Jessica + Ben | Wedding in Black Butte, Oregon

I knew as soon as I met Jessica and Ben that I would love being their wedding photographer. With Jessica's easy laugh and Ben's sweet spirit, I was looking forward to photographing their big day. The day was beautiful, the guests were merry and the couple was resplendent in their wedding finery! And the cake! Don't get me started on how good the cake was. Wow! 

Sophie + Colin | Small Wedding at Pioneer Park

Sophie and Colin were having a small wedding and only needed a photographer for a couple of hours. It was a darling ceremony and the fastest vows I've ever seen! 

Jessica + Ben at Hollinshead Barn | Engagement Photography Bend Oregon

As soon as a spoke with Jessica and Ben over Facetime, I knew I would love them. Their easy laughter and adventurous spirit was immediately charming. I got to meet them recently when they flew to Bend for their engagement session. Ben said he was nervous about having his photos taken. He was worried he wouldn't know what to do. I assured him that with my Moment Design Technique, he'd actually just have fun and most likely not be overly aware of the fact he was in a photo session. I think it worked. See for yourselves. :)

From Jessica and Ben: "These photos are PHENOMENAL. They look fantastic. I've been getting into the swing of this wedding stuff and seeing these pictures has me so excited!"

Opportunity Knocks | Event Photography Bend Oregon

People gather to network and there I am. The woman with the camera getting them to pause for just a moment from their conversations to give me a smile. Perhaps give me a tiny moment of their story. Then, when I've snapped a photo or two, they turn their heads and keep on talking. Many networking events feel very similar, but each is a new opportunity to find a new way to capture the evening. 

Professional Head Shots | Portrait Photographer in Bend, Oregon

I love the psychology behind doing a head shot for someone. I love when people come to me saying they are not photogenic, then they end up loving their head shot. I believe everyone is photogenic. They just need to be given the opportunity to reveal their true selves. Here are a few head shots I took recently for Jones & Roth Accounting and for Columbia Bank. 

Women's March in Bend, Oregon | Personal Work

So, things have gotten a little political lately in the U.S. One thing I really love photographing is the interaction of people in large groups and political marches are a great place to do this. No matter what your political persuasion might be, photographing people is endlessly interesting! 

(click on image below to rotate through the slideshow)

TechSoft 3D | Corporate Event Photography in Bend, Oregon

I was hired to photograph this fun winter party for a fantastic local company with branches in Japan, France and England. Most of the international employees had flown in during a huge snow storm in Bend to have a week of skiing, camaraderie and fun. The culmination was this party at Hollinshead Barn where employees were treated to a night of games and reverie. I had a blast with this really fun group of people -- and even got to use some of my French! Did I mention it was a dress up party? (click on image for larger view)

How did they like their images: 
"Absolutely PERFECT!  Marisa photographed a company anniversary celebration for us and each photo was awesome!  She mingled with our guests, made everyone feel comfortable and caught tons of great candid shots.  Everyone in the company was thrilled with all the photos.  We will definitely ask Marisa to photograph for us again!"  - Dave W.

Gompf Family Session in Two Feet of Snow! | Family Photography Bend, Oregon

This morning was a winter wonderland in South County Central Oregon. Along the Deschutes River, several miles south of Sunriver, the Gompf's have a nice corner of the woods they call home. I had so much fun with these three sisters and the family that surrounds them. Here are a few of my favorites...

Arathoon Family Session | Family Photography Bend, Oregon

I love spending time with families because I get to see how they are connected. What makes them laugh. And especially with Abby and Zoe, how silly they can get! We had some special silly time with these two that got everybody laughing! There were even some surprise guests (see below)! Here are some moments I enjoyed photographing. 

Alex, Class of 2017 | Senior Portraits Bend, Oregon

Alex is a pretty amazing young lady. She is super smart, artistic, athletic and can manage to get my two kids to go to sleep when she babysits. I'm not sure which impresses me most! Here are a few of my favorite moments from Alex's senior portrait session in the field just above Shevlin Park. 

Briana + Robert | A wedding at Brasada Ranch

I love photographing small, sweet ceremonies! Robert and Briana had gorgeous fall weather for their wedding at Brasada Ranch. Rich oranges, blue skies and golden sun. Perfect!
(click on image for larger view) 

Angie + Alex | A wedding on the Metolius River

Angie and Alex chose to have their wedding in a place that meant a lot to Angie. Her family has been coming to a little cabin along the shores of the gorgeous Metolius River for years. Their rustic cabin has seen many family milestones -- now including a very special wedding.
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Jessica + David | A Wedding at Ranch at the Canyons

What a sublime venue for a wedding. Did I blink or was a transported to Tuscany? Jessica and David's big day was my favorite wedding of my career. It was a scorching hot day in Central Oregon, but the sweeping views, the wonderful people and the all-girl creative team (including Tambi Lane, my second photographer) ensure the day would be nothing other than splendid. 

It was a pure joy to be the storyteller for Jessica and David's wedding. I'm looking forward to staying connected with them and seeing how their lives together unfold. Thank you for including me, you two! 

What they said: 
Marisa was the most AMAZING person to work with! She was very accomodating as we live in Portland and were traveling over to Bend a few times before the wedding, making sure that we got our engagement photos on the right day, in the right place, with weather and lighting in mind. She is exceptionally personable and made us feel very comfortable when having our picture taken is not natural. Marisa met us at the venue the day before to scope out the perfect spots to have our pictures taken. And the day of... she was extemely professional, put everyone at ease throughout the day and got some of the most incredible shots!! Her end products are UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Jessica + David | An engagement session at Smith Rock State Park

I could tell as soon as I met these two that I was going to really enjoy spending time with them. Their romance began as many do -- creating a medical disaster plan for Ebola! ;) I love their playfulness and dedication to fun! I can't wait for their wedding this summer. 

Angie + Alex | A spring engagement session at a private garden

It was the perfect spring day to spend some time with Angie and Alex in the gorgeous private garden of one of their family friends. Alex was a little apprehensive about doing the session, but the playful Moment Design goodness helped him just be himself and have fun. 

A return to France | Personal Moments

After 10 years, getting married, having two babies, I finally got the chance to go back to France to visit my family -- alone! It was amazing to set off on my own again and be in explorer mode! I will be forever grateful to my husband for taking care of the home front while I took some time to recharge. 

Below is a jumble of images that I love for different reasons from my trip. Some are taken with my Canon 6d and some are just snapped with my iPhone. They are mostly of several days spent in the Alps in a 200 year old farm house perched on the side …

Below is a jumble of images that I love for different reasons from my trip. Some are taken with my Canon 6d and some are just snapped with my iPhone. They are mostly of several days spent in the Alps in a 200 year old farm house perched on the side of the mountain. This chalet was aptly named le Perchoir, "the perch". We celebrated my twin cousins' 40th birthday party with about 60 of their closest friends and family. Such a special place! 

(Click on image for larger view)

The Schultz Family | Family Photography in Sunriver Oregon

Five kids! Four boys and a girl. I had a blast photographing this adorable family! I love taking special moments with each child to do a portrait, then having a quick moment with mom and dad to create a quite minute for them to connect and be close. This is when Moment Design is really at it's best!