This image makes me think of that song Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Thank you Leigh for shooting with me.
So, in case your wondering what QEID is, it is the Quarterly Electronic submission to the Columbia Council of Camera Clubs. This is a regional group that 3 of my local camera clubs are a part of. Yes you heard me, 3 camera clubs. Many of my friends know I love photography but I am not sure they know I am in 3 clubs right now.
So this last summer I entered images into the competition. 2 of the Images were given Award Of Merit. This is prestigious because the only awards given are Award of Merit and Honorable Mention. The submissions are peoples best work, so to get an award is really an honor.
Below are the images I submitted:
This image is from a summer wedding I photographed. Something in her expression was timeless and beautiful. I found it more striking because it truly is a candid unposed image.
I think I fell in love with this tree. I am drawn to images that can give me some tranquility from a hectic life full of deadlines and chaos. I would have loved to sip wine and sit for a while here at this sunset.
Congratulations Barbara and Steve!
The Prom Princess on her big night!
Logan was so fun to photograph. He wanted something interesting and that was so fun for me. The graffiti wall gave us a perfect back drop for his edgy photos. I kept imagining him as a future musician and these were his album cover choices (I might have gotten a bit carried away).
It was an amazing day.
Thank you Jennifer for hiring me to photograph your son.
Makenna's headshot came out amazing!
This isn't my usual editing style but I found I really loved how this photo looked. While many portrait photographers are encouraged to keep a certain "look" to their photos, I find that the artist within needs some creative licence from time to time. I love how the blues in the back ground really pop out the warm copper color in her hair and makeup. What are your thoughts?
Kickin off the shoes for a fun break. Jaiya is so cute. I really appreciate Julie Chase for setting up the shoot and inviting me.
This cat posed himself so beautifully.
I asked my kids to let me take their photo over spring break. They did because I was their mom but initially were not overly excited. As often goes in a family what starts out as work turns into fun. This silly picture was the hit and I was lucky enough to catch it. We had so much fun and it didn't even take a lot of time, an hour maybe. This hour of my life was truly a gift to myself and worth the investment.
If you scroll through the album Arren and Gavin you will see the transformation of expressions and body language go from "ok, we are here" to "moms actually good at this lets have some fun". It was awesome and I cant wait for the wall print I ordered. 16 by 24. I am excited to have a family piece! In case your wondering the above photo was not the signature piece agreed on by the 3 of us even though we loved it. (However this photo will probably make some fun social media rounds).
Thanks Boys for supporting your mom and letting her be a crazy photographer!
Have you ever had to ask for a review on your work? I am unsure how many professions require one to ask for a review, but as a Photographer asking for a review can catapult me ahead or do some serious damage to my reputation as a creative professional. Despite the pressure I took the plunge and asked for a review from a wedding couple that I really enjoyed working with. Here is her review, posted on www.weddingwire.com, of my service:
Julie was amazing. She was professional, flexible and accommodating to our specific needs. She was willing to go out of her own level of experience to do new things! My husband and I wanted to do actual "in the ocean" shots, something Julie hadn't done with her previous couples, but she jumped into it with full force. It was amazing! The photos turned out beautifully! The only advice I have is to have a list of the shots you want and really talk to her, she will listen! I had mentioned a few photo ideas to Julie (that we absolutely got) but missed out on some I didn't think too much of, and i didn't take advantage of talking to her more than twice before the wedding. That said, Julie was the one that asked about specific shots, we were the ones that were clueless. ;) Her personality matched so well with us. So many unexpected "whoops" moments and she just went with it, following us through sand, sea and forest. I mean, the woman walked a good mile with me just to try and find our missing groom! (He got lost, but we found him!). She held my dress, let me hide in her much larger vehicle until our ceremony started, and took some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen (no bias whatsoever). Honestly, she was exactly what we needed for our wedding. Sweet, caring and fun. Technically, we found her through WeddingBug but would certainly be looking toward her independent photo services for other future events!
Amanda, 7/7/17, 1 Review
Category: Photography
I feel so honored to have the support from clients that the photography and service I provide to them is of a quality that is worth recommending to others. Here is my favorite photo from that day.
When editing this photo, I was thinking of how it reminded me of the Hawaiian legends and folklore I had read. Great power from Nature surround the Island of Hawaii and yet there is such delicate beauty ever present.
A beautiful modern goddess, draped in sunlight with turbulent nature all around her.
Now Booking: weddings and engagement sessions for 2018/2019.
The Lovely Lei in Hawaii.
More photos coming soon from this session.
Oh how I loved attending Lunacy. Slowly the images are finding their way forward. I have so much to learn and so much I want to do.
