Singing songs, climbing trees, running in and out of the surf. These are the things we do during family sessions. We play, we have fun, we make memories. Or rather - YOU make memories, and I capture them for you to hold on to for years to come.
Read MoreThis 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)?!
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreI am so grateful for this community. For other photographers who help you to see what they see - either in yourself or in your surroundings. It's so refreshing when you break down the stigma of competition and just have fun together, learning from each other and supporting each other's unique point of view.
Read MoreAs we waded through tall grasses to get to the field of wildflowers just on the other side of the parking lot, I couldn't help thinking how lucky we are to live in a place where such beautiful spots are literally only a stone's throw away.
Read MoreA head full of hair. A bed full of snuggles. A tummy full of cinnamon rolls. I spent the morning documenting this beautiful family and all the newness and excitement that comes with welcoming a new member of the family into your home.
Read MoreHoly 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.
Read MoreWhen 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.
Read MoreSummer 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreEvery 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.
Read MoreI 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!).
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreOh, 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreIt 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.
Read MoreThis 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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