portrait | | Kenneth Benjamin Reed

A three-panel humorous portrait of an older man in a suit holding a katana sword to his own throat, the center panel showing him opening a briefcase full of cash

The Hook

Being a good vendor means, first and foremost, keeping your client entertained. Having a business-casual-ninja on hand is one method.

Noah Stolmaker: Monochrome Oil Paint

Had a good shoot with Noah for his new marketing campaign. Afterwards, I noticed a little extra artistic potential in this shot… so I made an oil painting with it.

I think it’s because of Noah’s off-camera gaze. Not really the look we were going for, but it makes for a solid B-side shot.

Portrait of a father and son smiling outdoors, the boy sitting on his father's shoulders

Father & Son

Simple, no-frills portrait work. It’s the best way to capture those years before they grow up.

Man in a fedora and tie jumping mid-air with arms raised against a white backdrop

PK Plunge

This is the talented Peter Kim, showing his enthusiasm with a full-on leap of faith.

Portrait of two KPTV news anchors against a gray studio backdrop

Great studio shoot today for FOX 12 Oregon: Amy Troy, Mark Nelsen, Shauna Parsons, Wayne Garcia, Nick Krupke, Pete Ferryman, Kimberly Maus, and Tony Martinez came by the studio for updated ‪headshots‬. In fact, the talented anchors Nora Hart and Andy Carson finally met each other face to face for the first time, and in my studio no less! As Ice Cube would say… today was a good day.

Woman standing beneath the neon Avalon theater marquee at night

Waiting: Avalon

This was a candid shot from a engagement portrait session. I enjoyed the vivid colors so much I thought it would make a good oil painting, too.

Arthur Knows Best

Just look at this guy. Arthur, just look at him. He’s outstanding, and he knows it.

Ornate stone building cornice contrasted against a modern glass skyscraper

Slow Down, Observe, Enjoy

Paint, Portrait, Camera

Another great open house at North Coast Seed Building this year. This time I made some portraits for the willing, and summarily turned seventeen of the photos into paintings. Thanks for coming down!

Duchenne Smiled

The more I shoot portraits, the more I realize that a good smile really starts with the eyes. Not just the thought behind the eyes, but the actual muscles around the eyes are more flexed when you actually smile. This is why saying “cheese” doesn’t cut it.

It’s not quite squinting, but almost. Read more about the Duchenne smile technique (sometimes referred to as squinching, smizing, etc) here.

Tomorrow (June 28, 2014) I’m giving out free headshots and portraits at the studio from 1-4pm if you want some practice in front of the camera.

Come by and say hi!