Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Port Townsend Wedding-Elopements-Engagements Event Venues and Services

Right now I'm very excited to be part of a group of businesses that represent venues and services available to couples planning to come to Port Townsend for their destination wedding. A group of Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Members are working together to support and promote couples coming to the Peninsula not only for their wedding but other special events like celebrating anniversaries or family reunions. Port Townsend and the entire Olympic Peninsula is an incredible place to visit and offers an unlimited amount of venues, services, events and activities to take part in while visiting.

Next time your thinking of a destination location for a wedding or other family gathering consider Port Townsend. Many of the venues listed below not only offer event space, or lodging, some have their own restaurant or offer catering. Many of these venues like the Maritime Center and Fort Worden are large enough for bigger groups while others offer more intimate settings for smaller groups, both options should fit any occasion.











Sunday, December 18, 2016

Elizabeth and Rob Wed Under the Madrona Tree at Scenic Fort Worden in Port Townsend

As the holidays approach this is the time many couples get engaged. When thinking of a location to hold your wedding Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula offer a variety of venues and vendors to plan all your wedding needs right here. Fort Worden is an incredibly scenic location that offers both indoor and outdoor locations plus housing for the bridal party and wedding guests.

This late summer wedding with Elizabeth and Rob, was held at Fort Worden under the beautiful Madrona tree, the reception was held at the JFK building and the bride and groom stayed at Alexanders castle and other family members stayed in nearby cabins also at the Fort.



Rob wrote a wonderful review on my Facebook business page, Deja View Photography Studio describing their day using Deja View Photography which includes myself and my second Photographer Kay Harper. Rob wrote:

"Deja and Kay spent a lot of time preparing for the wedding. Both are very detail oriented, focused, and prepared for the task at hand. We had 100 guest. Deja/Kay photographed all our friends and family. After all was said and done, 528 BEAUTIFUL pictures. We also purchased the album, and it looks wonderful. Hands down, a great experience, we can't say enough about the joy Deja brought to our wedding."

Flowers were from Annie's Flower Farm in Sequim. 

Port Townsend offers a variety of options too for picking a Florist for your wedding day. There is Holly's Flowers, Petal Flower Shop and Wilderbee Farm are additional options right here in Port Townsend. 

The cake was from That Takes the Cake in Sequim. Paul and Sue not only create beautiful cakes but they also taste wonderful. 


If you would like to set up a free consultation at my Port Townsend studio to discuss your wedding day please give me a call at (360) 385-2662. Engagement sessions are included in each of my wedding collections as is digital files and a second Photographer. There is no additional charge to have a second Photographer as a second shooter and helps to capture all the special moments of the wedding day from both the bride and the grooms perspective. You can also visit my website to see more of my photography by visiting Deja View Photography . 




Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Not Too Late for Port Townsend Senior Portraits

The weather may be gray and wet right now but it isn't too late to get great Port Townsend High School Senior images and met the yearbook deadline. Right now I have openings for in studio sessions for the Senior head shot needed for the yearbook. I have a waiting list for on location sessions when the rain stops and the sun returns. With nicer weather we can get back outside to take photos at the Fort in the bunkers or at the beach or in scenic downtown Port Townsend or a favorite location special just to you. 

The collage of images here are ones I took recently of Rowan who did a studio session first and then we headed out to Fort Worden late afternoon for unique variety of different looks. 



Rowan is very active in local plays at his school and other held at Key City Players here in Port Townsend and need a professional head shot when applying to different collages. He was recently accepted to Cornish College of Arts in Seattle next year. I can't wait to follow his adventures in 2017. I loved working with Rowan for these on location images. As with all the Seniors I photograph it is fun to get to know them during the session, learn about their plans for after graduation and to follow them on Facebook.

Give me a call today at (360) 385-2662 or visit my website at Deja View Photography to book a studio consultation session.

Port Townsend Leader Reader's Choice 2016 Winner of Best Photographer-Deja Webster


What a nice honor to have myself and my business Deja View Photography recognized as the Best Photographer by readers of the Port Townsend Leader. You can see more of my work by visiting my website at www.dejasphotos.com  Thank you to all my friends and clients who took the time to vote for this wonderful award.

