Photography by Serena Davidson

new wedding website

2009-05-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

thank you for your interest in my photography
this blog is no longer in use
please visit my current portraiture website http://www.serenadavidson.com/
or my new wedding photography website http://photographerpdx.com/

my resume

2008-06-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

A silly design-y site on the net allows you to put in any text and have it pop up as a piece of artfully laid out word wonder. Just click the title above 'my resume' to be swooped off to see what I created with my bio/resume.

Available at Burning Man 2008

2008-03-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

Exciting news just in: I am officially available to photograph your 2008 Burning Man Adventures.

Just email me the desired date, time, and your contact information including a few good times to catch you on the phone.

inquiry@serenadavidson.com

Wedding Photography Collections available from $3,600. Digital Coverage, Full Resolution Disc, Album, 4x6 Originals all included.

To view a collection of my wedding photography click the link in the right hand side bar titled: Wedding Portfolio Slideshow

Site Update: New Images

2007-06-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

click on the green lettered title to view the new images

NEW Photos at SerenaDavidson.com

2007-05-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I added some new images to the headshots and relationships galleries.

http://www.serenadavidson.com/

Enjoy! - Serena

Accepting Submissions for Collaboration with Graphic Designers

2007-05-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

I'm interested in hearing from professional Graphic Designers who are into working collaboratively. I have several ideas - but I want to hear your ideas also and work together to blend them into something better than we could have done individually.

Please send me an email including your info:

website/online portfolio
phone
email

I would also like to hear about what you are most interested in about this collaboritive opportunity.

My email: inquiry@serenadavidson.com

Casting Call: 3 month digital assistant internship with potential long term hire

2007-05-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

When I was still very green in the business I did a ton of volunteer work assisting photographers whose work I admired. Having learned more from those experiences than I could have with only formal schooling - I would like to offer the same opportunity to the right person. The person I'm looking for does not need to be an aspiring photographer. What they do need to be is someone who is serious about digital artwork and be an asset in the digital darkroom. There is a huge potential for the right person to be hired permanently by this fall.

Here is a quick description of what I'm looking for:

Intern with Digital Assistant skills who can commit to at least 8 hours a week for the next 3 months starting by June 1st.

No photography skills needed.

Must have:
your own Mac with CS2
cell phone
car

Skills:
batch processing
basic digital touch up (know how to eliminate blemishes, dark circles under eyes, wrinkles)

Personal Qualities:
always on time or early
reliable for commitments
communicate directly - even bluntly is good
always call as soon as able to if something comes up
always honest
no drugs
GLBT, and minorities encouraged to apply

If this fits you or someone you know - please send your email to: inquiry@serenadavidson.com

Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday May 22nd for those who qualify.

My Photos In Oregon Bride Magazine

2007-02-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

The most recent issue of Oregon Bride just hit the stores and they are featuring my photography! To get a teaser click on the green title words to head over to the magazine site. You'll have to pick up the hard copy magazine to catch the full story though.

Enjoy!

- Serena

The Charmed Engagement at Cacao March 2nd 2007

2007-02-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, I wanted to share this recent press release with all of you in the blogoshpere! If you are engaged or are professionally involved in events and weddings I would love to have you come out for this.

Cacao is located at 414 S.W. 13th Ave. in Portland.
Event and wedding professionals are welcome from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Engaged couples are invited to Cacao from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Alongside tasting Cacao's chocolate truffles and viewing the extensive
portfolio of Serena Davidson's imagery, guests will also enjoy the live music of the Melegari Chamber Players. The musicians at this event, brought in by Pink Martini member Paloma Griffin, are Oregon Symphony players. DJ Anjali & the Incredible Kid, recently featured on “Oregon Art Beat,” will provide dance music. Francoise Weeks will display her European Floral Design, Jane Burkholder will offer samples of her I Dolci cakes and specialty desserts and Christine Herman and Wes Russel of Espresso Arts Catering will present espresso drinks.

