Mckenzie Carter / 2011 Senior Rep / Salem, OR Senior Photographer

Mckenzie is my first Senior Rep for 2011. I've had lots of applications coming in but this girl not only turned hers in first, I was very impressed with her application and how seriously she took this opportunity. I'm still accepting applications and most likely there's still a spot left at YOUR school! Download your application here and be sure to shoot me an email or comment here if you are planning to apply!

I want you all to get to know one of the new faces of Ashley Sturm Photography, Mckenzie Carter. I've had loads of fun becoming acquainted with this bubbly, energetic, intelligent teen.

Here are a few fun facts about her:

• Some of her favorite clothing stores include: Nordstrom, Buckle, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21 and Maurices.

• Extra Curricular Activities: Volleyball & Basketball.

• I asked if she had a style her peers want to emulate, here's what she answered:
"If I had to put a label on my style it would probably be sassy, fun, confident and girly all mixed into one."

• She plans to pursue her degree in Business and after college open a boutique shop in Portland or Seattle, and eventually bring her own line of clothing into the shop. (How cool is that!)

She looks stunning in this shoot above.

These are the 4x6 promo cards I ordered her, aren't they cool?

I don't think either of us can wait for her Spring shoot in May. We've begun planning all the fun details and I'm sure it will involve color, fashion, and just the right amount of 'edge'.

Once again, I'm still accepting applications for 2011 Senior Reps so if you're currently a Junior and think you may have what it takes, download the application and send it in today!

8 Quick Tips To Portrait Photography, by Ezekiel

Have you ever wanted to learn how the professionals take a photo? I searched high and low and found just the person to demonstrate proper use of a camera. ; ) He may stand only 2 feet tall and be a mere 2.5 years old, but he's got the vocabulary of 3.5 year old and camera skilz like nobody's biznaz. (yes, I do a poor job at talking gangsta)

So with no further ado, let me introduce Ezekiel (hereinafter referred to as 'Zeeky") my nephew who's about to teach us all how to use our camera, mind, heart, and whim to utilize 8 tips to portrait photography.

1. Before you start clicking your shutter, get to know your subject. Notice their expressions; excitement, nervous, joy. Engage in conversation and establish common interests to make them more comfortable.

2. As you're talking, start envisioning what shots you'll take. Hold your eye up to the viewfinder and take some 'test shots.' Zeeky's got some really creative ways to look through your viewfinder, I may just try these myself. ; )

3. It's good to check your photos periodically as you go to ensure exposure is correct, but NEVER review each image and become more engaged with your playback than your subject. This can make them nervous and wonder if their photos are turning out.

Again, some creative ways to look through the viewfinder. : )

4. Still having trouble braking the ice with your subject? Give them a prop, something to focus on other than how to hold their hands. I like to find something either relevant to the subject or an object that I find aesthetically appealing, like this vintage bingo basket I found. Zeeky loves playing with this, and I find the concentration on his face perfectly represents where he's at in his developmental process.

5. Take time to photograph the details. Surroundings, props, eyes, hair, every part that represents them. Focusing in on one little part of your subject is a great way to really command the viewer's attention to that feature. Like Zeeky's hands. We may have missed how little and cute his little fingers were, or how dexterous he's becoming as he spins the bingo basket had I not focused in on just his hand.


6. Give your subject verbal prompts. As candid as these next few shots may look, I actually asked him to laugh at the camera. I'm all about a natural and un-posed photo, but sometimes a little acting goes a long way. Try to get as many natural smiles and giggles as you can, but don't be afraid to simply ask for the look you want.

7. Get on the same level. This is especially important when photographing small children. Being on the same level as your subject gives them more significance and power in your photo, and relates more intimately with them. There are times to get lower or higher, but don't always stand in place and shoot. Play with perspective and capture the world as they see it, from 2 feet tall.

8. Be true to yourself and your interests when you get behind the camera. Invest your whole mind and heart as you connect with your subject and dare to see things a new fresh way.


Alright, that's a wrap. Let's hear it for Zeeky, he did a splendid job!

Product Spotlight: Senior Folio / Salem, OR Photographer

I've never been a fan of those cheap card stock senior folios used to display senior portraits. You know the ones with the gold lining? But after multiple clients asked what folios I offered I realized I had to find a higher quality product to offer them, and I did. :)

Made locally in Gresham these sleek leather folios offer a minimalistic, clean, sophisticated case for your senior's portraits (or any subject for that matter). The photo slots are customizable and they even offer imprinting. Comes with a beautiful black box to safely store and carry your folio.

Prices range from $105-$205 depending on size and the amount of photographs you want and include photographs. Imprinting costs an additional $45 but adds a personal touch.

Call today if you're interested, for a limited time I'm offering a 15% discount to any customer who mentions this post when ordering their folio. Offer ends April 14th 2010.

