Deception Pass Family Sunset Session | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

Holy cow - we had the BEST time shooting this session! We had a beautiful night with gorgeous weather, pink puffy clouds, and even a rainbow! The park was really busy with campers, family reunions - even a wedding! But thankfully Deception Pass State Park has so many beautiful spots there was more than enough room to run and play. 

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Saying Goodbye to Home | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

When Sara contacted me about documenting their last days in Washington, it was bittersweet. They've called this place home for years now, and were preparing to move across the country to a new duty station. New jobs, new schools, new friends, and a new home. 

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Deception Pass Summer Beach Session | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

Summer family sessions are in full swing, and this gorgeous night has me dreaming about all the awesome families I get to work with over the next few months. There are seriously SO many beautiful locations to shoot at on and around Whidbey Island (we're so lucky!), and Deception Pass State Park has got to be one of my all-time faves.

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Rosario Bay Sunset Session | Anacortes, WA Family Photographer

I get asked from time to time if I offer mini sessions. And besides my Mama + Me minis right before Mother's Day, I have to say no, because I don't offer family minis to clients. I want to make sure I give everything to my families and tell a story through their gallery, which is harder to do in 15-30 minutes. 

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Mama and Me Mini Sessions | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

Every year right before Mother's Day, I offer Mama & Me mini sessions. My only "minis" of the year, these sessions are for the moms who want new pictures with their babies to capture their kiddos as little as they'll ever be again.

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Why I'll Never Stop Learning | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

I figured out early on in this photography journey that there is no finish line. Which is as exhilarating as it is frustrating. No one is going to give me a certificate that I can hang on my wall that reads "You did it! Goal achieved!" And I am totally fine with that, (although I would love a good inspirational cat poster - that would definitely make me feel like a winner!).

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The Last Days as Three | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

This session took me back a few years, to when we had a baby (Sophie) and were about to have another baby (Emma). Watching Katelyn and Nathan love on their sweet boy brought back the memories of bring a first-time mom, when everything is new and sweet and cherished. I remember worrying that I might not be able to make enough room in my already bursting heart for another baby. But I was so wrong.

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Twice the Reason to Celebrate | Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

This was such a special day to document. As Heather rolled into the hanger (looking flawless) with not one but two babies, you could instantly see how happy she was. This was going to be a GOOD day. Because not only was she getting her amazing husband home, but there was also going to be another set of hands around! Ha! As an Auntie to twins, watching my sister with her kiddos has given me the greatest respect in the world for parents of twins. 

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A Family Reunited | Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

I can honestly say that I will never forget this day. It was one of a kind, for sure. You see, I was scheduled to shoot two homecomings on the same day (Easter, to be exact). Both families (who are also friends) had loved ones returning from different places in the world and landing at different times. But the day got pretty interesting when both planes landed within five minutes of each other. 

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The Moment of Impact | Whidbey Island Homecoming Photographer

I am never fully prepared for the moment of impact. When the planes buzz overhead, and the families realize that FINALLY. Today is the day. The excitement is overwhelming. Once the okay is given, kids' feet fly as fast as they can to reach him - their dad. Because even though mom has done everything and been there for every practice, game, skinned knee, and dance party - they've missed sharing it with their dad too. 

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A Cozy Morning at Home | Whidbey Island Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

Oh, sweet baby Jack. Watching your mama and daddy gently hold you and kiss the top of your head took me back. Your every move is watched and catalogued just as much as your big brother's arrival was, but there's a calmness since you joined the family. Because mama knows exactly what you need. And daddy knows he's not going to break you. They also know how quickly time will pass. How fleeting these first days with you are.

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A Winter Family Session on the Wharf | Coupeville, WA Family Photographer

I am so ready to get in the groove of this year and hit the ground running (now that it's almost February!). Since it's a slower season, with cold temps and rainy, lingering days on the horizon, I figured it was a good time to catch up on all of the end of the year sessions I haven't yet shared. Like this incredible family right here. Just when I thought it was too cold to shoot outdoors, this brave bunch threw on their warmest coats and mittens and made the best of a windy winter afternoon.

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A Season of Love on Whidbey Island | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

It was such a blessing to be able to work with this sweet family again. Last spring I had such a blast documenting a very special weekend for Jackie and Cooper, when friends and family gathered from across the country to celebrate their baby boy's baptism and first birthday

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An Evening Walk in the Woods | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

This sweet family is such a fun, vibrant bunch of awesome people. They laugh loudly and love intensely. It was so easy to show them having fun, because I swear they always are! I was lucky enough to work with the Carmona family last years well, on a fun family session at Fort Casey State Park. This fall we squeaked in a session before it got too cold, although Myranda was fully prepared with these amazing little hand warmers that everyone snuck into their shoes and pockets. Genius! 

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9 Things I've Learned From Photographing Large Families | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

I love photographing families of all shapes and sizes.Whether it's an intimate in-home newborn session with mom and dad, a session with a couple of wild toddlers, or a family full of tweens and teens - I love how each family I work with tells their own story in their own unique way. 

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Whidbey Island Sunset Beach Session | Oak Harbor Family Photographer

I have been dying to work with this beautiful family since I first met Suzanne through mutual friends. And when I had the idea to shoot a promo video highlighting my process behind the scenes, the Phay fam instantly came to mind. 

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Family Sunset Session at Bowman Bay | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

I feel so blessed to know this woman. Not only is Anastasia a fellow photographer at June Bug Photography, but she's also a friend. Oh, and she works full-time in the Navy as well. I have NO idea how she holds down two full-time jobs and still manages to be such an awesome mama and wife, but it's just reason #896 why she's amazing.

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A Time Out With the Girls | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

If photographers were accountants, the fall would be our tax season. It's just crazy, y'all. And yes, I fully realize that I'm a big girl and can say no, but there's this feeling that I should say yes, that I should take advantage of filling up my calendar while I can. Before the rain sets in and the temperature drops and people stop asking.

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Penn Cove Family Beach Session | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

Holy cow - this family was such a dream to work with!! I love, love, love me some energetic, rambunctious little girls (I wonder why??), and Piper definitely made this session so much fun for me. She did plenty of snuggling with mom, dad, and little brother, Garrett, but we also had fun looking for bugs and shells, running and jumping, and throwing rocks in the water. 

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A Joyful Family Sunset Session | Oak Harbor, WA Family Photographer

These three little girls may take over the world one day.They have so much spirit and determination (and energy!), and it is truly a joy to be around them. Which makes sense, since Joy is their mama after all. My sweet friend always has a smile on her face and a kind word to raise up those around her. She's an amazing mama, a hilarious and hard-working woman, and a light in everyone's life who knows her. 

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