Beckie Kirker Photo

NEW BLOG IS LIVE!

2010-02-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

The new blog is live - that's where you'll find the action from now on. Head on over and check it out!

Make sure to change your bookmark to: http://www.beckiekirkerphoto.com/blog.

NEW look and new blog coming soon!

2010-02-15T23:05:00.000-08:00

My brand is getting a refresher! In this next week, I'll be rolling out a new logo, a new blog, and all new materials. Check back here next week, when I'll have the link to the new blog up! This current blog will still remain, but will become the archives. All new posts will be on the new blog.

In the meantime, check out my new logo and colors on my website, here.

Thanks for visiting, and I look forward to seeing you over at my new blog next week!

The Diana Experiment

2010-02-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-18T23:56:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-19T22:54:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-12-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

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.

Mikel & Dylan

2009-10-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

I got to spend the day with Mikel & Dylan - always a good time! We started out at the Centennial trail in the cool morning fog, and then went to Dylan's playground. We rounded out the afternoon with a trip to the pumpkin patch and brought about half of it home! I don't spend enough time with them - everytime I see Dylan he's so much bigger. I don't think he will ever outgrow his love for trains, though. Someday, someone will step on Donald the train at the pumpkin patch... Donald, RIP until some other cute little guy finds you. The trip was worth it though. Enjoy the photos!

Ok - here's Donald the train's last roll around town....

Eberly Family :: The Slideshow

2009-10-02T00:07:00.001-07:00

Saturday Morning with the Eberle's

2009-09-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

I got to spend saturday morning with Melinda, Peter, Mahlah & Laura. They are such a fun, sweet family! I loved watching the joy they all had with eachother. We went to the Evergreen Arboretum in Everett. It's a kind-of tucked away, beautiful garden area with lots of fun spots to photograph. Here are a few highlights from our photo session:

WOW

2009-08-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Look at this image my 2nd took at Jen & Greg's wedding! OMG! Either way, biker guy has it coming. He's not even looking at the door! Is it bad that I am laughing?!

I suspect nothing happened. Greg - can you verify?!

Jen & Greg :: The Slideshow

2009-08-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

Jen & Greg :: 8.15.09

2009-08-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed with beautiful weddings and couples to photograph! Jen & Greg's day was perfect. Jen made most everything herself! The programs which doubled as fans, sweet little watering can favors...everything matched the setting perfectly. Laid back, yet elegant, just like the two of them. At the end of the evening, Greg's dad said, "They look like they fell off the top of a wedding cake." (You know, like the cake toppers. :o) And it's so true - they both looked exquisite.

With that, here are some of my initial favorites. Check back next weekend for the slideshow!

Congrats, Jen & Greg! It was so much fun photographing your wedding and I wish you joy in all of your years to come.

Caitlin & Jason :: The Slideshow

2009-08-14T00:40:00.001-07:00

Caitlin & Jason, The Wedding :: 8.1.09

2009-08-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

August 1st just seems like a perfect day to get married, doesn't it? Everything about Caitlin & Jason's wedding was flawless. Caitlin has such a sophisticated and beautiful taste, so the details, the location - everything - made the day perfect.

They chose Hidden Meadows in Snohomish - charm in abundance! Pocket Full O'Posies did the flowers and made sure everything went smoothly. Patty was wonderful - to all of you Brides out there planning, make sure to give her a call!

Let's just get down to it - these two are deeply in love and it showed. Thank you for letting me hold such a significant place in your wedding day, Caitlin & Jason! Here are a few of my favorites. It was soooo tough to narrow this down.

Check out the detail on this cake - the pearls around matched the pearls Caitlin & her bridesmaids wore.

Hidden Meadows was so beautiful at night - all lit up and glowing.

Congrats Caitlin & Jason! Here's to a long and marvelous life together.
Slideshow coming soon, so check back later this week!

