Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Bryant Scott

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B R Y A N T S C O T T

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Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I’m so excited to share this beautiful in home Fresh 48 session! Oh my goodness, sweet Bryant was an absolute DREAM to photograph! He was soo sleepy and relaxed throughout the session- but I also captured some first portraits of him with his eyes wide open! (For more photos and video clips from his Fresh 48 session, catch the video at the end of this blog post!)

One of my favorite parts of Bryant’s Fresh 48 story was his furry big sister, Annie! I’ve never seen a dog so loving and protective! Annie followed us around during the session and was never far from Bryant’s side. I especially love one of the video clips of her giving him kisses!

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I LOVED getting to meet and work with this amazing family. Tap the video below to view more from Bryant’s Fresh 48 session!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Griffin Hayes

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G R I F F I N H A Y E S

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Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle Newborn photo | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I was on a flight home to Oregon from a California vacation last Fall, when I received a text from one of my birth clients that read “Heyyyy, sooo, any chance you have a birth photography slot open in April? :)” *Cue me instantly getting choked up* I scrambled to pull up my calendar to double check dates and was SO excited to see that I would be able to work with them again! We ended up doing a beautiful lifestyle Fresh 48 at their home a while after sweet Griffin was born (due to everything going on in the world right now.) It was such a joy getting to work with them again, and to meet big brother who I photographed coming into the world!

In Home Fresh 48 | Mother and Baby Portraits at home | Lifestyle photo session | Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

After being their birth photographer, and working with them for this Fresh 48 session, I have gotten to know this family so well, and both of these sessions we had together were SO them- fun, loving, and organic. My heart was bursting while I captured big brother and Dad playing playing around in the living room, while Mama was getting a snack together for them in the kitchen.. I photographed some quiet reading time and snuggles between Mama and Harrison, and then baby Griffin’s first portraits! We even got some super fun shots of everyone cuddled up on Mom and Dad’s bed- complete with a tickle war!

In Home Fresh 48 | Lifestyle photo session | Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

We wrapped up their Fresh 48 session with some family photos outside their home.. (You’ll get a peek of those in the video below!) This gorgeous family also moved out of Oregon after our session together- so I feel like these photos and their Fresh 48 video will be even more meaningful as the years go by.

Don’t forget to watch the highlight of their in home lifestyle session- Griffin’s Fresh 48 video!

Thank you so much Lauren and Josh for letting me capture + share such a momentous time in your lives once again!

((If you want to check out big brother’s Birth Story Video- tap HERE!))

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Huxley Oliver

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H U X L E Y O L I V E R

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Fresh 48 | Newborn swaddled in crib for an in home lifestyle photo session | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Due to recent world events, we weren’t able to do this sweet boy’s Fresh 48 session until he was over a month old.. So I am absolutely overjoyed to share this beautiful family’s lifestyle Fresh 48 session, done at home with their precious newborn!

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle family session | Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

It was so fun capturing Mom, Dad, and their boys relaxing at home; cuddling, playing, and living life as a new family of four! I love when client’s choose to do Fresh 48 sessions at home, it just adds such an intimate, unique feel to their portraits. I always think about as the kiddos get older- how fun that will be for them to have a little glimpse into their very first childhood home, their nursery, and hopefully they will feel all the love that I saw when I was there that day. Such a gift!

Fresh 48 | In home lifestyle photo session | Salem, Oregon Fresh 48 Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

And the absolute BEST part of Fresh 48 sessions: The family’s slideshow with all of my favorite photographs and video clips from their session.. Enjoy!

Welcome to the World, sweet one!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Kinsley Grace

I’m so happy I get to share this Fresh 48 session today. We are going on week 1.4 million of quarantine and having the opportunity to post something as uplifting as this is such a joy!

I LOVED everything about how Lea (Mama) planned her Fresh 48 session. It was so unique to their family and really focused around big brother feeling included and knowing how important his new role is! EVERY Fresh 48 photo session I do is soo different. Sometimes I walk into a hospital room and Mama says with a sleepy smile “I had every intention of getting ready- but it just didn’t happen, so I’m just going to keep it real.” Then there are the Mom’s that open their front door and I can just feel how raw and fresh everything still is; and we take the session at a gentle, slow pace. There are also the Moms that have every detail planned down to a “T” with the floral matching robe/swaddler etc.

