NEW YEAR'S EVE WEDDING A Destination Wedding Valley River Inn

Julian and Sarah's Engagement pictures! Their vintage wedding (private) will be Valley River Inn with Satin Love Lace playing on the ground floor. I'll post some more when it's not so late at night. All these photos were taken in Eugene and shot in B&W then toned. Their very cute dog is going to be the ring bearer for their wedding ceremony. There will be pictures posted here.

Bridal Portrait or Glamor Portrait Alex Rocks

We photographers always want someone unique to show up when we photograph and here came Alex. Beautiful clothing designer who actually creates her own line of clothing. We are all waiting for it to be named and when it is I'll be posting it right here. I love her turban and her Dubai Middle Eastern look that compliments her gorgeous wedding dress.

How to shoot in a BIG ROOM! Got time?

Toronto Maple Leafs Photo Shoot from Finn O'Hara on Vimeo.

How many hours did it take Fin O'hara assistants to set up this shoot? Just in the case you don't get to the end of this video think 18 hours

How do you Make the Right Choice When Faced with Decisions

IN these times of economic difficulties, it is period that we can take a breather and remember what our dreams were in the first place. Worrying doesn't seem to make anything different. I know that people (TV) has been telling us for a long time that we NEED lots of material things in our lives and we have mostly all bought into it. So our workdays have become longer because we have to pay for all the stuff they've convinced us that we need. But now thanks to extra time off we can get the clutter out of our head.

What is important? What's the matter with driving and older car or learning to buy differently?

In January I have 3 options that are open to me in my photography career. It's exciting but scary. Scary because I want it to be blessed by God and all 3 things seem equally "right" to do. I haven't felt that I should do one over another yet. So I'm looking at the past and realizing that whenever God gives me something to do I never know it until the last 5 minutes. I am trying to keep the peace and clarity in my heart and not over think everything.
I wish I could do all three but it would be impossible.



Look at the bottom Left of this blog There is a very nice music video and there is a stats which shows people from all over the world who visit. You can copy and paste that right onto your own blog and enjoy.




Weddings are on this link
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Keeping Your Wedding Dreams -

Wedding Website link


When you decide to marry remember your dream. It's easy to get pressured to do things that are not part of your dream. As long as you aren't hurting someone plan and save for what you really want. Whether you have dreamed of a fantasy destination wedding or a quaint wedding in your backyard stick to your planning. It can be easy to feel pressured to downsize your wedding or upsize it. It's a memory in the making so do it your way and stick with the things that are important to you. Bride, Dream on!
Eugene Wedding Photographer
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

God Knows When I don't

Now I have 4 sites and am thinking I'm in over my head. It might be time to downsize. I don't even visit facebook anymore as I'm so busy with blogs. There seem to be 2 things that have the opposite affect on me. 1. Is whenever I try to "diet" I gain a few pounds. 2. Whenever I attempt to make life more simple, I create more complications.
Every time I finally become satisfied with my website,http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net I see some really awesome design above and beyond my knowledge to create and I think, "I'll never get off the computer". I really enjoy meeting real people in person. I love being in my real life.

Spending more time alone with God is the only way that I ever get real peace in my heart and yet I deny that wonderful time with scurrying to and fro with all these "things".
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

NEW Boudoir Photography over there.....

http://oolalaboudoir.wordpress.com/
Finally I have a simple blog up with Boudoir photography that we've been shooting.
The idea began with offering bridal boudoir -it's a great way to give a surprise to someone you love!

It's a fun fun session with lots of creative ideas flowing and the images are killers!!!
I'll be adding more photos to the blog and talking about the sessions.
These boudoir or haute glamor sessions are for women of all sizes and shapes.
WE are all beautiful and I love bring your beauty to the forefront.
Please stop by my new blog and leave me a comment so we can interact!
Sherrlyn
http://oolalaboudoir.wordpress.com/

http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

He said . . .

She said, "me too"...

We practice Green wedding photography


WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY? CLICK this line now

Marine's Girl, Boudoir Photo Session for Him

Boudoir Photo Session with Holly
She waits because she loves...
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Hail all Grooms!

