Heidi Rakas Photography: Blog

Dan & Kara-Couples Anniversary Photo Session-Eugene, Oregon Wedding Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 05:58:24 GMT

Wedding & Couples Photographer | Eugene, Oregon

As an Oregon wedding photographer, I absolutely love travelling out of state for sessions and weddings, especially to sunny and warm places such as California. I am always so honored when people have me document special occasions in their life. Kara and Dan celebrated their 5th year as a married couple, and I am so happy for them! Kara has been my best friend, wing-woman (we served in the Air Force together), and biggest supporter of my photography journey; and it is always exciting when I get to photograph her.

I photographed wedding portraits for Dan and Kara in Roseville, California (shortly after their ceremony, because they eloped) a few years ago, and then they invited me along to photograph their anniversary photos on Macinac Island, Michigan. Without a doubt, Macinac Island is one of the most stunning locations that I've been to. I love that the island only has a handful of emergency vehicles, and to get around you can only walk, bike, or take a horse and buggy.

I hope you enjoyed these photos from this very special anniversary session. A photo session is such a wonderful way to celebrate your love for one another on your anniversary. I would be thrilled to help you plan a session with your love, please fill out the form below to get in touch!

Eugene, Oregon Family Photographer---Hendricks Park Photo Session

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Family Photographer | Eugene, Oregon

Hendricks Park in Eugene, Oregon was the perfect location for this family photography session. Gorgeous colors, plenty of shade (even in the middle of the day), and an abundance of beautiful paved paths--did I mention it is dog friendly?! When my clients contact me about a portrait session, I send out a guide to help them plan for the session--and it covers topics such as what to wear and what to expect at our session. Jennifer did an excellent job following the guide and coordinating colors for this lovely location in Eugene.

Some of my families ask me "can my dog be in the photos"--and my answer is always "YES, PLEASE!!"--honestly, these photos just wouldn't be complete without their adorable puppo--what do you think?

I love to photograph sessions all over Oregon, in Eugene, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Roseburg, and beyond. If you'd like to reserve a session with me, simply fill out the form below, or send an email to hello@heidirakas.com and lets get in touch!

Eugene, Oregon Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 18:31:30 GMT

Fresh 48 Newborn Photographer | Eugene, Oregon

I can't say enough how much I adore Fresh 48 newborn sessions, and this newborn session in Eugene, Oregon was one of my favorites! If you've already had a baby, you know JUST how quickly they change; their scrunched up face and wrinkly toes and hands--they really only last a week or two at most. If you're anything like me, you want to document it all, so you never forget how teeny-tiny they once were!

This family is so special to me, and I loved being there to capture the siblings first moments meeting their new baby sister at the hospital. I was there to document their sweet boys Fresh 48 session, so it really was like déjà vu photographing sweet baby Clara. I hope you enjoy these photos!

If you've been wondering about newborn photos, and the experience, I'll share a little bit about how they work. Typically, families contact me about 1-3 months before baby is due. I take on a limited number of newborn sessions per week, to ensure that I am available as soon as baby comes. I photograph at Mckenzie Willamette and Sacred Heart Medical centers in the Eugene/Springfield area, and also enjoy photographing babies that are born in their home or at a birthing center. If you'd like to reserve me to photograph your newborn or Fresh 48 session, fill out the form below, or email me at hello@heidirakas.com.

Mommy and Me Sessions-Eugene Oregon Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 07:26:30 GMT

Mommy & Me Sessions | Eugene, Oregon Family Photographer

This Spring, I have been busy, busy planning all sorts of beautiful photography sessions around the Eugene, Oregon area. As a photographer and a mom, helping my clients capture the essence of motherhood is something that I'm extremely passionate about. Mom's (YES YOU!), we do not hand over the camera nearly enough and get photos with our babies!

As your photographer, it is my goal to help you feel gorgeous in your photos, and to get real, genuine, candid moments with your children. I was honored to help Kassandra document some of her moments with her kiddos at our session in Cottage Grove, Oregon. This is one of my personal favorite locations, and the sunsets here NEVER disappoint.

I would absolutely be honored to help you document some photos with your kiddo(s). If you'd like to reserve a session with me, simply click here, or send me an email to hello@heidirakas.com.

