Rosemary Ragusa Photography is photography by Rosemary Ragusa and a trusted selection of fantastic local photographers.
What I Believe In
My Mission is to help individuals and families capture the memories of their lives with inspiring photography, then displaying those works in creative and unique ways. I value:
Integrity - I will produce high quality products that deliver on the promises I make
Creativity - I honor new ways of understanding and expressing
Growth - I learn and grow as an individual and as an organization through my relationships
Customer Satisfaction - I treat my clients like royalty and good friends, if you're happy, I'm happy
The planet - I minimize the negative environmental consequences of my work whenever I can
Specializing in Joy! Rosemary Ragusa Photography
"All of my work is based on the idea of evoking an emotion by creating an image or a memory," explains Rosemary Ragusa, a fine art photographer based
in Portland, OR. Owner of the boutique photo agency, Rosemary Ragusa Photography, Rosemary also specializes in weddings and portrait imagery. Intuition plays a huge
role in the process. Her instinct for what makes a great photo comes from years of experience, and also from a sense of fun she brings
to her work. "I have a playful nature for color and images. I know the effect I want - and that means I can look at something and know it's going to be right."
It's a valuable skill to have, whether you are purchasing one of Rosemary's fine art prints or having her shoot a wedding or a family portrait session.
Have Camera, Will Shoot
"I've always liked photography," Rosemary recalls. "Even when I was a little kid I was always taking pictures of our pets." Her first steady gig came as a band photographer. A singer herself, Rosemary has performed in a number of bands, eventually building a base as a freelance photographer in the Washington, D.C. area. She earned a degree in Fine Art Photography in San Francisco, moved to Portland about six years ago, and started Mon Amour Photography (now Rosemary Ragusa Photography) shortly after that.
With her background in fine art photography, and a passion for the stop-action photos favored by photojournalists, Rosemary brings a unique perspective to the weddings and portrait sessions that are her mainstay today: An ability to capture split-second emotions - that first post-nuptial kiss, a baby's whip-fast expression - and turn it into a memento. Part of her success lies in her upbeat, easy-going nature. Weddings - which some photographers refuse to shoot because of their inherent challenges - come easy for her. During the initial consultation, she focuses on listening to what the bridal couple want, which is not always a traditional photo shoot, and then offers creative suggestions (and practical ones, too) that ensure the final photos are perfection. "I encourage the couple to talk about their ideas for pictures, and then add my creative input. I think it's important to combine my ideas with theirs, so I'm not just taking a picture that only I am going to like."
From industrial images - rust-covered power box tinted an unseemly hue - to the sweetness of a baby's smile - Rosemary's talent in moving a moment to a memento are evident. Her preference? "I like taking pictures of people more than anything else," she says, adding that informal portraits, ones done in the comfort of the family home, are a particular favorite. "The more familiar children are with their surroundings, the more relaxed they will be. I give kids a chance to come up with their own ideas. One little boy wanted me to take pictures of all his monster faces. Then he stopped, and started acting more naturally himself. His parents had fun trying to choose the best shot."
Rosemary has been recognized for her work with several gallery shows and is also available for fine art commission work.
To learn more about Rosemary Ragusa, please join our Facebook Fanpage.
For more information, please contact Rosemary at 503.313.2427 or rr@rosemaryragusa.com.
Meet the crew
Heather - Associate Photographer
Heather is an excellent and trusted photographer whose romantic style is similar to my own. She and I love working together on weddings and occasionally Heather will be the main photographer for a Rosemary Ragusa Photography wedding. She has a knack for capturing beautiful moments. Collections with Heather begin at $200 per hour.
Gabe - Office Assistant & Home Decor Specialist
Gabe's genius is in helping you select wall portraits, prints, and albums that will complement your unique style. He is also a brilliant writer and often helps me come up with fun things to say on my blog. He's the renaissance man of Rosemary Ragusa Photography.
Kristen - Album Design Maven
Kristen has been with Rosemary Ragusa Photography since the spring of 2009. Her expertise is in album design. Her eye for putting a page together is superb. Kristen can especially relate to our brides planning a wedding this year since she and her true love tied the knot this summer at the Eco-Trust Building in NW Portland.