Deja of Deja View Photographer
Port Townsend Photographer

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Adoption Poster for Port Townsend Shelter 10-3-2016

10-6 Update-Shyla, Willis and Penelope have been adopted. 

Friday, August 26, 2016

National Dog Day-Adopt Jane Today

Jane has been adopted.
Adorable Jane is about 1 1/2 years old and available for adoption from the shelter here in Port Townsend. You can visit the Humane Society of Jefferson County Tuesday-Sunday or call them at (360) 385-3292.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Love on the Olympic Peninsula-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Focus Group

There was a article in The Leader yesterday about Crystal Delights, a business located here in Port Townsend. Owners Andrew Schwartz and Shellie Yarnell are Jefferson County Chamber members and active in the Wedding and Event group which began meeting several months ago. I also belong to this network of Chamber members that are working together to encourage visitors to hold their wedding or other events here on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. Keep on the look out for one of their beautiful marbles they have hidden somewhere around Jefferson County.

My Heart is Broken


About a month ago I wrote a post about my dog Max. I was reflecting on his age and hoping we would have another summer together but not taking out time together for granted. So I was heart broken when my other dog Ruby, died two weeks ago. It was sudden and not expected, she was 11 but seemed to be in good health. This was especially shocking since I have been preparing to say goodbye to my older dog Max for some time now. Max is around 14 but losing younger Ruby in a matter of hours has broken my heart. I feel like I have a hole in my heart. Our 10 years of usual routines that happen in our typical day together are gone so moving around in the morning is really hard. Being a Mom to eight dogs over my life time has been an honor and has enriched my life but saying goodbye is heart wrenching. Anyone who has loved and lost a dog will know this pain. We are a lucky group to have had them.

The day after Ruby died was incredibly hard but I got so much support from so many wonderful Facebook friends and other friend that sent flowers, cards or called. A friend came by and helped me bury Ruby in the back yard in the afternoon. I sent her off with flowers, a love letter, photos of her and I, her buddy Max and her favorite Kong. 


All grief whether the death of a beloved pet or a loved family member I think is especially hard when things change in minutes or in this case hours. My partner Don died suddenly from a heart attack so I know how quickly life can change. One minute he was here and 4 minutes later he was gone. So on Tuesday, much like that Sunday morning 14 years ago, all seemed right with my world. In this case I ran off to a job and when I returned just after lunch Ruby met me at the door struggling to breath. I got her immediately to Pet Townsend Vet. Despite the best efforts of Dr. Abby and her staff and being placed on oxygen nothing worked to stabilize Ruby enough to breath on her own so I made the heart wrenching decision to let her go. Dr. Abby felt Ruby had some underlying tumor or cancer of her lungs that caused her condition. 


Being in love is a risky business and losing a loved one or even a beloved pet is a chance one takes when falling in love. I will continue to bet on love. Thank you everyone for your kind words and support, it means the world to me and my buddy Max.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Take Your Dog to Work Day

Today is another a busy day for me working in my office updating software, working on my website, editing photos, leaning how to use new album designing software. By my side as I worked is my faithful dog Max. I adopted Max from the shelter thirteen years ago. My German Shepard Gypsy had just died and I knew I wanted another dog. Not to replace her but to give another shelter pup a good life like Gypsy had had in my home. The shelter told me Max was about two but he acted more like a puppy under a year than a two year old. His age doesn't really matter unless I'm looking at how much more time I have left with this sweet dog. I can see him slipping a bit, he seems confused like not wanting to go through the door to my office or waiting by the wrong door to come in from outside. He still has his appetite and hasn't lost his mobility except he's now hesitant to tackle the stairs to the bed he loved to lay on.

As an adult I have always had a dog, always a shelter dog of mixed heritage. Max is the best natured, loving dog I have ever owned. He is very sensitive dog, aware of my feeling. If I'm happy or especially when sad he seems to know. He decides to curl up on the couch with me when I sob through one of those Humane Society commercials with all the animals that need to get adopted. Even after years of walking together he still always walks in front of me, encouraging me to pick up my pace. As for disposition he doesn't have a mean bone in his body. My other shelter dog, Ruby who I fondly call my "devil child" acts like a two year old instead of her true age of ten. She always pushes Max out of the way at the water bowl, or moves in for that one piece of food that has jumped out of Max's bowl and he never snaps or growls at her. Ruby can be at the far end of the yard and she can still be the first to get thru the sliding glass doors as Max gets pushed aside Max waits patiently to enter last.

