Miss E ~ First newborn baby girl of 2017 ~ Bellevue Newborn Photographer

Say ‘hello’ to Baby Eleni! The first baby girl in the studio of 2017. This sweet little newborn was so fun to photograph. She had the most sweets lips and didn't make a peep her whole session. He must have been having sweet dreams because he kept grinning and grinning throughout his photo shoot. I was so happy to capture these sweet smiles for his mama.

We kept things neutral for baby Eleni newborn photography session. I love working with neutral colors and soft tones. I feel this allows for her to show off her beauty and creates a timeless look. 

Eleni was surrounded by her mama and daddy as well as big brother and grandma and grandpa. It was fun to do a big family photo. We even snuck in a grandparent photo. Her mama also brought in a little sweater she wore when she was a baby that her grandma made for her. It was perfect to incorporate into some photos. Such a special family heirloom. 

Thinking about booking your newborn photography session? It’s never too early! Newborn sessions take place within five to twelve days after baby’s birth and my calendar fills up quickly. It is suggested that you book your newborn photographer at the beginning of your second trimester to guarantee room on their calendar around your estimated due date. However, last minute bookings are OK, too!

WHY PRINTS ARE SO IMPORTANT ~ SEATTLE NEWBORN AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

I have been thinking about this blog entry for a long time. It's something that runs deep in my soul and a huge part of my existence and being. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am not the most eloquent writer. So here I am stepping on my soap box, but I feel like I need to say this. (I may be a long winded so please bare with me.)

I will forever cherish the prints I have tucked away in boxes, stuffed in albums and hanging on my walls. While they remind me of childhood memories of all the kids playing in the playhouse that my Dad built to the one of my Dad and I dancing while I so desperately wanted to freeze that moment in time and in my mind knowing that he was sick and that for me regardless that it was special and so meaningful. (These photos currently hang on a wall next to my computer as I type) along with photos of me and sister playing on a swing set as young girls mixed in with photos of my wedding day and some of my favorite candids of my sidekick when he was just days old to remind me of the faces he made then are still so apparent in the faces he makes today ~ 4 yrs later. These photos remind me of happy times, sad times, and often bring up emotions that make me smile, laugh and even cry. But that's why I have them. Printed. Tucked away in boxes, stuffed in albums, and hanging on my walls. 

My mama heart wanted to remember how since day 1 of his life to now, 4 yrs later he finds comfort in holding tight to my ear. For a little while longer this will bring him a simple peace. Photo Credit : Berryessa Photography

I understand that we live in a digital world and I understand people WANT digital files. And I sell them. But it’s not the focus of my business. And why? It’s because you can’t hang a digital file on the wall in your home to be admired by everyone that visits or lives in the walls of your home.  And I have heard too many people say they put the disc in the drawer and never printed any of the images. This truly breaks my heart.  Your child, and grandchildren may not even be able to SEE the digital files. Remember 8 track tapes, film slides, floppy discs, and any other outdated technology? Who has a floppy disc drive on their computer right now? (This is the format my H.S Senior photos were in. And I'm not even that old. ) Do you have a VCR in your home to watch old home movies? What about a projector to watch your grandparents’ home movies? Even our cells phones change, crash and die. I don’t want my son or grandchildren to say “Where are all the photos of me and my adventures?" or "If only grandma and grandpa had printed these for us to see!”

Now, I know may go a little overboard but I have a collection of albums that hold childhood photos of mine, to wedding, to many photos of Blake and family moments.  (each holds 600 4x6 images and are nice and simple and black and available at Costco.) I have pulled them out overtime and am taken back to the feeling I felt when I saw my husband for the first time, to family vacations on the coast and how much fun was had celebrating fathers day with quad riding in the dunes, making a bonfire on the beach and roasting hot dogs surrounded by family to the moments I want to tuck way in my heart FOREVER. (and let me add this..even though some of these were a CELL phone pic I still printed it. )  I am romanticizing this a little. Let’s face it, the quality of the prints from our grandparents/parents’ day aren’t that great. But we have them. In our HANDS, able to touch them and bring them back to life in story.  Digital files are a fabulous way to archive your prints. But a digital file will never, ever replace an actual photographic print in my book.

And because a post without a picture is just silly – here are some of my faves. EVER!!! Now, wouldn’t it be a shame if this never got printed? 

And just a little humorous clip. 

What to wear ~ 10 Tips to look fabulous for your family photos.

It's the time of year for family photos and often times I get asked what to wear. Trust me, when we get our date on the calendar for family photos I am immediately start thinking about what we will wear. I may or may not go through our closets and pull everything out that I like only to have the hubby come in and think "YES, she's getting rid of stuff", only to inform him, "No, just picking our outfits for our family photos." It's a task that stresses me out if I'm honest. Here are some tips to help you pick out the perfect outfits for you and your family to help you feel even more confident and comfortable during your session. 

