Rachel – Such Confidence | {Bellarmine Prep 2013 Senior}

A beautiful summer morning just a week ago, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing a remarkable young woman. Only haven spoken on the phone with Rachel, I had not met her, but once I saw her climb out of her (big) truck…I knew this was someone that would be fun and that the time would pass by quickly during her session. Not only is Rachel a beautiful young woman, she just gushes with confidence and direction…this gal is goal driven and knows what she wants out of life and what she needs to do to get there! I was SO impressed and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with her during her session. The oldest of four…and the only girl, she’s responsible, mature and caring. Helping with her younger brothers who are all nearly as active as she is…and keeping up with her school, activities and a job…that’s impressive, especially for a high school senior! Volleyball is her passion and she was to start the tryouts and practices this past week…she was ready to go and knew that she’d be busy, but seemed excited about it all. If I could have met her parents, I certainly would have complimented them on what a lovely daughter they have…who seems quite exceptional for someone her age! With goals like being a pediatrician someday and heading off to college next fall…across the country…those are things to be praised and her parents have obviously done an exceptional job in raising her! Kudos to them…and to you, Rachel!!

Such a beautiful and natural smile…

We had a bright day, no clouds and although it was comfortable to start, it did warm up with time, but Rachel never complained and just kept her great attitude and smile through the whole session!
Rachel, you were a delight to photograph and I thoroughly enjoyed your session. I can’t wait for you to see the rest of the photos…you were such a great subject and made my job easy with your relaxed and natural personality! Good luck with volleyball!!!

Mom-to-be, Gina… | {Auburn Event Photography}

A rite of passage for a new mom-to-be…a baby shower and this one was a lovely celebration for a little girl, Gia Leigh, that is due to arrive in early June…joining her mom, Gina, and dad, Derek! Of course, there is the usual food, to enjoy while visiting with the other guests, talking to the mom-to-be about how the pregnancy has gone and asking if she’s ready…and there is always a cake or cupcakes…or both! These cupcakes were adorable, a little something for everyone – although they almost looked too good to eat! A game or two and then the guest of honor takes center stage to open her gifts…or should I say, the gifts for the baby…baby Gia, in this case!! A wonderful showing of family and good friends and some very thoughtful, useful and beautiful gifts were received and let me tell you, this little girl is going to be WELL dressed…she got some of the CUTEST clothes…I’m guessing that Gina will need to change her clothes a couple times a day with all of these adorable outfits, hats, socks, booties and more! Oh, and she even got her first bikini…too cute!! The weather was perfect this afternoon and it was a great day to honor this soon to be mom and help her prepare for the newest addition!!

I couldn’t resist sneaking upstairs to see Gia’s room, it’s beautiful and the colors and light in there are just perfect, as their new daughter will be!!



With Gina’s mom, mother in-law and sisters putting on the shower, it seemed fitting that we get a photo of all of them…and the next time they will all be together, it will be to welcome Gia to their families!!

Gina, you are beautiful and look FABULOUS…my best to you for an easy and quick delivery with little Gia…I look forward to hearing of her arrival!

Eric…Exceptional | {Puyallup Senior Photographer}

There are times when you meet someone and you quickly know that this is a GREAT person…that this individual is going to go places, do amazing things with their life and contribute to society! Eric Ols0n is one of those people and I had the good fortune to do his senior photos earlier this month. He’s a senior at Puyallup HS and works two jobs, so trying to find the time and having the weather cooperate for his session was certainly a challenge…I’m SO glad it all worked out!! His good friend, Jordan, had recommended me…she was highlighted last fall and is also one of those REALLY great young people who just HAVE it…if you know what I mean! Our session started a bit late as Jordan and Eric were delayed a tad…and the reason why is an example of what great young people they are. While on the way to meet us, some motorcyclists were “hot rodding” in front of them and then wham…they (the motorcycles) crashed and I’m not certain of the exact details, but I believe went over the embankment on the highway…Jordan (driving) stopped immediately and Eric flew out of the car and ran to check on the cyclists…knowing CPR, he thought he might be able to help them out. Now, I’m not so sure I would be as helpful given that these two motorcyclists were sort of “asking for it” – but these two knew they needed help and stopped. I believe there weren’t any serious injuries…but you can see just the kind of people that Eric and Jordan are!!  So, we finally met up and had a great afternoon…lots of laughs and many inside jokes between Jordan and Eric which really helped to relax Eric since he was the center of attention and wasn’t quite sure what to do at first! It didn’t take long before he was at ease and handled it like a pro!!

What a great smile Eric has…but I also loved his more serious expressions…I’m not sure which I liked better…I guess I like them all!!I have many “favorites” from Eric’s session and this is one of them…love his expression and you can see dreams and plans in his eyes…

Couldn’t resist this wall (again)…Jordan was here last fall and it’s a belief that these two have…”DON’T HATE!”You might have noticed the “WASHINGTON” shirt and recognize the location as UW Tacoma…Eric had just recently made the decision to attend UW (Seattle) and is really excited about college…business is his intended major and he has BIG plans for his career and I have no doubts that he will be incredibly successful…this kid has ambition and goals and works to achieve them…I hope to keep in touch and hear what he’s doing in four years…it will be great things, I’m sure!!

We had some fun with Jordan and Eric…lots of goofy photos and silly faces…which is always fun…for me and them…there weren’t many serious moments during the session with these two!!As with most people these days…our phones are right there with us…couldn’t resist capturing Eric on his phone…who knows, someday he might be consulting with some big businesses about very important issues on his phone!!

What a delight it was to spend some time with Eric (and Jordan)…I wish his great success in college and life!!!