Terra & Lionel - Salem, OR Photographer

Meet Terra & Lionel. They're pretty cool kids; Terra's my cousin and Lionel her boyfriend I've known since middle school. A few weeks back we met up at the local train station to get a couple shots for an ad campaign I'm putting together. It was a quick shoot, started raining in typical oregon weather fashion, but there are definitely some shots worth sharing here!

Lionel

Terra. She's got such fantastic big brown eyes!

He's completely lost it here, laughing at himself I suspect.

What a good looking guy, right? Lionel's always been such a great guy, and couldn't think of a better man to be alongside my Terra!

Silly kids.

www.ashleysturmphotography.com

Noel P - A True Ginger - Salem, OR Senior Photographer

So just a quick note about Noel's shoot. My good friend Noel who now lives about 3 hours away in Bend, OR texted me Monday morning saying she was in town that evening and could do some photos. I had asked her a while back if she wanted to have some photos and finally Monday (two weeks ago now) we found a short little window to get together.

Here's a few from our little session. Oh, and the 'ginger' thing comes from some jokes me and a client exchanged last weekend about red-heads...it just seemed fitting.

These two are my faves...!!!!

And doesn't she have the cutest smirk on her face?

Wait, did that dress just change colors? ; )

So pretty...Oh to have soft red hair and blue eyes!

www.ashleysturmphotography.com

Weeds

This is just a quick one for fun. I took these maybe two-three weeks ago when Ryan & I were scouting locations. We had not had dinner yet (we've started this thing where we don't eat until 8 or so...it's bad) so we grabbed some groceries from the store. Fresh strawberries, a container of cut pineapple, two vitamin waters, and Rip candies (soooo good!).

After we devoured out little snack I whipped out the camera and took some 'fun' pictures, capturing the sun that highlighted the overgrown weeds transforming even the ugliest of plants into something miraculous and pretty. As I think about it now I see such a parallel between that moment and me, all of us really.

Sure we all have our days where we're on the top of the world. We nailed it at work, impressed some friends with our jokes, our hair finally looked like a magazine cover, and we got notice and recognition for something wonderful we'd done. And then there's the day where you really blew it. For whatever reason, all the ugly comes out. You see yourself for all your faults, shortcomings, and the things you do repeatedly that you want to change so bad. It's in these moments of helplessness we search for a way out, something to make right all the crap we see inside ourself.

I realize that I am not perfect, in fact, there's way more yuck in me than I care to acknowledge. And yet, there's a God who loves and cherishes me, a lowly weed, in spite of my yuck, enough to shine his light on me that I might bring him glory. Just when I feel helpless, bound by my own weaknesses, He brings strength, victory, and beauty. Through Him I am transformed, a new creation.










"You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer: he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."
~Psalms 18:28-36

www.ashleysturmphotography.com

Kathleen P - Salem, OR Senior Photographer

I've been needing some spokes models for this next school year's graduating class of 2010 to be Senior Reps, and remembered my pal Kathleen who I know from youth group. Although she's not quite a senior (she's gonna be a sophomore, but who would have known?) I figured she was the girl to talk to. I called her and she was delighted at the idea of having her photos done, so we booked a session in the evening at Bush Park. Little did we know the bugs would be equally excited about our being there.

Kathleen was such a natural in front of the camera, and thankfully is one of those people who is easily amused, and laughs at everything. We really had a fun time, and although we left with more than a few bug-bites, it was worth it...look for yourself!

Love the hair and bangs....I'm so happy these are 'in' again!

Last photo of the night, we couldn't stand the bugs any more...so I guess they won.

Kathleen has such pretty eyes!

www.ashleysturmphotography.com

La Capitale Salem, OR Commercial Photographer

It's been nearly two weeks now since I went to La Capitale, (the loveliest French bistro) to shoot some photos for the North West Palate Magazine. I've worked for NW Palate in the past, remember the post for Evoo? Anyways, Sarah the Art Director has been such a good person to know and work with and she said I was the first person she thought of when they were given this assignment. When this is published in their next issue I'll be sure to let you all know!

I had such a great time capturing all the beautiful facets and details this restaurant boasted and working with David Rosales, Owner & Chef and Ricardo Antunez, Chef was fun and easy!

I'd highly recommend anyone to stop by La Capitale, located on the corner of State and High in downtown Salem for amazing atmosphere, exceptional customer service, and tasty food!


Here's a picture of them, David left and Ricardo right.

Here's the main seating area...they have such beautiful colors!

And a closer look at those luscious red bench seats!

A view of the kitchen where they make all the yummy french food.


David cooking in the kitchen.


Making burgers...YUM


Bar to the left, kitchen middle, and restaurant on the right beyond the plants.


The Bar. They had 'To Catch A Thief' playing!


Ricardo cutting fish. I love the way his hands are blurry as he skillfully fillets this fish.



They serve their fries in a cup, as is the French tradition!



And one of my favorites from the shoot!

www.ashleysturmphotography.com