Johnston Family

Social media is a funny thing. You follow peoples lives through pictures or words and if/when you finally meet them in person, you feel like you already know them. That's exactly how I felt meeting Aubrey and her family in Spokane the other weekend. We met up at the Gaiser Conservatory greenhouse at Manito Park for a "warm" session indoors before braving the cold outside.

Little Gideon made me work for a smile but was an absolute cutie! I enjoyed our session together and was so honored to be the first to take their first family pictures as a family of 3!

Kenya Fundraiser/ Morgan

"A friend of a friend referred me to you!" I love those types of clients! Morgan needed some up to date images for her portfolio and I was happy to help. Her sweet personality, crystal blue eyes, and  blonde locks made it easy to get some beautiful natural looking shots that weren't over the top with makeup or clothing but more everyday her. 

Great job Morgan and good luck with all your endeavors! 

Photography Meet Up

I remember the day I got my first DSLR. It was an entry level Nikon camera. Came with two lenses and a strap. I felt like a million bucks walking around with that thing around my neck, taking pictures of just about everything and everyone I saw. That feeling came to a crashing end when I came home and loaded the images to my computer. They were too dark, too light, to harsh; just flat out not good. My dream of being a  photographer was over ( do you hear the violins playing in the background).

Needless to say, it took time to learn how to take good images with the camera and lenses I had. I spent countless hours/ days/ months searching the web to learn "tricks" and tips on how to get solid images that I would be proud enough to print and display. It was hard and frustrating at times, mostly cause I didn't have anyone who could sit down and just show me "what this button does". 

After many years of trial and error, I think I've learned a few things and I'm excited to help YOU get the most out of your camera! I am by no means a teacher or specialist on the subject, but I'm happy to share what I know so that you can feel more comfortable with your skills documenting your family, kiddos, adventures, vacations, etc.

I'm working on a photography meet up in Vancouver, WA in the next couple weeks. If you are interested in being a part or know someone who would be, feel free to email me at irenepphotography@gmail.com or message me on FB. 

Can't wait, its going to be awesome!

Kenya Fundraiser/ Curran Family

Once a year I volunteer at the "Lights of Hope" auction put on by EOR (they do amazing work, check them out! http://www.ethiopianorphanrelief.org/). At this event, I have been lucky enough to meet many amazing/ generous people that have a heart for adoption/ orphan care/ making a difference in the world. 

Molly was one of those people that jumped on the opportunity to book a session and support my trip to Kenya! Thank you Curran Family! Here's a few favorite shots from our session together!

Kenya Fundraiser/ Martin Family

I don't mean to brag but I have THEE BEST clients, truly amazing! And when they refer their friends to me, I know they're going to be awesome as well! 

The Martin family was one of those families refereed to me by the Enyearts (thanks Lauren!). They were so sweet, flexible with every idea I had and just a joy to photograph. Their youngest definitely made me work for a smile, but we were really happy with the shots we got!

Kenya Fundraiser/ Tatyana and Her Girls

There are some subjects that always look good in front of the camera, they don't even have to try. I have come to realize that I'm definitely not one of those people ( I have to work for good pics of myself) however Tatyana and her three girls are. No matter where we go, the style of shoot or time of day, their session always turns out stunning. This one ended up being no different. The setting at Pittock Mansion, plus the less saturated edit throughout created an old-world/ elegant feel that I absolutely love. 

Kenya Fundraiser/ Sale Kids

Five plus years ago, I nanny-ed for the Sale family. The youngest was 3 at the time and I'll never forget his crazy mohawk hair cut and obsession with blueberries. Now the kids are all grown up and as tall if not taller then me. Time sure does fly but its fun to see them again and catch up on school/ hobbies/ life.