Sweet River Photography

The Ice Storm

2012-01-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

I never saw a wild thing
sorry for itself.
A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough
without ever having felt sorry for itself.

David Herbert Lawrence.

The ice storm was beautiful and terrible. It crippled our trees and set our region at a stand still- cold, immobile, and in awe at the kind of natural acts we so rarely see here.

All night we listened helplessly to the crash of trees as the weight of the ice snapped them in half and ripped them apart, branch by branch. The scene the next morning was unbelievable. Our hearts ached for the trees, in disbelief that nature would do this to her own.

The roads still look like this, lined with destruction no one will ever finish clearing. I wonder how long it will be before we no longer notice it there, no longer notice the roads lined with scattered pieces of trees, and forget how the proudest once stood, whole and flourishing.

The destruction is in every direction - undeniable and overwhelming. And yet, it's not the way of nature to linger on it as we do. There's no pity in storms, no sorrow in the destruction they leave. Leaves will bud out this spring, proud and unaware of the winter's cruelty. Trees will not ache for their lost limbs or fallen neighbors. Those that do not make it become part of the earth again and nourish the saplings that will replace them.

The ones that survive will continue to stand strong, no matter the weather, and stretch their branches towards the sky.

Tidbit #29

2012-01-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

Unrelenting rain smacking the thin walls in huge, heavy drops. Listening in the darkness. Steady breathing from nearby. Hearts beating together as the little one gently rises and falls, sleeping on my chest again.

Tidbit #28

2012-01-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

Captured candid moments at a life celebration memorial tonight. My heart is full and aching. Photographs were everywhere- both beautiful and painful in their innocence. When the two year olds grow up, they will only know their mother in their hearts and in the stories their loved ones tell. Those photographs will be the only vision they have left of her as they grow up and away from their last day together. Through the images she left behind and the stories they inspire, they will grow to know her and never doubt for a moment how much she loved them.

More tidbit catchup!

2012-01-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

Tidbits 15-27 (Apparently losing power for four days has me a bit behind.)

Sun 15th: How is it that the girls put on footy jammies and suddenly they're one year younger and completely cuddleable?

Mon 16th: Tracking foot prints in the snow. It's amazing how much wildlife is all around us, and how much we miss without the snow to record everything.

Tues 17th: Music holds our lives together. Lia is already taking to singing music, but when she and Bella were sitting in a boat together, she asked Bella to sing. A new understanding opened between them and suddenly they were off in their own world.

Weds 18th: Snow day! Lia looked like a giant pink marshmallow, and every time I saw her, I had to give her a big squishy hug. There's just no way around it.

Thurs 19th: So grateful for our amazing friends, opening their homes to keep us warm and dry during this incredible storm.

Fri 20th: Away from home tonight. Lia wants to sleep on my belly to fall asleep. Okay, snuggle baby. If you insist.

Sat 21st: It seems as if nature has turned on herself, sabotaging her amazing and beautiful work. It is heartbreaking to see the trees broken, fallen, beaten, just by ice and rain. But to her, it's just another part of the great cycle.

Sun 22nd: Oh my sweet sweet baby fell asleep in my arms, with the whole hubub of the house swirling around her. I can't remember the last time that has happened. Being trapped by a baby is bliss.

Mon 23rd: When we're listening to CDs or radio, one second between songs is one second too long for Lia. Song?

Tues 24th: Apparently, Lia has decided that if she is not grumping, she's going to be the world's most hilarious comedian. (Oh, I so dearly missed her goofies during these last few months of teething.)

Weds 25th: Sometimes it's hard to believe we live here. We really do. I look up at the jagged piney tree tops and sniff the cool, rainy air and I'm instantly transported back to my childhood vacations, riding in the car, dreaming someday I would live here. Now I'm living the dream, dreary days and all.

Thurs 26th: Giant squishy nap with my girls. We must be on the same sleep cycle, so I got to lie there and listen to the girls waking up. The both smacked their lips and squeaked the same way before waking. The same as they did as babies, too.

Fri 27th: Sitting in the sunbeam. Babies asleep, Bella reading an ipad book aloud. Watching this video (on my phone, no less) and giggling.

Tidbit #14

2012-01-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

My parents came over for a sushi extravaganza tonight. It's amazing to have them so close. I hope girls will never remember a time when we couldn't just call them up and invite them over for dinner.

Sidenote: How does anyone ever get full on sushi? By the time you've prepared it, you're hungry enough for three more rolls!

Tidbit #13

2012-01-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

Learning yoga is not so easy in the presence of a toddler who thinks you are a shape shifting jungle gym.

Tidbit #12

2012-01-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

Long long day with the girls. Some days I feel like flying out of the house the second Dave gets home from work. And yet...
That feeling vanishes at bedtime. That moment before I put Lia down for the night, it's nearly impossible to let her go. Tomorrow she'll be just a little bigger, her body a little longer. She'll never again fit just so on my shoulder as she does today, relaxed and snuggled close for comfort.

Tidbit #10 & 11

2012-01-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

Tidbit #10: Amazing how quickly magical moments escape the memory when you don't write them down straight away. Despite many wonderful things I smiled at, all I can remember from today was how beautiful the great golden moon was as it rose into a clear, starry night.

Tidbit #11: Another sunny day! We headed to the park, and as soon as Lia saw the lake, she shouted, BATH! That would be one cold, cold, bath, my dear.

Tidibit catchup!

2012-01-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

Jan 1 in my Project 365

Tidbit #1: It's a new year. We are so far past the intensity of 2010 that I feel like I can breathe. This year's word is engage. I plan to be fully engaged in whatever I have chosen to do at that moment, working, playing, or just being. There's going to be a lot less multitasking this year!

Tidbit #2: Instead of directing her feet into her shoes, Lia grabs her foot just as I do and tries to shove her whole and and foot in the shoe. It's been less than successful so far, but oh-so-cute.

Tidbit #3: When the fog rolls in ("it's froggy!") or clouds slip past the moon, or Bella squints so her eyelashes haze everything over, she calls it melting. "Look mommy, the clouds are melting the moon!" "Hee. Hee. I'm melting you, Mommy." It's quite the perspective.

Tidbit #9

2012-01-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

Editing a most beautiful, rewarding (pitch dark) birth tonight. The genuine strength, energy, and love at a birth are amazing to witness. Births are truly my favorite thing to photograph.

Tidbit #8

2012-01-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Damn You Auto Correct tonight had me laughing til I cried, squeaked, and gasped for breath. It just never gets old. Machine+Man = best farce humor ever.

Tidbit #7

2012-01-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

I caught a brief glimpse of the sunset while driving tonight. One long, thin golden ribbon adorning the steely sky - a reminder that the sun rose today and was with us all along, even on the grayest of days.

Tidbit #6

2012-01-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

Things I never imagined I'd ever shout:

Enough! It's your dinner, not a water park! (Who knew soup could be so fun?)
Eat your food, don't decorate with it!
Lillia, get Jesus's head out of your mouth. He's not for teething! (Tho I guess no one can resist the Jesus Action Figure.)

