Jennifer and Andrew's engagement session

As summer rapidly approaches I shoot more and more engagement sessions. One of the challenges is to always give clients something unique but to stay true to my style and provide something that is consistent with my other work.



This first shot is definitely more on the unique side, but I like it. I love the texture of the old wood, and it almost feels like they are about to embark on an epic journey.



Sometimes during an engagement session I interact a lot with the couple, and I have been known to tell a cheesy joke or two to get them to smile, but these Jennifer and Andrew were having such a great time cracking each other up that I just sat back and let them laugh.


It't not a Becerra Engagement Session without a silhouette...

...or some backlight.

Andrew saw this sign with this beautiful verse and suggested that we shoot something with it.

A whole new perspective

A few weeks ago I had an experience that I won't soon forget. Rather than explain it I'm going to send you to the blog of some photographer friends of mine who asked me to help shoot their brother's wedding. Bottom line, life is short, spend time with those you love, take lots of pictures.

Read the whole entry at Blue Castle Photography's blog

Ericka and Andy's Engagement Session

I love it when the weather cooperates! Not only does having the sun shine help with lighting, but being able to shoot in the spring with everything green and blooming has been a big help lately.

Click on the play button below for Ericka and Andy's engagement session.

If you'd prefer to check this out full screen, be sure to head over to my main site, click on "engagements" and then Ericka and Andy!

Tracy and George's Wedding at the International Rose Garden in Portland

Wedding season is starting to heat up! Last Saturday I shot Tracy and George's wedding at the International Rose Garden. The weather was perfect and Tracy timed the wedding based on when we'd have ideal light. The light was perfect. They had a wonderful small ceremony in a corner of the garden and then we were able to spend a little time there shooting afterward.

We started out in the Benson Hotel where Tracy got ready with her bridesmaids.



Most of the shots I exposed to get that nice backlight pouring in, but just as we were headed over to the garden, one of the bridesmaids gave Tracy a handwritten card and I exposed more for the shadows. I love this picture because I think it really emphasized the moment of friendship and reflection.


Walking down the aisle...


Tracy and George looked so content and happy during the ceremony.




Tracy's dog Cody, performed the ring bearing duties.


The wedding party (I told you it was good light!)



The happy couple.


Tracy wore a long veil, and can I just say I love long veils?! Long Veils are so fun and really add some interesting movement to pictures.

I wanted to include a detail shot as that is something that I really want to focus on this upcoming wedding season. One of Tracy's bridesmaids made this fabulous cake.

Erik and Katie's Wedding in LaGrande, Oregon

The first wedding of the year is here! I drove all the way out to LaGrande Oregon last weekend to shoot Katie and Erik's wedding. Shooting their wedding was really special because I have shot weddings for two of their friends, I knew many of the guests there. Not by name, but by their pictures from the other weddings. So here we go.

I wanted to start with this shot just because I love their expressions. Katie ran and Erik caught her in his arms and then they giggled together. Pretty cute stuff.


There was this great stained glass window that I used for a backdrop.


Of course we had to do some silhouettes.


Katie and her dad just as they started walking up the aisle....I wonder what they said to each other to get those expressions?


I had to throw this one in too. The kids up above on the balcony are great!


I turned the exposure way down for this one because I wanted to emphasize the light that they were creating.


All day driving up and during the ceremony it was pouring down rain. Then the ceremony ends and bam, Sunshine!!! We hurried outside to get a few shots like this one.


Shadows are cool.



Ok at the reception I tried out some new gear and I am VERY pleased with the results. (Warning camera nerd speak ahead) So these radio transmitters are great because they are extremely reliable, they have a range of around 200 feet, and they ALWAYS fire.

Anyway I love a nice backlight so I set up the light on a stand and went for it.
I love this intimate shot of Erik and Katie dancing.


There were lots of cute kids, and here is more back lighting.


And some more.


And more.


Ok, that's it for my first wedding of what is going to be my busiest year yet! I'm shooting a wedding today in Portland so check back soon for more!

Jaime and Wayne's engagement session in Corvallis

Hey everyone, I don't have a lot of time because I am getting ready to drive to LaGrand Oregon tomorrow for a wedding but I wanted to take a minute to post Jaime and Wayne's engagement session that I shot earlier today. They moved from Portland to Texas a few years ago but are going to be back this summer for their wedding. Enjoy the pics and check back for more for more soon.