Khamnohack Family Session/Hillsboro, Oregon Photographer

"To score a ten would be just fine
But I'd rather be dressed to the nines
It's a truth you can't refute
Nothing suits me like a suit
Picture a world where all the girls and boys
Are impeccably well dressed
That delivery guy in the jacket and tie
That puppy in the double-breast
That '80s dude in mutton chops
That baby with a lollipop
That lady cop who's kinda cute"


-'Nothing suits 'em like a suit' from 'How I Met Your Mother"

Seriously, how smooth are the Khamnohacks? Not only do they look smooth but their session went super smooth too! We met at Rood Bridge park in Hillsboro and it was so lovely.

This session was done late September 2015. Yes, I am 3 months behind in blogging. Yikes! In my defense, I did not want to ruin anyone's holiday cards and it was the busy season. But I will be banging them out this winter! With the session is where I learned a new way to get kiddos involved in the session, play catch with the dog toy. Total hit with the wee ones even though my aim is awful!

 

Thank you Khamnohack Family for a fantastic session.Go forth and keep rockin' on! 

Beilstein Family-Family Session/Newberg, Oregon Portrait Photographer

"I think I'll go for a walk outside now
The summer sun's callin' my name
(I hear ya now)
I just can't stay inside all day
I gotta get out, get me some of those rays

Everybody's smilin', sunshine day
Everybody's laughin', sunshine day
Everybody seems so happy today
It's a sunshine day"

-'Sunshine Day', The Brady Bunch

Did I just quote 'The Brady Bunch'? Oh yeah! Yes, I did. AND while typing this blog, I am listening to the song on YouTube. 

This session made me think of that song. It was a beautiful, sunshine day with a beautiful family (and Llama....or is that an alpaca? hmmm). Although it is currently Christmas Eve Eve, I am reliving this warm, late September day and that wonderful golden light. Guys, I am so behind on blogging my sessions, I am still blogging September sessions! Although this week I may be able to catch up. 

I absolutely love this session. A wonderful mix of portrait and lifestyle/candid. Such a lovely family and lil' models and one of my favorite locations, Camp Tilikum in Newberg. Can't you just feel the love this family has for each other? Gah, and what a gorgeous couple Matt and Kelsey are!! 

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I do. 

Thank you Beilstein family for choosing me! Go forth and keep rockin' on! 




Lujan Family Session/Sherwood, Oregon Portrait Photographer


"Come on, take a chance
Get up and start the dance
Let the D.J. shake you
Let the music take you"

-'Everybody'- Madonna

Dance, nanci Imagery

When I arrived at Magnus Tree Farm in Sherwood, Oregon for the Lujan's family session, I realized that I recognized them but I just could not place it. Then when I got out of the car, I realized exactly where I know Holly and Dan from, the torture class at our gym. Holly and I had been emailing each other back and forth regarding the session but we did not realize that we actually know each other. I found it pretty amusing because anyone who does the torture class at the gym, I feel bonded too, even if I don't know their name. We suffered together, therefore we are bonded. =)

Holly and Dan are blessed with two wonderful, handsome, loving boys.  The whole family knows how to have fun. At the end of the session, we had a wee dance party...well, they had a dance party, I captured it. 

Thank you Lujan family for choosing me to photograph your delightful family! Go forth, burpee and rock on! 

The Burgess Family/ Newberg, Oregon Photographer

"Overload
Overload
It's a cute overload
Don't you want to take us home
Cute, cute, cute, cute overload"

-Parry Gripp

©Nanci Imagery-2039.jpg

Get ready to be overloaded with cuteness. This family is so adorable I can hardly handle it. Abby is a very busy momma! She works for George Fox University and  is a fitness guru who inspires many on a daily basis, including myself. You can learn more about her here: http://www.abs-in-progress.com/.  Her main man is a firefighter. And together they make a super, duper strong couple!

When we met for our session, Abby told me that their little man, Mr. C., takes time to warm up to people. He must love the camera because he just lit up right away. The photo above is one of the first shots.  This session was a dream. I love how these turned out. I hope you enjoy them too! 

Thank you Burgess family for choosing me to be your photographer. Go forth and continue to rock on! 



Pieper Family Session/Hillsboro, Oregon Photographer

"I'm gonna soak up the sun
I got my 45 on
So I can rock on"

'Soak Up the Sun'- Sheryl Crow

The Pieper session! I have so much to say about this shoot. I was so thrilled when Sarah asked me to photograph her family. I had the privilege of photographing her second son's 1st birthday photos a year ago and I was looking forward to seeing them again.

Let me start by talking about what happened before the session. Sarah wanted to do the session at a creek and we had a few places in mind but she wanted to check them out first. I too wanted to check out one of the locations because I was not sure it would be a good creek for a session. So I took my boys out to the location and guess who I see there? Yep, Sarah and her kiddos. She too was checking out the spot to see if it would be a good session spot. I thought that was pretty funny. 

We decided that it would not be  a good fit and we decided on Rood Bridge Park.  On the  day of the session, oh my goodness was it hot! No, it was not just hot, it was humid. So very humid. Not great weather for a photo session. But they handled it so very well. We wanted to do photos by the water but it was just so darn humid. Did I mention that it was humid? Yeah, I am not used to humidity. Do you see in the above photo how wet he is? 

Ok, moving on.....We started at the bridge and as we were all set-up for the first shot, the ducks arrived. And with the ducks  came a multitude of children that wanted to see the momma duck and her ducklings.  So we waited. The ducks left and so did the kiddos. I set-up the shot again and guess what happens? The ducks wanted to cross the bridge again. So the kids came back. We waited. They ducks left. I set-up again. And guess what happened. I kid you not. The ducks wanted to cross again. The kids came back to see the ducks. We waited. And then the ducks crossed again. I literally said, "Are you kidding me ducks?!" BUT this time, the Piepers were behind the ducks and the other kids were out of the way (this time!) and the shot was perfectly lined up. And finally the ducks went back to the water and we were able to officially start the session.  

The Pieper family rocks, they were so patient but busy. Can you be patient and busy also. Hmmm, well, they were. And I love it!  We ran, we did bubbles, we played games and we all rocked it! 

Thank you So much Peiper family for choosing me again! I had a hot, sticky, fun time with you and I look forward to working with you again! 

Go forth, soak up the sun and rock on! 

Milestone Session: First Birthday. Dundee/Portland Area Photographer

First Birthday session at Sokol Blosser Winery

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Neskowin Beach Mini Sessions/Portland, Oregon Photographer

Neskowin Beach Mini sessions with Nanci Imagery. Newberg, Oregon and Portland, Oregon Photographer. 

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80th Birthday Celebration- Newberg/Portland Area Photographer

"Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine"

"Memories"-  Mac Davis (for Elvis Presley)

My friend Whitney contacted me about coming to her husband's grandma's 80th birthday celebration last month at Hayden's Lakefront Grill in Tualatin. Whitney had learned that many of Helen's older photos had been destroyed. So she thought it would be nice to have a photographer come and capture some new memories. Isn't that such a sweet gesture! And I was thrilled to be the one to do it. 

Helen at her birthday celebration

Helen at her birthday celebration

When I first met Helen, I was surprised.  I thought she was 20 years younger.  She was surrounded family-by her kids, grand-kids, great-grand kids and friends. After dinner we did a few family shots and then her family surprised her with a slideshow of memories. I enjoy being on the sidelines watching in, capturing the emotion. It was so sweet watching her reaction to all the photos, reminiscing about that time with her loved ones surrounding her. I especially enjoyed seeing her 3 year old great-granddaughter taking delight in the slideshow as well.  

Helen seemed to really enjoy herself and I am so happy that I was able to capture new memories for her. For me personally, I have memories of times that have photos attached to them. Unfortunately, the memories I have of the past that do not have photos are jumbled in my mind or lost completely. It would be devastation for me if I lost (and I have) old images of my past. But on this day, Helen has new memories with images to go with them. =)

Happy 80th Helen! Keep on rockin' beautiful lady! 


