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Ladan Radafshar

Founder | Director

I created FernDate after ten years of helping friends, colleagues and myself find exciting dates. I realize presenting yourself online is a distinct skill that I admit doesn't come easily to everyone. My degree in psychology means I’ve studied the nuances of communication, body language, and the science of what makes people compatible. It also doesn't hurt that I worked as a social media specialist for Nike, which taught me how to bring a brand to life through messaging and storytelling. I pay attention, strive for results, and enjoy satisfying victories. I’m stoked to celebrate yours.

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Sam Gherke

Photographer

The ability to tell a story through visuals can be just as powerful as words. Since heading off on my own to work as a photographer I have been able to express myself and connect more fully with others than I've ever been able to socially on my own. Being able to dip into others' lives and highlight their unique traits, mannerisms and behavior through photography have taught me more about people in the past 3 years than in my entire life. Specializing in portraiture and photojournalism has given me the best of both worlds, fostering a knack for clean, well-composed image while developing a loose visual narrative for my subjects. I fully throw myself into my work, and always strive to capture the candid and formal images that can mean the difference in taking your next step in life.

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Christine Dong

Photographer

I I’m a photographer who strives to create contemporary, honest, and balanced images. My degree in journalism has given me the ability and passion to create work that is stimulating yet subtle and organic. I specialize in portraiture, street, and food photography with a focus on the culture and rituals behind these subjects. My work has been featured in GQ, The Oregonian, Portland Monthly, and Willamette Week. I joined the Fern team because I am passionate about creating work that help my subjects tell their stories, and connect them to the rest of the world.

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Megan Harned

Copywriter

I'm a roving art writer and editor with a passion for playful, direct expressions of what we see and how we feel. My degree in art history means I'm attuned to the dynamic between words and images and prepared to write your profile in harmony with who you are. I've written for media outlets including Oregon ArtsWatch, Willamette Week, and the Portland Mercury, and I also blog about art happenings around town. Today, joining the FernDate team fulfills a passion of mine to cultivate beauty and happiness through artful expression and personal connection.

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Candace Molatore

Photographer

I’m a freelance photographer and social media influencer who's passionate about my creative work and my studies as a marketing major at PSU. I've used my visual and media branding knowledge to design photo editorials and lookbook campaigns for locally and nationally recognized brands, including Darling Magazine, Brandy Melville, and Wildfang clothing. In addition to my portrait work with FernDate, you may spot me taking photos for the Portland-based Tea Bar. I’m a dedicated creative type, who loves working with clients to bring their image to life.

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Greta Jasker

Copywriter | Client Services

From a people-skills perspective, I'm sort of a Jill-of-all-trades. I've worked in the realms of education, medicine, and social service, and I'm currently getting my master's degree in Conflict Resolution. Through it all, what's driven me is a strong sense of empathy and the ability to see people both as they are and as they'd like to be seen. I genuinely enjoy getting to know new people and putting their personality to words, and I think my wide-ranging experience has given me unique insight into how people work, interact, and love. As FernDates's newest copywriter and marketing extraordinaire, I can't wait to help you find what you're looking for.