I had such an amazing time with this amazing family of three at Deception Pass State Park. Sweet baby Hailey is seriously the cutest baby. EVER. And she is the absolute apple of her mama and dada's eye. It was such a treat to capture Tawnya and David loving on their little girl. They were so sweet to go out of their way to meet with me on Whidbey Island on their way back to Canada after visiting family in Washington. Thank goodness we had a gorgeous night to work with!
Read MoreEvery time I shoot a homecoming, I know three things are going to happen. First, I know that this session will be one-of-a-kind - as unique and special as the family I'm documenting. Second, I know that everything about the session (day, time, weather, location) are completely out of my control. And finally, I know that I am going to walk away from the session a different person.
Read MoreDrinking cold coffee while bare feet pitter-patter around you. Reading books with two little bottoms curled up in your lap. Squishing play dough through your fingers as you try to keep it out of mouths. Pushing the tire swing in the front yard while you watch the wind blow their hair. Taking shoes off and on and on and off as they move from inside to outside to back inside.
Read MoreThis session reminded me why I absolutely LOVE to photograph families. The energy the kids bring, the love mom and dad gush out on their kiddos, the joy everyone has being outside and being together - it gives me all the feels people. Carrie and Eric are givers. They serve in so many areas of their lives, and are such amazing examples of love and compassion for their kids.
Read MoreThis family loves hard and laughs often. They play together, support each other, and have FUN with one another. Mom Crystal is the center of everyone's worlds, keeping it all together between work schedules, school, and activities. And she always has a smile on her face. Because this crazy life may take its twists and turns, but it is their life. And they are in it together.
Read MoreWhat 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!
Read MoreAli and Carl are the most smitten parents ever. They are absolutely head-over-heels in love with every inch of their new son Owen. From his itty bitty toes to his full head of gorgeous blond hair, Owen is pretty easy to love. I love the pace of lifestyle newborn sessions. When baby needs a break, we take a break. As Ali fed Owen, we talked about how she and Carl met, how they bought their first home, and the plans and projects they have as they make it their own.
Read MoreHoly 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.
Read MoreHoly 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.
Read MoreThe older kids saw him first. Peering across the flight line, trying to pick him out amongst a mass of similar flight suits. As he moved out from the crowd gathered under the plane, Luke and Drew bolted for him. Their adrenaline taking over, the boys raced to catch him first, nearly tackling him to the ground. Keira squealed in delight and quickly ran behind her brothers straight towards him. Daddy.
Read MoreIf 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.
Read MoreI am not a morning person. So when my alarm went off the morning of April 1st two hours before the scheduled homecoming I was supposed to shoot, and I quickly realized after scrolling through numerous texts and and messages that the plane was arriving in just 30 minutes... well let's say I've never moved faster before sunrise.
Read MoreBaby 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.
Read MoreThis 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!
Read MoreIt was clear that Ryan and Alysa were perfectly matched from the beginning. Introduced by family and friends who understood that the joy these two bring to any situation, the playfulness and laughter they find throughout each day could find a permanent home in each other, Alysa and Ryan hit it off from their very first date. As they grew to know each other over the years, they understood they had found something profoundly special. Love.
Read MoreThis little guy had quite the weekend celebrating both his baptism ceremony and first birthday party on Whidbey Island, WA. I met the handsome Mr. Theodore Council when I documented his baptism ceremony the day before, and the party continued as family and friends gathered to celebrate a year of firsts that ended with - what else?! CAKE!
Read MoreWhat a beautiful, blessed day this was! I was lucky enough to spend the morning with this large, loving family as they witnessed Theodore Council's baptism ceremony. And what a child of God this little man already is! Honestly - at just one year old, Council is one of the happiest babies you will every meet. And he is so very loved, not just by proud parents Jackie and Cooper (both in the Navy), but also by all the family and friends who traveled from across the country to celebrate this amazing little boy.
Read MoreNewborn lifestyle sessions are quickly becoming my favorite sessions to shoot. There is such a calm and ease when you're with a family in their home, watching new parents count ten little fingers and ten little toes over and over again. The daily routines, still coming together, show the love and adoration both mom and dad have for their brand new baby.
Read MoreWhat a treat it was to finally work with Morgan and Nick. I say finally because I was originally supposed to shoot Nick's homecoming back in December, but once we arrived at the hanger we learned that the plane had to turn around and would be coming home a few days later. My heart broke for Morgan and all the other families who had to tack on a few more days to the months and months they'd already been apart from their loved ones.
Read MoreHave 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.
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