Thomas The Train Day with Dylan

2009-07-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

Great weather, great company, great way to spend a friday morning! Thomas the train tour came to town, and this is Dylan's day.

cool old rail car...

LOVE it!!

2009-07-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

Piano Recital

2009-06-15T23:21:00.001-07:00

My good friend and business promoter, Tiffany, is an amazing pianist. She also teaches lessons. Last week she had a recital for her students which I had the opportunity to photograph. The Belle Chapel is beautiful - the perfect location with the perfect baby grand piano. I couldn't have been more delighted with the natural light that day. Warm rays of sun spilled through the front windows directly onto the performers faces. I'm sure it wasn't easy for them to play with all that light, but it was just glorious for the photos. If you are interested in piano lessons for yourself or your kids, contact me and I will put you in touch with Tiff.

You can view the entire collection here in a week or so.

James & Sarah :: The Slideshow

2009-06-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

James & Sarah :: 5.30.09

2009-06-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to shoot a wedding that meant more than the world to me. My brother and his beautiful fiance, Sarah, tied the knot in Michigan and I was able to travel there to spend time with friends and family and tell their story. Their entire day was orchestrated perfectly. A trumpeter playing during the ceremony (James is an incredible trumpeter)...a trolley as the getaway...individual cakes on every table to encourage mingling, family and friends lingering long past the reception's end... it truly was a perfect day. Congratulations, Jamie and Sarah! We are so blessed to have you join our family, Sarah!

I'll have a slideshow up this weekend, so check back for more. If you'd like to pre-register to view the entire collection online, click here.

I can't post this without including a pic of my immediate fam - all together.

Jen & Greg :: E-session

2009-03-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Brad and I went down to meet Jen & Greg at Alki Beach - one of their favorite places to rollerblade. We had absolutely perfect weather, and a great time was had by all! The best part of the afternoon was when Jen and Greg decided to actually GET IN the freezing cold water. They are such a fun couple - and their engagement shoot definitely reflected that. Can't wait to shoot your wedding J&G!

Lindsay & Ryan | The Slideshow

2009-03-07T00:22:00.001-08:00

Lindsay & Ryan | 2.21.09

2009-02-28T01:07:00.001-08:00

Lindsay & Ryan's wedding day was blessed with beautiful sunshine, in the middle of February! Their day took place at the Meydenbauer Yacht Club in Bellevue–a building filled with character with a view to die for. These two are so obviously in love.

Lindsay decorated with winter elements like pine cones, white lights and branches and everything looked like a page out of a winter fairytale. When the lights were turned down at their reception, the place just glowed.

Lindsay and Ryan, I hope you had a fabulous honeymoon! Blessings on your journey together.

Their entire collection should be available in about 3 weeks. Check back soon for a slideshow!

Caitlin & Jason's E-Session

2009-02-17T22:37:00.000-08:00

Valentines weekend brought with it a romantic E-session. Caitlin & Jason chose a beautiful overlook in Magnolia, as well as Golden Gardens, for their engagement photos. Their friendship and love is so evident. I'm so excited to shoot your wedding this summer, Caitlin & Jason!

It was a cold day, but turned out perfect for shooting! The overcast skies provided a gorgeous, filtered light.

Christmas Candlelight service

2009-01-21T23:13:00.000-08:00

I finally had the chance to go through images from our church's Christmas Eve service. Here are several...

Jamie & Sarah's monogram!

2009-01-20T21:22:00.000-08:00

Remember Jamie and Sarah? They are getting married in May in Michigan, and are an absolutely amazing couple. Not only that, but they are family! James is my brother, and Sarah is my soon-to-be sister. I created a custom monogram for them with a font I hand-drew and then traced in Illustrator. Sarah chose Bridesmaids dresses from David's Bridal in Clover green, which I used for their monogram. I love the color!

If you are interested in having a monogram custom-created for your wedding, let me know. There are so many things you can do with them, and they aren't just for your wedding day. Like photos, they last forever!

