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)?!

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.

Summer Sunset at Deception Pass | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

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!

FamilyKara ChappellJuly 3, 2017Kara Chappell Photographywhidbey island, whidbey island family photographer, washington family photography, washington beaches, washington family photographer, washington state park, deception pass state park, canadaComment

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.

Sunset Anniversary Session in Coupeville | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

Annie and John-Paul recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary with a trip to Washington. Luckily for me, they made a stop in Coupeville to spend a few days relaxing Whidbey Island-style. These two quickly won me over with their sweet demeanor and genuine, positive outlook on life and marriage.

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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.

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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.

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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

Vacation Beach Session at Deception Pass | Whidbey Island, WA Family Photographer

To say that I love my little sister is an understatement of epic proportions. She is so stinking cute, funny, kind, and caring. And she is the world's greatest mama (as well as auntie).We are different in many ways, but also similar. We clearly look like we came from the same mama. We are both silly (goofy, even). And unfortunately, we both struggled for years with fertility issues.

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