Another Weekend: Moses Lake Family Photographer

We went to Moses Lake for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We were only there for a few short days but we sure did pack in a lot.  We got there Wednesday evening, unpacked and settled in.  Thursday was obviously turkey day, so we spent the morning getting the house ready with my parents.  Unfortunately I didn't help make too much food since I was keeping the children entertained, but we did manage to sneak outside and get a few photos in the pasture.  I hung some candy canes from the bare trees out back and told the kids it was a candy cane forest.  They enjoyed it for all of 10 minutes!

Friday was spent doing a little holiday shopping (I am NOT a super Black Friday shopper so we went around 11 to two local stores).  We also had a cookie decorating class at the local bistro which was tons of fun!  (Photos to come soon.)

Saturday it was time to head back home, but had to sneak in a holiday photo op with my parents and the grandchildren.  I managed to get a couple of my brother and his beautiful little girl as well.  All in all, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and friends.

P.S. Check back soon for cookie decorating photos!

Paying it Forward

I stumbled upon an amazing thing today.  There is a group of 6 photographers out of Mississippi that are teaming up to "Pay it Forward" to do a photoshoot for a family that may have had a rough go this year, a child that may be struggling from an illness, or a community hero that needs some recognition. They hope to capture beautiful memories for these families that may brighten their holiday season, as well as brightening theirs by giving back.  They are challenging all photographers to participate.  When I saw this, I knew this was something I could do.

Everybody knows somebody that could use some extra love around the holidays.  If you know someone, a family, hero, child that deserves to have their beautiful family captured, please email me at gphotoco@gmail.com by December 10th telling me their story.  On December 11th, I'll choose a who gets to have a free session with me which will include 10 high resolution digital files as well as 2 – 8×10′s, and 3- 5×7′s.  Depending on schedules, the shoot might not take place until after January 1st, but will definitely aim to have it done before Christmas.

Rules and Small Print:

Please submit with details and information on the story of:

A family that has struggled this year, a child struggling with illness, or someone you feel is a community hero needing some recognition.

Please only submit families, children, and heroes within in the Seattle area.

If you are a photographer and would like to participate, head to Pay It Forward Mississippi.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

My Morning Hair

I wish I looked this cute when I woke up.  Bright eyed, bushy tailed.  Ready to play and enjoy what the world has to offer.  Instead I need to pull the covers up over my head for another 20 minutes and pretend to sleep.

Weekly Project: Bellevue Family Photographer

Maybe I've turned my intent to complete a 60 day challenge into more of a 52 week challenge?  I've found it to be incredibly difficult to take a photo every single day of my family, our life, the every day that we experience, mostly because I leave the house before everyone is awake (and it is pitch black out) and I get home from work when it is dark!  I officially can't wait until the sun comes back out!!!  This is the time of year when I have to start poppin' the vitamin D like it's tic tacs!

But really...I do love the idea of having 5-10 photos a week of my family.  One day per week that is captured.  Here is just a glimpse of our day on Monday, which was a holiday.  We went to the park up the street, which was empty!  Played a good game of pirates and sharks.  Came home, had lunch and flipped through the Target holiday ads.  My little baby is enamored with the selection of toys there.  I'm in love with these two.

{a day in the life} Bellevue Family Photographer

Last weekend I decided that I wanted to try and take pictures all day long.  It's definitely tough to do, I applaud all you other photographers out there who manage to get the entire day, from sun up to sun down.  There's just so much that goes on during a typical Saturday.  Here's a glimpse of my day.

My hubby took our oldest out with him for his morning errands so I took the munchkin.  We went to the craft store, grocery store, then came home and played with big sis by painting and coloring.  Then it was on to fort building and playing princess.  Then, finally, my niece came over and we got to have the afternoon with her.  It was a great day.

{A Day at Home} Mill Creek Family Photographer

About two weeks ago I went to my friend's house in Mill Creek to take some family photos.  We weren't sure what the weather would be like so we stayed indoors and photographed the kids playing in mom and dad's room (one of my favorite things to capture).  Why is it that kids just adore their parents' room?  

I feel so lucky to know this family.  They have been through a lot this year, it is such an honor to take photos of this beautiful group.  To freeze time, even if just for an hour.  

{Cupcakes, Park & Library} Bellevue Family Photographer

Last weekend I had the privilege of photographing this adorable family.  Because we are in the pacific northwest and it's fall/winter, dealing with the rain has definitely been a challenge.  Our contingency plan was to go to Cupcake Royale and photograph their son indulging in some tasty cupcakes, which was so much fun.  The rain broke for a bit so we were able to walk down to the park and get some outside photos.  It was still super wet, and Ashton had a great time splashing in the puddles.  His poor feet were so wet when we were done!  After the park, we went to the library downtown and snagged a few additional photos.  I loved working with this family, definitely hope to photograph them again sometime!