.

Pacific Northwest Family Portraits

2010-07-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

I met up with Katie, Eric, Carmen and Diego on a not-so-summery day in June, at their home in Washougal, Washington. They wanted to be photographed at a nearby park, and when they brought me there I could see why. The view was stellar, but the weather was not. Luckily for me, this amazing family was not phased by the drizzle, and I was able to capture plenty of gems. If you look closely you might see fine layer of mist upon them, but how appropriate for a family portrait in the Great Northwest, right?!

Announcing: Birth Announcements from PQP & Shanna Schlitz!

2010-06-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

These stunning birth announcements were designed exclusively for Posy Quarterman Photography by the ever-so-talented Shanna Schlitz, local mama, blueberry farmer, and graphic designer to the stars (okay, Portland business owners). The announcements are double sided, and are printed on high quality recycled card stock or non-recycled with pearlessence finish.

Photo Booths, Father's Day, and Nostalgia

2010-06-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Every year in early June, beginning in 2008 when my daughter was just 8 months old, we have hit a photo booth to take some silly old timey photo strips for her daddy as a Father's Day gift. Previously we had been venturing downtown to the lobby of the Ace Hotel, but this year we learned there is a photo booth at the NE VooDoo Doughnuts, and well, what is more enticing to a toddler than a doughnut? That's right, not much.

Have you been in Portland long enough to remember the old version of Mall 205? What about Newberry's downtown? Both were a bit on the scuzzy side, but both also offered photo booths back in the day, and I am ever so grateful for that. I love looking back at the photo strips of me and my girlfriends, overly lipsticked and hairsprayed, crammed into the booth, sporting our best tough girl looks.

Even better are the strips from my summers on the Jersey Shore, long before there was a show that would make you picture people that are more likely to turn up at the Staten Island Mall than the gorgeous boardwalked beaches I knew. The photo strips from those summers display my preteen innocence, not trying to look sexy, just hoping to preserve a moment with my friend. Oh my friend, my best friend on the East Coast, Jenny, who sported a Bon Jovi inspired perm, New Kids on the Block hats, and oversized buttons on her jean jacket. I treasure those photos.

Here are a few more of me with my daughter at the Ace when she was just under a year old, another set with her babysitter taken last summer, when we were interviewed for this article, and some from the lousy-quality but awesome looking photo booths at the Rose Festival last summer with her "favorite boy."

We have a trip to Seattle planned for late July, in honor of a friend's 40th birthday, and you better believe we will also be hitting up this amazing exhibit at the SAM. I will report back here dutifully after we do.

Senior Portrait Summer Specials

2010-06-02T15:17:00.001-07:00

I am offering a $100 discount when you schedule a senior portrait session for June-August 2010. The normally $350, reduced to $250, fee covers up to three hours of my time, and as many outfit changes, poses and locations as you like. Between 3-4 weeks after your photo session you will be presented with a private online gallery of a minimum of 60 fully edited and crafted color and black and white images. Your online gallery will be available for 30 days. Your senior portrait package includes a $100 print credit, one yearbook print, and web-ready digital files of each image you chose to print. Web-ready files contain a small PQ watermark and are low resolution to be used for emailing, uploading to Facebook/Myspace, family website or personal blog, etc., but are not to be printed.

The BFF Special: Schedule your photo session with your twin sister or BFF and you will each get everything described above for a total of $450 ($225 each).

My promise is to make your senior portrait as unique and individual as you are. This is not your standard “been there, done that” portrait. Your senior portrait should scream nothing but: YOU. I want to photograph you wearing what you want, where you want, being who you are. Let the world see the unedited, authentic you, and LOVE it!

Schatzl :: Portland, OR Family Photographer

2010-05-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

I absolutely treasure this family. These photos are from our most recent photo session, our sixth together. Each photo session has been better than the last, though all six have provided gems that remain among my favorite photos in my portfolio. The day these folks decides to move back to Europe will be the day I become an international family photographer!

August :: Portland, Oregon Baby Photographer

2010-05-24T13:41:00.001-07:00

This boy was simply amazing to look at, hang out with, and yes, photograph. It was hard to select only a few to share, but here they are. Enjoy!

