The Geldian Family and I met for their family portraits at Golden Gardens back in July.  It was one of those perfect days we get here in Seattle.  Beautiful sun, but not too hot.  A lovely morning spent with a group of lovely people.

I was going to blog several images from this session, but in the end settled on just this one.  Sometimes all you need is one simple portrait.  :)  

(Contax 645: Porta 400)

A few weeks ago I was able to sit down to dinner with my childhood best friend Andrea, and her adorable family.  Andrea and I live on separate coasts, and so seeing each other these days is a rare thing.  In fact, this was the first time we had met each other's children! I snapped a roll of film in my front yard as they were leaving.  As always, I wished I'd shot more.

It was such a lovely visit...

I could have photographed these adorable people all day long!

….The truth is fall is just around the corner.  And yes my friend, that means it’s time to start thinking about your holiday photos.

I know that I sound like a crazy person talking about holiday photos on August 1st, but as you know,  August, September and October are usually our best months, weather wise. So lets take advantage of the pretty light while we have it!  And, by booking your fall session now, you’ll be able sit back and relax knowing that you’re one step ahead of the holiday rush!

Here are a few tips on how to make this years portrait session, the best ever!!

1. Schedule early.  Everyone wants those prime weekend spots.  But remember, there are only four 10:00 am Saturday morning appointments on my calendar every month.  If a morning appointment is going to work best for your little ones, then get it on the books now!
2. Think outside the nap box.  If you need to work around naps when planning your photo session, think about booking something in the late afternoon, or early evening.  That “Golden Hour” is absolutely stunning in the fall, and you’ll get beautiful, dreamy photos out of it.
3. Pick a family friendly location.  Parents often want to meet at a playground or favorite park for their photo session.  But, sadly, choosing a beloved playground or park usually results in a very unhappy kids.  Most toddlers would much rather play at their favorite spot than get their picture taken.  Instead, ask me for a suggestions.  I know a ton of  great spots around Seattle, and then stop off at the park on the way home. That way everybody wins!

have a great day, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

~Sandra

I worked with this adorable family a couple of weeks ago out at the Ballard Locks and we were so lucky to have such a beautiful day to work with!!  You gotta love Seattle in the summertime!

Here are some photos that I took of my brother Jim, my super talented sister-in-law Cat Thrasher, and my two ADORABLE nieces while visiting them in Virginia a few weeks ago.  I miss them all so much, and am so happy to have had the opportunity to photograph them!  Wish they lived closer!

I just can't stop taking pictures of these people... they are just too adorable!!