Baby Eleanor | Seattle Newborn Photographer

This little family has graced my blog and social media a few times over the past few months. :) 

When we met for their maternity session I left with butterflies in my tummy. I literally felt like I had finally been reunited with old friends that I had been missing for so long. It was a beautiful fall evening. The sun was warm and wrapped itself around them like a blanket. Then, we met again in the hospital when sweet baby girl arrived. And finally, they invited me into their home for this sweet in home newborn session. 

It felt like an easy, sleepy morning in their home. The Christmas tree was still up, coffee was brewing, and love was in fact in the air. They held their little treasure with the most tender of arms, soaking her in, reveling in the fact that they now had a baby girl to love and protect. 

It was beautiful. And I will admit I was sad as this meant out time of meeting regularly was over. They are just the best. Luckily we already have plans to do a family session in the summer. 

Enjoy this little family. I sure know I do! 

Fine Art School Portraits | Seattle Boutique School Photographer

This has been my fifth school portait season! I can't even believe that. I have enjoyed forming relationships with select schools in the Seattle area and have especially enjoyed getting to spend so much time with all of these beautiful children. 

It is so funny how many different expressions kiddos will give you. You just have to allow them to be themselves instead of asking them to do something stiff or awkward. 

Today I am sharing a little sampling form a recent neighborhood preschool I photographed. How cute are they?! 

It just so happens that today is the official launch of my very first Fine Art School Portrait class. If you are interested in learning more click the button below. 

Enjoy!

Baby Alex | Seattle Newborn Photographer

This in hospital newborn photography session was so meaningful to me. You see, I used to be a NICU and L&D nurse and I miss that job often. I spent ten years observing so many beautiful emotions and connections. To be able to go in to a NICU and capture all of these things with my camera was incredible. It was like my lives were colliding. 

Newborn photography is so important. 

These moments are fleeing and I promise they will soon seem like distant memories. 

When this mama contacted me to photograph them while their second baby was in the NICU I was thrilled. 

We met on a Sunday morning. Their two year old was delightful and so excited to introduce me to her new baby. They went through their normal routine of diaper changes and kangaroo care (skin to skin) and I had the privilege of documenting it. 

I hope to do more in hospital newborn sessions soon. It was such an honor. 

Hey Photographers, It's Okay To Say No

A friend and I were chatting today about when you just know you should say no yet you don't. In the world of social media we see so many people doing so many things. It seems like everyone is traveling, buying new gear, getting their hair done, going to epic locations to do epic shoots, and the list goes on. 

It makes us want all those things. And trust me, it happens to me every day. 

But you have to know that every time you say yes you are also saying no to something else you could be doing during that time.

For instance... I have had an unusual amount of inquiries for births lately. And I LOVE shooting births. So much intensity and joy to be captured. However, if I said yes to two of the births I was offered, I would literally have to forego all travel this summer with my family. Not okay.

But I considered it. Then I took pause and said "Elena, get your priorities straight. You only have 10 summers before Cooper goes off to college, use them wisely." 

Or another example, a beloved past client asked me to photograph her dental office. I LOVE this client and I considered doing it for her because of how much I love her. But I realized that this would be be satisfying to me which would in turn lead to me doing sub par work, not good for her or me. So I referred her out. 

So remember, even though new opportunities are shiny and enticing, it's okay to say NO and important to stay true to yourself. 

Believe in you and know that I believe in you. :)

Baby A | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Going into the hospital to capture a newborn is everything to me. There is nothing more magical then the first few hours with your new baby. I hope to do many more fresh 48 sessions in the future. 

This little family was so happy with their new baby girl. They were in complete awe of her. I left this session with a full and happy heart. 

Enjoy.