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Blending "photojournalistic storytelling with romantic, well crafted portraiture plus a bit of photo ninja action" is the best compliment Jai Soots, owner of Love & Photography, has ever received from a bride and groom.

Jai (pronounced "Jay") was captured by the camera at an early age. Her great grandfather made the decision to forgo a career as an engineer to become a photographer, moving his wife and children to Oregon and forming a successful family photography business. Owning a few of her great grandfather's cameras and printing his 5X7" negatives continues to inspire Jai as she enjoys working in the digital age.

Jai attended the Art Institute of Seattle's Commercial Photography program on full scholarship. When she's not behind a camera, you can find her with a make up brush in hand, cooking up farm to table feasts, enjoying local wine and beer, getting lost in a good book, and spending too much time on Pinterest.

Jai's make up artistry and photography have been published in Portland Monthly and Portland Bride and Groom magazines. Her images have also been featured in a local TED talks conference on Portland's fresh food scene.

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Reviews of Love and Photography

5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
3 Reviews
100% recommend it
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Juan Sent on 03/31/2017
5 out of 5 rating
We loved you, thanks a lot!!! We highly reccomend them! =)
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Debbie Sent on 11/03/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Where do I even begin?? Choosing Jai as our photographer was quite possibly the best decision we made!

Two years ago she did our engagement photos for us. Neither my husband nor I really care to have our pictures taken (my face immediately goes into awkward mode as soon as I'm supposed to look nice), but lucky for us, Jai has the ability to eliminate the whole awkward element make it fun. The engagement photos turned out beautifully and she captured our personality spot-on.

Fast-forward two years and we finally get to do the wedding, and once again, she not only delivered, she went above and beyond. The two hours we allotted for first-look, wedding party, and family pictures simply flew by. There was very little awkward in-between time, where no one knows what to do, because she made the whole process flow so smoothly. When we told her we wanted to take pictures up on the St. John's bridge, she was game, and trekked up to the middle of the bridge with us.

Jai also did my makeup for the big day and I clearly hired the right person to beautify me, because she made me look like the best version of myself I could ever imagine. The look was clean and classic and photographed beautifully. I received so many compliments all night long, and my husband was amazed (he had been worried I might not look like myself). It was perfect.

The photos from the ceremony and reception are probably the greatest part of the whole package. Neither my husband or I even remember seeing her taking pictures of us, and yet she managed to capture every laugh, every look, ever moment, in perfect clarity. We knew we wanted the absolute best when it came to our wedding pictures, because we will have those to look at forever, and I don't think we could have done any better than Jai. She loves what she does, and her enthusiasm creates an atmosphere of excitement and fun. There aren't enough words to express just how over-the-moon thrilled we are with our wedding (and engagement!) photos.
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Melissa Sent on 03/14/2013
5 out of 5 rating
I whole-heartedly recommend Jai for two main reasons: First, she knows how to handle a camera-shy bride, boisterous wedding party, and challenging venue in a way that feels completely natural and lets the importance of the event take precedence. And second, the results are fantastic!

Her photos showed me bigger smiles than I've ever seen on some of my relatives, captured split-second priceless looks between friends, and shared all the emotion my husband and I felt throughout the day. We got married in a glass chapel and the sunlight (and rain) kept changing throughout the ceremony - and oh yeah, because of our crazy planning we gave her no time to set up early or visit it in advance - and Jai didn't miss a beat. I wish I'd come up with that photo-ninja description, it's so true!

Jai also did my makeup, and after going to other weddings and not recognizing the bride due to ruby lips or bizarre blush, I was pretty nervous about having my makeup done. Again, she kept everything light and natural, and helped me feel and look great.
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Awards

3

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Aaronstadt Studios Photography Aaronstadt Studios Photography Wedding Photographers

Jai is the BEST! We have photographed many brides that have used her for their make-up on the day of their wedding. She is an excellent artist with an intuitive ability to find the perfect look to make her clients look not only beautiful but natural. We would not hesitate in the least to give her name to all of our clients as our FIRST CHOICE for a make-up artist!

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