I spent last Friday in Walla Walla photographing the newest addition to the Crane family, Mr. Sullivan.   He's such a cute little peanut!!!  It was just 15 months ago, that I was in Walla Walla photographing his brother Beckett.  Since then, I've worked with the Crane's several times, and I've got to tell you, I just love these people.  They are so nice, and they have the cutest kids!!!

By the way,  Renee and Ryan Crane are not just the parents of two adorable little boys.  They are also the owners of Kerloo Cellars.  So next time you are in Walla Walla, be sure to stop by their tasting room downtown, and treat yourself to a little Kerloo!

Proud big brother Beckett watching over his sleeping brother.

Cute!!!

I love Sullivan's baby hair swirl

Two years ago, I had the supreme privilege of photographing this little man on the day he was born (you can see those images by clicking here).  Now look at him!!!  Adorable as ever!!  And so grown up!  

I love this picture.  Doesn't Owen look so satisfied standing there with his Mommy and Daddy!

I'm happy to announce that my brother Jim and his wife Cat are now the proud parents of little Lulu Thrasher Coan.   Lulu came into the world earlier today after making her parents (and the rest of us) wait for more than two weeks past her due date!!!  The photo below is courtesy of my brother... I'll be heading to Virginia in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned!  There will be more photos of the lovely Lulu soon!!!  I can't wait to meet her!!  

Before I was a photographer, I was a kindergarten teacher, and in my class we would start every day with a little dancing.   There were many reason for starting the day out this way.  For one, the kids loved it.  It was a great way to get the wiggles out before getting down to the business of the day.  But the real reason I'd start out with dancing was purely selfish.  Watching little kids dance is funny!  No matter what kind of mood I was in when I got to school, after watching a bunch of five year olds boogie down, my spirits were high, and I could get down to work feeling great!

Lately I've been employing the same philosophy at my studio.  When a little kid comes in, I turn on the music!  It helps the kids loosen up and feel less shy, and it's also really, really fun to watch!!  Makes me laugh every time!

Here are a few dancing shots from some recent portrait sessions.  I hope they bring a little joy to your day!

I had the pleasure of spending my St. Patrick's Day with the Thompson family and their three gorgeous children!  Check these kids out!!  They are all just beautiful!!

Fun family, great shoot!

I was so happy to see my old friend Mr. Sun at today's newborn shoot (oh natural light... how I've missed you!!)  It made photographing this little sweet pea even more of a pleasure than it all ready was! She also slept through the entire shoot, and made it very easy on all of us!

 

I love my studio.  It has huge windows that face south and another huge set that faces west... so basically the best light ever.  But, I'm in Seattle, and sometimes there just isn't enough light, even with the best set up imaginable.

Today was one of those days.... super rainy, and just too dark, so I did what needed to be done, and busted out the studio lighting.

There are many reasons why I try to stay away from the studio lighting.  I love the softness of natural light for one, but the main reason is, I just never know how kids are going to react to it.  Some HATE it, and will cry and squint and have a hard time.  Some don't mind and just ignore it.  And then there are some who love it.  That's the kind of little one I had in today.  She got the biggest kick out of the lights.  Every time the strobes would flash, she'd giggle... it was the cutest thing!   So on this dark, dark Seattle day, we got these cute sunny little pictures, and we all had a blast!