Lens Culture put out a call to artists for emerging photographers and I decided to participate. I am super nervous about it. I had fresh work that fit the photojournalist category and I decided to take the plunge. It may get rejected for any number of reasons, one of which is its graphic nature. Most people think of graphic as nudity or sex, this however was the birth of a child. I am not sure how it will be received but am hopeful that my audience will see the very real aspects of bringing a child into the world during modern times. I love the work I did but fear it being misunderstood. Bringing a child into the world is hard work. Its grueling and beautiful, what women go through, yet in some ways modern society shelters the reality of this very real and beautiful act of bringing life into the world. Why cant we witness such an auspicious event and pay homage to it.
Please consider adding a favorites heart to my entry and sharing it.
https://www.lensculture.com/emerging-talent-awards-2017/event-submission/424609?utm_campaign=108-mysub&utm_content=mysub&utm_medium=social&utm_source=fb-social
I was allowed 10 images to tell this story. I have many more I wish I could have added. I picked what I felt were the most powerful given the circumstances and permissions available to me at entry time.
I got to photograph an Angel today. I had some amazing help learning to get it right. I feel honored with the gifts of today.
https://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/julie-padgett-photography-grants-pass/292a3a11289a3d86.html
5.0
Julie was amazing. She was professional, flexible and accommodating to our specific needs. She was willing to go out of her own level of experience to do new things! My husband and I wanted to do actual "in the ocean" shots, something Julie hadn't done with her previous couples, but she jumped into it with full force. It was amazing! The photos turned out beautifully! The only advice I have is to have a list of the shots you want and really talk to her, she will listen! I had mentioned a few photo ideas to Julie (that we absolutely got) but missed out on some I didn't think too much of, and i didn't take advantage of talking to her more than twice before the wedding. That said, Julie was the one that asked about specific shots, we were the ones that were clueless. ;) Her personality matched so well with us. So many unexpected "whoops" moments and she just went with it, following us through sand, sea and forest. I mean, the woman walked a good mile with me just to try and find our missing groom! (He got lost, but we found him!). She held my dress, let me hide in her much larger vehicle until our ceremony started, and took some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen (no bias whatsoever). Honestly, she was exactly what we needed for our wedding. Sweet, caring and fun. Technically, we found her through WeddingBug but would certainly be looking toward her independent photo services for other future events!
Amanda, 7/7/17, 1 Review
Category: Photography
5.0
Amazing experience! She did my maternity pictures and family and doing my labor and delivery. She makes you feel comfortable even when your 40 weeks pregnant makes you feel beautiful and knows her lighting and poses.
Alexis, 7/4/15, 1 Review
Category: Beauty & Health, Photography, Unique Services (Other)
5.0
Takes amazing photos and has a bright and spunky personality. Perfect for any occasion.
Haley, 1/1/18, 1 Review
Category: Photography
Services Used: Digital Files
5.0
out of 5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Professionalism
5.0
Value
5.0
Flexibility
5.0
Ok this is kind of funny. I was trying to get this artistic cool reflection shot. I kept moving to different angles trying to get what I wanted but was struggling a little bit. (I know we aren't supposed to be human and admit we struggle) So the first shot was more what I was going for but when I showed my husband the second one he said, "you look like a monster!" It was so funny I just had to share. The bride probably thinks I am crazy, she might be right.
I had the amazing experience to go to the path of totality in McMinnville, Oregon and watch the solar eclipse. I was in the path of totality and it was truly amazing. The change of temperature. The sight itself, a spectacle that I hope to see again in my lifetime.
Image purchase may be made from this link: http://juliepadgett.zenfolio.com/p1012705671
Certain phenomena can only be seen during a total solar eclipse, then phenomena repeat in reverse order:
- Shadow bands: About 1 minute before totality, moving wavy lines of alternating light and dark can be seen on the ground and along walls. These shadow bands are the result of Earth’s turbulent atmosphere refracting the last rays of sunlight.
- Diamond ring: Seen about 10 to 15 seconds before and after totality, the solar corona (the outer atmosphere of the sun) becomes visible; seen together with a single jewel of light from the sun, this creates a diamond ring effect.
- The Sun's corona: As the diamond ring fades, the Sun's corona becomes more prominent and is visible as a faint ring of rays surrounding the silhouetted Moon. The corona is the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, and it is around 200–300 times hotter than the Sun’s surface. The corona’s temperature can reach over 1 million °C (1.8 million °F).
- Baily's beads: About 5 seconds before totality, Baily's beads appear. They are little bead-like blobs of light at the edge of the Moon. They are created because gaps in the mountains and valleys on the Moon's surface allow sunlight to pass through in some places but not others.
- The Sun's chromosphere: A lower layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, the chromosphere, gives out a reddish glow which can only be seen for a few seconds after totality sets in.