World's Best Eggnog

2008-12-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is the best eggnog I've ever tried! It takes some time to make and is horrible for you, but it is oh so delicious. Do yourself a favor and make some. Happy Christmas eve!

World's Best Eggnog by Matt Costello - makes 4 servings
4 eggs separated
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 cup cream
1 whole nutmeg grated
A couple glugs good dark rum (we didn't add the rum but I bet it'd be good!)

1. Add sugar and egg yolks to bowl of stand mixer w/ whisk attachment. Beat at high speed util thick and creamy, carrying a "ribbon" when they drip off whisk.
2. Add cream, milk, rum and nutmeg to the yolk mixture - set aside.
3. Wash out mixer bowl.
4. Add remaining tablespoon sugar to egg whites and beat until a light meringue, until soft peaks form.
5. Fold egg whites into yolk mixture.
6. Serve immediately. YUM!

Let it snow...

2008-12-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

More and more snow - it just keeps coming down! Here are a few pics from our yard this morning. This reminds me of my midwestern roots. I love the snow - so peaceful and calm.

Snow Day

2008-12-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

We woke up Sunday to a winter wonderland and a driver's nightmare! Here are a few photos of the snow and our puppies. :)

Happy Anniversary!

2008-12-08T21:32:00.001-08:00

I logged into my hotmail account today, which for the last 5 years has been more or less my junk mail account - you know, the address you give out when you really don't want to give out an email address. Or, the one where any friend that contacts you using this account has been your friend forever to even know it exists! I found this nice little congratulatory phrase which you see up-top.

Woohooo! That just made my day in a silly way. I didn't even realize they kept track! Just thought I'd share that interesting tidbit. Nice of them to notice. But wait - where's my cookie?

December 7, 1941

2008-12-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Remember Pearl Harbor. I was fortunate enough to visit last week, and after being so moved by the memorial, I wanted to share my experience with you. The slideshow and images below are a 1 minute tribute to those who were lost on December 7, 1941, in the attack on Pearl Harbor. If you are one of those fortunate enough to know someone who served in WW2, who remembers this first-hand, please pass this along as a thank you and a tribute.

Thank you to all who have served our country, and to all who are currently serving. We are in debt to your service.

The exerpt below is from FDR's speech to the nation after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

"Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.......With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God."

To listen his moving speech to the nation, visit YouTube and search for FDR Pearl Harbor Speech.

Back from the mystery tour

2008-12-04T22:24:00.001-08:00

Well, being back in the states has its +'s and -'s. Plus - I can read the street signs here. Minus - there are no palm trees or warm weather reports in December!

For those of you who guessed Hawaii, you win! I am currently surfing through ridiculous amounts of photos, and hope to have some posted by Saturday. Also, check back on Dec 7th - a very cool post will be taking place then.

Beckie

Where am I?

2008-11-21T13:59:00.000-08:00

Take a guess...winner gets a cookie!

A. Vietnam
B. Hawaii
C. Dreaming of palm trees and beaches - there in my mind!

Lindsay & Ryan's E-session

2008-11-12T21:49:00.000-08:00

Lindsay and Ryan were engaged at the Elliott Bay Marina, so naturally it made for the perfect spot for their engagement photos! After several weeks of rain, we thought we'd just be getting wet, but the sun magically came out from underneath the clouds and provided us with a glorious sunset over the water. Lindsay and Ryan, I had so much fun getting to know you two a little bit better, and I can't wait to shoot your wedding!

You may pre-register here to view the entire collection.

Tricia and Eric's baby announcement!

2008-11-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

Can't wait! Lorelei is expected sometime around thanksgiving, and this is the announcement I've created for her. The photos are just placeholders, of course, until she's welcomed into this world. :o)

Kim & Aaron - The Slideshow

2008-11-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

Kim & Aaron - The Sun Mountain Lodge

2008-11-05T22:04:00.000-08:00

Fall and the Sun Mountain Lodge - both just take my breath away! Shooting a wedding here was so much fun. I loved the romantic getaway feeling that Kim and Aaron's wedding took on. They are both such wonderful people with hearts on fire for each other.