New Life- Newberg/Portland, Oregon Photographer

"I'm falling in love
I'm falling in love
I'm falling in love
'Cause you're my Starbucks girl
I can't get enough
I can't get enough
I can't get enough
'Cause you're my Starbucks girl
Maybe it's time to tell you straight
The coffee in here ain't all that great
I just come to be with you
I'm falling in love
I'm falling in love
I'm falling in love
'Cause you're my Starbucks girl"

-Evan Taubenfeld, "Starbucks Girl"

3 week old, newborn photography

Cody and Kayla met while working at Starbucks. From the story I was told, and I am going with it because it is so darn sweet, is that Starbucks has/had a policy that you could not date a co-worker. After a while of working together, Cody asked Kayla out but Kayla said no because it is against work policy. So Cody got quit Starbucks so that he could be with Kayla. Now, is this the real reason why he quit? I don’t know, but I like this version. ♥ And eight years later, Cody and Kayla’s little family has grown. Don’t ya love it?

Kayla contacted me about a maternity session. I love maternity sessions and I love what comes after, newborn sessions! She wanted to include their American Bulldog, Cash which made me even happier. I love it when people want to include their fur babies. We had the session scheduled for the last Sunday of May during the glorious golden hour. However, Friday of that weekend Kayla’s water broke. Baby girl had other plans for that weekend. If I remember correctly, she was born on the day of that we had the maternity session scheduled.

Sweet baby A was born early but healthy! I am bummed that we were not able to get maternity photos for Kayla but I was thrilled to be doing her newborn photos. I arrived at their home and was greeted by Cash (they also have a gorgeous kitty named Mia). While I was setting up, Cody and Kayla asked me if I wanted anything from Starbucks as Cody was going to get some coffees. I thought that was super fitting being Starbucks is where they met.

Baby A was 3 weeks old at the time of the session. She was a trooper for sure. She slept great! She liked to be sprawled out, she preferred her arms laying out rather than tucked in. This is typical after about 2 weeks of age.  She preferred her arms out so we went with it, and she was happy as can be that way. She smiled SO much throughout our session and thrilled that we are able to catch a few of them on camera.

Thank you so much Cody and Kayla for choosing me to document this special time. Go forth, love fiercely and rock on! 

Englen Maternity Session-Newberg/Portland, Oregon Photographer

         Laughing, floating bubbles bouncing by
Lifting, soaring upwards towards the sky
Each contains a scene from childhood dreams
Keep the bubbles bouncing and be free- Brian Cox 2001
Blowing Bubbles, Maternity session

I could have photographed this sweet young family all.day.long.  Usually toddlers have a 10 minute time frame for photos.....as do dad's. However, Jared and his daughter were really into this session as well as momma-to-be Megan. Photo sessions are extra fun when everyone is relaxed and wants to be there. Jared and Megan brought bubbles for little E to play with; a sure fire way to bring out the fun, even for the adults. What is it about bubbles that just makes one feel carefree? Well, at least that's how I feel about bubbles. I can't help but smile watching a child face light up from blowing bubbles, watching them float and trying to pop them (or if you are my boys, trying to sword them). 

What's so funny to me is that even when it was time to get photos of just Jared and Megan, their sweet daughter wanted to be in them too. That rarely happens! She would come up and squeeze her face in between theirs or come up and hug on mommy or daddy. Such a sweet girl, so loving. When I was getting a photo of Jared and Megan, I asked them to kiss so Lil' E came over and joined them in their kiss. I had a different vision of the photo but that is what I love so much about photo sessions. I give guidance and you bring yourself and be yourself, interact and we will see what unfolds. It's fantastic when these things come together. 

Megan  was so fun to work with. She brought a hat and when she put it on, a different side of her came out. It was fantastic! Megan is expecting her second daughter in July. I believe lil' E is going to be a doting big sister, gentle and affectionate. 

I foresee many days of the Englen sisters blowing bubbles together and giggling as they try to pop them all. 

Thank you Englen family for letting me capture you! For forth and rock the delivery of

baby girl Englen! 



