Kelly Point, Time Laspe Photography Project

Kelley Point City Park sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Including the Native American who called this area home first, these rivers have been major NW regional influences on settlement and trade for 10,000 years.

With walking paths, good beaches and some interesting mid-20th century maritime ruins Kelley Point is a beautiful park to explore. The ruins are mostly left behind by the Port of Portland and include things like old dock pilings and a lighthouse foundation. I felt like a little kid exploring the park and watching the huge ships sliding through the confluence.

Most of the ships are coming and going from the current Port of Portland (there are some very beautiful pictures on this site) just up river from the park. This slow and (mostly) quite display of international commerce inspired me to create a time-lapse photography project.

The following is seven hour time-lapse (scored with original music by me) from an afternoon sitting at the confluence at Kelley Point Park in Portland, Oregon. The end of the old pier in the video basically designates the point where the two currents join together. Enjoy!


Kelly Point Time Lapse from Aaron Schultz on Vimeo.

Montana Road Trip

Last week I took a road trip to Montana. Here are some highlights.

Road Trip Boredom

Catching Bugs

Oops!

Vouching for One's Character

Rock Creek Solitude

The sky was so impressed it created a rainbow.

Best View in the House

The Way to the Reception

A Portland Wedding

Last weekend I had the pleasure of working with Bryan Hoybook Photography. Bryan hired me as a second photographer for a wedding he was shooting.

As a documentary photographer I love being the second shooter at weddings because my basic responsibility is to roam around and document the event. People at big events are a fascinating subject because somebody is always doing something interesting. After a little while one gets synched up with the rhythm and vibe of the event, fading into the background, the only measure of time is the click of the shutter and the growing number on the shot counter.



Of course, Bryan and I plan out each part of the event, coordinating shots so we can get maximum coverage and don’t get in each others shot. As the lead photographer, Bryan has all the responsibility. His focus is to not only get the key shots - bride walking down the isle, the ring exchange, family portraits, etc - but also manage the customer service side by knowing when to step forward and take charge and when to fade into the background. 

Wedding portraits have never been my strong suit. It’s like herding cats with A.D.D. First, you have to get everybody to the same location. Then, pose them (line them, stack them up!) for the shot, making sure the composition is correct and all the hands, hair, jaw lines and background are flattering. Finally, you have to get them all to look at the camera with a genuine smile. Then, trade groups and repeat, again and again.

Bryan pulls this off with amazing grace, at once commanding attention (“right now I need everybody to pay attention to the photographer”), offering rewards (“the sooner we get photos done the sooner you can continue drinking”), and going with the flow (“oh, one of the groomsmen is an hour late, we’ll shoot the bridesmaids first then”).

During the day there are many things that impress me about Bryan, but the biggest is how he handles the portrait sessions. Bryan makes sure they are fun (warming up the crowd) and efficient (he only takes three shots per pose). With so much for the bridal party to do during a wedding, “fun and efficient” are key for all vendors. He’s been photographing weddings a long time and it shows. Bryan Hoybook is truly one of Portland’s best wedding photographers and it was great working with him.

After a 9 hour day (Bryan stayed for 12 hours) and 1100 shots, I head home, mind, body and soul exhausted but euphoric from a massive right brain workout...

Fly Fisherwoman

My friend Sasha on her wedding day.

She owns MAERA (Montana Awareness, Education and Rescue Association) a non-profit horse rescue, education and rehabilitation center. They specialize in two areas. First they rescue and rehabilitate horses. Second, MAERA provides educational opportunities through teaching primitive skills, adventure and therapeutic services to humans.

Sasha is pretty much an all around bad-ass and legend in the making. There's this one story about a blizzard and a wounded deer...

Montana - New York Photo Galleries

This one of a kind art book offers a unique perspective and artist interpretation of our American heritage.

To see the photo galleries from the book and order prints

To see a complete description of the book

Please order your copy of "Montana - New York; Perspective, Form, and Volume" today!

Jim Cooper Auction Services

Last week, during my trip to Montana I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot and building a website for Jim Cooper Auction Services. Jim is a certified auctioneer born and raised in Montana.

If you've ever heard a live auctioneer then you know how amazing it can sound. Jim is one of the best with two awards under his belt and hopefully a third on the way as he competes this week in the National Auctioneers Association Convention in Orland, Fl for the International Auctioneer Championship title.

Here's a few photos from our time together. Enjoy! And, check out his website!

Pregnency Photography

Last weekend I had the honor of photographing Jay and Mia.

Pregnancy photography isn't just about the baby, it's also about the love and connection shared between two people as they transition between chapters.

I hope these photos communicate the connection and anticipation between Jay, Mia and their new baby.