Camas woman enjoys the creative process of photography

Marcie Dole shoots like a mom.

She recently opened a photography studio in downtown Camas.

Dole, a mother of three, takes portraits of high school seniors, bridal showers, golf tournaments, birthday and anniversary parties, as well as retirement and award ceremonies.

She is inspired by people’s expressions and watching them interact with others. Dole’s at-home inspirations have been her children who are now ages 24, 20 and 16.

She recalls taking photos of her daughter falling into mud on a playground, and one of her sons being covered in blue cake frosting during a birthday celebration.

“I like to capture the playfulness in their eyes — just that general joy and movement,” Dole said. “I like to steal candid moments.”

She also takes photos of babies and pets.

Portraits can be taken in the studio or off site.

“Our area is so beautiful,” Dole said.

She grew up in Washougal and graduated from Washougal High School in 1985. Dole is married to her high school sweetheart, Jim, from the WHS class of 1983.

When they lived in Baton Rouge, La., she studied portrait photography and graduated from Louisiana Art Institute.

Dole also studied lighting and portraits at Winona International School of Photography, in Atlanta. After having her first child, she opened her first photography studio in Baton Rouge.

Two more children arrived, and Jim had job transfers to other areas in the U.S.

During that time, Dole took photos of relatives and friends.

She and her family have lived in Camas for nine years.

Dole’s previous studio was in a renovated 1920s house in Camas.

Marcie Dole Keepsake Portraits is located at 418 N.E. Fourth Ave., Ste. 106. For more information, call 210-4669, email marciedole@comcast.net or visit www.marciedole.com.