Photography is a way for me to nourish my artistic side and express my need for story-telling. I have always loved the arts- in every format. When I decided to venture into the world of photography eight years ago, my friends and family weren't surprised. I was smitten the moment I fired that old Mamiya, it was then that I knew this is what I was meant to do.
With the love and support of my amazing husband, Jeff, we ventured out to buy a professional-grade digital camera. In the summer of 2006, Holli True Photography was born. After much pain and strife I was able to switch my brain from film to digital and I learned to love the freedom of shooting outside of a studio in natural light. Over the years I have branded my business and developed my personal style- and I couldn't be happier.
Being a photographer takes more than buying an expensive camera. Anyone can take a picture, but I want my images to tell a story. Your story.
I love nothing more than to watch people as they interact and capture those moments in time with my camera. Moments that often occur unnoticed by most, I am constantly seeking out. Little glances, stolen kisses, a warm embrace. I have the greatest job in the world because I get to preserve love, happiness and laughter. What could be greater than that?
I have been inspired recently to raise the bar. Over the past year I have strived to brand my business, to nourish it and embrace it and make it something that is my very own. While I have always been someone who can find inspiration in almost anything and anyone, when creating my brand I stripped it down to nothing so I could build it back up into something that is honest and real. Something I believe in.
I believe in my brand. I stand by my brand. My brand is not a gimmick- it’s me.
I have the neccessary tools that it takes to ensure that I deliver my business to my clients in a way that fits my brand. Am I doing that right? Well, I think I am, but I know I could do better- by raising the bar. I was one of the very first in my area to get a Showit Site- and I am so proud of that! When I released my first site, I was giddy because I knew that my site was original- it wasn’t a template. I knew (at that time) that I was the only person with that site and I loved that.
Now that Showit has become so successful (yay!!!), I have found that my site isn’t so original anymore. It’s quite basic and simple, which isn’t a bad thing, but it also isn’t standing out. Several people in my area have started using Showit- which is awesome- but how can I be different now?
By raising the bar.
I have the freedom to be me. I have the tools to stand out. I have the brand to back me up. And above all else, I am determined to make it happen.
I challenge anyone who reads this to do the same- in a world of monotony- stand out. Be You.
Here is a look at the new slideshows that will be showcased on the site- which will be launched in the near future! Be on the look-out, I am so stoked about it! Enjoy!!
**Please click on HQ to see this slideshow- it’s on the bottom of the screen**
March 11, 2010 - 9:51 amKaren Stott - Holli you are so amazing! And SO unique! I am pumped that you are raising the bar in the industry and I am so excited to press the envelope in my own business as well. I hope other photogs will learn from your leadership and not be ok with just doing what everyone else is doing and be themselves as well. Way to go girly!
March 11, 2010 - 10:00 amHolli True - Thank you, Karen! :) You are truly fabulous and I know you are going to do amazing things with your business. You are an original and you also go to great lengths to further your brand! I can't wait to see what the future holds for you!
March 11, 2010 - 10:33 amAnne Nunn Photographers - Love it Holly! You do a great job and you DO stand out as an ultra-fab photog!
March 11, 2010 - 1:05 pmSarah Bryant - LOVE! This is so great Holli! It has been so amazing to watch your site change & grow over the years - I know you're going to continue to do amazing things!!
March 11, 2010 - 1:58 pmHolli True - Thank you Anne & Sarah! :) It's taken awhile to get here, but I am proud of the journey. I love that I can look back at the path I have created for myself and reflect. I can't wait to continue to build and grow and change. It's exhilerating! Thank you so much for the love and support- it means the world to me! :)
Not expecting too much last night, I submitted one of my 2009 Weddings to OneWed’s blog to be considered as a Featured Wedding. I was so excited this morning to receive an email back from Azure Nelson, telling me she loved the wedding, couldn’t wait to post it and that it was already live on their blog! Um, what?? I thought to myself with a dumb grin spreading across my face. I was stunned and thrilled all at the same time!
