I flew into Portland on a very foggy morning, leaving behind sunny Florida, my cat in Benedetta's hands, and a spotless condo since I'd spent the day before my trip thoroughly cleaning. I'd hoped I would hear from Gabe before I left but didn't.

I had called the photo agency in Portland and spoken to Hannah, the assigned photographer. We arranged to meet and decided it would be fine not to make sleeping reservations. "It will be an adventure. Kind of exciting," she ...