Bubbles are always a winner | Kirkland Family Photographer

I have often thought about bringing bubbles to a photo session but have yet to follow through on my idea.  I was pleasantly surprised to see bubbles emerge from their bags on this day!  …it was such a treat for the little kids but I was mostly surprised at how intrigued their dog seemed to be.  Have you ever tried to get a dog to be involved in a family portrait?  I’m thinking bubbles just may be the trick!

Mustaches and family fun | Kirkland Family Photographer

I just love when families don’t take things too seriously.  This family was too much fun and its rare for parents to say, “No, I don’t care if they get dirty (or wet, or wrinkled, etc),” and this family was out for the adventure… can you tell?

Early mornings and family photos | Kirkland Family Photographer

Ahhh, the best question to ask the kids is, “What does your dad do all day?” We got the best laughter all morning from that question. If you only could have been there…

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

The Winnebago and family ties | Kirkland Family Photographer

What a fun morning I had with this family and their 35+ year old Winnebago.  These two have been married about 40 years (if I am remembering correctly) and they were the highlight of my morning.  I just love when everybody shows up (even if it is 8:30am) ready to have fun!  The Winnebago?  It has been with them for almost as many years as they have been married.  You can imagine the family vacations and memories that were created with this loyal addition.  What a way to celebrate family!  Thank you for giving me a glimpse into your lives and sharing the early morning with me.  You entertained the others, fed them and set such a fabulous mood.  It was such a pleasure to be the guest and enjoy your connections, silliness, and love for one another!

I’m keeping my day job | Kirkland Photographer

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.

Jet Plane | Kirkland Family Photographer

The lazy days of summer are here and it’s time to let the clock go, kick the routines aside and watch kids fall sleep in their swimming suits.  We are getting on a jet plane and making time for sand, sun and warmth.  Oh how I miss the warm sand on my feet (OK, we didn’t live near a beach but only a few hours away from one was better than none) and the sun on my face!  We have some fun planned and will enjoy stepping away from our everyday responsibilities of work.  I have been doing my best to keep up on my Photo A Day project and will continue to post on Flickr with updates and doings.  I am now scheduling family sessions for Setpember-November and availability is limited.  If you are interested, please contact me via this site or email at lisa@lisaheuerphotography.com.  I have a few sessions still open for Arizona the weekend of November 12th.

I’m excited to vacate and staycate- do something other than the usual and learn more about my surroundings.

Growing Up | Kirkland Family Photographer

Ever feel like just doing a cartwheel?  Well, I dare you to try.  : )  My cartwheel today looks nothing like my cartwheels did when I was ten.  This gal however has a young body that is as light as a feather and acrobatics was easy for her!  She loved behind upside down, sideways, and everything in between EXCEPT straight up.  I think she saw my camera as the audience and she was ready to perform.   She was not concerned about her cartwheel that crashed or her hair that would be out of place after being upside-down.   She was trying her best and discovering what she was capable of doing.  It was refreshing.

When do we lose that ability… to perform or even try without inhibition?  When do we start to realize failure could be embarrassing?  When do we start to doubt that we are good at everything?  If you ask my daughter what she is good at, it is an easy question for her to answer.  For me, I may answer after some pausing and mumbling and embarrassment.  WHY?  What is wrong with us as adults?  We are all here on earth developing talents and some of are better than others at cartwheels and that’s ok.   What are you good at?  What comes easy for you?  What talents  have blessed your life?  and… why do we hide them?  Growing up changes us, we learn from our experiences.  One failure leads us to believe we simply CAN’T.

But, (without practice) I can’t do cartwheels and I am certain about that!