Here is a sneak peek of today’s session with J. She is a mother to an adorable little boy, but this time is expecting a girl! [J - I know I said two, but really I thought this one was just so WOW that I wanted to make it the only one for now, I promise your others will be up soon!] This was such an easygoing session…her calming personality just made everything seem so effortless.
I had a great opportunity to be one of the photographer’s at the shooting mixer organized by Emma Jane at the amazing venue in downtown Seattle, Hotel 1000. It was so much fun and I have a very photo heavy blog post to prove it! From venue, to details, to portraits and candids…
We were indoors all day for this one (although the reception area is an enclosed terrace – which is perfect for the rainy weather here) and found the natural light and modern decor beautiful to shoot in. There is an amazing light sculpture right inside the entrance that exemplifies the simple elegance and sophistication that the hotel offers. It was great to see some familiar faces, and new photographer’s I hadn’t met but hope to keep in touch with…such a creative and fun group!
I couldn’t say enough good things about the vendors that put so much hard work into making every detail amazing so I just want to extend my sincere gratitude for all of your hard work. Many, many, thanks to Emma (who also did the candy bar) and the amazing WWPAMX models Natalie, Kayla, Kiran, Tyease and Warren, Christy and Kristian. Also thank you to Josh for all of your coordination, When with SPA Studio, Sheila Birashk for make up and Absolut Hair Salon’s BB and Brittany for the hair. The designer dresses were from La Belle Elaine’s Bridal and they were certainly stunning, as was the jewelry from Bridal Boutique! The cake from Sugar Rush was not only a work of art, but sooo yummy! Petal and the Stem provided all of the flowers, include a wide variety of bouquets, all of which were so vivid and breathtakingly beautiful.
I did try out some different techniques, while shooting and with processing afterwards, and I’m really happy with how it worked out. With so many photographer’s, it does become a little challenging to get the shot you want, and I did miss a few, however I did steal Kristian away and shot exactly what I wanted in the chairs by the window and lamp…GQ Magazine – call me – hehe 
Ok, get ready to rock-n-scroll! 
Being eco-conscious is a necessary investment in our future. I am committed to being a “Green Photographer” and environmentally responsible in my life and in my business. I’m always trying to find ways to be an eco-friendly photographer, here are some of them…
+ My vehicle is a Hybrid
+ My marketing materials are printed on recycled paper
+ I also work with a variety of vendors that are environmentally responsible and provide eco-friendly products
+ I generally try to use my laser printer as much as I can, which uses solid-ink technology (no cartridges!)
+ I reuse and recycle glass, plastic and paper products to reduce waste
+ By not having a studio, it saves valueable resources such as energy and water
+ Only rechargeable batteries are used in my photographic equipment
+ When I do use studio lighting, the bulbs are CFL (Compact Flourescent)
+ I subscribe to an online fax service (electronic PDF’s instead of paper/toner/electricity)
+ I work exclusively on Apple computers (click here to learn more about their efforts)
+ I try to always use renewable resources (environmentally sustainable) & conserve whenever possible
+ Instead of notes, maps, etc. I use my cell phone and in-vehicle GPS for keeping notes & directions
+ Many of my props are second-hand from antique and donation stores
+ Many of the knit hats (I have an extensive collection) are made with natural fibers and all hand-knit in the USA
+ Listed as a green photographer on the Green Bride Guide
Going digital does a lot for the environment.
Being a digital photographer does more than make the process significantly quicker than traditional photography. It also saves on unecessary prints, harsh developing chemicals and excess materials. Clients are encouraged to only order the images they want.
Mother Earth provides for us, so let’s show her some love!
Here is Breanna, also class of 2010…I just love her style! The rain stopped for maybe 5 minutes, long enough to snap a couple near a tree, but the rest were under cover so we didn’t get too soaked. She just seemed to radiate beauty and confidence in every photo.
Here are some of my favorites of Kayla, class of 2010. I love both the color and black & whites of her…she had such a gorgeous complexion and sparkly big brown eyes. Very easy going and super sweet, and even though I didn’t get much time with her I think we got a few beautiful shots!
Nina, class of 2010, was a natural in front of the camera. Full of great energy and flashing her beautiful smile, we had a good time and some good laughs. It was pouring rain, but we decide to head out anyway and try to get a few shots in. This was a senior friends shoot, which was a lot of fun with all three girls and another photographer…let me know if you might be interested in this kind of senior session.
An unused can of Kodak film on the left, and a Compact Flash card on the right…the reality of the changing times.
I can only imagine where that can of 20-exposure film has been…for years it was hidden in my Grandfather’s garage storage until he passed away and it ended up in my hands. I have been its keeper for almost 10 years now and I will always keep it for all that it symbolizes. History. Art. Innovation. The compact flash card on the right is one of many that I use for my photography and it holds 400+ images in RAW format.
There is still art in digital.
I do remember processing my own film and developing my own photos in my High School’s darkroom…it really felt like you were making “ART”. I refused to buy a digital camera until I saw just how amazing the technology and the quality had progressed. I soon discovered that professional images are still edited…still skillfully retouched…still hand-processed. It just happens its done to a digital file instead of a negative.
Pursue your passion and embrace change.
I have five or so of my Grandfather’s film cameras (from a Falcon Miniature to a Kodak Tourist II), which I hope to display one day in a studio of my own. He loved photography, architecture, printing, and was so proud to finally own a digital camera and a computer when he was in his late 70′s. He built his own garage workshop and would tinker, build, repair and organize in there. When he passed, we discovered file cabinets full of old magazine clippings that were categorized…things he had saved and things that he had always planned “to get to” or that he thought were important. He was a very quiet man. I worked with him in a print shop for a couple years and really had an opportunity like no other in our family to get to know him. He was an average man with an amazing life story. From being captured by Nazi’s in WWII to owning his own newspaper business…I just wish I would have asked more questions. We had computers in school when I was a kid and I remember having one kind of computer or another since I was 5. Even games have changed, from Frogger to World of Warcraft…and what would my Grandfather think of my 2 year old playing puzzles on my iPhone? I think he would be amazed and would have been one of the first to own his own iPhone. He truly embraced technology…and embraced change. I just feel like he wasn’t able to pursue his passion and realize his full potential…but he seemed content. I know he wanted more from me, for me to take whatever I had to wherever it could go.
Thank you for your interest! To find out more about session pricing and details please visit the main website: Add to Heart Photography
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a session email me or call Laura at 360.434.5937
The studio in Old Town Silverdale is by appointment only. Its a cute little red house near the waterfront at 3475 NW Byron Street, Silverdale, Washington 98383
Member
Professional Photographers of America
