Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fall Mini Sessions 2020

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Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fall Mini Sessions 2020

Whether you need an updated family portrait, maternity photos, or an additional set of senior photos- these condensed sessions are perfect.   I have been hosting a date of mini sessions in the Fall AND in the Spring, because often times we want a few portraits in different seasons displayed in our homes- and is especially nice with little ones since they change so much over the course of just six months!  

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Fall Mini Sessions will be hosted at an open area with trees and beautiful autumn leaves in Salem, Oregon.

The package includes 10 professionally retouched digital images that you get to choose from a gallery of around 20(+) photos.  30 minutes is just enough time to have a gorgeous selection of timeless posed portraits as well as my favorite "in-between" shots :)

Click here to view more information about 2020 Fall Mini Sessions

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Kinsley Grace

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This is Kinsley’s Birth Story

Kinsley Grace entered the world in just about 5 hard pushes by her Mama, ON her due date. Literally 9 minutes after midnight on her actual due date. She arrived healthy and perfect, and even gave a few tiny “smiles” for her birth video- I wonder if this is any indication of what her little personality will be like? ♡

Salem, Oregon Birth Photographer | Shelby Blanton Photography

If you know Kinsley’s Mama (Lea) and Daddy (Jeremy), you’ll know the journey they went through to have their two beautiful children. Kinsley and her big brother Carter were born through IVF, and they are both so unbelievably adored. I think one of my favorite things about this family besides the immense love they have for eachother~ is how important the little details are to them. From Lea’s carefully thought out birth plan, (NO PAIN MEDS, FRIENDS! Yes, she is amazing!) to Kinsley’s personalized embroidered blanket; you can tell that Lea has dreamed of being a Momma her entire life. (She did the same thing for big brother Carter’s arrival!) I LOVE that they had big brother come to the hospital during the beginning stages of their induction, and that they face timed with him to say “goodnight” from their delivery room.

Salem, Oregon Birth Photographer | Shelby Blanton Photography

Lea and Jeremy were an incredible team; Lea listened to her body and Jeremy remembered Lea’s cues from her last labor with Carter. Through her waves, Lea would go from concentration, to instantly being absolutely GIDDY thinking about getting to hold her daughter soon. It was THE sweetest! I was so happy to be there with them during this time. Also! Lea’s Mom lives in Florida and was unable to be there to meet her newest Granddaughter- but she DID get to meet her via Face time directly after birth. That was such a sweet moment I put into the video for them to remember! I think that is one of my favorite things about getting to be a birth photographer.. I LOVE preserving these moments for my families!

The last thing I wanted to write before I introduce Kinsley’s Birth Video- is that her big brother Carter ALSO had a birth photographer capture his birth. I was actually able to find the exact same song that was used from his birth video, and I added it as the ending song for Kinsley’s slideshow. I thought that would be a sweet little detail to connect their birth stories :) And now, I’ll share what you came here to see! ;) THANK YOU to the lovely K family for allowing me to share the precious birth story of Kinsley Grace!

Welcome to the world, little beauty!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Harrison Grey

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I had so much fun working with this family for their in-home Fresh 48 session. This was another Fresh 48 with an older sibling and she was so tickled to be a big sister! You’ll see the sweetest clips in their video of her loving on him.

This little lovebug literally slept through his whole entire Fresh 48!

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I got to capture them cuddling in their living room, little A playing outside with her Daddy, some precious quiet moments between Mommy and Harrison, and more cuddles at the end! Thank you so much to Mom and Dad for letting me share their Fresh 48 story- I already can’t wait for our next session together in 2020!

Welcome to the World, darling Harrison Grey!

Spring Blossom Mini Sessions 2019

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SPRING BLOSSOM MINI SESSIONS

Spring blossom mini sessions are BACK! These popular spring photo sessions are perfect if you need a few updated family photos, a maternity session, or a few additional senior photos! They will be held the last weekend in March- right here in Salem, Oregon!

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Your Blossom Mini Session will be held at a NEW location this year in Salem!

The package includes 10 professionally retouched digital images that you get to choose from a gallery of around 20(+) photos.  30 minutes is just enough time to have a gorgeous selection of timeless posed portraits as well as my favorite "in-between" shots :)

Due to my busy shooting schedule in the Spring, I highly recommend getting your appointment reserved soon if you are interested!  These sessions tend to fill up quick!  Click the link below to view more information about these beautiful spring sessions!

Shelby Blanton is a photographer specializing in family, birth, maternity and senior photography in the Salem, Oregon and surrounding areas including Portland, Keizer, Albany, Corvallis, Lake Oswego in the Willamette Valley.

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Couples | A + K

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One type of Portrait Sessions that is often overlooked is just plain COUPLES.  Not Engagement photos, not waiting until after you have kids for Family Photos.. But the Portraits of you and your spouse, AFTER the Wedding, and BEFORE having kids.  Why is this precious time so often overlooked?! :)  My gorgeous Sister in Law & her husband try to do a portrait session around every year on their Anniversary.  I can't tell you how much I love that idea!  It's been so fun to see how much they have changed every year, and these will be incredible memories to look back on someday.  When it was just them <3  

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | What to wear | couple standing in field | beautiful posing | photo inspiration | looks like film | couple pose guide

So.. Since I'm here, I have to point out how amazing my SIL is.  She is one of my closest friends, and she inspires me everyday.  She lives with Type 1 Diabetes.

““Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food...”