- Baily's beads: The beads grow and merge into a crescent as the Moon continues to move away.
- Diamond ring and corona: As the diamond ring grows brighter, the corona fades.
- Shadow bands: The moving wavy lines reappear on the ground shortly before the crescent Sun becomes visible again and nature recovers.
Look at this guy fly!
I really loved shooting this wedding and had to show my favorite images yet. I am guessing the second will be the favorite but I love having the context of ocean and rocky cliffs in the first image. The bride wanted to do a trash the dress at the end of the day and I couldn't have been happier to oblige her. There were so many great photos from this wedding, if you want to see the collection go here and scroll down to the bottom: http://juliepadgett.zenfolio.com/p689652323
Fire season is no joke and today I fell into the role of photojournalist while driving with Gene Rimmer. We got our cameras and headed to the scene. It was a sight to behold. i captured the owner throwing his hands in the air, firefighters fighting smoke from the fire and numorous workers there to provide expertise and assistance. This is just a mere glimpse. When we first entered the scene by car I was driving but the expressions I saw were unforgetable. The distress of fire and emergency is an unequivocal force. The photos will appear tame in comparison to the reality of fire and its consequences.
These sweet faces warmed my heart and lifted my spirit as I watched. Being behind the scenes was fascinating and fun. The dancers occasionally would see me and smile as I clicked away. I know the shadows on their faces are sometimes bothersome but this is the view from backstage, the place you get to see the real reactions and feelings.
This lovely young one looks so proud.
Sleeping Beauty, a tale that seams timeless, was performed at the Grants Pass High School Performing Arts center by Heartland dance studio. It was a powerful performance and I loved photographing it.
Here is the princess about to be lured into pricking her finger by the evil fairy.
One of the Joys of being a photographer is getting to see the preparations that go into making a great event, in this instance it was Heartlands production of Sleeping Beauty. Here are some dancers preparing for the night of ballet.
I am so proud of my son. He is working hard to be a Civil Engineer and just landed his first internship. I was in the middle of a photo shoot when he came home and I just had to snap a pic of him. I hope some day he can look back at this photo and remember where he started so he can appreciate how far he succeeded.
It is my honor and privilege to photograph the Grants Pass High School Band.
What I see as a parent are enthusiastic, motivated, inspired, hardworking kids that are taught by some amazing instructors. As, a photographer I get to enjoy so many personalities. Some are shy, some serious, some love the camera, some goof off and all of these make for delightful photographs. I wish I could articulate how emotionally moved I am by both the music and the people. I am so grateful my son has this to experience, and that as a parent I get to witness his growth from this experience.
To all the people both in front of and behind the scenes, thank you.
May 9, 2017 Concert Band, GPHSConcert Band performance at Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center.
Preparing for the ConcertThis young man started my photo inspiration for the evening. Thank you!
All smilesReady and Happy to play this girl shines.
Mr SuttonMr Sutton thank you for having such a great sense of humor about yourself. I should have cut this one out but your friends, students, and family seem to love it. You always are a great role model, even in this silly candid. I think we were supposed to turn our cell phones off.
A friend of mine asked me to post some of my latest wedding photos. I am going to but I want everyone to understand that my approach to shooting a wedding is like a story and it enfolds before your eyes. Every story is unique and beautiful in its own way.
It seems this latest wedding the best photos are the candids. I can only dream that I captured the moments so that any stranger might guess whats happening in the scene and be moved by it. Is every photo a perfect one, of course not. Sometimes its the imperfections that help us find the beauty.
What makes you feel like a beautiful woman?
How often have you taken time to document what is beautiful about you?
Please tell me in the comments below what makes you feel beautiful and why. Is it feeling strong, resilient, or feminine? Is it conquering something hard? Building something new? What makes you beautiful?
The beginning of a series I am starting on the valleys where I live. I love the drama between the land and sky.
Perhaps it might surprise you that many years ago I took 3 terms of botany. A teacher by the name of Eric Larsen shared his love of plants and plant life with me. While Mr. Larsen has passed, its my hope that while alive he discovered that at least one student was inspired for a lifetime. I initially took that class considering a future drawing and cataloging plant life, however photographing it is significantly easier. Its been along time since that class and I feel a bit guilty that I have forgotten a lot of what I learned but as an artist I am grateful to continue to be inspired by a world that was opened up to me.
After winter rains and snow it was so nice to get out and enjoy such a lovely sunny day to photograph Kelby and AJ. Such a cute couple to take pictures of. After about an hour they forgot I was there and began to relax, this afforded me the chance to get this peek-a-boo shot of them through the trees. Its one of my favorites. I would love some feedback from you, the viewer, as to if you like it and why.
