Salem, Oregon Photographer: Product + Food Photography | Granny Fi's Shortbread

June 16, 2016 by Shelby Blanton in Products, Lifestyle

Happy Thursday, friends! Today's post comes with food photography featuring Granny Fi's Scottish Shortbread, AND a little story : ) Before I begin, here is a peek at Fi's famous shortbread-

Salem, Oregon Photographer | Traditional Scottish Shortbread + Coffee | Food + Product Photography | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Gahhhhh!! Everytime I go through these photos I want to eat them. Haha! #Foodphotographerproblems ;) Anyway. Back to my story! So, as you may know, photographs are EXTREMELY important to me. Not just digital files. But, PHOTOGRAPHS. Beautiful, tangible pieces of art featuring the people or things you love most in life. Since I believe in printed photos SO MUCH, I include 10 fine art prints in my portrait package. Another thing you should know about me, I love spoiling people- especially my sweet clients! SO, when my clients receive their prints from me (and any other products they order) I like to include a little thank you gift.

Fast forward to Fall 2015 : ) I had been looking all over Salem to partner with a special bakery who's products that I LOVED, but also had similar business values as myself. Working with a local business who has excellent customer service is HUUUUUUGE for me. I contacted several bakeries in our area, but hadn't found the right one. Then, one evening I went to an event with some girlfriends and I came across a little table with these shortbread cookies artfully placed on it. The woman behind the table was super sweet, and I could tell that she just LOVES her job. We tried a sample of her shortbread, and it was *prettttty* amazing. Like, REALLY amazing. She had so many fun flavors, so I bought a few! As our evening progressed, we all set our stuff down to take a photo. When I turned to grab my bag of items I had purchased from the vendors- MY BAG WAS MISSING! Someone had grabbed my bag when we weren't looking :( I was so bummed! Sooo, I went back to the tables to re-purchase what was stolen from me, and when I went back to Granny Fi's table, Fiona was SO KIND, and gave me back what I had purchased from her- at no charge!! WHO DOES THAT!? I was floored that someone who didn't even know me, took it upon herself to do something kind for someone else, without asking for anything in return. At that moment, I knew I wanted to order client gifts from her. Someone who has an incredible product- but more importantly- has a big heart. I'm so happy to have met her!

Salem, Oregon Photographer | Traditional Scottish Shortbread with Oregon Hazelnuts + Coffee | Food + Product Photography | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Probably one of the coolest things about this shortbread (besides the delicious melt-in-your-mouth quality!!!) is that she bakes it in all kinds of different flavors. She has the traditional, hazelnut, lemon, lavender (one of my FAVES!), cinnamon, and several other kinds.

Salem, Oregon Photographer | Lemon Scottish Shortbread | Food + Product Photography | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

DOESN'T THAT LOOK SO GOOD!? I can't get over them. So, if you are my client, you can look forward to getting to try these yummy treats! OR, Fiona is frequently at Saturday Markets in the Portland + Oregon City areas. Check with her facebook to see where she will be next! You can also order from her website + she ships! www.grannyfis.com

Salem, Oregon Photographer | Lavender Scottish Shortbread | Food + Product Photography | Client Gift Ideas | Senior Graduation Announcements | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

^ That is the lavender kind! So, so good! If you made it through my huge blog post today, THANK YOU! You deserve some shortbread ;) Hope everyone has a fabulous evening! TOMORROW IS FRIDAY! <3 XO!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Senior Portraits | Brit

western oregon university

May 16, 2016 by Shelby Blanton in Seniors

I'm the type of person that literally celebrates everything. I think that every great milestone in life deserves a little acknowledgment, especially achievements in education. Getting High School Senior photos done is important, but so is capturing your Senior year of college. You can use them for graduation announcements, or invitations- or simply to look back on and say " I remember what I have accomplished. I am so so proud of how far I've come, and where I'm GOING!" Not to mention.. After ALLL the studying you have done, the sacrifices you have made, and the work you have put towards your degree- you DESERVE a celebration!

This gorgeous gal is graduating from Western Oregon University, and I was so excited to photograph this time for her!

The traditional cap & gown photo! | College Senior Photos

Congratulations, Brit! | College Senior Photos

Brit had mentioned that she needed to order some graduation announcements to send to friends & family, and of course I jumped at the opportunity to create something beautiful, and unique for her!

Senior Photo Graduation Announcements | College Senior Photos

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture this beautiful time in your life, Brit! CONGRATULATIONS! Wishing you all the happiness in the World! <3

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Braxton

May 06, 2016 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

You know those birth video's where babies are born en route to the hospital? This birth story was almost one of these. Mama got checked into L&D at 8:11am and sweet little man arrived in a hurry at 9:12... YEP you read that right!

So, Mama was 40.6 days pregnant, and had a scheduled induction for 4/17. Judging by how her pregnancy was, I had a sneaking suspicion that little guy might come before then. I joked with her, that he will probably decide to come the day before her induction. HE DID! I woke up to my phone ringing at 6:56am with Mama saying "My water broke!" She said the contractions weren't SUPER close together, but I jumped up and grabbed my bags and a cup of coffee and waited for word. A few moments later I got a text from her.. "They are getting pretty close together- and strong." I told her I was headed to the hospital! (Side note.. I had a SUPER SUPER fast labor with my little guy, and her pregnancy reminded me SO much for mine, I just felt like it was going to be quick!!) I got to the Salem Health Family Birth Center at the Hospital and headed up to L&D. When I got there, she was in triage getting checked in.

After that, things went..... QUICK.

Her midwife and L&D nurses were BEYOND incredible <3

Like I said, it went quick : )

I'll leave you with the slideshow from this incredible birth story. This might sound silly, but this video makes me cry every time I see it! I think the part that gets me the most, is knowing that Mama's Mother was supposed to be in the delivery room, but her birth literally went SO fast she missed it by just minutes. However, I was able to capture her family's expressions as they first met their sweet little addition. And, the first boy in their family for a while! It was just beautiful. Young Family, I was SO honored to help preserve this beautiful moment for you <3

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Salem, Oregon Photographer: Family | Tulip Farm

March 31, 2016 by Shelby Blanton in Family

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: Birth Photography | Welcome Baby Thea

Shelby Blanton Photography

March 02, 2016 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

I got to capture this beautiful home birth down in California last September. Mama is Savanna (www.savannamorgretbsp.com) and I was incredibly honored to work with her! She is an amazing doula AND birth photographer in Hanford, CA- and was just completely in her element while bringing her sweet girl into the World. I have never seen a more peaceful birthing experience, it was SO special. I told her afterwards that I wished I would have known about her doula work when I had my son- she KNOWS birth! Here are some of the incredible moments from that evening. Enjoy! <3