”..Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.””
— JDRF.org

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | outfit inspiration | photo session in field | beautiful posing | summer portrait | couples session | women pose guide

The reason why I wanted to point that out about her, is because I wanted to be a little reminder that you have a CHOICE in the way you handle life circumstances.  She was diagnosed when she was a child, and has never let it hold her back from doing anything she has put her mind to.  She doesn't EVER complain, she doesn't ever ask for pity, she just handles it- like she doesn't even have it.  I think it is the most beautiful reminder to EVERYONE, that whatever challenges we face, we are in charge of how we let it affect us, and those around us.  You are amazing, sister! <3    

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple posing in Oregon field | beautiful posing | engagement outfit inspiration | summer photo session | husband holding wife detail portrait

HOW CUTE ARE THEY!?  Here's a few more in the field:

We took a little break and did an outfit/location change.  They wanted a combination of classic/timeless portraits, AND some laid back portraits that were a little more fun : )

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple photography session with truck | Truck engagement session | Anniversary photography session | Country inspired photography session | Mexican Falsa blanket photography session | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations 

I literally cannot explain how much this session was just THEMMMMM.  His truck, the Country inspiration in the setting, the outfits.  Like, this is just who they are.  That's one of my favorite parts of my job- helping people tell their story <3

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple photography session with truck | Truck engagement session | Anniversary photography session | Country inspired photography session | Mexican Falsa blanket photography session | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couples session on farm | Country inspired photo session | Anniversary photography | Cowboy boots | Oregon farm | Engagement Session Inspiration | Gorgeous Mexican Falsa blanket

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple photography session with truck | Truck engagement session | Anniversary photography session | Country inspired photography session | Mexican Falsa blanket photography session | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Date Night with Doulas

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Last week I hosted a table at the Date Night with Doulas event in downtown Salem, Oregon.  It was held at Crema Tea Room (they have AH-MAZING coffee and Bubble Tea, by the way) and I was so excited to do an event with these ladies!  Bloom Lactation, Mamaroo: Mid-Willamette Valley Baby Wearers, and an incredible group of Doula's including The Salem Doulas were all there.

It ended up being a super fun evening, and I was so happy to get to know these inspiring women!  As a Birth Photographer, I am drawn to the beauty of birth and all that surrounds it.  I have so much respect for the birthing Mama, for her partner, for the medical professionals, and for the support that she has; before birth, during, and postpartum.

As the evening was coming to a close, I was able to get a few shots in!  The gift bags for Mama full of coupons & little treats, some of the amazing women that were there, the Butterfly Tree (SUCH a beautiful idea!) and a few items from the giveaways!  HELLO Earth Mama Angel Baby products- (My family LOVES the Angel Baby Orange Vanilla wash & Non-Scents lotion!)

On a personal note- choosing the best birth support team for you (Doula, breastfeeding counselor, photographer, postpartum Doula etc.) is such an important decision.  I loved the idea of getting to sit down and "interview" each of us and see what kind of connection we have.  It is important to feel safe, understood, and supported during such a sacred time in your life. If you are reading this, and expecting, just know there are so many of us here in the Salem area that are here to support you!  (And in my case, to capture this precious milestone for you!)  I know that I would have loved to have any of these sweet women with me on my birth journey <3 

  

   

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Family | Tulip Farm

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YOU GUYS.  The tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm are in bloom, and they are just breathtaking!  Since we are having the most beautiful sunshine and warm weather this week, we decided to take a trip there with our friends.  The kids all had a blast playing on the toys, and walking.. ahem.. (running;)) through the field! I was able to get a few shots of them, and just had to share one of my faves I got of my kids.  You might notice my son is covered in mud.  It's because he is two, and his nickname is "honey badger." I didn't edit any of it out, because its HIM, and I love his crazy, messy, toddler self! We all got a good laugh when he literally destroyed his outfit 5 minutes into being there. HAHA!  Stay tuned for more photos from our trip to the farm!  

The tulip fest is open until May.1st this year, make sure to go check it out! <3  

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Products | Keepsake Photo Box

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While frames are one of my favorite ways to display family photos, you're also going to want an option for storing your fine art prints.  These personalized Keepsake Photo Boxes are a beautiful and functional option!  This one below is one that I purchased for myself personally (I only sell what I LOVE and what I also use!)  These 8x10 smooth matte boxes have a textured fabric interior where the photographs sit, and a satin pull ribbon for lifting them out.  The lid also has a magnetic closure that keeps the box securely fastened.

You could also fill these boxes with 4x6 prints, or even jewelry/memorable items.    I just LOVE the look and the functionality of them!

I decided on a matted fine art prints for my personal family photo box, but 8x10 prints (See the lower left corner picture of that gorgeous fam!)  fit PERFECTLY as another option.  The fab thing about these boxes, is they come with a display easel so you can switch out whichever photograph you want displayed at that time.  Super fun!  AND, these are stunning on coffee tables OR bookshelves!  How do you preserve or display your family photos?

Salem, Oregon Photographer Keepsake Photo Box

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Family | Children

Shelby Blanton Photography
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PSSSSSSST... Scroll down for special discount on these darling bows!*

HOW CUTE are these girls!?  I recently fell in love with Little Poppy Co. bows, and after receiving a one month subscription from them, I knew I had to feature these bows in a session!  So, I found these gorgeous sisters, and their Mama was gracious enough to let me use them as my models :) 

Little Poppy Co. (www.littlepoppyco.com) is a fun and affordable way to get stylish hair accessories for the little lady in your life.  After signing up, you get their three featured bows (you choose- headband OR clip) delivered straight to your door each month.  I picked the headbands- they are made with a soft material so they are incredibly gentle on little noggins, and super comfortable.  For my daughter, I actually use them around her ponytail, too!  

So, there's your dose of cuteness for today! 

*P.S:  For 30% off your first month subscription with Little Poppy Co, use code: SHELBYPHOTO at checkout.  Enjoy! <3