The featured wedding is of Brittany and Derek who were married at Sweet Cheeks Winery in Crow, Oregon this past July. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful, simple, but timeless. I was able to write a little bit about this amazing couple, so I’ll let you read it there! To view our featured wedding, just go to OneWed’s Blog! I would love to hear what you think- this is the very first time I have ever submitted any of our weddings, which also makes this the very first time we’ve ever been published. It’s such an amazing feeling and I am just thrilled about it! Special thanks for Brittany and Derek for being pure awesome
March 3, 2010 - 6:22 amMandy - Congrats, its always such a good feeling when your talent gets appreciated. Love the "bright, fresh feel" of your photos really stunning
A couple weekends ago our family went over the mountain to go to Bend’s Winterfest. We had a few friends and family that were also there, which was a lot of fun! Jeff and I have always enjoyed capturing sporting events, as we are both really into sports! This was our first time snapping pictures of snowboarders, which proved to be absolutely awesome! Now we’re trying to think of how to get our equipment up the mountain to get some snowboarders in action!
Anyway, here are a few of my favorites from that night! I also made a slideshow with one of my favorite songs- so be sure to check that out, too! Enjoy!!
March 1, 2010 - 7:55 amMary Marantz - whaaaaaaat?!?! these are AMAZING!!
March 1, 2010 - 8:22 pmSara Asher - These snowboarding shots are brilliant! Love the black background in them.
March 1, 2010 - 8:30 pmHolli True - Thanks everybody! :) These pictures were a lot of fun for us- something totally different! I've been asked a few times about the black background- the reason is because it was night time. :) I didn't use flash, I used the light available from the large tower lights they put up for the competition. I am totally going back next year! Thanks for comment love! :)
Okay, I am so stoked to report that our new Vixen Portraits site is up and running! It’s no secret that I am way smitten with Showit Sites! When I changed my Holli True site in the summer of 2008, my business flourished! Having the ability to create a site that reflects your brand and personal style is so empowering.
My goal as a photographer is to set myself apart from others in the area by offering a unique style of photography that is completely my own. I take a lot of pride in my work and I feel that I owe it to my clients to showcase my work in a site that reflects who I am as a photographer. Showit Sites give me the power and freedom to do this, and for that, I cannot say thank you enough.
So, please, feel free to check out the new site. I think it’s pretty fabulous, but I would LOVE to hear what you all think! Don’t be shy- shout it out in a comment or two! Thanks!!
When Jeff and I met Kerry and David, we couldn’t stop smiling. They were so sweet and absolutely adorable together! We had just finished shooting and wedding and went to pick up our kids who had spent the day with their Grammy and Papa, who were camping with a large group from their church. Someone mentioned where we had been and they asked to see a few pictures from the day, so I gladly showed them a few right out of the camera. When they chose us as their photographers, we were thrilled! Their love is so pure and sweet and I just can’t wait to see the look on their faces when they say “I do.”
Their wedding is only in a few short weeks- I am so excited that Kerry and David will kick off our 2010 Wedding Season! Spring is fast approaching and I am itching to get out and enjoy some sunshine and start some of my spring sessions! Don’t forget, I’m currently offer a sale on my Fashionista sessions- space is limited- book today!
Kerry and David, thank you so much for the amazing session at Belknap Springs! It was such a beautiful location and you two totally rocked it out!
February 17, 2010 - 12:16 amTrevor Dayley - Beautiful photos Holli. I especially love the one shot from the ground with the leaves and them walking in the background. Amazing colors as well!
February 17, 2010 - 4:13 pmAndrea - Love the pictures!! I agree, the color in all these are amazing! Great time for outdoor shots!! I love the picture with the ring on the leaf, very cool!
February 23, 2010 - 9:04 amDeyla Huss Photography - What a romantic location, fabulous shots Holli!
