Welcome to your boutique portrait session

Artistic Bliss Portraits wants to make your portrait session and easy experience that so many people have said to us has been a pleasure to experience. So many times we are nervous to have portraits taken, we want to let you know what to expect and what we can do to make things different.

This is what is going to happen……

We will send you a information request to get to know you better
You will do planning with our studio to make sure your getting what you have been wanting for artwork in your life
A enjoyable experience for your photography session either in our residential studio, on location, or in your own home with an award winning photographer Location Inspiration Page
Professional editing of all images prior to purchasing session and ordering
A private purchasing reveal in our showroom in Cornelius, OR on a large screen display with the most popular presentation software.
Heirloom artwork produced to your specifications and inspected prior to delivery to ensure it matches the eye of your artist

This is what we do as your boutique studio. We focus on taking care of you and making this an amazing experience.

Quick Links

Personal Style - Newborn Guide - Boudoir Guide

SCHEDULE OR REQUEST INFORMATION

Outdoor Photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits at Dawson Creek Park Hillsboro Oregon

Maternity Sessions

You are the focus of the maternity session, either with family or solo this session is about your beauty and the moment your in. You can use our dresses that will make you look and feel beautiful, or your own style which is just as beautiful, either way we will capture this magical time. We think that the 33 to 37 week range is the perfect time for you. With a baby bump, still feeling energetic and not so close that the session will overwhelm you this is the perfect range. If it is after that we are both Paramedics with experience delivering babies…. Not that we want that but no worries. :-)

Maternity sessions can be done in studio or outdoors. We will find the look that you desire. Many women love the look of the heavenly light look of a white backdrop, or the moody black with a satin wrap for you to show off that beautiful bump.

We suggest adding professional hair and makeup to make this even more special for you.

PRO TIP - Enjoy this time. Most children want to see portraits of their mothers when they were pregnant. It is an affirmation of motherhood.

Newborn Sessions

We would like to express to you how much newborn sessions mean to Artistic Bliss Portraits. We invest our heart and soul into every aspect of them, from custom sets, to special props and studio materials designed to make the baby safe while also look amazing in their portraits.

We keep the babies area warm and comfortable (75 degrees or so) and extremely sleepy. Soothing sounds, classical music and lavender are all up our sleeves. Many parents are soothed to sleep as well. While working at babies pace with time for feeding, and loving by mom and dad.

A special “bed” is used for posed shots and we use so many props that we can’t list them here, but we do have a link to sample images on Pinterest here. Follow this link to the newborn guide for more information on how the session goes.

PRO TIP - Bring extra diapers, and a change of clothes for you. Babies are stimulated by our moving them around and often poop and pee more than they have up to that point. This can mean fun shots and accidents on mom and dad.

Cake Smash Photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits

Preparing for your Portrait Session

During the planning portion we will work with you to provide input into the location, sets, and assist you with outfit choices. Your choices of location will help to direct the style of your outfits and our suggestions for you. Here is a link to our backdrops and Sets page on Pinterest.

Style Guide

First come up with a color pallet for your session. Look around your house; what is your overall style? What colors do you find repeated in your rooms? Are they modern and contemporary? Art they warm, and filled with earth tones? or are they shabby chic with lots of whites and worn wood?

Play off that when your considering your color pallet. This doesn’t mean that you have to go with just three colors. We want your portraits to compliment your space but also show your style and POP as well! Feel free to use neutrals as a base to build from but be sure to incorporate some color as well.

Remember though that your artwork will care through time with you so it should be timeless as well both in look but also style.

Portrait Style - Boudoir Style - Newborn Guide

Tips

Don’t stress out and don’t worry, everyone does, we are going to make this as painless as possible. Keeping your color pallet in mind, the style that you have chosen, and where your going to have you portraits taken think of some places you have seen clothing you like. https://www.pinterest.com/Ablissportraits/what-to-wear-ideas/

Baby Photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits

Boudoir Sessions

How do you express our sessions for something this intimate? Private, custom, loving, sexy…. those are the ones to start. Add on professional hair and makeup and your ready to stun.

Boudoir sessions are risqué and tasteful. Nothing negative or obscene with our boudoir. We want to know you, show of your best and make you feel amazing!! Do you like retro, modern, soft, or vibrant? We will make you feel amazing. With some of our own props and added stuff that you bring with you the session is about you.