Davidson, who has captured the Time Based Art Festival with PICA for
three years and is featured in the pages of Oregon Bride, chose to
showcase each of these creative professionals for their exceptional
creativity and the high quality of their work. "This special occasion
is a unique opportunity to meet the individuals who are behind
some of the most exquisite celebrations in Portland," she says.

RSVP for The Charmed Engagement by Feb. 26 by emailing
INQUIRY@SERENADAVIDSON.COM

NW Style: Black & White Socks from Italy

2007-01-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Super trendy trend: all black and white outfits.

A very fun winter fashion shoot accomplished with much whimsy and on the spot trouble shooting.

I'm a huge personal fan of this brand of stripey and fun socks. They are not only great looking, but they are the best feeling sock I've ever put on my hard working feet! From my early days exploring floral print tights and the classic black and white striped legging of the early 90's in my home area of Seattle to the day I ran across Simone at the Last Thursday art walk on Alberta I have been in search of the perfect striped sock. I may now rest my weary soul for Simone has found them for me and is now distributing them in our beautiful striped sock wearing city.

A striking look with a fun twist when you include these cow print socks from Cronert. Locally distributed by Simone Enterprises - who you may remember from the Saturday Market downtown. You may also find these superb socks at local shops like that great little store on Hawthorne - Le Rouge.

To find a pair to make you own uber hip black and white fashion statement or to include these socks in your offerings at your own shop contact Simone:
http://stockingwonderland.com/contact.htm

Event: Look @ Laika 2006

2007-01-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

When I received the call from Laika to set up a 300 person group photo I wanted to do something different. They are a very creative company and I was happy to find that they were completely open to me bringing in my creative vision for their company photo. They recently hired over 200 of the best creatives from around the world to build a stronger team for their animation studio. Wanting to document this milestone they brought me in to capture all 300 employees at once. To avoid the predictable typical boring group photo I implemented a new style that my friend and collaborator Mykle Hansen has been developing with me for months - the digital quilt. The weather cooperated and the people of Laika were a thrill to work with.

Using over 30 frames I quilted together over 2 Gigs of imagery to create this long quirky panorama in front of the Portland Art Museum.

For an up close look at this group portrait you will have to penetrate the interior facilities of Laika for a visit where Laika will be hanging a ten foot long print. Otherwise, click on the image above to view a little larger.

Special thanks to everyone who helped me accomplish this shot and especially Scarlet, Mykle, Kyle and Ben!

NW Style: Gift Giving Season Recommendations

2006-12-08T00:02:00.000-08:00

First - I must say that I am shocked at my own overflowing amount of exclamation marks in this post. It's only because I absolutely believe in and love each of the items, companies and services that I'm recommending here. Fair warning - exclamation marks abound. Also - my first recommendation is shamelessly self promoting - then I list a bounty of delights for you to discover new and exquisite gifts for all of your loved ones. It's a pleasure to send new people to these artists and local businesses.

Sidenote: Due to the fact that my blog host has suddenly stopped allowing me to create direct links in the body of my post - please note that you can copy and paste the given web address for each link in your web browser.

Shameless Self Promotion:
Gift Certificates for Sophisticated Candids by Serena Davidson
On Location Portraiture, Event & Wedding Photography:
If a gift certificate for photography is right for anyone on your gift list in the Portland, Vancouver, Olympia, Tacoma or Seattle metro areas or for your gift to yourself this year - I'd love to talk with you and create a personalized gift certificate for any amount from $100 - $3,000. Simply drop a line to inquiry@serenadavidson.com

Gift Photo Session Ideas:
A unique "day in the life" documentary session for a special family on your list, entrepreneurs, performers, and anyone who has an active blog or myspace page.

Headshots for the entrepreneurs, artists and performers in your life. Also a great idea for anyone who is trying to find love online. Great photography really makes an impression online for business and personal use.

Lifestyle Photo Sessions at Home: babies first portrait, pregnancy photography, nudes, family portraiture and engagement portraiture.

