<I>The Eagle/Cheryl Jessup</I><BR>Jaime Saul, of Saul Studios Photography, says that she's "gathering smiles throughout Oregon and Idaho."

JOHN DAY – Jaime Saul of Saul Studios is ready to offer you the “more” you should expect in your photographic memories.

Saul says that photography was not exactly in her mind when, with a degree in administrative medicine, she was planning a career in that direction. But while living in Boise, she began working at Kiddie Kandids, first as a photographer and then in management. She says that within a week there, she knew she had found something she really enjoyed and that the field of medicine might be put on hold.

Jump forward almost 10 years, and Saul has just opened up her own portrait studio in the former Chamber of Commerce building, behind the historic Advent Christian Church on Main Street.

Samples of her work fill the walls and shelves of the warm and inviting studio.

After a couple of years with Kiddie Kandids, she was sought out and eventually hired by the manager of another studio in Boise, who had observed and admired her way with the camera and children. That studio offered Saul, among other things, diverse opportunities, to do shoots in outdoor settings, for weddings and other events.

From that experience, Saul gradually developed her own style and preference in her work. She says she leans toward the nontraditional in both her sittings and settings, with an out-of-the-box attitude and an open mind to ideas from the customer.

Saul strives for what she calls “personality portraits.” She says that anyone looking at the portraits around your house should be able to instantly learn something about you from them.

Often, when photographing children for example, she just takes her time, following them around and catching their natural tendencies and behavior, for the most spontaneous and casual shots.

Words of thanks and praise from satisfied customers and colleagues speak loudly about Saul’s work too.

“You were very accommodating and creative. You related to my teenage boys and even got the “tough” one to smile!” says Vonda Gagnon.

And Sue Ellen Montgomery, publisher of Pet Friendly Magazine says, “Animals are a hard subject to photograph, but Jaime amazingly captures the beauty that is in each pet.”

Saul’s specialties include senior portraits, children, weddings, modeling, and many family and sports events. She says she would also like to pursue high-fashion shoots. Saul prefers offering monthly incentives with sittings or packages, rather than holding occasional sales. And with every sitting session, the proofs are showcased in a complimentary, custom-made, coffee-table style book.

Relocating last year to Grant County with her husband and children, Saul still has steady customers and connections in the Boise area. A member of the Professional Photographers of Idaho and also involved with Operation Smile, Saul has also had her work grace the cover of “Pet Friendly” magazine.

Saul Studios is located at 281 W. Main St. in John Day. View Saul’s work at www.SaulStudios.com, or call 575-0492 to set up an appointment.