The inside of the Lodge was spectacular with the beautiful golden tones and huge windows.

Even though it was drizzling, it made for some gorgeous scenery. The lodge just seems to fit in perfectly with the fog and muted colors.

Kim is so beautiful!

They saw each other for the first time in the wine cellar.

Kim and Aaron's entire collection will be released in about 3 weeks, and you may pre-register if you wish at this link.

Tiffany, Gabe, Sabrina & Greta

2008-10-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

Family + pumpkin patch = a crazy, wonderful day! We had so much fun taking photos with the pumpkins, getting lost in the corn maze and riding the hay wagon. Greta was in love with the gords, Sabrina couldn't get over how tall the corn actually was, and Gabe managed to find a giant pumpkin to bring home. Here are some photos from their fall family extravaganza.

I love the sky and the sweet light in these next shots...

The Clarks

2008-10-16T00:03:00.001-07:00

I love the Clarks! They are such a genuine, down to earth family who all love each other so much. Their photo shoot was so much fun...here is a preview of their collection.

Cannon Beach

2008-10-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

I attended a women's conference this weekend with 3 of my best friends - we had a blast and laughed so hard we cried! The beach you see here was just one of the many highlights of the weekend. It was a fabulous, much needed getaway.

Mikel and I

Abbey & Susie

This was one of the longest pieces of kelp I've ever seen...

Fall Harvest

2008-09-28T22:09:00.001-07:00

I absolutely LOVE fall! It's the time of year I got married; the crisp air and changing leaves bring back so many memories. And, I cannot resist the pumpkin patch, or the corn maze. It's always amazing, and gives me a chance to make as many corny jokes as my heart desires. Did you catch those? I had 2 in one sentence! Anyway, I'm posting some of my favorite photos from Saturday's adventure. Did I mention how much I love fall?

A fuzzy caterpillar!

This guy can't get enough of the corn...

America the beautiful.

Erin & Brian - The Slideshow

2008-09-21T17:23:00.001-07:00

Erin & Brian - The Hollywood Schoolhouse

2008-09-18T01:16:00.000-07:00

Glamorous, chic and romantic! These three words sum up Erin and Brian, and their day. The Hollywood Schoolhouse gave off a feeling of old world warmth and charm. With the large windows all along the building, natural light just streamed in, making the perfect setting for their vows. It was amazing watching the spark they have for each other, and a privilege to be able to tell their story through photographs. They both treasure each other so much. I'll let the photos tell the rest of their story.

Check back this Sunday for a slideshow! If you are anxious to see the rest of their photos, you may pre-register at www.pictage.com/522929. Their entire collection will be released in about 3 weeks, at this URL.

Katie & Nathan - The Slideshow

2008-08-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Katie & Nathan 8.8.08

2008-08-16T01:12:00.002-07:00

Katie and Nathan's wedding was nothing short of perfect. Every single detail was exquisite, down to the engraved servers for the princess cake. The church was simply amazing, with it's architectural beauty and natural light streaming in through the large stained glass windows. They were surrounded with family and friends and there is no doubt God was present.

The celebration was held at Craven Farm in Snohomish - complete with antique tractors, corn fields, twinkling lights and the moon hanging overhead. Katie surprised Nathan with a bit of his heritage. She had a bagpiper come and play for him! It was beautiful.

Katie and Nathan, I wish you the most wondrous life together. Congratulations!

The slideshow is coming soon! If you are anxious to see all of the photos, you may pre-register at http://www.Pictage.com/523733. They will be available 3-4 weeks from today.

Christine & Mike - The Slideshow

2008-08-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Christine & Mike

2008-08-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here are several highlights from Christine and Mike's Wedding. The day was beautiful - beginning to end! Throughout the ceremony, a thunderstorm was rolling in, but the rain magically held off until 5 mintues after when most of the guests were already safe inside. We chose to get a little wet for photos, which definitely made some memories!