All of the photography you see in this post and on every post of this photoblog are images I've captured. You can view more of my photography in my official online portfolio at serenadavidson.com

My Personal Recommendations For Everything Else Under the NW Sun:

Listed below are my own personal favorite recommendations for unforgettable gifts that anyone would be lucky to receive. I've included recommendations ranging the price gamut from zero dollars for virtual presents online to gift certificates for any amount you wish to bestow. Some of the services are available only in Portland, Oregon - but I've also included a jewelry designer from Seattle, a very sweet shop in the newly revitalized downtown Tacoma and many unique creators you can purchase from online who ship anywhere in the US and Canada.

Virtual Gifts:
Send a special email to share these fun blogs, web based comics and a link to a very funky show on the BBC.
Ms.zigzag blog - Intelligent observations about the world we live in and the dirt on life as a creative
http://mszigzag.typepad.com/

The Mighty Boosh Clips on Youtube - the best British comedy I've ever had the pleasure of knowing (it's not what you expect)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XeEQVJ50GZs

Making Fiends - one of the silliest things to capture the joys and evils of existence
http://www.makingfiends.com/

The Show with Ze Frank - 3 minutes stints of daily news for those who either don't like to watch the news or those who like to mock the news
http://www.zefrank.com/theshow/archives/2006/12/120706.html

Portland
$10 and up Gift Certificates:

$10 - $100 Gift Certificates
In Other Words - women's Bookstore - The last non-profit women's bookstore in the nation and the best place to find children's books that offer great alternatives to the Cinderella complex and other Disneyland brand ideas.
My personal choice: Copy & Paste this URL to go directly to gift certificates:
http://www.inotherwords.org/NASApp/store/IndexJsp;jsessionid=abccCtY3jIDx-5FmgRF9q?s=giftcertificates
Staff Nicole Georges Book Recommendations:
http://www.inotherwords.org/NASApp/store/IndexJsp?s=storepicks&page=244001

$25 - $800 Gift Certificates
Charmaine at Fleur de Lys: Pedicures that make you feel like your whole being has just been replenished. I'm not really a pedi/mani kind of girl ... at all. However, Charmaine gave me a pedicure that relaxed me body and mind. It was heaven on earth. Fleur de Lys is open Tuesday through Saturday. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling, 503-282-8288.
For more rave review on Charmaine and Fleur de Lys: http://portland.citysearch.com/review/36205964

$50 - $900 Gift Certificates
Firiel Massage Therapy: True story: I had a muscle pain from shooting a very full season of events and Firiel absolutely cured my aches with her highly skilled and intuitive care in just a single session of deep tissue massage. My muscles have gone from pins and needles burning to relaxed and happy. http://www.lamusesalon.net

$60 - $600 Gift Certificate
Creative Career Counselor Vicki Lind: Buy someone in transition or in need of transition a motivational career enhancing session with this very experienced career counselor. http://www.vlind.com/Job_Search.htm

$40 - $800 Gift Certificate
Creative Life Coach: Zig Zag
http://www.creativelifecoach.net//
personal pick: 1 session each week for a month as a great gift for anyone with resolutions for the new year. Especially those self employed creatives in your life!

For Children, Parents and Adult Children:

$15+
Black Wagon - anyone with children or parents on their list should definitely know about this uber cool shop!
http://www.blackwagon.com

$15+
Perfect Children: Handmade creatures designed and sewn by Marc for purchase online at perfectchildren.com

$10+
Ride Theory by Dan Howland
An independently published audio CD and book by a Disneyland historian and expert on the thrill of all things found in amusement parks all throughout history. A very unusual find indeed!
For books by Dan go here http://www.lulu.com/ridetheory
For the audio zine of satire, spoken word, and collage by Dan Howland go here http://cdbaby.com/cd/ridetheory

$150+
Childrens Portraiture Gift Certificate: email your phone number and email address to inquiry@serenadavidson.com with a note letting me know you are interested in a gift certificate.

