I know in these challenging economic times, I could save more through online stores or big box retailers but I keep thinking that I’m a small local business too and I should behave the way that I would want to be treated.  I find value in shopping local and using local vendors for my business where ever possible.  People like Rob @ Pro Photo Supply, Wendy and her crew @ Digicraft, Ken @ Frame Central on Macadam provide great customer service and give great advice in helping me solve problems.  The upside is that working with them for so long, we’ve gotten to know each other on a personal level and I consider them my friends.  I can’t get that with an online vendor.

I hope that my clients see a value in me in addition to photographing them and their loved ones.

Just a reminder – Please Shop Local!

I’d like to share some of my favorite pet images from 2011.  Enjoy!

My wonderfully artistic and out of the box floral designer friend, Françoise Weeks has extended her talents to the world of shoes!  When I first saw them, they had a turn of the 20th century feel to them.  With this in mind, I designed this year’s notecard set to reflect this vintage style.

These notecards are now available for purchase.  Click the following link to place an order:  SHOES

Perfect timing for now until the end of October, supporters have offered a $500,000 grant to match dollar for dollar the first $500,000 in gifts.

In keeping with UNICEF, I’ll match the money from the special to donate a total of $250, which will be matched so UNICEF will receive $500.

If you were thinking to donate towards the relief operations in Somalia, Haiti, Pakistan and other areas where children are impacted by starvation and disease, consider donating now before the October 31 deadline so your donation would be matched dollar for dollar.  Click here to donate:  UNICEF

The following are my one favorite from each of the Christmas in September sessions.  Thank you to the Havel Family, the Duato Family, the Stewart Family, Madison & Ron Crump and the Uchishiba-Hall Family.

110910-Havel-36-Edit Duato-18 KS-28 Madison-18 UH-18

Françoise Weeks was asked to present again this year at Billingsley.

While photographing her latest shoe inspired design, I overheard an attendee say to her companion “but when would you ever use this?” Does art really need a practical application?

To me, referring to Françoise’s work as merely a floral bouquet or “arrangement” is demeaning.  Her work is art.  It is art that inspires and it elicits an emotion – it makes me smile.  I admire the detail, the intricacy and with her shoe inspired designs – I love its whimsy.

I feel her type of art is akin to the work of Cristo – installations that are unique but fleeting – much like admiring a fall sunrise, the laughter of children running through a water fountain on a hot summer day, tasting a velvety glass of Syrah or a hug from a loved one.

Her artwork is my muse.

And this is a another “Then and Now” moment.  On the left, Cody in 2003 and on the right, Cody current day with Stella.  Time sure flies and this is why I love what I do.

Click to see video slide show:  Harts at Play

They say that imitation is the best form of flattery.
Being inspired by Hood to Coast, Knowledge Universe (KU) has generated March to Beach. Beach is not the one with shimmery white sand but a North Portland Elementary School. This is the second year that KU has participated in the Schoolhouse Supplies Tools for Schools program.

Read more in Larry Bingham’s story on Oregon Live.

Click on the following links to see more of my photographic coverage of this event:

KU & Beach Video

KU & Beach Album

To see their slideshow, click the following link:  Kim & Joe

Not apple trees but apple branches that grow and bear fruit.  What will they think of next?

Dr. Brandon did not disappoint again this year!  All his patients were treated to ice cream, games and a chance to win a new Touch iPod!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click the following to see all the images:  Joni Photo on Facebook