I really appreciate Shaun Barrentine Photography for setting up the session and allowing me to shoot with her.
I keep thinking about the beauty of wedding season. The flowers, food, decorations, and people all create magic. I have the honor to be a part of it. Believe me, it is an honor.
Raising young men today is a challenge and Boy Scouts has gotten some bad publicity as a whole. However, in my local community we have some amazing parents who help make the experience for our growing young men something special. I was so moved seeing and photographing Zack's Eagle court of Honor. The boys work hard to achieve the rank of Eagle and it is so inspiring to see them given recognition for it. In this moment, as his parents look on, the Scout master is placing the neckerchief of the Eagle rank on Zack.
This is where the clouds and mountains meet. Oregon winters can be quite gray, but they are beautiful too. Look at the shapes of the trees and the variety of tones as the clouds nestle in. Its transcendent.
Kaitlyn, I saw something in you during this night time practice. The energy and lighting were so incredible. I hope I have another opprotunity to perfect getting you in action.
The last 2 photos I couldnt decide about editing and wish I knew how to get a hold of you for your opinion. I know its a subtle difference but if I lighten your face theres alot of grain. Advantages for both looks depending on what you want to do with it.
Thank you for letting me photograph you.
The day you get married is a very special day in your life. One you will remember forever. Its as timeless in your memories as the memories of others. Seeing two people commit their love and their lives to each other is so magical. As I walked with the couple above to the waterfall we saw so many other couples pause and smile. I saw faces light with the memories of their own weddings and hands quietly clasp. When we began setting up to photograph a man sitting on a stone wall near us began to play his guitar. The guitar played, the couple looked at each other with love, onlookers stopped, and I photographed. We were spontaneously serenaded and it read on the newlyweds faces. This wedding will live on in my mind forever and I feel so honored I was asked to photograph it. I feel honored to have captured the love that they promised each other that day.
“Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter. The sitter is merely the accident, the occasion. It is not he who is revealed by the painter; it is rather the painter who, on the coloured canvas, reveals himself.”
― Oscar Wilde
These amazing ballet dancers create magic for the Nutcracker. I love this photo because it feels timeless, as if we can float with these lithe beauties forever.
I took a few moments to photograph the new Grants Pass flag on a beautiful cold December evening.
I was thinking its nice to know what your photographer is doing for you and decided to share this light editing I did with my mom's photo. Sometimes you might ask yourself why would I pay someone when I can do that with my phone. Sometimes you cant do it with your phone, sometimes you can, and sometimes its nice to have the knowledge and expertise to give the photo something more. I like the light fun feeling in the edited version. Its reminiscent of happiness on a summer day because that is what it is. Of course there is more I could do... there is always more. This is enough for me. Is it enough for you? Then luxury is when I am your photographer I try to tailor your images to what you like and the things you think are important without compromising my own artistry.
Photographing a wedding is a magical experience. It was especially enchanting during this series of portraits, not only because of the location at Silver Falls Oregon, but because an acoustic guitar player began playing music that combined with the energy of on-lookers and our couple's new vows created something amazing. I wish I could pull you into that moment that had a life all of its own.
The beauty of Oregon is getting to see new growth and all the beautiful colors that nature allows us to experience.
Last Wednesday afternoon, I enjoyed photographing a beautiful family. This is the first sneak peak photo. It captures the joy and love that I had the pleasure to photograph. To capture that in a photo is priceless to me and that is why I am choosing these images as the sneak peak.
Perhaps this is silly but I was thinking about how my mom used to tell me this rhyme in my childhood:
- What are little boys made of?
-
What are little boys made of?
- Snips and snails
- And puppy-dogs' tails
- That's what little boys are made of
- What are little girls made of?
-
What are little girls made of?
- Sugar and spice
- And everything nice
- That's what little girls are made of
Why am I bringing up nursery rhymes? Because I started dreaming of my own rhyme, something along the line of 'what are good friends made of'.... I don't know that I could make my rhyme as cute or fun but I definitely would want to say something about '...kindness and caring, some love and a little sharing, that's what good friends are made of.'
Below you will see my photo, of a good friend teaching me about her world, which is now our world. Its amazing to be able to share this amazing love for imagery with someone.
To be inspired by someone... that's what friends are made of.
Its taken me many years to admit I am an artist.
My friends and family have known for a long time and don't understand my resistance to the label. However, like many people, self acceptance has been a challenge. I am finally ready to accept, embrace, dream about, admire, explore, challenge, and educate this part of myself.
Edward Steichen, a painter and photographer has inspired me so often. I find myself questioning... can we blur the lines between painting and photography. If you love both at what point does one influence the other. I imagine posting many photos inspired from this thinking. Here is todays.
I am an Artist.