Stunning Postlewaits Wedding-Salem, Oregon Wedding Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 17:00:00 GMT

Stunning Postlewaits Wedding | Salem, Oregon Wedding Photographer

I am so thankful for all of my brides and grooms that have chosen me to be their wedding photographer! Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and it truly is an honor. I was so excited when Veronica and Colton contacted me to be their wedding photographer--they were so effortlessly in-love. Also, when they told me about their venue choice, I could hardly wait for their Spring Wedding at Postlewaits in Salem, Oregon! Congrats to this lovely couple!

I photograph weddings all over Oregon and in Northern California; including Roseville, Sacremento, and the Bay Area. As an Oregon Wedding photographer, I've photographed weddings in Springfield, Eugene, Cottage Grove, Salem, Portaland, Bend, and beyond--no destination is too far! I would love to hear from you and help you plan out your wedding! Simply fill out the form below, and lets start planning your big day!

Little Red Riding Hood | Children's Portrait Photographer Eugene & Cottage Grove Oregon

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 03:05:40 GMT

Little Red Riding Hood | Child & Family Photographer in Cottage Grove, & Eugene, Oregon

Admittedly I do most of my shopping on Amazon or at Costco--however, this past Christmastime, I found myself at Nordstrom Rack trying to find the perfect gifts for my people. Low and behold, I came across this GEM for about $20 (bargain!)--to be honest, I would have bought it regardless of the price, because it was the peacoat of my photography dreams--but the fact that it was such a bargain made me snatch it up even quicker!

I'm sure other photographers can relate--but I get creative visions frequently of photo sessions that I want to do (but I don't realistically have time for). For real, it happens at least a few times a day--I'll be driving along and I'll see the perfect field, farm, fog, sunset, makeup, etc--you name it. So immediately when I saw the coat, I knew I needed it for my sweet Kiki-Bear. Here are some of the photos from our little adventure!

I would love to help you capture some gorgeous image of your little one with a children's portrait session! I photograph sessions all over Oregon, including Eugene, Springfield, Creswell, Salem, Roseburg, and beyond! Fill out the form below and we can get started planning your perfect session! :)

Gorgeous Maternity Session--Creswell, Oregon Maternity Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 15:00:00 GMT

I just love my job as a photographer, and absolutely love that I get to watch families grow! <3 I photographed Michael and Kristan's wedding earlier this year, and I was so happy they had me also take their maternity photos for them. We decided on a lovely location in Creswell, Oregon near the river, and can you even believe we were blessed with two rainbows during our session! I will never complain about the rain again. If you've got a session booked with me and there is rain in the forecast, do not fret; without the rain we wouldn't have rainbows! I can't wait to photograph their newborn session next month! Congrats to the Kelly family!

**Heidi Rakas is a maternity photographer in Creswell, Cottage Grove, and Eugene, Oregon. Heidi's photography style is captivating, emotive, and natural.**

Daphne + Zach-Village Green Resort Wedding--Cottage Grove, Oregon Wedding Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 03:23:07 GMT

May 15th, 2018

Daphne and Zak had a gorgeous wedding at the Village Green Resort, in Cottage Grove, Oregon. I loved spending my day with them and capturing the love that they share. I am always so honored when couples choose me to photograph their wedding.
We were so lucky with the weather considering it was May , the rain clouds cleared for a beautiful sunny afternoon ceremony.

**Heidi Rakas is a wedding photographer in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Her photography is captivating, emotive, and natural.**

Crawfish Lake-Intimate Wedding in Oregon--Oregon Wedding Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 04:42:00 GMT

I'm so excited to blog this gorgeous intimate wedding I had the honor to photograph a few weekends ago! This wedding took place at Crawfish Lake, out past Dorena in Cottage Grove, Oregon. It was such a special wedding; only the bride and groom, their parents, the officiant, and me--the photographer were there for the ceremony.

Aubrey and Brandon seriously make the most adorable couple, and I'm so thankful I was able to be there to photograph both their ceremony and reception. I cannot wait to edit up the rest of their photos and deliver them this week!

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Simon's!

Hair: Body Works Salon, Cottage Grove, Oregon

Makeup: Maybe it's Megaleen, Cottage Grove, Oregon

DJ: Your Way Sound and Lights, Creswell, Oregon

Photographer: Heidi Rakas Photography

Marissa + David Wedding--Gorgeous Tillamook Forest Wedding--Oregon Wedding Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:00:00 GMT

Going through these photos as I finish up editing this gorgeous Oregon wedding, deep in the Tillamook Forest, it's still hard to believe this was a real life wedding! Everything about the day was seriously perfect; despite the minor setbacks like the chairs not showing up at the venue, and a forgotten ring exchange--everything was dreamy.

