Sweet Nostalgia

That golden summer feeling. It’s so fleeting here in the Northwest, but I’m almost certain that today – I’ve got it. And after sifting through hundreds of images from my recent session with a very special family, I’m pretty certain that beautiful Saiyana’s got it too.  Oh, to be a kid in the summertime…

My sweet nostalgia is made with one part barefeet in fresh cut grass, two parts carefree exuberance. Saiyana’s is one part wings of pink, two parts pigtails. What’s yours made of?

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda’s gift

A couple of weeks ago, Amanda and I had a beautiful maternity session to capture her fleeting, miraculous state, at right about 9 months pregnant! And I’m sure glad we did, because just days later her beautiful baby was born. 

I’m elated and proud to be announcing Amanda’s new gift to the world: a beautiful baby girl named Lily. Born June 8th, 2008 at 12:28pm, Lily came into the world at a healthy 8lbs 10 oz and 20.5 inches long. And her loving parents, Amanda and Derek, couldn’t be happier to finally meet her. 

 

 

 

 

 

RIP ~ Tim Russert

The news of Tim Russert’s passing today is beginning to flood the media channels. I’m not posting this entry as a means of informing anyone, but as a tribute to someone whose life is worthy of remembering, whose work is admired by millions and whose presence lived comfortably in our weekends at home. Tim Russert was a sincere, lucid and reliable voice in the political news world. He passed while doing what he loved and worked so tirelessly toward. This fact is a wonderful homage to his all consuming passion for reporting and discussing the important issues of our time. One of the warmest political mediators I’ve witnessed, Tim was a genuine, approachable personality from whom you could absorb the facts, question your judgments and become impassioned about politics. The notion of facing the upcoming election without him is slowly becoming a painful truth. The Denver Post seconded these thoughts with “It’s difficult to imagine convention nights, debates and election night without him.” Thanks for everything you’ve contributed and sacrificed to keep us informed, Tim. Our Sundays just won’t be the same without you. 

 

 

 

Icesis

Today I give you a new face to showcase the beloved Chinese Crested breed. No, not Haunches, for once, but a very special girl named Icesis. I met little Icesis about a month ago during a Chinese Crested Meetup. If you’re considering adding a Crested to your family or if you’re simply curious about the breed, this is the perfect forum in which to explore. With a wealth of information, history and real live dogs to meet and interact with, this meetup group will leave you fascinated – and a little giddy. Well, okay maybe not the giddy part, but in my defense, there was a tiny baby Crested there that left me with puppy giddiness for sure. But this post isn’t about the meetup. I have a completely different set of pictures and commentary regarding this wonderful group that I’ll post at a later date. Today, it’s just about Icesis. It’s about her perfect bangs. Her snaggle tooth. Her kind eyes. Her bristly little mustache whiskers. And her perfect button nose. Icesis has been described as “not really a dog person” because she truly and quite admittedly prefers the company of people over dogs. Oh, Icesis. Someday you’ll learn dogs are WAY better than people. Until then, enjoy your human companionship and here’s to you and all your sass. 

 

 

 

 

A sunny engagement: Dave & LaDonna

On a rare, sunny afternoon not long ago, I had an incredible time photographing Dave and LaDonna, an energetic, radiant couple getting married next month. We kicked off their engagement session at Howarth Park in Everett. I had never been there before, but as soon as we made our way to the saltwater shore, I knew our session would be a breeze. With railroad tracks, driftwood, sandy beaches and a saltwater view, Howarth Park is a dream for any photographer looking to set signature Northwest characteristics as a backdrop. And if that’s not enough, it’s just a great place to hang out. Perfect for beach combing, a picnic date or to play a little ocean fetch with your dog. That’s right! Dogs are more than welcome at this beach, which is a delightful find considering that dogs aren’t allowed off-leash on most Seattle beaches. And in my doggy euphoria, I digress…

These two made my job so easy – and so much fun! As Northwest natives, they weren’t afraid to take their shoes off and run around the beach with me. They even waded in the icy water for me – and then waited on shore while their clumsy photographer almost bit the dust (along with her camera) in the icy water as well. The good news is that we all survived, a little sandy, a little damp, but with a great set of photos. Their natural, carefree approach to being in front of the camera really paid off. Take a page from their book and you’re bound to have the kind of shots we captured below: Natural, candid and beautiful.

Thanks again, Dave and LaDonna. Looking forward to the big day next month!

 

Suffocating the flower

“The artist must summon all his energy, his sincerity, and the greatest modesty in order to shatter the old cliches that come so easily to hand while working, which can suffocate the little flower that does not come, ever, the way one expects.”

-Henri Matisse

Watching the rain

Sometimes you catch yourself. You realize you’ve been doing nothing but watching the rain all day. You take a long, deep breath. And then you watch the rain some more. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pee series

As many of you know, I have recently morphed into a 100% devout, panting, slobbering dog park fan. Okay, maybe not the slobbering part, but I really can’t get enough of ‘em.  As a perpetual city-dweller, I love nothing more than to witness dogs in their natural environment; sprinting, galloping and doing all the things dogs do when they are truly free.  Their spirits soar, their tongues sprawl and sway and their tails wag furiously with amusement and stimulation. And sometimes, they pee. Wherever they want.

People, on the other hand, do not. While the dog park is indeed a place of wonder and reckless abandon, we humans unfortunately have to retain some of our civilized behaviors, and are therefore  provided with bathrooms.

During one of our visits last week, I took a break from frolicking and picture taking to hit the ladies room. And because everyone knows you don’t take fancy tech-related devices into the bathroom with you, I handed the camera off to my wonderful boyfriend. The minute I began my beeline for the honey buckets (pun very much intended), a nearby dog received the exact same call from nature. And the very talented Mr. Wander & Scrawl was clever and swift enough to capture it in three, seamless frames. What can I say? He’s a natural…

We give you…The pee series.

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