Meet your photographer.

Hello- It's me, Chaylea your bright eyed photographer! I'm really looking forward to sharing some new things with you, and hoping you enjoy learning some things about me.

For today's blog I really wanted to take some time to introduce myself to you. I'm excited to have an opportunity to help you get to know me a little, so that you don't feel as much like I'm a stranger during your session. I am an awkward, Oregon-raised, coffee lovin,' cactus-kissin', photographer. So, let's get to it!

>What is your favorite color?

It has always been yellow, and green! Any variation on yellow, green or yellow-green. Neon yellow, mustard yellow, sage green, pastel green.

>What type of gear do you use?

I have a Nikon D750 and use a lot of different lenses for different types of sessions. For a wedding, you will find me using a 70-200mm 2.8, an 85mm and a 24-70mm lens.

>Do you like to take candid or formal style portraits more?

I am absolutely more a fan of candid, fun, casual photos. But, I also believe that the eyes are the window to your heart. So photos of people looking into the camera have a very special place in my heart as well . So, I always do a combo of candid and formal poses.

>How many sessions do you do in a year?

Typically it ends up being about 30-40 photo sessions/weddings a year.

>What do you think is important about taking a portrait?

I think that a lot of the time people don't realize that their outfits make or break photos. My squatting, getting on my tippy toes, laying on the floor-my posture really matters as well. Another thing that is important, is positioning of the subject(s). Sitting, standing turned in, kneeling, leaning, these things definitely matter!

>What is the first picture that you remember being proud of?

I love this question! I started photography when I was a young tween, looking for a way to express myself. I think the first photo I remember being the most proud of, was of a photo of the ring that my mother gave me on the day I got baptized. I took it on top of a Bible and loved that I figured out on my own that the lighting made a perfect heart.

>What has been your favorite wedding venue?

That is a hard question to answer. I have loved so many, but I do think that the Oregon Gardens in Silverton, OR has been one of my favorites. I think I am biased because I grew up going there as a kid, and now as an adult I see and appreciate the beauty. I love all of the different areas to take photos on the grounds, and all with such different looks. I'd have to say another one that was a favorite was The Vue in Corvallis, OR. The reason for that is because I remember how striking the dinner area was. The ceilings had beautiful wood sections that were just so unique and gorgeous.

>How did you come to love photography?

I came to love photography when I was about 10. I always wanted a little digital camera and one day I remember my parents surprised me with one. Then I remember that my brother purchased a Nikon D60 because he started having an interest in bird watching. It was short lived and he then let me have it! That is when I really fell in love with it. I originally did abstract photography and hardly ever photos of people, and if it was people, then it was my brother or abstract self portraits. I only started portraits when I was 19 and had my son and realized the importance of documenting the people you love. I then had some different family members getting married and fell in love with wedding photography!

Now you know!

I hope you enjoyed reading my responses to your questions from instagram. I hope to interact like this again with all of you! Are you a parent with young children? Are you a grown child with an aging parent? My Next blog will be under the subject of: Mom and Me and Dad and Me portraits- why you need one!

Do you enjoy learning more about someone that does a service for you?

• Yes, I do enjoy it!
• I could do without it.