I’ll let you in on a little secret though..

No matter what “style” of Fresh 48 session you have.. The love is there, and it’s going to shine through your photos. The first few days following meeting your little love for the first time are an adjustment period, and there isn’t a “correct” way to do it. This is one of my favorite things about doing Fresh 48 photography~ NO ONE has the same journey, the same story, the same feelings.. But every Mother I have worked with has touched my heart in some way; getting to photograph how they are navigating motherhood is such an honor.

OKAY! Back to this sweet little angel girl!!

When Lea and I discussed her hopes for their Fresh 48, it was totally centered around their little family and especially making sure big brother Carter felt included and knew how awesome his new role was going to be! Lea told me about how she takes Carter on “Mommy dates” and how special that time is for them. She had the super cute idea to actually create a “Mommy date” while he came to meet his little sister! I absolutely LOVED that idea. It can be so difficult for kiddos to adjust to having a new baby in the house- the more we can prepare them helps the whole family in the long run!

Carter was SOOOOOO excited to meet Kinsley and truly had an immediate bond and sense of protection over her. It was PRECIOUS to witness and capture! (I can’t wait to share their Fresh 48 video slideshow below so you can see what I’m talking about!) I keep in contact with Mama, and she says he is still totally in love with her and even calls her and Lea his “beautiful beauties.” ((Dad Jeremy has trained him well! :)) NOW, without further story time from me- here is Kinsley’s Fresh 48 story!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Harrison Grey

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!

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!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 Photography | Arianna

Seriously one of my favorite parts about Fresh 48 sessions is when Mom & Dad wait until I’m there for their photography appointment to have big brother or big sister meet the newest babe. I totally got teary eyed watching these clips play back when I got them together in the Fresh 48 video. Baby Arianna will ALWAYS know how loved she is, from the moment she arrived! <3

We had our session at the Salem Hospital (in downtown Salem, Oregon) and this was the first one that I’ve done there in a while as my last several clients were out of Corvallis, Silverton, Portland etc! The time of day was perfect~ working with that fabulous window light, we got some beautiful photos and video clips (in the Fresh 48 slideshow below!!) of the family together, big sister and big brothers, Mama and baby, Daddy and baby etc! As we all know, this newborn stage passes by SO quickly and I was honored to capture these first precious moments! Take a peek at their keepsake video below!

Welcome, Arianna!

Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Fresh 48 video | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Harrison Lee

This is Harrison’s Birth Story

This sweet boy was born after his incredible Mama labored with him for 40+ hours (YES, she is amazing!)

I got a text on Thursday 3/14 from Lauren letting me know her water had broken in the wee hours of that morning and she was having contractions- but to wait until she met with her midwife later that afternoon to confirm that things were moving along the way they should be. We kept in touch throughout the day while she labored at home and rested as much as possible to prepare for the arrival of her little babe.

Then I received THE phone call at around 2:00am on Friday and headed to the Birth Center. Speaking of that- I have to tell you a little about the incredible place where Lauren was to bring her baby earthside- The Corvallis Birth & Women’s Health Center I can’t even get over how fabulous it was. When I walked in, it was like walking into a friend’s home- warm, inviting, and COMFORTABLE! The rooms where Mother’s get to labor and meet their baby felt just like a bedroom in a home. Also, I LOVED the midwives :) It has been a month since I photographed Lauren’s birth and since then I have photographed another Mama there (stay tuned for her birth story next!) As I have now met several of the midwives, I have to give them a massive THANK YOU for being so kind and for welcoming me into your space! If you live in the Salem, Corvallis, Albany etc. areas and are expecting, I highly recommend reaching out to them and going in for a tour!

When I arrived to the birth center, Lauren was cuddled up peacefully on the bed with her hubby and breathing through a wave. She was so calm and relaxed! We chatted for a little bit so I was updated on what was going on, and I got a few photos then left the room so she could get some rest. Things were progressing, (but slowly.)

