Stephanie Stone, Photographer

Twilight Silhouettes, just for fun

2012-03-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

I went out for a walk a few evenings ago, and took my little Canon PowerShot A590 with me. It was a gift from my family about a year ago and I have really enjoyed having it! It's perfect for those times when I might want to take snapshots and don't want to lug around my big pro camera.

Some might say that it's the subject that makes a good photograph. While I can agree with that statement on a certain level, I also have to say that it's the light that makes the photo. Think about how certain subjects appear in different lighting.

That's what this set of images is about...seeing common things; a gate, a fence, leaves, branches, in the twilight. I hope you enjoy...

George Zimbel | Multimedia > A Freelance Photographer vs The New York Times

2011-12-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

George Zimbel | Multimedia > A Freelance Photographer vs The New York Times:

'via Blog this'

I'm sure, after you read this article, you will be as outraged as I am. The New York Times management should be ashamed of their actions. Instead, they admit no wrong-doing and instead, defend their illegal actions.

Mr. Zimbel, a freelance photographer, had to fight the Times' legal counsel to retain ownership of an image that is clearly his.

Artists, we need to remember that when we sell our images for 'one time use' a follow-up is necessary to make it clear that the image belongs to us, and not to those who bought usage rights.

In this information age, the image ownership waters become murkier and murkier as copyrighted images are passed around and republished, often without the owners' consent. Think about social networking sites, image and art sharing sites, online magazines, slide shows, Google images, and more. Once an image is 'out there' it is practically impossible to get it back, so we need to make sure that we register our art with the copyright office, provide legal, binding contracts for those we do business with, keep tabs on where our images are used, and make sure we take every precaution possible to avoid losing our images to public domain.

Did you know that you can put your copyright information into the Exif data in a digital image? Some cameras allow you to set up copyright information in the camera so every time you click the shutter your images automatically have your copyright embedded in the data, and you don't have to do anything afterward to adjust the Exif data. If in-camera copyright isn't available you will need to do it after capture, and that works too, albeit much more slowly when it is necessary to adjust each image individually.

www.plagerismtoday.com has a great list of things you can do and tools to use in protecting your images including managing Exif data and watermarking images you plan to upload to the internet.

One caveat for Exif data...some websites like Flickr and Facebook strip the Exif data when images are uploaded to their sites, so watermarking your images might be your only protection in those cases, unless you've already registered your images with the U.S. Copyright office. Still, taking that extra step to watermark your images before uploading them to the internet could save you lots of time (money!) and legal hassles later.

I know, it's so much to think about; and if you're running a business like I am, it's difficult to find time for everything that needs to be done in addition to creating the beautiful art/photography that I started the business for in the first place. BUT, once you've added Copyright Exif data and watermarking to your workflow for uploaded images, it's not that difficult.

I also use a websizing step to make online copies harder to use because the quality isn't as good as full sized images. Prints from websized digital files will look grainy and somewhat blurry from the reduction in file size, encouraging people who really want the excellent quality images I'm known for, to purchase prints or full sized files from me directly.

It's how I earn a living, and how I preserve my reputation as a high-quality photographer.

I make no excuses and feel no shame about protecting my rights, and neither should you.

10 Things Every Photographer or Creative Person Must Learn | Chase Jarvis Blog

2011-10-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

10 Things Every Photographer or Creative Person Must Learn | Chase Jarvis Blog:

'via Blog this'

I especially love #10. Basically it says, "If you are a creative professional, then you will create. Don't wait forever to start. Don't freeze with fear of the what-ifs....create your art and share it with the world. Do it NOW!"

Eastman Kodak Mulls Bankruptcy - NYTimes.com

2011-10-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

Eastman Kodak Mulls Bankruptcy - NYTimes.com:

'via Blog this'

Back in the day when I was a film-camera photographer, I only used Kodak film. I knew, not only from being behind the camera, but also from my days working in photo labs, that Kodak film could be trusted. They had the best skin tone, the best color rendition in natural scenes, and were the easiest to color correct in the machines if the chemistry was a bit off that day. Kodak film was reliable, consistent, and ubiquitous. If I feared running out of film at a wedding reception, I could stop by virtually any store and pick up extra rolls of Kodak film on my way from the wedding to the reception venue.