$30-$1,300
Hi Hi Gallery - Lanterns, lamps and other hand created, custom designed lighting alternatives.
http://hiihgallery.com/

$15?
Siren Nation CD: Unbelievably awesome collection of women artists across genres and styles all come together on this amazing compilation CD. On top of that all of the sales benefit the first annual Siren Nation Festival scheduled for November 2007. Look for the cd at In Other Words or on-line at www.cdbaby.com .

$45+
SforScarlet.com
Bespoke & Designer Jewelry - online ordering available
personal favorites:
http://sforscarlet.com/product_details.php?page=1&type=current-collection&extra=spring-summer-06
http://sforscarlet.com/product_details.php?page=13&type=current-collection&extra=spring-summer-06

$4+
Cacao Drinking Chocolate: The best chocolate in town. Chocolate bars galore, the hot new trend in beverages - European drinking chocolate - something delightful holding the middle ground between hot cocoa and pudding in consistency - with all of the depth in flavor of the best chocolate bar you've ever had.

$1+
Pix Patisserie: my personal pick: blueberry, port, marionberry and rose Parisian macroons - colorful, delicious and fun.
For an evening out or a delightful treat to bring along to any party they also have an impressive selection of decadent pastries to savor every bite of.

More Books and Paraphernalia:

Make a wish list at Powells.com and then share the list with all of your friends and family
Here is my personal wish list:
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/wishlist?email=serenaphotography@gmail.com&list=xmas%202006

For the vampires in your life: Fiend - novel by NW author Jemiah Jefferson - sightings of her walking the streets of SE Portland after nightfall have been recently reported. While limited supplies last you can also snag the sexy Fiend T-shirt. Pricing and details found in the news section of Jemiahs website http://www.jemiah.com/index.html

Greater Puget Sound Area:

Olympia:
BuyOlympia.com - You can find something for everyone in your life who appreciates the finer hand crafted things in life. Amazing finds on this website that sells designs from local NW artists at a price that makes sense.
My personal favorite: Niki McClure Note Card Collection http://www.buyolympia.com/q/Item=nikki_field

Renton:

Seattle:
$50+
Chalcedon Jewelry
Call Tina at
(253) 224-0024.

Email: tina.chalcedon@gmail.com

Tacoma:

Maiden Faire: Gifts for Moms, Grandmas, and all who enjoy the feminine touch.
The best soap I've ever found - and exquisite taste in lighting. Vintage lamps and chandeliers will knock your socks off. Although my tastes have lately swung toward the contemporary in design - I was taken by the very fun and funky vintage chandeliers looking for a good home .

The soap is just a completely unexpected bonus. I'm definitely not a soap person. Generally it is too perfumed and cloying or smells like an attempt to de-humanize oneself. At Maiden Faire they have brought in a very enjoyable collection of mild, beautiful and honestly scented soap hearts. If you do have someone that needs a more general gift -candles and soap usually fill the gap.

Maiden Faire
760 Broadway
Tacoma, Wa 98402
(253) 383-1713

Whidbey Island:

Chocolate Flower Farm
http://chocolateflowerfarm.com/

This quaint farm in Langley on Whidbey Island is home to some of my very most favoritest flowers in the world! Specializing in a vast assortment of dark brown, red and somehow chocolate looking flowers and plants they have my attention. I was able to visit the farm myself this spring and had a lovely time finding specimens such as 'Voodoo Seedum'. The farm even smells like chocolate because they use cocoa pod mulch!
My personal picks:
Hemerocallis ‘Ed Murray’
http://www.chocolateflowerfarm.com/inc/sdetail/1063
‘Chocolate Drop’ Flowers
http://www.chocolateflowerfarm.com/inc/sdetail/357
Zantedeschia ‘Hot Chocolate’
http://www.chocolateflowerfarm.com/inc/sdetail/1257

photo credit for all photos shown: Serena Davidson

Event: Espresso Arts Catering

2006-12-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Recently I was photographing a job fair for Workforce Network. During the event there was a very unique espresso cart set up for the job hunters and employers. The name of the company is Espresso Arts Catering. Run by Christine Herman and Wes Russell this is a coffee cart like no other.

