Holli True Photography | Senior Portrait Photographer for Girls | Portland | Bend | Eugene | Oregon

Melissa | Senior Portrait Photography | Seniorologie Workshop

Holli True — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:49:45 +0000

Last month I had the amazing privilege of being one of the key speakers at the Seniorologie Tour in Atlanta, GA. This was my very first trip to the South, or the East Coast, for that matter. This all-inclusive Workshop took place at a quaint little venue called the Inn at Serenbe, which actually reminded me so much of Oregon! It was absolutely breath-takingly beautiful, rolling hills of green, hundred-foot tall trees, a sparkling pond and a rustic farmland feel. It was gorgeous! :)

There were 25 attendees that came out for the event from all over the US. Having the time to connect with them and hear their dreams and stories about their businesses, it took me back to the early days in my business, which feels like only yesterday. Leslie, of Seniorologie, did such a fabulous job of ensuring every little detail was covered, nothing was overlooked. It was a totally new experience for me to have someone there to coordinate everything- it made me feel quite spoiled. Haha! I’m strongly considering bringing on someone to start coordinating my workshops now… we’ll see what happens!

The first day of the workshop, myself and the three other speakers, Amanda Holloway, Courtney DeLaura & Lisa Carpenter, each had an opportunity to speak about different topics. My topic was all about Inspiration, Specializing & Branding- three areas I am quite passionate about. Other topics covered were Pricing, Senior Reps, Client Experience, Posing & Lighting. On the second day, there were four shooting stations setup with four high school senior models. Each speaker was assigned to two stations, my two stations were Boho & Garden. Tomorrow I will showcase Madison from the Boho setup, today is the Garden girl, Melissa.

To the amazing Melissa, thank you so much for being so awesome! I had the greatest time working with you! I am sure it is a little awkward to have so many cameras pointed at you like the paparazzi, but you rocked it like a pro! I hope you love your pictures and that the remainder of your senior year is amazing! :) Much love!!

Morgan | Portland Senior Portrait Photography

Holli True — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:59:27 +0000

I know it’s late in the day, but I figure better late than never, right? It’s been one of those crazy days where you feel like time is literally flying by. As I sit here, getting ready to leave my desk to make dinner, I am scratching my head, wondering where my day went? I guess I could take it even further and ask where the past 4 weeks have gone. Yesterday it seems like it was April, yet, here we are, smack dab in the middle of May. If I didn’t know better, I would say I’ve fallen victim to a time-warp! ;)

I am eager to finally get these images of Morgan up on the blog! Morgan was one of our fabulous high school models for my Be Inspired Workshop that took place in Portland this Spring. On one of the wildest weather days I have ever seen in Oregon, it chose to rain, hail, sleet & snow the afternoon of our shoot- you know, perfect photography weather. :P Our poor models were freezing! But never once did any of them complain- as you can see from the images, they powered through and rocked it for us! Morgan, I cannot thank you enough for braving the cold and joining us for our workshop shoot! You are so sweet and I had the best time with you! I hope to work with you again in the future!! Much love!

Summer Session Promo | Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer

Holli True — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:06:06 +0000

Girls of 2013: We have the senior portrait promo just for you! Schedule your senior shoot for June, July or August from now until June 30th, 2012 and save $100 off your session! Sessions are filling in- book yours before it’s too late! Take advantage of the gorgeous weather & sun-kissed skin! :) For more details on how to schedule your fabulous shoot, please contact us using the “Contact” button in the menu bar above or visit our website! Thank you!

Be Inspired: Senior Portrait Workshop Day 2 | Fargo, ND

Holli True — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:48:40 +0000

Happy Monday! I hope you all had an amazing Mother’s Day and were able to spend it with your loved ones! :) We were unplugged most of this past weekend, spending time outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and simply being together. It was so relaxing and absolutely perfect!

