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Interview with Lifestyle Photographer, Bunn Salarzon

January 29, 2010 by Cecilia | Comments (5)

Bunn Salarzon is a lifestyle photographer—with emphasis on “life.” She puts her heart into photography, and through each photo she takes, she brings out the most captivating moments, emotions, and personalities of each of her subjects. One thing is to be a photographer with great technique, but another is to be able to mesh technical skill with understanding and empathy for the subject, the setting, and the mood. I remember looking at a photoset of a newborn baby and her mother, and nearly whole-heartedly cried because it was so precious, so personal. That’s the kind of photographer I want at all the most important milestones in my life—graduation, marriage, family … It is quite possible that when I’m old and forgetful, Bunn’s photos may be the only things that will refresh my memory and bring warmth into my heart. Bunn is also downright funny and totally casual and cool, so photographing with her allows you to be yourself.

Bunn courageously booted corporate worklife to the curb and embraced her own life and her own dreams. She is an inspiration to all aspiring female entrepreneurs out there!

When and how did you become interested in photography?
Photography was an elective that I took during my Sophomore year in high school. That was (ahem!) 18 years ago. The only requirement was to have a 35mm SLR camera, which is what I found collecting dust in my uncle and aunt’s room. Nope, I never got their permission. I just jacked it!

Photography went from a favorite hobby to a full-time professional job. What compelled you to quit your corporate job and start your own business?
It didn’t take much when I realized that all I think about is photography. I looked forward to every session, even when it was only a practice session. I was anxious to see how much and fast I could grow by being curious. Of course, dealing with unhappy people in the corporate world made it so easy to analyze my own life to see what makes me happy. I didn’t want to be like those unhappy people, working for years and never following their dreams and being miserable about it. Therefore, I claimed my destiny and quit on the fly without any notice. Yeah, without a backup plan or savings account. I went for it … I followed my dreams. Although, I’m not even halfway there yet I’m more happy than I’ve ever been.

Did you imagine yourself to have become this successful and this busy?
I always have small goals for myself, small steps to reach those bigger goals. I sometimes feel like I haven’t made any progress until I look back on the two years then I realize just how far I’ve really come. Even in small steps there is success!

What do you love most about having your own business, besides being your own boss? Don’t be afraid to tell people about working in your pajamas … ha!
Actually, I can brag about working in my pajamas all day, every day! Besides not having a boss or alarm clock to stress about, having my own business means freedom. Not only am I able to do what I love, but I get to spend my days with the people I love. The corporate world forced me to spend 80% of my day with miserable people, pretending to be happy. I had only 20% of my day left for my friends and family, who most of the time would get the miserable side of me after a stressful day at work. That wasn’t fair. I had to make changes, and I’m so happy that I did!

What are some of the challenges you face?
The recession is not only affecting the average working class person, but mostly small business owners like myself. I definitely chose a difficult time in our economy to start my own business. But, if I’m going to be working hard at anything then it’s going to be something that I truly love – even if it means a huge pay cut and no health insurance. There is no greater reward than working for yourself.

Honestly—how much time do you spend editing photos?
It really depends on how many images per session or wedding, and how many orders I’ve got all at once. Because I’m such a perfectionist, it can mean four to six hours on one session. Of course, that time gets broken up in days not straight hours or my back and neck would never forgive me. And, I’m older now. Ouch!

What do you do to stay motivated, happy, and maybe even stress-free?
When I feel like I’m becoming a slave to my own work, I take a break from the computer. It can mean avoiding it all for a few days so I can refresh my mind and my eyes. I’ll hang out with my friends and family, reminding myself why I do what I do. Again, being my own boss has allowed me something no other boss can ever give me: Freedom. I can do whatever I want when I want. No rules.

What’s your favorite subject to shoot?
Contrary to popular beliefs, I have no romantic bone in my body. But, I do love to shoot engagements! This is when I have personal time with my couples—chat with them on how they met and who proposed. I like to hear what led them to this point in their lives and what’s in their future together. It gives me the chance to relive my own engagement story and wedding plans by living vicariously through them.

I’m interested in your destination wedding photography. Where have you traveled and what stands out to you most about traveling for your job?
I’ve received inquiries for destination weddings in Egypt and Mexico, although, they fell through I was lucky enough to shoot a wedding in Germany last July. Then, to start the new year I just got back from shooting a wedding in Hawaii! Destination weddings have helped me fulfill two of my favorites things: traveling and photography.

Do you ever take your husband along with you?
It’s awesome when my husband gets to tag along. My husband Romie got to go with me to Hawaii, but he stayed home when I was in Germany for three weeks. It was hard because Europe is full of romantic couples and in all the romantic men I saw my husband. It made me miss him a lot. He absolutely loves to travel just as much as I do. But, we do have someone at home who depends on us, his 82-year-old mom lives with us. She has dementia and too much traveling can be hard on her body. Therefore, Romie stays home and allows me to pursue my dreams. I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding and supportive partner in life and love. I’m a lucky girl.

What do you hope to accomplish in this New Year and where do you see yourself five years down the road?
I didn’t make a list, but made “The List.” It’s my New Year’s resolution that I posted on my blogsite for all to see. But, more importantly, as a cyber-reminder to my own self. This year, I am making it all about traveling and weddings. In fact, I’m flying out in a few days to return to the Philippines and spend a few days in Indonesia because I’ve got a few sessions lined up in Bali. I can’t wait! This is my immediate future, but in five years, I see myself shooting a family session … My own family. My husband holding our son and daughter. A long overdue session. No, I haven’t completely given up on the stork. I hope he finds our doorstep soon.

Please tell us what else you’d like CRAVE readers to know about upcoming events:
I’m a fan of giveaways, I love receiving it and giving it away. I just wrapped my first contest of the year (a free boudoir session), but I do have plans for more contests. So, just stalk my blog and be ready to enter and win!

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Best of Portland: Cruise Wear

January 27, 2010 by Katelin | Comments (3)

I love living here in Portland. I love my regular coffee and cupcake spots in town. I love my roommates, Casa del Matador’s happy hour nachos, and the view of Mount Hood on my drive up I-5. That being said, there is only so much rain a girl can take, and I have hit my limit. This Portland precipitation has intervened with many a good hairdo, crept up the hem of my jeans too many times; and with endless showers on the way, I can’t think of a better time to plan a cruise to somewhere tropical. Doesn’t sunny and seventy sound wonderful? Here are a few great places to find the on-deck essentials for those of you planning an offshore getaway this spring. Anchors away!

Sunglasses: Mink, Free People, Sunglass Hut

While the sun is still on hiatus, it can be hard to find shades here in Portland. Popping into smaller shops like Mink on Hawthorne Street, or Free People on NW 23rd could turn up some vintage, funky frames. Otherwise, the Sunglass Hut at 638 SW Alder St., stocks a wide variety of sun-blocking spectacles year-round. The Sunglass Hut’s staff skillfully helps customers find frames perfect for each unique face from a stockpile of well-respected brands.

For those of you with prescription needs, we’re told Blink is the place to go. With a tirelessly helpful and friendly staff, even the eye exam is rumored to be enjoyable! Stop in and say hi to Dr. Armstrong and his fantastic selection of frames at 2719 SE 21st Ave.

Swim Suits: Poppi Swim & Sport

Featuring its own line, Popina, this bathing suit boutique stocks a great supply of vintage inspired swimwear as well as contemporary pieces from Tommy Bahama, Jantzen, Kechika, Jag, L*Space, and many more. Taking into account the needs of the shoppers they encounter on a daily basis, the staff is directly involved in the creation of the Popina line, creating countless fantastic suits and accessories. Tops come in sizes up to an E cup, and individual pieces can be custom designed to include fabrics or cuts specific to each shopper’s taste. Poppi Swim & Sport is located at 4831 NE 42nd Avenue.

Sandals: Ether & Shoefly

While you may plan to kick them off for the majority of your cruise, you’ll need a pair of good sandals for trekking around on docked days. A great place to start is Ether on NW 23rd. Located amidst the often-unaffordable boutiques of NW 23rd Ave., Ether comes as a welcomed surprise with a great selection of trendy footwear at shockingly low prices. These shoes may not last forever, but they’re perfect for a season or two of wear. Ether also has a great stock of bags and jewelry at equally affordable prices that will compliment your cruise wear collection flawlessly.

If you’re in the market for slightly fancier footwear, but still very affordable, stop into Shoefly on NW 11th Street. This shop stocks shoes by Frye, Sam Edelman, Shie Mihara, and many others, in fun and trendy styles like retro wooden platforms and faux snakeskin sandals. The selection is great and the sales are even better. Shoefly’s stock may start out pricey, but during the ‘buy one, get one half off’ sales, they become much more affordable! Join their online mailing list to stay updated, and find this fantastic footwear in the Pearl at 718 NW 11th Ave.

Simply Rejuvenated: Facial Acupuncture

January 26, 2010 by Ashkan | Comments (0)

I unexpectedly announced to friends over lunch, “I’m getting a lift! A face lift!” Granted, I am still in my twenties, but I have spent my fair share of time in the sun and a few late nights out. Actually, the cosmetic procedure I planned known as facial accpuncture is more like rejuvenation. Plus, it resonates with more harmony and sounds less clinical than “face lift.”

Facial acupuncture, or cosmetic acupuncture, is the holistic option to a surgical face lift. The procedure remedies the signs of aging by applying local treatment to the face. Facial acupuncture enhances muscle tone and promotes muscular contraction targeted at the face and neck. Moreover, complexions can be invigorated with vitality. Facial acupuncture can eliminate as many as eight to ten years from the face, increase collagen production, and brighten the ocular area (eyes). Tenuous lines are also reduced. The effects can be “long lasting depending on maintenance,” according to Dr. Aaron Annis of Sattva Health Gallery in Portland, Oregon.

The procedure requires the insertion of 30-40 hair-thin needles into parts of the face, neck, ears, hands, and legs along channels or meridians of energy called Qi (pronounced chee). Ancient Chinese healing principles assert “where Qi goes, blood flows.” The concept is uncomplicated; with acupuncture, blood flow increases thus muscles are stimulated and collagen and elastin are produced. The standard course of treatment is twelve 90 minute sessions twice a week. The average cost is $1,500 for a full course of treatment.

The day arrived for my appointment at Sattva Health Gallery and as I lay on the table, I kept popping up asking in sundry ways the most considerable question, “Is this going to hurt?” The pain level is practically non-existent. There is minor tenderness when needles are inserted into the brow and lip region. Once all the needles were placed, relaxation emanates and your face feels electric! Dr. Annis inquires at various pauses “Do you feel your face buzzing?”

The efficacy of facial acupuncture was published in 1996 in the International Journal of Acupuncture which studied 300 cases and 90% had noticeable effects even after one session. The American Medical Association takes no stated position on facial acupuncture. Dr. Annis believes that facial rejuvenation works “from the inside out.” The most significant advantage of facial acupuncture is that it is non-toxic and non-surgical. Other benefits include the economical cost, no swelling or any recovery time. The practice is not recommended for patients with hypertension, migraines, diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, hepatitis, HIV+ status, hemophilia or any pituitary disorder.

And the next time I see my friends, my face can either be paralyzed by toxic Botox or covered in bruises and scars, or simply rejuvenated by facial acupuncture.

Dr Aaron Annis
Sattva Health Gallery
1720 NW Lovejoy Box 220
Portland, OR 97209
503.939.6160

Interview with Donna Oefinger of Center Space Studio

January 22, 2010 by Katerina | Comments (0)

Donna Oefinger, owner of Center Space Studio in southeast Portland, teaches Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, and Samba dance. She also practices cranio sacral therapy, bio-dynamic therapy, and is the artistic director of Axe Dide Music and Dance Company. Meeting Donna, she seems to be the emblem of wellness– fit, beautiful, timeless AND she can put it down to any beat…. the wilder the drums, the better, however. We wanted to hear her story as an entrepreneur, dancer, teacher, student, therapist… you name it, she does it!

What is dance for you?
It’s a way to investigate the self, especially with Cuban dance because it requires one to embody different archetypes and forces of nature that want to be expressed inside one’s self. It’s a great tool for recognizing different aspects of myself, ranging from the different elements like water and fire, to emotions like rage and pure joy. And dance has a social aspect that is crucial because it brings people together from all walks of life and serves as a form of communication that extends beyond the verbal realm. On a practical level, dance allows my body to stay limber and move energy in ways that it would not do so otherwise. For me, it’s not about staying in shape; it’s just therapeutic to the body.

Center Space Studio is described as a constantly evolving environment facilitating a variety of movement forms, Cranio Sacral Therapy, visual art, and performance. The studio is available for workshops, rehearsals and ongoing classes, as well as events and parties. Is there anything else you would have to add about what is Center Space?
What I didn’t know is that Center Space would create several different communities. It’s not every class where people actually meet each other and get to know one another. I didn’t know that it’d become a second home for some students.

Did you always want to own a dance studio?
Nope, it chose me!

