Red Head Boy | Kirkland, WA Photographer

When I look at pictures of this Red Head, I want to reach out my hand and rustle his hair.  I could sit and listen to him for days.  He has so much to say, so much to talk about.  Most of the time if you miss what is being said, he continues as if you are right there with him.  Do you know those kinds?  My son is the same… keep on talking and talking.  He was a bit cautious around me and my camera BUT I can secretly have my camera with kids at the park.  The sand, the buckets, the slides, the teeter-totter, all of it is so much  more interesting than me and my camera.  He was building something fabulous with that blue bucket and blue shovel and stopped for a moment to check my status… “where is that camera?”  There were other friends in the sandbox but he didn’t mind sharing his imagination!  His blue monster rainboots are perfect for Washington and even more perfect for keeping sand out of his shoes (why haven’t I thought about that?).  I loved his perfectly pale skin and that bright red hair.  I loved his big brown eyes and his cute, “I’m smiling,” face.   While shooting on this day, I was really loving the shots above because it emphasizes his size.  He is a creative five-year-old with a great story to tell!

Headshots | Kirkland, WA Photographer

I mentioned THE headshots.  Here is the 8 minute “studio” session involving 4 ladies that wanted headshots.  Incredible, huh?  I am grateful to call these ladies friends and I certainly look forward to learning from them.  Come along, down the road of an 8 minute headshot session for 4 ladies (the fourth was me).

Meet Brianne Hall.  Brianne and I met the first night I arrived… she was a roommate.  Isn’t it funny how you can be friends but not really be friends?  I had never met Brianne but knew her from a photography forum.  What I learned about Brianne is that she is a solid, determined girl!  She is a wedding photographer and dedicated to doing things right!  When she stood up, I was surprised by her height.  She is a stunning, awesome six feet tall.  I have always been short-I envy those that are not vertically challenged.  She is one of sweetest girls and always ready for good time!  She woke up every morning ready for a new day, a new class and a new opportunity.  On our day of headshots, she did not disappoint with her darling dress, cardigan and pearls.  She walked the sassy walk for us just as we would have our kids, seniors or fashion models do.  (do those all even belong in the same category?)  She never stopped wanting to do better, learn more and achieve whatever is possible.  It was a privilege to get to know her.  She was a fabulous roommate and she is an excellent photographer!  I loved how Brianne was ready to go at any given time and yet so independent.  She was there for the right reasons!  Thank you for being a great example Brianne!

Meet Kelli France.  I met Kelli for a few brief moments in October while I was in AZ for some Queen Creek mini sessions.  I had known Kelli for what seemed like a million years although I completed the business mentoring through Francypants Academy just last year and loved her ever since.  I am passionate about business and can’t turn that business brain off.  Well, I think Kelli may be a match in that area!  She is always forward thinking with her business.  Anyhow, we joined up at the airport and proceeded to laugh our way from gate to baggage to MGM.  Kelli is a whirlwind of laughter and an excellent teacher.  She is the entertainment at a midnight PJ party and up for some dancing even in those plaid PJ’s.  Her style is adorable and she is an excellent photographer from bellies to babies and tots to teens (Kelli, did I just get your tagline right?)  Kelli was another roommate and kept us tossing business ideas and sharing thoughts.  What a great way to spend our time at WPPI!  I loved the way she was asking for commitments before we left our conference-committment for growth, for change, for improvements.  She is a leader!  Thanks for helping me sort and commit to change Kelli!

Meet Jaclyn Davis.  Jaclyn impressed me from the get-go with story of the accidental flight to Reno (instead of Las Vegas) while keeping a smile.  She brushed it off like another day in the life.  She was easy to be around and humble and talented.  Her personality was a treasure and she was friendly to all those who came in contact with her.  Jaclyn was also a roommate and although we were “friends” on the forum, it was a gift to get to know her.  Jaclyn was a bucket of knowledge and was ready to share with everyone.  She loved her McDonald’s mornings and often lost her shoes in our tiny room.  She was fun, giggly and driven.  I loved her bright colors and her simple style.  I loved how Jaclyn never got her feathers ruffled.  I love how she can take a horrible experience (flying to Reno and taxied to the supposed MGM before realizing she wasn’t in Vegas) and turn it into a great story that brings a room together in laughter and fun…  we were laughing WITH her not at her.  ; )  Thanks for being so fun and light-hearted Jaclyn.  You are darling! (and I am happy to say that I finally learned how to spell your name)

Meet Katie Kulzer.  I must admit that Katie was nearly a stranger but that didn’t stop me from loving her right away.  I could see her spunk and friendliness from the moment I met her.  I love me some spunk!  Her fashion was edgy and she had a bright smile. I wish I had more pictures of this adorable photographer BUT with 4 others in your way and only 8 minutes, it is difficult to get more shots.  She rocks the sassy dress and short hair.  I can’t wait to get to know her better!  Katie, thanks for being so kind and friendly to a stranger!  I hope to see more of you on that fabulous forum!  : )

What a lucky girl I am, to rub shoulders with these ladies, to know they are friends but to now KNOW they are my friends.  I love sharing-sharing ideas, challenges, talent and thoughts.  It was truly a fantastic conference and was not short of fabulous people.  I am grateful for the opportunity to attend WPPI 2011!

