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 by Terri

Ainsley and her parents | {Tacoma Family Photography}

With the mild winter we’ve had in the area lately, it was just our luck that the day scheduled for Ainsley’s 5 year session was a very chilly morning…although, we had some beautiful sunshine and despite the cold…it turned out to be an awesome session! It’s been a year since I’ve seen this little beauty and oh my goodness, how she’s grown and what fun it was to hang out with her! Last year she was a bit shy and not so sure about letting go of her mom for the photos…and this year, it was nothing like that! Ainsley was SO much fun and the smiles just kept coming, along with lots of giggles and silliness! It’s such a delight to watch my clients grow up…I first met Ainsley when she was just 6 months old and I’ve loved every session with her! She had both mom and dad (aka…Meghan and Dave) with her for this session as well…and there was an extra reason this session was so special! Mom is expecting another little one (a girl!!) early this summer…so we added a little bit of maternity into Ainsley’s session…a perfect reason to celebrate a very sweet 5 year old who will soon become a big sister!!!

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It was heartwarming to see what a close and special relationship Ainsley has with her dad…you can see the admiration is mutual! <3storyboard004Isn’t Meghan beautiful…of course, she’s a beauty to begin with but is truly glowing as she carries their new little addition!storyboard005storyboard006storyboard007storyboard008Momma and Ainsley…boy, is Dave a lucky man!!storyboard009This cutie was a BLAST to hang out with…loved her energy and such a sweet personality!storyboard010storyboard011storyboard012storyboard013storyboard014It was too funny…Ainsley had her own ideas about this session and was often directing all of us…and what a great job she did!storyboard015storyboard016storyboard017Smiles…they just kept coming…and I loved EVERY SINGLE ONE!!storyboard018A very blessed and loved little girl who will soon be sharing her parents, although I am sure the love with just continue to grow with a new baby!

Meghan and Dave…thank you for sharing a rather chilly morning with me…it was such fun and so great to see all of you! I can’t wait to meet your new daughter in a couple of months!

in Children / Families / Maternity 2 comments
 by Terri

FAMILY | {2014 Monthly Project}

It’s hard to believe that the first month of 2014 is wrapping up – the time just passes far too quickly these days! After doing a 365 (daily photograph) project last year, I wasn’t sure just what I wanted to do this year, but I had decided to not do a 365. There have been two years recently that I did a 365 and both have been rewarding, fun and a great learning process, but by the end of the each year, I knew I needed a break. They are amazing projects, but also demanding…you can’t let it go a single day for the year, so there is pressure and sometimes it has felt like a chore, BUT with that being said, I wouldn’t have not done them!

So, this year I am doing a monthly project, a theme so to speak, with a series of photos tied to the theme…and I’ve decided to do it with someone else, sort of a team project. That “someone” else is our oldest granddaughter, who is 8 years old. Jayden has been a subject of my photos for nearly all her life and often asks if she can take a photo when I’m shooting…and she often has ideas about the photos I’m taking when she’s around. So…our first month’s theme is FAMILY – and we both have shot some photos that represent what family is to us and will each write a bit to go along with the photos.

Here’s my series of photos…a couple are from last month and there are a couple that are even older.FAMILYFamily…the definition according to Wikipedia is: a family (from Latin: familia) is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity (by recognized birth), affinity (by marriage), or co-residence/shared consumption (see Nurture kinship). Personally, it’s not only those you are related to by blood and/or marriage, but also those you you form a close bond with…a connection that is strong and feels like family!  Family can change over time as well…there are marriages, divorces, relationships, births, deaths…all changing the family that you have with you and through all of that, you can either develop a closer connection to your “family” or let it slip away. Personally, I couldn’t be more thankful for my family…every single one of them…and even those who are no longer with us. Sometimes I think that the family that has passed away helps us to strengthen the bond with those who are still here. Six years ago, my dad passed away and there are still days that the loss is still fresh and heartbreaking, but I am very grateful for everything I learned from him and it has helped me learn to be thankful for each and every day spent with family and friends. I love my family, am thankful for them and am proud of each of them!