This is something to indulge in…

PRO TIP - Do a little shopping, get your nails done, be adventurous. Think soft lighting and a color pallet for a little black book to give as a gift. Add in something that your special someone finds amazing.

Boudoir Photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits Cornelius, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Portland, OR

Cake Smash 1st year celebration

With a milestone like the 1st birthday a celebration needs to be as special and personal as the cake presented to them. We create a one of a kind set, get a custom designed cake, and then finish it off with a bubble bath. How better to capture the moment than go all out, it only happens once.

We will work with you use your theme to create the sets, and incorporate your outfits and props into the session. The cake will be created with your input and can be allergen free, gluten, sugar and egg free. We use several local bakeries to supply the cakes and are very proud of the relationships.

We start with a set with just your little one with birthday decorations. Capture the cuteness, then do an outfit change if you want to their cake smash outfit. Add in the cake and get smashing. After that we bring in the warm bubble bath and play around. Our studio has water tight flooring and we love bubbles. Maybe some naked butt shots as well. So cute.

PRO TIP - We recommend that you introduce cake a couple of times a few days before to get them interested.

Senior Portraits

Your senior portraits are an experience that you should be entrusted to a professional who will dedicate themselves to work that is amazing and true art. Artistic Bliss Portraits provides that. A session with us can include hair and makeup giving you the lux look you deserve and want. We do several locations and will listen to you about what you want. It is about you!!! and you deserve the best!

Senior Year with Artistic Bliss Portraits, Oregon City, Oregon

Personal Style

First come up with a Color Pallet for your session. Look around your house; what is your overall style? What colors do you find repeated in your rooms? Are they modern with contrast? Are they warm, inviting, and filled with earth tones?

Play off of that when you are considering a Color Pallet. Now this doesn't mean you have to go with just those colors. We want your pictures to complement our spaces but to POP as well? Feel free to use those neutrals as a base to go from, but be sure to incorporate some color.

Greys and black with fall colors can become a centerpiece of your home...

How to shop for your personal style

Before you start stressing out, we are going to make this as painless as possible. Keeping you Color Pallet in mind, the style that you have now chosen, think of some places where you have seen those types of clothing.

A few SHOPPING TIPS for you to consider:

Always Keep the tags on the receipt until you have completed every last part of each outfit.
Don't overwhelm the photograph with too many busy patterns. If you are a family of 5 and two outfits have stripes, thats totally fine. But don't go two in stripes, one in plaid, and someone in polka dots.
Coordinate, do not MATCH.
Stay away from anything that's too trendy. Think TIMELESS CLASSICS instead of what's hot right now.
The styling tips are in order

Family Photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Portland, Oregon

Portrait Style

Start with families and more specifically mom .... it's a must!

We all know that if mom isn't looking good in the portraits it's not going on the wall. I've been guilty of this myself! So let's start with Mom.

Women

Choose a base outfit. A dress, jeans and a top, skirt and blouse, etc. Be sure that it fits well! Test it out. Stand with your hip popped at a 45 degree angle, sit, move around a bit. Does it look great? Then it is a keeper! Now time to make it spectacular!

Add a great pair of boots or heels. Find a statement necklace, maybe one that has a pop of the brightness in your color pallet. Add a jacker (skip this if it is hot), grab a scarf - even a light infinity scarf looks great in summer portraits. You will want to accessorize a bit bolder than you might for every day.

Try everything on together and take a look - does it coordinate? Is it what you envisioned? If not, try swapping out for a different pair of shoes, take away the scarf and add earrings. Play with it until it’s just right.

Now don’t forget your nails, they are part of the portraits as well, keep nail polish natural if you can, unless it is your style.

Now your past the hard part… The rest will be easy!

Young Girls

Just like with mom Choose a base Outfit. I’m going to recommend a dress or skirt and top for little girls. For older girls let their style guide you but think dressier than normal. This works really well for casual to dressy portraits.

For little girls add some leggings or tights for a pop of color. Choose a pattern for a solid colored dress, or solid colors for bolder dresses.

Prefer jeans or pants? No problem, throw them on with a great top and layer with a little necklace, sweater, or a scarf.