Shabby-Chic Desk Makeover / Salem, OR Photographer

Does anyone else find thrift-store shopping therapeutic? You know, you hit up Value Village on your day off, pick through their shelves filled with dirty nick-nacks hoping to find the vintage camera you oogled on Anthropologie's website last night. Do you ever do a happy dance when you score a major find at a crazy low price, and tell all your friends at least 3 times? There's something so satisfying about the pursuit; like a treasure hunt. Just talking about this is making me want to hit up a nearby second-hand shop. But how could I share MY amazing find with you if I did?

It was about a year ago I found this little bed stand table (the only 'before' photo of it I could find) at Value Village right off 25th & Mission Street. It was $9 and I scooped it up after noticing it's rustic knobs and all the intricate detailing on the drawers. That was back when I had my 89 Volvo Wagon that could hold anything, it looked like this:

I finally got the motivation to give it a new paint finish which I feel has improved it's looks by leaps and bounds! Ryan and I sanded it down and gave it two coats of April Mist 450E-2 Behr paint. To complete the vintage look we roughed it up with sandpaper and carefully took razer blades to the edges.

Isn't it CUTE! Ryan and I love it. Partly because it cost us under $12, partly because of it's shabby-chic look we (or, I) adore, and mostly because it was home project where we've gotten our hands dirty. Things just mean so much more when you put a little sweat and labor into it. I've always looked forward to 'making a home' with my husband, it's so grand to see it all come together!

What does this have to do with photography? Nothing. But it has everything to do with ME, who's behind the camera. I like to share little pieces of who I am and inspire YOU to get creative, think outside the box, and hit up your local thrift store. Happy shopping, and be sure to share your best find and favorite place treasure hunt.

Home Interior / Salem OR Commercial Photographer

If I told you the owners of this house rescued a cat from Africa and brought it back, tamed it from being wild and that same once-wild cat was snuggling me while taking these shots, would you believe me? Well it's the truth, and these folks not only have 5, yes FIVE house cats, they own alpacas and harvest their fur. If I wasn't so gosh-darned scared of them I might have grabbed some photos but something about alpacas, llamas, and camels give me the heebie-jeebies.

My Grandma asked me to take a little trip with her to Corvallis to photograph a home she decorated for a client. Her business, Inside Views is an interior design company and she needed some updated shots to use in her portfolio. Don't let the fact that she's a grandma, (great-grandma actually) fool you. Her work is stunning and taste is flawless. I see a lot of myself in her and am thankful for all she's taught me. Her creativity, persistence, petite-ness, stamina, drive, and workaholic tendencies. Yes, I can be a bit of a workaholic. : /

Enough about me, let's check out these cool commercial photographs of this funky house!

I Need Your Vote / 2010 Best Of Mid Valley

Hi Fans! Today I've got a special request that involves YOU. Through April 6th votes are being cast for the 2010 Best of the Mid-Valley and it would just knock my socks off to be nominated! With no need for login votes are made simply and quickly, it took me 1 minute. You can vote once a day which means you could vote every day between now and then if you felt so inclined. Winners are announced May 2nd.



Here's How To Vote:

1. Click this link to head over to the Statesman Journal's website where votes are being cast.
2. Select the 'Professional Services' button.
3. Under Photographer, select 'Ashley Sturm Photography'.
4. Repeat as many times as you like, once a day. : )

It's a long shot being a new photographer compared to some who've been in business over 10 years, but why not try?! Thanks in advance for all who vote, I really appreciate your support!

Photography Tip: Image Workflow / Salem, OR Photographer

Nerds Be-Ware - You're going to LOVE this blog!

I'm curious to know how many photographers or aspiring photographers read my blog. For anyone who's tech savvy, into digital photography, or is simply interested in what happens in between me taking a photograph and you receiving a print, read on! Today's entry is about my work-flow. Does it make me a nerd that I'm excited to share what I feel is an efficient, smart work-flow? It seems to work well and save on time, despite my sloooow laptop. I'm hoping to upgrade to the 21 or 72 inch iMac sometime this year....oh what delight!

I would love to be a source of information to others and share some tips I've learned along the way. I'm so thankful for all I've learned and hope to share some advice to make someone else's process easier.

OK, here's my process from capture to final backup. I've included plenty of screenshots for those of you who are visual like me. : )

1. Import RAW images into Lightroom, checking the following menu options:

a. File Handling: Copy photos to a new location and add to catalog.
b. Copy to: (Here's the filing system I use): External Hard-drive/Ashley Sturm Photography/Images/Work-Portraits/2010/03-19 Client Name, Shoot Type. (This really keeps everything nice and organized!).
c. Organize: Into one folder.
d. Backup: I do one backup to my 1TB external hard-drive, using the same filing system as above. The other backup is on my CF card for a few days.
e. File Name: leave as original.
f. Information to apply: Under Keywords I input relevant keywords.

2. In Library mode do culling (The act of culling; The process of selecting for acceptance or removal). Choose collection to show clients using the filter options by staring with "1". Select 10-20 for BLOG and Facebook and mark red. Delete remaining from disk.

3. Color Correct all images stared "1", sync develop settings as possible. After color correct is complete, 'select all', and hit Apple+S, or on the menu, Metedata, Save metedata to file. This saves an XMP alongside the RAW file. Based on my research an XMP is a small file that retains all your Lightroom adjustments alongside your RAW file, referred to as a sidecar file.

