Random picture of the day :: Smiles :: Elena Wilken Children Photographer

A smile costs nothing but gives much.  It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give.  It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.  None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it.  Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away.  Some people are too tired to give you a smile.  Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.  ~Author Unknown

Furry little friends :: Elena Wilken :: Portland OR Children Photographer

It was a very windy and cold morning, the morning of this session, but this cute little man kept us on the move. I love sessions like this - they better and sharpen my skills and I can really capture my little subject's personality, because there is not a lot of posing going on. Well, there is the intention of setting up poses, and from there on I'm on my own :)

Sanda, you're a great mommy ;) Bringing along his favorite toys and furry little friends set us up for a great session! He was such a little trooper putting up with the cold and windy weather. Happy late birthday to you little Josh!

'Thomas and Friends' :: Portland Or. Children Photographer

Such a beautiful day this past Saturday!
I wish and pray for more days like this. Sunny, dry days would be such a treat especially with all the scheduled and waiting to be scheduled sessions. 

I was thankful for the day, drank in the sunshine and enjoyed my time spent with Nathan and his parents.

He loves his trains! It was the cutest thing, when mom and bad brought along his train set, and his dad set it up for him. Nathan, you and your mom and dad have a special place in my heart. xoxo

H is for Hazel :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. Children Photographer

I first photographed her about 8 months ago, as a tiny little 9 days old newborn. She's still a dainty little girly, bright eyed and as happy, mellow and content as they come. 

I might've said that before, but I believe this is my favorite age to photograph. While their attention span is not extremely long, they laugh at your silliness and think you're interesting enough to make eye contact. And the best part - you have a captive audience. They can sit up, but they can't outrun you ;)

Thanks guys for choosing to have me document this season in her life. I enjoyed it so much.
And the weather was perfect. I love our overcast skies in Portland, when we get them! (I'm not quite as fond of the rain, but I guess you can't have one and not the other).

...Enjoy!

A new way to measure time :: Elena Wilken :: Portland Or. Children Photographer

Two years ago this week, we welcomed a new little bundle in our family. And ever since then time has been flying by. She changed us in so many ways. It is so fascinating to look at the world through her eyes, as she learns new things. She expanded our hearts, taught us a new found appreciation for things we might take for granted otherwise, keeps us on our toes sometimes, and simply brings joy to our lives. 

There are so many things to do, places to go, people to see at any given time but this season of her life we will never be able to bring back, so we enjoy it. And sometimes that means that we do less things, go less places and see less people and have more of her. Children change the way you measure time and it seems to me that they make the passing of time even more valuable and add new meanings to it.

Happy birthday sweetie! :)
You make your daddy so proud and melt your mommy's heart. Just don't grow up too fast...