Siesta for groom in the heat of the afternoon during a sizzling destination wedding in the Caribbean
Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography website

Barefoot Wedding in the Caribbean

http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net
Sherrlyn@gmail.com


Saying "I do" in an elegant barefoot wedding for Jennifer & Jason was a dream come true! It all went so perfect although the sun disappeared quickly wonderful friends and family made for a great background to their beach wedding.
It took me 3 lights to get this picture just right but well worth the effort!
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net


http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Caribbean Wedding the Way to the Altar

A beautiful Caribbean Wedding begins with the sweetest flower girls carrying petals in Conch shells. The shells will be used again by future brides(another way to practice Green Wedding ethics!) Next come the bridesmaids. More of Jennifer's Caribbean Wedding tomorrow and how to make green weddings work.
God bless everyone until another day.If you are planning a destination wedding and need some advice feel free to contact me for advice! Destination Weddings are not much difference in price than weddings at home and I'll tell you why.

More Wedding Pictures http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Why a Wedding in San Miguel de Allende? Here's 6 Good Reasons

Photography Sherrlyn Borkgren http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net
Why should you consider a wedding in San Migule de Allende? Here are a few good reasons to go to San Miguele de Allende:
Best airfare prices ever this winter!
No reason to get stuck at a mechanical resort when you can dive into the culture of Mexico and add some uniqueness and color to your wedding day. Here's some reasons:
1. San Miguel de Allende's colonial architecture
2. Cobblestone Streets and the evening music in the square
3. Mexican food --- like "real" Mexican chocolate or atol served on street corners!
4. Bargain shopping on arts such as beautiful weavings, ceramics, masks, and paintings
5. Perfect year round weather (even golf at the Malaquin)
6. I am offering great wedding photography deals throughout Mexico,Guatemala,Belize and Costa Rica. I limit how many weddings I shoot so give me a hoot.

Mexico's Best Destination Wedding Spots

Alex's gorgeous eye make-up by Christian Dior artist, Darlene Hull. Alex is fun, romantic,spontaneous and daring. When it is time to play up to the camera Alex melts into the mood.

It's getting cold out there and the sizzling sands of Mexico are all so inviting. Here are some best destination wedding sites as agreed upon by www.destinationweddings and I.( a great site to visit if you are considering a destination wedding.

(I've added a few of my favs wedding destinations too) of the best places in Mexico to say "I do"

*Sayulito,Mexico(near Puerto Vallarta) * Maroma Beach, Playa del Carmen
* Chacala Beach near Puerto Vallarta * Bahias de Huatulco, Oaxaca
* Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas * Mayakoba Beach, Riviera Maya
* North Beach, Isla Mujeres * Loreto, Baja;
* Four Seasons, Punta Mita * El Careyes Beach, Careyes.
*Tulum (near Isla de Mujeres) and one of my favorite places--San Migule de Allende
If you are even more adventuresome consider Guatemala. More on this next time.

http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Bridal Photography

A beautiful Bridal Shoot with Alex Bryson

http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Behind the Lens

I am very honored to be one of the women featured in Tess Gallun's project

BEHIND THE LENS OF CONTEMPORARY COMBAT:
WAR As Experienced By Women Photojournalists
by
Tess Gallun
here is an excerpt from Behind the Lens

"The women that I interviewed are: Lynsey Addario, Samantha Appleton,
Sherrlyn Borkgren, Deborah Copaken Kogan, Ruth Fremson, Pauline Lubens, and Ami
Vitale.
By going behind the scenes of combat photography and looking at the realities,
trauma, and ethics of war through the eyes of these women, I analyze how female
photojournalists feel that their gender and increased presence in the field are affecting
their efforts on the front lines. In particular, I examine how concern for others plays out
for these women, illustrating that there are caring voices that need to be recognized,
valued, and heard."