NEW LOOK!

2008-08-09T18:18:00.001-07:00

The blog is finally shaping up! Check back - I hope to have larger images incorporated soon!

Buzzz - it's Boston!

2008-08-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

Here's Boston in 5 seconds - cool old architecture and beautiful coastal communities. I want to go back already!

Check the ad on the cab -- even their cabs have accents!

If I could take one thing home with me from Boston, besides jet-lag, it would be the accent. Perhaps a cah or some pupcorn too. Oh, and one of those houses built on the rocks at water's edge!

Photos from the highlight of my stay - the wedding - are on their way. Stay tuned!

BOSTON

2008-07-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

Boston, here I come! I can't wait - my plane leaves in 3 hours but in my mind I am already there! :) I'll be sure to post some images Sunday eve from the trip. Can't wait to see you and photograph your wedding, Christine & Mike!!!

Highland games

2008-07-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun. I even found Wisconsin cheese curds at a Scottish festival - who would have thought? There were dogs everywhere - here are our little ones enjoying their day out with their fellow best friends.

The mass grouping of musicians you see here was their last song all together - Amazing grace with over 100 bagpipe players. It sent chills up my spine!

Jamie & Sarah Slideshow

2008-07-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here is Jamie & Sarah's Engagement slide show. What makes this extra special is that he is playing and singing the music. Enjoy!

Whale Watching

2008-07-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

I had the priviledge of going whale watching off the coast of Anacortes and the San Juans over the 4th of July - here are a few of the shots! This is what I was able to capture. It was so cool seeing an entire pod together. They weren't super close to us, but it was amazing seeing these animals in person. I'd do it again in a heartbeat - only next time take a smaller boat. Crazy, I know!

I made the news!

2008-07-11T23:13:00.000-07:00

Check it out - I made the local news!

Underground Tour

2008-07-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

Cool, rusty old stuff found on the Underground tour in Seattle. You should check it out - if only for the funny, true stories they tell!

FINALLY

2008-06-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

Finally, I had the chance to update my Web site tonight. Instead of galleries filled with a bunch of my favorite photographs, I decided to organize everything by couple. This way, it gives people a way to see several weddings highlighted, and see their stories from start to finish! Check it out and let me know what you think. I can always go back to the old way if it's more "fun"...

Brad's Ode to Joy

2008-06-29T21:54:00.001-07:00

Okay, so after photographing Nate and Tara's wedding, I got back to the hotel and started sorting through photos. I could absolutely NOT stop laughing when I found what Brad had "focused" on during part of the reception. He was obviously hungry. Here's to you, Brad!

Leah and Dave

2008-06-29T17:50:00.001-07:00

The sneak preview! View the full collection in a few weeks at this link: http://www.pictage.com/500515

Tiffany

2008-06-29T17:44:00.001-07:00

Took a few photos today for Tiffany for use on a marketing piece for a high-end clothing store... cool clothes, cool girl!

Puppy Luff

2008-06-28T07:42:00.001-07:00

Awww!

all grown up

2008-06-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

SOB - it's my baby brother all grown up, with his beautiful fiance!

... and Jamie and Sarah.

2008-06-27T21:26:00.001-07:00

Weekend in the Midwest

2008-06-27T21:14:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, and so far the entire summer, was AMAZING! I was going to hold back to share until I made a slideshow or two, but I can't. I MUST show you some of my favorite shots. Leah and Dave...

Leah and Dave

2008-06-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am off on a red eye to Michigan, to shoot Leah and Dave's wedding! Can't wait! :o) I'll be back on Monday afternoon, so I'll be sure to post some of my fave's online.

Nate & Tara

2008-06-15T00:12:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of capturing Nate and Tara's story last weekend at the beautiful Featherwinds Inn in Leavenworth. It was a wonderful day, and I'm pleased to share with you a little taste of it. Within the next 3 weeks, all of Nate and Tara's photos will be available to view at the following link: http://www.pictage.com/492019.