Don’t forget hair accessories, but remember to keep things simple and timeless. Big bows and headbands are fun for everyday, but will “date” your portraits and draw attention to a specific part of the portrait.

Shoes should fit the outfit and allow them to move around normally. They can and do show up in the portraits so keep that in mind. Don’t forget the nails for the little one as well!

senior photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits cornelius, hillsboro, forest grove, beaverton, Portland, oregon

Young Men

Let’s dress the guys now. Depending upon the season and overall look of your session, grab some cute shorts, or nice pants. Dressy jeans are great as well.

Next lets work on the top. A t-shirt, with a button top over it is a great choice. Take it a step further and add a little vest or young ones or a jacket for older boys. Suspenders are also great. Let your vision guide you.

For older guys a button down shirt, smooth cotton, and something that won’t grab or cling. If they are athletic polos or other tops can work as well if they fit your vision.

Shoes and socks are a key for boys as well. They show up just like girls and need to fit the outfit and allow them to move freely. Socks should be dark unless they are wearing shorts then no-show socks are best.

Men

This is the last part; let’s pull the look together! Choose a pair of pants that dad likes - jeans are a popular option, just make them dressier than normal.

Then ask yourself if there are anything in your color pallet missing or represented as much as you would like? Use this color for dads shirt. I suggest a button down shirt with long sleeves. They can be rolled up for an amazing look. You can also choose a polo, but avoid clingy materials and logos.

Fall/winter pictures? add a great vest, jacket or sweater. Shoes and socks should fit the look and socks should be dark colored unless he loves colorful socks.

And with dad check and see if his watch is a part of his outfit….. iWatch or not.

family photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits cornelius, hillsboro, forest grove, beaverton, Portland, oregon

Newborn Guide

Newborn sessions are our specialty. As you have read before the newborn session is set up around the baby and we run on baby-time. With a warm environment and set-up the session is at their pace. We want you to know that your going to get a chance to relax. Many parents take their first nap during this session. As 20+ year paramedics and parents of six children and a granddaughter we have the background to watch over your child in all ways. We have some tips below that can help make the experience go smoothly.

newborn Photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits

Session Checklist

The Pacifier

If your ok with the use of a pacifier it will help calm your baby to sleep and allow us to get those squishy sleep portraits. We believe that a pacifier can be used to calm a baby but shouldn’t be used to put of a feeding. The “smoothie” pacifiers that are used in the hospital are highly recommended. These have been found to be the most effective in soothing and helping newborns to latch early in their development. We encourage you to bring some if you have them but we also have a sterilized stock of them. The goal is to help keep the baby happy and calm.

Feeding

If your breast feeding we will be on the babies schedule. If you have a long drive to visit us you can feed the baby as soon as you arrive if they are needing it. Otherwise feed them before you leave and they should be sound asleep when they arrive and we will jump right in.

If your using a bottle bring a couple with you and we can help you warm them if you need. We can use them to feed the baby while settling into a set if it is the right time. Either way we will stop and allow them to eat and love you when needed.

Nursery Items

Hand knitted hats, blankets, a special toy, rattlers, etc. These are all things that help create the story of your baby’s first few days of life. I love the addition of personal items that have meaning to you and your family.

Don’t forget extra diapers and wipes. The stimulus of our massaging of the baby often causes babies to poop and pee more than they have up to this point.

Clothing

generally I will be photography your baby unclothed and in wraps and blankets that we talk about in planning. However I do recommend bringing simple clothing, such as simple onesies, and outfits that fit your style. We have tons of options for outfits from our stock of custom clothing.

Newborn and Family Photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits

Before the Session

With a newborn everything is new! We have found that even if you have already had children, each one is unique in their own way. Predicting their schedule is difficult. We recommend that the session be scheduled in the morning. Babies will have been held less by then and are more calm. When scheduling the session be aware that vaccines and circumcision all make for a cranky more sensitive baby.

Mom’s diet can also have an affect on the baby. There are foods that mom eats that enter breast milk and can upset a babies tummy. The list below is just a suggestion and every parent should follow their own best practices.

Foods to avoid

Spicy Foods
curry, cinnamon
Onions, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, asparagus, cucumbers, beans
Citrus fruits
Peanuts, chocolate and other nuts

Babies experience gas or tummy discomfort sometimes from these foods.

