Finian Road Image & Design • The Blog

My most very favorite moment as a photographer. Ever.

2011-11-16T14:05:00.001-08:00

Did you know that November is National Adoption Month in the United States? Now you do!

It's no coincidence of the timing of one of my most favorite moments as a photographer...and I just had to share.

A while back, I was asked if I could shoot some "updated photos" for a very special couple who were looking to adopt a baby. Being an adopted child, I was thrilled to help. And as a graphic designer, overjoyed to be able to help layout the 'preview album' for prospective birthmoms to look through...to help them get to know this amazing couple. They selected photos of their life and I laid it out for them to help tell the story of who they are and why they would be great parents.

I'm thrilled to share that in less than two months, they will be welcoming a sweet little boy into their family!

When they met the birthmom of their son, they asked her what helped her make the decision that they were "THE" parents. She handed them the album, turned to the last page, and said, "This image. I can see you walking along, hand in hand, with your child."

I give you the image above from the last page of their album, taken on our farm, by two of the world's best parents-to-be. I can't begin to describe how happy my heart is to be able to be part of this journey and to be able to capture it as a photographer.

And I cannot wait to welcome this little one as well...with tears, open arms, and of course, my lens. ♥ ♥ ♥

Sweet Evelyn at One Year

2011-07-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

How can Miss Evelyn be a year old already? It seriously feels like it was just yesterday that we were shooting her mama's beautiful maternity images. To celebrate her one year, we shot down at Pt. Defiance and the Rose Garden.

To Evelyn's signature plan, her parents added the maternity shoot + an 18 month shoot, so her Signature album will be extended to add in the finest from each shoot. I can't wait to pull it all together -- I just have to wait 6 more months!

A few of my favorites...be prepared to be captivated by her blue eyes!

Looking back at how she's grown...

The Wee Ones: Gracie and Graham

2011-07-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

The first shoot back following maternity leave. Time was of the essence as he was scheduled to deploy to the middle east a few short days later...and we pulled it off!

We spent an hour on the farm with their two beautiful wee ones before he left. One of the things I adore about where I live is that because we have the lower fields without trees, you'd never know we were shooting on a Christmas tree farm! You can capture some fabulous northwest images with dozens of different backdrops and beautiful light.

I LOVE coming back to shooting with a family like this. I'm so grateful for the chance to be able to shoot them together before he left!

A few of my favorites from the afternoon...

Loved shooting Gracie and Graham. How can you not adore these little smiles?!?

The 2010 Shoot to Fight Cancer Winner: The Callon Family

2011-04-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

When the Callons once last year's Shoot to Fight Cancer, I knew it would be an adventure. Becky and Dave have four grown boys, and it would be the chance to capture *everyone* together...even the next (third) generation of Callon.

We shot down at St. Martin's University, which holds a very special place in the Callon family's heart. It was the perfect combination of images to capture family with the outtakes that make this family who they are. :)

I loved the images that Becky selected to have enlarged to the 16x20 gallery wraps. One of the whole gang, and one of the guys together. There's a few images of how they turned out a the bottom.

A few of my favorites from the shoot...

Little Joey, hanging "on his own" with the guys.

One of the images selected for the gallery wrap. You can see a bit of the texture in the wrap. I love that the image extends all the way through the sides + top + bottom. You can see in the photo beneath how it truly 'wraps' all the way around. :)

And all the guys together.

So excited to see who wins this year...and what images they select for their own gallery wraps!

Want to have a chance at winning the 2011 Shoot to Fight Cancer? The deadline is coming up quickly...this Saturday, April 30th! All the details are here! :)

2011 Pricing Updates + News

2011-04-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

A few quick Finian Road updates as we enter a month-long maternity leave for Finian Road.

First and foremost, I'll be "on the down low" for the first two weeks after the Wee Ski 2.0 is born (estimated arrival is on May 1). I have several ongoing design projects that will continue, but those clients are well aware of the changes to project delivery during that time. :)

In preparing for the leave, we had a major shoot blitz in April to make sure all my Finian Road Signature babies were taken care of (11 shoots over 3 weeks time!), while giving me time to get everyone's shoots edited and delivered. I have just a few shoots remaining to deliver. So glad I planned for time both before and after he is born!

Please feel free to contact me during my leave, should you have any questions or are looking to book a shoot...but just be patient that time turnarounds for responses via email or phone may be delayed a bit. :)

Finian Road's pricing hasn't changed in two years, but it is changing as my work/life balance changes a bit. Beginning May 1st, pricing will be adjusted based on the distance from Finian Road's "local shooting area". Essentially, further distances for shooting will have a higher price than shoots located more centrally to Thurston/Pierce County. It mainly affects both the individual shoot price (currently a flat $450 per shoot) and the multi-shoot plan options (ranging from $800-$1250).