Together Sessions-What to Expect/How to Prepare

Family/Maternity/Couple Sessions- What to Expect/How to Prepare

*The most important part of this document is the last part- “At the Session”

·         Time

The best time of day to shoot is the golden hour, the short period after sunrise or before sunset. This is when the light is the best, golden and soft. However, oftentimes with little ones, it is there bedtime. If it is possible to schedule a family session at this time, the images will be gorgeous! But is you know your child will be a tired mess that is ok. I prefer a happy, rested child. I know how to find soft, even light any time of day as long as the location is fitting.

·         When to Schedule Your Maternity Session?

The best to shoot your maternity session is when you are between 34-37 weeks along.

 

·         What to Wear?

1.     Wear something that is flattering and comfortable for you; maybe that is a long dress or a cardigan and jeans.

For the kiddos, choose something that they will be comfortable in. I had a little girl come to the session in a beautiful dress. She was not acting herself, she refused to participate. Later we she said that she hated dresses so did not want to cooperate.

 

2.     If you do have your daughter in a dress or skirt, please have your child wear bloomers, tights or shorts under the dress. We will be having fun and in the event the skirt flies up, modesty will prevail.

 

3.     Avoid matching the family perfectly. Instead think of three complementary colors and choose items from those color groups.

http://mycolorwheel.com/products/Farrow-and-Ball-Paint/mid-tones/Mid-Tones/sb.cn

 

4.     Please try to avoid logos.

 

5.     Here is the link to my Pinterest board for further guidance.

 

a.     Maternity: www.pinterest.com/annica1/what-to-wear-maternity/

b.     Family: www.pinterest.com/annica1/what-to-wear-family/

c.     Couples: www.pinterest.com/annica1/what-to-wear-couples/

 

6.     Once you know your color scheme, please let me know, if possible, so that I can choose a coordinating blanket.

 

 

·         At the Session.

 

This is the really important part.

 

My goal is to capture emotion, personalities, genuine interaction and moments and to preserve memories. To do this, we need personal walls to be broken down. This can be hard when there is a camera around. So, what I would like from you is to come to the session without expectations.  That is easy for me to type, but harder to do. I know. Let me see if I can help.

 

1.     If I will be photographing children, tell them where you will be heading and that I will be there with my camera to document/photograph/capture your family time together. Word it how you feel will best communicate this to your child/children. Let them know what to expect but at this time, there is no need to bribe them. Bribing communicates that what they will be doing is not going to be fun. Try not to tell them to smile and behave. Think of this time as going to the park but looking your best. We want this to be fun for all. If your child throws a fit, IT’S OKAY! I am patient. (BTW, I have three boys, nothing fazes me). Does your child need to take a break for hugs? Prefect, I will snap away from a distance. Keep the mood light-hearted, do what you know will help your child feel better. Strong-willed child, that’s ok too! Try not to get frustrated or stressed as that just feeds into the child. Do not expect perfect behavior. Besides, I want to capture real life. And without the expectations of capturing perfect children, that’s when we will get the real smiles.

 

2.     I will direct you to start out with. We will do a few ‘posed’ shots and with these posed shots I will put you in position. But after that, I want you to just be, be close to each other, and interact with each other (and not me!). I will guide this to begin with by asking questions in which to get the interaction going. For example, for a family, I may ask the children to recall a special time with mom. Or who farts the most (yes, I use potty humor to get laughs). For couples I may ask you to recall a special moment that only the two of you know about. I WANT you to engage and talk about it. I may ask sisters to tell whisper a secret. For a family session, we may play games. My goal is to get you less aware of me and more aware of each other and to feel.

* I want to see what transpires/unfolds as each relationship/family is unique.

We want this to shine through!*

 

3.     Expect to be close. Expect to always be touching someone. Obnoxiously close. So make sure you brush your teeth. =)

 

4.     Remember to keep your spine tall.

 

 

·         Props?

I like the simple, natural style. I do not use a lot of props. I will usually bring a blanket, crate, or stool to sit on. If you have anything that you would like to bring, I am happy to incorporate it, just let me know in advance.