During the Session

The golden rule of newborn photography is that babies are unpredictable. We understand this and embrace it. As a result we block out a minimum of 3 hours of our schedule and will use all of the tools in our bag of tricks to get the portraits and be the most efficient and fun for everyone. When it comes down to it, we are on baby time.

For Parents

If your going to be in the portraits with the baby we recommend solid colors that are muted in nature. This will bring the focus of the portrait to the baby and your faces. This is the most flattering look and captures the emotions of the moment.

Dress in layers and bring a change of clothes. If the baby spits up on you will have a backup and be able to cool off if needed. The studio will be hovering around 75 degrees so that your little one will be as comfortable as possible, wrapped, dressed or naked.

If you want to finish getting ready at our studio this often helps make the morning more relaxed. You won’t have to be completely ready before leaving the house. The same goes for dad and other siblings if they are part of the portraits.

Miscellaneous

We are prepared for everything. If the baby poops or pees on our props or fabrics we are ready and willing to take care of it. It is completely normal and we take care of it all.

We will have snacks and drinks for you and your family to tide you over. Just let us know about any allergies.

If you are going to have siblings in the portraits be prepared to have someone entertain them while we work with baby. Sometimes a parent will take the other kids for a walk or to play at a playground near by after we are done with their part of the portraits. We will work to time those to keep them smiling and happy as well.

Location Inspiration

Here are some sample locations that we have loved and have passion about. Let us know if you have somewhere that inspires you and we will work it out.

-Kim & Larry

Evergreen North - Late Summer, Hillsboro

Each of these locations have multiple looks and options. These are just samples from each area and we will help you get the look that you most desire. They also change with weather and season.

Thanks, Kim & Larry

Portland International Rose Garden - Portland, Oregon

Boudoir Style Guide

Your session experience with me is complete pampering from start to finish. Your shoot will be styled specifically for you based the information you provide in the questionnaire and the outfits that we have talked about wearing for your shoot. I would be happy to make suggestions on what to wear and where to shop if you need some advice. As part of the package a fabulous hairstylist and makeup artist will make you shine at your shoot.

Your experience will start with you having your hair and makeup done while relaxing and having something to drink. Once you’re ready, we move on to getting you into your first outfit and onto the set. Just relax, I’m a specialist in posing everyone to make them look their best. Before you know it you’ll be laughing and enjoying the moment. I’m confident you’ll be thrilled with your images.

boudoir photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits cornelius, forest grove, hillsboro, beaverton, Portland, oregon

The Magic of a Boudoir Session

Choosing outfits can be a bit stressful, the most important thing to remember is to make sure you choose outfits that make you feel sexy, but at the same time are comfortable. A silk robe to wrap yourself in is a dynamite outfit and will allow you to move around and relax. Bring at least one or two bra and panty sets. Corsets, garters and nylons are also great.

An oversized sweater or mens dress shirt can lend itself to a more casual but outstanding and very sexy look. That gorgeous dress that you’ve been dying to wear can be subtly sexy and create images that you can share with friends and family if you’re the least bit shy about sharing your more personal images. Denim and lace is another killer look! For an edgier look a bra and leggings with amazing heels can be a sexy look.

Accessorize your looks with shoes – bring at least a couple of pair that work with your outfits. Remember you’re not going to be walking in them so they don’t have to be super comfortable. Other accessories that work are necklaces, earrings, scarves, hats, gloves even boots can provide a whole other look to your images.

Tie in some hobbies, athletic wear, or props to add a touch that highlights your passion. An athletic jersey from your favorite team, clothing that you would normally only work in, or something that shows yours or someone specials interests.

Boudoir Style Guide

We include Hair & Makeup in your boudoir session for the express reason that our Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists are professionals who are highly skilled with years of experience. Leave it to the professional and I promise you will love this experience. Your session includes time with our professionally trained hair & makeup artist. Whatever look or feel you want to express our hair and makeup artists are here to make it happen, whether you want your look to be natural, glamorous, sultry or elegance,

We can talk about the look you want prior to your session. Save some images that you love and the outfits you want to wear for your session and make it all come together to bring out the most beautiful and sexy you. Makeup and hair don’t make the person, all it does is enhance your natural beauty and we’re here to make that happen.

boudoir photography by Artistic Bliss Portraits cornelius, hillsboro, forest grove, beaverton, Portland, oregon

Preparing for your Session

Taking the time to prep everything for your shoot will keep you relaxed and feeling confident. We want you to have a fabulous experience from start to finish and the best way is simply to feel prepared. Many of the preparation items occur a week before your session.