Tidbit #5

2012-01-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Dave came home on lunch and rocked Lia to sleep.

Then again tonight, completely out of our routine, I did the same.

I sang this.
And this.
(As usual.)

Her little head kept popping up, swaying a little more each time, dropping down a little heavier each time.

I hope that little head will forever fit so perfectly in the nook of my collarbone, my cheek resting gently on her sweet, silky hair.

Tidbit #4

2012-01-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

This is part of my 366 Tidbits series. I'd love it if you'd join me!
(What? You like to start at #1? Well, you can start wherever you'd like! I'll be catching up soon.)

Lia was in her birthday suit at dinner tonight - she shoveled rice in her mouth tonight, dropping it all over the chair. In the process of getting off the chair, she managed to cover herself with every single piece and then proceeded to run around the house, shedding rice right and left. (And I wonder why I'm always vacuuming.) Oh, Lia. You crack me up.

Memories and Tidbits

2012-01-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

You may have seen this circulating around over the past few days: Portraits Are More Than Paper

It hits home for a lot of us. We take pictures out of habit, in hopes that we might ever get them up on Facebook, or even into albums and scrapbooks. But what happens when they are all we have left of someone we love? The simplest snapshot takes on new meaning when someone in it is no longer with us.

I just came across the picture above - a little selfie I took in August with my point and shoot. I love this moment. Our days are so full that even though I might remember feeling this way, I doubt I could ever recall the moment without a photograph, and certainly Lillia never will.

It's not about getting your portraits done. Its about existing in living memory. Sure, not every moment needs a camera - but the sweetest moments need memories. We don't pass down spoken memories as societies used to, so it only makes sense that there is a shift in the way we maintain our history. A picture is one of many simple ways to do just that.

It doesn't matter how you capture your memories - just do it. Jot down your favorite moments of that day. Take a snapshot with your phone. HAND YOUR CAMERA OFF TO SOMEONE so that you are in a picture. Guess what? Your family loves you for who you are, and if you're avoiding the camera, you're depriving them of preserving memories they love.

That one letter has spurred a memory revolution - feel free to join in any way you would like. What am I doing to make sure my girls remember our beautiful, imperfect life?

I've started a 366 Tidbits Project. (Yes, indeedy! It's a leap year!)

I'll be jotting down one tidbit each day and posting it here (informally, and not necessarily with a picture - gotta keep it simple, people!). I haven't kept up on the girls' monthly letters, and I feel their memories melting together and drifting away, which I hate.

So check back here for 366 days of tidbits - things I noticed, something quirky about my day, something that inspired me or made me giggle. It coincides nicely with my second project 365 that I started in October (which you can view here). Hopefully through this, the girls will get to know the me they loved before they were old enough to really remember.

On experience and permanence

2011-12-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

(The view from my parents' street - processed by my dad.)

My dad and I were walking up his driveway after running down the street to catch the last bit of a beautiful sunset. The driver of the Fed-Ex truck that was backing out stopped to say with relief, Oh, thank goodness someone's got their camera! What a beautiful sunset! And it occurred to me then, what strange things technology has done to us. We panic at the thought of losing a memory forever. Even if it's the grainiest phone snapshot and we never again look at it, just the fact that it exists is enough. Someone somewhere has the memory permanently stored, and with that knowledge, we can go back to enjoying our view. Or even turn away from it.

Our winters here are so long. Not the harsh, beating coldness of most northern winters. It's dark, dull, unrelenting gloom. When we have crisp, clear days, they are treasures that inspire us to make it through the strings of dreary weeks. I can certainly identify with that overwhelming pull to capture them forever. Some days I long for proof that the sun ever graced my views.

(Taken with my phone, as I stuck my knee in a pile of leafy muddy guck.)

Earlier this week, I ran up and down a few blocks in Seattle trying to get a better vantage point of this amazing sunset. I wanted to shout, Look! Don't you see it? to every person on the street. Wild eyed and running around, I was snapping phone shots left and right. After I acknowledged my own ridiculousness, and decided to hop in my car and just enjoy it, I passed the Pike Place Market sign, illuminated from behind by these same stunning golden clouds. That was the view I had imagined in my head all along.

In the 1.5 second glimpse I had of the amazing view, all I could think was, "Thank God there are tourists here. Someone will have taken a picture."

P.S. You can bet I was thrilled to see a private plane soaring across the view above. Surely that was their best flight ever.

P.P.S. Who's getting up to see the lunar eclipse in the morning? I'll be waking up my 3 year old to watch with me if the skies stay clear!

SWEET!

2011-11-20T20:36:00.000-08:00

(cupcakes by: Trophy Cupcakes (omgsogood), decorative wrappers by: Bella Cupcake Couture)

Tomorrow I will be joining the live audience at the CreativeLIVE studio for a holiday cupcake and cookie decorating class. I couldn't be more excited! If you haven't heard of CreativeLIVE, run -do not walk- to their website. They offer amazing courses (most often about photography, but creativity has no limits!) that are FREE when viewed live, and are offered at an amazing price as downloads. It's a world wide classroom at its finest.

So you can imagine how stoked I am to get to learn about delicious decorations in this amazing manner! I love baking, but let's just say I lean towards unfinished cookies and cakes with messy toppings, because I can never get icing just right. I cannot wait to learn!

I hope you'll join me in the morning by tuning in LIVE, and if you can't make it, I'm sure the class will be more than worth purchasing the download.

P.S. If you know me even a little, you will know just how bad my sweet tooth can be! Don't get your hopes up that any finished delicacies will actually make it out of my kitchen, unless it's to pose for a portrait!

Reflecting

2011-11-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

One thing I love about photography is that it may be cold outside and ready to snow, but I can lose myself in an image and just like that, it's summer again. For a moment, Bella is newly three, the sun is bright, laughter is everywhere, and the air smells of grass and dandelions.

And then, back to my hot chocolate and dark cozy windows and I trudge nostalgically through a year of family photos. :O)

Feeling like fall

2011-11-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

Who else has been up to their elbows in pumpkins lately? Perhaps even a few pumpkin lattes?

(Not up to your elbows, of course.)

I hope everyone had a happy Halloween! Well, and a happy October for that matter!

For me, autumn is all about the leaves! We've been having such a wonderfully dry autumn here, and it's the first year that Bella has really gotten to play in the leaves! Last year, Lillia couldn't stand the sound of leaves so piles of them were OUT! This year has been so much better.

It reminds me of being back in New England. We even had frost-coated leaves this morning, and I ran Bella out of the house to show her. Yes, I love fall that much.

These images of Bella playing in the leaves sum it all up for me. Happiness, anticipation, wonder, and freedom. All in one big pile. :O)

I would love to hear how you're celebrating this fall!

Golden

2011-10-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

Boy, do I have a great sneak peek for you tonight!

This was a session thrice rescheduled, and we were so lucky to catch one of the last days of beautiful evening sunlight. My favorites are below - I couldn't help but share a few more than usual!

