My friend Greg invited me out to one of Portland many skate parks for a “early-bird” session before the young punks arrive.  It was a cold sunny morning, much like the winter mornings I would skate back home in Texas.  I spent a good portion of my young adult life riding a skateboard and just recently I’ve tentatively been jumping on my board again.  Though, I use the word “jumping” loosely as I’m still not 100% comfortable with it all yet.  It’s been a long time since I rode and even longer since I was at a skate park, but I dropped in and carved a few of the smaller walls, took a decent fall, and drove away with a smile on my face.  Now, I just need to buy myself some knee and elbow pads….maybe a helmet.  Here’s a photo of my friend Greg from the day.

Bryan

I got the chance to work with Jonah again recently at a pumpkin patch just outside of Beaverton in farm country.  Last year we shot at a pumpkin patch but Jonah was not walking then so this year he was way more interested in the pumpkins.  Though the pumpkins were neet the tractors were WAY more interesting.  Yeup, I think he’s going to be a farm kid.

Bryan

Wow, what can I say about Heather and Todd.  I could tell you how cool they are, how wonderful it was to photograph the two of them….or how much fun it was to be at their wedding even though I was behind a camera!  It’s great to see when two people find it, you know, love.  It’s a great thing to witness.  I guess it’s obvious by their faces in the photos, they were having a wonderful day.  Todd and Heather; you are both blessed and I wish you all the success you can pack into your lives.

Bryan

I realize that there are many cute couples out there in this big wide world, but these two are in my top 5 for sure.   Gayle and I are lucky to have these two as very close friends and we love them very much.  The shoot was fantastic.  I took several great images and had a hard time deciding on which ones to post.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Bryan

Recently wed at The Reserve Vineyard and Golf Club Katie and Gabe had an amazing wedding.  Large without being intimate, small without being crowded. I had a great time taking their photos as they were willing to move around to different locations on the course for photos.  Katie was full of laughter the whole day, just excited that this day had finally come.  Rebecca Bliss of The Reserve planned the event on the sun-drenched back deck of the Club House.  It was a great spot and a great day for a wedding.  Congratulations Katie and Gabe!

Bryan

I will be working with another really fun couple next year for their wedding, however, this year we decided to go out and shoot some engagement photos. They showed me a new part of Portland which I am always grateful for. One of the greatest aspects of my job (besides meeting some really cool people) is exploring new areas. Whether it be for a photo shoot that someone has hired me for, some personal work, or just looking around for inspiration I get the chance to explore this great city of Portland. Cathy and Aaron, thank you. Thank you for showing me a new side of Portland.

Bryan

Last month Gayle and I traveled to St. Louis to participate in our good friends wedding.  Luckily Gayle had a little extra time to spend with her previous roommate and I got the chance to hang with Ben.  I knew Jen was not going to marry just anyone, she was going to marry a runner.  Currently the owner of Big River Running Store in St. Louis Ben Rosario was an accomplished collegiate and national runner.  They met in College, remained friends and one day fate brought them together again.  With a slew of friends, family, and team members the wedding was a blast and a lot of fun to shoot!  I’ve posted some of my favorites from the day and added a few to my web site as well

Bryan

Our Portland Story is seeking submissions for a book that is part coffee-table book, part yearbook, and part insiders travel guide, but is all about Portland by Portlanders. Submissions could include an image - a photograph, art piece, or anything that illustrates your text submission. If your interested and need more information visit www.ourportlandstory.com for all the details. I’m submitting a photo from my viewfinder series. If you’ve been reading my blog you know that I’ve been experimenting with my viewfinder setup for a while. I’m getting better. I finally found a way to display the photos I take. So, here is my submission for ourportlandstory.

Bryan

…my legs are tired, my mind races, and I’ve never felt better! You may know that I bike commute around Portland. At first I was a little intimidated but decided to just start and not think to much about distances and routes. Mostly I stick to designated bike lanes and luckily Portland is a wonderful city to bike commute. It’s not easy. In fact, recently my newest commute is to Sellwood (a small neighborhood in South East Portland) with a vertical gain of 300 feet in less than 1/4 mile. Ouch! It is not the furthest I’ve ridden but it is the most difficult commute. One small narrow bridge, challenging hills, summer temps…and cars. Why do I do it? It’s not really gas prices, I’ve been commuting long before $4.88 a gallon. I’m just trying to do my part in the bigger scheme of things to give our planet a break. Bike commuting keeps me healthy, in shape, and active. I encourage, even challenge you to just start.

Bryan

This weekend I’m only shooting one wedding with David on Sunday.  Sunday’s wedding is at one of my favorite locations, The Viewpoint Inn in the Columbia River Gorge.  The garden has beautiful sweeping vistas back toward Portland, Crown Point, and the river below.  It’s nice to have a mellower weekend after a couple of killer long weddings back-to-back.  Today I caught up on some unfinished business, processed some photos and watched a little tennis on t.v.  A nice mellow day to recharge.