So how did you get into dance in general?
Well I started dance at 11—tap, jazz and ballet—and then in college I joined a modern dance company. Shortly afterward, I became disenchanted by these styles (except for tap). I was exposed to Cuban dance at a one day workshop and immediately fell in love! I loved the relationship between the drums, the dance and the singing. I was hooked and traveled to Cuba eight months later for three weeks. I was living in D.C. at the time and couldn’t find any one of the culture to learn from. So I studied independently through watching videos and traveling. I was asked to teach Rumba in D.C., and when I moved back to Portland I was asked to teach as well. Eventually I was offered an opportunity to co-own a studio with a friend of mine and went from there.

How did you get into cranio-sacral therapy and other forms of therapy?
We chose each other… dance chose me but in this case, I’d say it was mutual! I had tried it out in 1999 and it changed my life in terms of clarity and overall wellness. I started to learn without any intention to study it seriously, but I did end up taking it seriously and find that doing this type of body work is a great balance for the external work I do in teaching dance. I never thought I would have progressed to being my teacher’s assistant.

What advice do you have for the younger baby boomers in living an active lifestyle?
Be active but go slow in your actions and in your mind. Be present. I know that sounds like such a cliché, but the slower we go, the more opportunity we have to be human and feel everything.

What do you mean by “go slow?”
To be mindful about getting on to the next. Take your time from one thing to the other.

For more information on Donna’s classes at Center Space, click here.

Best of Portland: Evening Wear

January 20, 2010 by Katelin | Comments (2)

Each January I make a slue of resolutions, and promptly talk myself out of completing the majority of them. However, this year, spurred on by too many Sex & the City marathons, I have resolved to make room for more elegant experiences in the upcoming year. Though my sparse selection of evening wear is threatening to dissuade me, my envy for the beautiful gowns, jeweled shoes, and cute clutches is giving me a steadfast resolve. Here are the three places I am starting my search for new eveningwear. See you there!

Bubble Boutique. Located in the Pearl District, Bubble Boutique is a go-to shop for the frocks that fashionistas crave. This elegant, Parisian-style boutique offers shoppers a unique, personalized experience, ensuring a successful end to often exhausting dress shopping. This bright, clean space is punctuated by chic details like sparkling chandeliers, inspiring displays, and a comfortable seating area for shopping companions. Many of Bubble Boutique’s items are supplied by exclusive labels such as Nellie Partow, Loeffler Randall, and Gerard Darel, and are the perfect little dresses for parties and fancier gatherings. Bubble Boutique is located in the Pearl District at 1100 NW Glisan.

Xtabay Vintage Clothing Boutique. As ‘vintage’ quickly became one of the most utilized words of 2009, it seems only fitting that Xtabay should make our list this week. The unique selection found in this shop is the product of Xtabay’s hard working proprietress, Liz Gross. Handpicked by Liz, the well-edited and quickly rotating merchandise ranges from rare ‘20’s finds, to full-skirted ‘50’s dress, to sexy ‘60’s minis and beyond. Xtabay is a great place to find wonderfully unique dresses and accompanying accessories, sure to make you the center of much envy and the receiver of more than a few inquiries. Xtabay’s blog is a great place to get a feel for their recent inventory and what’s to come next. Stop in at 2515 SE Clinton St.

Cocoon Silk. Specializing in one hundred percent Cambodian silk, lace, and embroidery, Cocoon Silk has a wide selection of beautiful gowns cut and embellished by these luxurious fabrics. However, the shop’s main claim to fame is its impressive in-house tailoring, offering custom design and fitting services to shoppers in search of beautiful eveningwear, made to one’s precise specifications. Stop in at either of the two locations (Nw 23rd & Pearl District) for a chance to design the dress of your dreams– or to pick up something unimagined but equally fabulous and fantastically fitting.

CRAVE Portland & Adorn Boutique Giveaway

January 19, 2010 by Cecilia | Comments (8)

CRAVE Portland and Adorn Boutique is excited to be hosting another wonderful giveaway for our fans and supporters! Adorn is offering two (2) lucky winners, each with an item from its boutique:

- Fluxus ‘Nomad’ Scarf in Oatmeal
- Fluxus Burnout Pocket Tee in White / Large

Adorn Boutique also carries street wear brands for men and women such as Cardboard Robot, WeSC, Obey, Quiksilver, Harajuku Lovers, and more from Fluxus, a line of contemporary and luxurious basics. You can shop in store (223 NE Russell Street, Portland, OR) or online at shopadornonline.com.

Please fill out this form for a chance to win. Winners will be contacted by e-mail. Contest runs 1/19/10-1/31/10.

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