Gretchen's Bio
"It is easy to make a picture of someone and call it a portrait. The difficulty lies in making a picture that makes the viewer care about a stranger." Paul Strand's words ring true when I get behind the lens of my Nikon. I look for the unique character in each human spirit and want to accurately provide a glimpse, just for a moment, into their lives.
I focus on life. It constantly presents us with spontaneous moments of opportunity and discovery. Whether I'm taking a photograph on top of a mountain in the Himalayas, riding camels in the Sahara Desert, or simply capturing a child jumping in a mud puddle I thrive on the unfamiliarity of ever new experience.
I have always loved photographing people. There is just as much beauty to chronicle in everyday living as there is in momentous occasions. I've had the privilege of photographing pregnant moms, babies being born, toddlers crawling and taking first steps, high school graduates, holiday card portraits, weddings, and families. I photograph in natural light, capturing candid photos that will be enjoyed for generations.
I appreciate simplicity in real life. I live on a farm in Oregon with my husband, four children, llamas, cows, goats, and comic St. Bernard, Kubota. The farm is a serene environment with a red barn, red apple trees, red VW bus surrounded by red poppies and wildflower fields, orchards, ponds, and black walnut trees. It is in this natural environment that I often find inspiration for my work.
I approach each job with wonder and enthusiasm. I'm always willing to take the time to find that special quality that transforms a photo into a treasure. I look forward to working with you.
My educational experience includes a B.A. in Studio Art from The College of Wooster, Ohio. My work has been shown in Portland, Maine, New York City, and California galleries. Some of my most favorite photographs are from Mali, West Africa, while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer.