What is Lifestyle Photography?

“Don’t shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like” - David Alan Harvey

Lifestyle photography falls somewhere in the middle between a completely journalistic photography style and a smile-and-look-at-the-camera posed style. Lifestyle photography captures families loving on one another while still being somewhat directed by the photographer. The majority of my lifestyle sessions take place in your home. Newsflash - you do not need a newborn to have an in-home session! That seems to be a common misconception. Many people think that in-home sessions are for newborns and outdoor sessions are for families with older kids, but I have photographed many families in their own homes with breathtaking results. There are many reasons why I love in-home sessions but one of the major reasons why I love shooting in-home is because that’s where you’re most comfortable, and when you feel comfortable, it shows in your images.

When I arrive, I will take a quick walk around your house to determine where the best light is. Once that’s complete, I’ll slowly get out my camera while chatting with your kids until they feel comfortable with me. A lot of people feel awkward having their photo taken. Please know that this is completely normal! My goal is to make this as relaxing as possible. I will always help guide you into position, however, I’m not going to ask you to look and smile at me. Once you’re in position, I’m going to ask you to look down at your kids, tickle them (if that’s their thing), snuggle with them, read to them, play with them. This will help create meaningful images that show your kids how much they are loved.

How should you prepare your house for an in-home session? First of all, your house doesn’t have to be perfect. You have kids, it should look like they live there, however, please keep in mind that anything left out has the potential to be photographed. If you don’t want it in your images, put it away. I usually use the main bedroom, living room and kids rooms / nursery so if you want to tidy up, focus on those areas.

What should you wear to your in home session? I recommend that all family members are barefoot. I will have you sit on your bed, or snuggle on the couch, places where you wouldn’t normally wear shoes. It’s also easier for you that way because it’s one less thing to worry about! I have an online styling service for all my families and you are more than welcome to use it to pull together outfits. You can be as casual or as dressed up as you like. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable!

Any questions? Reach out! I’d love to chat with you.

A Beautiful New Family of Three {Edmonds Newborn Photographer}

I am so, so happy we were able to make this session happen at the last minute. This sweet first time mama, contacted me on a Thursday. Baby Luca had already arrived and she wanted a session as soon as possible so that she could have him photographed while he was still tiny and squishy. It’s always a good idea to book your session while you’re still pregnant so that I can guarantee you a spot, but if baby has already arrived, I will try my best to squeeze you in. I missed out on newborn photos with my oldest and I know how devastating that can be. I’d hate for anyone to miss out on the opportunity to capture this special time. Anyway, like I was saying, she reached out to me on the Thursday and thankfully, I had Saturday afternoon open. I’m so pleased it worked out. Little Luca is adorable and he’s surrounded by so much love. Thank you guys for allowing me to photograph your very beautiful love story.

Little Kids + Golden Hour {Everett Family Photographer}

If you’re thinking about a summer family session, you may be concerned that keeping your little ones up until sunset will be to tough for your family. The sun sets late here in the Seattle area in the height of summer, and many parents share this concern. Here are some tips to help you make your family session go as smoothly as possible when it’s later than bedtime:

• Plan for a quiet day. Your session day shouldn’t be spent rushing around running errands, playing at trampoline parks or participating in hours of sports. Instead, try activities like reading, doing puzzles or snuggling on the couch.

• Let your kids sleep in if they want to. Today is the day to avoid waking them up at their normal time. If you normally need to wake them for daycare or school, try not to keep them on their normal routine and let them sleep as long as they will.

• If your kids still nap, try to push their nap out further into the day. While it may seem like your ruining their routine, one day won’t do much damage. If your kids don’t nap, try having some “quiet time” by reading books in bed or just resting for a few minutes.

• To avoid them getting hungry during the session, bring a snack for them to eat right before we start. You may want to avoid changing them into their photo session outfits until after they’ve finished their snack.

• Kids are often distracted in a new place, particularly if we’re photographing them in a new outdoor location. If they’re normally grumpy and having meltdowns at bedtime at home, they will more than likely be so distracted in a new place and by doing something outside of their normal routine, that they don’t even notice they should be sleeping.