Wow! I am in awe at the number of entries we received and the amazing love stories these couples chose to share with us. I absolutely love love, so this contest has been a yummy adventure for me! It took almost all day today for our judges to finally decide on who the winners were going to be. It was so hard for them to decide and without any input from us, it made their job even harder. However, Jeff and I felt it best that we remove ourselves from the judging since we know a few of the couples that entered. So, I won’t make you wait any longer, the winners are:
Here is their love story:
“I met Robert back when I was a junior in high school; we met while on a camping trip to North Fork, OR. He was from another high school visiting friends from our camp site. After a fun night of laughing, dancing and camp fire fun I set off for bed. Before I could leave with my girlfriends, Robert pulled me aside and asked me for my number in which I responded with “hmm…I’m not sure I don’t really know you”. After that we sat and talked for about an hour in the dark about ourselves and what we enjoy. He then asked again for my number, so I grabbed a pen and planned on writing down the wrong number because I still wasn’t quite sure about him, but ended up giving him the right number. He then made sure I had his number by writing his on my forearm. My friends and I left the next day laughing about everything everyone did throughout the night before. I must have made quite impression on Robert, he pursued me for a full year after that by calling me before I would go out with him. After our first date a year later I fell in love almost instantly and we have been together ever since. It must have been serendipity I gave him the correct number that night. We will be 10 years together in June and would love to tie the knot. We are planning to get married this year, but photos and music are a big deal for us and we just don’t have the funds. This last year as well my Father was also diagnosed with cancer so we have put off planning things up until now. I would love for my Father to give me away on my wedding day before it’s too late as well as some photographs to remember it by. This would both be a dream come true not only for my dad but for myself and Robert as well.”
Congratulations Missy & Robert! Jeff and I are so excited for your wedding this June!
Thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway, we are so honored that all of you took the time to enter and share your stories with us. We wish everyone could win because of your stories were so touching and just made us smile. Happy Valentine’s Day!
I met up with Mikayla this past weekend for a fabulous photo shoot in downtown Eugene. We were lucky enough to catch a break in the weather and stay dry, but rain or shine, I know Mikayla would have rocked it! I’m ready for the winter to be over- bring on the spring! If you’re interested in booking a shoot, I’m still offering a sale on my Fashionista Sessions, book yours while there’s still time! Availability is limited! Or if you’re currently a High School Junior and would like to represent Holli True as a 2011 Senior Rep, you can find more details here.
Thank you so much, Mikayla, you were a total rock star! I had the greatest time with you and I can’t for our next shoot! Enjoy!
I am so excited to announce that Vixens will be at Affair of the Heart! Please stop by and say hello Thursday, February 11th, 2010 between 4-9pm at the Lane Events Center in Eugene. We will have beautiful images on display, our signature “Little Black Book” albums to view, promotional offers and more! Our amazing beauty gurus, Meaghan and Chelsea will also be there offering mini-makeovers!
Admission and parking is free! It’s guaranteed to be a night of fun, just check out the schedule of events Affair of the Heart is offering! It’s going to be an amazing night, we hope to see you there!
Being a Senior Rep is really fun and easy! We are looking for stylish, outgoing fashionistas who love to be in front of the camera and want to help spread the word about Holli True! We only accept one 1 student per high school in Oregon, so be sure to apply early! Your application will be reviewed and if you are selected to be a Rep, you will receive access to our Senior Rep Program which will give you all the fabulous details!
We will begin accepting applications in February 2010 for students graduating in 2011. The cut-off to apply will be May 20th, 2010.
I received an email from Dessy Group awhile back inviting me to upload my images to their site for their new inspiration board application. What is an inspiration board, you ask? In a nutshell, it’s a collage of fabulous wedding details. At Dessy Group, Bride’s have the option to browse these hot little boards, or create their very own! Isn’t that fabulous? If you’re unsure about your color choices, Pantone Wedding is there to help! See if the colors you’ve selected in your head will translate into the event of your dreams by creating an inspiration board. Trust me, it’s fun! I’ve put together a few boards myself, I hope they leave you feeling inspired!
Enjoy!! 
by Holli True
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