Hall Family | Seattle Family Photography

I will admit, when a friend asks me to capture their family I get a little more nervous then when it is a new family. I know that sounds silly, but family photography is so much more than a family photo to me. It is a true capture of who the family is. And when I already know the family and I know how amazing the family is, I get anxious because I have really high standards in capturing the awesomeness that I know they are. Does that make sense?

This family lives in our hood and our kiddos go to school together. In fact, their youngest is one of my youngest best pals. 

We met at a local beach that also has a forrest. It was a lovely evening with a gorgeous sunset. I hope you can feel the love and connection that is present in this very special family. 

Enjoy! 

The Art Of Family Lifestyle Photography | Online Photography Workshp

The most rewarding part of becoming a teacher has been seeing the success and growth in my students.

After each run of my online workshop, The Art Of Family Lifestyle Photography, each student is invited to join our very active Facebook group. In this private group we do a monthly challenge each month for our cover photo. This is a positive challenge where we champion our peers and grow as a group!

The submissions continue to blow my mind and inspire me to be a better photographer! I am so proud of these ladies and the progress that they continue to make on their journey.

Online photography workshops can really connect you to thriving communities! I am so grateful for mine!

Enjoy this month's cover contest submissions! I encourage you to head to their Facebook and Instagram pages for daily inspiration!

Amber Walder was this month's winner and her gorgeous image now graces our cover!

Amber Walder | www.facebook.com/amberwalderphotography | www.instagram.com/amberwalderphotography

Lyndsay Mills McNiff | www.lyndsayhannahphotography.com | www.facebook.com/lyndsayhannahphotography | www.instagram.com/lyndsayhannahphotography

Amy Mehlos | www.facebook.com/amylouisephotographyseattle | www.instagram.com/amylouisephotography

Tasha Boin | https://www.instagram.com/tashaboinphotography/ | https://www.facebook.com/TashaBoinPhotography/

Hali Resney Tomczak | https://facebook.com/sweetlivphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/sweetlivphotography/ | www.sweetlivphotography.com

Amy Wright | www.facebook.com/amywrightphoto | www.instagram.com/amywrighphoto | www.amywrightphoto.com

Laurie Hatfield | lauriehatfieldphotography.com | https://www.instagram.com/laurie_hatfield | https://www.facebook.com/lauriehatfieldphotography/

Wendy Bickis | wendybickisphotography.com | www.instagram.com/wbickis | www.facebook.com/wendybickisphotography

Lori Seitz Rider | www.instagram.com/everydayartistryphotography | https://www.facebook.com/everydayartistryphotography/

Angie Wynne | www.facebook.com/angiewynnephotography | www.instagram.com/angiewynnephotography

Tracy Woods | https://www.facebook.com/TracyWoodsPhotography/ | www.instagram.com/tracywoodsphotography/ | tracywoodsphotography.com

Karra Cappelli | www.karralynnphotography.com | www.facebook.com/karralynnphotography | www.instagram.com/karralynnphoto

Brittany Gunter | www.facebook.com/brittanygunterphotography | www.instagram.com/brittanygunter_photography | www.brittanygunterphotography.com

Nancy Andricsak | www.instagram.com/nancyelizabethphotography

Kellie Pecoraro | www.kelliepecoraro.com | www.facebook.com/kelliepecorarophotography | www.instagram.com/kelliepecorarophotography

Agnes Szlapka | agnesszlapkaphotography.com | https://www.facebook.com/agnesszlapkaphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/agnesszlapkastudios/

Vanessa Welch | www.vanessawelchphotography.com | https://www.instagram.com/vanessawelchphoto/

Pallavi Sureka Kejriwal | https://facebook.com/candidyouphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/candidyouphotography/ | www.candidyouphotography.com

Murielle Cascone | www.instagram.com/muriellecascone | www.muriellecascone.com

Marti Austin | martiaustinphotography.com | https://www.facebook.com/martiaustinphoto/ | instagram.com/martiaustinphotography

Erin Aasland | https://www.facebook.com/ErinAaslandPortraits/ | www.instagram.com/eaasland | www.erinaasland.com

Tracy Lynn | www.tracylphotography.com | www.facebook.com/tracylphotography | www.instagram.com/tracylphotography

Jocelyn Nolte Miller | www.yellowroomphoto.com | www.facebook.com/yellowroomphotography | www.instagram.com/yellowroomphoto

Katrina Arundel | https://www.facebook.com/katrinaarundelphotography/ | www.instagram.com/katrinaarundelphoto

Jeanette Baysinger | https://www.facebook.com/j.baysingerphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/j.baysingerphotography/ | https://www.jbaysingerphotography.com/

Sharon Kenney | https://www.facebook.com/sharonkenneyphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/sharonkenneyphoto/