What a family! Ashwin is the perfect mixture of sweet, goofy, and energetic. He was all over the place exploring the park.

Such a gorgeous evening, and such a delightful time spent with friends! We also did a few head shots during this session for Tara's business, Startup Recroot, so there's more to come!

P.S. My parents moved cross country to join us here and my schedule gets busier every day! I'm working on posts left and right and can't wait to share some of this year's favorite client slideshows with you soon. :O)

On photographs and time

2011-09-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

How many years will it be until no one remembers who you are?

I just watched this brief documentary on school portraits, those images dreaded by all students and loved by (almost) all parents. They show nothing but a shell of the vibrant person inside, give no indication of our actual selves, and serve only to document the passing of time. And that last reason is why so many people cannot resist them.

At the end of the documentary, the narrator observes that time is relentless and no amount of photographs will keep us from disappearing from memory. I'd like to hope that it's not true, but time will go on forever, I suppose. Still, I hope dearly that my girls and their children will see our endless flood of photos and someday piece together who I was and am to them. Maybe in that respect, the legacy will continue and there will always be a bit of me (and them) trickling down through time.

A few years ago, Vivian Maier became posthumously famous after a historian came across hundreds of thousands of undeveloped images she had taken in her lifetime. Amongst them are millions of people frozen in time, and I wonder how many are already forgotten. We can imagine so much about them from Vivian's very candid images. I can only imagine how much more would be lost to time if she had sat each person down and asked them to smile. There is so much to be gained in documenting more than just the shell.

A bit on hair

2011-09-07T23:07:00.000-07:00

I'm not really big on doing hair. Bella didn't need a hair cut until she was two, and I started trimming it mostly to keep it from tangling and hanging in her eyes. After her third birthday I gave her bangs, which I trimmed again this week (but they seem so plain). I think next time I will try to go for this look again, which she had in April. It is the perfect shape.

And don't mind Bella. She was burning up with 103 degree fever this day, but thoroughly enjoying a movie in her new birthday dress.

April

2011-09-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

One I found of Bella from April. I'm chipping away at our family photos, little by little.

I also have some great sessions to share. Time to get blogging!

Out with a bang

2011-08-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Oh, the last day of August Break! I did it!

I took this for a mini project I'm working on and I like how it came out. I so rarely use a small enough aperture to make starbursts with my flare, and I think it fits just right. :O)

P.S. Everyone hates the tree behind Bella, but it's my favorite.

Almost there!

2011-08-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

I've almost made it through August Break. Yippee!

Here's a few from a day in March, since I was catching up on my family editing. Every year I think I'm going to get an awesome, creative cherry blossom shot, but I never do. This was one of my favorites and it's just on my point and shoot. ...and Bella? She's diving into a pile of yarn. It's a time honored tradition in this house.

Sweet evening

2011-08-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had a wonderful evening out on the town with several other photographers ... cupcakes and great company! What a winning combination! This was our view as the sun set lower and lower over the Olympics.

The sound

2011-08-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

A visit to the sound. Such a beautiful day, and well worth the drive. The clouds lifted and the Olymics came out to enjoy the sunlight. I wish we could have stayed til sunset.

Flying High

2011-08-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

Sommmmebody turned two last week!

Here's her sneak peek. She gets more and more beautiful every time I see her!

Can't wait to share the highlights of her birthday party! TWO cupcakes for one adorable two-year-old. :O)

Evidence

2011-08-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

Evidence that the day was full and wonderful, and that yes, those bubbles were actually blue.

Ocean Fog

2011-08-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

I can't get over the beauty of our foggy day at the ocean. There's so much peace in a colorless land.

Two images today, since I forgot yesterday (an ALMOST perfect August Break). Incidentally, we were at the beach and I didn't even get out my camera this time.

An oldie

2011-08-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

An oldie but goodie. Lillia was three days old.

Today was a day full of disappointments and toe stubbing and missed naps and all sorts of rain clouds (even real ones that pour rain). In the end it all worked out, but in the thick of it that's when I need an image like this on every wall of the house. Because they really are that wonderful, and Bella still dotes on Lia as she has from day one. Lia couldn't have picked a better big sister.

Oh my!

2011-08-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot to put up a post tonight. Insomnia saved my posting streak for august break. Whew! Close one! Of course, I cleared out my phone yesterday and this is the only picture left on it. Good thing it's a cute one!

A very good morning

2011-08-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, there is so much I could say about what an amazing time I had with this family last week. They invited me into their home on a very special day and fully embraced capturing the beautiful, everyday moments. I love this image so much!

Pancake mornings are a favorite tradition of ours, too, and this moment is exactly why. More soon!

One more

2011-08-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this image the first moment I saw it.

I've finally finished this session, so no more swing portraits for a bit... unless you want to invite me over to your swing set!

In sync and care free

2011-08-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

(Even the grown up - and really, when do grown ups ever relax?)

Apparently I have a slight fascination with swings. (What, this swinger and this dreamer didn't prove it already? You just wait, I have more.) If I could take swinging portraits all day long, I think I'd be in heaven. I mean, swings can be both magical and cathartic. Adventurous and relaxing. It's all there in the air.

Clown

2011-08-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

We went to an outdoor concert long after Lia's bedtime. It took her a whole hour to warm up to the loud noise and crowd, but by the end she was dancing and goofing (and screaming) and had the entire row of grandparents behind us charmed.

And may I just add, there's something special about people casually dancing about in public. I think it doesn't happen nearly enough. :O)

Daydream

2011-08-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

My cousin's beautiful daughter. Of this entire session, this was the only one I needed to have in black and white. Some stories are just stronger that way.

Swing!

2011-08-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Working on this charmer's session tonight! It's long overdue and bringing back the memories of this hot (hot!) July day at the park in Washington, D.C.

(Okay, so not as hot as the following week... But I sure could have used a swing to cool down.)

Even Princessess

2011-08-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

Even princesses have to take a moment to eat. And when they do, they feast on fresh picked blackberries, of course.

We're home. Back to our regularly scheduled days of library visits, parks, and editing late into the night. I wish Bella could spend every day like this - if only we could just squish Portland and Seattle a bit closer together. (Alas, I think they would just get on one another's nerves. Even sister cities need some space.)

Evening stroll

2011-08-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

A quick walk during the last evening light. Blackberries in every direction, a little reminder of the sweetness that nature offers if we just pause for a moment.

An evening drive

2011-08-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

Sun setting on the right, moon rising on the left. Mountains, water, skylines and pink clouds filling our view. We crossed into Portland during the grand finale of an outstanding sunset display. In the morning I have a session with an energetic family of five. I can't wait!

Peace like an ocean

2011-08-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

There's something to be said for relaxing on a misty, colorless shore.

I can breathe in this image, close my eyes, and breathe out peace of mind.

for whatever we lose

(like a you or a me)
it's always ourselves

we find in the sea
- e.e. cummings

Memory Lane

2011-08-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Whoops! I remembered to post just in the nick of time. How bout one from two years ago? Bella is just about to turn one in this picture.

