My First Post-COVID Newborn Session | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

Where do we go from here? In the midst of COVID shutting down the world, all of my sessions were put on hold for several months, but living in the middle of nowhere comes in handy every once in a while. We've now been in Phase 3 for some time, so I've had a super-busy-crazy-summer trying to fit six months of sessions into three. But listen - I'm not complaining AT ALL. I'm so grateful to be working, and I've literally had my best season ever. I've worked with the most amazing families, and have so many plans in the works for next year.

Golden Hour Boho Styled Lifestyle Family Session | Whidbey Island, WA

This incredible session was my second time working with mama Kirstin, and her two adorable boys. She invited me into her gorgeous home earlier last year to shoot an indoor motherhood session while hubby was deployed, but as soon as dad was back, she knew she wanted updated pictures with all of her favorite people in the frame.

January 366 Project + the Compound Effect | Kara Chappell Photography

I don’t know about you, but January has seemed loooooooooooong this year. Maybe it’s because it’s rained almost every day here in Washington, or maybe it’s because those pesky resolutions we all make demand action day after day (after day). And sometimes you just want to give up and throw in the towel - am I right?!

Finding My Why (Part 1): My Journey to Photography | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

I’m not sure if “discovering your why” is just photographer-speak, if it’s something all creatives seek out, or if we are all looking for the meaning behind what we do and WHY we do it. Regardless, from the time I started my photography journey nearly seven years ago to today – I finally know why what I do is important – and I’m making it the center of what I do going forward.

Fort Ebey Sunset Session | Kara Chappell Photography | Washington Family Photographer

This family has been one of my faves ever since they moved across the street from us two years ago. Okay, we already had an awesome neighborhood, but the DuBois fam definitely added to the fun. And now that we know them and love them, of course the military would move them!!

Home at Last | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

Military homecomings have my heart. They are always special, unique, and emotional. It’s even more special when I get to document a homecoming for a friend, especially someone I admire and look up to as a mother and military spouse.

A Night in Georgetown | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

Now that Ryan has been in the airlines for about two years, I’m starting to take advantage of the non-rev perks and plan a few trips here and there when our schedules allow for it. We found a weekend that worked where I could go see a few friends in D.C. and shoot a few sessions last month. Friend time and time to recharge my creative batteries? A total win-win, right?

Finding Myself Again - February 365 Project | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

For most people, January is the start of a new year. I like to think of February as my own personal starting line. Maybe it’s the holiday hangover that creeps into January, or the optimism of resolutions that keep me dreaming all month, but for me personally, reality sets in on February 1st, and the short month FLIES by before I know it.

A Month of Firsts - January 365 Project | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

I just completed my first month of my 365 Project, and I don’t feel like throwing my camera out the window. #winning! A “365 Project” is photographer-speak for taking a picture a day for a year. And if that sounds easy, it’s actually not. Because you definitely don’t take just one picture a day (at least I don’t). You take 50, or 400 pictures a day, and then you cull, edit, organize, and repeat.

Hurricane Ridge Family Mountain Session | Seattle Family Adventure Photographer

This session was such a game changer for me. First of all, I love this woman. Whitney took our family pictures on Whidbey Island last year, and they are so beautiful that they cover most of wall space that was left in my home (I may have a “hanging pictures on my wall problem” - or else I need a bigger house!). Ever since then we stayed in touch and developed both a personal and professional friendship - as we are both photographers, military spouses, and mamas to two wild and awesome kiddos.

Savannah + Nick | Rosario Bay Couples Photographer

I am finally getting back with the program and starting to blog all the gorgeous sessions I was lucky enough to shoot this fall. With the weather getting rainy, I can’t think of anything better than grabbing a comfy blanket, lighting a pumpkin candle, and sharing Savannah and Nick’s amazing couples session with you.

Deception Pass State Park Sunset Beach Session | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

This session was so much fun! Not only did this amazing family fly all the way from Minnesota to shoot with me (okay they were staying in Seattle for a family wedding), but mama is also a photographer (no pressure, right)?!

A Midwest Family Session at Mahoney State Park | Whidbey Island Family Photographer

The girls and I head home every summer for a few weeks to visit the family in Omaha, Nebraska. We soak up the sun (and the heat), spend our days exploring the zoo and splash pads, and our nights catching fireflies and shooting fireworks. It's a magical time that we look forward to all year.

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.

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.

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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!