There are two brochures which illustrate the new pricing, effective May 1, 2011. Clicking on either image will bring you to a printable PDF with all the details.

Current pricing remains in effect until May 1 -- so if you are a client who is a bit "further away" (in Grays Harbor, Mason, Kitsap, King, Snohomish or Island County), you can book and prepay a shoot (or a multi-shoot plan) at the current rates and avoid the price increases that will take effect on May 1.

Individual Shoot | $450 + tax
Simplicity Plan | $800 + tax
Signature Plan | $1250 + tax

Shoots can be scheduled at your convenience after I return from maternity leave, but the pre-May 1st pricing will be in effect for all booking/prepayments.

Questions? Just shoot me an email! :)

Finally, we have just 8 days to go until the 2011 Shoot to Fight Cancer drawing! Details can be found here, and tickets are available until the 30th or until we sell out. We've sold nearly $1000 of tickets so far, so don't miss your chance to win one of 3 fabulous prizes!

Ariana & Gibson

2011-04-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

These little ones are growing up so quickly...it feels like just yesterday I was shooting Ariana as a five-day-old! Ariana is turning 4 and Gibson is turning 2...time just flies by.

They are hilarious together, and this image of them sitting by the river just makes my heart happy. How peaceful!

A few of my favorites from last weekend's shoot...

To see how they've grown...

Ariana at five days • May 2007
...at three months • August 2007
...at six months • November 2007
...at nine months • January 2008
...at one year • April 2008
Ariana at two years, Gibson as a newborn • May 2009
Ariana at two and a quarter years, Gibson at three months • August 2009
Ariana at two and a half, Gibson at six months • October 2009
Ariana at two and three quarter years, Gibson at nine months • January 2010
Ariana at three, Gibson at one • May 2010

Sweet Macy and her sisters

2011-04-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Perfect little Macy Faye was welcomed into this world by her parents and her two big sisters...who are also Finian Road Signature babies. :) Always a fun shoot when I get to see "little sisters" become "big sisters"! And especially fun that this was my last newborn before my own newborn is due in a few short days!

I've shot the oldest, Siri, since she was 3 months old, and she just celebrated her 5th birthday. Such a blessing to be part of their world!

A few of my very favorites of all the girls, Siri, Elise, and now Macy.

How awesome is it to see these girls grow up together?

Siri at three months • July 2006
Siri at six months • October 2006
Siri at nine months • January 2007
Siri at one year • April 2007
Siri at a year and a half • October 2007
Siri at two years • April 2008

Elise as a newborn, Siri at 2 1/4 years • July 2008
Elise at three months, Siri at 2 1/2 years • November 2008
Elise at nine months, Siri at 3 years • March 2009
Elise at one year, Siri at 3 1/2 years • July 2009
Elise at 21 months, Siri at 4 years • March 2010

Squishy faces and spunky giggles

2011-04-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

This sweet little squishy face is captured at his six month shoot...with his two-year-old sister along for the ride! Loving this shoot from the Woodland Creek Park in Lacey...with the lake in the background and the sweet playground to finish things off.

As my own family prepares to grow to four with two little ones underfoot...I love seeing how other fams with two wee ones pull it off. Lots of flexibility + a great sense of humor seem to be the ticket! :)

A few of my favorites from last week's shoot...

Malachi & Samara

2011-04-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

I love seeing Finian Road's Signature babies grow up. Malachi is just over three, and this is Samara's nine month shoot...I love to see their personalities develop, their grins become their own, and there's nothing better than a big bear hug from a three-year-old after the shoot, saying "thanks!"

We shot down at Pt. Defiance Park, on a crispy, chilly, morning. A few of my favorites...

And I love shooting Dad and Mom together...I can't believe this was the first time we did that in several years!

Samara's not quite sure of what's happening... :)

Looking back at how they've grown...

Malachi at three days • February 2008
The Future Rock Star • May 2008
At the zoo • August 2008
The Rock Star Debuts • November 2008
One year old! • March 2009
Nearly two years old • December 2009
Samara as a newborn • July 2010
Samara at three months • October 2010
Samara at six months • February 2011

Evelyn at Nine Months

2011-04-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Evelyn's deep blue eyes haven't changed as she's grown...and I ADORE shooting them!

She came down to the farm for her nine month shoot...and I love any little girl who can rock the blues. How beautiful is she here?!?