My mind has been swirling with thoughts, dreams, ideas, plans, worries, gratitude, and all those great things that bonk together in the brain and make it nearly impossible to complete a simple thought. Guess it's time to get my brain in order.

Family walk

2011-08-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone's included when we go on a walk.

Boston sunset

2011-08-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

A beautiful July evening in Boston:

And my best friend, Bella's godmother.

I'm feeling a tad homesick tonight.

Hurry up and relax!

2011-08-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

If you didn't notice (Seattle residents may very well have not), Summer is here at last!

And in case you forgot,

Summer is the BEST time to get your family portraits done!

Why do it now?

1.) We get great weather all through September
2.) Everyone in the family still has that rosy look and it's not from a head cold!
3.) By the time the holidays are here, you'll already have your specially designed cards up and ready to go - which leaves more time to enjoy pumpkin pie!
4.) Who doesn't love a framed photo, and that's one less trip out into the holiday shopping crowds (see also: pie benefits, above).

There are a few spots left this summer and you won't want to miss out!

Sign up for any full session before August 21st and you will get two free mini albums (woot, two gifts off your holiday list!) and 25% off holiday cards! What's not to love about that?

All dressed up

2011-08-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

Bella joined her older cousins for an afternoon of play - we had an evening of princesses.

We are so very lucky to have friends and family around every corner here.

Carry-on

2011-08-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing she loves, it's being stuck in tiny places. I'm sure I'll never understand her. Perhaps she'll be a world famous spelunker one day.

A few minutes later Dave walked by and heard a box calling his name...

P.S. I am so ready to be done with Week in the Life! Thank goodness tomorrow is the last day of relentless picture taking. I'm drowning in images. Luckily, I have posts like this to motivate me to turn it into a book. Maybe this year I can keep the momentum going!

Sisters

2011-08-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

I was ambivalent about having another girl when I was pregnant with Lillia. I did, however, hope that Bella would someday have a sister - there's just something special about sisters. When Lillia was born and I learned she was a girl, I had an unexpected relief and excitement - an anticipation of moments like this.

Today was a rough day with not enough sleep and too much stress and the three of us clashing hour after hour. Looking back at the images from today's Week in the Life captures, there are so many beautiful moments and I am so glad to have them forever.

A quiet moment

2011-08-04T21:51:00.001-07:00

Just one little moment from today, thanks to my husband who came home for lunch. This is how Bella and I like to spend Lia's nap time.

Freedom

2011-08-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

When you can dress yourself, life really is just that good.

After the mist

2011-08-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

We could actually see the clouds blowing across our feet. In and out, mist and sun, and a relentless wind drawing ripples in the sand, breaking waves, and setting kites free.

Misty Beach

2011-08-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

A trip to the beach. Mist, wind, sand, and bright blue bubbles.

So many things to share, but I have a whole month of posting every day, so this will do for now.

Scoping

2011-07-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

A new location I wandered around last night. It was absolutely gorgeous!

P.S. I'm testing out posting from my phone so I can keep up with August Break!

2011-07-31T10:40:00.001-07:00

Testing!

More Sisters!

2011-07-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

I got a little waylaid by my computer virus, but I'm back on track now, chugging through sessions!

There's nothing better than a session that makes you laugh out loud while editing. This is one of my favorites:

These sisters are so full of happiness. Remember what happened here? Can't wait to show you more!

P.S. If you missed out on Alexandra's headshots, take a peek! It's worth the click. :O)

August Break

2011-07-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Okay! I'm back! I spent the last week recovering from a cold and then (not to be outdone) my computer decided it, too, wanted a virus. So now we are both on the mend, though I am going through the long process of reinstalling everything just the way I had it on my computer. But, in a way it's nice to start fresh!

So, to get back into the groove, I'll be participating in August Break here on this blog. I seem to remember how easy and satisfying it was last year, and how happy it made everyone who tuned in!

So there you have it. Kick back, have a latte with us, and enjoy the August Break.

P.S. I think next week I'll participate in the 2011 A Week in the Life with Ali Edwards. I'm no scrapbooker, but I love looking back on what seemed so normal last year, and this is great motivation.

Anyone care to join? The big one was this week, but I've got no problems starting late. Maybe I'll even catch up on my 2010 Week in the Life which never made it to print.... So let me know if you're participating!

Baby blue eyes

2011-07-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'm finishing the rest of this session but I can't get this smiling face out of my mind.

More to come....

The sweetest thing

2011-07-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

While planning my East Coast trip, I timed it around my dear friend Meg's due date. I was staying three hours from her, and spent half the time nervous that I wouldn't make it in time when her labor started. It was so important to me that I be there for her. Indeed, I made it with plenty of time to spare and was there to witness her intense and beautiful labor.

Of the whole day, this has to be my favorite image. It's victory, peace, happiness, relief, and love all rolled up into one little moment.

I'm so glad I could be there for Lily's first moments on earth. Thank you so much, Meg.

Without further ado,

2011-07-13T22:08:00.001-07:00

Meet Alexandra!

I have been BURSTING at the seams waiting to share images from this session. We were in a bit of a time crunch, as I had an hour to do her headshots AND a family shoot with her three sisters before they were off to perform at a wedding out of town.

I will say it is an absolute understatement that I could have followed these ladies around all day long and not had enough. They are a talented, fun-loving bunch, and Alexandra is no exception. She has all the grace of a dancer and a sparkling personality. I cannot wait to see her dreams come true!

Alexandra, working with you was amazing! You rocked our little headshot session, and I can't wait to show you the rest. Enjoy!

P.S. Don't forget to find me on Facebook between posts. You get juicy little tidbits like the surprise ending to this session!

We're Back!

2011-07-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

We dove head first into our vacation and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Now we're home and it's time to get things back in order. I can't wait to edit and share all the pictures. Sessions, family fun, and a beautiful birth!

The best part about editing is getting to relive the wonderful moments. Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday, Lillia!

2011-06-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

My little Lia turned one today!

I spent yesterday reminiscing about my blissful day of labor last year. (The later part captured by Jennifer Finch Photography, which you can peek at here.)

Lillia has been under the weather, and our little party wore her completely out.

And on a side note. You may notice that it will be exceptionally quiet around here soon. We are headed to the East Coast until the middle of July! I will update when I can - and it's not too late call to see if there is room for a last minute East Coast session!

Like a vacation

2011-06-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

What's the best way to turn some cloudy weather into a perfect weekend?

Add a few ingredients to sweeten it up...

A baby about to turn one and getting ready to walk:

Some friends from out of town to share in the wonder:

A quick trip to Seattle on an insanely busy day (yes, that's the line to just get IN to Starbucks):

(Which, of course requires a visit to our favorite donut stand!)

A beautiful evening view:

Marshing mallows:

And making smores with the best donuts in the world - we dubbed them Shmonuts!

But best of all, ending the day with exhausted little kids.

