Song of the Week - May 12, 2014

Once again I have discovered a new band I am in love with!! They have been the majority of what I have been listening to this week while editing hiking pictures (one of 2 coming on Wednesday!) The Icarus Account is that new band I am kind of obsessed with right now. Favorite Girl by them is the song of the week. It is just the right amount of upbeat and laid back for me. The album Sunshine and Rain that the song is on, its from 2010. Their newer stuff is a little different, not in a bad way, just different :P I do like some of their older stuff more than the newer, but they are a good band. If you like that song, also listen to Dancing at the Terminal. Eeep, its good too!

Come back Wednesday to see pictures from a hike I did 2 weeks ago!

Mother's Day Giveaway Results!

I am so excited to let you guys know that Kathleen Peter's family was drawn for the Family Portrait Session!

Everyone who entered will get 20% off their next session fee for a portrait session with me, this will expire at the end of August! So use it while you can!


You guys sent in some really sweet messages on what you like about being a mom! I wanted to share a couple of those with everyone :)

Crystal sent in a really sweet message! She is a mom of one little girl who is almost one (in a couple months) -

"I can't even explain what it's like to be a mom! I just want to burst into tears thinking about it. :) It's the most rewarding and amazing feeling you will ever experience. Exhausting but the best exhaustion one can ever feel! ;) The best part is seeing the sweet face and all the kisses/snuggles ;)"

Samantha also sent in a message that I loved! She is a mom of 2 kids, a 5 year old boy, and a little girl that is almost (in a couple months) a year old -

"I love being a mom for many reasons! First off I absolutely love being called "mama" the word has so much meaning and love & I feel very honored to be a mama! I love waking up to my two babies each & every day. I feel so blessed to be their mommy. My day revolves around them & only them each & every day and I would not have it any other way! I have always dreamed of being a mommy ever since I was little. There is no better feeling in the world. You don't know how strong you can actually love somebody until you become a mother! My babies complete me & that is why I love being a mother :)"

Another response I loved, who has asked to remain anonymous - 

"My family has never had professional pictures done, though I know my mom would really love to have some. My mom deserves something really special for mothers day, for being one of the most self-sacrificing people I know. She works her tail off, and is always encouraging. She has inspired me and my two little brothers, and taught us to be respectful and caring kids. Love that woman! She would love this opportunity. Thanks!"

Song of the Week - May 5, 2014

Last week I found a good new band, Capital Kings. They came out with an album in 2013, and an album of remixes of that first album. They definitely have a TobyMac meets Owl City sound to them. Being fans of both of those artists, I naturally am drawn to Capital Kings. I honestly like the remixes more than the original songs. BUT one song they didn't do a remix of is one of my favorites, You'll Never Be Alone. This week, You'll Never Be Alone is the song of the week. You should go listen to it.

Make sure to come back to either my blog of Facebook at 8pm to see who I draw for the winner of the Mother's Day Giveaway!

Kayley - Trillium Lake

I had yet another beautiful person to take pictures of in March! Kayley has been one of my best friends since high school, and I was so glad we finally got a time that would work! This shoot was supposed to be for her birthday in February! I took her up to Trillium Lake, its slightly past Timberline on the Mt. Hood Highway. The highway up to the parking lot (right off the highway) was perfectly clear of snow. BUT once we to the gate, there was about 3-4 ft of snow on the road down to the lake. The weather was perfect, warm and sunny! It was quite the adventure. Unfortunately we didn't make it down to the Lake, which we heard was frozen over! It was a bummer we didn't have more time, or energy to hike down to it.

Song of the Week - April 28, 2014

This week I am choosing the song Play It Again by Luke Bryan to be the song of the week. It definitely describes how I feel about some songs. Some songs I can just play on repeat all day long. This song ironically has been that song that I play again and again. :) Country wise, I generally don't like deep voices like his, I like mid range. But because he bumps it up a little, and isn't too low during the chorus. Its quite nice! I would definitely recommend this song to any country lovers :)

Don't forget to enter for the Mothers Day Giveaway! 7 more days to enter, I will be drawing a name at 8pm on that Monday night (the 5th). Keep sharing with your friends, and get them in on a chance to win!!

Mothers Day Giveaway!

In honor of Mother's day coming up, I have decided to give away a Family Portrait Session!

The winner will receive a 1 hour Family Portrait Session, private online viewing gallery, blog post honoring the mom in their life, 1 - 8 x 10 print, 2 - 5 x 7 prints and 3 - 4 x 6 prints. This is a $100 value!

To Enter:

1. Like Nature by Design Photography on Facebook.
2. Send NbDP a message on Facebook or email explaining why you love being a mom OR what you love most about the mom in your life.
3. Share the image below on Facebook for an extra entry! You can do that at: https://www.facebook.com/naturebydesignphotography/photos/a.148884521837513.30011.129839623742003/677417025650924/?type=1&theater
4. Follow NbDP on Google+ for an extra entry!

The winner will be announced on Monday, May 5th!

Thank you, and Good Luck!

You can email me at: naturebydesignphotography@gmail.com

My Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/naturebydesignphotography 

My Google+ page is: https://plus.google.com/+NaturebydesignphotographyNet2012
or you can look to the left of this post for a Follow me on Google+ Badge :)

Song of the Week - April 21, 2014

As I was saying last week, my taste in music varies pretty widely. Sometimes I'm not in a mood for music with lyrics, and that is when I resort to instrumentals. My go to group is Escala, they are an electronic strong quartet. They are from London, were on Britain's Got Talent in 2008, and their debut album came out in 2009. They unfortunately haven't released anything recently.

I like this group a lot, and have been editing photos from Easter while listening to them!  (Like this photo! You can see some sneak peeks HERE!)

But I would have to say my favorite song from them is Requiem For A Tower, and that is the song of the week folks!

Local followers! Check back here Wednesday for a chance to enter to win something :) Possibly a session, maybe some prints... You will just have to come back and find out!