Family Photo Day | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

With a new addition to the family, it was time to update!  This year, Paisley surprised me with her interest in photos.  She was curious about the camera and looking back at me through the lens.  I kept telling her to see what would happen in there (my camera) and she looked and looked and looked.  Nothing happened (good trick, right?) but I had fun getting some pictures of her in the meantime!

I’m in love | Kirkland, WA Photographer

This company MUST know me.  I mean, look at the color, look at the box, read their words, etc.  These new business cards are just mini cards and I am in love!  They are half the size of a business card and I can’t wait to give them away.  : O  You may think this is way too  many pictures but I couldn’t stop…  It was as if I had the perfect model sitting right in front of me, full of color and perk, full of life and excitement. 

Hiring a cheap photographer | Kirkland, WA Photographer

I think these are hilarious.  Some nail the moment and how I feel at times.  Should I admit that?  Pricing is a touchy subject, right?  It is hard to assign a price to yourself.  Most of us question ourselves at some point, question our pricing.  There are so many photographers snapping out there, so many styles so many different ways to order a good ‘ol 11×14.   I recently read what Zack Arias wrote on his blog and loved it.  There is a place for every photographer, no matter what our pricing structure may look like.   We all start somewhere and we all grow into something as we keep our business alive.  Part of progressing is learning and understanding the ins and outs of business-the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Inevitably, this knowledge and growth leads to change, sometimes that change is manifested in the pricing structure.  But, as this funny clip says… In the end I suppose we get what we pay for.  : )      (I hate that lesson in life)

Hayrides | Indiana Photography

Our family recently (ok, back in October) took a trip to Indiana to visit more family.  We enjoyed the farm, pumpkin carving and hayrides!

Seattle Sunset | Kirkland, WA Photographer

So, it isn’t true… AZ is not the only place with gorgeous sunsets.   You may think I am crazy for thinking that could have been true.  Hey, I lived in AZ for too many years to not believe it.  AZ has beautiful sunsets with vibrant colors.  I have to say that Seattle can definitely enter the sunset contest.  Do you remember my previous post about Seattle’s Space Needle? The night I caught this, it was turning the sky pink and orange and I just wanted to sit and watch.  Sunsets happen quickly and you miss them if you are distracted.  My family was waiting in the car for me.  : )  This was after a photoshoot and I just HAD to stay around for it.  I am quite bugged about the trees that are in my way.  Any suggestions on how to get around them?  I suppose I could get up higher but at this location, that was not an option.  The good news is that I live here…  I can practice and find all sorts of goodie spots for this lovely scene.

Tim | Kirkland, WA Photographer

To the man who takes care of me,

Thank you for you love and support.  Thank you for turning to look at me, even when you had interests in other things besides ANOTHER dang picture.  Thank you for taking this day long journey.  Thank you for introducing me to a life in Seattle.  Thank you for laughing at me, thank you for complementing my motherhood skills (or lack thereof) at times when I need it, thank you for never questioning my purchases-even when it is another pair of shoes, thank you for always knowing when I need a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, thank you for a life full of growth, adventure, love, patience, understanding and laughter.  Thank you for being my moment’s notice model and always encouraging me to get the shot!

How is business? | Seattle, WA Photography

What do you think?  Busy?  I have to be in awe of the dedication and determination of businesses and business owners nowadays.  It is a tough market, a tough time to be in business.  I have a business mind and sometimes can’t turn it off.  I walk into places and when it is empty or mostly empty, my first thought goes something like this, “How can he/she/it afford to be in business?”  When you calculate rent, fees, taxes, and the plethora (love that word) of overhead expenses, it seems like it far outweighs the income being generated.  But, maybe that’s too simple.  Maybe I haven’t studied the passion behind the business?  Maybe I haven’t studied the time they have been in business and the revenues generated (and saved).  It’s just sad to drive by something like Mervyn’s (had to pick that because I remember the store fronts as a kid) and see that it couldn’t survive after how many years?  Businesses are closing all over the place and it’s sad to me!  Businesses are having to make those wretched decisions to let people go-the ones that have dedicated their lives to working.  Businesses are having to cut back, to cut the slack… and well…, make changes.  Change is good-for all of us.  But, first I suppose the storm will be weathered.

Stalker | Kirkland, WA Photographer

I have heard the term blog stalker.  What does it really mean?  I read blogs and sometimes I don’t leave comments-does that make me a blog stalker?  What if I told somebody that I read their blog but I don’t always leave comments… still a stalker?  I need to know if I am or am not a blog stalker.  Because who really wants to be labeled a blog stalker AND who has time to make comments every time they stop by a blog?  Well, the world wide web is funny and awesome.   To all of us blog stalkers out there…   

The desert | Seattle, WA Photography

I didn’t notice the beauty before…  I didn’t appreciate the cactus before…  Dear Desert, I miss you!

Money | Kirkland, WA Photographer

Why in the world did I take this picture?  ha!  Well, maybe I needed an extra $20 and spotted her loose fingers???  This gal was in line for a huge bowl of fried calories and it was going to be good.  I’m sure it was well worth that money in her little fingers.  Everything costs money-including fried calories.  Why do we pay for such things?  The funniest part is why do we pay for them then complain about them (talking to myself out loud here)?  Just curious…