• Lastly, please remember that if you really want that beautiful golden summer light, that keeping them up past their bedtime will totally be worth if and every time you see your images on the wall, you’ll think about how beautiful they are, rather than the one day you skipped your normal routine.

If you’d like to schedule a summer session, please contact me here. I would be so honored to work with you.

The Sweetest Love Story {Edmonds Family Photographer}

It has been such an honor to photograph this beautiful family for the third time. You may recognize them from their prior newborn sessions. You can read about their first two newborn sessions here and here.

We met on a beautiful evening in Discovery Park for their maternity session. The temperature was perfect and the sun was shining. The best time for outdoor family sessions is the hour before sunset, but with young kids and being in the height of summer, this can be hard. We opted for an earlier session time, and thankfully, Discovery Park has enough shade to make this possible. Discovery Park is one of my favorite locations for many reasons, but one of the best is because of how versatile it is. There is shade for non-golden hour times, there are views of the water, a giant field to run around in, trees, old buildings, a beach and long grass. It really doesn’t get much better than this.

This session was bursting with love, just the same way every other session I’ve done for them has been. Isn’t it amazing how your heart just seems to grow with love for each child? This is what I can see happening each time this family welcomes a new baby into their lives. Their hearts expand and it’s so beautiful to be able to witness.

When this mama contacted me for her maternity session, she said she envisioned bare feet, a flowy dress and tall grass. I’m so honored that we were able to do her maternity session exactly how she envisioned.

If you’re expecting a new little baby in your family and would love to document this time, please contact me here. It would be an honor to photograph you as you wait for your newest family member.

Welcoming Henry {Edmonds Newborn Photographer}

Welcome to the world little one.

What you Really Need for your Newborn Session {Everett Newborn Photographer}

The best part of a lifestyle newborn session is that we really don’t need a ton of stuff. We can use whatever you have in your house, but some families do choose to purchase some things for their newborn session. Some stuff can be bough locally in and around Seattle, but I’m going to post some links for you to book online. Here are my top recommendations for your lifestyle session.

A plain colored onesie or sleeper

I always recommend that babies are dressed in simple clothing for their newborn session. This keeps the focus on your sweet baby’s face, rather than their clothing. I recommend sleepers from Bonsie Baby. Plain colored onesies from Jamie Kay photograph beautifully.

Muslin Swaddles

Sometimes babies are a little fussy and swaddling them can work wonders, but it’s always nice to have one on hand that photographs well. SpearmintLove has a great selection. I also love the muslin quilts from Brixton Phoenix. They are larger than a typical swaddle so you will get plenty of use out of them.

A place to sleep

Sleepy newborn photos are the sweetest and by placing them in their crib, you really get a sense for how tiny they are.

A comfortable chair

One of my favorite images to take is of the parents rocking the baby in their arms. A comfortable chair is the ideal spot for this.

As you can see, there isn’t really a ton of stuff that you need for your newborn session. I truly believe that a lifestyle session should be all about you, your new baby and your reality. We really don’t need props or anything else to create a beautiful gallery full of images you’re going to love. If you’re ready to book your newborn session, please contact me today.

Welcome to the World Sweet Baby

A Final Farewell to A Beautiful Home {Everett Lifestyle Photographer}

I make no secret that my absolute favorite sessions occur inside your home. I was so honored when our friends and neighbors asked me to come photograph them inside their beautiful Northwest Everett home before they packed up and moved out of state. They have created this gorgeous home together and have had so many amazing memories in it. Children have been born here, they’ve had first days of school, birthday parties, first steps, lazy Saturday mornings, PTA meetings, renovations but mostly, there’s been a whole lot of love in these four walls.

Welcoming a Sweet Baby Boy

Welcome to the world little Sebastian. It was an honor to take your newborn photos!

A New Family of Three {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

I photographed this sweet couple back in December while they were waiting for their sweet girl to arrive. It was so special getting to go back and photograph them now that they’re a family of three. Welcome to the world beautiful girl!