Sal Cincotta workshop in LA

Last week I had the great privilege of attending a workshop with one of the industry icons Sal Cincatta.  This two-day workshop was filled with so much information that I could barley keep up! The first day we spent shooting; we drove all over downtown LA in search of great backdrops for our gorgeous models.  A great deal of time was devoted to learning to see the big picture and making photographs that have great impact and make great art pieces.  The second day, we worked some new post-prossessing techniques meant to enhance the pictures from the day before.  The remainder of the day was spent discussing business strategies.  I am learning that being a photographer is 20% taking pictures and 80% being a business person!

It was a pleasure getting to spend this time with ten other likeminded photographers and a privilege to learn from Sal, Taylor and Alissa.  

This is what it looks like when 11 photographers are getting the perfect shoot!! 

Allie Shelman Bonnie Lake Class of 2014

I would like to introduce everyone to Allie, who hails from the Bonnie Lake Class of 2014.  We had so much fun! Allie was a fabulous model because she is a multi-faceted  individual.  She is equally comfortable playing the part of a motocross enthusiast and a supermodel.  This artist and gamer has a bright future ahead of her. I wish her all the best! It was a privilege to spent the afternoon with her.  

To see more from Allie's session check out her slide show bellow

Hannah and Justin - Maroni Meadows, Snohomish Washington

Don't tell Hannah and Justin you can't find love on the internet. These two met through an on-line dating service and have been together ever since.  A few years after their first meeting, this game developer and teacher decided to get married, and I got be be a witness to their  fun, quirky style.  Surrounded by loving family and friends, this fun couple was married at serene and beautiful Maroni Meadows in Snohomish.  Their unique service was on a little island in the middle of a beautiful pond. The super-hero groomsmen and the princess bridesmaids surrounded this couple as they pledged their own hand-written vows.  After their touching ceremony, the couple and their guests ate, drank and danced the night away.  It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with these wonderful people.  I hope their honeymoon trip to Maui was relaxing and filled with good food, good drinks and lots of time with one another ( sans sharks of course!).

To see more of Hannah and Justin check out their slideshow bellow!

Ceremony Location: Maroni Meadows 

                                  http://www.maronimeadows.com/

Nathan Hurst - Class of 2014

I would like to introduce you to Nathan Hurst, Class of 2014! Nathan is a senior at Bonney Lake High School (Go Panthers!) where he is on the swim team.  Nathan is a great sport; when I suggested we start at the pool and then travel to two other spots, he was game.  He is serious, but does have a silly side, and his smile is truly infectious. I had a great time with this senior, and I wish him all the best in his senior year.

Check out more of Nathan's session below!

Michael and Carla Jones -Snohomish Wa



Carla and Michael are truly two of the sweetest people I have ever met.  And to top it off, they have the most wonderful and supportive families, all a pleasure to get to know. Carla and Michael met through friends and have been together ever since. They were married at  Michael's parents' home, surrounded by family and friends. This beautiful property was the perfect location for all of Carla's and Michael's special touches. One unusual, but wonderfully special touch was a charming ceremony with family and friends giving the newlyweds sage advice for a long, happy marrage. Carla's father was the officiant, which added another note of support and caring to the day.  After the ceremony, the new couple danced the night away to festive music provided by conga master Arturo Rodriguez. They ended the night with a dollar dance, a mexican tradition where guests pin money on the couple to get a chance to dance with them and to give the bride and groom a chance to thank each guest for sharing their special day.   I wish Carla and Michael all the best; they have a bright future ahead of them. 

To see more from this beautiful wedding check out the video below!

Kyle Cooker 2013

This year was my third time photographing Kyle, and every session has been great fun.  Each year, he and I take the time to capture a moment of his life before he barrels headlong into the next.  It has been such a true pleasure to watch how this young man has grown and matured each time we meet. It seems like only a split second has come and gone.  I also look forward to seeing how Kyle changes the next time we meet.  A returning client, like Kyle, is truly a part of the great joy of my job. I love getting to watch how families grow and change. And the fun I have becoming friends with my clients helps us all to produce portraits that I hope they will treasure for years to come. Kyle, enjoy your Junior year, and I will see you next summer to slow you down for another moment in time!