Emily Dowell | https://www.facebook.com/emilydowellphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/emily_dowell_photography/ | https://www.emilydowellphotography.com/

Karen Webb | www.capturebykaren.com.au | https://www.instagram.com/capture_by_karen/ | https://www.facebook.com/capturebykaren/

Natalie Marotta | https://www.instagram.com/marotta_style/

Jenny Grimm | jennygrimm.com | www.instagram.com/jenny.grimm | www.facebook.com/jennygrimmphotography

Karen Holden | karenholdenphotography.com | https://www.instagram.com/karenholdenphotography/

Schooled Online Boutique School Photography Workshop

This past spring I launched my first ever online version of my in person class, Schooled. I knew that I wanted to offer a learning experience that was motivating and actionable. Too many of my students peers have told me of money spent on content that simply sits on their hard drive. 

I wanted my students to have all the tools they needed to take action and to actually start building their portfolio and booking schools immediately! Welp!! They are knocking my socks off.

BOUTIQUE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY IS IN HIGH DEMAND ALL OVER THE WORLD. 

Parents are craving a fresh and more personal alternative to school photography. I want to celebrate my students and share with you the amazing work they have been up to and also their kind words on how this online course has built up their businesses. 

There are so many success stories that I am breaking this up into a three post installment. Get ready to be inspired!! Go follow these talents artists today! 

Monica Glover "I am so glad I discovered Elena's class! As soon as I saw her portfolio, I knew this is the kind of portrait I would love to do. She explained everything thoroughly and really pour out her time and energy to teach her students. Thanks Elena!"

www.monicaglover.com | www.instagram.com/monicagloverphoto

Rochelle Hepworth "As a lifestyle family photographer, capturing the true essence of a child is the purpose with which I set out in every photo shoot. I have found most sideline incomes in photography to require me to "sell out" to who I really am as an artist. Elena has shown me how I can be true to myself by offering fine art school portraits, and provided a tried and trusted business path that is clear and easy to follow, without having to invent the wheel twice."

www.rochellehepworth.com | https://www.facebook.com/rochellehepworthphotography/ | www.instagram.com/rochellehepworthphoto

Amy Jo Erickson "By taking this course I have the knowledge and confidence to expand my business. I am so excited to start School Photography!"

http://www.amyjoericksonphotography.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/amyjoerickson/ | https://www.facebook.com/amyjoericksonphotographs/

Kristen Vallejo "Elena's class gave me the confidence to know that I am providing a valuable and appreciated service that is in demand. Beautiful Children's Portraiture can be accessible to everyone, and the process can be simple and elegant."

www.kristenvallejo.com | https://www.facebook.com/KristenVallejoPhoto/ | https://www.instagram.com/kristen_vallejo_photography/

Jocelyn Nolte Miller "This helped me gain confidence in an arena that I have very little knowledge. It was awesome to learn I could take this on while also promoting my lifestyle family work and increasing my income. I have my first set of schools in one month! "

www.yellowroomphoto.com | www.facebook.com/yellowroomphotography | www.instagram.com/yellowroomphoto

Meg Miller "Oh this course... where do I start? It allows each CHILD to shine... their personality, their spark...just as they are. You brought the focus back on what it should be on-the child! When you appreciate them as they are, their unique personality shine through and allows us, as the photographers, to soak up all of that goodness... exactly as their parents want to remember them."

http://www.photographybymegmiller.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/photographybymegmiller/ | https://www.instagram.com/photographybymegmiller/

Kerie Griggs "I am so excited about expanding my business and opening up another area of revenue. I love photographing kiddos so this was right up my alley! The information provide in this course was amazing!"

www.kgriggsphotography.com | www.facebook.com/kgriggsphotography | www.instagram.com/kgriggsphotography

Erin Wood "This course allowed me to open up a new branch of my business in a short amount of time. No question went unanswered and I already booked my first school! This is a great class!"

www.erinwoodphotography.com | https://www.facebook.com/erinwoodphotographyCT/ | https://www.instagram.com/erinwoodphoto/

Schooled An Online Course On Boutique School Photography and Fine Art School Portraits

This past spring I launched my first ever online version of my in person class, Schooled. I knew that I wanted to offer a learning experience that was motivating and actionable. Too many of my students peers have told me of money spent on content that simply sits on their hard drive. 

I wanted my students to have all the tools they needed to take action and to actually start building their portfolio and booking schools immediately! Welp!! They are knocking my socks off.

BOUTIQUE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY IS IN HIGH DEMAND ALL OVER THE WORLD. 

Parents are craving a fresh and more personal alternative to school photography. I want to celebrate my students and share with you the amazing work they have been up to and also their kind words on how this online course has built up their businesses. 

There are so many success stories that I am breaking this up into a three post installment. Get ready to be inspired!! Go follow these talents artists today! 

