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 by Terri

Max…is MARVELOUS | {Puyallup Children’s Photographer}

It hardly seems possible that it was just a year ago and I was meeting this little guy for the very first time! Max arrived on April 5th last year and I had the pleasure of taking his newborn photos…he was an amazing little guy, such a perfect little model and I enjoyed my time with him and his family! Big sister, Maddy, was quite excited to show off her new little brother and I can’t tell you how much I admire his mom, Kerry! Along with dad, Ed, they are a delightful family that I think of as a bonus for my job…meeting such great people and making new friends! Max arrived at the studio on his actual birthday and oh, did he ever charm me….and he was (again) SO good for the session! His talented and creative mom had the outfits and props figured out and they were just perfect…I can’t believe he’s one….time sure flies!

Daddy and Max have matching ties…and are definitely related…you can certainly see the resemblance between these two…and I love their matching ties…nice work, Kerry!

Here’s big sister, Maddy, with Max…showing off these adorable little owl hats…they are just too cute!!!

The smiles on the faces say it all…happy and adorable…carefree children, which is what life should be for children!

You might recognize this beautiful blanket of Max’s…from last year…you never get too old for your baby blanket!! And the adorable bare buns…love little baby buns!!!

I love this photo of Max in the aviator hat…and his expression…he’s usually full of smiles and to see this thoughtful look, it melts my heart!

The cake was SUPER cute…and Max certainly enjoyed having it all to himself…he certainly took the opportunity to enjoy it ALL!!!

Can you say M E S S Y !!!!!!! Oh, the joys of being a one year old!!!

TOO cute…as you can see, Max thoroughly enjoyed his cake and the mess was evidence of the his fun and enjoyment!! I love CAKE SMASH sessions!!!!

THE END!!!

Now, stay tuned to for a blog coming up soon…with highlights from “Mr. Max’s” first birthday party…it was a hoot…oh, do I love being part of such great people’s lives and sharing in special events!

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 by Terri

Melt my heart…Jeremy Jr. | {Puyallup Children’s Photographer}

Just a week ago, I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet and incredibly cute little boy…Jeremy Jr.,who is just 9 months old and already a real charmer!! It was just a few days before that when I had the pleasure of meeting Jeremy and his mom, Abby…and I must say, what a delight that was. Besides this little charmer, his mom is such a nice person and so thoughtful and a wonderful mom, who obviously loves and adores her son…which I absolutely love seeing the love between a parent and their child…it’s always a wonderful sight! While this little guy lives in the San Diego area, he was visiting friends in our area, so we had to get the session in during their week’s visit and I’m so happy we managed to work it out…and very excited to share it with all of you…here is this handsome little guy…who will certainly grab anyone’s heart, who he meets, he seems to not know any enemies!!I love little ones on their bellies…nearly all of them will “airplane” and make the cutest faces…and Jeremy didn’t let me down…and look at those eyes…wow!!!
Jeremy and his mom…such sweet moments…it was obvious that they BOTH love one another unconditionally…LOVE capturing these special relationships!!Baby toes…there isn’t much sweeter than this!!Jeremy with his “Auntie El” who he was visiting…not technically an aunt, but blood isn’t everything and let me tell you she adores this little guy…blood or no blood!!Super cute ties this little guy was wearing…make by Kiwi…if you have little boys, you must check these out!

Just a few days before Easter…we couldn’t resist the basket and eggs…he was trying his best to get them in his mouth, but didn’t quite figure it out!!Mom (Abby), her good friend (Auntie El) and Jeremy…I couldn’t let them leave without capturing a photo of the three of them…and of course, since he arrived in a Mariner’s sweatshirt, we had to make sure he was wearing that for a photo!!

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 by Terri

Ainsley is “THREE” | {Puyallup Children’s Photographer}

Oh, the joys of children…and I’m so blessed to have the chance to see some of these adorable little ones at least once a year to keep tabs on them! Last weekend I met up with Ainsley, who is now three and her mom…it had been a year since I’d seen her and oh, how she’s growing up…and is so darn ADORABLE!! Her smile and the little spark in her eyes…she’s got lots of spunk, personality and certainly independence…as most three year-old’s do! It was a tad chilly this morning, and what a good sport Ainsley was during the session. We warmed up with some bubbles, which she did great with and the expressions as she was blowing and then trying to pop…so cute!! Her little coat was beautiful – I love the ruffles down the front…it was perfect to fit her personality…beautiful and a bit mischievous! We did manage to coax (okay, bribe!) her to take her coat off for a couple of photos at the end, as her dress needed to be seen…and it was worth it as you can see just how great she looks in it!!