If you are following my Photo A Day project, you can see more here.

I’m too sexy for the camera | Queen Creek, AZ Photography

I was sorting through the largest Queen Creek Photography family session I have done to date, which by the way was my own large family of 28-if I remember correctly, and found these treasures.   My dear boys arrived early with me to set up and check light.  They were so patient and willing, it was unbelievable but fortunately I have these pictures as proof.  I’m not sure what I promised for this kind of behavior…???  They sat while I played with dials, set up lights, took down lights, switched out lens, and started all over.   Eventually, the rest of the party showed up but thankfully I had these two to help me prep.  The session went smoothly, I loved the light and the building structure was a perfect size for our bunch.

Tiny Dancer | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Being a Queen Creek photographer has many perks and sunshine and perfect winter weather is only 2 of them.  On the top of the list is the people I get to photograph in AZ. This darling girl is a dancer and her favorite style is “Interpretive Dancing” because she gets to move how the music makes her feel, is what she says.  Her energy level was unmatched by any other 8 year old, her giggles were contagious and she probably has her dad wrapped around her finger.  : )  Moments with a father and daughter always seem so special to me.  He loves her and wants so much for her (like all fathers)-opportunities and growth, education and fun.  I suppose you could say I learned a few things about her while snapping pictures.  First, she is not shy in front of the camera.  I was having just as much fun as her.  She was dancing and giggling-the entertaining show for sure.   She loves shopping at Justice and wore some awesome gold sequence boots.  She has style at age 8-more than me at age… well, ummm, thirty something-hard for me to remember anymore.

If you’re happy and you know it, just scream! | Kirkland, WA Photographer

I didn’t tell them to scream (I don’t think-but who knows).  When I look at this I love their happy faces.  Our goal was to capture their family with a Seattle landmark.  Well, there is that Space Needle!  They were enjoying their time together dancing, jumping, and singing YMCA, while watching some other camera hog lady jump and show off on her trampoline moves in front of this monument.  To be honest, we were all sort of captivated by this lady.  Who was she?  Why was she so important?  I was having equipment envy-her photographer came with all sorts of odds and ins that made his photo session smooth and seamless.   So, if anything-I know she had a photographer that knew what he was doing. 

So, back to my subjects…  they were much more interesting because they have two adorable girls, one “pretend to be no so into the pictures husband,” and a spirited mama who can spark up a conversation with anybody, even if it is just about how she styles her bangs!  What a lovely time at Kerry Park in Seattle!

Eating Lunchables

My conversations with kids during pictures is nothing short of entertaining!  I loved his answers when I asked him how he is growing so big and strong…  “I eat Lunchables!”  We had lots to chat about but I was most impressed by his dedication to lunchables.  : ) 

Dirty at the junkyard | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Talk about energy!  He had energy oozing out from him.  I tried to keep up but you see, I am much older.  : (  He is so handsome and so is his mother.  Ok, not handsome but gorgeous.  When we met at the junkyard, I knew that he would be interested in everything!  His hands show that he did indeed play and probably climbed on some things that haven’t been touched in years.  I loved it… no fear-just curiosity!  The nice man who owns this junkyard brought out a bucket of water and some Tide soap so he could clean up.  Now, that is a hostest with the mostest!

A leaf fight | Kirkland, WA Photographer

The first “half” was a rainy day but gorgeous.  The following day was full of color and crispy fall leaves.  We found some red and yellow tree lined streets near Microsoft campus and it was perfect.  Have I already mentioned the beauty here in Washington?  : )  The rainy day was an adventure but nothing new around here.  I loved how the color popped against the grey sky.  I loved the yellow and green in the trees.  We started at the Washington Arboretum in Seattle where the views are unbelievable.  I was grateful for this opportunity to venture out and see some new parts of Seattle. 

What’s next? | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Each time I have the privilege of photographing this family, I count it as a blessing.  It is a session full of laughs and jokes.  They always keep me smiling and I never know what they will do next!   Their youngest is a gem-ready with a sassy pose at all times.  She is front and center-ready to roll.  The others… the are occupied.  : )  Thank you for such a great time at the classy junkyard.

Jilly and Mia | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Let me tell you a story about these two ladies… they are quite the duo and will keep you laughing all afternoon if you let them.  Their talent is exploding, especially when they work together.  They are devoted mothers and wives and always designing or baking something (just ask to see their to-do list)!  The projects are endless and their creations are amazing.  Their thrills come with perfect finds and an opportunity to create a trinket of treasure.   They work together, play together, and celebrate together.  It is quite a pleasure to know these two, and a gift to have them as friends!  To see what they are up to and experience their humor and personalities, you must visit Girls With Good Taste!