Emily Dowell "What didn't I learn from this course? I'm so excited to have all the tools and confidence to go out and present a valuable product I believe in. Elena leaves no stone unturned and I'm sure Fine Art School Portraits is the key to taking my new business to the next level."

https://www.facebook.com/emilydowellphotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/emily_dowell_photography/ | https://www.emilydowellphotography.com/

Ashley Steers Volker "I always thought that "Fine Art" photography was too stiff and formal for me, but I was SO wrong! Elena shares an incredible amount of information in this course, from planning & marketing, to shooting & processing, to bringing in orders & wrapping up. She pours out her heart to encourage other photographers to be open minded enough to take a leap of faith and give school portraits a try. I have gone from apprehensive and even scared to excited and motivated all because of this course! Thank you Elena!"

www.morningbeautifulphotography.com | https://www.facebook.com/morningbeautifulphotography | https://www.instagram.com/morningbeautifulphotography

Heather Svien "This course has given me the tools to take my business to another level. Providing me with a workflow for the business end and pushing myself creatively, I have been able to book one school for the fall and be confident that I can deliver the the best experience for the school. Elena held nothing back in sharing what it takes to make Fine Art School Portraits a successful part of your photography business."

http://www.rubyhuephotography.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/Rubyhuephotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/rhpkids/

Jennifer Bauldree "Elena's course was a game-changer for me and my business. My school portrait business has already begun to grow, with two schools already booked and thrilled about what they will offer to their families! Elena's style is direct and encouraging, and the instructions and tutorials are so easy to follow. This comprehensive course is fantastic and I'm grateful for Elena putting her heart into it and into the student community."

www.jenbauldree.com | https://www.facebook.com/jenbauldreephotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/jenbauldreephotography

Shannon Garbaccio "Elena has created a terrific, fool proof course to take your photography business to the next level. I have been able to add a whole new facet to my business, its truly invaluable ! The icing on the cake is her truly unwavering support and enthusiasm for each of her students success."

shannongarbaccio.com | https://www.instagram.com/shannongarbacciophoto/ | https://www.facebook.com/shannongarbacciophotography/

Malerie Veillon "This course was the stepping stone that helped me simply get started in my photography side business. I'm so passionate about these fine art portraits, I'm even branching out to grandparents for my own personal projects!"

www.joyfuljanephotography.com | https://www.facebook.com/joyfuljanephotography/

Laurie Hatfield "I don't even know where to start about this course! I felt for a while like I would enjoy school photography but had NO idea where to even begin. Elena's course walks you through everything from start to finish! I went from some free portfolio-building shoots to booking some paid mini sessions in my home and booking my son's preschool for portraits this coming spring! I can't wait to see where it goes from here!"

www.lauriehatfieldphotography.com | https://www.facebook.com/lauriehatfieldphotography/ | www.instagram.com/laurie_hatfield

Nicole Parizo "I have found another genre to add to my work! I absolutely love taking pictures of these kiddos. If it weren't for Elena's class I wouldn't think this would be something I would even like or be good at. She is simply amazing and generous with sharing her knowledge!!"

www.nicoleparizo.com | https://www.instagram.com/nicole_parizo/ | https://www.facebook.com/NicoleParizoPhotography/

Julia Lorraine Peterson "Elena made starting out in boutique school photography organized and fun while taking all the dread out of it. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Elena has a tried and true method that is simple and effective."

www.julialorraine.com | https://www.instagram.com/julialorrainepeterson/ | https://www.facebook.com/julialorrainephotography/

Lisa Cole "I loved how straightforward the information was in this course and that I was able to immediately (and confidently) add school portraits to my services."

www.lisacolephotography.com | https://www.instagram.com/lisacolephotography/ | www.facebook.com/lisacolephotography

Walder | Seattle Family Photographer

So I don't even know where to begin. It's funny how many photographers I meet who are or were also registered nurses. There has to be something there. Perhaps we are simply drawn to human connection in any form, because that is one parallel I find in both careers. Connection. 

Amber and I are both nurses and both are photographers. We both feel passionate about family and community. We have so many similarities. 

When she asked me to photograph them while they were on vacation here in Seattle I was absolutely honored. 

This shoot is everything I want my art to say. It is raw, it is real, it is authentic, it is all the descriptive words I strive for. :)

Family photography is my life's  work. I know there are many talented photographers in the world and when someone decides to take time out of their vacation for me to capture them I don't take that privilege lightly. 

I hope you can feel what I felt when I took these images. I hope you can tell how powerful this mama is. I hope you can get a glimpse into just how tender and loving this papa is. I hope you feel the rowdy energy from her three boys yet the sweet love and adoration they have for each other. I hope you can tell that her baby girl is in a season in life where she loves her mama fiercely. 

I just hope I did them justice.