And just for the record, she's wearing an AWESOME hand-knitted headband here. I'd reveal the designer, but I don't want to create a crazy demand for his or her products. I. LOVE. HOW. IT. TURNED. OUT.

A few of my favorites from the afternoon...

This is, by far, my most favorite "little girl snuggling her papa" image EVER.

Looking back...

Two Sisters and a Brother

2011-04-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

A very fun shoot...especially as it was given as a gift! Judi wanted to surprise her sister, Laurie, as she celebrated a milestone birthday (21? 30? I'll never tell...). Last summer, we started planning the shoot...only to have it come together during one of the craziest, wettest (6"+ inches in the single month of March alone) months of late.

When one of your favorite clients refers you to people she knows and loves...you always know you'll love them too. And I did!

It all came together beautifully...the skies opened up to a bit of clearing just as we began, and it resumed pouring as I drove away. The ladies were joined by their brother Terry, so we were able to capture all the siblings together as well.

As much as I love shooting wee ones, I found myself laughing much more during this shoot than while chasing around 3 foot tall tiny persons! So much fun to shoot them together.

We headed to the Bridge of Glass, ended up down by the Museum and finished off on the beach at the Thea Foss Waterway.

A handful of my favorites...

Judi (the mastermind behind the shoot)...

The gang together...

Terry and Laurie...

I can't wait for them to see the rest of the images! Enjoy! :)

The 2011 Shoot to Fight Cancer is LIVE!

2011-04-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

Our Relay For Life team (Connolly Tacon & Meserve: "Connolly's Crew") is off to a fabulous start -- with funds that I mailed off a few days ago, we're just shy of $20,000 in funds raised!

For the last three years, I have donated a photo shoot from Finian Road and raffled it off to benefit the American Cancer Society. More than $5000 has been raised from the tickets sold for the Shoot to Fight Cancer.

I introduce this year's Shoot to Fight Cancer.

A photo shoot with your fam from Finian Road + the digital negatives + two beautiful gallery-wrapped 16x20 canvas of your two favorite images from the shoot...all while fighting cancer at the same time!

And this year, the new addition to the prizes are the addition of a second prize and third prize -- so there will be 3 winners this year! The second prize winner wins a $250 gift certificate to Finian Road, and the third prize winner wins a $100 gift certificate to Finian Road!

With the exception of the cure for cancer, I can't think of a sweeter deal.

Tickets are $25 each, and there are just 125 tickets available. Great odds for a prize package worth $850!

100% of every dollar from every ticket goes to support the life-saving work of the American Cancer Society...saving lives and creating more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, finding cures and by fighting back.

You can use the shoot yourself, or give it away as a gift (and you would be the best gift giver EVER!).

Here's how to buy your tickets:

Go to our online website for the Relay For Life.You'll see a very cute video of the Wee Ski showing off his Grand Club shirt at a Relay Regional Summit last fall.
Click on the blue "donate" button under our names.
Enter the amount you wish to donate under "select gift amount": $100 buys you 4 tickets, $75 buys you three tickets, $50 buys you two tickets, and $25 buys you 1 ticket. And you can always buy more than 4!
Follow the prompts to complete your donation to the American Cancer Society.
We will receive a notice that your donation has been made and your ticket stub(s) will be in the mail to you within 48 hours. It will go to the billing address for the credit card used to pay for the ticket.

Our goal is to sell out the tickets before the end of the month...so don't miss your chance to pick up your tickets!

Also sweet to note -- each ticket has a coupon for 15% off a Finian Road shoot or product, good through August 31, 2011! So really...every ticket wins something! :)

The drawing will be held on Saturday, April 30th at 6:00 pm, Pacific time. The winner will be announced on the blog that evening, just after drawing.

Good luck!

Design | Invitations + Thank You Postcards

2011-03-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

We're in the crazy last few days before the 2011 Blarney Blast...and I realized that I never blogged the design pieces from the 2010 Blast!

Finian Road has always been an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society, so being able to design the printed pieces for a fundraising celebration is always a treat! Last year, our Relay For Life team wanted to have a fun gathering where we could celebrate one of the partners of the firm, Jim Connolly, who had been diagnosed with kidney cancer a few months earlier. Combining his Irish heritage + Relay, and the Blarney Blast was born.

The two main printed pieces -- the invite and the thank you -- were designed by Finian Road. Both were postcards with rounded corners. Keeping the size at 4x6 allowed for lower postage rates. We tied in both the corporate logo + the Relay logo into the colors of the invite, and kept the design festive + simple.

After the event itself was an enormous success, we wanted to not only thank those who supported the Blast, but then invite them to the Relay For Life as well. On the 'thank you', we included two specific things: a 'save the date' for the Relay (with date/time) and the link to our fundraising site so our supporters could follow our progress.