Since Lauren’s water had broken the previous morning and contractions were still irregular/not enough of a change; she ended up transferring over to Good Samaritan (Corvallis hospital) to receive a little extra support to help things along. I’m SO grateful that she was able to have an amazing start to her birth story at the birth center, and when her midwives came along to the hospital it was such a smooth transition! Things went beautifully after that- I’ll let the video tell the rest of the story! :)

You’ll see throughout the video an incredible amount of support- Lauren had her amazing husband Josh and her sweet Momma there. With a labor on the longer side, (did I mention how amazing Lauren is!? :)) it was SO GREAT that she had two support people that took turns being her “person.” I hope when Lauren gets to see the video that she sees not only how STRONG, and incredible she was- but to see all the love that surrounded her in that space.

I’m so honored to share the beautiful Birth Story of Harrison Lee: Welcome, little one!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Genevieve Louise

This is the birth story of Genevieve

Today I’m sharing a different kind of birth story. This was a journey that began with a family of three wishing for a second baby, and a loving friend who was eager to help. The surrogate Mama, Brooke already has two amazing kiddos of her own and is one of the sweetest, STRONGEST people you’ll meet. (I am lucky to know her from years ago when I worked with her! Shout out to Brooke as she was the best boss ;)) I’m so grateful that she reached out to me to capture part of their journey together. Before the birth, we took some maternity photos of both families together. It was SO FUN getting to see them all together- I’m so happy Brooke decided to capture her pregnancy also!

Salem, Oregon Maternity & Birth Photographer | Surrogacy Family session in Salem, Oregon | What to wear for Family photos | Surrogacy photo session pose guide | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I really can’t put into words how incredible it was to witness and capture the birth of this very LOVED, sweet girl. Watching one woman give the gift of carrying and delivering another woman’s baby was just, so powerful. It was one of those moments in life where you are reminded of how capable we are of changing someone else’s life for the better. So many things in life we take for granted- like the ability to sustain a healthy pregnancy and go through labor and delivery. Brooke gave this incredible family the most beautiful, selfless gift. Not only that- but the huge amount of trust and admiration you must have for the person you choose to carry your CHILD. I am in awe of both of these women. Surrogacy is SO amazing- and I was so happy to get to capture part of this journey for them; including their birth story!

Here is the birth story of Miss.Genevieve Louise. Enjoy!

I also wanted to say a huge thank you to these two amazing families for allowing me to share their surrogacy birth story. It is so important to share all types of birth, and all the different ways to become a family. THANK YOU!

Spring Blossom Mini Sessions 2019

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!

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: Birth Photography | Adelaide Opal

This is Adelaide’s birth story

When I get home from photographing a birth, the first thing I do is grab a piece of paper and write down a few things that stood out to me. I do this for a couple reasons-

1.) Birth is such a BLUR. There are so many little details that are easy to miss, and some that are forgotten. I LOVE being able to write something about the birth on my blog, so I always come back to the piece of paper where I wrote what was fresh on my mind.

2.) It is also important to me that I get every single piece of Mom’s birth story that I have available into her photo gallery and birth video; so that it can be the most accurate representation of that day for Mama to cherish for years to come. Every mother will end up talking about her birth story at some point, and there’s always a part or two where she’ll get the biggest smile on her face remembering something little (or big) from that day. My goal with every birth is to try and capture those moments for her so that it won’t just be a story she’s telling- it will be something she can WATCH and re-live over and over again <3

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One of the things that will always stick with me from this beautiful, gentle home birth is her support system.

Mama had her AMAZING husband who stayed by her side and was so tender and supportive of her. (Note the part where he pulls her hair up into a bun for her mid-contraction!! And the adorable note he left for her- stop it! :)) Their sweet, ADORABLE daughter was also there for the birth! She was so excited to be a big sister and oh my gosh she was like a little doula herself! She would peacefully sit in the same room as her Mama, coloring. Or she would disappear into her room for a little bit, then come out periodically to check on how her Mom was doing. I think Mom will love the part of the video where you get to see her daughter reach out and grab her hand during labor, and in the next frame she reaches up and gently touches her Mama’s hair.

I’m so excited to share this beautiful, BEAUTIFUL birth. Welcome to the world, precious Adelaide!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 | Lily

There's something absolutely precious about Fresh 48's.  Capturing those first moments in the hospital somewhere between first meeting your little one, to right before you begin your new life together at home.  I LOVE it.  