New Puppy!

2008-06-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

Guess what? We got a brand new pup today! We got her from the amazing people at Ginger's Death Row Dog Rescue in Seattle. She's the most precious dog, next to our other dog Chaya, of course! She weighs in at a total of 1.5 pounds, the little porker. Does anyone have any ideas for names? We're thinking about the following...

Gnocci
Chewy
Wookie
Olive
Bali

Any other ideas? She's quite rolly polly and very cuddly, and very gremlin-like. We're trying to find a name that fits the little gremlin part of her. :o)

Pikes Place & Seattle Aquarium

2008-06-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

I love how the sun was illuminating just this one leaf!

Squishy...
Trust me, this is all you want to see of this octopus. Definitely suction-y and blubbery.

This is possibly the cutest thing I have seen in a long time.

Gotta love the musicians on every corner! Wouldn't be the market without it.

Lamb of God Confirmation

2008-05-31T20:38:00.001-07:00

A joyful Sunday with 3 baptisms and 5 confirmads!

Hans & Taimi Part 2

2008-05-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

Great Cathedral

2008-05-28T23:57:00.000-07:00

I am calling this the great cathedral because I unfortunately do not remember the name - but it was huge and it was beautiful. See for yourself! I shot these a few weeks ago in Minnesota.

Zoo Excursion

2008-05-19T23:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were able to go to the zoo with Mikel and our little nephew Dylan. I think zoos are a whole lot more fun with a little tike who finds wonder in everything. Plus, Brad and I both had cameras (overkill, I know...) and just went to town. I think we looked like the paparazzi following around a little prince. :o)

My Fave!

2008-05-13T23:25:00.000-07:00

Hans & Taimi

2008-05-08T23:18:00.001-07:00

Hans & Taimi

2008-05-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

2 weekends ago, I was able to join with family to celebrate the Wedding of Taimi and Hans. It was a beautiful day all around, and I'm so glad I was able to be a part of it! Congratulations Hans and Taimi!

Easter!

2008-04-08T23:57:00.001-07:00

Eclipse

2008-02-23T10:15:00.001-08:00

My dad's shot of the eclipse this past wednesday - too cool for words!

Custom Invitations

2008-02-20T14:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some great sites for custom invitations - very cool!

www.blonde-designs.com
www.cieloblustudios.com
www.letterspacepaper.com
www.louellapress.com
www.noterietypress.com
www.studio-olivine.com
www.thehappyenvelope.com
www.twigandfig.com

Melissa & Rob

2008-01-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Ice Skating Extravaganza!

2008-01-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

Something new - Family photos on ice! So much fun.

Zoolights Part 2

2007-11-30T22:45:00.000-08:00

The theme this year was bigger and brighter than ever, and featured animals wearing sunglasses. Make sure to check out the fact that even the CAKE animals were wearing sunglasses!

Zoolights!

2007-11-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

This year I got to work on the logo, posters, postcards and TV ads for Zoolights. Here are some photos from the event!

2007-10-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

NW Pinups 4 Troops

2007-10-21T22:38:00.001-07:00

Here are some fun pin-up shots of Mikel from our session today. I love studio-type photography now - bring it on!

Extreme Photography

2007-10-18T23:54:00.001-07:00

I would call tonight a lesson in extreme photography! I got to shoot Chantel and Don's wedding in Edmonds. I am always at least a half hour early to shoots and I ended up being an hour late, because the power was out in half the city and lots of traffic lights were out of order. The whole day I was worried it was going to be raining, but when I arrived the sun was breaking through the clouds - it was like God smiling down on us! It was extremely windy, but it made it more fun. At the beginning the sand was blowing all over the place and I got this crazy shot from it. Thought I'd share! More to come - I gotta hit the hay.