We wanted to make sure that our supporters had the Relay's date on their calendars. We designed a "Connolly's Crew" lap that followed the Opening Lap for cancer survivors, and it was one of those poignant times where you were tearing up at the same time you were cheering. Some of my favorite event photos -- ever -- are from the Connolly's Crew lap, where Jim was surrounded with all of his friends and family.
As we are approach the 2011 Blarney Blast this weekend, we will be fighting back in his memory. I'll highlight this year's event + goodies next week, after the Blast!

Design | Wedding Ensemble by Finian Road

2011-02-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

From last year...clearly, safe to blog now since everyone has received and attended the event!

The bride chose three colors -- chocolate, pear green and tangerine for the wedding. Her family has a connection to the wheat industry in Washington, so we used a simple wheat motif throughout the ensemble. Clean and uncluttered was the goal...tying in the three colors throughout.

All three pieces had rounded corners (so elegant on printed pieces) and were printed in a matte styling. The main invitation was 5x7, with the two coordinating pieces at 4x6. (And yes, her return address was changed for the blog posting. But it gives you a feel for what it looked like!)

As the wedding was a 'destination wedding' for both families, coming from each side of the state, I designed a brushstroke state of Washington on the map card, highlighting the main route of travel to the wedding itself at Cave B Winery in Quincy. Adding in a simple 'map zoom', it highlighted the neighboring towns to Cave B without cluttering up the overall design.

The ensemble was sent in a chocolate envelope, and tied together with satin ribbon. We all loved how they turned out...here's a glimpse for you!

Up in the trees...two years later!

2011-02-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

The last time I shot Nicholas and Brian, they were five years old. It's nearly two years later, and we had the chance for a very special shoot with both grandmas, one of whom was visiting from China! We were able to shoot portraits of everyone together (how often does that happen?!?) and then let the boys be boys...climbing the trees, skipping rocks on the beach. A perfectly beautiful winter day in the northwest!

A handful of my favorites as a sneak preview for their mom... :)

Sweet redheads on the Sound

2011-02-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Samara's just over six months old, Malachi's celebrating his third birthday. Feels like we were just shooting him as a newborn! We headed to Jack Hyde Park with the fam and hustling to stay ahead of the gray clouds overhead.

So love seeing how Malachi is coming into his own as a little boy, as well as a big brother. Samara's sweet personality is beginning to shine, and I love capturing the whole gang together.

A few of my favorites as a sneak preview...

Looking back at how they've grown...

Malachi at three days • February 2008
The Future Rock Star • May 2008
At the zoo • August 2008
The Rock Star Debuts • November 2008
One year old! • March 2009
Nearly two years old • December 2009
Samara as a newborn • July 2010
Samara at three months • October 2010

Congrats to the Design Giveaway winners!

2011-02-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

Congrats to both Angie and Michelle -- you're the random winners of the Design Giveaway!

Eemail me at shelley {at} finianroad {dot} com to confirm what giveaway you'd like and where you want it sent! :)

A Design Giveaway!

2011-01-31T06:19:00.000-08:00

As the commercial side of Finian Road's design business flourished last year, I started to have an itch to design fun, personal pieces as well. Lots of color, quirky items, more creativity. Stuff that's cute and fun to not only have, but give as well.

This month, I opened Finian Road's online shoppe over at Etsy. To start, I added two pieces to the shoppe -- a cheery to-do list notepad and a set of "Avoiding Ambiguous Food" lunchbox cards. You'll have to read the lunchbox cards description to see how they came about...trust me, whatever I sell, I definitely use too! :)

The notepads each have 50 sheets and are bound at the top. I seriously love checking boxes off. I am a nerd, I know.

Want to know something awesome?

The day the cheery to-do notepad was listed for the first time, it made a treasury of "undiscovered finds" on Etsy! Artsyville highlighted it with other goodies on Etsy.

Speaking of Artsyville, she has absolutely beautiful goodies in her shoppe. What I love to do via design she does by hand...you should check her stuff out as well!

And my favorite tongue-in-cheek "Avoiding Ambiguous Food" lunchbox notes...Jonathan gets one of these each day in his lunch. They're being sold in packs of 25 - perfect for a month's worth of lunches! :)

Sized roughly the size of a baseball card, they're cute and perfect to tuck in with lunches. You could even use them with care packages to bring a smile to the face of someone you love!

And to celebrate the new personal design launch, I'm giving away two goodies!
The winners can pick what they want -- a cheery notepad or a set of lunchbox notes...

