Really worked hard this evening. Two little ladies had me huffing and puffing all over West Beach. Even now, I’m hoping I got at least one saleable image. Whew!

It was fun working with girls verses boys. They were so grateful that their grandpa let them rip and run nonstop under the Whidbey sun. Guess what? Girls get just as dirty as boys.

Last week a fellow photographer called hoping I had availability to cover a last minute wedding. Even though I had another event scheduled, I still felt a strong inclination to accept. As Divine Law would have it, the wedding was for the family who owned the above property. The bride was in total awe when I told her that I had photographed her home before.

Why am I so elated? Well, when I started the business 24 years ago, God promised me that he would send me the customers that He wanted me to have. I am so grateful He hasn’t forgotten His promise.

Influenced by the recent cover story of Jeff Bridges in Rangefinder Magazine, I used the boys to create our own Low-Key portraits. Definitely not as exciting or high profile as Jeff’s session but I betcha he didn’t get ice cream afterwards.

Studio portraits come easy with experience. However, getting young ones to cooperate is not always that easy. I’m known to take several images separately and later blend a compelling composite.

West Beach, Oak Harbor

John photographed our family and we are so very happy with our photos! He perservered through the rain (it was an outdoor shoot), the wind and even dealt with the family dog. He gave us many options as to groupings, poses and scenery. His package prices were very  affordable. John is on time and follows up … but most of all … John is NICE! He’s easy going and works with you to get the photos you will be happy with. June 25, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

Stacy J. hired John in 2010.

What a great day for portraiture in the neighborhood. Sunlight and timing were perfect. Clients quickly and comfortably snuggled into a favorite shade spot for even lighting. Session such as this one is putty in my hands. Backlit with soft morning light, tweak the pose and lighting a bit, hit the shutter release and voila…ice cream time for the kids!

What does it take to make a saleable outdoor portrait? Follow this blog to find out.

This 4^th of July celebration was different for me. For years, I’ve followed a beaten path: signed on as a vendor, stayed in my 10×10 space and promoted my photographic services. This year I needed a change. Saturday was dedicated to the normal flow of commerce at hand but Sunday was dedicated to meeting and greeting my neighbors. You know… in general… mingling with the troops. With five July 4^th celebrations under belt, I forced needed a change. Let me walk you through some of the dynamic action at Oak Harbor’s Old Fashion July 4^th celebration.

Despite a bone cold windy day, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce managed to pump some warmth into the day’s events. Ranging from the egg toss, potato sack race to the watermelon and jalapeño eating completions, many memories were made. My hat goes off to the jalapeno winner. Our first place winner ingested sixteen blazing peppers and was still without noticeable trots. My entire digestive tract atrophied after eating only one but there he stood, firm, like a taxpayer demanding his rights.

The hardy aroma of charcoaled barbecue chicken, burgers and franks thickened the air. Flying Frisbees and footballs buzzed through the air and canopied barbecuers dotted most of the green. Many donned winter coats and had blankets choked to their ears; while, the tougher the crowd appeared more comfortable in tee shirt or tank tops.  Fly away canopies suggested better attire but let me not judge how mankind should cover its rear.

Well, in my three hours of letting down my hair did I meet my commerce goals? You bet. I fulfilled a request for twenty two business cards, booked one portrait session, sold a couple sets of digital files and accepted invitations to two barbecues. Plus I had a ton of good Old Fashion handshaking and smiling fun.

I have to admit I circumvented the system a bit. My later evening was spent with family on the hillside perch overlooking the Wal-Mart parking lot; locally known as Snob’s Hill. The hills were ablaze with fireworks, pitched canopies and smoking barbecue grills. People of all clans gathered to celebrate while the Star Spangled Banner blared from a distant oversize 4×4. Cameras galore clicked as fireworks exploded. A neighbor questioned why I wasn’t using a flash. Our quest finally ended on the quiet sanctuary of our deck lighting sparklers and watching neighbors send streaks of light bolting into the blanket of cloudy night.

Monday now, gulls squawk over discarded chicken bones or plumage uncovered trash receptacles. The aroma of barbecue broiled now faded. The smell of moist firework smoke sickens the air. Wind trashed canopies liter the grounds. It is indeed early…very early.  Yet, volunteers and workers shiver as cold air rushes in off the bay. They drag weary bodies along separating recycle from trash-attempting to restore Windjammer Park to its pre-contracted standard. Few see the behind the scene work required to make any operation of this magnitude successful. Again I thank the local chamber for a job well done.

What an excellent day for commerce in the neighborhood! I’m setting up as a vendor at this weekend’s Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration at Windjammer Park. Come see some of my latest work and take advantage of  my Independence Day Special. You’re also welcome to visit and chat…but not too long.

Last week Becky & Scott celebrated their one year wedding anniversary. Both had been divorced for years but bravely decided give love one more try. Their plot sweetens with time, so let me bring you up to date.

Beck and Scott’s Story

Here’s a short story about my ongoing relationship with Becky and Scott. Becky and Scott were wed on Whidbey Island’s Ebey’s Landing last June. The Whidbey Examiner needed romantic wedding portraits for their Summer 2010 Visitors Guide. I had informed Becky that the Examiner had selected her image for publication, but she had not seen a printed version until their anniversary return to Whidbey last weekend. The rest is a story telling narrative.

Dear John:

I am SO sorry that I have not replied to this before now.  This email from you came to me at a time that I was working 50-plus hour weeks and I was not able to deal with anything extra.

This is SO fun!  Thank you!!!   Guess what:  Our anniversary is today; we were on the island over the weekend celebrating the year past and those to come.  While there, we found the actual publication and snagged a few to bring home.  What a kick!

WE love being in the summer guide.  The island is incredibly romantic for us and love being able to help portray that.

Thank you!

Best,

Becky and Scott

We found John to be warm, caring, highly enthusiastic and genuine. His personality brought added dynamics of fun and greater celebration to the event. His photos captured our morning exactly as we had wished. We highly recommend John Pendleton!

Becky C.

Pendleton Imaging & Photography, definably not your average picture taker. A leader in the profession, published, mover shaker, knowledgeable, why even consider a lesser model.

Many would complain about a gray overcast day with a hint of rain and wind but not an opportunist like me. Our team was like a duck in the water. Finally nature was working to our advantage.  A bit chiller than expected but once we started rolling, all was well.

Why does an overcast sky work? We got consistent lighting and consistent exposure without the normal squinting and break-through lighting falling on faces or clothing associated with an outdoor beach shoot. Once home, I adjust for contrast and color if needed. The end result is a relatively easy image to print. It’s a done deal with no post-production nightmare.

Purposely kept the artificial lighting to a minimum because of dust, sand and other caustic environmental factors. Bagged the images I wanted without dragging along the extra strobes and reflectors. Mother Nature provided a good spread of soft light.

What does this high pressured account manager have in common with this fun-loving educator? Follow this blog to find out!