Delicious Bakery Bar Treats

Using Stumptown Coffee fairtrade, direct trade and organic beans is only part of why I'm so blown away by them. They have also teamed up with Bakery Bar to provide some of the most scrumptious pastries I've ever had the pleasure of devouring.

Stumptown offered cupping during the NWRBC

After bumping into them again at the Northwest Regional Barista Championships (NWRBC) held at the Wonder Ballroom last month, I also found out that Christine recently graduated at the top of the class at Western Culinary. With a passion for the epicurean delights of life, and a genuine enjoyment of quality service, Espresso Arts Catering is sure to become a local favorite for events around town.

Christine pictured here cupping coffee at the NWRBC

To invite Espresso Arts Catering to enliven your next event, employee appreciation day, or wedding contact Christine Herman via email: christineh2@gmail.com

State of the Arts: Photography Show at Haiku

2006-11-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

What: Art Show
Who: Serena Davidson, Paul Evans, Alexandra Roxo
When: November 30th (next week)
Why: The Alberta Art Walk on Last Thursday
Where: Haiku on NE Alberta

Haiku
2827 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.274.9118

photographer Serena Davidson - photo credit: Nate Davidson/Serena Davidson

photographer Paul Evans - photo credit: Serena Davidson

photographer Alexandra Roxo - photo credit: Serena Davidson

Event: Workforce Network Job Fair

2006-11-22T18:13:00.000-08:00

Event: Food + Shelter Festival 2006

2006-11-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

Click the green words above to sign the guest book and view photos from the Food + Shelter Festival.

Much thanks to our Sponsor: Clutch Camera
http://clutchcamera.com/

NW Style: Pix Patisserie

2006-11-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Yumminess in two Portland locations:

Pix SE :
3402 se division
pdx, oregon 97202
Hours:
Sun - Thur: 10am - midnight
Fri - Sat: 10am - 2 am
Phone:
503.232.4407

Pix NPDX :
3901 n williams
pdx, oregon 97227
Hours:
Mon - Thur: 7am - midnight
Friday: 7am - 2 am
Saturday : 8am - 2 am
Sunday: 9am - midnight
Phone:
503.282.6539

For questions E-mail: alissa@pixpatisserie.com

Event: Food + Shelter Festival

2006-11-10T00:26:00.000-08:00

art is sustenance

This weekend is the Food and Shelter Festival in Portland Oregon. It starts this morning with workshops for improvisational dancers and musicians. Quite the unique happening! If you happen to be a dancer or musician this is an amazing opportunity to get deeper insight into the blending of the two together. If you are not a dancer or musician, I recommend the evening performances held at Center Space tonight and Saturday night at 8pm.

I have the privilege of documenting this extraordinary event Friday through Sunday. If you join in be sure to say hello.

performances: 8pm
Nov. 10 & 11, Center Space, 420 SE 6th Ave
workshops: daytime
Nov. 10-12, Hand2Mouth Theater's: Goldsmith Performance Lab, 20 NW 5th Ave
(Second Floor)

Performances

DATES: November 10 & 11, 2006
LOCATION: Center Space
420 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR

Friday Nov. 10
Phillip Greenlief
Emily Stone
Lauren Tietz
Heather Vergotis

Saturday Nov. 11
Nora Hajos
Ron Heglin
Bob Marsh

Cost
Performances $10 - $12
Workshops $20 - $30

Myke Barber & Cydney Wilkee

Contact and more information: http://foodandshelter.blogspot.com;food.shelter@gmail.com;
Kathleen Keogh (festival director) 503-249-0989

Idea: Announcing Regular Friday Posts Here

2006-11-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

My photography has been in such high demand this year that I have been delayed in my updates here. So, as a way to get this photo blog moving again I have decided to update with a selection of new imagery each Friday. So, take a look here tomorrow and see what develops.