Disclaimer: I made this blog to talk about things that matter to me. Whether it be destination weddings or the front lines, it's all about being holistic in world views and balanced in life.

http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Before you buy a bigger Megapixel Camera consider this

Buying a camera with more Mega pixels does not mean higher quality imagines. If the sensor is not larger for all those mega pixels the camera has to create more noise to compensate.(fuzzier pictures)

If a company just keeps stuffing more megapixels on the same sensor overloading that sensor you actually will end up with less quality instead of more. If you are beginning to look around for Christmas photography deals, make sure you don't fall for the more is better ads.
Unless you plan on making billboard sized images you don't really need all them pixels anyway. Before you buy consider the size of pictures you will be printing and buy accordingly. There are cameras with "bigger" sized pixels but that is just getting too technical for here. If you want more infor be sure and do your google homework before buying something that will give you less for your money.
OH and save yourself the headache of filling up your scratch discs with humongous images that you will never use. Remember, keep it simple.This picture photographed on a Canon 30D with one light and natural light. Alex Byrson model, photography Sherrlyn Borkgren http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Soon I will Dissolve the bubbles on this blog

I'm stuck with bubbles at the moment but soon they will pop.

Middle East Camel Race

"We love our camels" says one Oman owner. But he never gets his hands dirty. Camels are the one animal which is pampered in the Middle East.This camel did well in a race and is given bottled water by one of the workers before it rides home to rest.

When I saw this light on Joel & Krista

I couldn't believe it when I saw this beautiful light shining on Joel & Krista at their wedding. I could see that they were being so blessed as well as was everyone attending. During their wedding everyone joined in singing several songs with them. These two have prepared to focus their lives on God and giving to people. They will certainly celebrate a beautiful life together. They are running off to Disney World to celebrate their wedding and the beginning.
Umm it looks like I always lose a little contrast when transferring to the blog. This picture was taken with one light next to my camera as a fill light on their faces. The main light filtered in through windows.

Donation Weddings on the Rise

Couples getting married today want to do something different, many want to "give" or have a green wedding as a way to look outward from themselves. Donation weddings are the newest thing. The couple ask guests to donate to a cause rather than filling their already overstuffed cupboards with appliances.
There are groups like animal shelters, reading for children and more. There's no better way to begin a life together than giving.

Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Can't Get Enough of Your Love

Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Alex Veiled in Elegance

copyright@SherrlynBorkgren Photography not for public domain. (Photo tracking on)
I am always trying to unite my two worlds. The one where I spend in places such as the Congo where my children friends sleep on lava rock for beds, awake to soldiers with guns hovering over them and are blessed by the crumbs falling their way by the rest of the world. In contrast I witness the luxury of love, laughter and passion. My helplessness restored by gestures of the love, the bride & groom fumbling for the words to say "I love you", the glorious moments of destination weddings, elegant brides,and those who enjoy the luxurious passion of life. Each world pulls me to it. I struggle to let go of the one I leave to enter the other. Always.
I grabbed this quote from poet, William Henry Channing off the blog of talented artist Angela Recada,

"To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich;
to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages,
with open heart;
to study hard;
to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently,
await occasions, hurry never;
in a word,
to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common
--this is my symphony.
~ William Henry Channing, 1810 - 1884

Destination Photojournalism
Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography

http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

What do Bride's Say After a Wedding

“Bride’s Magazine” survey

“Now that your wedding is history, what would you change if you had it to do over?” The number one answer was, “I’d get a better wedding photographer!”

Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

7 Ways to Say I Love You

How do you say I love you in a special way?
Arabic-Ana behibak (to male)
Arabic - Ana behibek (to female)
Farsi-Tara dost,
Japanese-Kimi a ai,
Spanish-te amo,
Turkish-Seni seniya,
French- Je t'aime,
but just in case you want to say I like you instead of I love you in French try,je t'aime bien and for Gail my beautiful Armenian friend in Oman, here it is in Armenian- Yes kez sirumem

The Middle East & Malcom Burr

I have been spending a lot of time in planes this last week. While the lengthy sitting and sleeping gets pretty boring, I tend to get to sit next to the coolest people. God always has a hand in this venture I am most sure of it. I sat next to Col. Malcolm Burr II on the Middle East flight from Germany. He was on his way back to Iraq. We enjoyed a most enlightening conversation. One thing I know God always has a hand in who is in that other seat. I've learned to just accept whatever sit the airlines put me in and have found I have the most adventurous encounters this way!

