Perfect weather, perfect subjects, not so well-behaved piglets. Well, two out of three ain't bad. I spent the day at Worden Hill Farm with the uber photogenic Ortloff Family, Susan and Wolfgang, and their three bewitching daughters; Kate, Hadley and Mia for the cover of 1859 Magazine. They bought the land from Susan's parents back in 2007 and left an urban lifestyle in Germany for mud-splattered days in Dundee, OR. I was wooed by the multitude of pig sizes, varying from holdable to rideable. I was also wooed by the family, who shared some of their cured pork and promised to invite me to their next bonfire. After a day of mucking around, dodging porkers who thought my feet looked like apples (note to self: do not wear red boots when photographing pigs) Susan waved good-bye and said cheerfully, "You don't think you smell, but you do."
in print
The Artist Known as Joe Sacco
in in print, on assignment, people
Joe Sacco let me invade his home for a recent portrait for the NYTimes.com. Pretty amazing to say that your job is a cartoonist, I mean, who actually has that job besides him and maybe Charles Schulz. Love that light cutting across his face from the blinds and it is always tickles me how many different images you can take from the same room. Joe just smiled indulgently and told me stories of his father while I circled him. Joe started in journalism, which, as a recovering newspaper photographer, is near and dear to my heart. Just recently crashed his house again for a holiday party, where Joe was DJing and making a mean hot toddy. What a renaissance man.
Hollywood Theater redux, in Portland Monthly Mag
in in print, on assignment, people
Not that I'm biased or anything, but I love the Hollywood Theatre. A non-profit theatre from the 1920's that now serves beer. Sign me up. Yes, they show indie films and have great film festivals and movie marathons. But really I got hooked on some of their more wacky offerings, like Hecklevision, where you get to be a smart ass via text message and your witticisms appear like magic on the screen. Or B-Movie Bingo where you get a bingo card with squares like "Male Ponytail" or "Long Boring Scene" and fill them in while watching movie classics like Stone Cold with Brian Bosworth or Night Beast. Portland Monthly sent me out to capture the scene which included a peek backstage where they house the really cool stuff like Dolemite movie reels and the original movie seats. It was during this assignment that I also got a taste of Kung Fu Theater, which shows rare 35mm prints of Hong Kong action films of the 70's and 80's and inspired me to karate chop each people for the rest of the day. Viva la Portland.
THIS IS THE PLACE TO PUT SOME TEXT IF YOU WANT!
MusicFest NW is Rubbish - Willamette Week Cover
in in print, lifestyle, on assignment, people
You never exactly know how it is going to go with celebrities. Perhaps spending your life with people that never tell you no can have a warping effect. Thankfully this diva mentality was delightfully absent from Fred Armisen, of Portlandia fame. I can never decide if that show is funny or not and if audiences from Mid-Western states would want to hug me or shoot if we were ever to meet. Fred showed up as his alter ego, 70s-era punk rocker Ian Rubbish, for the shoot. At first I was afraid that he was going to talk in a British accent for the duration. In which case I'm afraid I would have had a hard time keeping it together, persistent giggles making it difficult to push the shutter. But no, though dressed as Ian, Fred played himself, a very sweet, laid back guy, who was game for whatever wacky things I could think of.
Chasing His Holiness
in in print, on assignment, people, reportage
Back in May I got a call from Mandala Magazine requesting I photograph the Dalai Lama during his visit to Portland. My response was, "Dalai Who?" No, of course not. My response was pretty much the response I give when any amazing, awesome, and life altering assignment comes my way, which is, "That sounds cool. When do I start?" My job was to photograph His Holiness, who for those in the know is referred to as HHDL, as he visited the Mandala offices and gave a talk after. He reminds me a bit of Yoda; incredibly wise, a bit cheeky, very curious, and incredibly fast. I basically felt like I was chasing him around the office, climbing on furniture and stalking him as he blessed things and people. He has such a way about him, full of joy and compassion, people are overwhelmed just to be in his presence. Plus, you've got to admire someone who laughs with their whole being. No wonder thousands turned out to hear him speak the next day.
Willamette Week Bar Guide - 2 Covers in 1
Willamette Week asked me to shoot not one, but two covers for their 2013 Bar Guide issue, and several billion bars around town (ok, I exaggerate...). Needless to say, it was a blurry week. Victory Bar was the place to beat this year, christened Bar of the Year. I dig Victory, and their laid back, easy drinking feel, but runner up, Hale Pele has a special place in my heart (and the cover). Maybe it is the thunder, rain and smoke that randoms emits from the walls, or that fact that it is located in a strip mall next to a nail salon. However, if you are looking for a place to take your Dad (if your Dad had his Kerouac phase) then I recommend runner up #2, the Blue Diamond, where folks from age 22 to 72 can be found shaking what their momma gave 'em.
Other bars to add to your list of places to get tastefully drunk at are: Barwares, Moonshine, Bar Dobre (booze and kielbasa!), Free House, The Tannery, The Rookery, Sauvage and Velo (get your bike fixed while drinking beer, brilliant). It is an amazing thing, this town's propensity to birth bars like Kate Gosselin.
