For a few years running I got to photograph this next little boy when he was at the Secret Garden Preschool. He always turned out the cutest pictures so I was looking forward to getting a chance to photograph him again and to meet his little sister. She was a girl after my own heart. At times I felt like I was watching myself when I was her age. She is a little spit fire full of life, independence and laughs. I cannot help but smile when I look at this first picture of her. And I decided to share a few of my favorites with their mom. I really love them because you can just see how much these two love their mom and it makes me realize I need to make sure I capture myself w/ my boys soon. Dana, I hope you love them as much as I do!

I am trying to figure out how this weeks just keep flying by!! I am having so much meeting new families and catching up with some longtime clients. Lots of shooting going on. It had been beautiful weather for days and then the morning of this shoot the tide turned, clouds appeared and winds were gusting. But this family was not deterred and I loved exploring the grounds of their new home and watching the giggles emerge from the girls as the shoot went along. I LOVED getting to know this family!! Such beautiful girls inside and out & their parents are pretty great too.

I was really excited to photograph this next family as my husband went to med school with Kathleen so we have lots of memories from a very transitional time in all our lives. When I was in the midst of my May fundraising campaign I received a check from Kathleen even though they lived out of state and couldn't take advantage of the photo side of the campaign. They were in town visiting family and friends a few weeks back and I was finally able to meet her husband and little girl. SO GREAT!!
Little Evy was one of my easiest subjects. She was up for anything and so full of life. I LOVE the series with her parents. As we were taking a picture of all three of them she encouraged her parents to kiss which thrilled her so much that she had them do it again. I so wish I could bottle the happiness and laughter from that moment, it was the best! Kathleen, thank you for your support and your enthusiasm about my work. It is so obvious what incredible parents the two of you are and I look forward to seeing you in Seattle again soon!

The fall craziness is starting in more ways than one. My calendar is filling up (so if you are wanting pictures for the holidays or fall leaves call me soon!) & the weather is starting to turn. It had been beautiful all week and then rained for only a few hours but of course right around the time I was supposed to be photographing a family I was so looking forward to seeing again...fickle fall weather is coming and I may just loose my mind working w/ it!! Thank goodness the sun is out again today and the 10-day forecast only shows 1 day w/ a chance of showers, makes up for yesterday.

I know the parents of this next little one are very anxious to see images from our shoot. Little Venice wasn't quite sure why everyone was working so hard to get a smile or two out of her. She had a plan to give them up when she felt like it. And when they emerged they were definitely worth the wait. I love the big smile she is sharing just with her dad. She was so tickled to be w/ him!

It's been quiet again here which means I was able to sneak in another week away. I took full advantage of my time off & enjoyed every minute of it relaxing and being w/ my family and great friends. Now it is back to work and I am going to dig in for the long haul that will take me through the holidays...yes, it is only August but my holiday season is starting to pick up in the next few weeks. CRAZY!! It is always a very grueling time for me as it seems that the pace of work is manic but I really look forward to the challenge and getting to meet new families and see many of my longstanding clients. And if that doesn't keep me motivated enough I have a few incredible trips that may happen after the first of the year that have me so excited about...always good to have a carrot dangling in the distance!
Before my vacation I mailed out my first every "newsletter". It was fun to put together and post. So much is done via the web these days that I was excited to be sending something that may be a little surprise to find in your mailbox. If you would like to receive one just shoot me an email.

Before leaving I photographed this family who was on their 3rd sitting of their Baby's First Year package. The little guy has changed so much & this time he brought along his friend Woody just in case I wasn't fun enough. But once we got going, Woody disappeared & we continued to have tons of fun. I love kids expressions when they are being chased...he is so tickled pink! He is going to be a big brother soon. His little brother is going to have big shoes to fill but I am sure he will be just as cute. I wanted to start off w/ one of his first images...so much changes so fast!

This next family arrived and we got one of the rare bright mornings of the summer. Their little girl started out shy and a tad unsure of who I was but once we got going she was on the go and shared so many brilliant smiles with me. It was obvious her parents are madly in love with her and after just an hour with her I can totally understand why.