Now it looks as if Kodak is about to fall on hard times. They have retained a bankruptcy specialist lawyer, and have been struggling to reinvent themselves in a digital market.

Thinking back to the time when I made the switch from film to digital, I realize that I have not purchased even ONE Kodak brand item since the switch. I abandoned an old and reliable friend, but at the time it seemed like nothing.

With Kodak in danger of going out of business I feel a little sad, a little guilty, but at the end of the day, isn't it THEIR responsibility as a company to keep up with change?

Now I'm thinking in terms of my own photography business.

How am I keeping up with the changes in the photography industry today?

Am I meeting my customers' needs?

Do I need to wake up and shake up my methods before I am left behind?

Valid questions for sure.

Are you asking yourself the same things about your own business?

Perhaps you should be.

Photographers and other artists: What inspires you?

2011-09-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

So many different things inspire me. I love looking at fashion, accessories, sketches, paintings, sculpture, vintage items, the various elements in nature; I am always drawn to water, especially the ocean.

Of course I love looking at other photographers' work too.

I'm not looking to copy anyone's ideas or style. I am attempting to understand their ideas and figuring out if I 'get' the message they are sending.

Good photography makes you feel something. Anger, sadness, outrage, passion, happiness, desire, greed...the whole gamut of human emotion. If you don't feel anything it could be because the photographer didn't know what he or she was trying to say.

Some photographs are made to sell things. Nothing wrong with that. BUT if you don't want to buy what they are selling, it may not be that the item is boring, it could be due to bad photography. Have you ever seen a line of accessories in a magazine spread and nothing appeals to you? You think, "ugh I hate that look." But then you go to the mall and see the same kind of accessories at your favorite store and suddenly you can imagine yourself wearing that huge cuff bracelet, or the asymmetrical necklace that looked really stupid in the magazine. What happened? Well, the photography didn't do what it should have. It didn't sell the items properly.

Photography is super important whether your project is a fashion line, accessories, automotive, industrial, real estate, acting, music, or family portraits. What is the message that you're trying to send?

Do your photographs say what your clients are trying to express?
If not, why not?

Try studying all kinds of photographs and art. Look for fresh inspiration and try to understand the message in everything you see.If you can hone your artistic eye to see what each photograph or other item is saying, you will be well on your way to speaking through your own images.

Pre-Holiday Special, Save $ on gift prints, HURRY!

2011-09-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

Pre-Holiday special: 30 min photo session and

50 4x6 gift prints

(all same pose)

for $175.00

(Regular price Photo session $55, and 50 4x6 $375 = $430. That's a savings of $255.)

Call me, 541-980-9532 or email skstonephoto@gmail.com

Spaces are limited so don't goof off...HURRY!

Indoor, outdoor, with or without props, we are happy to accommodate your photographic needs.

Free retakes if you're not happy with your first session.

Give us a try, you'll be glad you did!

Offer expires Nov 7th, 2011>

The Deborah Evind Leadership Program and Portland Community College

2011-09-29T02:20:00.000-07:00

I am honored and so proud to have been a part of this photographic and video project.Video here

I was asked to participate in photographing each alumna for the inagural Gala fundraiser for the Deborah Evind Scholarship Program.

In the video, whenever you see the flash pop, that's me taking photos of the ladies holding signs with messages about how being involved with the Women's Resource Center changed their lives. :)

I'm even one of the interviewees (b&w dotty shirt).

Most important, though, is the work that Deborah Evind did when she created the WRC at PCC, and the programs she began while running the center. Through her vision and her hard work, she has changed the lives of thousands of women and their families by helping women to stay and succeed in school.

On a personal note, having sat and talked with Deborah about my hopes and dreams for the future, and getting real about what it would take to get there, I began to realize that I was fully capable of handling college and that I deserved to be there. My involvement with the WRC gave me the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2009 production of The Vagina Monologues, and to be the photographer for several seasons after that.

