Salem, Oregon Photographer: Senior Photos | SAVANNAH

HEY YA'LL!  I know it's been probably 1.2 million years since I last blogged, but work & life has kept me busy ;)  I *had* to jump on here and share one of my last senior photo sessions because a.) I LOVED working with this gal and she absolutely inspires me b.) The session was total location inspo because it was gorgeous!  

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | College Senior Photo Session | Oregon Garden | Senior posing inspiration | Editorial inspired photography session | Salem, Oregon Senior Photographer | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for senior photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations

She is absolute model material, right??  I'll tell you- this girl is a gem.  She first contacted me because she was interested in college senior photos.  She is graduating from WOU and heading to med school- I didn't even know her yet but I was already proud of her!!  The main reason she wanted to get these photos done because she wanted to honor her parents and how big of a role they have played in her life and her achievements.  As a Mother myself, I instantly got choked up hearing her talk about how grateful she is to them for their constant love and support over the years.  AND WHEN I SAW HER DECORATED CAP :')

 
 

Like, seriously?  I was so touched because as a parent because this is all we really want, right?  To know with absolute certainty that we have given our children ALL the tools they need to achieve their dreams.  She told me that even if it was 2:00am she could have called them and they would have listened to her, encouraged her, and reminded her to keep giving it her all.  She talked so highly of them and with such love- it was so inspiring!  Inspiring to me as a parent, to remind ME to keep giving my own children that unconditional support- but also as a reminder to tell the people we love how much their support means to us.

I'll leave you with this last set of photos for reference of how gorg her session was :)  If you're a photographer in the Salem/Portland area, I highly recommend the Oregon Garden as a session location!  There were so many gorgeous backdrop options- it is worth the drive!

CONGRATULATIONS to this beautiful soul!  It was an honor to work with her, and I cannot wait to see what she does with this next life chapter! <3

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Couples | A + K

One type of Portrait Sessions that is often overlooked is just plain COUPLES.  Not Engagement photos, not waiting until after you have kids for Family Photos.. But the Portraits of you and your spouse, AFTER the Wedding, and BEFORE having kids.  Why is this precious time so often overlooked?! :)  My gorgeous Sister in Law & her husband try to do a portrait session around every year on their Anniversary.  I can't tell you how much I love that idea!  It's been so fun to see how much they have changed every year, and these will be incredible memories to look back on someday.  When it was just them <3  

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | What to wear | couple standing in field | beautiful posing | photo inspiration | looks like film | couple pose guide

So.. Since I'm here, I have to point out how amazing my SIL is.  She is one of my closest friends, and she inspires me everyday.  She lives with Type 1 Diabetes.

“Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food...”

”..Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.”
— JDRF.org

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | outfit inspiration | photo session in field | beautiful posing | summer portrait | couples session | women pose guide

The reason why I wanted to point that out about her, is because I wanted to be a little reminder that you have a CHOICE in the way you handle life circumstances.  She was diagnosed when she was a child, and has never let it hold her back from doing anything she has put her mind to.  She doesn't EVER complain, she doesn't ever ask for pity, she just handles it- like she doesn't even have it.  I think it is the most beautiful reminder to EVERYONE, that whatever challenges we face, we are in charge of how we let it affect us, and those around us.  You are amazing, sister! <3    

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple posing in Oregon field | beautiful posing | engagement outfit inspiration | summer photo session | husband holding wife detail portrait

HOW CUTE ARE THEY!?  Here's a few more in the field:

We took a little break and did an outfit/location change.  They wanted a combination of classic/timeless portraits, AND some laid back portraits that were a little more fun : )

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple photography session with truck | Truck engagement session | Anniversary photography session | Country inspired photography session | Mexican Falsa blanket photography session | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations 

I literally cannot explain how much this session was just THEMMMMM.  His truck, the Country inspiration in the setting, the outfits.  Like, this is just who they are.  That's one of my favorite parts of my job- helping people tell their story <3

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple photography session with truck | Truck engagement session | Anniversary photography session | Country inspired photography session | Mexican Falsa blanket photography session | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couples session on farm | Country inspired photo session | Anniversary photography | Cowboy boots | Oregon farm | Engagement Session Inspiration | Gorgeous Mexican Falsa blanket

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple photography session with truck | Truck engagement session | Anniversary photography session | Country inspired photography session | Mexican Falsa blanket photography session | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Senior Portraits | Brit

I'm the type of person that literally celebrates everything.  I think that every great milestone in life deserves a little acknowledgment, especially achievements in education.  Getting High School Senior photos done is important, but so is capturing your Senior year of college.  You can use them for graduation announcements, or invitations- or simply to look back on and say " I remember what I have accomplished.  I am so so proud of how far I've come, and where I'm GOING!"   Not to mention..  After ALLL the studying you have done, the sacrifices you have made, and the work you have put towards your degree- you DESERVE a celebration!  

This gorgeous gal is graduating from Western Oregon University, and I was so excited to photograph this time for her!

The traditional cap & gown photo! | College Senior Photos

Congratulations, Brit! | College Senior Photos

Sun Flare <3 | College Senior Photos

Brit had mentioned that she needed to order some graduation announcements to send to friends & family, and of course I jumped at the opportunity to create something beautiful, and unique for her!  

Senior Photo Graduation Announcements | College Senior Photos

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture this beautiful time in your life, Brit!  CONGRATULATIONS!  Wishing you all the happiness in the World! <3

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Products | Keepsake Photo Box

While frames are one of my favorite ways to display family photos, you're also going to want an option for storing your fine art prints.  These personalized Keepsake Photo Boxes are a beautiful and functional option!  This one below is one that I purchased for myself personally (I only sell what I LOVE and what I also use!)  These 8x10 smooth matte boxes have a textured fabric interior where the photographs sit, and a satin pull ribbon for lifting them out.  The lid also has a magnetic closure that keeps the box securely fastened.

You could also fill these boxes with 4x6 prints, or even jewelry/memorable items.    I just LOVE the look and the functionality of them!

I decided on a matted fine art prints for my personal family photo box, but 8x10 prints (See the lower left corner picture of that gorgeous fam!)  fit PERFECTLY as another option.  The fab thing about these boxes, is they come with a display easel so you can switch out whichever photograph you want displayed at that time.  Super fun!  AND, these are stunning on coffee tables OR bookshelves!  How do you preserve or display your family photos?

Salem, Oregon Photographer Keepsake Photo Box