We grabbed mom for a couple of shots…you can see just how much they love one another…so heartwarming!!

 At the very end, Ainsley got to play on the play equipment for a bit…and you can see by her smile, how much she enjoyed it! It was a delight to spend some time with her and I will look forward to their family shoot in the near future (when the weather is a tad warmer…hopefully!!). Ainsley, you are a doll and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you on this chilly morning. Stay sweet!!!
in Children / Families 2 comments
 by Terri

At Peace… | {A SPECIAL Place}

It hardly seems possible that we are in week four of this amazing class with Brooke Snow – the process has been encouraging, inspiring, motivating and very educational! The process she’s taken us through has been just perfect and I LOVE the format of this class – I will be sad to see it end, but know that it has brought me SO much more than I ever expected from the process.  Thank you, Brooke…and everyone in class, I love seeing what everyone’s vision is and being inspired by all of you…and hope to stay in touch after the class ends!

Week four…the goal was to photograph something that “inspires” us, but is not really related to photography. I thought long and hard about this and had many ideas bouncing around in my head, but once I received a call from my (favorite) cousin in the middle of the week, I knew instantly what I would do and where! My cousin, Tara, lives in Seattle in this AMAZING location, along the Salmon Bay, which links Lake Washington to the Puget Sound, just down from the Ballard locks and literally, right on (and over, depending on the tide!) the water! Whenever we visit, I instantly feel at peace, relaxed and as though nothing else matters at that moment. The views are incredible, sunsets gorgeous and watching the boats go by on a warm summer afternoon from the deck…oh my, this is truly heaven! The reason for Tara’s call was to ask if I’d take some photos of her as she is opening her own counseling practice and needs some photos of herself (which she usually doesn’t like!)…so what a perfect opportunity to complete two tasks in one afternoon. As we wandered down to the beach, we talked about what each of our visions were for our own “projects” and it was interesting that our ideas both melded together since she is wanting to present and image to potential clients of inner peace and self confidence…it couldn’t have been more ideal! We had a gorgeous, bright day (rare lately around Seattle!!) and I embraced the sunshine, using it to create some photos that I feel are calming and peaceful…of course, water, at least to me, is a very peaceful element, so I knew that there had to be an image including it. Tara has a couple of dogs, who are very sweet and loving, so we used them…or I should say, tried to use both, but one is young and had a bit too much energy for the photos, but as you can see in the one photo of her with “Merlin,” both of them are at peace as they gaze off to the water and horizon. My final image is inside their home, which is mostly glass across the front (you certainly wouldn’t want to limit the views!!)…and it is Tara’s favorite place to relax and find peace after a busy and hectic day…a book, cup of coffee and a view that can’t help but relax one…are all elements that create peace for her!

Just wanted to share this photo from later in the evening (after a wonderful dinner with Tara and her husband)…taken from the Ballard Locks, looking at the Salmon Bay Bridge. A little ways beyond the bridge is where their home is…as you can see, a beautiful location!

in Business / Families / Personal 3 comments
 by Terri

New Found Love | {Life Continues on…}

Lesson three for this amazing course I am taking, that inspires, encourages and pushes us to do our best when photographing people. I must say that for this week’s lesson, I was thinking I would have to do it in the make-up week since I would be on vacation, visiting my mom in California. Time would be busy, some shopping, a visit to a winery, hiking with a friend, walking on the beach and of course, spending time with my  mom would keep me on the go. As I sat one night at dinner with my mom, Sis, and her “friend” I was talking about how wonderful this course has been and how much I’ve learned from this…and that I’d have to skip this week’s lesson. My mom asked me why and who or what I was suppose to photograph…I told her either a couple or children. Much to my surprise…she offered for the two of them to be my “subjects!”  Pleased and excited, I had two days to do a bit of research on photographing senior citizens…that was helpful and I found some ideas for poses, which I felt might work. I knew the location would be the back yard of the house my mom was renting in the retirement community…I didn’t want to push my luck and take them somewhere they would feel anymore uncomfortable than I felt they would already feel. Also, I knew it would be limited…time, that is, and needed to move them quickly through the session, so needed to be efficient!

A bit of history…just over four years ago my dad passed away, he and my mom had been married for 48 years and had been incredible role models for us kids as to what a happy and healthy marriage is all about. Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, but my mom is extremely strong and has kept busy and enjoyed life in the past few years…although I knew she missed having a companion. She winters in Southern California every year (she lives in Spokane, Washington the rest of the year)…and last year she met someone who caught her eye and the two of them found they enjoyed spending time together. Her friend (my mom’s term, not mine!!), Philip, had recently lost his wife to a terrible illness and seemed to enjoy my mom’s company, as well. Fast forward a year…they are still enjoying time together, traveling some, golfing, sharing meals, going to movies, walks and even beating my husband and I at Words with Friends (they are tough competition!)…and are so darn cute together. Once can see the spark they have for each other and it’s great to see that even after a wonderful marriage, life does go on and you can find someone to share your time with again. I’m very happy for both of them and know that their loved ones who are no longer here, would be happy to see them happy!