This post is going to be short on words, but loaded with tons of eye candy! :) Last week I recapped the workshop I recently did in Fargo, ND {read about it here} and featured a handful of my favorites pics, as well as showcased attendee images. This post is going to give a window into Day Two of the Be Inspired Workshop. On the second day we worked with three incredible high school girls, Kenzie, Annalise & Harlee- who were three of the sweetest girls ever! I may or may not have considered packing them up in my suitcases so I could bring them back to Oregon with me… ;)

Kenzie, Annalise & Harlee: I cannot thank you enough for spending your Sunday afternoon with us! You girls were so amazing to work with and I hope you LOVE all of the images we were able to capture of you three. I hope our paths cross again one day!! Much love!!

Here are just a few of the images I took, be on the look out for full features soon!

Below are some of the images that the attendees captured.

Be Inspired: Senior Portrait Workshop | Fargo, North Dakota

Holli True — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:34:13 +0000

I can’t believe it has already been a week since I boarded my flight to Fargo, NorthDakota for a Be Inspired Senior Portrait Workshop. It seems impossible, as it was such a whirlwind! Lindsay Kaye, the amazing hostess of this workshop, greeted me at the airport- from the moment my feet touched ground- we were on the go! :) After a little location scouting and meeting with the makeup artist, we joined a handful of the attendees at Rhombus Guys for some pizza, conversation and lots of laughter!

The next morning I was greeted by 18 smiling faces. It was amazing. :) As I talked about my journey with photography, what brought me to it, what kept me with it and shared my dreams of where I want to go with it- they listened, they shared their stories and several admitted to me that they had stopped dreaming. But on that day, they decided to start dreaming again. Hearing them tell me that brought tears to my eyes and made me want to cry with joy! It was pure awesome! :)

The second day I was greeted by 18 inspired (and exhausted) faces. Haha! It was clear that their brains had been sent into overdrive with ideas and hopes and dreams. I shared my post-processing methods- which is really quite simple, our pricing structure, session process, social media outlets and so much more. The excitement was palpable as they asked countless questions about the products we offer, how our rep program is structured, how we market to teen girls, etc. Seeing them excited about their business was the biggest reward and I cannot wait to see what amazing things they come up with!

We ended both days with photo shoots with a total of 7 beautiful high school girls who absolutely rocked it for our camera! :) The attendees broke up into groups and each took their turn working with all of the girls, asking them to pose and move- all while engaging with them and getting them to giggle. I had the opportunity to wander from group to group and offer up little suggestions and posing tricks, then step back and watch each of them connect with the girls- it was so amazing to see confidence levels and enthusiasm change over the course of the two days. (Which is one of the main reasons we do 2 photo shoots.)

All in all, I cannot express how truly awesome the Be Inspired Fargo Workshop was for me. Not only did I get to travel to a new place, I also made 18 new friends. :) To the attendees- I cannot thank you enough for taking the time out of your busy lives to join me in Fargo. You are each so incredibly talented and I just know that so many amazing things are in store for all of you- I can’t wait to see them all take shape. I hope that you each loved the experience as much as I did and that you were truly inspired. Also, I hope you can find ways to use the new words in your vocabulary- Dude! That would be totally sweet! ;) And to Lindsay & Patrick- I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality, your blood, sweat & tears in helping make this event possible and for believing and trusting in me enough to ask me to come out to ND for this workshop. You two are the best! Much love!!

Here is a small taste of some of the awesomeness that went down on Day One during our photo shoot. Special thanks to our high school models for the day: Anna, Kenzi, Hannah & Kailey- you girls are incredible!! It was such a pleasure to work with each of you! Thank you!! Also- special thank to Emily Newcomb, the amazing Makeup Artist who rocked all of the looks for our models during this workshop! Thank you so, so much Emily!!

Here are some of the images that the attendees captured: (Be on the lookout for images from Day Two!)

Taylor | Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer

Holli True — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:30:01 +0000

It seems like just yesterday I was preparing to fly across the country for the Seniorologie Workshop in Atlanta, GA. But it has been almost two weeks ago now, which hardly seems possible! Where has the time gone?? And now, here I am, preparing to board another flight to North Dakota for a Be Inspired Workshop taking place this weekend! Needless to say, it’s been a bit chaotic here, as I am hardly the jet-setting type. Living out of suitcases and memorizing flight numbers and building check-lists for my check-lists is hardly familiar for me. Haha! But, I’m managing to keep my sanity. At least, I’m trying.