The below photos are from Jayden with her words about the photos…I have loved sharing this first month with her and look forward to the next 11 months and our projects!

January 28, 2014_P1010395editFamily…I love my family so much! I would do anything for my family. This is my dad, I love him and my dogs, Maddie and Zeus.

January 22, 2014_P1010392editThis is my cousin Emma, I love her. This is my Mimi and Papa with her, I love them so much!January 29, 2014_P1010401editI love my little cousin, she’s cute and sweet and nice to me.January 29, 2014_P1010402editThis is ME! I’m Jayden…my family is fun and silly and cool and awesome. I love my family!January 30, 2014_P1010408editEmma is the best cousin in the world!January 30, 2014_P1010413editThis is my aunt Jessie and cousin…and I can’t wait for the new baby to come…I will get a new cousin and our family will be bigger!January 22, 2014_P1010381This is my friend, Jocelyn and her brother, Tyler…Jocelyn loves Tyler…she would do anything for him. That’s what family does.

Family can be very special, they can be funny, smart, they can be helpful and they can be wonderful. I hope you all have a wonderful family and love them.

Thank you for sharing in our first monthly project…stay tuned for next month when we have a new theme and new photos…

 

 

in Families / Just Because / Personal 0 comments
 by Terri

Borgerding Family | {Puyallup Family Photography}

With the holidays quickly approaching, it seems that my days (and nights of editing) get busier as each day goes by…so, I made a decision that the blog posts for clients would be put on “hold” until after the holidays, or I’m caught up and have a bit of extra time! With that being said, I am posting a few photos…a mini blog…for this family as today is Mom’s birthday and I wanted to give her a little extra peek at some of the photos from their session just a week ago! Meet the Borgerding family…mom and dad, aka, Greg and Leah, and their beautiful and kiddos, Luke and Amelia!! My family has had the pleasure of knowing them for over 8 years…when they moved in next door to us, but of course, the kiddos weren’t in the picture at that time!! Watching their family grow and sharing in the lives of the kids as they celebrated birthdays – a delight and joy to see this family grow from two to four over the years!

As I said, today is mom’s birthday, and I wanted to give Leah a special gift, of some more photos of her beautiful family that I’ve had the pleasure of watching over the years and capturing some special moments in their lives!! Happy Birthday, Leah…wishing you a wonderful day and MANY more birthdays ahead!!

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Love you guys…so thankful to have you as neighbors…and friends!

 

in Children / Families / Love 0 comments
 by Terri

Family Ties… | {Tacoma Family Photography}

It’s hard to say just what this session meant to me…it’s more emotions that words that come to mind! I first met Piper when she was just 6 months old, nearly 4 years ago…when I photographed her and her Grandpa Mike! I had not met them before the session and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had been told that Mike did not like having his photo taken, but it was very important for him to have his photos taken with his new (beautiful) granddaughter! This first session was short, the shortest I’ve ever had, but wow, the impact it had on me was huge and I could see and feel the love and connection that Mike had with Piper…it was very strong! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Piper and her parents a few times since then, but hadn’t seen Mike until this session and I was really looking forward to it!! We met on a Sunday afternoon (the fog had lifted somewhat and the fall colors were in their glory!!) and besides Piper, her parents (Brandon and Varvara), I had the pleasure of meeting Brandon’s sister, Emily and Piper’s Nana…aka, Cathy!! Of course, Piper was the star of  the session, but what a treat to add her family to her photos and capture some special photos of them to last a lifetime…I was honored and delighted with the time we spent together!! This session was longer than Piper and Grandpa’s first session and we got a few more photos of them together, but the emotions were still there and oh, how I loved seeing the connection these two have! Family is HUGE in my mind and to see such incredible connections between these family members was refreshing and encouraging…and just reinforced why I LOVE my job…sharing in a family’s life and seeing that there still are some amazing family units out there who WANT to spend time together…that is a gift and blessing…which this family definitely has!!