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This sweet little lady was born September.3rd, 2017 here in Salem, Oregon.  When you watch the video, you'll get a peek into her last moments at the hospital before she gets to go home! 

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As a Mama of two little ones, I KNOW how quickly this all goes by.  And I remember the excitement of introducing our daughter to her new baby brother.  These are such sweet memories that I will cherish, and I LOVE that I get to help my clients preserve that moment for themselves.  

It is my hope that when Mama watches this years from now, that she will remember the very first time she and her daughters bonded over "this little piggy" in the hospital.  I hope that she smiles when she sees the photo of her older daughter coming into the hospital dressed as Bat Girl (SERIOUSLY, SO CUTE.)  And I hope that when Lily gets older that she will get to see this video and see ALL THE LOVE in that room.  Her Grandparents absolutely spoiling her with love, and her Daddy holding her close, admiring her precious little face.

Welcome to the World, sweet Lily!

P.S. As always, I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to the incredible nurses at Salem Hospital.  They are always SO kind and a pleasure to work around!    

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Senior Photos | SAVANNAH

HEY YA'LL!  I know it's been probably 1.2 million years since I last blogged, but work & life has kept me busy ;)  I *had* to jump on here and share one of my last senior photo sessions because a.) I LOVED working with this gal and she absolutely inspires me b.) The session was total location inspo because it was gorgeous!  

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | College Senior Photo Session | Oregon Garden | Senior posing inspiration | Editorial inspired photography session | Salem, Oregon Senior Photographer | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for senior photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations

She is absolute model material, right??  I'll tell you- this girl is a gem.  She first contacted me because she was interested in college senior photos.  She is graduating from WOU and heading to med school- I didn't even know her yet but I was already proud of her!!  The main reason she wanted to get these photos done because she wanted to honor her parents and how big of a role they have played in her life and her achievements.  As a Mother myself, I instantly got choked up hearing her talk about how grateful she is to them for their constant love and support over the years.  AND WHEN I SAW HER DECORATED CAP :')

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Like, seriously?  I was so touched because as a parent because this is all we really want, right?  To know with absolute certainty that we have given our children ALL the tools they need to achieve their dreams.  She told me that even if it was 2:00am she could have called them and they would have listened to her, encouraged her, and reminded her to keep giving it her all.  She talked so highly of them and with such love- it was so inspiring!  Inspiring to me as a parent, to remind ME to keep giving my own children that unconditional support- but also as a reminder to tell the people we love how much their support means to us.

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I'll leave you with this last set of photos for reference of how gorg her session was :)  If you're a photographer in the Salem/Portland area, I highly recommend the Oregon Garden as a session location!  There were so many gorgeous backdrop options- it is worth the drive!

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CONGRATULATIONS to this beautiful soul!  It was an honor to work with her, and I cannot wait to see what she does with this next life chapter! <3

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Couples | Katie + Sam

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8 / 13 / 16 ANNOUNCEMENT: Fall session info will be released soon.  Stay tuned!

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Amazing portrait session locations around Salem can be hard to come by!  Especially one's that are beautiful and somewhat private.  But I always, always find ways to MAKE the background unique to my clients style- and am constantly out scouting great spots.  SOO when I had a connection to this gorgeous gem right here with those Oregon valleys in the background, I was ecstatic!  Here is another session I did at the same location that day.  Just beautiful!  

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | Couple's anniversary session | Monmouth, Oregon location | Photo session outfit inspiration | Couple Posing Ideas | Farm photography session | Gorgeous location

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | Couple's Session on Farm at Oregon location | Posing guide | Fall photo session outfit inspiration | Cute farmhouse | Anniversary session | Couple holding hands | Mastin Labs

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Product Photography | Copper Mug

Happy 4th of July weekend!  I'm working on some product photography and made this delish drink for the shoot.. It looked so good I had to share it!  There are tons of amazing recipes online for Moscow Mules!  I used the "classic" recipe that came with the mug from PureCopper. (Buuut added a couple things because that's what I do to recipes. Hahah!)  I picked up some fresh cherries + limes from the grocery store and this happened:

