Posts in Family Photography
A Gorgeous New Family

As soon as I saw you,
I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.
- Winnie The Pooh

I love this quote, because this is exactly how I felt the first time I looked at my own babies.  

It reminds me of that feeling of being completely in love with someone before you even know who they are, mixed with excitement, and a little fear. I think all new parents feel it.

Having a baby is the single most life changing event we can have.  It is an adventure, to say the least.  And an amazing one at that.

I love freezing that moment in time for the families I work with.  It's why I do what I do.

Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Twin Boys... Be Still My Heart

I love all babies.  I do.  

But as the mother of twins myself, I have to be honest, when twins come into my studio, my heart skips a beat.

These two brothers were just too much!  They snoozed through most of their photoshoot, and then work up near the end, allowing me to get some great photos of their pretty eyes looking right into the lens.

Adorable!

Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Meeting Kate

Little Ms. Kate (and her family) came to me as a referral.

Referrals are what make small businesses like mine thrive.  And I'm always grateful when someone thinks so highly of my work that they refer me to a friend.  It means to world!

Little Kate here was a dream to work with! 

She came to the shoot awake and bright eyed, allowing me to get great photos of her sweet face and big blue eyes.  Then, about half way through the shoot, she decided to take a nap, which is perfect for snuggly photos with mom and dad.

The photos we got from this photoshoot are just adorable.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  

Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
And Baby Makes Three

The adorable Brothers family came into the studio on a rare sunny Seattle day back in January. 

This time of year, I get so used to the dark days of winter that I forget what it is like to have natural light to work with.  This gorgeous day reminded me how much I love natural light and just how beautiful the results can be.

And, as if the sunshine wasn’t enough, I had this sweet family and their adorable newborn to work with. He snoozed through the entire photoshoot. 

We all had a wonderful time, and the photos that we got as a result are just magic.

Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Sandra Coan, newborn photography shot on film, Seattle WA
Newborn Twins!

As the mother of twins myself, I kind of fall to pieces when twins come into the studio.  I mean, the only thing better than a newborn baby are two newborn babies, right?!

This brother and sister duo were just the cutest!  Seriously!  So tiny, and so content to lie there next to each other, all snuggled up.  

This shoot is also special to me because I've worked with this family before.  I've seen them go from a three to six, and I have to say, the best part of my job (aside from cuddling newborns) is watching families grow.  I love it!

Newborn photographer, Seattle.  Twins on film, by Sandra Coan
Newborn photographer, Seattle.  Twins on film, by Sandra Coan
Newborn photographer, Seattle.  Twins on film, by Sandra Coan
Newborn photographer, Seattle.  Twins on film, by Sandra Coan
Newborn photographer, Seattle.  Twins on film, by Sandra Coan

Images captured on a Contax 645, with Fuji 400h and strobes.
Processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

Sweet Family in Studio

Now that the Holidays are over, I think it's time to catch up on my blogging!  

I knew the moment this family walked into my studio that this session was going to be amazing! They are all adorable!  And this cute little guy was so much fun to work with!  And then there was that red hat!!!  Too cute!

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

-Sandra

Newborn Photography Seattle.  Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Newborn Photography Seattle.  Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Newborn Photography Seattle.  Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Newborn Photography Seattle.  Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Newborn Photography Seattle.  Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.
Newborn Photography Seattle.  Sandra Coan.  Newborns and families on film.

Images captured on a Contax 645 with Fuji 400h.
Processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

Preserve and Gather | Seattle Family Photography | Coffee with Friends

Preserve and Gather is the most adorable cafe that recently opened up just a block down the street from my studio!

My friend Lily and I have been stalking them on line for ages... and so, when they announced on their Instagram page that they had open, we made a plan to meet there the next morning.

First of all, the food is is AMAZING!  

Fresh baked goods, homemade preserves and pickles... and fantastic coffee.

And the space is beautiful.  So beautiful in fact, that I decided to run over to my studio and grab my camera.

