Hey blog readers!

I’m a wedding photographer, of course, but in my other time I like to do what I call “contemporary business portraits.” They’re a load of fun, they’re easy (for all of you who aren’t fans of being photographed, I’m serious about that one) and TODAY ONLY, they’re cheap.

Like, 73% off cheap.

Click here to go to today’s LivingSocial deal in Portland, where you can get a business portrait session with me for only $55. Can’t wait to see you!

On Friday, we went to Crave Portland’s “Up in the Air Summer Affair” party on the roof at Hotel Deluxe. It was so fun! I thought I’d share some photos.

I’ll be honest: I didn’t know there were such high concentrations of beautiful people in Portland. They were out in full force!

Lots of local shops like Betsy & Iya were out showing some of their cool products.

These are our friends Todd & Arwa. Arwa is the face behind GemKitty Jewelry, where you can design your own necklace or earrings.

And that’s us! Thanks, Todd, for wielding the camera with such finesse. And thanks, Crave, for another fun event!

I’ll admit: I heart Crave Portland. Whenever I go to their events, there is always fantastic company, inspiring female entrepreneurs and of course, tasty snacks. How could you possibly go wrong?

Yesterday, I attended Crave’s third business chat. These are an informal gathering based around an idea for growing business, and I always find them to be really interesting. Check out the goodies!

This business chat was held at Relish Design in the Alphabet District. It’s a gorgeous shop full of clean design, Marimekko fabrics and midcentury modern treasures. I could have taken up residence there and never left.

This business chat was all about using events as a way to spread the word of your business to potential clients, loyal customers and the larger community. As someone who loves attending events myself, I was so inspired by what the speakers had to share. Below is Tiffanee Bean from Mabel & Zora in the Pearl District. She’s huge on events, as you’ll know if you’re a regular shop in her cute boutique. She even hosts swanky private parties for VIP customers, which sound so amazing.

Also sharing at the chat was Claudia Bowers of Pravia Wines & Events. She organizes huge events, like wine festivals and more, and she’s a seasoned pro. She had a ton to offer in terms of how to pull off some really big impressive events.

Below is Mai Tran, who runs Crave Portland. She’s got event-planning chops herself, and I’ve personally seen her pull off some pretty impressive events.

So all this talk about having events has gotten me thinking about hosting some events of my own, either to draw in and meet potential new clients or just to reward those who have been loyal to and supportive of Sara Gray Photography. So I’m asking you, blog readers: what do you think of that? What kinds of events do you want to see? What sorts of things do you love to attend, and what would be your ideal Sara Gray Photography event? I can’t wait to hear what you all come up with, and to add that to a few ideas I’ve already got up my sleeve!

Happy Monday!

I’ve always been a sucker for the easy breezy style at Crate & Barrel. So I was really excited when I was invited to be part of The Wedding Parties. I got to show off some of my wedding albums to couples getting married this year.

I love the table they set me up on — I really wanted it by the end of the time I was there!

When you’re in a store with great beds all made up, do you get the urge to get a running start and crash land on them? Maybe that’s just me.

This was such a fun registry event — the store was closed to normal customers and they served mimosas, coffee and fruit and pastries. Yum!

Thanks, Crate and Barrel, for having me! I can’t wait to do it again.

If you haven’t heard of Crave Portland, you should check them out. Earlier this week, they hosted their first-ever Crave Holiday Shopping Party in NE Portland, and I was there to check it out.

I loved the decor and the vendors at this party — there were free cocktails, fun swag bags and cool sales, all from cool female-owned local businesses.

Some of my favorites: Woolie Originals (offering recycled wool gloves, hats and other apparel), Kate Grenier Designs (with these cool recycled bottle-cap magnets), Fliptography (flip-books made from a video!), Fifty Licks (try the maple-bacon ice cream), Grayling (beautiful jewelry) and Swanky Tables (wedding and event design).

Above and below: some of Grayling’s jewelry. I loved her booth setup, complete with burlap and antlers.

I’m a girl with split allegiances. I grew up in Oregon, but went to school in Washington. I lived in Washington for more of my adult life than in Oregon. I’ve got friends in both. I photograph weddings in both. And I’ll be shooting special holiday family portrait sessions in both too!

I wanted all of my great Washington clients to know about some important dates for these holiday sessions, so you can get scheduled. I’ll be in Seattle and Spokane this year offering a limited number of sessions, so be sure to get on the calendar quickly if you’re wanting to take advantage of the holiday card special!

Spokane Dates

Friday, October 16

Sunday, October 18

Seattle Dates

Thursday-Sunday, December 3, 4, 5, 6

Between the two cities, there are only about 12 sessions available, so you’ll need to get on the schedule soon if you’re serious.

Note: If you’re not in Seattle or Spokane, but you’re somewhere else in Washington, fill out the contact form — I may be able to catch you en route.

I grew up in the Portland area, but it wasn’t until I moved back after college that I started making connections with such amazing people. There’s a feeling in Portland of idealism and of wanting to improve the world around us, but I am especially finding that to be true now that I get a little more involved with the local community.

I had the opportunity about a month ago to attend the Council for Responsible Sport’s first Green Tie event, which was a silent auction and fundraiser for their programs. The organization works to “green” sporting events like marathons and triathlons and they offer a certification program for events.

The Green Tie event was held at the Keen Headquarters in the Pearl District, which was such a cool space to get to hang out in. Eric went with me as my date and I couldn’t resist posting a picture of him (below right). I love it when he wears a tie.

These ladies, Marissa McGilliard (left) and Kirstin Gunderson (right) run ReSport, and they do a great job. It was so fun working with both of them throughout their event, which they clearly worked hard on.

Vegan cupcakes = crazy delicious

The evening’s speaker was Darcy Winslow, who runs Designs for a Sustainable World in Portland. She shared photos, video and her thoughts from a recent expedition to Antarctica. Her experience was stunning and has spurred her on to finding new and inventive ways to save the planet and its natural habitats.

This last photo is of my friend Jenna Forstrom (right) — Jenna also works for Designs for a Sustainable World and she is currently in a contest to be a blogger on an Antarctica trip. It means a lot to her, and I think she would be a stellar pick (just read her blog entry – it made me laugh out loud). If you have a minute today, go here to vote for Jenna so we can all follow her on her Antarctica expedition!

It’s a hallmark of Jesuit education that you become “men and women for others,” and that’s something I try to live up to in my life and in my business. I’m a graduate of Jesuit High School in Portland, and going there was a great experience for me (no matter the endless teasing from my senior reps that go to other schools, and especially our old rival, Beaverton High).

The Jesuit annual auction is one of the major ways the school raises funds for programs and to educate students. This year, they’re featuring an online auction in addition to their big gala auction, which will be on May 2. If you’re interested in getting a senior portrait session at a discounted rate while helping to support Jesuit, check out their online auction, which opens for bidding on Wednesday, April 1. In their online auction, I have three senior portrait sessions up for grabs. These sessions are worth $500 each at full price, and I’ve got a feeling you can get a deal!