Craving Color

Shelley and Brian met me over in Poulsbo on Saturday for some belly photos. I love shooting in Poulsbo, a little Norwegian town on the water that is FILLED with color. Shelley told me that she used to dress pretty monochromatically and with a lot of black, but since she's been pregnant she wants color, color, color! I love that pregnancy brings out this creative force in women. Maybe it's just in crazy dreams, or maybe we take up a new hobby, or maybe we embrace a new palette designed to draw attention, but pregnant women experience a surge of creativity. I love it! Anyway, here are some photos from our color-filled session.


We started out at Brian's parents house - a veritable park -- for some more nature-y shots.

I love these peonies!

Shelley and Brian have been together a LONG time, but they've still got great chemistry.

I've been wanting to use this umbrella (or is it a parasol?) for a while.

Back behind the house is a greenbelt where the neighbor kids play football. It was covered with yellow bushes. I guess they are weeds, but I love them!
And now we're in old-town Poulsbo.

A fun one that we can all appreciate.

One of my favorites.

Color, anyone?

Toward the end of the session Shelley wondered if perhaps Brian was feeling a little neglected. So we gave him his own (almost) shot!

And finally another shot of Shelley and her gorgeous eyes. She has got that soulful stare DOWN!

Shelley and Brian, I had so much fun in Poulsbo with you! Thanks for a great evening. I'm so excited for you and your soon-to-arrive little boy. I hope you find some photos here to love!

Marcia's Babies!

My dear friend, Marcia, gave birth to TWO babies on Monday morning! At 32 weeks gestation, they will be staying in the NICU for a while, but they are both breathing on their own and making wonderful progress. Marcia is up and around and completely her old self (which shocked me, but is so very MARCIA). Yesterday morning I got to visit Marcia and the new (27 hours old!) babes, and of course I had to take some pictures. These babies are so beautiful, so tiny (though for twins at this point they are huge -- way to go Marcia!), and so miraculous, it was hard to keep dry eyes behind my camera. Here are some images from our visit.

First, we have baby girl A. We're still waiting to hear what her name will be.

See her long fingers? I'm guessing she'll take after her mother and be TALL.

Big sister, Raya, visits her little sis and gives a wave. I think little sis is waving back! Raya is already enthralled by her new siblings.

Next we have baby boy B -- Sami. I adore the name. Sami's bed was right next to the window, so I'm afraid I got a little snap-happy with all the natural light coming in.

I love this leg shot. Both babies are 17 inches long, but at 4 pounds each, they are long and LEAN.

A yawn!
This is the first time that Marcia was able to sit down and hold her son -- ever! The joy on her face brings tears to my eyes every time I look at this photo. Isn't she beautiful?

Touching his delicate skin.

And finally holding his head in her hand. This gives you an idea of how little he is.

Marcia is one of the most amazing mothers I've ever known, and while she faces many challenges in the future, I know she'll handle them with grace and compassion and a smile. I'm so honored to have been allowed to see her beautiful babies (and photograph them!) at such an early age. I can't wait to see them again! Congratulations to Marcia, Rani, and Raya!

Guess who!

Cooling Off

Today felt like summer. We worked on outdoor projects, watched Abby parade around in sunglasses and a diaper (and nothing else), and ate lunch on the deck. I love that summer feeling. And what could be more summer than watching your child run through the sprinkler?


Well, the sprinkler didn't entice her, but drinking from the hose did. Of course with a daddy who loves a laugh and a mama who loves pictures, drinking from the hose turned into a very wet affair. Lucky for us, our kiddo LOVES water, and after a few hugs from warm (formerly dry) mama, I think she has recovered from the shock of Daddy chasing her with the hose. Here are a few of my favorites:

I couldn't decide between the color and black & white. Which one do you like?

Abby's favorite thing at preschool is washing her hands at the sink. The other kids will go to the sensory room or the art room or play with cars, but Abigail parks herself on the sink stool and washes, washes, washes. This made it easy to lure her to the hose.

My wet kiddo. I love this shot.

This is what happened when we told Abby to look at the flower. I laugh every time I see this.

Looking up at Daddy. The feet in the background are what get me here.
Taking another drink.

"Ahhh!" Refreshing?

And here's where Daddy chases Abby around the yard with the water.

Run, Abby, run! She did. Right into my lap.

But that didn't stop her from getting another drink.
It feels so good to have some summer weather. We're going to be making the most of our time as a family of three for the next eight weeks or so. Thanks for stopping by!

Cienna and her growing family

What better way to kick off Mother's Day weekend than by photographing a mother of (soon-to-be) two? Saturday turned out to be the perfect day to head outdoors and enjoy some filtered sunshine. Cienna's fabulous style, beautiful smile, and easy-going attitude made this a FUN morning. Add in an adorable 17 month-old and a super supportive husband, and voila! Beautiful pregnancy photos.


We'll start with one of my very favorites. Mama and baby soak up some sun.
Cienna's accessories make me jealous.

Monte joined us for a moment. He wasn't too keen on participating, so I'm guessing that Cienna will be pleased with this one.

Casual and thoughtful.

Love this belly shot!

Mama, Daddy, and Baby Ellie.
I love her bellybutton!

Another surprise moment.

Family fun.

Gorgeous light and flare.

And a glowing smile.
I knew as soon as this shot happened that it would be a favorite. Not exactly a pregnant shot, but definitely one worth having!

Cienna and Brannon, thanks so much for a wonderful morning. I can't wait to share more shots with you, but I hope you enjoyed your sneak peak. Rest up! The next six weeks are going to fly by!