I met many talented, intelligent, beautiful women and made friends at the Center that I never would have met otherwise. Talia, Ellie, Angelica, Angela, Eva, Tanya, Oscar, Peter, and so many more. <3

Thank you Deborah. We will remember you fondly and vow to carry on your important work.

Photography quotes

2011-09-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

"Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees." ~Paul Strand

“It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make aportrait of who they are.” ~ Paul Caponigro

“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” ~ Edward Steichen

"When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence." ~Ansel Adams

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars."~ Og Mandino

Add me on Google+

2011-07-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

My Google+ Profile

Follow me there to see exclusive photo uploads and photography discussions.

Do You Yelp? I do!

2011-03-28T18:08:00.001-07:00

Recent reviews by Stephanie S.

<br>

What's this?

Chloe's Senior Portraits

2010-09-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Chloe is artistic, quiet, and sweet. I liked her from the first moment that I met her.

We explored SE Portland while creating these portraits, stopping at random places and using these 'found' sets for backdrops.

I think my favorite is the cool painted wall with the geometric shapes! Thanks for a fun day, and congratulations on your graduation, Chloe!

Goth Dolls

2010-09-16T14:29:00.000-07:00


Wardrobe/styling by me, boots from Talia's collection.


Talia and Erin Talia and Erin wanted to do a Goth Dolls photo session. We discussed wardrobe, hair, and make-up prior to the session. Luckily, Erin is an amazing hairstylist, so she did hair styling for herself AND Talia. Thanks, Erin! I chose the location specifically for the amazing red doors, but also for the really cool wrought iron gate! I was really pleased with the results of this session. My only regret is that I had car trouble on the way to the second location, so we had to stop the session early. Oh well, we'll reschedule the cemetery session and do something in the Fall leaves instead of the heat of summer. Check back in Oct/Nov for cemetery shots!

New Studio Wardrobe!

2010-03-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

I've been busy shopping for new studio wardrobe for Skull Rage sessions.
Now I have women's sizes from xs-3x available.

It's a great time to book your session as we're gearing up for a busy summer!

"How about a discount?", you ask...OK! Ask and you shall receive:

For my Skull Rage Clients...

Note: I'm extending the booking date requirement to 03/25 due to publishing this later than I had planned.
You can make your appointment on or before 3/25 and receive your free Image CD with your order.

and for my model-clients...

Have you met my baby?

2009-12-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

Dexter is a Russian Blue. He was found as a stray kitten by Shauna and given to me in October of 2008.
As of 12/09, he is approximately 16 months old, and has grown from a weak, sickly kitten into a gorgeous, plush cat.

He's super-smart...has learned how to open doors so he can get into (or out of!) any room in the apartment. It's a good thing that we keep the front door locked or he'd be out, probably trying to drive the car! LOL

Dexter somehow figured out how to remove the ball from inside his Crazy Circle toy. Don't ask me how he got the ball out of there without thumbs, but he did it.

He also knows how to open the drawer where we keep his stash of cat toys. It's impossible to keep him out of anything!

Sometimes I wake up in the morning to find that he's opened my top dresser drawer and thrown my stuff around onto the floor.....why? I don't know. You'd have to ask him!

Dexter is a sweet cat. He behaves a bit more like a dog at times, which is funny. He follows me from room to room, and would rather lie down close to me but out of arms reach, rather than being a lap cat. He will also (sometimes) play fetch with his toy mouse or a milk ring.

He loves his milk rings and will jump 5 ft or more into the air to catch them when we throw them! Dexter also enjoys his tunnel and his cat tree.

At this stage, Dexter still requires A LOT of play time. It would be nice if we could get a playmate for him, but right now, we don't have the money for the pet deposit ($525.00) and extra vet bills for another cat.

I'm just happy that with the cooler weather, Dexter will sleep in the bed with me at night! It's nice to have his warm, furry body at my feet when I'm sleeping.

It's been a long time

2009-12-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

So much has happened in the last year. Mainly that I was sick for a long time so I didn't work on my photography biz very much. At least, not outwardly. I did a few sessions, but mostly, I was just trying to keep up with my college classes while recuperating.

I want to thank Talia,

Jack and Jeremy,

and Kelli and Keli for their patience as they waited for their photographs!