One thing I found to be a great way to help them (mostly Philip) relax was to ask them what each of them saw in the other when they met a year ago. It took their focus away from myself and the camera…to the other one and they each seemed to relax. Hearing their thoughts and the wonderful qualities that brought them together…it was heartwarming and so nice to know that my mom has found someone to share her life with, who cares about her and enjoys being with her. It’s a blessing to find the “love of your life” and when you lose that love, to find another to share life with is truly an extra blessing!

in Families / Love / Personal 5 comments
 by Terri

Happy Birthday, Abigail!! | {Puyallup Children’s Photography}

This A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E little girl certainly has the personality to win over anyone who meets her…Abigail is not only cute as a button, but a smart little one as well…the things she says (and let me tell you, she talks a LOT!)…will amaze you and entertain you…and today is special because she is turning TWO!!! She’s been on the blog before and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to do her two year pictures for her! It hardly seems possible that it’s been two years since she was born and I remember the day she entered the world…although she entered it in Tennessee, where her parents are from and the rest of their family lives…so sadly, I didn’t have the opportunity to do her newborn photos. Over the past year and a half, I’ve visited out there (we used to live in Tennessee!!!) and her grandparents are very dear friends of ours…so I’ve been lucky enough to occasionally get my “hands” on her for some photos. As luck would have it…her dad got a new job…in Seattle and they now live in OUR town…how fortunate am I!! Not only do I get to regularly photograph Abigail, but I love spending time with she and her parents…they are like family to us and in my opinion, the “more the merrier!” Oh, and did I mention that she will be a big sister this summer…SO exciting!!  It seemed fitting that her post go up today, in her honor and as a gift to her grandparents and other family who are not able to see her as often as they’d like (although she’s heading out there SOON to see all of them!)…so Happy 2nd Birthday Abigail…you are a sweetheart – as are your parents!! Here’s to a wonderful day filled with love, giggles, cupcakes and everything else you can imagine (and with her…that is a LOT!!)

LOVE this photo…she has so much personality and it shines through all the time!!

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That smile and those eyes…they are priceless and amazing!

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 by Terri

Baby Marzano on the way | {Puyallup Maternity Photography}

Watching family and friends go through the various stages of relationships and life is so rewarding and to be able to follow clients as well…it doesn’t get much better than that! Nearly four years ago, Jerad and LeeAnn were married and I had the pleasure of photographing their wedding…sharing in a very special day for the two of them, as well as getting acquainted with their families.  Meeting people, getting to know them, creating friendships…those are the best parts of my job! Of course, I must confess, I’ve known LeeAnn since she was in junior high school…she and our son were good friends and have remained so over the years and to see her now…well, I love seeing what a beautiful woman she’s become, a great wife and now, soon to be mother…SO excited!!! We had a chance to peek at the nursery before our session and share some stories of preparing for a child…and this little boy (yes, it’s a boy!) is going to be one very lucky little guy…he’s going to have awesome parents who couldn’t be more excited for his arrival!

LeeAnn and Jerad have done everything they need to in order to prepare for their son’s arrival…and as with all expected moms, reading about what is ahead is a big part of the plan!

Lots of laughing was part of this session…let me just say how much fun I had with these two on this afternoon!

BEAUTIFUL…LeeAnn is truly glowing and looks great…I’m so happy her pregnancy is going so well!

Jerad is quite the artist, much to my surprise! We brought chalk for the chalkboard and he decided to create a bit of his own art in honor of Carson…wow, what talent and he had a good time “designing!”Besides being an artist, he’s also a good sport and helped carry things, including LeeAnn’s coat…we told him he was Little Red Riding Hood…or maybe that would be “Grey Riding hood!”

Did I not say beautiful…she’s a beautiful woman and pregnancy is only enhancing it!
LLOVE LOVE LOVE this photo…their expressions and they were having a good time!!

I think my absolute favorite from the session….LeeAnn, you are stunning!!!!

Jerad and LeeAnn, you two are a really neat couple and I’m so blessed to know you two and be able to be a part of the exciting times of your lives! I’ll be anxiously awaiting to hear of Carson’s arrival and so very excited to capture some special photos of your son once he arrives!!

in Babies & Bellies / Families / Love 0 comments