Cool print ideas!

2011-06-08T13:00:00.001-07:00

I love displaying prints at home. It's so important to get this stuff off the computer! I love huge canvases, but how cool would it be to do a wall this big of tiny prints?!

Check out the others featured on this post from Apartment Therapy:

How to Display Your Hipstamatic Prints at Home

Do you print out your favorite photos? Tell me where you put them!

And now for something completely different.

2011-06-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Remember that awesome summery evening we had last week?

Well, here comes the rest!

Meet Zach. He's just about to graduate, and he's pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. Between music and design, he's all sorts of creative. We held his session at Coulon Beach and roamed around, just goofing off and chasing the evening light. The hardest part of the whole evening was just trying to keep from catching too MUCH light. What can I say, it takes a while to get back into the groove of sunshine.

I wanted to highlight his awesome clarinet skills and his creative side so we really played around with the light. Thanks to his willingness to go along with all my crazy schemes, we got some great shots!

Thanks again, Zach, for an awesome session!

P.S. I almost forgot! Leave a comment below - if this post reaches 20 comments, Zach gets a free 8x10 print. Woot!

Radiant

2011-05-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet the one and only Dionne.

Isn't she stunning? We met up for a quick, laid back session a few weeks back. I wanted her to see herself the way I do - to see just how much she radiates. She is an amazing woman -goofy, exuberant, understanding, and beautiful throughout.

We joked around, and indeed, I made her put flowers in her hair. I *cough* may have even made her wear a dandelion crown. What can I say, anyone should be royalty for at least few minutes. Try it sometime.

Sunbreak

2011-05-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Last night's senior session was fantastic! The sun came out just for us, I'd like to think. As we were wandering around Coulon Beach, the evening light was filtering through the pearly clouds. Brightly colored boats were racing on the glittering water and the Olympics were just visible on the horizon as a sea plane passed overhead. I couldn't help but stop and take it in. We live here. Summer is idyllic in Seattle and you can just feel that it's on its way.

As for the senior, well I'll just leave you with a little teaser... more to come!

Rainy Day Treats

2011-05-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

So, it's rainy today after almost a full week of sun. I don't mind one bit. We didn't sleep last night and it's a day to throw all the blankets on the floor and cozy up to some books.

I could really (really) go for a cupcake right about now. Last time I had one was at Common Ground Cupcakes in Renton. Maple bacon deliciousness. A latte just isn't the same without a cupcake.

Anyone deliver?

An Easter Bride

2011-05-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

On Easter weekend, I had the privilege of working with Liz of Liz de Puydt Photography, to assist her at her brother Brian's wedding. It just so happens that the bride is also a friend of mine!

You may remember this darling couple from their Holiday Mini Session last fall. Well, Lauren was an absolutely radiant bride.

How do I even begin to describe what a heartfelt wedding this was? Their happiness was infused in every little detail, from the handmade decorations (and her tiara!) to childhood slideshows (yes, I turn to mush around old family photos) and even the toasts that had me laughing so hard I could barely see through my camera.

We had a lucky streak of good weather - an unusual sunny April day. We headed to the Waterfall Garden Park in Pioneer Square for Brian and Lauren's first look.

A few more fun sessions in the alley and then back inside to warm up (literally!) for the big event. Lauren had the most doting bridesmaids cheering her on all day.

Liz's son was the ring bearer, and he rode his skateboard down the aisle. How awesome is that! I kid you not, this was an amazing day with laughter and happiness tucked into every corner.

Lauren and Brian, thank you so much for choosing me to take part in your wedding. It was an absolute treat to witness your families celebrating the beginning of your life together.

Venue - Hotel 1000
Coordinator - Shannon Hernandez
Florals - Onica Hanby

Three at last!

2011-04-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today my baby turns three. It seems hard to imagine that we're already here, but not so hard to think of her as three. She has been growing into it for months now and can't wait til she can shout, 'I'm three!!' from the rooftops.

So pardon me as I take a walk down memory lane. These pictures mean the world to me. As Lillia grows into these years, my memories of Bella start to run together and fade away. Just a glance at these images brings me right back into the moment, and there is nothing sweeter than that.

Every year she seems so big, but every year I look back on that 'grown up' little girl and marvel at how tiny she seems now. I can only imagine what next year will have in store. She just seems so incredibly grown up right now...

Over the year she has learned more exciting and efficient ways to play the same games.

And yet still manages to do some things in the exact same ways.

This was our family a week before Bella was born.

And a few hours after she was born - snuggled in bed, waking up together for the first time. This is probably one of my favorite pictures ever. Bella has been a daddy's girl right from the start.

Bella's second day on this earth.

Moving right along to her first birthday!

Some days I cannot believe how much she looks like Lillia!

And her second birthday. I was sick a lot that year and don't have as many birthday pictures. This was on her birthday. The weather was phenomenal so we went out right at bedtime to take a look at the moon.

Sigh. (They grow up so fast...)

Cranes Galore!

2011-04-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Urbia Fresh Cafe hosted a day of making peace cranes for Japan.

Emiko arranged this local event and spent most of the day busily teaching the origami art of peace cranes.

The mini ones were such a big hit!

Everyone joined in and tried it out - even costumers who just happened to walk in. Later in the day Q13 Fox news popped in. Hopefully the cranes will bring a bit of love and hope to communities in Japan - a little something to let them know that they are not forgotten.

A big thanks to everyone who came to support the cause!

Those bitty toes

2011-04-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek of a recent newborn session. I have to say, I've been waiting on this little girl for quite some time. She's a punctual little thing and surprised her mama by not arriving late like her sisters.

My favorite bit? Those cutie pie chicken legs. It makes it almost possible to imagine that just two weeks ago they were curled up in a wee little home.

Thanks for sharing your Mini Me with me, Adrienne. She looks so much like her sisters that I can't wait to see who she becomes on her own!

Cranes for peace

2011-04-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe, but until this week I had never made a paper crane in my life!

They have always fascinated me, though they were a bit fiddly to attempt with my girls within reach. I'm more of a origami star person, really.

In order to raise funds for Japan and maintain awareness of the country's recovery efforts, Urbia Fresh Cafe will be hosting a local peace crane event from 9am to 3pm. There will be participants on hand to teach newcomers (like myself!) how to fold cranes. Our goal is to make a crane for every life lost. We will be sending photos taken at the event along with the cranes.

To top off the goodwill, Urbia Fresh Cafe will be donating 10% of proceeds for the day!

If you cannot attend, please visit the main event page on Facebook to find other times, or consider donating your own cranes.

Feel free to register on here on Facebook - I hope you will join us at Urbia Fresh Cafe next weekend!

Super(b) Moon

2011-03-21T12:46:00.001-07:00

Did you happen to catch a glimpse of the supermoon this weekend?

Astronomy Picture of the Day posted an amazing moon over the Parthenon:

If you missed the kagillion articles about it, the moon was full at the same time as it was closest to the earth. SO. It made for quite a large moon! (And lots of new babies, but that's another story!)

