Blog — Kara Chappell Photography

Posts in Family

Bowman Bay Family Sunset Session | Anacortes, WA Family Photographer

Bowman Bay Family Sunset Session | Anacortes, WA Family Photographer

What a fun night I had documenting this sweet family! I just loved watching Kristen and Jon love on their girlies - especially since my girls are roughly the same age apart (although they're a bit older now). Kristen mentioned their love of mountains, and as we worked to pick the perfect spot, they choose Bowman Bay since it reminded them of Colorado (with the exception of the water!). We had such a great night exploring, throwing rocks, singing "Wheels on the Bus," and watching these adorable sisters hug via head-butt. It was a night to remember!

FamilyKara ChappellJune 10, 2017presbyterian pastor, pastor family, family of four, bowman bay, whidbey island, whidbey island family photographer, anacortes family photographer, oak harbor family photographer, toddler girls, washington beach session, bowman bay photographer, bowman bay anacortesComment

Washington Park Sunset Session | Ancortes, WA Family Photographer

Washington Park Sunset Session | Ancortes, WA Family Photographer

Holy cow you guys - this session was exactly what I needed. The crazy weather we've had lately, with glimpses of sunshine followed by dreary days of rain, has really put a damper on my busy schedule as spring and summer shooting season kicks off. This particular evening however, we got a lucky with a GORGEOUS sun-soaked Anacortes evening as I had the pleasure of documenting the most amazing, fun, Australian(!) family.

FamilyKara ChappellMay 15, 2017washington park, anacortes, anacortes family photographer, australia, military family, military love, whidbey island family photographer, oak harbor family photographer, anacortes photographer, family of fourComment

Sweet and Simple In-Home Lifestyle Session | Oak Harbor, WA Newborn Photographer

Sweet and Simple In-Home Lifestyle Session | Oak Harbor, WA Newborn Photographer

Holy cow - this session was such a treat for me to shoot. As an Auntie to boy-girl twins, I have a special place in my heart for what an incredible miracle this family has been blessed with. I met Heather earlier this year when she joined our MOPS group and was assigned to my table. She fit in immediately and I quickly realized that Heather is one of those special people that you feel like you've known your whole life.

Newborn, Family, LifestyleKara ChappellMay 12, 2017twin newborns, twin newborn session, boy girl twins, military family, newborn photographer, newborn lifestyle, oak harbor newborn photographer, in-home newborn session, whidbey island newborn photographer, anacortes newborn photographer, whidbey island family photographer, washington family photographyComment

Campfire Session at Bowman Bay | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

Campfire Session at Bowman Bay | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

If I've learned anything since I picked up a camera and started down the path that has now become my passion - it's that photography is a journey. There is no finish line. No feeling of "well now I know everything so that's that." You practice, find the subjects and lighting and ambiance that makes the hair on your arms stand up - and you chase it. You fall down, get back up and keep moving forward. You judge yourself, test your abilities, stay up WAY too late WAY too many nights. And you can't get enough of it.

Baby Makes Seven | Oak Harbor, WA Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

Baby Makes Seven | Oak Harbor, WA Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

Baby Charlie is about as cute as babies come. And in his family of seven, he's got quite a lot of competition between his four older brothers and sisters. Mom and dad clearly have their act together, sharing and splitting both snuggle-time with Charlie and play-time with the older kiddos.

Newborn, Family, LifestyleKara ChappellApril 2, 2017newborn lifestyle, newborn photographer, oak harbor newborn photographer, in-home newborn session, whidbey island newborn photographer, anacortes newborn photographer, family of seven, baby boy, baby brotherComment

The Perfect PNW Family Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

The Perfect PNW Family Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

This happens to be the time of year in Washington when spring arrives. At least in theory. There are signs, sprouting up. The pink blossoms of a dormant tree. The daffodils accumulating in yards throughout town. And every once in a while, you see it. The sun!

