What to Wear: 50's theme

Not long ago, I was asked if I would shoot some family pictures for the Bailey family who would soon be selling their vintage 1950's Chevy! I have always loved this era and all the kitchy, brightly colored kitchen appliances makes me wish I had 2 kitchens so I could decorate the other one in PINK!!!

I started to do a little visual research and came across the above photo taken of a family picnic. I loved how it combines a casual summer picnic while featuring the car in the background. This got me thinking about how fun it would be to stage a little picnic for the upcoming shoot. I was super excited to receive a photo of the car in my email box not long after we discussed the idea! Just looking at the cool details on this car gave me so much inspiration. Ideas started flooding in and so I began searching for the perfect images to style this shoot. Take a look:

Christmas in July

As of yesterday, Christmas is just 5 months away! Can you believe I'm already thinking about Christmas portrait sessions?

Well, the truth is, I've been thinking about my Christmas sessions for about 9 months now and I've got some really exciting things planned...including this fun give-away!

I really love all the Organic Bloom frames I have ordered thus far. They are so unique! I love their whimsical shapes and the versatile color palate that can be customized to match any decor. This month I want to give you the opportunity to see for yourself how chic they really are! For the first time, I'm excited to announce that as part of my Christmas in July special, I will be including a complimentary mini frame ornament with your holiday order...so make sure to take advantage of this limited time offer and reserve your session date!

Here is a cute example of how the frames will look on your tree:

Photo courtesy of Add to Heart Photography

Spring Cherry Blossoms

Last year I found this cute Asian top at a thrift store, took it home with a specific photoshoot in mind with my daughter. I spent quite a bit of time during spring break that year looking for a paper umbrella, but by the time they were available in stores, all the cherry blossoms were gone. So I tucked all my props away for another day.

Fast forward to this spring and I wasn't sure if I would be able to pull it off. I re-located the props, the trees had blossoms, but it kept raining...and raining...and raining. FINALLY, yesterday, the sky was clear, we didn't have soccer practice and so I decided it was time to let my daughter in on my plan. She isn't always a willing model, due I'm sure to the large number of takes and retakes I request from her, but she loved the umbrella, so I knew there was a good chance she'd be up for my scheme!

Midway through the shoot, she had had enough, but of course, I was just getting started...so I did what any mom would do—I bribed her...with money. She was a good negotiator. I started off at $1 and she got me up to $5!!! But she deserved it...a bargain if you ask me! Here are some of my favorite shots from our beautiful spring day...enjoy!







As we were shooting, Natalie's uncle stopped by and jumped into the shot. I just love how this image turned out. You can really see how much Natalie loves her uncle...probably the biggest smile of the day!

Tulip fields

Last week I visited the Wooden Shoe Tulip farm in Woodburn, Oregon. It was such a beautiful day, sun was out and it was warm! It felt so good to be outside after so many rainy days. This is my favorite picture of some PINK tulips...

Just having some fun using different vintage textures to age these tulips!
(click on the image to see it larger)



Happy Spring!

Nathan's 3 month session

Photographing babies is sooo good for my soul. Yesterday's session with Nathan was such a joy, his smile is just infectious! I completely lost track of time, but I think he kept me busy for over 4 hours! As you know, time goes by quickly when you are having fun. Capturing Nathan's first smiles and even his sleepy spells was the highlight of my afternoon!

And the Winner of the 2010 Cutest Kid Contest is...

Would you believe it's a tie? Yep...with 18 votes each, both Aaron/Tami Roush and Janet Buswell WIN a $100 gift certificate towards their next visit to Alyssa Ernst Photography!!!

With so many cute kids it was a tough choice. Thanks so much to everyone who voted for your favorite photo, this was a really fun contest...We'll do this again next year!

Here are the winning entries:

Looky what I found in my laundry basket!

Today I got to photograph JD who has changed so much since his newborn session. He is now teething (and drooling) and has the cutest baby rolls ever! I wish all my laundry was this cute!


In the next few weeks I will be unveiling my new Baby Steps Plan, so to start things off right, for 2011, I will be giving each member a complimentary 8x10 for every 20 comments posted on my blog under their sneak peek. (Limit one comment per person.) So what are you waiting for...show some love for JD's mama!

2010 Cutest Kid Contest

This past Wednesday, I announced some exciting news on my Facebook page. In case you missed it...drum roll please...Alyssa Ernst Photography was selected as the best photographer by the Gresham Outlook's Readers Choice Awards!

I am so, so, so very thankful for this honor and wanted to somehow thank those who voted for me. Since I have no way of knowing who voted, I came up with a fun way to reward my clients and include all of you in selecting the 2010 Cutest Kid. Check out my Facebook page for the entries. All you have to do is comment on the picture that is your favorite. The photo with the most comments will win...it's just that simple.

Want to know what the Grand Prize is? A trip for two to Disn....wait, that's not in the budget this year. The winner of the 2010 Cutest kid contest will be given a $100 gift certificate to spend on their 2011 session with Alyssa Ernst Photography. So what are you waiting for...tell all your friends and family to stop by and vote. This contest ends February 10, 2011.

I Heart Faces Contest: Winter Wonderland

This is the first time I have entered a photo contest at I Heart Faces! When I saw the category title "Winter Wonderland," I knew exactly which picture I could enter. This is baby Nathan and he did remarkably well considering his lack of clothing and the cold weather outside...Ha! Just kidding, that would just be cruel! This is actually a composite shot, taken indoors against a white backdrop. Using my mad photoshop skillz, I was able to make him look as if he were taking a peaceful nap in the middle of a snowy forest!

Megan's Perfect Little Baby Bump

Okay first of all, Megan is just the cutest little pregnant woman you ever did see. She is one of the lucky ones who managed to stay trim, so her adorable little baby bump just pops out perfectly! As you may have guessed by the Air Jordan baby booties, she is expecting a boy...at the end of the month! Congratulations Megan!!!

Guess the Ducks Point totals to WIN a free Portrait Collection!

This year one of my new year's resolutions is to blog more. Last fall was so busy that I just let it fade away, but I'm back and for my first post I'd like to announce a new contest in honor of tonight's BCS game with the OREGON DUCKS!!!

I am giving away one desk portrait collection featuring 4 of your favorite poses printed as 5x7s. This can be used towards 2010 sessions* or any session you book in 2011. All you have to do is post on my Facebook Fanpage...Mention this contest and how many points you think the Ducks will score in tonight's game! Sound easy? You have until 6pm to enter. One entry per person. If more than one person guesses correctly, the person who posted first wins!!! Good luck and GO Ducks!



*2010 sessions will be archived on January 20th