Sarah's Session at the Performing Arts Center

This afternoon Alyssa and I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah and getting a glimpse into her life in the world of theater. We met at the new Northshore Performing Arts Center, and were so impressed by the facility there - I had no idea such a great resource existed in our area. We were graciously allowed to use center which included the fabulous green room as well as the stage and auditorium.



Even the lobby provided a great spot for photos!

Just a few blocks away from the Performing Arts Center is the Bothell Landing Park. We had experienced light rain and drizzle all day, but by the time we arrived at the park, the rain had stopped and we were left with cloudy skies which provided great lighting throughout the rest of our session. I love using this bridge for a backdrop, and am so glad it worked out for Sarah's pictures.



Thanks, Sarah, for suggesting a new spot for your session - it was so fun to use the stage and the lights to create unique images for your senior pictures. I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek of your session images, and look forward to seeing you soon to share the rest. Be blessed!

Katie's Senior Session in Duvall

Katie and I spent the morning in downtown Duvall for her senior session - a location that I have become very fond of using for morning portrait sessions. We were blessed with a beautiful day and the light was just perfect for creating Katie's senior pictures. This image was taken in the doorway of a barn. What others might see as a run-down structure, I've been trained to see as a place that provides the perfect conditions for soft, natural light that creates lovely images...

Katie's eyes were so amazing to photograph - I don't think I've ever met anyone with such crystal-clear blue eyes. One of the ways many photographers like to enhance portraits is to use tools that will lighten the iris of the eye, darken the edge of the iris to give it more distinction, and whiten the surrounding area of the eye to make the eye color pop. With Katie, I couldn't perform any of these enhancements, because her eyes were this way naturally. How beautiful!



Another favorite spot of mine in Duvall - the bank of the Snoqualmie River...



Katie, I am so glad it worked out for us to get together for your senior session on a beautiful fall day...it was fun to spend the morning with you. I'm looking forward to sharing the rest of your images with you soon. Blessings to you!

Cara's Senior Session in Redmond

Cara chose to have her senior session taken at a location meaningful on two accounts - first, we met at her home but more importantly, it was at the water's edge, the place she is most comfortable. Cara is an accomplished athlete in the sport of rowing, and what better place to take her senior pictures than on the water. We tried to coax her into the water, but that was one suggestion she passed up...this was as close as we could get. We still had fun!


Walking back to the house Cara's mom spotted a bench Cara had refurbished for the family's use, and wanted some pictures taken there. I loved the soft light that the patio provided.


We finished up our session at Idylwood Park, and found this idyllic setting which seemed like it belonged on a mountainside with the river, tall grasses and wildflowers. Cara told me that she also liked mountaineering, so I felt this was a perfect place to capture some images.

Cara, thanks for being so easy-going during your photo shoot and for giving us a glimpse into your world. We enjoyed our time with you, and pray that these pictures will be a blessing as your remember your senior year. Blessings to you!

Ashley's Senior Session in NYC

We wanted to do something special for Ashley's senior pictures...yes, I am the mom of a senior this year so I can relate to all the other parents who are watching their kids grow up and transition into adulthood right before their eyes! Since we've taken pictures of our girls in almost every Seattle location, I wanted Ashley to choose a new place to explore, which is how we ended up in New York City. I tried to incorporate famous landmarks, while still keeping the focus on Ashley and not the environment. We started our shoot using the beautiful window light in our hotel room...

Here she is in Grand Central Station...


...and on 5th Avenue...
...outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral...


...on the Upper East Side of Manhattan...

...dancing in Central Park...

...at the Belvedere Castle in Central Park...

...and at Ashley's favorite landmark, the Broadhurst Theater home to Les Miz...

Ashley, we love you so much and enjoy all the time we spend together - whether at home or traveling to new locations. You are the best! May God continue to bless you with His peace, joy, laughter and love...all the days of your life.

We're in NYC!

My family works so hard alongside me in our wedding and portrait photography business...I really couldn't do this job I love without them. For a long time now I had wanted to thank them for their help with a special trip. I asked Ashley where she wanted her senior pictures to be taken, and she chose New York City. Good choice! So we are here this week to take senior pictures as well as celebrate the hard work done over the past year.



One of the reasons Ashley wanted to visit New York was to see the Broadway muscial "Les Miserables", which she had been a part of last year when she was cast in the role of Fantine in a high school production. She was so excited when she saw the marquee on Brodway!



Doing her best to look "miserable" without cracking herself up!



It wouldn't be New York without something going on - we were walking through Grand Central Station when we saw a movie set in one of the wings. As we exited the door, this is what I saw on the street. Of course, we had to take a closer look - along with all the other scores of people.



At first I thought it was the making of a television show, but we soon found out that it was a movie set...with Robin Williams and John Travolta. See?

Israel and Carolina's Wedding

Yesterday Israel and Carolina tied the knot at the beautiful Sanders Mansion. Although the weather forecast earlier had predicted rain, they had gorgeous weather and the outdoor wedding they had wanted...and we were grateful!



The ceremony was held in front of a scenic lake and wooded backdrop.

Israel and Carolina spent the first part of their ceremony with a time of worship...

Receiving a blessing from two very important people in the lives of Israel and Carolina...


We had so much fun photographing Nate during the ceremony. Little boys are great...little boys with a top hat, tails and lots of spunk make for great photo opportunities!



Carolina was not crazy about getting into the rowboat, so we made sure to make her feel comfortable by keeping it close to the dock. I'm glad she was brave and got into the boat in spite of her fears!

This shot just cracks me up!


Earlier this month I had attended a photography seminar in Vancouver, BC with two of the world's leading wedding photographers. This technique was taught and once I saw it demonstrated, I knew that I would have to use it for Israel and Carolina's wedding. Here's how to set it up: first, using your camera you need to meter your exposure for the sky. Next, switch to manual mode and underexpose the sky setting by two or three stops. Taking your flash off-camera, have an assistant angle the light from above to hit the subjects. Lay on the ground to get a nice wide-angle perspective and lots of sky. Voila! This technique gives a beautifully dramatic sky to a rather normal looking day, and makes your subjects into instant-models. Now that was fun!

Israel and Carolina, we are so glad your wedding day was a wonderful event that fulfilled your hopes and expectations. Thank you for inviting us to share in your day by capturing memories through images. May God bless you with years together filled with love, laughter, joy, friendship and peace. Have a wonderful time in Hawaii, and we will see you when you return!