Brooke and Ryan in New York City

New York City is a big place and, as my second photographer Evie noted, from looking at the outside of a building you can't often tell what amazing things you'll find on the inside. This is certainly true of the Angel Orensanz Foundation, which is on a narrow street on the Lower East Side. From the outside it blends in with most of the other old brick buildings. But on the inside it's fairly awe-inspiring.

The same could be said of Brooke and Ryan. We had not met prior to their wedding day, living on opposite coasts. But what a pleasure they were to work with--affable and full of laughter, easy-going but organized. And what a beautiful day it was.




We started in Bryant Park, photographing their family and wedding party. We weren't 5 minutes into portraits when a police officer comes up and asks Evie, "Do you have a permit?" Evie caught on pretty quick, and started talking with the officer, and I started shooting as quickly as I could. In the end, she distracted him well enough that he wandered off and let us photograph unhindered. And the light--and people--were wonderful.


At the Orensanz building--formerly a Jewish synagogue--we were at first struck by how dingy it felt. But as time went on we discovered that it wasn't funky, it was full of texture. And light. They have a professional lighting technician working there, and every part of this old building interior is given added atmosphere with beautiful lighting, which changed as the use of the space transitioned throughout the evening.

View more of our New York wedding photography at www.fritzphoto.com.

New York City, Take 1

I'm in New York City for a few days, here to photograph a wedding, among other things. Spent the day today on the town, adventuring with Evie, my second shooter. We covered Ground Zero, the free Staten Island Ferry (leaving in the sun and returning in a downpoor), Carnegie Delicatessen, and MOMA. And after that, dinner with friends.

A few photo stories and observations before bed:

One of the few places I felt drawn to visit in NYC was Ground Zero. Worldwide turmoil began here, six years ago, and I wanted to see the place for myself.

To be honest, there's not much to see. For the most part, it's a very large area surrounded by fences and covered in construction. There is a temporary-feeling tent with some posterboards, showing the design of the future memorial and new skyscrapers, and a list of the nearly 3,000 people that perished that nightmarish day. And a new transit station. But not much else.

We wandered upstairs and down, and were about to leave, when we heard the faint sounds of a flute, making out the notes of Amazing Grace. I made my way over and found a homeless-looking man, seated on the ground, playing this tune over and over. Most appropriate.




A couple observations on the ferry ride:


This last image on the ferry seems like a fitting visual allegory for prayer, or intercession.


And finally, a boy watching a performance in Central Park:



View more of our New York travel and editorial photography at www.fritzphotographic.com.

Best of Portland Citysearch Photographer

A friend of mine just emailed me, and said I was at third place in Portland Citysearch's Best Portland Photographers of 2007. Considering that I didn't know anything about it, and didn't ask anyone to vote for me, I guess that's pretty good! I even have a nice review on there.

Check it out here.

And if you know my work, or have worked with me, feel free to leave a review for me there. That would be sweet. Assuming you like me.

Through the Shadow in Bend, Oregon

"High Desert Journal and tbd advertising have partnered to present monthly art shows. Each show opens with a First Friday reception. High Desert Journal brings work from artists published in the magazine to the community walls of tbd advertising. The work hangs all month and is for sale.

"Photography by Fritz Liedke will be in display at tbd loft during the month of September. The show will open during First Friday on September 7th at 5 to 9 p.m. with a reception. The photography of Fritz Liedke will hang through the end of the month.

"High Desert Journal is a literary and visual arts magazine dedicated to further understanding the people, places and issues of the interior West, a distinct region abounding in history, creativity and flux. By way of memory, imagination and story, the pages of High Desert Journal represent an ongoing and necessary conversation – a conversation that charts the changes, represents today and lends itself to the future.

"tbd advertising is an agency where there are no preconceived notions. No formulaic thinking. The answer is always “to be determined.” They work with such clients as Deschutes Brewery, Oregon Chai and Brooks Resources.

"tbd loft is located at 856 NW Bond Street, suite 2 above Norwalk Furniture, in downtown Bend, Oregon."

View more of my fine art photography at www.fritzliedtke.com.

Brad and Angela

Brad and Angela were married this past weekend at Meriwether Golf Club. What a beautiful venue for wedding photography in Hillsboro, Oregon!

This kid loved to dance, including his own 7-year old version of break dancing.
With a little help from his dad, he could do quite the head spin.

Visit our website to see the best Hillsboro wedding photographer in Hillsboro, Oregon!

Life with Zoe

Babies are squiggly little things, and require adults to make all kinds of un-adultlike noises to get them to focus, look up, and smile for the camera. Apparently, their toes and toys are more interesting. Zoe is no exception. But the results are worth it. This is my "Kilroy was here" image of her.

View some of the best portrait photographers in Portland at www.fritzphoto.com.

Cara and Marcus at Edgefield

In spite of the fact that the menu at McMenamins is pretty much the same at every location, I do love this local monopoly on cool social venues. The art is fun, the grounds are always interesting to explore, the gardeners have a great time, and it's fascinating to see old spaces infused with new life.