Happy & Maquette's Steampunk Green Wedding

By Popular Request Sun River Wedding is on http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Please go to my website to see Gerrie and Kevin's Sun River wedding! Jeremy was a great assistant at this wedding--our second wedding where he assisted! http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net (Sun River wedding)

Middle East Shopping day

It's only 110 F out but seems to be 130 F because of the humidity. Relief is found in a shopping mall during Ramadam!


http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

David Marash and Amy Marash after Hope's wedding

David Marash of ABC Nightline and later Al Jezzera with his lovely wife Amy Marash of Marash T.V. lounging on a NY city street.

My interview with CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/08/11/congo.rape/index.html#cnnSTCText
You can read about the Congo and the resource war at this link. CNN interviewed me about my work in the Congo and the story I told about nine-year-old Belice who was raped by soldiers. More Pictures on my website where I've posted some pictures from my trip to the Congo. http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

A Touch of Fire at the Wedding

A brilliant fire dance performance during the wedding reception
Photography Sherrlyn Borkgren
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

A Story from Iraq

Check out the story here
http://www.digitaljournalist.org/issue0409/dis_borkgren.html

I'm putting up this picture for 2 reasons. 1. I'm considering going back to the M.E. for awhile and two I have received a bunch of emails asking me about this picture that I took while in Iraq. I was on patrol with the 1st Cav unit when they pulled over to help some brothers dismantle an IED. It was actually a trap and at this moment the humvee was hit by a mortar. I was trying to not shake while I shot but as you see I was shaking. I had left my flac jacket and helmet inside because I thought it was safe. Never assume such silly things when on assignment. The gunner got hit but survived. I shot this picture as rocks and shrapnel was falling all around me. Then I too threw myself on the ground to protect my eyes and head. If you look closely you can see one of the guys leaning next to the humvee trying to avoid the shrapnel flying everywhere.

Destination Wedding Photography and Engagement photography a must to visit: http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net

Facebook -Artists Photographers Writers Protect Your Works

Artists, photographers, creators, writers Facebook has agreed to let 3rd party advertisers use your art, words and pictures without your permission. You can protect your work by doing the following.
1. ON facebook -Click on SETTINGS up at the top where you see the log out link.
2. Select PRIVACY.
3. select NEWS FEEDS AND WALL.
4.Next select the tab that reads FACE BOOK ADS. There is a drop down box, way at the bottom.
5. select NO ONE. Then SAVE your changes.

Pass the word onward

Thanks to Bethany and Huy

A Little Surprise for Happy & His Dad

What a handsome groom and happy father of Happy! Do you know why they are laughing?
Ask Happy!

Behind the Scenes at the Wedding

Getting ready for the wedding was lots of fun for everyone.

Maquette has a sense of patience and humor even though her wedding at Laurelhaurst Park in Portland is just hours away.
ahhh mom's smile is unforgettable- what is she thinking as her beautiful daughter (Michel) Maquette fixes some last minute details.

the interesting tatoo of a bellydancer at Maquette and Happy's wedding reception in Portland.

Bride's Mother & Aunt React

The beauty of Maquette sauntering down the aisle holding her father's arm drew wide-eyed looks from all the guests including her own mother and aunt.

Maquette looked stunning in her beautiful hand stitched wedding gown.The first glance of Maquette on her father's arm walking up the aisle brought an "ahhh" from everyone. One can only imagine what her soon to be husband "Happy" might have been thinking!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs Maquette & Happy!

the party of life has begun anew ...

Wild Stunning Beautiful and Romantic Marquette & Happy are married! Congratulations!
Here's a Peek Preview of the Original...Steampunk Wedding of the happiest 4th of July couple.






Photography by Sherrlyn Borkgren
http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net
Photography Guest book pre-sign up for deals at www.Pictage.com/679351



ABSOLUTELY... a couple made for each other- a wedding only the brave could dream of pulling off. It was The 4th of July wedding in Oregon. Here is just a wee sample of the wedding pictures during the ceremony of Maquette & Happy. Enjoy.










Maquette's wedding dress is all handmade. A satin black and white Victorian style wedding dress with a bustle which can be removed.



















Look at the blings on Happy's vest!
















A beautiful wedding couple and a great portland wedding