Kathryn Elsesser Photography, Portland

Photographer Kathryn Elsesser has a gift for seeing the world in frames. Where others might not recognize a prime photo-op, Kathryn sees a work of art in the making. This talent led her to found her own studio, where today she captures images of weddings, families, and other special events.

When she isn’t out on a national or international assignment, Kathryn travels throughout Oregon to photograph young children or couples at their homes. She has a particular knack for capturing high-school seniors in their natural habitat, jingling car keys and leaving trails of college-acceptance letters to lure them out from hiding. Kathryn and her staff distinguish themselves with their heightened sense of artistry. They seek out and exploit the shadows and soft angles of a dance company's choreographed movements, just as they crouch at low angles to infuse candid wedding photos with a sense of movement and vitality.