At the end of the day, all that mattered was that these two love-birds were happily married; starting another chapter in their special love-story. I feel honored that Marissa and David chose me to photograph their big day! Marissa is a gem, and one of the kindest and most lovely people I have ever met! The way these two look at each other--you just know its true love.

From the getting ready photos at a lovely beach home in Tillamook, Oregon, to the father-daughter dance (which I'm pretty sure made everyone cry like babies!), this day was just magical! I'm so happy I was there to capture all these special moments for these two to cherish forever.

**Heidi Rakas is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Eugene, Oregon.**

Sweet Addie-3 Weeks New--Eugene Newborn Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:08:42 GMT

ch time I get to work with newborn babies, I am so overjoyed--they are some of the most special moments to capture. The love in the air, the parents who can't take their eyes off their little bundle--just everything is so perfect!

Sweet Addie came to my home studio in Cottage Grove with her mom the other day, and she was absolute perfection! The ideal time for newborn photos is within babies first 2 weeks of life. The reasoning is because babies are much sleepier, and easier to "pose" than older babies. Needless to say, Addie's mom contacted me when her daughter was nearly one month old--so I had to get her in as soon as possible! I've gotta say, the session was a complete success! Addie slept nearly the whole time, and was just the perfect baby and so easy to pose. Even during her awake times, she was so content. Here are a few of the photos from our session, if you can't tell, I'm a little excited for Christmas!

Zack's Senior Photo's-- Eugene Senior Portrait Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 19:45:52 GMT

Being a photographer in the Eugene area is the best! The fall colors this time of year are just amazing and perfect timing for senior portraits! Zack chose to do his senior photos in Cottage Grove, and we got a ton of great shots with so many locations to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites from my senior portrait session with Zack.

Leilani--2 weeks new--Eugene Newborn Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 19:05:52 GMT

I had an absolutely beautiful newborn session today with sweet Leilani, at just two weeks new! Leilani is such a gorgeous girl, and she has two older brothers who love her so much! I've been thoroughly enjoying all of the newborn sessions I've been photographing recently, they are just so magical! I am thrilled with the way these photos turned out, and I cannot wait to watch Leilani grow.

Leilani-Newborn Session

Twin Newborn SessionAva and Allie**Eugene, Oregon Newborn Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 06:55:58 GMT

So, I just had to make a blog post of my session with these sweet, precious little ladies! This week, I had the pleasure of photographing my first set of twin babies--Ava and Allie. I have to admit, I was a little nervous photographing twins, because I really didn't know what to expect--but I couldn't have asked for a sweeter pair of girls to photograph. I could go on for days about just how sweet these girls and their family was, but I will let the photos speak for themselves--you can just see the love exuding from these very proud parents (and pup!).

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Family Photos--Family Photographer--Cottage Grove, Oregon

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 07:11:58 GMT

I'm always on the hunt for beautiful locations to take family photos, but the last few weeks have shown me sometimes beautiful and interesting things are right under my nose. Some of my favorite family photos I've taken were in my own backyard! I am just so thankful for my beautiful family, they let me take photos of them anytime I want (sometimes I have to bribe them a little!). Having them available allows me to practice new techniques so I can offer the highest quality sessions to my clients. Here are a handful of family photos that I've taken over the past few weeks right here in my own back yard in Cottage Grove, Oregon--some of them I ventured into Eugene to take too!

Newborn Session- Baby Porter - Cottage Grove Newborn Photographer

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 07:09:27 GMT

I had the pleasure of photographing a sweet newborn baby not too long ago. Not only did I get to take his photos at the hospital just hours after he made his entrance into the world, I also got to do an in-home session and his big brother and sisters got to participate as well. The photos turned out amazing--I just love capturing all the tiny details that come with photographing newborns--tiny toes, tiny hands, all of the love in the air! I visited baby Porter and his family at his house when he was just 11 days new. Photographing newborn babies has become one of my absolute favorite things to do. Here are the photos from our hospital newborn session, as well as the lifestyle session we did at his home. Enjoy!

Kamille's First Birthday- Cake Smash

hello@heidirakas.com (Heidi Rakas Photography) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 18:32:35 GMT

I was honored to take photos for a close friends little girl, Kamille, who is turning one in about a week! I just love the way these photos turned out, and I even got to capture a few special moments of her with mommy! Can't wait to see what the future hold for this sweet girl, she IS GOING PLACES!