So taking photographs of a wedding--like the one above, at Portland's McMenamins Edgefield--is always fun.



After the wedding ceremony, I heard Marcus telling a friend: "Whenever I started to choke up, I just looked across the room at this painting of Saddam playing the bagpipe, and I relaxed."

I'll never look at that painting in the same way again.

See more of our award-winning Edgefield wedding photography at www.fritzphoto.com.

Marissa

Now that the rain has passed, it's time for outdoor senior portraits in Portland!. Until more rain comes. It's been a strange summer.

I don't think this is why they hired me, but Marissa's family has a schnauzer named Fritz. It was both strange and funny to hear people calling "Come here Fritz! Come! Good boy!" and know they weren't talking to me.



See more unique senior portrait photographers Portland!

Roxy

Roxy Mayer, a Lincoln High School Student, is a triplet (with two brothers). With a little styling from AJ's Hair and Makeup, and the assistance of Roxy's friend Molly, we had some fun with her Portland high school senior portraits. She laughs easily, and is easy to photograph. Beautiful!

Tom and Vanessa's Portland Wedding Photography

Getting married at an Amtrak station might sound a little crazy to some people. But I like Crazy. And the restaurant there, Wilf's, has a lovely ambiance. Just right for a couple of lovely goofballs like Tom and Vanessa.






So fun to photograph this Portland wedding!  See more of our amazing Portland wedding photography at www.fritzphoto.com!

James and Kristina's Wedding Photography at Youngberg Hill

Here are a few weird, wild, and wonderful photos from James Case and Kristina Brand's beautiful wedding at Youngberg Hill Vineyard. Hopefully, sometime soon, I'll be able to post photos from a Trash the Dress session with Kristina at Alcatraz....


This is a portrait of the world's sweetest junior bridesmaid. If there were a contest, I know she'd win.

View more of our wild and crazy Youngberg Hill wedding photography on our website!

Christina and Cameron

Some 15 years ago, I lived in Carlton, Oregon, which, as the signs at the outskirts informed you as you drove in, is "A Great Little Town." And it truly is. But this isn't a story about Carlton, it's about my grandparents.

One Sunday afternoon, they drove me way out in the country, past Yamhill, on along a dirt road, to the famous Flying M Ranch. Way out in the rolling hills, there was this ranch, with horses and camping, an airstrip, the Yamhill River, and a big log lodge, with a restaurant. People would drive and fly in from all over, to eat at the restaurant, walk the grounds, and stay in the cabins. The lodge even had photos of Ernst Borgnine from a visit he made to the Flying M.

We ate lunch there, and finished it off with blackberry pie and ice cream. It was a lovely outing, and a fond memory.

This past Saturday, I had opportunity to return to the Flying M Ranch, for a wedding. Only it's not technically the Flying M any more. It was recently bought by some great people who are, with a lot of volunteers, revamping the place, and using it for events such as weddings, which help fund camps for disadvantaged kids. It's a great concept. They call it 5 Rock Ranch.

But really, this isn't about Carlton, my grandparents, or 5 Rock Ranch. It's about Christina and Cameron, who are the first couple ever to be married at the new site. And a beautiful site it is. Rustic, lush, and lovely, it was a great site for a fun wedding.

See more of the best Yamhill County wedding photographers at www.fritzphoto.com!

The Fire Breathing Bride at Mt Hood Bed and Breakfast

Elizabeth Kirk used to work in the circus. Willie Smith works in politics. Similar enough professions, I suppose, that it's no surprise that they got together. And when they get together, boy to the sparks fly! Literally.

Willie and Beth's wedding, was perhaps the most fun event I have ever photographed. Here's the lineup:

-A goofy, fun-loving couple (for further proof, see their engagement portraits, at Oaks Park);
-One of my favorite outdoor wedding locations (Mt Hood Bed and Breakfast, in Parkdale, Oregon);
-Willie's bosses: Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley, and Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, and their staffs and families;
-Willie and Beth's fun Cheez-Whiz loving families;
-A groomsman with the funniest toast in the history of weddings. I was laughing so hard I could hardly take a photograph;
-Hoola Hoops in abundance;
-Guests who are in theater, are good dancers, and real pranksters;
-And a jug full of kerosene.

Ah, yes, the infamous jug full of kerosene at the wedding trick. Never seen that one? Neither had I. It was spectacular. I couldn't stop chuckling to myself.

Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley, and Willie and Beth Smith.

Fritz Liedtke
http://www.fritzphoto.com/

Trash That Dress

Earlier this week, one of my July brides wrote and asked me an interesting question. She said she was looking forward to portraits on the wedding day, but wondered if, after the wedding, we could take some photos that didn't treat the wedding dress like a precious object. She had found a website promoting such things, and I was intrigued. What a great idea. Usually people just stash their dresses away; instead of stash it, why not trash it, and have some fun along the way?