4. Export Files For Client Gallery. I've been using Zenfolio, and found a plugin called Jeffrey Friendl's 'Export to Zenfolio' Plugin. It exports web-formatted JPGs and uploads them to a new gallery folder which I create, all in one step. It takes a while but you can just walk away from your computer or do something else in the meantime. Easy.

a. I create a gallery name that lands on the Home Page, and select to sort gallery by date taken.

I have to make a side note. Any export settings I use often, say exporting for blog, for editing, for zenfolio, for print, ect I save. I do this by making all my export selections and clicking Add under the Presets section on the left of the Export menu. Saves lots of time!

5. Edit Favorites in Photoshop for Blog, Website, and Facebook. I select all my red marked images and use my custom Photoshop preset to export:

a. Export To: Same folder as original photo.
b. Check Add to This Catalog & Stack with Original. This will automatically add the file to your catalog and place it right next to the original RAW file.
c. I keep the file name the same.
d. File Setting: 100% quality JPG, AdobeRGB (1998).
e. I don't check anything else. Make sure it's all full resolution.

6. Open files in Photoshop, edit (I use Jesh De Rox Colorshift actions which I love!) After I'm done I flatten, save as JPG, and close. When you jump back over to Lightroom you'll see all your adjustments from Photoshop.

7. Export for web using my preset for Blog or Website.

8. Make all adjustments and preparations for print order.

9. Final backup to external hard-drive and DVD. I use Toast as my burning software. It's easy to use with a thorough set of menu options.

And that completes my digital workflow! Now comes the best part, share what your favorite editing tricks are, what you learned, or how I could improve my process. I love your feedback and hope this can be like a forum of inspiration, information, and daily doses of happiness.

Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy some sun, and I'll see ya bright and early Monday!

Ashley Sturm Photography Joins Luxe's NW 7 Photographers

Hey Family & Friends! I've now been selected to join the ranks of Luxe Event Productions Exclusive NW-7, a group of the Northwest's top Seven Wedding Photographers! I had the pleasure of connecting with Misty, Luxe's owner after noticing and commenting on her blog which features real weddings, DIY tips, local vendors and event ideas. We started emailing and within short order were sharing ideas, talking about MY wedding, and arranging coffee outings to scheme about networking our businesses. I'm so glad we did! Not only is she helping me plan my wedding, she's got me guest blogging every other Friday to share my wedding planning experiences. In fact, tomorrow I will be posting about finding your vendors, be sure to stop by her blog!

When Misty approached me about being part of Luxe's NW7 I was so excited and flattered to be included in this exclusive group of fabulous local wedding photographers. I hope you'll take a moment to stop by her blog and see my feature, it's pretty snazzy! Thank you all for your support and encouragement as I continue to grow and nurture my business!

Luxe Event Productions provides a care-free wedding planning experience sure to make each bride feel pampered, relaxed and in-the-know. Misty ability to work with any budget pulling from affordable resources such as Ebay, Craft Warehouse, Costco, amongst many others makes her advice and knowledge valuable to any bride with a budget to please. I've been so thankful to have her guidance and help as I navigate the ups and down of wedding planning. Her experience, personality, and love for her job makes me a firm believer in her business, Luxe Event Productions and I advise any Bride to visit her website and see what wonderful ways she can help YOU!

Save Up To 30% During Spring Print Sale / Salem, OR Photographer

Two week Print Sale starts today! Save up to 30% on your print order when placed by March 30, 2010. This is a great opportunity to place your order from last year's session or purchase additional prints for family, yourself, or to prepare for senior graduation announcements! See below for more details.

*Discount cannot be applied with any other coupons or promotions.

Megan & Ryan Ward / Couple Photography Salem, OR

How do you explain in a short blog entry the value of a friend, the impact a person has made on your life? When that person has been such a support, inspiration, and source of joy in your everyday life a cyberspace blurb seems small. But you know what, I LOVE Megan and and thank God everyday for making our paths cross. Laughter is effortless when I'm with her, it often gets out of hand, which causes some eye rolls from my Ryan and her Ryan. We work on business matters together, oh, did I mention her custom invitation business Red Pearl Designs? Well it's fabulous! Conversations range from iphone apps to how to file business taxes, loving our Ryan's to not always washing our hands after the bathroom (sorry Megan, I couldn't resist), and trusting God as we endeavor on similar paths of marriage, owning a business, and someday even having kids. We cherish the ability to be 100% ourselves together and relate on so many levels. Megan is a daily reminder of God's love and concern for me, not only to meet my needs, but to exceed what I could imagine is possible in a friendship.

Megan also has a closet full of ridiculously cute clothes, I'm kinda jealous. ; )

Today I'm posting some photographs I did of my dearest friend Megan and her husband Ryan on my birthday (what a treat!) last December. It was a chilly 34degrees, she wore the cutest dress in spite of her freezing legs, which look pretty hot, right? We even managed to get Ryan in a classy argyle sweater!