I’m keeping my day job | Kirkland Photographer

Rattlesnake Ledge | Kirkland Photographer

I recently hiked up a mountain with a backpack that was most certainly not meant for actual hiking/backpacking (more like carrying a laptop from one office to another) and I learned a few things:

• I need to think about what I need at the top instead of bringing choices that I don’t need from the bottom
• I need a backpack that will not slowly try to cut off my head
• I need to get out and explore the beauty of WA more often
• I am very blessed to call this place home
• Glad I left the children back home where they could not complain about every drop of sweat and all elements of exertion
• Composing a shot when you have about two square inches before falling 1200 feet may be a challenge

Self Portraits and vacation | Kirkland Family Photographer

Self portraits have never been something that intimated me in the past.  As a matter of fact, when I scroll back through old photos, I realize that I turned the camera on myself maybe one too many times. When you carry around a camera that weighs almost as much as your second born, turning the camera happens a little less often (just a little).   BUT, I have been vacationing and stacationing and some of those outings didn’t include bringing along my third child, Canon 5D Mark II (kind of a funny name for a child, huh?).  I felt a bit more free to walk around and ride things such as Atlantis at Sea World (more than once).  I miss all those crazy copped selfies.  I miss those silly faces.  And, I think most of all I miss those candid and spontaneous/breaking every rule photos.

We were geocaching at Sea World and found a virtual cache by taking a picture of ourselves in front of the sky tower.  I gave it a whirl two times and figured between the two, we got what we needed.  There is only one thing missing here… the sky tower we were trying to get.  : )    

Pleated jeans and Aquanet? It’s time for mini sessions! | Kirkland Family Photographer

It sort of scares me that I have flipped my calendar to September through November in planning for these upcoming mini sessions.  We just barely had four days in a row of sunshine and I’m thinking winter?  Something is wrong here…

Have you thought about your family sessions-getting ready for holiday cards?  Or how about simply updating what you have hanging on your walls… I mean, c’mon you don’t use Aquanet to spray your bangs in place (while using a hairdryer to flare out the sides) and you certainly aren’t wearing pleated jeans… are you?  Update!  Celebrate! Create some family memories… it’s time!  And please don’t tell me that pleated jeans are on your “perfect picture” outfit list.

On the fence | Kirkland Family Photographer

Is it ironic that his shirt says “I’m off the hook” yet he can’t decide on which side of the fence he should be?  This little guy and his many faces is my son.  His eyes are one of my favorite things to photograph.  His smile is genuine and frequent.  He loves play time, PlayMobil and his airplane.  He is so cautious in all things-never wanting to risk his security and comfort.  As he grows, I see him slowly branch out and venture to the other side of the fence.  He is getting more secure (and will now jump on a trampoline) and will often at least ask questions, even if it is from the sidelines.  I love my little guy.