Check out Kyle's slideshow!

Bailey's sport

        For all who know my daughter, they know that even though her brother would do any and every team sport known to man if we would allow it, she is not really a team sport kind of kid. So, knowing she didn't really like team sports, we still wanted to get her involved in some kind of extracurricular activity.  Her dad had a horse when he was her age and knowing her love of animals, he thought horseback riding would be a good fit.  

        Well, he's a genius (at least about this); she took to it like a fish in water.  She loves it and is pretty good.  Some people would say that horseback riding is not a sport, but if you talk to Bailey after a lesson, she will tell you that she is wiped out!  It takes a lot of muscle strength to get a big horse to do what you want rather than what it wants.  We are just glad that she has found something she loves!

Silvia and Kelvin Married - The Cove , Normandy Park, Washington

The first time I met Silvia and Kelvin, I knew I would love them and love sharing this special time of their lives with them.  They were so warm and kind and just the nicest people.  I  then had a blast doing their engagement session, beach combing and ice cream -- what's not to like? Plus it gave us an opportunity to get to know each other and for Silvia and Kelvin to see how I work. By the time we got to their wedding, we were good friends, and I was so excited to spend the day with them.  We started the day at Silvia's sister-in-law's, where all the girls were getting ready.  The whole house was full of laughter and excitement.  Once the girls were ready, I headed over to St Philomena Catholic Church to get some portraits of the guys. The guys were just as excited, but didn't let it show as much, of course (you know guys!). After the beautiful ceremony, the entire wedding party was swept away into a limo and driven to The Cove in Normandy Park.  The Cove is a really beautiful location, with large windows that look out to the water, and we were gifted with a beautiful sunset. The reception was filled with great speeches and special toasts to the couple. The bride and groom danced their first dance to "Ti Amo" and then invited the rest of their guests to dance the night away with them.  Silvia and Kelvin have a wonder future ahead of them filled with friends and family that truly love them.  Thanks again for letting me share in this special day with you! 

To see more of Silvia and Kelvin's wedding you can watch the slide show below.

Ceremony: St Philomena Catholic Church 

Reception: The Cove, Normandy Park, Washington

Florist: Robyn DeSiome

Cake Artist: Sharon Cooper- scooper@dannuzioconsulting.com

DJ: Sounds Unlimited - www.asoundsunlimited.com

Noah and Keri Ballard - Jacob Smith House, Lacey Washington

        This summer has definitely not been your typical Northwest summer; we have had weeks of beautiful, clear sunshine-filled days.  And just such a perfect day dawned for Keri’s and Noah's outdoor ceremony at the Jacob Smith house in Lacey, Washington.  When I arrived, I fell in love with the beautiful landscaping and the immaculately restored 1900's house.  It was the perfect location for Keri and Noah, a blank slate to which they could add many of their own personal touches to make this day even more special.  All the bridal party’s and the bride’s bouquets were made with lavender, which made the whole day smell just beautiful. Another personal touch was that Keri's uncle David Ellis was the officiate.  

       Keri and Noah also opted for a first look, which I love.  It allowed them to have a very special moment alone before the ceremony.  The beautiful ceremony overlooked the property’s amazing gardens with Mt. Rainer rising in the background.  With delicious catering from Longhorn BBQ, all the guests enjoyed great food and drinks.  Keri and Noah topped off the evening with dancing, their first dance to Jason Mraz's “I Won't Give Up.”  It was a perfect ending to a glorious day.  

      Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ballard and best wishes to you both as you begin this next chapter of your lives!

To see more of Keri and Noah's beautiful wedding check out the slide show below!

Ceremony/Reception: Jacob Smith House,  Lacey Wa

Catering: Longhorn BBQ

Cake Artist : Nikki Laidler

Hair and Make-up: Belle Vie Salon and Spa, Lacey Wa

Offiicent: David Ellis