Our coffee date ended up being an impromptu photoshoot with Lily and her adorable daughter Ida.

If you are in Greenwood, be sure to check this place out!

And if you are coming in for a photoshoot, don't forget to walk down the street when your done and get yourself a delicious treat!

-Sandra

Newborn Photographer Seattle, Sandra Coan :Preserve and Gather, Seattle WA
Newborn Photographer, Sandra Coan :Preserve and Gather, Seattle WA
Newborn Photographer, Sandra Coan :Preserve and Gather, Seattle WA
Newborn Photographer, Sandra Coan :Preserve and Gather, Seattle WA

Images captured on a Contax 645 with Fuji 400h.  
Processed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab

Favorite Places: Golden Gardens

Hello! And happy July! I'm finding it hard to believe we are already half way through the year. And although I am thoroughly enjoying this weather and spending time summering it up with my family, I can't help but think Fall is just around the corner and for me, that means the busy season.

September and October are always crazy busy as families start to plan for their holiday photos. But to me, July and August are the best times to come in for a session. Summer in the Northwest is gorgeous! Why not take advantage of it and beat the Fall rush?

And, if you are wondering where to schedule your summer photo session, let me tell you a bit about one of my favorite Seattle locations, Golden Gardens.

Golden Gardens is the quintessential summer spot. It's tall sea-grass, sandy beach and water and mountain views make it a favorite of mine.

Sandra Coan.  Seattle Family Photographer.  Golden Gardens

Things to keep in mind when booking a summer session here:

  • If you want water/mountain views, be sure to book your session in the late afternoon to ensure the best light!
  • Parking can be tricky, especially in the summer, so plan a little extra time. And if you don't mind a bit of a hike, consider parking up the hill at the dog park and walking down. The parking spots are in the shade, and the walk through the trees to the beach is quite lovely.
  • Remember you are at the beach, so plan your outfits accordingly (not all shoes are sand friendly). For clothing inspiration visit my "what to wear" board on Pinterest.

When finished with your session I recommend heading over to Little Coney for a soft-serve ice-cream cone, or to Ray's Boathouse for dinner and a beer! Fun!

And don't forget, if you do want a fall photos session, it's best to book early! Send me an email and get on the books today!

Sandra Coan, Seattle Family Photographer.  Golden Gardens

My Five Favorite Spots for Fall Family Photos!

Every year this time, emails start to pour in from families ready to book their fall sessions.  And in every single email, I'm asked what my favorite spots to shoot in are.  So this year, I thought I'd help you all out, and put together a list! Here we go... my five favorite spots for Fall family photos!

1: The Ballard Locks!  Gorgeous trees and paved (non-muddy) paths make this my number one favorite spot for fall photos!

33b6dfe9-f57b-4f0b-a28f-dde4e648a238 2: Golden Gardens.  I'm just a sucker for tall beach grass!  Love it!  

ccaaf33b-018c-4a91-9d95-975f027b2ce2 3: The Olympic Sculpture Park. This location has so much variety! A great indoor space if the weather turns bad, cool picturesque art everywhere, and plenty of pretty trees and waters views!

054660cb-200d-4f7f-a631-542bce27211b 4: Gasworks Park: Want classic Seattle city views?  This is your spot!  And the old Gasworks make for a really cool backdrop as well.  But be warned... it can get super windy!!! b9421dba-8c64-4e60-9973-66e35acb7b50 5: Last but not at all least, my studio.  Truth: Seattle weather is unpredictable. Sometimes its nice just to plan on an indoor space, especially when working with children under one!  And honestly... I LOVE a good classic studio portrait... melts my heart!

2e011eb1-2db9-4b00-9343-5d6a951cc682 Okay friends... hope that helps!

What to do now?  Send me an email and get on the books!

And for you planners out there... here are some dates to keep in mind:

Mini Sessions will be held on November 8th and 9th this year.  And our by-appointment Santa photos will be on November 29th!