A few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to do a 1-on-1 Essentials Workshop with a photographer by the name of Dani Mouser of Dani Photography. I absolutely love teaching and workshops are one of my favorite things to do, when it comes to sharing & demonstration. :) Dani is an amazing photographer, we spent the day getting to know each other and talking through obstacles, giving feedback and offering ideas. :) Dani- I can’t thank you enough for making the trip down to Eugene for the workshop- I hope you loved every minute of it! I am so excited for all of the amazing things in your future- I know it’s going to be awesome!!

All in all, it was such a great day and I had the best time hanging with her, talking shop and photographing two beautiful senior girls. One of the senior girls we worked with that day is no stranger to my blog, Taylor. :) Taylor is one of my 2012 Senior Reps- any opportunity I have to work with her- I seize it! I can’t say too much quite yet, but I will say that we have another project lined up with Taylor that is sure to please! I can’t wait to divulge more about that soon! Taylor- it is always a pleasure to work with you! You are such an amazing girl and I absolutely love you! Thank you so much taking the time to hang with us for this shoot! I hope you love your pictures!! Much love!

East Coast Bound! | Seniorologie Tour 2012

Holli True — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:09:49 +0000

As you are reading this, I am most likely boarding a flight that will take me clear across the US to Atlanta. This is my very first trip to the East Coast, before today, the furthest East I had ever been is Albuquerque, New Mexico- obviously that isn’t very East. Haha! While I have been to several states on my side of America, where I am headed is uncharted territory for me. The kicker is, I am flying solo. No hubby or kiddos. Eek, right? Right. Needless to say, I am a little apprehensive and feeling completely out of my element. However, my amazing hubby loaded my laptop with Bella & Edward, so I will be happily pre-occupied. ;)

Aside from the traveling nerves, I am absolutely THRILLED for what is taking me to Georgia, the Seniorologie Tour! YAY! For several months now I have been eagerly awaiting this incredible workshop, where Leslie Kerrigan of Seniorologie, Amanda Holloway, Lisa Carpenter, Courtney DeLaura and Myself will be speaking and instructing. I am so amazed by how awesome this event is going to be- Leslie has truly gone all-out and go any of you coming out to Atlanta this weekend- you are in for a real treat!! Be ready for a full recap, as well as plenty of eye candy here on the blog next week! :)

Want to get in on the Seniorologie Tour? We are going to be in California this summer! The lineup of speakers is a little different due to schedules, at the OC stop you can expect to see Leslie Kerrigan, Courtney DeLaura, Michelle Moore & Myself! Registration is now open and seats are filling in- don’t miss your opportunity to dive into 2 full days of learning, sharing, growing & shooting! Click here for more info. I hope to see you there!

Rachel | Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer

Holli True — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:39:45 +0000

I am so excited about what the next five days will bring! Tomorrow I will be on my merry little way to Atlanta, GA. for the Seniorologie Tour. Of course, before I can leave town, my To Do List is a good ten miles long today and the likelihood that I will get to everything I’d like to accomplish is pretty slim. But that’s how it usually goes, right? At least for me, anyway. ;)

Before heading out of the office for five days, I had to get Rachel’s pictures from our recent Be Inspired Workshop up on the blog! (FYI: We’ll be back in Portland this May for another Workshop!) Rachel was one of our gorgeous high school senior models who came out and braved the elements for the shoot. We’re talking rain, hail, snow… You know, typical Spring in Oregon. Haha! Our backdrop for Day Two’s photo shoot was the gorgeous Pearl District in downtown Portland- one of my favorite places to shoot!

Rachel, I can’t thank you enough for being such a fabulous model for us, for enduring the cold and suffering through the hooting and hollering from the apartment full of boys! You were so much fun to work with and absolutely sweet and adorable to your core! I hope you had fun shooting with the Paparazzi and that you love your pictures! :) Much love!

