Turn Your Snapshots into Art {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

Not everyone desires to be a photographer, but almost all mamas want to take beautiful pictures of their babies. Here are some of my favorite ways to photograph children in and around the house.

Photograph them sleeping

Depending on age, children are often on the go. It can be hard to keep them still for a picture. I love photographing children while they’re sleeping. It’s easier to do this if they still take daytime naps because you have more light to work with. I love to shoot through crib rails, directly above the bed, side on, I basically move all around until I find the angle I like best.

Frame your kids

This is one of my favorite things to do to turn a boring picture into an interesting one. I love to shoot though doorways. It gives the illusion that you’re peeking in on them, as well as the doorway giving a pleasing framing effect.

Find the pretty light

Light is so important in photography and no matter how your home looks, there is always beautiful light, you just need to search for it. My living room faces east, so I know I’m going to get beautiful sunrises in there. If you see pretty light but don’t know what to do with it, try moving an activity into that area, then sit back and see what they do.

Capture their tiny details

Children go so quickly and before long, chubby hands, dimpled thighs and wispy baby hair will be no longer. Make sure you capture them before they disappear.

Look for leading lines

Lines are one of the best ways to create a visually pleasing image. Lines can lead the eye directly to the subject, or in and out of a frame. There are lines all around us, and it can be fun to pay attention to them to try and direct your viewer to where you want them to look. This is a great way to start moving towards art, rather than snapshots.

An Incredibly Special Newborn Session {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

It is always such an honor when a family asks me to come back for another photography session. This family is special to me for a few reasons. Their second baby was my very first lifestyle newborn session. They were my first family session (last year) after the birth of my third boy. And lastly, they are a family with three adorable little boys, and families with three little boys will always hold a special place in my heart.

I adored photographing you all again H family and I hope all is continuing to go well as you adjust to life with three.

Five Reasons to Have an In Home Session {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that in home sessions are my thing. I adore capturing families in their own space and I don’t think there’s anything more beautiful than a family embracing their every day. Here are my top reasons why I think you should consider an in home session.

The Weather

Here in the PNW, the weather over the winter months can be pretty miserable. If you have an in home session, there is no need to brave the rain, no need to stand outside in the cold, and no need to reschedule if it gets too bad.

Timing

Most outdoor shots occur in the golden hour, the hour before sunset. While this is fine in the cooler months, over summer, that means starting a session around 8.30pm. Obviously, this is incredibly late for little ones. I usually start indoor sessions around 10am. Kids are normally wide awake, and not yet ready for the afternoon nap.

Comfort of Little Ones (and Big Ones)

Small children are often overwhelmed with being in locations they are not familiar with. A photo session at home means they are in their comfort zone, the four walls in which they feel safe. Likewise, adults are often more comfortable at home too. Sometimes it can feel awkward to be having your picture taken in public with other people around.

No Long Trek

There are so many beautiful locations around Washington, but so many of them require little children to walk to get to them. If we have the session in your home, they just have to roll out of bed! No complaining that feet are tired!

Your Home is Special

Where else do you snuggle your babies to sleep, curl up in bed with them on Saturday mornings, read stories to them? Your home is the place where first steps are taken, bedtime stories are told, and memories are made. There are little pieces of you all over your house and these will become your children’s fondest memories. There really is no better place to capture your family. Your home is uniquely you and helps to tell your family’s own story.

If you would like to schedule your own in home session, please contact me here.