Totally Tubular
So many people I have talked to rave about surfing the Oregon Coast. Not too crowded, nice waves, quaint little towns. All I can think about is the cold. Even dipping my toes in that icy water makes me dream about senior beach week in Ocean City, Maryland. But I digress.
I appear to be the only one who has those issues though, as the go-to-spot, Short Sands, is littered with very hip looking crowds, swathed in neoprene. And I was more than game when long time friend and writer Lucy Burningham told me she needed a picture taker for her very first adventure into the waves.
Oh, and did I mention the Wall Street Journal wanted to hear all about it? We grabbed Christopher to shoot video and our merry band of journalists headed West.
As typical of the coast, we were blessed with perpetually changing weather, but after a lesson with Lexie Hallahan of Northwest Women’s Surf Camps we witnessed Ms. Burningham ride her very first wave. Almost made me want to jump in. I said almost.
If you are feeling like you may want to take a dip and a trip yourself, read the article.
Lucy and I first worked together for Imbibe Magazine in Croatia, where we found ourselves racing around the country chasing down truffle hunters and infused liquors. If that doesn't make for permanent bonding, I don't know what does. Check out another one of our adventures involving sauerkraut here. And if you are someone who like to bike and drink beer (this perhaps maybe everyone I know), then be sure to grab Lucy's fab book, Hop in the Saddle.
Learning to Surf on the Oregon Coast, with the Wall Street Journal from NashCO Photo and Video on Vimeo.
MSN.COM - NEW GENERATION OF FARMERS - SLIDESHOW
in in print, on assignment, people
MSN.com ran a couple dozen of my photos in a slideshow about urban farming. So many young folks interested in farming. I can't even get my grass to grow. 
1859 Magazine - Mark Scott - Shredding Design
in in print, lifestyle, on assignment, people
Mark Scott, professional skateboarder and owner of Dreamland Skateparks, stood still long enough (1/250th of a second) for me to take his picture. 1859 Magazine's Into the Soul profile. Mark was a good sport, performing tricks for me over and over again, while still managing to keep a pencil tucked behind his ear. He also managed not to laugh outright as I slide up and down the sides of the skate park, trying not to kill myself with my lights. Was feeling rather proud of myself until I realized when I got home that I had sacrificed a sandbag to the skatepark gods of Lincoln City. D'oh.
NYT - Artist Chris Johanson
in in print, on assignment, people
Artist Chris Johanson posed at home for me, and the New York Times. Chris is low key but is making big waves with a monograph out this year on his work out from Phaidon. Such an interesting guy, sweet, quirky, with a knack for saying things unlike anyone I'd ever heard. Example. Instead of saying, "Should I smile?" he says, "I'm feeling happiness now, would you like me to show it?" Perfect. His home was crammed with art (a man after my own) most of which he had swapped with his fellow countrymen, all of which had a story. Spent about 45 minutes with him and then an extra 30 with that cookie cutter, figuring out the best way to shoot the damn thing (note: kitchen background most successful). When I finished and am out the door, Chris peeks his head out of his front door and says, "You have a nice way about you. I had fun."
Aw schucks.
EAT COLLECTIVE: Lamb four ways at Levant
East Burnside eatery Levant chef Scott Snyder dishes up Lamb Four Ways for Willamette Week.
Aids in India on Hunger.tv and Feature Shoot
Both Feature Shoot and Hunger.TV recently featured a profile of some work I did about AIDs in India. Done for my Master's Project and supported by a Fulbright Grant, I lived in India for six months, documenting their epidemic and drinking heavily. It was a topic I feel fortunate to have brought to life, in however small a way, but it was often hard to sleep at night. And that's probably enough about that, read the interview for more. If you don't know, Feature Shoot is a great place to see new and fresh work and if you ask, they will deliver it all quite tidily to your inbox everyday. HungerTV is this edgy British web site and magazine that had the brillant idea of combining Art & Culture, Fashion, Music, Film and most importantly, photography....but not just celeb or fashion photography. They have a whole section devoted to documentary work, which features not only upstarts like myself, but also Martin Parr, and Magnum photographer Rene Burri. Not a bad crowd to run with.
Oregon Business Magazine - Eleek - Designing Light
in in print, lifestyle, on assignment, people
Pulled out all of the stops and all of the speed lights (well, all four) to light a portrait of Eleek co-owner Sattie Clark for Oregon Business Magazine. Sattie was gracious and fun and Eleek is a pretty amazing green company and is considered a pioneer in the design and manufacture of energy-efficient lighting. While I was there the place was humming as they worked on a huge project to recreate lighting fixtures for Seattle’s 1906 King Street train station, based solely on historic photos. The monumental fixtures differ from the originals only in their durability and that LEDs are replacing gaslight. Eric Kaster, her hubby and co-owner took a brief moment from production to pose for a few pics as well.