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Piper with her mom and aunt, Emily…three beautiful ladies!!storyboard003

The love that Mike has for Piper is undeniable…and as you can see, her dad has that same connection!! ♥storyboard004storyboard005

Oh my, there isn’t much better than dad and daughter playtime…melt my heart!storyboard006

Emily and Piper had matching dresses and painted their fingernails the same color…what a fun memory for both of them!storyboard007storyboard008

Cathy with her two kids…so great to capture some memories since Emily lives in New Zealand and was home for a visit!storyboard009storyboard010

Beauties…like mother, like daughter!storyboard011storyboard012storyboard013This was too funny, Varvara couldn’t keep a straight face for these photos…I love that she’s smiling…showing just how happy she is to have family all together!
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Oh, Piper…you are A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E!!!!!storyboard015storyboard016

This girl is a beauty…daddy better get ready for the teenage years…he will have his hands full!!storyboard017storyboard018Ahhh, being a grandparent myself, photos like this always bring a smile to me…♥storyboard019storyboard020storyboard021

Kisses for Grandpa…so LOVE seeing these two together!!storyboard022

Playtime with aunt Emily…they had such a great time together!!storyboard023storyboard024storyboard025

Father….Son….heritage and love….this IS family!!!storyboard026

LOVE ~ LOVE ~ LOVE

Mike, Brandon, Varvara, Cathy, Emily and Piper…I so loved sharing some time with all of you, and meeting some of you for the first time…it was an honor to be able to capture some more memories for your family and I hope that we have more sessions in the future to see how you are all doing and to see your beautiful Piper grow up!!

in Children / Families / Love 4 comments
 by Terri

Family…GRIMM | {Puyallup Family Photography}

“True Friends are the siblings God forgot to give us.”

This family is very special to me…we met them when we moved to Washington over 18 years ago…and our youngest children were in the same class as they were starting the third grade…and the rest is history! We moved from Tennessee and didn’t know anyone and soon we had great friends who we now consider to be family! And, our oldest were the same age as well…so it’s as though it was meant to be!! We’ve spent many holidays together and shared great memories, and been there for one another when we’ve needed extra support…it’s our “Puyallup family” that we never knew we had until we moved here! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing the Grimm’s before, but this time was extra special as their oldest child (who’s now grown!!), Anna, was visiting from Germany, and I knew we needed to get some photos of all of them! Seeing them together brings back wonderful memories of this close and amazing family who are not only special to my family, so OH, so many others…they are all amazing! Dad…aka, Kelly has a great sense of humor and has a special gift for babies and toddlers…we’ve named him the “baby whisperer!”  Tammy, a dear friend to so many, is compassionate and caring and gives so much of herself to those who need extra help! Anna, their oldest, lives in Germany, and it’s funny as we all thought she’d never leave the area and here she is, living in another country…it’s amazing to see how she’s grown and see her gift for working with younger children at the Air Force base near where they live. Jenny, the baby (sorry, Jenny!!)…is a teacher and an inspiration to children who are eager to learn…our country needs more teachers like her!!

This afternoon was a bit chilly…and quite foggy, but it didn’t matter as the focus of this session is THIS family and it left the focus on an amazing group of people who are not only great individuals, but also, a wonderful family…an example of what the FAMILY should be…it’s inspiring to see such a great representation of a family that continues to grow and thrive!

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Beautiful young women…their parents are so proud!
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And, even Malibu (their four-legged child), cooperated for this shot…love this photo of all of them!!!storyboard007

AHHH…Malibu sure loves her daddy (and mommy!)storyboard008storyboard009storyboard010

Laughter is always a part of this household…I so love being around them!!
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Sisters…the best, and I’m sure these two would agree!! They don’t get to see each other very often, but make the most of the times they do have together!