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Salem, Oregon Photographer | Product Photography | Cherry + Lime Moscow Mule | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Holy YUUUM!  Here's the recipe I used-

- Pour 2oz. vodka into your copper mug

- Squeeze juice of 1/2 lime

- Add ice

- Fill with 5oz. Ginger Beer

- Garnish with a cherry & a wedge of lime

*I muddled a few cherries at the bottom of the cup before I added the ingredients : )

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Fresh 48 | Braxton

OH the sweetness.  I did this Fresh 48 Session right after this Birth, and I'm so happy I could be there to capture these first moments!  I'll take you through some of my favorites <3  

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

One super special thing about Fresh 48 photography, is that you are able to photograph family members meeting the sweet new addition!  In this case, little man had his two big sisters come meet him!  Along with his Grandparents & Aunties : )  He was a little celebrity! 

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | big sisters meeting their newborn baby brother! | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I love the ones of proud Grandma & Grandpa! : )

After things calmed down a little, I focused on getting those first portraits of Mommy & baby, and of course baby and Daddy.  I'm obsessed with this one!

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Hi Daddy!  Newborn looking up at Daddy | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Annnnnnd, these two pictures below make my heart swell.  I know that I always talk about remembering going through these emotions & moments myself with my kids- but I truly think that is what makes a great lifestyle photographer.  When you have experienced these moments in life, it makes it so much easier to know the tiny, fleeting moments to capture.  

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Mommy & her new baby | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I see so much beauty in the photo of Mama and her baby.  I think that EVERY Mother remembers those first few hours with her newborn.  Gazing down at their teeny tiny features, tracing along their perfect little face and wondering how on Earth you created something so BEAUTIFUL.  SOMEONE so beautiful.  This precious little gift.  There are truly no other feelings like it in this World.  I took these pictures about a minute between eachother, because when I saw the way Mama was looking at him, I knew that the *moment* was happening.  So, so sweet.  Like I said, there's nothing like it.  

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Flowers from visitors//Details (I love that painted mason jar vase!!!) | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | newborn first footprints | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Mama & her new baby boy | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I looove Mama's first portraits with her newborn!  Real, raw, beautiful, unposed moments.  And of course we have the very first bath below.  He was such a sweet peaceful little guy during his bath- he was loving the warm water.

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Baby's first bath | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

It was such a wonderful session!  I just love Fresh 48's!  

* A special Thank you to the Salem Hospital (Salem Health Family Birth Center) for being so kind and accommodating!  As I said before, it is always such an honor to be in the room with the incredible Doctors & Nurses there!  

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

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-

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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!  

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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.  

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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

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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

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!

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The traditional cap & gown photo! | College Senior Photos

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Congratulations, Brit! | College Senior Photos

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Sun Flare <3 | 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!  

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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 | Date Night with Doulas

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.

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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: Headshots | Kellye

When I did my blossom sessions a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of doing a few headshots for this beauty!  (AND her sweetest little pup, Lady!)  

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HOW GORGEOUS IS SHE!?  I mean, REALLY!?  And the best part- she is one of the sweetest gal's I know.  We did these at the most perfect location- The Barn PNW in Dayton, Oregon.  Just a quick drive outside of Salem, Oregon.  << P.S: If you are in the market for a wedding venue- click that link above! >>  It is seriously a stunning location.  Cherry blossom orchards, a huge barn with an amazing exterior AND beautiful interior..  I could go on and on!  I literally want to marry my husband again just so we can do it there.  HA!  Here's a few more from our time together!

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I KNOWWWWW, I know, I know! So gorgeous, its not even FAIR! <3

And while I was there, I had to get a few shots of the scene..

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Can you believe all that beauty!?  Those gorgeous doors slide open to create a stunning indoor/outdoor space for events.  Love, love, love!  Okay, I'm signing off- but wanted to leave you with one last shot of this doll!  ALSO- I have to give a shoutout to the super talented MUA Jenna of Jenna's Beauty Bar, on the make-up!  I was dying watching her do her thang with the airbrush application <3  www.instagram.com/jennasbeautybar

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Salem, Oregon Photographer: Family | Tulip Farm

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!  

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