I'm reminded today of how lucky I am to have handsome Max in my life. My sweet pup with those sad eyes.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Quilts of Honor Delivered to Veterans At Memorial Day Service at Marvin G. Shields Post 26.

I once had a friend who reminded me of a quilt. She had the warmth and personality that made me think of the qualities of a quilt in that she always had room in her life to add another friend. I was fortunate to be one of them for the short time that I knew her. A quilt, like Roberta always has the potential to add one more patch or section to its final product. A quilt brings warmth and comfort to all who wrap themselves in one.

On Memorial Day the local chapter of Quilts of Valor Foundation presented 30 handmade quilts to WWII and Korean veterans. I have been attending ceremonies at the local American Legion in Port Townsend for over 14 years and this had to be the most emotional ceremony I have witnessed.

I can't image the amount of time that must have went into creating each of these beautiful art pieces that was personalized for each veteran. Each quilt had the recipients name and the names of the women who had made the quilt. I usually don;t take photos during the indoor ceremonies but on Monday I went to the front of the room to try to capture a few images. Luckily with my 70-200 lens I was able to zoom in from afar without being too much in the way of the ceremony.

There was hardly a dry eye in the house during this ceremony. Each group of women that had created the quilt presented and really engulfed the veteran as they placed the quilt over their shoulders. Some were too frail to stand and were given the quilts as they sat with their families. The tearful emotions shown in the eyes of the women presenting the quilts as they touched and patted the quilt molding it to each veteran. It was amazing to witness. You could see the appreciation that this recognition and the response of the nearly 350 in attendance made for each person receiving a quilt. These lovely quilts will be part of their lives and passed down through generations honoring each mans service. Thank you to Kathryn Bates and all the quilters from the Jefferson County Quilts of Valor.







Saturday, May 14, 2016

Looking for Love? Consider Adopting a Cat or Dog from the Port Townsend Shelter

Who can resist these sweet faces. Right now the shelter has one dog, Lucas and these five adorable cats. You can visit the shelter Tuesday-Sunday from 12-5 or call them at (360) 385-2662. Anyone have a favorite? 

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Remembering What it is Like to Have Your Own Photograph Taken-Makes Me a Better Photographer

Sometimes it is important to have your photograph taken to remember how your clients feel when you photograph them. I almost always tell a client, I have the easier job and that it is much harder being at the other end of the camera and having your portrait taken. Just like my clients I love wearing my favorite colors, like this sweater, and earrings when being photographed. Often clients are in tune to what is there most flattering color to wear and what works with their skin tone and hair coloring.  I have a copy of Color Me Beautiful written by Carole Jackson in 1977 but still relevant today. I bring out this book and bring it out as part of my discussion with my clients in their pre-consultation here in my studio. The book helps matching which of the four seasons someone is and the colors that look best on them. Being a "Winter" I can wear black, white, blues, reds and purple colored clothing. Women who have turned gray prematurely are often Winters.

Making my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera is a priority for me with all my sessions. Thank you to Kay Harper for taking this photo of me. Kay helps me by being my second Photographer when I do event photography like weddings, anniversary parties and other events here in Port Townsend.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Gray Skies Didn't Dampen Romantic Engagement Session Fort Worden

Hard to believe it was five years ago that I photographed this fun engagement session at Fort Worden State Park here in Port Townsend. Their dogs were part of their family so natural to be included in their portrait session. Melissa and Matthew's beautiful wedding followed in May at the Farm Kitchen in Poulsbo. Since their 2011 wedding I photographed a maternity session with them, then another session when their son was born, Melissa's sisters maternity session and her children, two large family reunions and her Grandparent's anniversary. I love being included in other fun family activities over the years including an annual Christmas cookie exchange held at Melissa's sister-in-laws home each year.

Point Wilson Lighthouse in the background.




Thursday, April 14, 2016

Did You Miss National Pet Day?

