The Diana Experiment

Several months ago I acquired a cheap plastic camera called the Diana. It uses 120mm (medium format) film, and is said to give a dreamy sort of quality to images. I've been putting off using it 1, because film is expensive, and 2, because the shooter doesn't have much control over the final image. That control is pretty tough for me to let go! After my engagement session with Mike and Annie last week, they graciously let me take another half-hour to play. It was SO worth it! The images have this old-fashioned feel. I feel like they should be straight out of a yellowing album with tape stuck to the back.

Shooting an image is as simple as pushing a little silver lever down. There's no shutter "click" like I'm used to, and no scientific way to control the exposure. The only editing I did to this first roll of film was to change 3 of them into black and white. Otherwise they are straight out of the camera. But guess what - I am HOOKED!

Check out 6 of the 12 exposures from Saturday. The other 6 exposures? I'm not sure what happened to those. Oh well! That's life with Diana!

Mike & Annie :: Engaged

I had so much fun shooting Mike & Annie's photos. They are one of those couples who are just perfect for each other! They're getting married at Herban Feast in Seattle...one of the coolest buildings ever. For their engagement photos, we went around town, finding random spots with a whole lot of character. West Seattle did not disappoint us! We could have spent the whole weekend shooting there and still have more areas to explore. Thanks for such a great day, Mike & Annie! I'm so excited to shoot your wedding!









Check out this gorgeous ring!

Escape to the Olympic Peninsula

About halfway through winter I start feeling so antsy for the green outdoors. That's why it was perfect that my parents left the snowy midwest behind and joined Brad and I on a trip to the rainiest, greenest part of the state. The Olympic Peninsula! The best thing about going there in the winter was that we had the entire wilderness to ourselves. Did we get wet? OH YEAH! The first day we were there they had over 6 inches of rain! But it made for fun memories. My mom and I even got to buy matching rain boots. It was a wonderful escape from reality to the kind of reality I enjoy most - the great outdoors.

Our trusty guide.


Cute to boot.




The rain forest. Take me back!






Pair.


Magic.


Glow.


Skin.


Peace.


Is that a river, or the path?








LaPush at sunset.






Hike to Cape Flattery. The sun came out and the place truly lived up to it's name.








It was so beautiful. Can't wait to return.

Christmas Train w/ Dylan

The Christmas Train! From North Bend to Snoqualmie, and back again. We enjoyed hot cocoa, fun music, and of course, Dylan got to see Santa! All in all, Dylan was in heaven with trains & Christmas. Check out a few photos from the day, and a short slideshow below!

Christmas with the Clarks!

Two of my family photoshoots this year have been Christmas themed, and I couldn't be happier. :) On Saturday eve, we got to celebrate Christmas early! Jamison & Jocel decorated cookies, opened a gift early, hung ornaments on the tree, and read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" together in front of the fire. We had so much fun! When I left, they sent me home with some of their cookies and a holiday CD of Santa's Favorites - which I am listening to this very second. Thanks guys!

Tiffany, Greta, Gabe & Sabrina at the Lights of Christmas

Thursday evening was a lot like Christmas! I got to tag along while Tiffany and her family explored the Warm Beach Lights of Christmas. If you've never been, you should - there are over 1 million Christmas lights and has lots of activities for families. It was a chilly night, but that just made the warm homemade donuts taste even better! We strolled the lights, rode the Polar Express, and watched a band perform. I always have fun with Tiff and her good-lookin' family. Enjoy the photos!

Custom Invitations

This is THE place for one-of-a-kind invites & save the dates!

http://birdandbanner.com/

My favorites are the vintage handkerchiefs, silk screened with the invitation text. Way cool and unique.