Me & Mine: March

Another month of this project that I am thanking myself for doing.  Being in photos with my kids.  This month is brought to you a little late, however, because I was disorganized, and at the time that we would have (should have) posted this, we were coping with the loss of my husband's beloved aunt.  I can't type too many words without starting to tear up, so I will talk about that another day.  But if there is one tiny grain of sand to take away from the last few weeks, it is to hug your loved ones tight, tell them you love them, create memories together and be thankful for every moment you have together.

Please also be sure to stop by the lovely Katarzyna Krauze's page here.

Project 52: Week 11

Another week in the bag!  It was a busy one for sure,  ran around like a crazy person shuttling kids, working, you know how it is.  But it was good.  Here's a few images.

A Very Rainy Day: Redmond Family Photographer

It was SO rainy last weekend.  I typically don't shoot much in the rain because, let's face it, who likes to??  But, we had to get these photos done since this cute little family was moving to Arizona in less than a week.  Plus, we live in the Pacific Northwest, so it's not like the rain is going to stop any time soon....

Nonetheless, we found a few covered spots and had an awesome little family session.  I really ended up loving these spots and think we got a few great shots too.

Project 52: Week 8

I took some time off work this week to hang out with the kids since it was mid-winter break for my oldest (for those of you who don't know me, I work full time in addition to photography).  It was a much needed break for me to have time with them, no real plans, nowhere to go, no agenda.  I decided to only put up a few photos this week, otherwise the post would have been a mile long.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Project 52: Week 7

Another week down.  I am loving this project.

Me & Mine: February

As I took a look back at my photos from 2013 my heart broke a little.  Not because I didn't love the photos I had because we didn't make great memories, because I do and we did.  I was sad because I only had about 3 photos of me with my children in them.  I started to think about when I'm old and my kids have their own kids, they would have all these wonderful photos of themselves growing up to show my future grandchildren, but it would be as if I almost didn't exist.  When in fact, I know I am a huge part of their lives.  So myself and a few other photographers decided we were going to change all that.  We're calling it "Me & Mine" and the point is to simply get in a photo once a month with your children.  You can do it however you want, take a selfie, have a spouse, friend, older sibling take the photo.  Anything.  The point is to simply capture a fleeting moment, on camera, with one or all of our children.  So, here we go.  Here's the first month.

And do yourself a favor...get in a photo with your children.  They'll thank you when they're 30.

Now, do yourself a favor and go check out the lovely Katarzyna Krauze and her photos for the month.

P.S. If you'd like to join our project, send me a message at gphotoco (at) gmail (dot) com.

Happy Valentine's Day!

A little Valentine's Day love.  Hope you have a good one and spend it with people near and dear to your heart.

Into the woods: Seattle Family Photographer

As most of you know (and experienced), it snowed this weekend in the PNW.  From my last post, you'll know that I love the snow, probably because we don't get much here, but I love it all the same.

Just hours before the snow started to fall, I did this little family session.  Can I just say that I adore this little girl?  Look at those eyes.  What a stunner.  You did a good job Joanne & Brett!

Wagner Family: Seattle Family Photographer

Last weekend in Seattle was so gorgeous!  The sun was shining, there were so many people outside, it seriously gave me some major spring fever.  PLUS, I got to do this wonderful family session.  I had so much fun watching Lauren & David chase around their little guy for the afternoon in the amazing sun.  They have so much love for each other.  I LOVE being able to photograph such awesome little families.

Project 52: Week 4

Another one down!  I am finding it awfully inspiring, in just the last few weeks, to be holding my camera, trying to photograph in different situations that I would have normally avoided.  It's fun.  Which is exactly what I needed.  Here are a few images from week 4.  Hope you enjoy.

A little summer reminiscing...

The summer of 2013 was the best.  I really don't think it could have gotten any better.  We did so much, had so much fun, but most importantly spent quality time as a family.  We went on tons of hikes, the usual family vacation, swimming, played in the backyard.  Enjoyed each other's company.  

I may have mentioned it once or twice before, but my husband is super talented.  He made this awesome family video for us, capturing just two days of our summer.  I could watch it over and over again.  There is something about video, especially those of my family, that gets me super emotional.  I tear up almost instantly.  I love knowing that I'll have these forever.  Take a peek.

Summer 2013 from Gray Fam on Vimeo.

Project 52: Week 3

So we're on week 3 and I'm still going!  There's so many amazing 52 week projects out there, and I am definitely taking inspiration from them.  However, I know myself too well and know that I won't be able to follow all the prompts, so I'm just taking photos of moments whenever the urge strikes.  No themes for the week, just challenging myself to take something new of my children.  This week I challenged myself to get a few shots at night.  I pushed the ISO a little (and for those of you not interested in the technical aspect, I'm sorry), but I did one photo at ISO 4000 (!!! I know, I never would crank it that high for a client!!!) and the other two are at 1600.  Can you tell??

Project 52: Week 2

Well I am proud of myself.  I've been able to hang for week 2 of my 52 week project.  I know, it's only the 2nd week, but its not unlike me to start a project and not finish.  So, I guess I will say I am off to a good start.

My girls.  How I love them.  I really can't wait to see how the year unfolds.  (And my little one down on the bottom is pretending to be a mummy.  My guess is you'll see lots of "mummy" shots throughout the year.)

Kids Were Here: January Edition

So, I totally did not keep up with the whole "kids were here" thing toward the end of the year.  But believe me when I say that there were some totally epic messes around these parts, especially after Christmas.  We did, however, manage to get things almost back to normal around here.

I decided last week that I would resume this little monthly series in the hopes that one day I can put together a book for my each of my children.  Then one day when they have children of their own, I'd love to give it to them to help remind them that we all start out small.  And we all make messes.  We are human, after all.  None of us are perfect.  And when they are about to lose their sanity to the chaos that is parenting, and all the stuff that comes with kids, they will be able to look at the book and remember what it was like when they were the ones who made the messes.

Fall Family Photos // Kirkland Family Photographer

Last weekend was great, the weather was amazing and to top it all off, I got to photograph this family.  I can't believe it had been eight, yes EIGHT, years since I have seen them.  Last time we were in the same room was back in 2005 when my husband and I got married.  Which is crazy to think it has been that long since Billy (the dad in these photos) and my husband used to be roommates in college.  Crazy!  Anyway, here they are and looking totally adorable.  So good to see you guys!

Disneyland!

Ok so it might be 2 years late, but better late than never.  This is from the trip we took to Disneyland for my daughter's 4th birthday.  And I can say, my husband has been so incredibly busy with actual work which why this took a back seat for a while.  But I am so happy that it is finished!  1 down, 2 more to go?

Aila's 4th Birthday from Gray Fam on Vimeo.

iPhoneography // my life through my phone

We had an awesome summer.  I really do think it was my favorite summer yet.  If you follow along with me on Instagram (I'm @graymis), then all of these will be familiar.  But I love them all so much so I couldn't help but double share them.  I wasn't even able to get all of them on here, so I guess I'll share more another day.