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Here’s a growing collection of some of my favorite wedding photography shots taken in 2011 and early 2012.  Many more shots to add to this wedding gallery as I continue to edit the mountain of images I’ve been shooting this year, so stay tuned.  Let me know your thoughts in a comment below. I’d love to hear from you.

Something I constantly ask myself while taking wedding pictures is “what am I not seeing???” And I repeat this soliloquy in my head over and over again and again.  “Where can I find a different angle, a shadow that leads lines to the subject, an open space that ‘defines’ my subject without chaos and distractions? How can I keep the backdrop clean or sometimes invite “organized chaos” that supports the image.  If we happen to be across seas or atop a mountain… how can I illustrate that in the photo along with the connection between subjects?  Shaping compositions while holding sacred space for my couples is indeed a delicate dance, and I love it, it keeps me on a good edge.

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January 6th 2012, an enchanting winter wedding evening atop Mt. Hood at Timberline Lodge.  A chilly 17 degrees yet this rustic hut atop Mt. Hood has a raging hot fireplace that keeps everyone cozy for an incredibly intimate gathering.  The picture below placed 4th in the 2011 Winter ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers) contest results in the category for “Venue or Location.”  The competition was among the best wedding photographers in the world.

The picture below placed 10th in the 2011 Winter ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers) contest results in the category for “Movement and Motion.”  The competition was among the best wedding photographers in the world.

JUDGE COMMENTS: “Nicely composed, veil and doorway frames the bride nicely.”

November 12, 2011: Marina and Kevin taking in a beautiful moment just as the warm winter sunset light poured through their window.

A poetic moment from Joanna and Michael’s recent winter wedding at Mt. Hood in the cozy Silcox Hut, November 12, 2011

Following Gaby to see Sam in Mountain View, California on October 29th, 2011.

Following the ceremony at sunset.

Beautiful golden light…

Lauren and Nate enjoying a little time in their vineyard moments before their ceremony.  Beautiful light and love…

An unforgettable toast from the groom…

Motion, reflections, light, in-the-moment, fun!  Kara and Jeff’s wedding was super dynamic and intimate on their private home. Can’t wait to share the rest. Here’s another sneak peak. Lovin these moments.

Capturing Erin Youngren with Joe Bussink in San Diego.  The Youngren’s are unbelievably beautiful people in all aspects of the word.  Here’s a few sneak peaks.

Gillian Krol put some sass into her wedding this September with a 1920′s style at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland.  Guests arrived dressed in 20′s.  Lovely elegance.

I captured the image of Jane and Derrick below while following them back into their reception at Gorge Crest Vineyards just at sunset.  I purposefully focused on the grass infront of them while leaving them out of focus for a more romantic impression with the sunset bursting behind them.

This shot of Kara and Jeff Swartz was immediately following their ceremony as they walked into the setting sun.  I like the sense of motion, the bursting lines of light, diagonal shadows, and rim light.  This image is symbolic of the beautiful vows they just confessed to one another.

Kara and Jeff’s 1950′s get away car below… (long exposure light painting night shot high definition)

The shot below of Sara’s face was taken moments before the ceremony atop Mt. Hood at Timberline Lodge.  July 30th, 2011 was a crystal clear blue sky day with the radiant sun casting shadows everywhere.  I normally like to take wide angle shots to capture landscape and context, in this case I captured the landscape of Sara’s mood in her eye and face.  Shadows, contrast, diagonal lines, golden sun, curls, and a warm look toward Justin before their ceremony.

Magical sunset hour with glowing mountain in the backdrop.  Summer mountain light…

Here is a beautiful sunset moment at the Portland Classical Chinese Gardens with Diva and Jeremy. A lovely space for a wedding!  This moment was extraordinary because literally minutes before there was heavy rain, then hail that pounded down on our umbrellas, and our hats!!!! Laughter and chaotic excitement ushered them into this beautiful moment as everyone took a deep breath while the sun kissed their vows.

In the shot below I was entranced by the clouds in the sky and how they gave texture to the image, pouring burst of light over the edge of the roof, and the reflections in the window.  All supporting the beautiful bride: Jessica Shoup who was just about to see Brian McConnell for the first time at the Oregon Golf Club.

Leading lines, light, silhouettes, and symmetry below.