I missed National Pet Day on the 11th so posting this weeks adoption poster today. Since I created the poster on Sunday Einstein was reunited with his owner. However still lots of wonderful cats and one dog available at the Humane Society of Jefferson County here in Port Townsend. You can reach them at (360) 385-3292 or visit the shelter Tuesday-Sunday from 12-5.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Photo Bombed by Pigs During Engagement Session

One Straw Ranch will have a booth today at the Port Townsend Farmers Market. Thought it was the perfect time to repost some of the photos I took of Charlotte and Martin when I did their engagement session at the ranch back in 2014. Not your typical engagement session but probably one of my favorite on location sessions plus we were even able included some of the animals on the ranch. The light was incredible that evening and it was such a fun session for me. I then had the pleasure of photographing their wedding later in that same year. 

 Photo bombed by the pigs.


Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Women and Film Festival, April 9 and 10 in Port Townsend

I have volunteered my time the last two years photographing during the larger Port Townsend Film Festival held here in Port Townsend. This year I will taking photos during this event. Last year the Women and Film Festival used one of my images for their poster but year I believe this year it is a painting. It was very exciting to see one of my images, on the large screen at the local Rose Theatre. A lovely women from here in Port Townsend modeled in a vintage red hat and it was that image that was used on the poster last year. It is not too late to purchase tickets the the event by directly to the Film Festival website.

Shy Female Seeks Loving Home in Port Townsend

Teal is a sweet but a bit shy female cat about 3 years old and available at the Humane Society of Jefferson County. You can visit the shelter from Tuesday-Saturday from 12-5 or call the shelter at (360) 385-3292.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Why We Photograph Weddings in Port Townsend

Wedding held at Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend

A Facebook post made by my second Photographer Kay Harper:

Deja Webster and I attended the Port Angeles Wedding Show at the Red Lion Hotel Sunday. In the last two months we have also attended the Seattle Wedding Show at the Convention Center and an open house at the Port Gamble wedding venues. It is fun and instructive to see the new trends in wedding attire, decorations, food, and flowers. 


The Seattle bridal fashion show featured lovely models wearing Downton Abby inspired dresses, as well as more contemporary designs. I enjoyed eating way too many samples of delicious wedding cakes and appetizers. And I, of course, loved seeing the beautiful floral designs.

A few weeks later in Port Gamble I enjoyed tasting a yummy coconut ice cream sandwich which was offered as an alternative to a traditional wedding cake. We visited the lovely little church that you probably have admired as you passed through Port Gamble on the way to the ferry. Saint Paul's Church was built in 1879 and has been beautifully restored. The open house was held at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion which is available for weddings and events.


Tonight I have been reflecting on why I so enjoy photographing weddings. The truth is that I love being part of these wonderful family celebrations and I love preserving the memories for the future. Photographing a wedding is really hard mental and physical work. We spend time checking out the lighting and other details in the days before the event and then work, many, many hours the day of the wedding. But when we have finished, there is a real sense of satisfaction that we have been part of a celebration that marks a turning point in the couple's and their familes' lives.


I couldn't have said this better. Kay and I work together to photograph weddings here in Port Townsend along with other family events. You can visit my website at contact me at deja@dejasphotos or reach me at (360) 385-2662.


Wedding Cakes from That Takes the Cake in Sequim

What a wonderful field trip I had heading over to Sequim today. I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't been there in years but today went to That Takes The Cake to drop off some business cards. I had the pleasure of meeting with the owners Paul and Sue. What a wonderful building they have located right on main street. I'm regretting I came home with only one mini cupcake and not a regular sized one, it was so good. Several of my clients including Port Townsend wedding clients have had their cakes created at their bakery.

Cake by That Takes the Cake embellished with flowers from Annie's Flower's Farm in Sequim.

Winners of the 2015 Tim Caldwell Business Leaders of the Year.

Earlier this month I photographed the 2015 Tim Caldwell Business Leader of the Year which was held at beautiful Fort Worden State Park. The event was sponsored by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce here in Port Townsend. Congressman Derek Kilmer was the keynote speaker.


Charley, Liz and Sarah from Business Guides here in Port Townsend.