Now that I'm feeling better, I want to shoot and publish more sessions, work on my novel and coffee table book, and blog more often with updates about my progress.

Thanks, Andrea for a fun photo shoot!

2008-09-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

Andrea is a model that I met on Model Mayhem.

She's beautiful, energetic, and up for anything.......I had her laying on the ground, climbing through a garden, wearing an evening gown while barefoot in a laundromat, and dressing in a sweater and winter boots in the heat of the day.

Yep, she's a pro!

Here's a teaser image for now.........more coming soon!

This is Shauna, isn't she gorgeous?!

2008-09-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

Shauna is my first 4-season senior.

"What does that mean?", you ask.

Well...
Shauna and I are working on a project where she is photographed each season for her senior portraits.

So far we have done 3 seasons...I'll post more images later, but wanted to share with you how great she looks and how much FUN we're having!

One more session to go......stay tuned!

I'm Becoming Famous....all over the web!

2008-09-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

SK Stone Photography is listed in so many places these days...

SK Stone Photography, official website

SK Stone Photography, client proofing website; photo galleries

Google Directory

Model Mayhem

Eventective

WeDj

Manta

Wedding Photographers Directory

iBegin

ListingUS.com

Columbia Gorge Weddings

Dmoz

All Oregon.com/warrenton

weddingphotographers.com

SeekWedding

Gorgesearch

Aboutus

business.com

oregonsearch.net

topweddingshops

Not bad, eh?

If you find anywhere else that I'm listed, let me know, wouldja?

I'm just curious...

Have you visited me on Facebook?

2008-08-30T16:48:00.001-07:00

PRIVACY...Protect Your Information!

2008-07-18T23:02:00.000-07:00

This post is not photography related, but important nonetheless.

If you are concerned about the number of unsolicited credit and insurance offers that you receive in the mail, then this post is for you!

I just discovered this website: Proquo.com

I checked out their terms of service and their BBB rating, and it all looks very credible.

I signed up for my account, and within about 1 minute, I had already opted out of several annoying junk mail sources, then I went on to print the forms to opt out of the 3 credit reporting agencies' credit offers (these have to be mailed in), AND topped off my night by updating my info on the national do not call registry.

Do yourself a favor and protect your privacy........and save a few trees in the bargain too.

Every piece of junk mail that isn't printed is another step in preventing ID Theft as well as saving the trees!

Steph

note: I am not receiving any compensation for promoting these websites. I just wanted to share the info.

Also important to note: I have a STRICT NO SPAM POLICY at SK Stone Photography. You will never receive junk mail from me AND I will NEVER sell your information to data brokers!

Thanks to Mae and Lisa for a GREAT photoshoot!

2008-07-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

These girls are hot stuff! They performed like real models and weren't afraid to push their limits.

No matter what I asked of them, they responded with enthusiasm. I felt that we really connected...they understood what I wanted, and they trusted me.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day with two gorgeous young women to photograph...a photographer's dream.

Thanks ladies, it was a BLAST!

I can't wait to get everything retouched and posted...but here's a teaser for ya!

Steph

What's new with me, you ask???

2008-06-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well, for starters... I've moved to Portland, fallen in love, gone back to college and have reworked my photography website. I've found a pool close to home where I can swim laps, and have taken up 'soccer'.....well, after a fashion...with my knees the way they are...I can kick my ball *GENTLY* against a cement wall (for about 5 minutes), but no running! Oh well, at least it's a start.

What's new with you?