I look for zen backdrops.  In this case I like the texture of the grass amidst the pure feeling as it supports the subjects.  Jessica and Brian seeing each other for the first time.

In this shot below I secretively chased the bride, Chelsea Johnson, up this stair case at the Waverley Country Club in Portland, Oregon. I love all the the leading lines and bursting light.  Beware, this can be hard on your eyes if you’re not careful.  This was the moment just before the ceremony.

Below is a blind shot I took of Jaclyn and Chris exiting their ceremony at De Armond Garden Estates in Hillsboro, Oregon. What I like about this photo is the definition around the couple against the sky, the leading diagonal lines pointing the eye toward the couple, and that it’s a real moment.

This shot of Dale and Kara was taken at Terra Bella in Skagit Valley in the countryside of Conway, Washington.  This image is a comedy of the classic painting of Grant Wood’s American Gothic.  Kara’s comic understanding of Dale’s expression fit the bill when she put a pitch fork in his hand for this shot. 

Here’s a panorama shot after running out of a limo into a private field.  Looking for empty spaces to help define people.

This was a super fun candid shot.  This group is as beautiful on the inside as the outside.

A special shot with Nicole and Nima Darabi moments after they saw each other for the first time. This exquisite staircase at Indigo is a example of the modern architecture!  It was a great to capture Nicole and Nima seeing each other for the first time.  Nicole and Nima Darabi at Indigo @ 12 | WEST moments before heading out to wedding ceremony #1 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Ceremony #2 happened at Pure Space in the Portland Pearl District. Indigo is a beautiful building with modern architecture and unique lighting opportunities for photography.

Nicole and Nima’s had a fleet of 9 pedicabs for their bridal party while riding from the exit of their first ceremony (catholic) at St. Mary’s Cathedral to their second ceremony (Persian) at Pure Space with West Coast Events.  Nima had a great set of tunes on his iPod and speaker system while celebrating their ride to Pure Space, friends following in 8 additional pedicabs! We are honored to announce the below image is the front cover of the 2012 Bravo wedding guide book!

This was one of Nicole and Nima’s first dance at Pure Space in the Pearl District in Portland. Three back lit flashes triggered simultaneously from pocket wizards behind Nicole and Nima to help cast shadows on the floor and illumate the moment.   Special thanks to Skot Coatsworth assisting me on this shot.  Also a huge thanks to Josh Kincaid from Mosca Photo for second shooting, Alice from Mosca Photo for helping coordinate gathering an emergency flash from Jessica Hill (huge thanks!!!) to make this shot possible.  Also, Terra Rothman and Tree Marie were extraordinary help with shooting and assistance.  Our team was full force this day with 5 of us working all angles.

Shooting directly into the light is challenging on the eyes and the camera settings.  Here’s a shot of Maggie Zarrabi at Waverley Country Club moments before her wedding ceremony with Saam Zarrabi.

Angelic moments with Maggie and Saam following their ceremony at Waverly Country Club.

Jessie Schuh at Casa Sabastiani in Sonoma, California.

This is a special shot of Rob and Jessie Schuh and their bridal party at Mary Schuh’s home, in Sonoma Valley in Glenn Ellen, California, Sonoma county.  The relaxed calm feeling of their gestures (within the 4 images below) just before their wedding well reflected their calm and beautiful approach to their timeless day.

Megan and Aaron Godsey’s destination wedding in Palm Springs, Arizona at the Hayatt Regency Hotel and  Spencers Restaurant in Palm Springs, Arizona.

Megan and Aaron seeing each other for the first time.

2-27-2012: A classy bridal event showcasing the hottest wedding trends at The Nines with Portland Bride and Groom.  A great time to connect with 2012 & 2013 couples getting married.  Our schedule is booking up quickly, a few spots left on our calendar.  Be in touch, we want to hear your story and capture the most meaningful and creative photography possible.  Much to share from our recent 5 days of research at WPPI in Las Vegas with 16 thousand photographers and speakers.  Can’t wait to share all the fresh new cutting edge ideas with you!  JOS

Credits: Timberline Lodge – Silcox Hut | Venue: Rengstorff House | The Nines Hotel | Love and Sass – Tree Marie
The Youngrens | The Benson Hotel | Gorge Crest Vineyards | Timberline Lodge | The Nines Hotel
ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers)

Read about our couples experience with us on Wedding Wire