FamilyKara ChappellMarch 29, 2017deception pass state park, austrailia, military family, nas whidbey island, family photography, washington family photography, whidbey island, whidbey island family photographer, oak harbor photographer, oak harbor family photographer, anacortes family photographer, beach session, washington state parkComment

A Gorgeous Newborn Lifestyle Session | Anacortes, WA Newborn Photographer

A Gorgeous Newborn Lifestyle Session | Anacortes, WA Newborn Photographer

Have you ever had an “aha!” moment? Like when you finally figure out that this – THIS – is what you’ve been trying to do? And everything sort of changes? This lifestyle session did that for me.

Family, Newborn, LifestyleKara ChappellJanuary 20, 2017newborn, indoor lifestyle session, anacortes newborn photographer, oak harbor newborn photographer, newborn photographer, lifestyle photographer, whidbey island newborn photographer

A Holiday Homecoming | NAS Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

A Holiday Homecoming | NAS Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

Can you imagine leaving behind your baby girl – your first-born – just a few months after her birth to go halfway across the world and do your job? That’s just what Jeff did – what thousands of brave men and women do every year. But last week Jeff came home. Home to his loving, caring wife Ashley. Home to his beautiful, not-so-little baby girl.

Family, Military HomecomingKara ChappellJanuary 3, 2017homecoming, military homecoming, nas whidbey island, homecoming photographer, oak harbor family photographer, family photography, whidbey island homecoming, oak harbor photographer

Fall Family Session at the Beach | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

Fall Family Session at the Beach | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

2016 has been pretty amazing in my book. It’s been one of my toughest, hardest years in terms of work and life balance, but has also been my biggest year of growth in my business. I finally feel like I’m coming into my own style and have dream clients for each and every session who understand my vision and let me gently guide them through our time together. They have fun, I have fun – it’s a win-win!

FamilyKara ChappellDecember 4, 2016family photography, oak harbor family photographer, fall pictures, family of six, whidbey island family photographer, anacortes family photographer, beach session, deception pass state park

Eight Reasons to Love | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

Eight Reasons to Love | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

The Thompson family gave me all the feels as we met to document three generations of love and laughter at Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island, WA. I was lucky enough to document Leslie’s gorgeous belly in a windy maternity session as she and Kyle awaited the arrival of their precious son, Luke.

FamilyKara ChappellOctober 29, 2016family photography, extended family, deception pass state park, fall pictures, dog, baby boy, sisters

Fall Family Session at Deception Pass | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

Fall Family Session at Deception Pass | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

This sweet family drove up from Lake Stevens for their session, and we had a gorgeous, warm night to play and explore Deception Pass State Park. It was actually so sunny that we had some time to kill, so we had a picnic and just got to know each other as the kids downed some fuel for our adventures. The kiddos were so well-behaved and so easy to work with – and how cute are they?! This was definitely one of those sessions that was more fun than work for me.

FamilyKara ChappellOctober 3, 2016lake stevens, family photography, family of five, deception pass state park, whidbey island, whidbey island family photographer, oak harbor photographer, oak harbor family photographer, anacortes family photographer, fall pictures

Byrd Family Homecoming | NAS Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

Byrd Family Homecoming | NAS Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

This beautiful, amazing family had so much to celebrate this week. Not only was daddy coming home after a lengthy deployment, but this was also the end of their time in Whidbey before starting a new tour. A shore tour. A few years at home. A chance to be there for all the moments that matter. Like the birth of baby sister Olivia, due in December.

Military Homecoming, FamilyKara ChappellSeptember 30, 2016military homecoming, family photography, nas whidbey island, homecoming, homecoming photographer, whidbey island homecoming, maternity, p3, oak harbor homecoming photographer, oak harbor family photographer, anacortes family photographer

A Day on the Farm | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

A Day on the Farm | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

The Thompson family recently started a new chapter in a new home. A home that comes with space for their boys to run. A home for throwing leaves and chasing chickens and riding horses. A home with a view. And a soul.

FamilyKara ChappellAugust 29, 2016farm life, chickens, horses, whidbey island, whidbey island farm, oak harbor farm, whidbey island family photographer, oak harbor photographer, oak harbor family photographer, anacortes family photographer, family of fourComment

Washington Beach Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

Washington Beach Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

This family is one of my faves, for sure. They are fun, silly, and an absolute joy to be around. I've been blessed to know Amanda for over a year now, and every time I'm around her, I just feel better. You know those people who just keep it real and help you laugh at the small stuff? Yep, she's the best.

