Jared Birt Photography

This is our very good friend and soon to be momma Selena Borne. For the most part I rarely take maternity photos except for close friends & family as gifts to them. Selena comes from one relaxed and artistic family that we have had the privilege of getting to know this summer at their home over great beer and BBQs...not to mention swimming and a chicken fight or two in their pool. They are some of the most hospitable and welcoming people we have ever met. Selena and her husband Nate are expecting their baby this fall and that is going to be one beautiful day. I am so happy and excited for them to see this blessing enter the world and enter into the Borne family. Blessings to you guys, we love you.

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.

This is Greg from 94/7fm Alternative Portland. Greg has more passion for music then any one I have ever met. In the very early AM hours Greg is awake and working at the radio station. After that he head over to his music studio in SE Portland where he runs a record label called Arena Rock Recording Company. The first time I met Greg I was walking the halls of the studio building and his door was open so I glanced inside and he said hi with a big smile. He is very nice guy who loves cats, runs a lot and is always up for grabbing a beer at one of the local breweries. He never ever has his photos taken but today he was up for the task and did a great job.

Thanks Greg

Two amazing sisters with a wonderful story. Austie & Selena are sisters that met for the first time when they were thirteen and sixteen years old. Growing up in two different households, Austie and Selena had always been curious about each other. After a tragic family event Austie wanted to be near her sister so she went out and found her. The sisters were twenty three and twenty six when they reunited. Now they live a happy life with their husbands here in Portland. Meeting Austie and Selena was a very special treat for me. They came in to the studio for their portrait session with open arms and a open heart as they shared their story with me. As I listened to them I was once again reminded why I love my job so much and why people's stories are so fascinating. Seeing now the close bond that they are currently building is nothing short of a miracle. Austie is currently running her own business as a makeup artist and creative director and does amazing work. Selena is a school counselor and loves reaching out and helping people. Thank you ladies for being who you are today. You truly are a blessing and I look forward to growing our friendship.