​On June 3rd, downtown Portland burst into a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and cycling with the PDX Pride Ride. This fantastic event was a double celebration, honoring both Pride and World Bike Day, and it brought together a community eager to celebrate love, acceptance, and the joy of biking.

​The festivities began at Directors Park, where a sea of rainbow flags and colorful outfits set the tone for the day. Excitement filled the air as riders gathered, each adding their unique flair to the celebration. The anticipation was palpable as the crowd awaited the arrival of the Grand Marshal, the world-class drag queen, Poison Waters.
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Poison Waters, renowned for her charisma and dynamic performances, brought an extra dose of sparkle and energy to the event. Her presence as Grand Marshal was a testament to the event's commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion. With a megawatt smile and words of encouragement, Poison Waters led the way, setting the stage for an unforgettable ride.

The PDX Pride Ride was a beautiful blend of celebration, education, and community spirit. It highlighted the importance of inclusivity and acceptance while promoting a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. Participants left with not just memories of a wonderful day but also a deeper appreciation for Portland’s diverse and vibrant community.
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This event was a shining example of how a city can come together to celebrate both its history and its future, fostering a sense of pride and belonging for all. Here’s to many more rides, more celebrations, and more moments that remind us of the beauty of diversity and the power of community.

Ever wondered what it would be like to turn a concrete jungle into a green paradise? Enter Depave, the crusaders of urban re-greening, who've been flipping the script since 2008. With a mission that sounds like a superhero's call to action, Depave rolls up its sleeves to help disenfranchised communities break free from the concrete that binds them—literally. This isn't your average gardening club. Depave sees a future where cities aren't just expanses of asphalt and echoing traffic, but places where people and nature have RSVP'd 'yes' to the same party. Through their work, they're painting the town green, ensuring every square foot of reclaimed land lays down a challenge to social and environmental injustices. Their dream? Cities that breathe, flourish, and buzz with biodiversity; places where clean air isn't a luxury, and community gardens are the norm, not the exception. By weaving together justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into the urban fabric, Depave is crafting a narrative where sustainable living isn't a lofty goal, but an everyday reality. So, if you've ever wanted to see what happens when pavement gives way to paradise, Depave's vision is a masterclass in making the impossible, possible.

​https://www.depave.org/

The Hoyt Arboretum offers a beautiful backdrop with its diverse collection of trees and natural scenery. We Captured some truly stunning moments there. ​As a photographer, there are moments that transcend the ordinary, where the camera becomes a vessel for capturing the pure essence of love. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing an engagement session with two incredible women amidst the serene beauty of Hoyt Arboretum. What unfolded was not just a photoshoot, but a celebration of love, connection, and the awe-inspiring splendor of nature.

From the moment we stepped into the arboretum, it was evident that this session would be something special. The air was fresh, misty and just the tiny bit wet. We dodged the rain to catch a clear sky for the photos but the rain left the glossiest of backdrops for our Photos. Against this backdrop of natural wonder, H & K, this radiant couple, seemed to glow with an inner light that illuminated everything around them.

One of the joys of being a photographer is the opportunity to witness love in all its forms, and H & K's connection was nothing short of magical. With every glance, every touch, they spoke a language of devotion that transcended words. It was a privilege to capture these moments – tender embraces beneath the canopy of trees, stolen kisses amidst a sea of wildflowers, laughter that echoed through the forest like music.

In from out of town Meranda booked a session in the art gallery with me. Sadly it closed the month before Merandas visit. Luckily Portland is the prettiest city Ive ever seen so I picked her up at her hotel at took her on a mini tour of Downtown taking her portrait every chance I had! Thank you for being flexible and fun! Made for a great Portrait Session!