Kelly and Tammy…we love you guys and I was thrilled to capture some memories of Anna’s visit last month…here’s to more memories and family times shared!!

in Uncategorized 2 comments
 by Terri

Jordan | WRHS 2014 Senior

Last month I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Jordan for her senior year! If you live in the Pacific Northwest area, you might recall (most can’t forget!!) the foggy period we had, where the fog hung on for well over a week…nearly all day every day!! My…I know that fall around here can be a bit cool and windy and even wet, but the fog…it was not fun and I believe that everyone was more than ready for it to vanish! Well, Jordan’s session was at 9 am on a Saturday, so I was pretty sure we’d have that “in the mix” of the photos! We arrived at her high school (White River High School)…and there was fog, BUT…the sun was doing it’s best to try and break through it. So, we had the fog, but it was brighter than at other times and the sun might have just been shining a time or two…what a treat! I’d met Jordan’s mom, sister and nephew earlier this year and was looking forward to meeting this beautiful young woman! A huge part of Jordan’s life is fast pitch softball and it has been for many years…so needless to say, we wanted to make sure to include that in her session. This busy and inspired young woman is so down to earth and besides just loving hanging out with friends, she also enjoys watching football…in her free time!! She has great goals for her future and plans are to attend Central Washington University next year and would like to major in sports business and her ideal job would be to work with a (major) sports team in the Seattle area after graduation…you go, Jordan!! I have no doubts she will achieve all her heart desires!!

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LOVE LOVE LOVE her dimple…it just adds to her natural beauty…and she’s just as beautiful inside as out!storyboard004storyboard005storyboard006storyboard007storyboard008storyboard009

Ahh…the “serious” look was a challenge…and she usually followed this (brief) look by lots of laughing…oh, it was such fun to see…a happy and easy going nature!storyboard010storyboard011storyboard012storyboard013storyboard014storyboard015

We made sure to pull mom (aka…Sara) in for a couple of photos…you can see just how much she loves and respects her “baby!”storyboard016storyboard017storyboard018storyboard019

Jordan, it was wonderful to meet you and spend some time hanging out with you on this foggy Saturday morning! You totally rocked the session and I was so impressed at your ease and how relaxed and natural you were through it all! Your future is unlimited and I know you will make the most of whatever comes your way…my best to you and whatever life brings your way!! Here’s to a new chapter in your life!!

in Families / Seniors & Teens / Teens 0 comments
 by Terri

Jayden turns EIGHT | {Special People}

A special girl just turned EIGHT last month and each of those eight years has been a blessing and filled with love and joy…as this is our oldest granddaughter! Jayden…who made my husband and I grandparents for the first time is a shining star in our lives and all those know and love her! Here’s a little bit about this beautiful girl…

  • LOVES animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up
  • is silly and can make some of the goofiest faces!
  • ADORES her little cousin and loves spending time with her…and is great role model
  • is a GREAT reader
  • has many friends and probably no enemies
  • gives the best hugs and kisses
  • LOVES her family, unconditionally
  • is a wild sleeper and just might kick in her sleep
  • has a great imagination
  • LOVES to play GO FISH and is very good at it…and usually wins!!
  • isn’t sure about math, but is pretty good at it
  • her favorite foods are oatmeal, tuna, quiona, brussel sprouts and just about any fruit
  • is really good at cartwheels and can be found doing them whenever possible
  • is kind, considerate and caring
  • is becoming quite the jokester (thanks to her uncle and dad!)
  • likes to sleep in when possible (normal kid!!)
  • is beautiful AND smart
  • has become a great little model for me (aka…Mimi)
  • is very helpful with chores
  • her favorite color is purple
  • likes boots
  • has amazing brown eyes
  • is a really good soccer player
  • is a fast runner and good athlete
  • likes really crazy socks
  • and OH, so much more!!

So, here are some photos from the past month of Jayden…you will see silly and funny faces, beautiful smiles, serious looks, playing, hugging, sharing and more…but be warned…there are LOTS of photos…just because, I can!!

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Happy Birthday Jayden…Papa and I love you very much and wish you a lifetime of happiness filled with everything your heart desires…the world is filled with endless possibilities and you can do whatever YOU want!!

in Children / Families / Just Because / Love / Personal 2 comments