Cute Cuthills of St. Johns

2010-05-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here's to All the Mamas!

2010-05-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

These are the memories I most love capturing – the unscripted, everyday moments that occur between a mother and her child; the immeasurable love a mother has for her child, and the love the child gives right back; the moment when the mother and child forget I am there and are only themselves, together with their love.

4 :: Portland, Oregon Child Photography

2010-05-01T13:30:00.001-07:00

Four years of photographing this gorgeous, sweet, loving boy.

Happiest of birthdays to you, Von Palmer. My biggest thanks for always being such a wonderful model, and an even better friend to my girl. We love you like crazy cakes.

Macy, Jack & Liam :: Portland Child Photographer

2010-04-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

I met beautiful Macy on Easter,

her sweet cousin, Liam,

and her baby brother, Jack.

If I'm going to work on a holiday, I may as well be hanging with kids like this! Nothing but pure sweetness, joy, and love in this family..

{This Moment} :: Inspired by Amanda Soule

2010-04-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Jake & Baz :: Portland, Oregon Family Portraits

2010-04-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

I fear I am a broken record, saying the same sappy thing again and again, but damn I love the part of my job that allows me to not just see kids as they are born, grow, develop and change, but to be chosen as the one to document those changes for families. I feel so honored and lucky. Theses two little guys are part of one fabulous family that I have been fortunate enough to photograph three times now. I love seeing how they have changed in the time between sessions, and I look forward to seeing them again.

Little Bunny Tu-tu :: Portland, Oregon Child Photographer

2010-04-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

These stunning bunny-tailed tutus were crafted by Portland-based tutu extraordinaire Amber Lakos of Itty Bitty Bettys. If you have a little one who loves to twirl around in a tutu, you should definitely check out her little masterpieces. They are gorgeous, well-made, affordable, and comfortable for the littleones . Oh, oh, AND Amber will custom make one to your liking!

Happy hopping!

Me Too.

2010-03-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

When my daughter, Frances, was somewhere around eight months old, I started a photo project, just for myself, called Still Life with Baby. I believe my first photo in this series is one of her stuffed panda and bulldog in a faux face-off on her play mat. These photos are usually taken during naptime, when I have a moment to glance around and find beauty in moments left behind. Frances is now two and a half, so naturally there are more and more of these opportunities; sweet little moments arranged either knowingly or not, by a very imaginative and playful little person. The series should probably now be called Still Life with Toddler, or maybe Still Life with Frances, I don't know, I have not put a lot of thought into it because it was never something I planned to share. But in the interest of keeping this photo blog interesting, I thought I would start posting them here. Maybe once a week, or once a month, they may come regularly or sporadically, I don't know. I do not try to manufacture these images, nothing is posed and I'm never looking for them, but when one of her arrangements strikes me as particularly beautiful, sweet, or just as something I want to remember, I grab my camera, and sometimes I love the results. This little moment came a few weeks ago and I was compelled to record it and preserve it forever. Happenings like this are just one of the thousands of things I love about motherhood. I call it Me Too.

Julie & Sean :: Portland, Oregon Wedding Photographer

2010-03-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

As I was editing these photos I glanced down at the stack of business cards that just arrived from the printer and realized that the words on the front of my cards not only describe my style of photography, but perfectly describe Sean and Julie, their family, and this day I was lucky enough to document for them.

Beautiful.

Spirited.

Genuine.

Fun.

Natural.

Candid.

Happy Spring!

2010-03-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

I took these photos of our neighbor's magnolia tree a few weeks ago, when Spring came early to Portland. I love the tease of Spring, the gorgeous warm sunny days, followed by weeks of gray rain, it is a perfect balance between the things I dread about Winter and what I love and anticipate about the Summer to come. Get your kids and yourselves out in the sunshine today, soak up those rays and absorb all the colors around you, store it for the rainy days that are sure to come, channel your inner Frederick!

