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!

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 Inspira… — 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 :')

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.

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!

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

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:

shelby_blanton_photography_outdoor_session

shelby_blanton_photography_apple_tree_session

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 | B… — 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: Senior Photos | SAVANNAH

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Couples | A + K