Rachael | Oregon Senior Portrait Photographer

Holli True — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:05:52 +0000

In a post last week, I talked a little bit about the two day Be Inspired Workshop we hosted in Portland, Oregon. It was about this time last year that we were gearing up to host our very first workshop, it was a scary, exciting, emotional time for me. It’s funny because, even though we have now hosted several workshops, I still get the same scary, exciting, emotional butterflies fluttering in my tummy right before we dive into another workshop. :)

We are so excited to be taking our Be Inspired Senior Portrait Workshop back to Portland for a third time next month. We will be there May 19th & 20th for two days of intensive learning, sharing & creating. If you are looking to move into the world of high school senior photography, if you are in need of some inspiration, or if you simply want a portfolio boost- this workshop is for you! There will be 2 photo shoots with fabulous senior girls where we will focus heavily on posing, lighting & interaction. We will also spend a lot of time talking about business, specializing, inspiration, social media and so much more. We would love for you to come hang with us next month!

Here are some of the images of Rachael, one of our gorgeous models from our Day One photo shoot from our last workshop! :) Rachael, thank you so much for traveling up to Portland to be a part of the shoot! It is always so awesome to work with you and this was no exception! (You might recognize Rachael, as she is one of my 2012 Senior Reps.) You absolutely nailed this shoot- I hope you had fun! I am so excited for what the future holds for you- I know it will be amazing! Much love!

Photoshop Actions Before & After | Kubota Imaging Tools

Holli True — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:43:37 +0000

We have received several emails from photographers inquiring about our post-processing, curious if we outsource and what Photoshop Actions we use. Because of this, I decided it was the perfect time to do a Before & After post and divulge our editing process.

We outsource all of our RAW editing to our personal editor. She currently isn’t accepting new clients, so to keep her from being bombarded with inquiries, I’ve decided not to list her name. While I wish I could sing her praises to all of you, I will simply say that she has literally given me my life back. Not only is she an amazing editor, she is crazy fast and all around pure awesome! :) My editor converts my RAW files to JPEG’s and I take them into Photoshop for a final edit. I am a self-proclaimed Action Junkie and I have a ton of different sets. One of my absolute favorites is definitely Kubota Imaging Tools! Now, if you aren’t familiar with Kevin Kubota’s amazing actions, take my word for it, they are incredible! There are countless variations of recipes you can create, ensuring your edits remain as original and stylish as your photography! The timing of this post couldn’t be better- right now Kubota Imagine Tools is having a killer sale on their actions- don’t miss it!! (Just click the link below!)

Kubota Imaging Tools is one of our fabulous sponsors for our Be Inspired Workshops and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it! (On a side-note, we have received several emails about upcoming workshops in 2012 and are thrilled to let you know that we do have more workshops in the works!) Want to be the first to know? Be sure to sign-up for our Young & Free Newsletter! Now, onto the Actions!

I chose images from three upcoming blog posts: Taylor, Rachael & Rachel. All three girls are high school seniors, two of which are on my Senior Rep Team! They pulled double-duty this month and took time out of their busy lives to be models for my workshops! :) Be on the look-out for their features very soon! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these teasers! Each image took me about 1-3 minutes to edit. I spend as little time as possible editing, my editing esthetic is simple and clean. Under each image I have included my recipe, feel free to use them! Happy editing!

Kiyoko Punch: 30%
VintageTen: 7%
Magic Sharp: 50%

Fashion Passion: 11%
Magic Sharp: 50%

KevX-Process Combo: 17%
Bleachy Peachy Warm: 9%
Magic Sharp: 50%

Pow Wow: 100%
Warm Wishes: 20%
Magic Sharp: 50%

Kiyoko Punch: 22%
Bleachy Peachy Warm: 17%
Magic Sharp: 50%

Mini Epic: 100%
Lord of the Rings Everyday: 28%
Magic Sharp: 50%

Jewels: 28%
Magic Sharp: 50%

Popsickle: 53%

Punch Lite: 45%
Kiyoko Punch: 26%
Magic Sharp: 50%