Project 52: Week 39

With fall on its way and the sun starting to go down much earlier, I've started experimenting with some different light sources.  Expect to see more experimenting going on in the weeks to come!

Engaged: Mike & Mallory

So I have another sister-in-law who is engaged!  Mallory and Mike are getting married in January and I had the privilege of shooting some engagement photos for them, including their puppy (who is rapidly growing) Frank, aka Frank the Tank.  Mike and Mal, we wish you all the best and a future of love and happiness!

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.

Forest Wanderings: January

I've said it over and over again.  I totally love where we live.  We have a fantastic greenbelt by our house with miles and miles of trails.  One of our favorite things to do is go for nice long walks on sunny days.  And surprise, surprise.  We had a beautiful sunny day this weekend.  Here's the proof.

Project 52: Week 1

My goal for the year has been determined.  I'm going to (successfully) complete a 52 week project.  My goal is simply to take one photo a week of my children with my big camera to document this year.  About half way through 2013 I decided I wanted to try with a photo project but never got around to it.  I'm not going to follow any sort of theme, just document what inspires me.  For my first week, here's my little one.

Oh Keira.  You are so gentle.  So affectionate.  So sensitive.  Your eyes say so much.  I love you little girl.

Engaged!

So this shoot was special to me...my sister-in-law got engaged a few months back to a great guy and as a gift, I wanted to shoot some engagement photos for them.  We had so much fun, we went up to the family cabin, stomped around in the leaves, enjoyed the sun, pulled out the old truck and took some awesome photos.  Samantha, we couldn't be happier for you and Wes.  Seriously, you two are so perfect for one another.  We love you!

A Beachy Session // Seattle Family Photographer

Cutest little family alert!  I had so much photographing Jenny, Dave and Colten at Golden Gardens a couple weeks ago.  They are so natural in front of the camera and they just love this little guy so much!   Oh and can I say, Seattle, you sure know how to dazzle us with some nice weather!

A little bit of beautiful sun....

As school is starting, the weather is changing.  That means the sun is going down earlier and soon we will be surrounded by gray skies and 4pm sunsets.  Grabbing and soaking in the last of the rays while we can!

First Day of School!

Can't believe today was the first day of school - KINDERGARTEN!  My baby is officially going to school.  And my baby baby, my youngest, had her first day at daycare (she would not look at the camera).  Here's to a new season full of new things!

I learned something new

So I learned how to do something new!  Imagine that...ha!  It was actually super easy, so I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more animated photos from me.

Grandparents & Grandkids: Moses Lake Family Photographer

Over the weekend I was back at my parent's house helping put on a bridal shower for one of my absolute best friends.  Which, by the way, was so much fun.  I am sooo excited to help my friend celebrate her marriage to the love of her life in just a few short weeks!  After the shower, we took advantage of the nice weather and literally took 3 minutes to snap some photos of my parents and their three adorable grandchildren.  Because I am a *major* slacker, I failed to purchase them birthday gifts (both have birthdays in August) so they are settling for a nice canvas of one of these photos instead:)  On the plus side, their Christmas photo is already done!

Hula Hoop Time

The weather has been weird around here lately.  A lot of sunshine, followed by a lot of clouds.  Then rain.  Then sun again.  In Seattle you never know when the sun will hide behind the clouds for a stretch of 2 straight weeks, so you take full advantage of it when it does decide to shine here.  That meant a little post-dinner/pre-bedtime hula hooping.  In their underwear.  They wanted to go outside with no shirts, shoes etc, but I convinced them to since we were in the front yard.  Here they are in all their glory.

What to Wear?

Now that spring is officially here, it is time to bring some color to your family photos! This month, think fun, bold and bright. The important thing to remember when dressing your family for photos is that you want to coordinate, but not match to a "T." Colors that compliment each other are important, but the most important thing to remember is to show your personality!

Are you interested in any of these looks? Check the links below for information on where to buy!

Mom
blazer // top // pants // heels

Dad
vest & shirt // pants // shoes

Girl
top // sweater // shorts // shoes // headband

Boy
shirt // pants // shoes

xo,
Melissa

Kids Were Here

So I stumbled upon a wonderful blog not too long ago.  It's called "Kids Were Here."  It's a group of photographers who have come together and post images of spaces where their kids were, the little messes they've left behind.  No kids can be in the photos.  I love it.

As a mom of two little ones there are constantly small little messes being created around our house.  A few years ago they kind of bothered me, but I've gotten used to them.  Now, I can even appreciate them a bit, for in a few years, the little toys will be gone and will be replaced with something entirely different.  This little project has reminded me to stop, look around and even appreciate the little things my kids do as they are learning this world.

These curls // Lifestyle Photography

This little girl...and her curls.  Couldn't be any more adorable.  And active.  She was so active.  I've never seen a little 2 year old climb like she does.  My 2 year old barely likes to even climb up on the couch, so watching her climb in and out of her crib was hysterical.  It reminded me of my oldest.

But anyway, in typical Seattle fashion we were rained out so we went indoors.  And I'm glad we did.  Her mama, an old friend of mine, is preggers with number 2 and I can't wait to see what they have!  They aren't going to find out until baby is born, and you can guarantee I'm gonna be there with my camera!