ENGAGED : ERIN + CONOR | Seattle, WA

Erin and Conor were models for Natalie Norton's Envision | Seattle workshop earlier this month. The stunning couple is recently engaged, and were so much fun to work with. As luck would have it, meeting the bride-to-be was even meant-to-be for me -- Erin is currently working on designing a new logo for me. She's uber talented, and can somehow make sense of my incoherent emailed "visions" of the design, and produce just what I was thinking!

We shot this session at two different times during the day in downtown Seattle, and the light was just perfect. The gorgeous couple is Anthropologie-styled, looking like they belong in a magazine!

Erin and Conor, best wishes on your wedding day, and in all the years to come!

ENVISION | SEATTLE : NATALIE NORTON WORKSHOP

Years ago, I lived in the small town of La'ie, Hawaii. I was a college student still finding my way, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Fast-forward almost a decade, and here I am - a mother, a wife, an accountant, and an ever-aspiring photographer, living in the Northwest. Little did I know that in that small town of La'ie, was a woman who would also become a photographer - an amazingly successful one - and that it would be thousands of miles (and many years later) from Hawaii's North Shore that I would meet her, learn from her, and be inspired by her.

I'd first heard of Natalie Norton, the photographer, a couple of years ago when I'd come across her blog. I'd bookmarked it, and became a regular reader. Natalie and I have mutual friends, and I'd heard only the nicest things about her. Her blog is a showcase of beautiful images, and her posts are well-written and heartfelt. It isn't difficult to read through her blog and not feel an instant connection to her - she is open and honest, and her words are moving and real.

So when she tweeted that she would be hosting a workshop in Seattle, I jumped on it. I was 9 months pregnant with my son, about to go on maternity leave, figured my baby would be around 2-3 months old once the workshop rolled around, and I decided it would all work out. I knew I'd probably be on hiatus from my photography business for a little while as I tried to find some balance with a new baby, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity.

The Envision | Seattle workshop was, in essence, just what I needed. Hosted at Hotel Max in downtown Seattle, I enjoyed an insightful, fun day with Natalie and an awesome group of photographers. Natalie was just as open and honest as she comes across in her blog, sharing so much of herself and her business philosophies with the group. She is as beautiful inside and she is out, and I'm still so thrilled I was able to attend her workshop. We photographed the Prang family, and the stunning Erin & Conor, recently engaged (photos to follow!).

To say the very least, I left feeling motivated and driven about my photography business, inspired to envision the possibilities!

Thank you Nat, for everything!

Sunshine and Smiles

Sunny days come few and far between around here, but we've been lucky to see the sun and enjoy some warm weather lately. Seems like any time the sun comes out, we make a fast dash to a waterfront - usually one of our two favorite spots: Alki Beach and Browns Point Park. The kids love it, and have smiles plastered on their faces for hours!

There's nothing better than these kinds of days - we get a chance to get away from the grind, and our busy lives, and just enjoy each other, the warmth, and the beautiful views.

My husband catches great shots of the awesome scenery (photo credit to him for those shots below); and the girls give me tons to work with, always ready when the camera comes out.

Neglect

I've neglected my blog and photography lately..bad.

My only excuse is that I've been thoroughly enjoying maternity leave and spending time with my precious son, and my sweet daughters who suddenly seem so grown up. Nothing is more rewarding, and I'm savoring every minute I get to spend at home before returning to work, and getting back to the grind. When the time comes, and I have to get back to my old routine, the camera will come out again and take pictures of people and things other than my home and family :). I'm excited - the blog needs a revamp, and my long break has tons of ideas running around in my head.

In the meantime, I'll be neglecting this for a little while longer for these three munchkins who steal my heart every day.

Thank Heaven for Little Boys

I'm happy to announce that my little man is finally here! He's perfect in every way, and once again, I am amazed that I can love this child as much as my other children, when I didn't ever think it was possible to love any one person that much! Our hearts' capacity to love is truly immeasurable. Our baby boy is only 5 days old, and already, I can't imagine what life could've been like without him. He is his sisters' (and parents, of course) pride and joy, and they're thrilled he's here.

His dad gave him his first name, and three middle names after it! Baby Israel was born on April 9th at 9:35 am, and weighed in at a good 8 lbs 12 oz, and measured 21 inches long. Here are a few photos of our newest addition, who melts our hearts every time we set eyes on him!

Thank Heaven for Little Boys :)

Israel @ 1 day old...





And @ 2 days old with his daddy and big sister Eden...


And one with his angel of a grandma, "G-Mom"...


Puckering up!


4 days old with his big sister Taimane...


5 days old :)






My heart is truly full, and I am SO very thankful for my precious bundle of JOY!

Happy 1st Easter Baby L!

Not long ago, I took some maternity pictures of my best friend. Just a couple of months later, her handsome baby boy is here and precious as ever, celebrating his very first Easter! Love you so much, Baby L!

SPECIAL : Easter Mini Sessions this Weekend!

Easter's just a little more than a week away!

I'm planning to do some Easter mini sessions this weekend in the Seattle/Tacoma area - there are four TWO spots available on Saturday and 2 on Sunday, and will be $75/session.

Here's the jist of the mini session:

- 45 minutes shooting time at a location of your choice
- At least 10 edited images blogged/emailed to you within a few days (for prints in time for Easter)
- A CD of edited, high-resolution images

For an additional $25, you can order fifty (50) custom 6.5" x 7" Easter cards (with envelopes) that will be ready as soon as 3/30/10.

Email me at info@tiarephoto.com to schedule a session, or for more information :).

HAPPY EASTER!