Jared Birt Photography

Bali is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The landscape, the people, the food, their culture...it all culminated into this amazing experience that I know I will never forget. From the minute I landed, I was instantly enamored with this island and its people. I stayed at this incredible health spa resort in the middle of the island called Ubud Sari in the village of Ubud. I was up every morning with the sunrise, so excited for my day to begin and to go into the village to take photos and experience their culture firsthand.

From trees, to the ragged shore cliffs to waterfalls, the jungle backdrop was so lush and beautiful. The ocean was such an unreal color of turquoise that it almost looks fake in my photos. Trust me it's not! Vibrant colors are everywhere and the whole village smells of tropical flowers and incense.

But even more than that, the most beautiful thing about Bali was its people. From the very beginning, I couldn't get over just how friendly, hospitable and happy these people were. I would wander the streets and they would invite me, a stranger, into their homes and allow me to take photos (which is an interesting adventure since we didn't speak each other's languages!). The kids, especially, were so beautiful and precious. I can't tell you how much I wish we could adopt a child from there!!! One very important part of my time there was spent with my driver, Wyan, who is just an amazing man. He is a person that is completely thankful for every little thing he has...which isn't much at all. He started out as my driver but we instantly forged a friendship and I still write him to this day. It was amazing to listen to him speak about his devotion to his family/kids and to hear the contentment in his voice. Though Balinese families only live on about 3,000 Rupiah a day (that's about $3 USD), they are some of the most content, happy, and humble people I have ever encountered. Their life consists in such peaceful simplicity: family, hard work, community, their religion, eating healthy and just enjoying life. It's a perspective I want to hold onto. It's a far cry from what we sometimes see and experience in the hectic and "I want, want, want" world of living in America.  

My time was short there but I came away with such a full experience. I now completely know what my clients, Tom and Keryn, were talking about when they tried to describe how much they love Bali. I was there to photograph their wedding and it was such a beautiful and intimate day. I won't post these photos until September, when they have their reception party here in Portland but know I couldn't have asked for lovelier clients.  

Bali will always have a special place in my heart and I am so thankful and humbled that I had the opportunity to go there. I can't wait to take Rebekah there so she can meet Wyan and his family and have the same experience I had.

Why is it when you have one of the most amazing experiences of your life and you want to put it down in writing you can't? I guess it's because I waited so long to write about it and you get back in the busyness of your life. Well, here goes nothing. Bali, Indonesia a place that I will never forget and will always long to go back to. It is a tropical island paradise filled with the most humble and hospitable people I have ever met. The food is hands down the freshest and best tasting as words cannot describe the flavors of the food. The Balinese way of life consists of family, honor, respect, contentment, community, their religious ceremonies, hard work and healthy food. They work literally everyday just to buy food for the family and to survive. My time there was such a reminder of why we need to live simply, humbly, healthy and fully.  Most of the people there do not own a car, a TV, or a cell phone and still they are so content in their happiness. One person in the family might have a scooter and that is considered a very big purchase. They are masters at fitting two adults and three kids on a scooter! I also loved experiencing the villages and seeing how generations of the same family live together in one small house/hut. There is such a clear sense of community there and everyone has a particular role in how they contribute. It is clear to see that they take pride in what they do and the importance they place on caring and looking out for each other. This is how the culture is and it's wonderful. If you ever get a chance to go there I say don't hesitate...just go and know that the 26 hour long flight is so worth it. I went there to photograph Tom & Keryn's wedding and will be waiting to share their images until September when they have their wedding reception party with all their friends/family. Stay tuned...

Designers at NIKE by day, movie buffs at night and artists for life, Morgan and Raegen are getting married this summer in downtown Portland. I am stoked for their wedding. When I first met them the first thing I noticed was their thankful and genuine nature they had with me and each other. It really shows in their relationship and I am very happy for them. We had such a beautiful night in SE Portland and out at Sauvie Island the light was amazing. I am very happy for our new friendship and I look forward to next time.

Why do I photograph weddings? There are so many great reasons. One big reason for me is that I strongly believe in marriage, what it means and what it stands for truly. Today is our third year wedding anniversary. We celebrated it last weekend by heading to the coast to relax and getting are anniversary date tattooed in roman numerals. This year has been amazing and I have been so blessed to have my wife as my best friend. I think we will make it a yearly tradition to write each other hand written letters and get tattoos :) I love you Rebekah you are one amazing person and one amazing wife.

Yesterday I got my film back from the first few frames I shot with the Hasselblad. It was such a difference of excitement looking at film then downloading digital files. These frames were scanned in and had some post work done for effect.

One cool couple with a couple cool cars. When Lindsay pulled up for her engagement shoot driving a 1960's Mercedes Benz I was so thrilled and stoked for the shoot. Its not too often that a car like this is used as a daily driver. But I love that she drives it. Matt & Lindsay are your true laid back Portlanders and they were a pleasure to hang out with. We spend the better part of the night just driving around portland enjoying the beautiful weather and realizing what a small world it really is. I really look forward to the wedding and to our new friendship.

This year for Easter we went down to Beka's parents house in Dallas. We spent the night playing games on the Wii and watched Slumdog Millionaire for the third or fourth time. On our way home we took a long detour along the oregon coast and up to Cannon Beach. The drive was so beautiful and relaxing except when I almost ran into a big milk truck passing through Tillamook. When we got to Cannon Beach it was so cold and raining we seriously walked out to the beach took a photo and ran back to the car and headed to a coffee shop. Sadly our favorite Sleepy Monk coffee shop was closed. It's always worth the drive and crazy weather to go to the coast. I am so thankful we have it and I will never get tired of going.

The first camera I learned taking photos on besides my cheap 35mm pawn shop film camera was a Hasselblad medium format camera back in Spokane, WA. I had the opportunity this week to go all out and get a Hasselblad 503 that is in very good shape. Besides having a classic old school way of shooting beautiful black and whites I really wanted this camera for our upcoming trip this summer to Italy. There is just something different about shooting film in this style and format that you cant get from a digital camera.