Posts tagged Seattle studio photographer
Introducing Stephanie White to the Sandra Coan Team!

I am thrilled to introduce you all to our new associate photographer, Stephanie White!

We are so lucky to have Stephanie White join the team, and once you have a look at her images, you’ll understand why.

She has a simple, laid back approached to working with kids and families and we can’t get enough of her clean, minimalistic style!

Stephanie is a life long photographer, but has been a working professional 2015. She is a single mom to two beautiful boys and lives just outside of Salt Lake City Utah, which means she’ll be flying in to see clients on specific dates. (Fancy right?!)

Her schedule is limited!! But trust us, she is well work the wait!

Follow this link to get on Stephanie’s schedule. And check out her beautiful work below!

Click on the images to scroll

A note from Stephanie

Hello everyone! My name is Stephanie and I'm a family photographer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have the opportunity to work with Sandra and can't wait to meet all of you and get to know the amazing families of Seattle!

For me photography is the door to so many things. It's the door to meeting new people on a regular basis and a way to see this beautiful state I live in, Utah. I have learned so much about myself and I have learned what I am capable of. 

I have been a photographer for 7+ years. Because Utah is stunning and has beautiful locations all year round, I started mainly doing outdoor/on location sessions. I fell in love with studio work after finding Sandra's work about 3 years ago and have been learning all I can ever since!

So excited to meet and work with all of you!


Newborn Photography Without Props | Seattle Family Photographer

I'll never forget the day my children we born.  All I wanted to do was look at them. I couldn't get enough. 

Their little faces!

Their toes! 

Their tiny fingers. 

I would sit and just watch them sleep. 

I loved the way they stretched and squirmed. 

I loved their little yawns and baby sneezes.

They were so perfect!!  I couldn't get enough.

I think about that every time I work with a newborn.  I look at other people's babies just like I looked at my own; full of wonder and amazement. 

Why I Don't Use Props

Seattle Newborn Photographer Sandra Coan Why I don't pose babies

That is why I choose not to use props or unnatural posing in my work.  I believe babies are perfect, just the way they are.  They don't need anything else.  Just a baby being a baby is enough for me.

I also know that newborns are precious and fragile little humans.  They are meant to be cared for and protected which is why I would never place them in any kind of an unnatural pose.

What You Can Expect From Me

If you are bringing your baby in for a newborn session with me, please know this.  I understand how precious this little person is to you.  Our babies are our world and I know that.  

I will keep your baby safe.

I will keep your baby warm and comfortable.

And I will create classic, timeless images that you can look back on years from now and see your child's personality shining through.

Remember, they're only little once.  Don't miss it.  Book your session today!

Seattle Newborn Photography Sandra Coan newborn photography without props
Seattle Newborn Photography Sandra Coan Infant photography without props and posing
Sisters on Film | Seattle Family Photographer

These two cuties came in for their photos just before Christmas and their session was a big wake up call for me as a parent! 

You see, I used to be really, really good at photographing my own children when they we babies and toddlers.  I didn't want to miss one thing!  They changed so quickly during those early years and I wanted to capture it all!

But as they got older, that changed.  For some reason, the older my kids get, the less I photograph them.

I know I'm not alone in this.  I think we all realize that babies grown up fast, and we make an effort to capture those early years.  But what about the middle years?

What about the teeth falling out stage?

What about when they start developing their own sense of style?

What about the elementary school?

Or middle school and high school?  That time when they are somewhere in between childhood and adulthood?

Don't those years matter too?

The answer is, of course they do! 

The older my own children get the more aware I am of how fast it all goes.  What is the old saying? The days are long but the years are short.... 

And that is why I love this photo session so much.  These sister reminded me to celebrate the middle years.  

Your kids, my kids; they are only young once.  This is it. 

As for me, I've committed to getting my own children in the studio at least three times this year.  I want to create some portraits of who they are now as middle school boys, turning into young men. 

It all matters.  All the years.  Don't miss.

Magic in the In-Between Months | Seattle Baby Photography

Ask any newborn photographer what is the best age to photograph a baby and they will say "within the first ten days."  The reason we all say that is because in those early days babies are still really sleepy so it is less likely that they will be fussy, they still curl up like they did in the womb, and they're still really tiny, so getting those newborn shots of the little sleepy baby is easier!

But lets be honest.  Those first days home with your new baby are not always easy.  And sometimes, getting out of the house and making it to a photoshoot is just not possible.

So what do you do if you miss the "first ten days" window?  

I can't tell you how many emails I get from parents who feel they missed that newborn window and are not sure what to do.  Many feel like they just need to wait until the next milestone age.  But this is what I believe. 

There is never a wrong time to photograph your baby.  

Never.  

So you missed the first ten days.  It's okay.  Your baby at three weeks or four weeks or even two months is still really really cute!  And they will never be as little as they are right now ever again.  So don't miss it!

The benefits of photographing an older infant.

There are actually a lot of benefits to photographing an older infant!  

Older babies are curious.  They want to see whats happening around them, so they are more likely to make eye contact with the camera and hold it.  

Most babies start smiling around 6 to 8 weeks.  So waiting until your baby is a little older before scheduling a photoshoot will increase your chances of catching some of those first smiles.

