Tamiko: A West Coast Portrait Session

Moira Rose had it absolutely right when she said you should “take a thousand [sexy] pictures of yourself. One day you will look at those photos and say ‘Dear god I AM a beautiful thing!’”

I’m paraphrasing a little, but the sentiment is the same. We only live once. Why not frolic on a beach in front of the camera every now and then? I love bringing my camera with me when I travel, and I was desperate for a muse this trip. Enter Tamiko, an absolute baddie. ;-)

She was such a good sport for this Cannon Beach photo session. These West Coast beaches are COLD, y’all! Maybe I’ve been away from the PNW for too long, but I forgot that the end of May is still chilly AF. But Tamiko absolutely rocked this photo shoot, while my teeth chattered behind the camera.

Thanks for being awesome! Can’t wait to plan another trip out to the PNW.

Barnyard Bridal: An Anne of Green Gables Inspired Session

Every once in a while, I start a project that’s just for me, something to feed my soul and keep my creative fires burning.

Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a sucker for anything vintage or antique. I am powerless to resist the nostalgic allure of a bygone era. So it should really come as no surprise that I impulsively bought a beautiful 1970s Gunne Sax gown several sizes too small for me to actually wear. I couldn’t help it! It was just so pretty, and it was practically screaming for a photoshoot.

Time passed, and the gown hung in my closet while I tried to dream up a photoshoot concept. Initially, I had grand visions of a stately Victorian home, lush peonies, and a classic cake. But the longer I waffled on the details, the more daunting the project became. Months turned into a year, life happened, and still, the gown hung unused in my closet.

One year turned into two, and I found myself deep in the throes of a creative rut. I felt stuck and uninspired. And then…then I remembered the dress. I reached out to two very talented women and asked if they could help me bring my vision to life. I decided to keep it simple, and dispensed with the grandiose ideas I had started with. A vintage ladder, some baby’s breath, and some of my very own barnyard critters and boom….we made MAGIC.

Model: Adeline Troutman

Make-up: The Vanity House

With guest appearances by Sokka the dog, Cheese the duck, Cassiopeia the goat, and Torvi the chicken.

Aaaand a bonus shot of Adeline enjoying the goats because, and I quote, “I want a shot SURROUNDED by goats!” Wish granted. =)

Chase the Light: A 48 Hour Photography Celebration

Every year, the Photographic Center Northwest hosts a 48 hour celebration of photography that culminates in a pop-up gallery. While I’m no longer in Seattle, I still wanted to participate because it’s the perfect opportunity to go stretch those creative muscles and photograph something just for me.

Ever my willing model and muse, my friend Soyun (you’ll recognize her from many a previous blog post) joined in the fun. Together, we wandered around Atlanta, Cedartown, and Rome to capture funky, creative photos. I think she knocked it out of the park, and that dancer’s background certainly came in handy.

I hope you enjoy this little exercise in creativity! I know I did.