At Home with a Gorgeous Family of 4 {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

Some sessions leave me filled with so much happiness, and this sweet family session was definitely one of those. The second I walked into their gorgeous home, I knew this was going to be a session that’s up there with my all time favorites. Their home has so much character and you can tell they pay so much attention to detail. Every inch of it was beautiful. And then there’s the family. You seriously couldn’t get a sweeter family. The girls are adorable and they are so loved. Nothing felt stressed. They just played, snuggled, and interacted with their parents like I wasn’t even there. I feel like an overshare is in order…

A Fun Family Session {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

One thing I love most about photographing families is walking into their home and witnessing the different vibe each family has. All families love their kids an insane amount, but the level of energy, the noise level, the fun, the quiet, it all varies so much, and as beautiful as I find a calm, peaceful session, a fun, energetic session is just as beautiful to me. This family is definitely a fun, laid back family. The second I walked in the door, the girls were chatting to me and eager to be photographed. They weren’t shy at all and they were more than happy to show me their fun personalities. One thing I’ve noticed though, is that even with the high energy kids, they still need cuddles during a session. At some point, they’re going to return to the arms of their parents, their safe space, and at that point, I’m always able to sneak in some snuggly shots. I hope you enjoy this fun session!

Holiday Petite Sessions {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

I’m so excited to offer these this year! These will be my only petite sessions offered all year so if you want one, let’s get you on the schedule today. These will take place on the afternoon of November 18th.

FAQ

Where will these sessions be?

These sessions will take place in a bright and airy studio in Capitol Hill. The exact address will be sent in an informational email once all sessions are booked.

How long do sessions last?

These sessions are 15-20 minutes long, and will include a few different poses.

What is the purpose of these?

Most families book these to use for holiday cards.

How much are sessions?

Sessions are $200.

What is included in the price?

You will receive your session, 5 digital images, and a 40% off coupon for your holiday cards to my preferred vendor.

Do you have props?

My photography focuses on love and connection between family members, therefore, I do not feel like props are necessary. I will have a very simple green wreath that can be placed above the couch if you wanted.

What should we wear?

Whatever you’re comfortable in! Formal attire, jeans, holiday best…whatever you feel represents your family.

How do I book?

Contact me here and let me know you’re interested in a holiday session!

Calmness, giggles and a whole lot of love {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

I was so excited to photograph this family in their home earlier in the Spring. Little baby boy had recently made his arrival and while the weather was cold outside, this house was fill of warmth and love. Big sister had a ton of energy and was ready to be my new best friend the second I walked in the door. This lifestyle session had a perfect mix of energy and calm. There was jumping on the beds, but also plenty of cuddles. It was such an honor to photograph you all in your own space.

Mama, get in the picture {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

This one is for the mamas. The memory keepers. The family historians.

You are the one who is behind the camera, capturing every milestone. The first step. The first time trying solid foods. The first day of school. The holidays. The birthdays. The first dance. Sports games. Big events. Little events. You capture it all. All but you. You’re so busy focusing on capturing them, that you forget to get in the frame too.

Pass the camera to Dad, set up a self timer, take a selfie on your phone, hire a professional, but please get in the frame, because you were there too. One day it’s all they’re going to have left. One day, your presence will be a memory. Give them something tangible. Something they can hold in their hands and look at while they remember your smell, your gentle hands, your soft spoken words. Show them how much you love them so they never forget.

YOU WERE THERE.

A Cozy At Home Photo Session {Seattle Family Photographer}

This is one of my favorite families! I photographed them in their home exactly one year before this latest session, when little Moses was a tiny newborn. There’s been a lot of change since then. He’s now one, the house has gone through a major remodel, and there may be an extra pet or two.

Ten Must-Take Photos in the First Month {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

The first month of a new baby’s life goes by so fast and before you know it, they’ve changed from a squishy newborn, to a real baby. You never get this time back so it’s so important that you capture it while they’re still so new. Here are some must take images for that first month.

1. Photograph them in the hospital hat/blanket.

2. Photograph them in the bassinet in the hospital.

3. Capture hospital bracelets.

4. Photograph them through the rails of their crib.

5. Photograph their belly button (or umbilical cord stump before it falls off).

6. Take a close up of that perfect little face.

7. Photograph teeny tiny feet.

8. Capture their tininess by photographing them on the master bed.

9. Don’t forget the siblings.

10. Capture them in the arms of Dad. They always look so little this way