Posts in Family Photography
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

Santa is Back in Seattle | Session Sign-ups

You heard it here first: Santa is taking a small break from the North Pole to join us here in the studio on November 26th, so make sure the kids have their lists ready for him! So, you can dress your kids up in those cute holiday outfits you've been planning or come as is, Santa will be happy either way. Click here if you need some holiday outfit inspiration and you can also check out Santa's Seattle visit from last year!

This magical five-minute session with Santa is $95 for the sitting fee, online gallery, and digital files from your session or $65 for just the sitting fee and online gallery. You can find the sign-up page here!

 

A New Definition of Family Photography

I started my career back in 2000 as a maternity photographer.  Maternity photography eventually led to newborn and family work, and I’ve been pretty much doing that ever since.  

Over the years I’ve had the honor of photographing couples in their first pregnancy, with their first baby, then their second and sometimes third. 

I’ve watched children grow up.  

I’ve documented the changes and the milestones. I’ve been there for celebrations and sometimes even losses. I’m seeing my own boys change into pre-teens.  And I’m noticing adult children turning into the caregivers of their own parents.

Life is an amazing thing.  And I’m honored to be in a career that allows me to see it and document it for my clients, friends and family.

It is no secret that I love working with babies! I love capturing the connection and love of parents and their new son or daughter.

But as my own children grow and as I see the babies I once photographed walk through my studio doors as young adults, I find that the definition of what it means to be a family photographer has changed for me.  

It’s not just about little babies.  It’s not just about those first few years.  

It’s about all the years.

It’s all beautiful.  

It’s all important. 

So please, drag your teenager in.  Call up your mom or dad and make an appointment for just the two of you.  Get a portrait made of your pre-teen, braces and all. 

You’ll be so glad you did.

Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan.  Studio Photography shot on film.
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan.  Studio Photography shot on film.
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan.  Studio Photography shot on film.
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan.  Studio Photography shot on film.
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan.  Studio Photography shot on film.
Seattle family photographer, Sandra Coan.  Studio Photography shot on film.
Falling for Beautiful Family Portraits | Seattle Mini Sessions

There is something so refreshing about updating the family portrait hanging in your house or the one folded up in your wallet. And fall seems to be the perfect time to do so. 

The kids are starting a new school year, the weather's changing, the holidays are approaching. Maybe you've been putting off those holiday cards the grandparents have been asking about... It's all happening!

Let me help.

In November, I'll be hosting three (yes, three!) mini session days! 

These mini sessions a perfect for families looking for photos for holiday cards, gifts, or just an updated family portrait.  Best of all they are fast and fun!  Just 15 minutes!  

The session fee is $150.00 and I will have lots of great add-ons, like digital files, albums and print package (perfect for holiday gifts!)

Here's a list of the mini session days, you can click on each date to take you to the corresponding sign-up page:

We also have a Pinterest page you can check out for fall outfit ideas and holiday card inspiration!

See you in November!!!

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
A New Take on Mother's Day Portraits

Last weekend I had the opportunity to photograph my eighty-seven year old mother-in-law Joan. 

Joan has always been an out-going, life-of-the-party, kind of lady.  And she still is.  But she also has dementia, and some days are better than others.  

The day of the shoot was not a great day for Joan.  She was tired and really just wanted to sit on the couch under some blankets and relax.  She wasn't over excited about being dragged up to the studio.  But we decided to move forward anyway.  We got her ready and sat her on a comfortable stool behind a desk (to give her something to lean on).  I thought perhaps we'd get one or two frames and then let her go back to her comfortable spot on the couch in the lobby.

But as soon as we got her situated and in front of the camera, everything changed.  She sat up straight, talked about her kids (all seven of them), sang songs.... she was herself in a way she hadn't been just minutes before.  Something about the photos brought this out in her, and it was amazing to see and to capture.

Most of my time in the studio is spent photographing newborns and their families.  I love those photos because they capture such a special moment in time. The newness of a relationship that is so unlike anything else.  That sense of wonder and the indescribable love that we all feel for our children. 

But what about the other side of that journey?  When at some point the roles reverse and the child grows into becoming the care giver.  

The love that is there on that end is a different kind of love.  It's the love that has history.  It has a lifetime of stories.  And memories.  And times together.  It's about the love children feel for their parents as well as the love parents feel for their kids.

I think that that was what Joan was responding to the day of our shoot.  

She was there with two of her kids.  They got to sit, with their arms around each other, and talk and laugh and just be.  

Moms and babies.  

That is what I photograph.  And as any mother will tell you, your baby is always your baby, no matter how old they are.  And your mom is always your mom.  She's always that person who loved and cared for you, even before she knew who you were.  That relationship is unlike any other we will ever have.  And I'm so honored to be able to capture it.

Happy Mother's Day.

Seattle Studio Photography by Sandra Coan
Seattle Studio Photography by Sandra Coan
Seattle Studio Photography by Sandra Coan
Seattle Studio Photography by Sandra Coan
Seattle Studio Photography by Sandra Coan
Seattle Studio Photography by Sandra Coan
Seattle Studio Photography by Sandra Coan
Seattle Studio Photography by Sandra Coan
Ida's Red Dress | Seattle Family Photographer
Film Photography, Seattle by Sandra Coan

I've been photographing Ida since the day she was born.  

I love this little girl, and always look forward to getting her in front of my camera.

Her mom is my dear friend Lily, and Lily always has Ida dressed to the nines!

For her second year portraits, Ida wore a stunning red vintage dress.  The photos we got from this session are some of my favorites, which made it all the more fun when Ida and her stunning red dress were featured in the March/April edition of  Click Magazine!

The good people at Click asked me to talk a bit about my approach to shooting film with strobes, and I was more that happy to share.

To me, film and strobes are the perfect marriage.  Film love lights.  The more the better.  And with strobes you can create perfect light every single day, no need to rely on the weather.  

Teaching other film photographers about how to use strobes has become my passion.  I teach both an online and an in person workshop about it, and now I get to share this amazing and beautiful technique with the readers of Click.  What an honor!

Film Photography, Seattle by Sandra Coan
Film Photography, Seattle by Sandra Coan

And here is Ida in her gorgeous red dress in Click Magazine!