The 'pods

2007-10-16T00:13:00.001-07:00

Crazy Tripods

2007-10-16T00:02:00.001-07:00

Check out all these crazy photogs - all vying for the SAME photo view of mt shuksan! I'm not usually rebellious, but this prompted me to move to a different spot instead, set my camera on nature's tripod - the ground - and take the interesting angle you see below. Granted, I did not get the traditional shot of the reflecting pond complete with mountain and blue sky, but I happen to like this one much better.

Just kidding - you know I had to sneak in one traditional shot! When I got up to this great group of tripods, I found out that they were actually enrolled in a photography class. I snuck in the back, took a shot with the "big" lens so I could just get the mountain with reflection and none of them in it (a challenge, by the way)

Just when I thought I could walk away un-noticed (can we say, Chevy-chasing the photo?) this lady comes up to me and says, "woah, you must have a steady hand! How are you taking that without a tripod?" And frankly, I was dumbfounded. (wanted to say "Hello - it's a beautiful bright sunny day!") I mean, what do I say when their professor is standing right there, listening? I clearly had more than enough light, in fact I was able to take the shot at 100ISO, 1/250 of a second, f11. Perfect I thought, for a mountain. So I told her just that - what my settings were and that I didn't feel like using a tripod. Whoops! I think she didn't think her camera would work without the 'pod! Oh well. I suppose that's a different style of photo than I am used to.

Some days I wish I had that kind of patience! :o)

Weekend Getaway 2

2007-10-15T23:45:00.001-07:00

I wish I could say that those Kayaks were ours for the paddling, but alas, there they stood, perfectly on shore, awaiting me to take their portrait. :o) This drive along the coast in Bellingham, WA, on our way home, was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever been on. From the looks of it you'd think it was sunset, but it was really 2pm! The sky was awash with colors and I kept thinking it was later in the day than it really was. It was so cool to look out and see nothing but sea and islands. It almost led us to just hop in those kayaks and try to make it to the islands!

We had a blast just driving around town and my husband, bless his heart, pulled over anywhere I wanted for me to take pictures. He would even go out of his way to suggest a spot! For dinner, we stopped at this little hole in the wall diner and had horrible, artery-clogging food. Bad for the heart, great for the soul - that's what I say! The weekend was so nice that I almost forgot it was only 2 days long... can't wait to do it again sometime. We're already planning a weekend for next year, to Victoria. :o)

Weekend Getaway

2007-10-15T23:38:00.001-07:00

Finally, a weekend alone with my husband! We went away to a B&B in the country - canoed, saw Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan, did a lot of scenic hikes and scenic roadside exploring - and of course, a lot of photographing! Here are a few of my favorite moments.

2007-10-04T00:43:00.001-07:00

My best friend's sister's wedding.

2007-10-04T00:37:00.001-07:00

Really, it wasn't fair to ask me to do this wedding, and you all as the shoemaker family know this! I had a big ol zoom lens on Katie and Shane during the vows and I had a terrible time trying to keep it together. But, that's not all! The DJ decided to do the anniversary dance. So sappy! That one gets me every time!

Anyway, beautiful wedding, beautiful couple, beautiful Lexi, beautiful day. Here is a little taste!

Lisa & Cliff

2007-09-26T23:59:00.001-07:00

Here are some of my faves from tonights late night editing session. Perfect couple, perfect location!

Why I love to shoot weddings

2007-09-25T22:07:00.001-07:00

Weddings are one of my favorite things to photograph. The emotion of the day that most only get to experience once –– I get to live over again with every wedding I shoot. The privilege to spend the whole day with a couple, documenting their moments, is something I never take for granted. Difficult, yes, but rewarding, even more so!

Thank you to all of the couples who have allowed me to take a glimpse, through the lens, into their lives. This is your love story, and I love to tell it.

Finally!

2007-09-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

Finally, a place to update you on the goings-on of my photography business, and share thoughts, sentiments, and of course, PHOTOS! Stay tuned...much to come.