Friends told me it was absolutely gorgeous in Seattle.

I went out to catch it, but alas, we're just south and there was too much haze (and trees) on the horizon to see it rise from our viewpoint.

So instead, I stayed out in the cool night to take some pictures of our neighbor's cherry tree in the moonlight and listen to the peeper frogs in the distance.

What was your view like?

Check out some more awesome shots of the Supermoon (love the last one there)! Makes you wish they came around more, eh?

Love becomes art

2011-03-15T17:12:00.000-07:00

I have to chime in about this fun new fad taking over the world.

{photo © Ben Heine || Facebook || Twitter || www.benheine.com}

Love Padlocks!

I think I need to roam around a bit more and see if I can find any in Seattle.

Take a look at love padlocks around the world. I love makes beautiful art.

A little treat

2011-03-09T17:09:00.000-08:00

This little guy was here on a quick visit and hopped on a plane a few hours after this. No worries. It had been a year since I saw him last and I'll do whatever it takes to squeeze myself into his PNW visits. Who could resist those eyes?

Mr. Max, I hope it's not another year before I get to see you again. I can't possibly imagine what you'll be into by then! (And how many hearts you will have broken....)

Savoring: flight

2011-03-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

When we are lucky enough to have the whole family home at the same time it gets a little wild.

Lia enjoys a good airplane ride. She's not much of a laugh-er, but when her smile takes over her face, you know she's about ready to burst from happiness.

And Bella? Well you'll just have to imagine the peals of laughter.

These images make my heart sing and I feel so lucky to have them. Maybe someday they will decorate my hallway.

P.S. That's Lia's hand grabbing my lens in every shot of Bella. She's quite the go-getter.

Mornings

2011-03-02T22:32:00.000-08:00

Dave works retail and while our little ones wake us up bright and early these days, we try to laze about as much as possible. Lia wakes up last and her greeting is the best feeling ever.

This is what mornings look like around here. A bit dreary outside but warm and cozy on the couch. (Yes, Bella is lways attacking Lia with hugs.) Check out Darrah's Slice of Life project and be sure to show us what your mornings are like.

Sweet sunlight

2011-02-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

Need a little more sunshine to round out this gorgeous day?

This was one of my favorite sessions of 2010. What can I say? The stars aligned; the weather was beautiful and Georgetown is funky and colorful. You may perhaps recognize this family from my public service announcement on How to make a sleepy baby smile or if you follow me on Facebook. It seems like yesterday I was attending her birth.

Haydee was definitely a sleepy bug this afternoon!

I feel so lucky to watch her grow up. She and Lillia are only three weeks apart, and you could not find two more different babies.

I love this moment. Few things are sweeter than little girls with their daddies.

And I'm telling you, their neighborhood is AWESOME! I mean, where else would you find a mural like this in an alley?

Ronnie bundled Haydee up for the walk home and wore her in the Moby Wrap. Personally, I love wearing my girls. It's such a short time when they are small and cuddly, and it makes life so much easier. I can never get enough photos of me wearing my girls. In fact, I have been known to force people to take my picture on occasion.

Haydee went through quite a lot to make it into this world, and I'm so glad she picked Ronnie and Greg to be her parents. Hope you're out enjoying the sun today, little one!

Starting Fresh (with snow!)

2011-02-23T12:21:00.001-08:00

Another hello. We have been hiding out at home. Bella and Lia were very sick, but thanks to some pain killers and antibiotics, we are on the mend.

What are we doing today?

Waiting on a snowstorm. The excitement is unbearable!

Quick update!

2011-02-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

Just popping in for a moment (hence no picture!) to say Hi! Yep, I'm still here. We had an impromptu little visit from family at the same time as we all caught another cold.

Rest assured, we ae now all on the mend and getting back to busy life as we know it. I have some more great sessions to share, oodles of shots for the Joy of Love project, and perhaps a little news on an East Coast tour this summer. (Yay!!!) Stay tuned!

Joy of Love Day 2, 3, 4

2011-02-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

In continuing with our Joy of Love series, I made my husband pose for a photo. I have very few pictures of him without Bella. If he's home, she's glued to him.

Day 3 had us thinking about what they do. Bella loves stacking things and lining things up. I have a picture in my mind that is so similar to this moment a year ago. It's driving me nuts that I can't find it, but I will post it when I do.

Day 4 asks what our loved ones wear. Bella is on a PJ kick, if you haven't noticed, and these are her Squishy payjays. This was just after I wore her to sleep for her nap and put her in bed. She'd wear PJs all day and if you ask her to put something else on, she'll find a new pair of jammies to wear.

A beautiful home labor

2011-02-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Whew, this post is a long time in coming - but I figured I'd better post it before I post this family's holiday session!

Just a few weeks after my own daughter was born, a friend of mine went into labor with her daughter. We had arranged for me too be there for her home birth, so I headed over in the evening when things started picking up.

Ronnie was beautiful in labor!

Unfortunately, not fifteen minutes after I got there the midwives decided this baby needed more attention than they could give. Ronnie just rolled with the punches. I've never seen someone so relaxed in labor.

Ronnie labored a bit longer as the midwives got everything ready, and then it was off to the hospital. I had my own two week old with me and wasn't allowed in to help her labor, but she was in great company. Just a few hours later little Haydee made her dramatic entrance into the world. Let me tell you, she is cute as a button!

Stay tuned for their awesome family session in Georgetown!

P.S. I can't recommend birth photography enough. It's an amazing moment to have captured forever.

Joy of Love Day 1

2011-02-01T20:24:00.002-08:00

As you may know if you follow my tweets, I'm participating in The Joy of Love this February, a whole month of free photographic prompts and tips. It's for all levels of photographers, so if you haven't joined yet, go sign up! A bit of extra creativity never hurt anyone.

You may notice a busier blog schedule than in the past, so enjoy!

The first day today was What They Do.

Oh I could go on and on about this. It's the core of who I am, capturing the little happenings that make up our days and our lives.

Bella gets up with Dave in the morning and they snuggle on the couch until he's ready to wake up. Some time later she walks him out the door with a Have a good day!

Lia can crawl forward, but when she thinks about it she ends up pushing herself backwards, gives up and assumes the sky diving position until she gets rescued (or finds an interesting bit of trash to entertain her for hours on end).

She nurses with her hands in her face.

Bella writes her own Very Important Lists all over my lists.

She and Lillia could stay in the ball pen forever, especially when I'm making it rain.

When I got up from my computer this morning, Bella declared, Steps for you, Mama! And indeed she had laid out the red carpet for me.

And of course, what they do... well it's evident at the end of the day. They do everything.

savoring: a picnic

2011-01-31T06:20:00.000-08:00

Right now I'm savoring the bits of sunshine we had last week. Winter weather here is very gray, so much so that Bella shouts Look, it's sunny! when the cloud cover this out a bit. This was a day so bright that she kept squinting, saying, It's too sparkly today.