MODEL SEARCH UNDERWAY

2008-06-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

~~~~~~GOTH~~~~~~PUNK~~~~~~~EMO~~~~~~~FETISH~~~~~~

I'm looking for a few outrageous people to model for me, for some gritty urban portraits.

DO YOU NEED TO HAVE A PERFECT BODY? NO.

DO YOU NEED TO HAVE AN INTERESTING LOOK? YES.

IF YOU ARE PIERCED OR TATTOOED, HAVE 'UNUSUAL' HAIR, AND A WARDROBE TO MATCH THE THEME, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

You must be 18 or older, otherwise age and body type are not important.

Your photo session will be free of charge in exchange for your signature on a model release form so that I can display your images on my website.

Your compensation will be a CD of images from your session.

e-mail: skstonephoto@gmail.com

Baby and Child Portrait Contest

2006-02-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

The annual Baby & Child Portrait Contest is here!!!! The Grand Prize is $5,000. Yes, you read that correctly....5 THOUSAND dollars!

The contest is promoted nationally by my photo lab, and photographers from all over the country compete with their images. The winning photographer receives a nice certificate, and the parents/child receive the cash. Cool, huh?

How to enter:
Your child must be between the ages of birth-12 yrs old at the time of the session.
Your child must be photographed by May 31st 2006. (by me, of course. *grin* )
A model release must be signed for participation because the photo will be published.

CALL 541-980-9532 to schedule right away!
Appointments for this contest fill up quickly.

Categories:
Color
B&W/Sepia
Humor
Kids with special needs

Because I can....

2006-02-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when I stay up late from too much caffeine...I should be working or sleeping, but noooo I have to goof off.

Self Portrait: square face

Bridal Show Success!

2006-02-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

February 4th 2006.....it came and went so quickly, I barely had time to blink!

What a great day we had! Lots of people stopped by to look at the images and say hello.
I gave away all of my "give-away bags" and put together a list of people who wanted info later.

I'm still working on getting in touch with everyone.........be patient, your day will come! LOLHere's me in the booth, lookin' like a goofball.

Booth, front view

Right side of the booth

Close-up of the baker's rack.....I love this thing! Swirly design, metal & glass......my kind of stuff.

Booth, left side

Mom in the boothMom tied the bows...I run out of patience when I have to sit still too long to mess with that kind of thing. Thanks mom, they turned out great!

2006 Bridal Show

2006-01-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody! Just an FYI....
Don't forget to vist me at the 2006 Bridal and Special Events Show on February 4th from 10-4 at the Hood River Expo Center. I'm having a drawing for a free engagement portrait session that you don't want to miss out on, plus lots of images for you to see.

(Not to mention, I'll have CHOCOLATE in my booth. mmmmm) LOL I promise to share.

So stop by and see me. I'd love to meet you and talk about your wedding. It's gonna be fun!!!

Need more info about the bridal show? Visit www.Q104radio.com

Product Photo Gallery for 2006, SK Stone Photography

2006-01-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

Below each picture is a short description of the product.

WALL FOLIO: Your choice of 3,6,or 9 images in a beautiful custom frame with matching or contrasting mat inside. (several styles available). The outer dimensions of the frame are approximately 18x24 inches.

SIGNATURE MAT IMAGE: An 11x14 print with 16x20 frame (shown) or a 16x20 print with a 20x24 frame, with a wide white mat. Perfect for use in place of a wedding guest book, or as a compliment to it.

PROOF CATALOG: An 8.5x11 spiral bound booklet, with your images printed 8-up per page. Soft cover. Each photo has the image number under it for easy ordering.

PROOF BOOK: A large professional 10-ring binder, holding 4-4x6 prints per page. Photos are enclosed in photo pockets. Each print is numbered on the back.

COFFEE TABLE ALBUM: Digitally designed, totally customized. Library bound. Gorgeous!

VOGUE ALBUM STYLE: Choose from traditional leather covers, wood, or even metal. Cool!

ART BOX: An album-like cover that, when opened, reveals 8-matted images, suitable for displaying on an easel.

TABLE-TOP EASEL: A stylish metal stand that holds 1 matted image for display. Approximately 12 inches in height.

PORTFOLIO: A simulated leather folder with openings to hold either 8 or 12 4x5 images. No plastic covering the images.

TRADITIONAL LEATHER ALBUM w/o Cameo, embossed cover

TRADITIONAL LEATHER ALBUM: with cameo, no embossing