FamilyKara ChappellAugust 9, 2016fort casey state park, washington beaches, washington state park, washington family photography, whidbey island, whidbey island family photographer, nas whidbey island, military family, family photography, walk on the beachComment

Baby Ike Turns One | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

Baby Ike Turns One | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

I absolutely loved taking this sweet family's portraits last week at Deception Pass State Park. Clearly the star of the show was 12-month old Ike, whose cheeks were so squishable I seriously had to hold myself back. The Kuhnert's are starting a new chapter of their life here on Whidbey, and what a great way to mark the milestone (and Ike's first birthday) by getting some fresh pictures for their new walls.

FamilyKara ChappellJuly 30, 2016baby boy, first birthday, whidbey island, whidbey island photographer, whidbey island family photographer, anacortes family photographer, oak harbor photographer, oak harbor family photographer, family photography, military family, family of threeComment

Neighbors and Friends | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

Neighbors and Friends | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

Not only are Carly and Tadd awesome neighbors, but they're also Kansas Jayhawks - so you know they're cool. ;) We had been trying to find a gorgeous night for their family's session, and between rainy days and a broken baby leg (poor guy!), we finally hit the jackpot and picked the perfect evening. Washington summer nights really spoil us, and this night was no different. We had a gorgeous sunset to work with and the perfect mixture of sun and clouds. What a stunning backdrop to showcase how much this family loves each other!

Getting in the Frame | Anacortes, WA Family Photographer

Getting in the Frame | Anacortes, WA Family Photographer

Working with the Moeser family was really a dream for me. Not only did I get to work with a photographer who has been a mentor of sorts to me over the past two years, but I got the chance to put HER in the frame. As photographers, we do a pretty good job of documenting our children's lives, but we never get in the frame as much as we'd like to. We cherish photos created that show the love and connection between others, but we don't often have enough showing our love for and by our people.

FamilyKara ChappellJuly 17, 2016whidbey island, deception pass state park, whidbey island family photographer, oak harbor family photographer, anacortes family photographer, washington state park, washington family photography, washington beaches, washington family photographer, washington beach session, family of four, military family, nas whidbey islandComment

A Happy Little Family | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

A Happy Little Family | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

It was almost a year ago (to the date) when I first met Sarah and Troy for their gorgeous maternity session. They were new to the area, settling in and waiting for Troy to deploy - all while expecting their first baby. Military life throws a lot at you, but you learn to adapt and look for the best when you're apart. Because being together makes it all worth it.

FamilyKara ChappellMay 21, 2016family photography, family of three, family portraits, one year pictures, fort casey state park, whidbey island, whidbey island family photographer, anacortes family photographer, military familyComment

Military Family Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

Military Family Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

In the Carmona family, both mom AND dad serve in the military. How they juggle the demands of two Navy careers alongside raising three sweet, thriving children - I'll never know. It honestly leaves me in awe and admiration. The time they spend together is never taken for granted. They laugh, play, and have SO much fun together! It was such a joy to capture their love for each other.

FamilyKara ChappellMay 16, 2016family photography, military family, oak harbor photographer, anacortes photographer, whidbey island family photographer, washington state park, washington family photography, fort casey state parkComment

Fort Casey State Park Family Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

Fort Casey State Park Family Sunset Session | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

This family is too special for words. (But I'll try).When I first met Amy, I had numerous friends across the country (thanks Facebook!) tell me how awesome she was and what a special person she was. And now I've gotten to see it for myself. Whether at squadron events, through our MOPS chapter, or at our Ukuladies practice (which full disclosure - I'm mostly in for the scones), it's just a joy to be around her.

FamilyKara ChappellApril 27, 2016family photography, military family, fort casey state park, whidbey island, whidbey island family photographer, anacortes family photographer, oak harbor family photographer, washington family photography, washington beaches, washington state park, family portraits