Wedding: KUPL Personality Jake and his bride Shannon

2006-11-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

What a sweet couple! Shannon and Jake have been such fun to photograph. They were totally game for anything that came up. The ceremony, officiated by Lisa Kristen Scott, was so down to earth and really kept the focus on the most important reason for the celebration.

If you are a friend or guest of the couple just click on the green letters of the title above and you will be taken directly to the full gallery of images from the wedding day.

Events: Sharon Brabenac & Bonnie Gilchrist

2006-10-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

These two ladies have joined their many years of experience in the corporate and non profit event work to start their own company here in Portland:

Brabenac & Gilchrist Events

I had the pleasure of photographing them recently in Lake Oswego. After working with them during their photoshoot I would feel confident recommending them for any of your event needs. They really know their expertise and have the ability to accomplish amazing feats of coordination and promotion.

Congratulations on your new website launched this week!

Wedding: Serena Davidson Photography wins 2007 Bravo! Wedding Guide Cover!!!

2006-10-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

Super exciting news! I just got word from Terri Baranick at Bravo! Publications that one of my wedding images has been selected from thousands of entries to be printed on the cover of next years book! YAY! Can't wait to see it when they are released this winter.

Special thanks to all of these wonderful people who set the stage for a beautiful day and a winning image:

Hair & Makeup by Katherine Ross Style
katherinerossstyle.com

Event Coordinator Jennie Mosley with Swank Affair
swankaffair.com

Vera Wang Wedding Gown from Divine Designs
www.divinedesignsbridal.com

Scarlet Chamberlin Jewelry
sforscarlet.com

Columbia Gorge Hotel
www.columbiagorgehotel.com

Idea: picture is worth a thousand words

2006-10-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

A picture, I'd say it's true, is worth a thousand words. But, today I'm in search of just a few of those words that might describe my imagery precisely and simply. I'm looking for the right words to use when I am talking about my work to someone who has never seen it before.

Please hit the comment button below and tell me the first three or three thousand words that come to you when you see these images.

Thank you! - Serena

NW Style: Cacao - drink chocolate

2006-10-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was undeniably autumn. My favorite time of year. Winter in Portland can be really great if you are into drizzling skies, grey clouds and Goth music. Spring is a resurrection with sweet and delicate blooms bursting from the ground. Summer is sunny, warm, lovely and you can eat strawberries warm from the sun - absolutely divine. Autumn brings out the deep crimson leaves, curling up near the fireplace, enjoying fresh apple cider, more time and space for reading a delicious novel or three, and now... I have begun a new ritual - drinking chocolate on chilly days at Cacao.

The first time I had this incredibly rich cup of nirvana was while traveling in Barcelona years ago. Then I happened upon it again this spring at the Choclatada dinner hosted by chef Gregory Lyons in the Seattle chocolate factory of Theo Chocolates. I must say that knowing I can simply head downtown and order up a cup makes me heady.

Although this is definitely my favorite thing about Cacao there is serious competition for my attention. The proprietor has turned me onto a dark caramel chocolate topped with fleur de sel. Combining one of the most precious salts in the world with dark chocolate and caramel - it's rare for me to find a new chocolate experience and this one is brilliant.

Conveniently located within about three blocks of Powells bookstore, just below the delicious sushi bar Masu. Being a Chocolate fiend I'm sure this will be the demise of me. This place even had Chocolate Cosmos flowers on their cafe tables! It's the small things in life really.

Cacao
414 SW 13th Ave
Portland, OR 97205

Store hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 11 to 7:30
Sunday 12 to 5
Monday Closed

Cacao Website

Lifestyle Portaiture: Baby Lavi

2006-10-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Beautiful happy baby Lavi held up in the air by
his dad Aaron and looking over at his mom Eden