WATERCOLOR PAPER ALBUMS: Hand made albums with silk ribbon binding, up to 60 photographs artfully mounted onto hand-torn deckle edge watercolor paper pages. This upscale album offers fine-art quality with exquisite texture and color. (kiwi, strawberry and pink petals styles shown, many more cover styles are available!)

Linda and Brad

2006-01-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

Don't they make a cute couple? I don't think I've ever seen two people more caring and kind to each other. This was a fun engagement portrait session. They were good sports when I asked them to sit and lay on the ground, and there were no complaints when I asked them to snuggle.
These red leaves are just gorgeous. Brad found them when we were on our way out of the park, thinking that we were done with the session. Good job, Brad!!!!!!!

Derek's senior portrait

2006-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

We made some really nice images at the beach last summer, but Derek's favorite image was this one from Christmas-time. Snow, Fog, and his Jeep. Happy guy. How did 18 yrs go by so quickly?! Seems like he was a baby yesterday.

My best friends

2006-01-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

Bob and Jeannine.......I miss you guys! *sniffle sniffle* I wish I could have brought you with me when I moved. You're my best buddies!

Thanks for calling to sing happy b-day to me today. You made me smile.

hugs,

xoxoxox Steph

Valaree and Kris 9.17.2005

2006-01-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

Valaree and Kris 9.17.2005

All weddings are special to me. I'm a romantic fool, and just melt when I'm around couples in love. This wedding was particularly special to me because I've been friends with Val's parents for years. It's an awesome responsibility to photograph a wedding, but even more so when it's for people that are close to your heart.

When Val and I did our pre-wedding consultation, she told me that she was not "one of those brides" who would freak out at the smallest thing, she wasn't fretting over the details, and although she had special plans for the wedding, she wasn't going to stress out if eveything wasn't perfect. Then she said something that really stuck with me, "I just want to get married".

For her, the wedding day wasn't about the ceremony or the reception...it was about beginning married life with the man of her dreams. I like that attitude!

Kris is just as special. As soon as Valaree stepped into the aisle to begin the ceremony, Kris began to cry. He had to keep wiping his eyes. You could just see it welling up in him...how much he loves Val and how happy he was to be marrying her. He made the rest of us cry, too! Luckily I keep kleenex in my pocket for just such an occassion.

The ceremony was lovely and sweet, and really focused on God and family. The love in that room was tangible, and I felt that I must be very reverent and quiet so as not to disturb this holy presence.

The reception was another thing altogether. Talk about raucus, rowdy and fun.......these people know how to DANCE and have a good time. Even without alcohol. They did the electric slide, the macarena, the chicken dance.......and all sorts of hip-hop stuff that looked like a lot of fun. (unfortunately for me, I'm un-coordinated and kinda dangerous on a dance floor. I actually broke my leg dancing one time....but that's another story)

At the end of the day, Val and Kris made their exit through a sea of bubbles and clapping, cheering family members. They drove away in their convertible get-away car waving and smiling, with balloons flying out of the car behind them.

It was a great honor to photograph this wedding for my friends, and to be allowed to be a part of such a tender, loving ceremony. I love you guys!

hugs,

Steph

Heidi and Justin 7.30.05

2006-01-23T15:37:00.000-08:00

Heidi and Justin had a beautiful day for their wedding. They were married inside a church, but had their reception outdoors at Caswells on the Bay. What a beautiful location!

Aside from being verrrrryyyyy hot outside, the day was perfect; blue sky, sun, calm water, green grass, flowers blooming, birds singing, & butterflies fluttering around.

Justin is a bit shy, so I tried not to get in his face with my camera all day, or to be too obvious. This was a good opportunity for me to practice my paparazzi skills. Of course, being a beautiful woman, Heidi was aware of the camera sometimes, and often gave me a gorgeous smile. Her images were so fun, and colorful, and beautiful, I had a hard time editing down to a reasonable number. I just couldn't bear to delete them! Not that other weddings are any less wonderful, but sometimes, I just can't force myself to edit with a firm hand. Heidi's wedding was one of those.

It didn't help that baby Owen is such a cutie-pie. I couldn't stop photographing his sly grin or his little flirty blush. He's adorable! Of course there's NO WAY I'm editing out any of those images. You see my dilemma....LOL