Lucky :: Portland, Oregon Wedding Photographer

2010-03-17T12:30:00.001-07:00

I felt incredibly lucky when I was hired by an amazing couple, Sean & Julie, to document their wedding day. One of the many super cool moments of the day came when I was photographing Sean's daughter, Ashley. She was smiling for the camera when she noticed something, leaned over, and plucked a four leaf clover from the grass! I have many memories of combing through fields as a child, always on the hunt for a four leave clover. I never found one. But Ashley and her eagle eyes spotted this one without any effort, and then, because she is a wonderfully thoughtful girl, she gifted it to her soon-to-be stepmother as an addition to her wedding bouquet. How lucky am I to get to share these moments? I promise to share more from Julie an Sean's day just as soon as I'm done with the editing! Happy St Patrick's Day! xoxo, PQ

Spring Forward :: Portland, Oregon Family Photography

2010-03-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

Let's just gloss over the fact that I have not updated this blog since November, K? To say the Fall and Winter season was busy is a bit of an understatement, I was slammed, but I have no excuse for not posting during the first few months of 2010. If you are on Facebook and you have not yet become a fan of PQP, please do so. I update photos and hold giveaways frequently over there, definitely more often than I check in here! But that is going to change. I am going to make it a goal to update this blog on a weekly basis for all of Spring. There are some exciting things to come and I should have a lot to share. For this post I will share with you some photos from the first few months of 2010. I am really liking how this year is looking thus far. You?

Holiday Cards by Shanna Schlitz!

2009-11-22T19:39:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be offering gorgeous, unique, and exclusive holiday cards designed by the fabulous Shanna Schlitz! Below are the stunning designs, labeled by number, with your color and wording options. Email me at posy@photoposy.com for further instruction on ordering. (You can click on the image to see it larger!) Enjoy and Happy Holidays...

Card 1

Card 2a in green (also available in blue/red scheme seen below0

Card 2 in blue (also available in green)

Card 3 available in gray with red Merry Christmas or Warmest Wishes

Card 3 in gray with blue (or red) Warmest Wishes

Card 3 in black with white Warmest Wishes

Card 4 available in purple and red

A few more notes: Cards are double sided, the back will be blank except my logo and "photography by..." They are printed on high quality card stock in art linen, art recycled, or pearlessence finish. Once your images are selected and card is ordered, Shanna and I will work together to ensure the color, text, and images pop, sparkle and shine (ie look good). You will receive a proof before any order is placed. xoxo

Posy at Posies

2009-10-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

Eloped! :: Portland, Oregon Wedding Photographer

2009-07-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

John and Stephanie eloped to Vegas last month, but that did not prevent them from having this special time documented! We had a little elopement session in Cathedral Park on a sunny Summer evening. Here are a few of my favorites.

now booking beach sessions!

2009-07-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

Two days of photo sessions available in Lincoln City and the surrounding areas. I challenge you to find a more beautiful setting or more gorgeous light than that of the Oregon Coast. I would love to make portraits of your new babes, children big and small, whole families, the newly engaged and senior portraits. Book now!

Airplay Cafe Display

2009-07-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled with my current photography installation at Airplay Cafe. If you don't already know it, Airplay is a wonderful, kid and parent friendly cafe, located at 7th & East Burnside.

According to their website, Airplay caters to Portland’s music lovers of every age. They offer music classes, sing-a-longs, story times, and more. Check out their calendar, they have something different going on each day. And they have Kettlemen's bagels, delicious iced tea, and tons of kid-friendly snacks! My photos will be hanging on their walls during the month of July, so if you get a chance you should stop by and check them out!

Happy Pride Day!

2009-06-14T08:44:00.001-07:00

If you live in Portland, OR, get out there and show your pride and/or support today! The parade route can be found here. Many more photos of this fabulous NoPo family to come soon!

serious :: silly :: stunning :: six

2009-06-12T13:59:00.001-07:00

Last month I was lucky enough to photograph two fabulous six year old girls, Lucy and Noor, who are the twin daughters of Nena, who owns St Johns Booksellers. What a treat! These girls, as you can see, are equal parts lovely and ethereal, and as goofy as can be. And oh so loving - Noor and Lucy snuggled, hugged, held my hands, and called me "Miss Posy." We spent three hours, hiked two miles, and changed outfits six times, and I loved every minute of it! Ooo, I'd almost forgotten, I owe them a "thank you" juice date - as in, let's go have some fresh squeezed juice at Proper Eats for being such cooperative and fun models!