So I thought I'd get a little practice. Why not do the same thing for a high school senior's portraits? A dress is a dress, and usually you do everything you can to keep it clean and dry and looking great: avoid the Portland rain, the mud, the wine spills. Admire the water but don't get in past your toes. Forget all that. Let's have some fun...

So I did. My friend Natalie volunteered herself and her dresses, and we spent a couple hours pushing the envelope. What a good sport she was! She was cold in the water. But I think the results were worth it. (Of course, I can say that, since I wasn't the one in the sand, dirt, and water....)

I'm still not convinced that just getting a dress wet constitutes trashing it, although the water was cold and chlorinated and a little slimy. And the dress was custom made. But there's room for to push the trashing limits. Even though I already tend toward uncommon portraiture here in Portland, my high school senior portraits may never be the same. I hope so. If there's a category of sports titled Adventure Sports, then perhaps I'll start calling my portraits Adventure Ports.... I'm trademarking that.









Have any interest in a Trash the Dress photo shoot in the Portland, Oregon area? Wedding dresses, high school seniors, bored moms are all welcome. Give me a call. Could be fun.

The Rose Festival's Queen Elizabeth

I have the very great honor of being a friend of Queen Elizabeth. Elizabeth Larson, that is. You know, the Centennial Rose Festival Queen, crowned on Saturday right before the big, wet parade?

I've known Elizabeth a few months now, as she's been working with me on a photographic project, and I helped her and a couple friends with an assembly at Lincoln High School, where she was a senior (and now a graduate). I have to say, the Rose Festival made an excellent choice; they couldn't have picked a sweeter queen.

She's super-involved in all kinds of things, which is partly what the above photograph illustrates: student assembly member, a superintendent student advisory council member and a student alternate to the Portland Public School Board. She's studied abroad in Costa Rica, works on the Save Darfur campaign, teaches Sunday School, plans to teach kindergarten in the future, etc etc. But what really sets her apart isn't all the good stuff she does, it's her attitude: she's caring, gentle, honest, has good friendships, cares about her classmates.

My congratulations to you, Elizabeth! May your reign be a blessing to this city.

See more of the best editorial photographer in Portland at www.fritzphotographic.com.

The Campaign for Real Beauty

I was shown this video yesterday, a time-lapse that begins with a plain-looking, pimply young woman, and within about 30 seconds (time-lapse time), she's displayed on a billboard as a supermodel. And yet, the person on the billboard isn't the person we started with. It's revealing.

You need to see the video.

It's really quite disconcerting. The most troubling section is where you seen the woman's face--after the layers of makeup and the volume of hairstyling and the magic of lighting and the flattery of studio photography--her face is being touched up and distorted in a Photoshop-like program, until her proportions (eye size, neck length, etc) are supermodel-like. And that's disconcerting because I'm a photographer, and I use Photoshop. I have the power to do the same thing.

I have to hand it to the makers; it's from Dove, interestingly enough, and their Campaign for Real Beauty. Their point is that fashion models and extreme dieting don't make a perfect woman, that normal people of any age are beautiful, and that beauty isn't skin deep. The whole site (www.campaignforrealbeauty.com) is focused on this issue. It's impressive.

I heartily applaud their efforts, and hope that more and more corporations will follow suit. And more photographers, as well.

Like anyone, I'm attracted to physical beauty; it's in our nature to be so. Yet I find myself constantly fighting to remember that real beauty is not skin deep, is not artifice, is not sex appeal, is not the goods I'm being sold in the hundreds of images I see every week. It's tough work. I mostly fail. But I don't give in.

In my own photographic work, I made a decision long ago not to work with models, if I could avoid it. I don't generally shoot model cards, don't shoot fashion, try to avoid the risque. Not because I'm a prude, but because I don't want to be part of the problem. I don't want to lie. And I don't want to believe the lie. As the above video shows, much of what our culture calls beauty--and what we export and sell to the entire world as beautiful--is a lie.

I would rather photograph real people. Whether or not I'm trying to make them look good, normal people are pretty interesting. Making a normal person look good--drawing them out of their shell, helping them relax and have fun, and using the tools of my trade to show their best side--is usually fun work, and I enjoy it immensely. But I try to emphasize the fact that I'm creating a portrait of someone, not a glamor shot. It may not even be pretty, but it could be true. It's one thing to make a person look good; it's another to treat them like putty and mold them into a lie.

In my current documentary project about eating disorders, I work regularly with women and men who have been beat down and bought in to the lie that beauty has to do with their weight or sex appeal. Most of them hate themselves. Most of them are trying to kill themselves. I usually sit there, talking with or photographing them, and simply want to say: You are so beautiful. You have so much inside of you that is beautiful. You have so much going for you. It's not always appropriate or profitable to say such things, but I think them, I pray for them, I do what little I can with my words and photographs to encourage them.

It's not often I give a thumbs-up to a multinational corporation for much of anything. But thanks, Dove, for telling the truth.