The older your baby is the more you begin to see their growing personality.  And that is really fun!

The take away.

There is a lot of magic in those in-between months.  So don't let the fact that you missed the early newborn days keep you from scheduling a photo session for your baby.  Celebrate where they are now!  After all, they are only little once.

sandra coan seattle newborn baby photographer
sandra coan seattle newborn baby photographer
sandra coan seattle newborn baby photographer
sandra coan seattle newborn baby photographer
sandra coan seattle newborn baby and father photographer
sandra coan seattle newborn baby and mother photographer
sandra coan seattle newborn baby photographer
sandra coan seattle newborn baby photographer
sandra coan seattle newborn baby and family photographer
The Thing About January | Seattle Family Photographer

I remember visiting my older brother in Seattle in January of 1995.  What I remember when I think of that visit was how sunny it was.  I was visiting from Pullman, WA (Go Cougs!) where we were still in the throws of a long hard winter.  That was the year I thought it would never stop snowing.

And then I came to Seattle... and it was sunny!!!  

That was when I decided to move.  I came to Seattle in July of 1995 and haven't looked back!

So, here's the thing about January in Seattle.  It seems like it's always sunny!  November and December are DARK.  But then, just when I think I can take it any more, January comes along, and the sun comes out.

This January was no exception.  Yes, it was COLD!!!  But the sun was out.  It warmed me through the window and filled my studio beautiful natural light to work with.

Thanks January!  See you next year!

Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan | Newborns and families | Film photography | Studio lighting for film photographers
Because They're Only Little Once | Seattle Family Photographer

Like everything, family photography has a season.  Things really pick up in the fall, and it stays very busy until about mid December.  

I understand.  Fall is a great time to refresh your family photos and turn those images into holiday gifts and cards.  But your photos are about more than just a great Holiday card.

Here is the truth.

They are only little once.

No matter what age your kids are.  Maybe they're a newborn.  Maybe they're five.  Maybe they're 15.  No matter their age, this is the only time they will ever be that.  So celebrate it!  

Now is the perfect time for photos!  No mater what now is.  

You don't need a reason to capture them now, as they are.  And believe me.  You'll be so glad you did.

Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.  Film Photography

for information on up coming events and promotions

Celebrating One | Seattle Baby Photographer

This little cutie came into the studio just before the Christmas holiday.  Her portrait session was to celebrate her fist birthday and her mom made her a beautiful flower crown in honor of the occasion.  None of us were sure if she'd keep it on, but to our surprise she loved it!  We were able to get many photos of her in the crown, and a few with out it as well.  A very fun one year portrait session!

Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film
Newborn photographer Sandra Coan, Seattle studio portraits shot on film

for more information on upcoming promotions and events

I love my job | Seattle Family Photographer

The moment this adorable family walked into my  Seattle studio, I knew it was going to be a great photo shoot. 

This little lady was so much fun to work with.  And her parents could not have been any nicer!  

It was all made better when, after sending out their gallery, I received this email:  "Sandra.  I am dying.  Going to cry.  I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH.  You don't understand.  I'm such a critical person and usually always lean towards hate vs. like for any and all photos and I love these.  You are magic."  

Documenting families, creating images that will stand the test of time, really is my life's work. 

Freezing moments.

Stopping time.

Showing love and connection. 

That is why I became a photographer

Plus... can this baby be any cuter?!!!  I really do love my job!

Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Seattle newborn photographer, Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.

All images captured using Fuji 400h film with a Hasselblad H2. 
Processed and scanned my Richard Photo Lab.

for information on upcoming promotions and events

Elena on Film | Seattle Portrait Photographer

Photographing friends is always such an honor.  Especially when they are amazingly smart and talented women, like my friend, Elena Blair.

Elena is a family photographer and photography educator, based here in Seattle, WA. When she asked me to take her portrait I was thrilled, but also a little nervous.  I wanted to give her something that really showed her personality and was just as creative and artistic as she is.  

To achieve this, I used my 1950's Rolleiflex camera, studio strobes and Iflord Delta 3200 film.  

I just love how they turned out!

Luckily, so did Elena!

Seattle film photographer, Sandra Coan
Seattle film photographer, Sandra Coan
Seattle film photographer, Sandra Coan
Seattle film photographer, Sandra Coan
Seattle film photographer, Sandra Coan
The Udodik Family | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Watching families grow is one of my favorite things about being a newborn photographer.  It brings me so much joy.

The Udodiks are one of my favorite Seattle families.  We met the first time about four years ago when they came in with their first baby.  Then I saw them again about two years later when they had their second daughter.  And then again, just a few weeks ago with their third daughter.

This family is so sweet and so much fun to work with.  It is clear that they are completely in love with their little family and it is a pleasure to witness and capture.

Newborn photography, Seattle  Sandra Coan, Newborns on film
Newborn photography, Seattle  Sandra Coan, Newborns on film
Newborn photography, Seattle  Sandra Coan, Newborns on film
sandracoanphotography_0016.jpg
Newborn photography, Seattle  Sandra Coan, Newborns on film
Newborn photography, Seattle  Sandra Coan, Newborns on film
Newborn photography, Seattle  Sandra Coan, Newborns on film