 

If you have any questions or requests about the session that is not covered here, please feel free to ask.

nanci.imagery@gmail.com

503-970-8167

 

 

 

Chase's 9th Birthday Session- Newberg, Oregon Photographer

"Some legends are told
Some turn to dust or to gold
But you will remember me
Remember me for centuries"
-Fall Out Boy- "Centuries"

I have known Chase since he was in utero.  Oh geez, I am at the age now where I say things like, "Sonny boy, I have known you since you were a little squash". Ok, I don't know if anyone really says things like this. I just can't believe how fast time seems to be moving since having kids. 

Chase and my eldest son, Noah, have been playing together since they were old enough to. They have known each other since Chase was born; they are only 3 months apart in age. I used to babysit Chase every week and the boys would sometimes be little mischievous angels together. Climbing fences big at age three (well Chase did while Noah egged him on) and something having to do with primary green paint all over the carpet, sofa, walls, the ceiling and on an approximately $250 large toy bus. Ahhhh, good memories, right Jessica?  So many more memories to be made! 

On this day, my son Noah and my youngest son were with us. My plan was to use my boys as entertainment. You know, have them tell all the fart jokes and pretend to fart on me, etc. I thought this was going to be a piece of cake, 10 minutes of photos and then the boys can run around like wild animals and then we will get some dinner. Right away, before I even had the camera up,  Chase pulled out the fake smile. You know the one, the, 'I despise this, you and your camera but I will humor you with my school photo smile'. To be expected with this age group but I thought for sure he would be hysterically laughing at Noah (as he usually does) but his fake smile was unfailing.  I think he thought he was not allowed to laugh. Finally though, I told him not to smile and just look at me. That's it. Just look at me and be. And there it was. Relaxed, natural smiles. This one is my favorite.

Newberg Oregon Photographer

And then they ran around like animals and it was great. =) Here he is with my youngest. 

Nanci Imagery Nancy Imagery Newberg Photographer

I look forward to seeing what your 9th year brings you Mr. Chase and we are so blessed to be apart of your world. Go forth Mr. Chase and rock on! 

Reagan- Graduate 2015- Portland, Oregon Photographer

Wow…just wow. My session with Reagan was so delightful and she blew me away!

Reagan and her family used to be my neighbors, until my family had to move. It was a sad day. But I digress (I do that often, you will come to find-move AND deviate in conversation). Anyway, Reagan and her family are genuine, kind, gentle-hearted and just all around awesome people.  When Reagan’s mom contacted me about doing her daughters Senior photo’s I was giddy with excitement. For one, I LOVE doing graduate/Senior sessions. They are always a blast. But I was even more excited to do Reagan’s because she has a sweet elegance to her and I knew we would have fun.

So we headed to Champoeg park and the evening was perfect! The ground was a bit muddy so some of my plans  would not happen but when I found the moss hanging from the trees, I got over the fact that she would not be able to lay in field. I had visions of her playing her violin, sun-setting and her surrounded by the moss. And it happened and I loved it.

While I shot, she played and boy can she play. It was so peaceful and I kept thinking, “wow, if only I could have her play for me whenever I shoot a session”. Yeah, that would be rad.

I could have shot with her all.day.long.  She was a natural in front of the camera and she was so nervous at first. Actually, most people are nervous and once they are able to relax they realize how fun it can be! But the sun set and my fun had to come to an end.

Reagan is such an intelligent, talented, loving young woman and I look forward to seeing where the next stage in her life takes her!

Go forth Reagan and continue to rock it! 

'Cause like the song of the violin
You only grow sweeter with age
'Cause like the song of the violin
You only grow sweeter with age

-James Otto





And Then There Were Four-Family Session-Portland Photographer

I had the pleasure of photographing the Lee family when they were anticipating the arrival of their new addition. It was such an honor to photograph them again and getting to meet their new precious Mister.  He and his sister are so yummy! Miss R loves the water and nature; a Woodpecker even came out to sing to her. 

He's up each morning bright and early
To wake up all the neighborhood
To bring to ev'ry boy and girlie
His happy serenade on wood

-The Woodpecker Song-Glenn Miller