Here is my lil' family's photo session form this year. (we mixed it up a bit this year and leaned more towards a urban shoot. I love it!! And thanks to Kim Hayes Photography for putting up with my two sidekicks) 

Here are 11 Tips to help you when it come to choosing what to wear. 

1. Coordinate outfits, DON'T match. 

Long gone are the days where everyone matches and wears the same shirt and pants. Choose outfits that compliment each other. Pick a few colors and choose clothes that will fits in that color scheme. 

2. Start with one piece and build. 

I always tell the mom to find an outfits she loves and feels great in and build everyone else outfits around that. When you feel good you tend to look good and feel confident. 

( I did this for our session last year and they are some of my favorite photos I have of my family. I saw this pink flowy skirt online and knew I wanted it for our session.) Photo Credit :Kim Hayes Photography

3. Look at your home decor'.

Choose a color scheme that will go with the color scheme of your home. Do you tend to lean more towards neutrals, bright colors or monochromatic colors. Since you will likely be displaying them in your home this is something to take into consideration. This will allow your photographs to blend seamlessly with your home.  

4. Accessories and textures are your friend. 

Accessories are a great way to add color and texture to your photographs. They can also be fun to use in photos. Like grabbing your husband's tie or your kids playing with your necklace. Hats, scarfs, cardigans and belts are a great way to add texture. 

5. Limit patterns.

I like having patterns in the mix however not everyone in the photo should be in a pattern. Mixing solids with prints adds to a photo but too much can be distracting. 

6. Look for clothing collections for the kids. 

When shopping for your littles look for stores that have coordination outfits all ready.  This will save time going from store to store and you know they will look great together. Old Navy, Gymboree, Gap and Oshkosh are some great stores. 

7. Comfort Matters.

We have all seen those cute photos of kids styled in hats and boots and tutus and jackets and vest and well..you get the idea. But if those kids aren't comfortable, then chances are this will make for a miserable session for you and the whole family. Make sure you keep everyone's comfort level in mind. A puffy tutu may SOUND like a super cute idea, but not so much for cold September day. 

8. Plan ahead. 

Once you book your session start planning your wardrobe. You may think certain clothes will fit your kids only to find out they don't or are a little snug or that one shirt or pair of jeans aren't clean. Once I have our outfits picked I make everyone try them on and then put them up until our session.

9. Say no to characters and logos. 

It's best to keep the characters out of pictures. Your little ones may LOVE her princess dress and his Paw Patrol shirt but just like too many patterns, characters on a shirt can be distracting in your photographs. 

10. Consider your background. 

Is you location the beach or river? Is it surrounded by beautiful green foliage? Or are you doing your session in a more urban setting? Sometimes you can choose what you are wearing to accent the location. Also, remember that your outfits are the background for your children. So for example if your child(ren) have dark hair maybe don't wear a dark top. 

This is one on my favorite locations I photograph at. 

11. Think classic and timeless. 

Fashions and styles come and go. Aim for a more classic look that won't instantly date you. These photos will be hanging on your walls for years to come. Choosing simple, classic clothes will help give your photographs a timeless feel.  

Baby Fever : Austin : Bothell Washington Newborn Photographer

As always it's a pleasure to snuggle a newborn baby and Austin was a dream. This summer has been so busy with personal commitments as well as work and when I get to snuggle on these little ones it reminds me to slow down and soak in every minute. 

Limited Edition Flower Field Session

I have been so lucky to live in an amazingly beautiful place. From stunning sunrises to magnificent painted sunsets. This year these amazing wild flowers have been popping up on our property and then a bunch of them decided to show their glory in full bloom in a cluster that's a photographer's dream. They have been yelling at me for weeks to be in photos. So with that....

Limited Edition Flower Field Session Details: 
JUNE 24th, 25th, and 26th
(remember this is every two years)

Details

30 min session at location
Up to 5 immediate family members due to location

80.00 Includes :
-30 min session
-A welcome guide and session information guide on what to wear and product investment
-A group sneak peak share on social media
-An In studio viewing appointment with a 15-20 image gallery
no minimum purchase necessary

80.00 session fee does not included any prints, product or digital files

Product is purchased separately after session

Babies must be sitting on their own or held by parents in session

Go to the book now tab to book your session!!!

2016 Cutest baby and child contest

It's that time of year where I get see some cuties that have grown as well as meet some new ones. Be sure to book your session ASAP as there is only a few session left.

Click on the "BOOK NOW" tab. 

Holt - Snohomish Newborn Photographer

Holt. Plain and simple, I love his name. Holt came in to the studio for a model call to try out some new props and outfits.  He slept so good and was so kind to me. And looked so cute in my diy chair. 

Mama to be Maternity session - Monroe Wa Maternity Photographer

Mama's are amazing. Like superhero amazing. And this mama is not only that but beautiful on top of it. I can't wait to meet her little man any day. He is going to be so handsome.