SKIN
Hydrate the week of your shoot, drink water regularly your skin will love it and it gives your skin a refreshed look. It’s a great idea to exfoliate your body prior to your shoot, make sure not to irritate and redden your skin though, best to do a 2 or 3 days before your session. If you wax, make sure to do it or have it done leaving enough time for your skin to calm down if you are prone to any reaction. Please don’t go for a tanning session for at least a week before your shoot, it will not look natural and adds an orange tint to your skin. Bring your body lotion with you to your session. When coming to your session that day wear something loose fitting. This will prevent marks on your skin from constriction. For example elastic waist pants or arms.

FACE
Treat yourself to a facial! Your skin will glow, just make sure to know how your skin reacts and give yourself time for your skin to calm down after your treatment. If you are considering whitening your teeth, there are an affordable at home use products or you can schedule a dental visit. Get your eyebrows waxed if they need it, but be sure to do this at least a week prior. they are an important part of prepping and frame your eyes.

HAIR
Get a trim but don’t go for a drastic hair style change right before your session! If things go wrong, this may cause major anxiety. Make sure that if you colour your hair your roots are touched up. Additionally, a deep conditioning treatment can help your hair shine with a beautiful glossy finish. Follow instructions from the hair and makeup professional on what to do the day of your session.

HANDS & FEET
Your hands can be used in very sensual ways in a Boudoir shoot, you want to make sure they're looking their best. A manicure and pedicure is a definite must, if you don’t wear polish I suggest having at least a clear polish on your nails. If you are planning to wear jewelry, rings or bracelets make sure to clean them prior to your shoot to have them looking their best. Of course, this goes for necklaces and earrings as well.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Prepare those amazing outfits at least a few days in advance and hang them if possible to avoid wrinkles. Make sure to try everything on before your shoot and choose outfits that not only fit well but make you feel wonderful and sexy.

ARRIVING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Please make sure to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment so your shoot isn’t cut short. We need to stay on schedule to make sure your session is perfect. Hair and makeup will take a certain amount of time and we want to make sure we have all the time we need for your shoot.

BE YOURSELF
You’re investing a lot into this experience, so enjoy it! Don’t think about any negatives or what you may consider to be imperfections. Have faith that you look amazing, the rest is up to us and we’ll make sure you look amazing. We’ll have some music going of your choice and enjoy a drink and portraits!!

Welcome to your boutique portrait session

This is what is going to happen……

Personal Style - Newborn Guide - Boudoir Guide

Maternity Sessions

Newborn Sessions

Preparing for your Portrait Session

Style Guide

Tips

Boudoir Sessions

Cake Smash 1st year celebration

Senior Portraits

Personal Style

First come up with a Color Pallet for your session. Look around your house; what is your overall style? What colors do you find repeated in your rooms? Are they modern with contrast? Are they warm, inviting, and filled with earth tones?

How to shop for your personal style

Portrait Style

Women

Young Girls

Young Men

Men

Newborn Guide

Session Checklist

The Pacifier

Feeding

Nursery Items

Clothing

Before the Session

Foods to avoid

During the Session

For Parents

Miscellaneous

Location Inspiration

-Kim & Larry

Each of these locations have multiple looks and options. These are just samples from each area and we will help you get the look that you most desire. They also change with weather and season.

Boudoir Style Guide

The Magic of a Boudoir Session

Boudoir Style Guide

Preparing for your Session

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIESPrepare those amazing outfits at least a few days in advance and hang them if possible to avoid wrinkles. Make sure to try everything on before your shoot and choose outfits that not only fit well but make you feel wonderful and sexy.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Prepare those amazing outfits at least a few days in advance and hang them if possible to avoid wrinkles. Make sure to try everything on before your shoot and choose outfits that not only fit well but make you feel wonderful and sexy.