Plus no toxic substances are used in manufacturing, and local scrap metal and other recycled materials are first choices, as well as products that come from sustainable businesses and from within a 50-mile radius, in order to help reduce their carbon footprint. I also found out that Eleek hires from the neighborhood, pays full benefits, offers flexible scheduling and pays bonuses to employees who walk, bike or bus to work.
All things that add up to an amazingly cool and progressive Portland business. Oh, and did I mention that Sattie and Eric met while both performing at Berbati's Pan some years ago? Yep, I know. It's like the perfect Portland love story.
When Millenium's and Politics Collide
in in print, on assignment, people, reportage
One man, one place, one light, (my new kick ass Canon 600 EX RT), one hour, 4 setups. Ready, set, go. This was my first adventure as a newly minted Canon photographer, and I have to say, things weren't pretty. Getting used to totally new gear, where everything basically turns the opposite way that you think it should, made my brain hurt. But Andy Welsh, my subject, was patient and one of my personal mottos isn't "Fake it til you make it," for nothing. When I am tasked with shooting a portrait fast, I always make sure to scope out my surroundings; looking for doorways I can shoot through, interesting angles, unique light, anything where I can make something out of nothing. Plus I pay close attention to any natural gestures that the subject makes to include his hands to give the image interest and a feeling of intimacy. Finally, I like to do at least three or four setups, cuz' I want the New York Times to know they are getting their money's worth (they are). And that's how the magic happens (or not). You can read the full story of why Andy thinks politicians suck, HERE.
Ok, ok. the last one has two lights, I admit it.
Cheap Eats, Not Cheap People
I love shooting for the Willamette Week Cheap Eats Guide every year. Perhaps because it is so in line with my sensibilities. Those who know me, know I have a reputation for being a bit....thrifty (I find that word has a bit more dignity than cheap). And here I have a whole guide that says, "Hey Leah, it's ok you drink pabst. We get you." Some of the tasty highlights include Boke Bowl, Baowry, Helser's, the mini-food world that is Ocean and the new, but very popular kid on the block, Bar Dobre. Plus, I got to shoot the cover, which I always love. Can't beat that poppy yellow background (also known as poster board). Thanks to Lela's Bistro for providing the local and the slurpable noodles. 
Running around in circles for 1859 Magazine
Hot off the presses....the most recently photographed Alberto Salazar and his stable of runners for the March/April issue of 1859 magazine. Had maybe 5 minutes for the portrait, so it involved a fair bit of lighting set up before hand, dodging raindrops and stealing....ahem, borrowing, a ladder (thanks Nike!). Alberto was a nice guy but definitely not one to let a portrait shoot get in the way of practice. He is an in demand man and I enjoyed watching him seamlessly juggle jogging the track while talking on his phone and giving encouragement to his athletes. Way to multitask Alberto. And thanks to 1859 Editor Kevin Max and my producer Christopher Onstott for keeping me laughing as I lay belly down stalking muddy tennis shoes.
On Assignment with Portland Monthly: The Synagogue Sampler
in in print, on assignment, people, reportage
So in love with the layout that Portland Monthly did for my March story on synagogues, The New Shul. One thing I was really intrigued by was the different ways the religion is interpreted. On one end of the spectrum you have a female Rabbi, Ariel Stone, leading the congregation at Shir Tikvah (they even share a space with a Gay-friendly church). On the other end is Congregation Bais Menachem, an ultra-Orthodox Chabad Shul where men and woman are not allowed to touch. And in the middle was Shaarie Torah and Rabbi Zucky, a former Israeli soldier who owns not one, but two purple suits and a pink felt pool table that holds a place of honor in his office. One thing all these places did have in common was how welcoming everyone was. The assignment was a swirl of bagels, sacred scrolls, elaborate stories and open arms. A fabulous blend of down-to-earth-sensibilities mixed with mysticism. Perfect for a girl born to a Jewish father and a Catholic mother.
Read about Powell's... In Swedish
The Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter contacted me to photograph Portland's world renowned bookstore, the ever fabulous, Powell's. As a girl who spent a lot of her youth at the library, Powell's gives me that same warm and inclusive vibe. Maybe it is that slightly used, cozy smell, which the guy in my photo below seems to be drinking in. Or maybe it is the homeless people. Regardless, Powell's is one Portland institution that everyone can agree is pretty amazing. And just one more reason I love this city. And Sweden agrees! Or at least I will assume so, because, hey, I can't read Swedish.
Farm to Table at Noble Rot
Hung out at Noble Rot, the restaurant above the city and their kick ass rooftop garden, which was totally amazing, as was the weather. Chef and owner of not only the restaurant but the best rock star name ever, Leather Storrs, gave me a tour. Then he picked our lunch from the roof, got to cooking and I fought writer Lynne Curry for the spoils of our labor. Or rather of his. But whatever.
Miracle on 135th Avenue
in in print, on assignment, people
I come from a family of educators and so I know, yeah, those summers off look like a pretty sweet deal, but teaching is hard. So it was a real treat to photograph a positive story about education for Willamette Week. Visit the cafeteria of David Douglas High School and you feel like you are at the United Nations, 55 plus languages bounce around amidst chocolate milk and tater tots. But it seems like they make it work.