Heidi and Justin have a huge, loving family. I was really touched by their stories and memories that were shared. These two have a wonderful support system. Kudos to the families.

I had a wonderful day, and was so honored to be there. Thanks, guys!

hugs,

Steph

Kiko and Jeff 10.22.2005

2006-01-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

Kiko and Jeff.....two of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. I just fell in love with them at our first meeting. They are so real and down to earth. Kiko told me, "just do your thing, we trust you." Oh yea, wanna see a photographer do the happy dance? Just say that to her!

On the wedding day, Kiko was the picture of calm. Snacking with her girlfriends in the dressing room, laughing and talking. Aside from the wedding dress, you'd never have known that this was THE day. Poor Jeff, on the other hand, was a wee bit nervous. Excited is a more accurate description, but there was definitely some nervous pacing and thumb-twiddling going on in the groom's dressing room.

At the beginning of the ceremony, something funny happened when the ring bearer panicked and refused to go up the aisle. He sat down in the doorway, put his head in his hands, and had a meltdown. No way was he going to walk in there in front of all of those people!

No matter, Kiko just smiled and walked up the aisle, sans ring-bearer. She even seemed to be enjoying the little guy's "performance." Way to go, Kiko!

The reception was a fun mixture of tradition and karaoke. Yes, karaoke. From a memorable rendition of the "I like big butts" song, some Shania Twain music, and a Japanese song sung by the DJ, the music was enjoyable and fun. Lots of people danced and had a good time.

I saw (and photographed) Kiko and Jeff taking time during the reception to reconnect and snuggle as they mingled. A stolen kiss here, a comfy hug there. I love watching couples in love. The pictures are always so sweet and unrehearsed. Just people being themselves.

Congratulations you two, and thanks for inviting me to be a part of your special day.

hugs,

Steph

self portraits

2006-01-23T14:46:00.000-08:00

avatar sized...yea, that's pretty small.

This is my son, Derek and me. Isn't he a cutie? He was around 11 yrs old in this picture. Now he's away at college. Time passes too quickly!

Me in the snow, somewhere near Mt. Hood. I like this picture.

That's me on the copy machine. See the crazy bracelets? I was dressed as a punk-rocker for Halloween, complete with bright blue big-hair. Fun.

Melanie and Shane 9.10.2005

2006-01-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

Melanie and Shane....These two experienced the wildest weather I've ever seen on a wedding day.
We had sunshine, we had rain, we had wind, and we had thunder and lightning. The outdoor ceremony was chilly and grey, but rain-free until everyone walked to the water's edge to throw in their stones. In nearly perfect timing, the skies broke open as everyone was headed to the beach house. A few of us slow-pokes got rained on, but most everyone made it inside before the downpour.

Needless to say, the outdoor reception became an indoor one, as the groomsmen and several wedding guests braved the weather to bring in the decorations, tables and chairs.

Stoically deciding to have a fun time anyway, Melanie and Shane enjoyed their family and friends, all in a tightly packed livingroom. It was definitely a challenge to photograph everyone when it was nearly impossible to move around, but we made it happen.

As we sat down to dinner, some rays of sunlight began to appear in the clouds, and then the rain suddenly stopped, and a rainbow appeared.
Melanie & Shane, their families, the wedding party and I all rushed outside on the beach to take advantage of the last 10 minutes of daylight. We did a bunch of portraits there, capturing this spectacular shot of Melanie and Shane kissing with lightning in the background.

I've never seen such gorgeous light anywhere, and my heart was pounding as we photographed these images. I knew they'd be amazing.

Melanie and Shane, thanks for being good sports, and not being afraid to get your feet wet out on the beach. I love this image!!!!!!!
I was honored to be there with you, photographing your special day. Thank you for allowing me to document your wedding.

hugs,
Steph

My first post in my new blog

2006-01-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately my first blog was accidentally destroyed in a tragic server failure known as PWP Black Tuesday. Gone are my funny little stories and my manic ramblings.....gone are my stupid jokes and silly musings. Just...gone.

Well, mourn no more, dear friends because I'M BACK!!!!!!!

Thanks to blogspot.com, I am back and bloggier than ever.

Viva la blog!

If you haven't visited my website recently, go check out the updates. Some new weddings have been posted. www.skstone.com

Stay tuned for new products that I'll be offering in 2006. I'm really excited about the new album styles, especially.