So, we ran outside for a sunny little picnic. (We do things like that since you never know how long it will last.)

Lia has apparently gotten over her fear of leaves and Bella enjoyed the grass (So squishy!), chatted with a spider, and took delight in an optimistic winter dandelion.

Whatever strikes your interest this week, I hope you'll take time to savor it (and come back to share!)

Whimsy faces

2011-01-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

If you're in need of some photographic inspiration, one of the best things you can do is participate in a weekly theme. This week over at the Slice of Life Project, Darrah invited us to find a bit of whimsy.

Indeed, when I stumbled across two flowers growing in winter, I felt a bit of whimsy. When I saw a stick nearby, I could not resist this:

Bella has a fascination with snowmen, and thinks all smiley faces are called snowmen. Just a few days ago she came running to me with her usual excitement and declared, I made a so-man!

And so our lives are full of whimsical little smiley faces on every surface, in every medium.

It's exactly the way it should be.

Sunrise in Kent

2011-01-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

A bit of local beauty to start your morning:

This was the view from my front window two mornings ago. Sunrise is my favorite time of day, though I find I rarely ever want to be awake for it anymore. A view like this is a nice trade off for the mornings Lillia wakes me up early - a little treat before the clouds roll in for the day.

Hopefully you will get to enjoy something spectacular this weekend as well!

Holiday Fun

2011-01-24T07:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know. You thought the holidays were long gone. But I've been waiting forever (so it seems!) to post this adorable session.

I met this amazing family earlier in the year (last year!) and just in the course of getting to know one another, we realized that we already had mutual friends. It is a very small world, and Facebook definitely makes it seem smaller.

This is my kind of fun, cold and all. Going out where we can run around, play with rocks and make memories. We met up at Enchanted Winds Tree Farm and I just followed Brin around until they picked a tree! I can certainly see how cutting down your own Christmas tree could become a favorite holiday tradition.

There was the lightest dusting of snow that day, just enough to add that holiday feel. (Ok, snowbirds, stop laughing. I get my snow fix where I can, even in a flake or two.)

Brin is such a free spirit and I could have run around exploring with her all afternoon. Her parents embrace her independence and this family is completely in love.

And what girl doesn't need a bit of snuggle time with Papa?

Teresa, Mike and Brin, I cannot wait to see what lies in store for you this year. Two is a year of adventure, no doubt!

A girl walked into a bar...

2011-01-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Oh yes I did.

Unfortunately, because it was a cozy little bar and I was fifteen minutes late because I don't know my right from my left (true story), I swear every person turned towards me for evaluation as I realized there were no seats left, found a spot at the bar and clung to the counter for dear life.

I was a nervous disaster for the first 45 minutes.

Alone! At a bar! With a cool jazz band! And amazing women! And no clue how I would meet any of them. Sure I'm loud once I'm in a group of people I know, but in a room full of strangers (awesome strangers - so much worse!) I would rather be invisible and hide in a corner (preferably behind my invisible camera). Lucky for me, there were no corners left and Karen took her place on stage to read with the band.

Then I had to pee, realized in the bathroom I had an unzipped pocket and no phone, darted out of the bar (hoping Karen wouldn't take it personally), found my phone, came back in, met Darrah, and found that I was still just me and had nothing to fear.

It's very hard to know who you are when you go out alone after years of being in the company of little clingy beings, taking a break only to go out and work. I was on an artist date with myself, struggling to remember what we had in common. And then Karen started talking about confidence and how she got tired of trying to be someone else (I'd get sick of putting product in my hair for 30 years, too...)- not even the person people expected her to be, just the person she thought people expected her to be. The only person making her be someone else was... herself.

I don't mind being alone, so why was I panicked that everyone else would consider me socially inept? The bartender asked which beer I would like, kindly warned me that my choice was bitter, so I laughed and said, It won't matter! It didn't. It all tastes like crap to me and I just wanted something to sip. It was perfect.

It didn't matter when I started taking pictures of the floor. It didn't matter when I smiled at different parts of Karen's book than everyone else. It didn't matter that Karen moved to the music like it was in her soul and I was stiffly leaning against the bar shoveling cheesecake into my mouth. No one there expected me to groove with the music, that's just what I thought people would expect of me. That's not me. I appreciate music by watching the artful way the mechanics of the instruments become music. I appreciate the great company by watching candlelit bubbles rise in a glass. I appreciate Karen's sweet, confident readings with a piece of chocolate cheesecake.

If you haven't already gotten your copy of Karen Walrond's The Beauty of Different, go now. Do it. And then put it on your life list to meet her, because her view on life will improve yours. In the mean time, follow Karen's blog, Chookooloonks because it will put a little more wonder into your day, and that's never a bad thing.

P.S. If you're a Seattle local, definitely cut out some time to see the Jason Parker Quartet. They are fantastic.

A night on the town

2011-01-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's nice living near a big city.

Sunday night you'll find me at Lucid Jazz Bar in the University District listening to the Jason Parker Quartet and Karen Walrond herself reading from The Beauty of Different. If you haven't checked out this book, please do. It's amazing on so many levels. It's more than just photography and words. It's inspiration to celebrate the beauty in everyone.

There are moments in my day when I just stop what I'm doing to soak up a stranger who fascinates me with their unique beauty. I can't help but notice it in everyone I meet and it's what inspires me in photography. To see such a artful publication centered on this feeling gives me the warm fuzzies. To celebrate it in such stellar company (Darrah, I can't wait to meet you!) makes me giddy.

And the prospect of an artistic evening without kids around is positively thrilling.

Evidently, I need to get out more.

If you're local, I can't wait to see you there!

Night snowing

2011-01-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

Last week an elusive little snowstorm hit late at night. I knew it would be gone by morning so I ran outside to capture the magic of snow swirling at night.

The gusting wind was amazing! If I had my way (my little point and shoot did not like the cold) I would have waited around all night until the gusts died off. Alas... this will do. It brings me back to that peaceful space with the wind whipping around unexpectedly and just dying off just as suddenly.

P.S. Happy 7 month birthday to my wee one. Not so wee anymore!

Savoring: The Mess

2011-01-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time I had one child and lots of time to write. Lately it's all I can do to keep up with the girls' monthly letters. Whenever I get pulled under by life, I take a moment to appreciate the wonderful little things that make life a bit more worthwhile.

Hence, my savoring posts.

Every time I have walked down my hallway this week I have tripped or stepped on a squeaky toy or stubbed my toe. Why?

Bella has set up a restaurant and invited all her stuffies. They are drinking coffee, eating ice cream and cookies, and then being put to bed. My pillow had no less that 3 friends already occupying it when I headed to bed last night.

And when we had real friends over, the oldest showed Bella how to make ice cream. You microwave it, of course! And then it goes in the freezer to stay cold.

I'm savoring the beginning of this make believe world, remembering bit by bit the hours upon hours of my childhood spent there. How is it that I had already forgotten most of it until now?

Welcome to 2011!

2011-01-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

And...... we're back.

