Katie and Sherylnn's Session at Seattle Center

Katie and Sherylnn are friends who work together and go to the same high school...so it was a natural fit to take their senior pictures at the same time. Fortunately, they both were happy with the same location, so it was back to the Seattle Center and the Experience Music Project for their photo shoot. One of the reasons I like the EMP so much is the abundance of soft, natural light which beautifully illuminates the person being photographed. See what I mean? Here are some of Katie's best shots......and these are a few of my favorite images of Sherylnn:At the end of the shoot, I asked the girls to run through the International Fountain, and just have fun. I'm glad it was a warm day! My daughter Alyssa wanted desperately to join them in the water...but maybe next time. Sherylnn and Katie, it was fun being with you two on one of the best days of the year. Enjoy your senior pictures...and your senior year!

Gretchen's Senior Pictures

As a child and a pre-teen, Gretchen was actively involved in modeling. When I met with her on the day of her photo shoot, she brought her portfolio - it was impressive! I was amazed at the versatility of expressions Gretchen was able to provide. Working to create images for Gretchen's senior pictures was so much fun!

The Experience Music Project building gave us so much variety to work with - I especially liked the way the red backdrop worked. Fortunately, I learned one of the rooms in Gretchen's home is red, so these images should work out great!

For a second location, Gretchen chose Carillon Point on the Kirkland waterfront. It was a great way to end our session.


Gretchen, it was a blast working with you. I hope you and your family enjoy these images for years to come!

Rob's Bar-Mitzvah

A few weeks ago I posted Rob's pictures as he was preparing for his Bar-Mitzvah, and last Saturday we celebrated this transition to young adulthood with his family and friends. Although Rhea (my friend and Rob's mom) thought she only wanted a few pictures of the ceremony, she should have known better when asking me to capture these moments - there was no way I was going to limit it to just a few. For the first time, Rob carries on the tradition of carrying the Torah scroll through the congregation. His dad, Bob, followed closely behind. (I love the smile on Bob's face...it was truly a moment of joy!)
Rob prepared for months by studying Hebrew in preparation for the day he would stand and read from the scroll. I don't speak or read Hebrew, but he sounded good to me and full of confidence.Following the reading, Rob was able to share a short message about the passage he had read. His poise and ability to communicate clearly, effectively and with humor was outstanding - many noticed the makings of a future pastor.
We stand together as a community with Rob and his family to pray a special blessing over his life and destiny. Congratulations, Rob...mazel tov!

Lauryn at the UW and Golden Gardens Park

Yesterday's senior session took us back to the University of Washington to photograph Lauryn. Lauryn is such a sweet person, and was so gracious to follow my suggestions. We just made it into the library for a few shots on my favorite staircase before closing time - whew! Lauryn told me she really liked black & white conversions, so Lauryn, this one's for you! I was surprised how different the campus looked when the sun was shining (!). The last time we were there, it was an overcast day - this time, the sun was out, which gave me some new challenges as well as some unexpected surprises. Here was a challenge...
...and here was a pleasant surprise. The sun was providing natural backlight on Lauryn's beautiful hair, and as it hit the white column, a soft fill light was illuminating her face. Those are surprises that I like!
We made sure to leave enough time to visit Golden Gardens Park for some sunset pictures. Here I placed Lauryn in a tunnel I love which placed soft light on her face, and a calm breeze to add movement in her hair...



I couldn't believe how fast the sun set - fortunately, we were able to get some sweet shots on the sand and a few more with the water views before the sun drifted out of sight. Lauryn, I hope you enjoy the images and that they bring fond memories for years to come!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Wilde...

We had such a great time with Krist and Kelly at their engagement session a few months ago, that when their wedding day arrived we knew good things were in store. They are such a warm and welcoming couple that it felt like we were capturing the ceremony of good friends we'd known for a long time. Kelly truly values capturing memories through photography, so she made sure to "budget" a lot of time for pictures before the wedding ceremony - an idea that I wholeheartedly supported!Since Carillon Point was located within a reasonable distance from the church, we decided to head there first for some pictures along the waterfront. I loved that Kelly, Krist and their entire bridal party (nearly 30 people!) were game for whatever suggestions we had...as well as coming up with some great ideas of their own.



Sometimes you can plan and prepare for photo sessions...other times you just have to be spontaneous with what comes your way. We spotted this irresitable bull dog along the sidewalk, and thought he'd be perfect for a picture or two. With his owner in agreement, Rocky became part of the bridal party - just for a few minutes. It was so funny!

Krist's groomsmen thought it would make a good picture if they stood in the ravine...and they were right.
Kelly's bridesmaids did not lack for creative ideas either. For some reason, the song "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" runs through my mind every time I see this image...

Krist and Kelly, we pray your lives will be filled with the blessings of heaven - laughter, love, joy and peace all the years of your life together. Congratulations!

Annie & Ryan's Romanian-American Wedding

On Sunday we woke up bright and early (not an easy feat for our family!) to celebrate the wedding of Annie and Ryan. Annie comes from a very large and loving Romanian family. For her wedding ceremony, she chose to incorporate many American traditions - but there was one I'm certain she made up all on her own! (Here's a hint: it has to do with water, bridesmaids who have a very good sense of humor, and a daring practical joke - see photos below). In fact, Alyssa liked it so much, she wants to keep it in mind for her own wedding someday. We'll see...

We started out by visiting Carillon Point, a scenic waterfront location in Kirkland, for the first meeting between Ryan and Annie, and to get some romantic shots along the water's edge.





As her bridesmaids lined up dutifully waiting for the bouquet toss, little did they know Annie had hidden a glass of water in the folds of her dress away from sight. The look on her face her tells much about the anticipated practical joke she was ready to play...

Not only did Annie have a good laugh, but so did all the girls. They were really good sports, and fortunately, no one ended up too wet. The real bouquet toss took place next, and funny thing is, all the girls were ready and waiting...she didn't lose anyone in the process!



Blessings to you, Ryan and Annie...may you have a wonderful life together filled with laughter, love and joy!