Fall's canvas

The stars aligned for this family's sitting.  I had a last minute sitting time available, rain was not in forecast and my most favorite fall color spot in the city was at its peak.  We had a great time exploring this little known gem in Seattle.  And the canvas of colors the trees provided was stunning.
I have to admit, I love all these pictures, but my most favorites are of the parents alone.  Before couples have kids, they have countless pictures together.  For most couples, that changes when their kids arrive on the scene.  The camera is always focused on the kids and the only pictures of a couple may be from a company holiday party or a quick phone snap out on the town.  I love seeing this couple embrace.  It is important to capture the bond that was the genesis to families.  These ones make me smile.  I hope they love them too.

Capturing the Moment

I have so many words running through my head about the love and admiration I have for this next family.  But I will keep it brief and let the images do the talking.  Stacey, I have always thought the world of you (I still remember one of our first coversation at the little park off Sunset) and you are giving such a gift to your kids capturing beauty every year.  You will see that the timing worked out exactly how it was meant to be...I loved photographing the kids in their rooms and seeing what they love and cherish.

The Love and Strength of a Woman

Like the previous family I shared, I have been photographing this next family for a number of years.  When I first started working with them, I got to know their mother a little better than most because she was so enthusiastic about her love of images and the love of her family.  She always had adorable outfits for her girls and worked hard to make them feel special.  I learned of the close bond she shared with her mother who courageously battled cancer for many years.  One of our sittings together coincided with her mother's visit to El Paso and I was able to capture her with her granddaughters.  And then, in 2009, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia .  Her prognosis was grim, but she defied the odds.  Even while undergoing 8 rounds of spinal tap chemo, she made sure she captured the beauty of her daughters.  

After two years and 23 hospital stays of treatments, she beat the odds and has been cancer free for the past two years.  Soon after completing her treatment, Amanda was notified that her mother's cancer had metastasized.  Amanda became her number one supporter.  Their mother/daughter bond is like no other. This year, her mother sadly passed away. Throughout her emotional and physical journey Amanda inner light never dimmed.  Regardless of her circumstances the light always shined through.
This weekend, Amanda will run her 2nd half marathon.  Just three years after completing her treatment.  She is now using her experience to touch others, running with Team in Training, fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Amanda inspires me, not because of the disease she has overcome, but because of the woman she is...a thoughtful, loving warrior.  So today, I am starting with a few of her.  I hope she sees the beauty, strength and love she gifts to those around her reflecting back at her!!  It is no wonder that her girls are so great!!