Behind the Scenes of a Bountiful Family Session

Today I’m sharing a special family session from last fall to give you a behind-the-scenes look at a Beloved family session, which I call my “Bountiful” family sessions.

Often I find that people schedule family photo sessions because it has been a long time since they’ve had updated photos, or maybe a specific event like the birth of another child or a particular milestone is triggering them to feel like they “should” get pictures done–or maybe it’s just that they want to be sure they have an updated Christmas card photo. 🙂

But really, a family photo session you are investing in should be so much more than just a snapshot of your kids’ gap-toothed grins or your latest haircut.  Your family photos should tell the story of who you are as a family. 

It is always my goal to get photos that reveal the personality and character of the individuals and of the family as a whole. This particular family loves the outdoors and being active, and the young siblings have the sweetest relationship, all of which was important to capture during their session.

In my sessions, I do have some posed photos, but I also seek to engage everyone to get more authentic expression, and we also have some playtime and relaxed moments, too!

I love these images, particularly of brother and sister, and that mom and dad were able to have a few moments together as well. Often parents of young kids haven’t had any photos together since their wedding! In these photos, the love between all members of the family is so evident. Their postures are relaxed and open. And the photos in the sand capture the carefree playfulness of toddlerhood.

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Tell me, what are your favorite images from this session? I’d love to hear what resonates with you! And what are the special “quirks” you’d want captured in your family session?

Maple Valley/Covington Family Photographer: Featured on the Beloved blog!

family photograph on the beach

I am so honored to have one of my recent family sessions featured on the Beloved Collective blog.  What is the Beloved Collective? Simply put, the Beloved Collective is a group of artists passionate about celebrating photography that captures the heart and soul of people. The Beloved genre and accompanying techniques launched a few years ago, and I was one of the “early adopters” and remain one of only a handful of certified Beloved photographers in the world.

With the Beloved techniques, we seek to go beyond the standard posed photo session into something more revealing and more authentic to our subjects. I am always hoping to reveal a glimpse of the people inside, to go beyond the “camera smile” to see into people’s hearts. I want you to look at the pictures of your family and say, “That’s so ‘him.’ You really captured his essence.”

I have the most freedom with my techniques when interacting with longtime couples, but in the sneak peek over on the Beloved blog, you’ll see a bit of what happens when I get out with families, too! I dub my Beloved family sessions “Bountiful” sessions, and I truly hope they are overflowing with love and authenticity.

I would love it if you would head over and tell me what you think!

And tomorrow, I’ll show more from this fun family session…

Check one thing off your senior’s “to do” list today!

ad for senior portraits

Do you have a high school senior? Are you frazzled, stressed, and a bit overwhelmed as graduation date approaches?

Let’s check one thing off your senior’s “to do” list today: let’s get your senior portraits scheduled!

I know your plate is full with prom, graduation, a variety of end-of-year events, and maybe even a college decision still to be made.  But your senior’s portraits don’t have to be stressful.

Before your session, I will consult with you and your student over the phone to tailor a session suited to their interests and personality. And then in just a couple hours, your part is done! And when your images are ready, I guide you through a one-hour selection process so that in less than 60 minutes, you have images selected for family, friends, graduation announcement enclosures, and wall art and album images.  No muss, no fuss!

Let’s do this! I would love to help you celebrate your senior and their accomplishments!

And if you contact me NOW, there still may be time to get your photo session complete *and* your favorite minis printed in time to include with your senior’s graduation announcements!  But time is running out...

Contact Me!

Birth Photography Renton, WA: Welcome, baby!

I am always thrilled to be invited to photograph a birth and to take part in such a momentous part in a family’s life. Our Blessed Strength Mama has delivered her new baby boy, and I got to capture every moment!

When I got the text that Kristy’s water had broken in the middle of her 39-week appointment while at the midwives’ office (such timing!), we knew we wouldn’t have too long before baby arrived. Kristy headed home to labor for a few hours, but was promptly headed back to the hospital before too long. Sometimes these third babies don’t waste their time!

With a great support team of best friend, mother-in-law, and attentive husband, Kristy labored with quiet, focused intensity without any drugs. Kristy’s hope prior to labor was to have a more peaceful, unmedicated birth this time around, and she got exactly what she worked so hard for.

The room had an expectant but quiet serenity as Kristy prepared to welcome her new baby boy, and at 7:52 p.m., he arrived with barely a cry, all 8 lbs., 2 oz. of him! It was truly a beautiful, peaceful birth. Baby and mama were surrounded by love and care through the entire process, and it was a joy to be a part of.

I am so thrilled for this family as they complete their family of five with little Tommy.  It was truly an honor! Congratulations!

Here are just a few of the images from Tommy’s birth, and I am so thankful that Kristy allowed me to share them with you!Renton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborRenton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth laborCovington_MapleValley_birth_photographer_12Renton WA birth photography - Kent WA birth photography - Covington WA birth photography - laboring mom - natural birth labor

Blessed Strength Showcase: Stroller Strides

I was thrilled to see the response to the first post of my Blessed Strength project, and today I want to showcase some of the “behind the scenes” of Kristy’s life as a Stroller Strides owner!

Before photographing Kristy, I had heard of Stroller Strides but never seen any of the classes in action. What is Stroller Strides? Basically it’s an awesome set-up wherein moms of young kids get to bring their children with them to workout classes. The kids get to hang out (and in nice weather enjoy the fresh air), the moms get to share in the accountability and camaraderie of working out with other moms, and everyone gets healthier! What’s not to like about that?

What was most impressive to me was that the sense of community and support among these women was almost palpable. There was no “shame-based” weight or diet talk that I’ve seen at other fitness classes (No “I can’t believe I ate an ice cream cone yesterday” type of thing), women of all shapes and sizes were participating, and the focus stayed on staying active and positive.  And the friendship goes even beyond that.  At the class I attended, there was even a surprise baby shower for Kristy (and no, they didn’t know I was coming so it wasn’t staged).  Stroller Strides is about moms getting healthy, doing something positive for themselves, and being great examples for their kids.

In the classes, the women challenge themselves with a variety of fitness activities: relays, contests, races, and more. These women may have little ones, but even the expectant ones are rocking planks and jogging around the park. Just look at them go!

Interested in checking out a class? Kristy owns several local franchises. Find out more about their options here.*

* All comments are based solely on my own opinions and observations. I am not being compensated in any way for this post!

And … psst, Kristy has since given birth, and I’ll be sharing her birth story later this week so stay tuned! You don’t want to miss this special post!

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