What a busy month December was! My parents came to visit and soak up the craziness that is life with two little kids (but didn't get too wet since they wisely slept elsewhere).

Since they left I have been playing around with my camera, trying to get into the groove of the new year!

Let's just say that I'm loving this 80mm 1.4 lens. And Bella in red with rosy cheeks straight out of a nap.

That's all for now as I have cards to write and photos to edit - I hope your New Year is going spectacularly!

P.S. I think it's about time for another class - how many people got awesome new cameras this holiday?!

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree*

2010-12-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

So we continue our little How-To series with How to Decorate a Christmas Tree*

*when you are two

First, find your shiniest ormanenns.

Begin by placing each ornament on the tree at shoulder height.

This will create an even, orderly garlandesque appearance.

Indulge the adults when they insist the decorations be spaced out along the height of the tree. (It makes them feel better about themselves.)

When you find a good sturdy branch, use it for all it's worth.

And don't forget, ornaments can hold their friends, too!

Most importantly, do not forget to admire your masterpiece with giddy (maniacal) laughter.

a little advice

2010-12-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

I'm headed out of town for the weekend and can be reached by phone if necessary. Regularly scheduled sporadic posting will resume upon my return. I have a fantastic sunset session that I can't wait to share, and of course photos of the family I will be visiting this weekend!

In the mean time, my dear friends Ronnie and Greg will demonstrate how to get a sleepy baby to smile for family photos:

Taking better tree and ornament photos!

2010-12-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

Requests are starting to flood in - "What is the best way to photograph my tree?"

Well.

For the camera HOW TOs, please follow the links I have posted below.

But for the WHAT to photograph, I encourage you to really ask yourself what you love and want to remember, and fill your frame with only that. Maybe it's the way the tree squishes the ceiling or your dog curls up at the base, or the ornaments start at 3ft high because of little miscreants in the house. Tell the story of where your ornaments came from, the way one makes light sparkle, or just how heavily it weighs on the branch.

If you are someone who has kids (or cats! you know cats...), you know that there is no such thing as just an ornament. For one month, life revolves around these fun and glittering toys scattered across the house.

As a child I had my favorites and couldn't WAIT to reconnect with them each Thanksgiving. Tinkerbell, a pompom puppy in a box, a sled, a singing Rudolf at our neighbor's house, and my favorite sparkling spider web.

As you can imagine, this is Bella's favorite decoration:

And the photo I love most is not in focus but tells the story so much better. That poor snowman couldn't sit alone for more than ten minutes at a time.

Those are the things I want to remember about my tree.

I didn't take many photos last year as I had just moved, was newly pregnant and very ill. We made snowflakes instead and put them in letters to friends. This year I hope to string popcorn garlands to get into the season.

The few images I did take last year are treasures to me.

Oh and don't forget the annual Christmas Ornament Self Portrait!

I could go on about pretty things forever, but now that you know WHAT to photograph, I will direct you to two other wonderful posts on the technical aspects of photographing your tree.

This one is a great overview, written by the amazing Carey Schumacher on how to photograph your tree, focus on the ornaments, and fix the white balance after the fact.

Then there's another on Me Ra Koh's blog with a great overview and perspective on WHY whitebalance matters.

Go check them both out and then post your favorite ornament photos in the links!

A Most Welcome Snow Day

2010-11-29T21:11:00.001-08:00

Well, I had to postpone my class last week (it will now run until Tuesday, Dec. 6, so come join us!) but it was for a worthy cause:

That's right, we got a freak November snowstorm right before Thanksgiving! Have I mentioned just how much I love snow? Last year we had maybe one flurry, so this year we had better make up for it. Bella was a wee little babe last time she experienced snow, and she quickly realized that no matter how badly you want to run outside (naked), the snow is cold and stings. Oh, that treacherous snow.

Just before dark, we ran outside to make a snowman (Bella is slightly obsessed and it dawned on my she had never made a REAL snowman before.) and then immediately ran back in when the sky started chucking icy sleet pellets at us.

We thoroughly enjoyed the snow, inside and out.

Much to our surprise, the next day dawned bright and beautiful. Out here, snow is usually followed by clouds and rain. To have a clear day the following morning was magical!

The entire neighborhood took to sledding down our main road. They were sledders from dawn until well into the night. You never realize how many neighbors you have until something brings everyone out of their homes!

Sure, it was less than half a foot, but it shut down the town, brought out the sleds, and became a snowfest to remember. Here's hoping there are many more to come this winter.

Thunder: Stranger number three

2010-11-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Well it's about time I put up another stranger photo for my 100 Strangers project. This one has been hanging out on my computer for ~~three weeks now~~!(uhm, try three months... man this has been in my queue a while.)

Meet Thunder. That's his given name. Seriously, I asked. Short for Thunderstorm, if I remember correctly, which would be a most awesome name considering thunderstorms are one of my favorite things in the world.

Thunder works a stand at our local farmer's market on Tuesdays. I have to say, the Renton Farmer's Market, despite its short season is one of my favorites and I look forward to it all year. I was wandering around the market on my own (child-free time is a rare event for me!), just taking it all in and Thunder truly stood out in the crowd. I should have included more of his apron, because it was that pattern that struck me at first, and then his smile outshone it all when he greeted me. He truly has the most genuine and amazing smile.

Thanks, for being my third stranger, Thunder! I hope the off-season treats you well.

Just in time for the holidays!

2010-11-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was like Christmas! I got two packages in the mail with photography products. I was so excited I dropped the scissors on my foot trying to get through all the tape! You'll be happy to know I cursed and whimpered and whined on Facebook and then got over it.

Let me show you what was in the first package today (the second is a funny story for tomorrow!).

I'm so excited to be offering Standout Wall Collections from ColorInc! I ordered a mini collection to display at Artist and Craftsman for the U-District Art Walk starting this Friday (come join me at the premier or stop by all month long!)

Here's a review of these Standout Wall Collections in a nutshell:
-Vibrant
-Light and sturdy
-Affordable

Let's go a little more in depth:

The colors are bright and true, the details are clear, and the photographs are sturdy and resist fingerprints. (Hey, that's important to people like me!) They're mounted with a black edging and arrive ready to hang, so you don't have to promise yourself you'll put them up when you get around to buying a frame. (That's important to people like me!)

The awesome thing about these standout images is that they are light and affordable. Don't get me wrong, I love a beautiful canvas collection, but if you get antsy hanging thousands of dollars worth of art in a playroom, Standout Wall Collections are the way to go.

And when I say light, I mean LIGHT! Don't even worry about putting a nail in the wall for these. You could hang them no problem with 3M Poster Strips. Why does that rock?

You can put them up in kids' rooms and let them rearrange them at will.
Apartment dwellers and renters don't have to deprive themselves of colorful walls.
You can send them away with college kids and they can put them up anywhere since 3M products do not damage walls and will stick to anything!

There you have it- the freedom to decorate your walls with your own beautiful story and not worry.

Yep, they rock. And there's still time to get yours before the holidays!