Just leave a comment here by Tuesday evening (February 1st) at 6 pm Pacific. Let me know which one you'd want to win...and I'll announce the winners tomorrow night. Good luck!

A new year, a new groove

2011-01-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

So hard to believe we're almost finished with the first month of 2011!

The last few months of 2010 were a whirlwind...between shoots + design projects + the Christmas tree season, it was a daily battle to stay ahead of the game while working from home with the Wee Ski in tow.

I did several things over the course of the 3rd and 4th quarter of the year to help gain a better grasp on the business for the upcoming year.

Did a full business analysis of Finian Road.

For the year ending 2010, overall business was up 41%.
I transitioned away from Merrill Lynch and had time to develop the business from here (God bless double nap days!). I honestly never believed in 2006 that this would be a feasible venture in terms of truly adding something to the family (as I'm pretty sure I just wanted to be able to expense sweet equipment back in 2006 when I started!). But on the whole, I'm pleased with how the business has grown.
I love my clients -- they've been an incredible source of growth: both for photography and design. And it's easy to say -- when you love the people you're working for, you tend to also love their friends and family when they refer you!
Nearly 60% of my revenue last year was generated from the "design" side of Finian Road Image & Design.
In 2009, design was at 21% of revenue. I realized that I have hardly ever featured any contract or design work here on the blog...and with the significant impact it made on the bottom line this year, I know I should be sharing some of the projects so you can see the depth of what's available through Finian Road. I'll be honest - I love how the design side is growing.

I formed an Advisory Board for Finian Road.

In order to manage the growth of my company successfully, I needed to get a better perspective and gauge of how I'm doing - both in my work (image + design both) and from a business perspective.
I will tell you that I definitely appreciate my finance background in this, and all of my business management classes from the University of Portland. It's the numbers geek balance to my crafty, creative side.
The Advisory Board has been fantastic for feedback on what I need to improve.

better time management
stepping up my communication game (read: getting email under control w/clients, wholesalers and suppliers)
challenging myself to grow behind the lens.

My game plan for 2011

Better management of communication overall.
It's definitely a work in progress, but it's improving! It includes getting all my sessions blogged (I still have a dozen from 2010 that have yet to see the light of day, even though the clients have been delivered their images long ago!) and sharing more about the process and insight into how I do what I do.
Challenging myself behind the lens.
I have completely reworked my post-processing with the help of a few marathon sessions of feedback + coaching. I am loving how it's coming along. And it's only January!
Better time management.
Blocking out specific times in the office, and leaving it in the office when I'm done. A healthy set of boundaries from both sides.
Stretching myself from a business perspective.
For photography, design + nonprofit work. In addition to my commercial design work, I started a semi-personal line of goodies that I'll have up in my Etsy shoppe as a retail outlet. Simply fun stuff for the Type A nerds like myself, mainly. And there's a good chance I'll have a giveaway on some of it soon! (That means: check back!) You're either green + growing or ripe + rotting! I'd rather be on the growing side! :)

AND FINALLY, A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU...
...to all of my current + past clients, as well as those who want to become future clients, I'm adding in a special Valentine's special, available through Feb. 7th.

You can save $50 on a shoot - either for yourself or to give as a gift! If you'd like a gift certificate, they can be shipped to you or the lucky duck who's receiving it...wrapped and ready to go! Full shoots are just $400 through February 7th.

[And if this is something you'd like YOUR significant other to do for you...just forward them this post! :) ]

If you're interested, it's simple to do! Just send me an email (shelley {at} finianroad {dot} com) to get the ball rolling and save $50!

And here's to an incredible 2011 for everyone!

Gus at Three Months

2011-01-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

With Gus's newborn shoot blogged, I can't wait to show you how much he's grown in three months!

Shot down at Saltwater State Park, he was a super trooper with the morning sun + a bit of January chill (though it felt balmy to us!). A few of my favorites in this sneak peek of the images...

I love their expressions. All of them. Even Gus is getting in on it.

Living life on the edge, hanging from the bars. Good form for three months.

...And they shall call him Gus | The Newborn Shoot

2011-01-25T05:13:00.000-08:00

Sweet little Augustine.

Born to Joe and Anna. Pictured below in what most would call an incredibly beautiful handmade baptismal gown. However, little boys don't wear gowns. So just know that this is an incredibly beautiful handmade baptismal toga.

This is a glimpse of images from his newborn shoot in the fall...with his three month images just around the corner to the blog (since we've already shot them!).

For his newborn images, he definitely gives new meaning to "wee one" next to his daddy. :)

I give you, little Gus. Enjoy!

Doesn't he little so itty-bitty next to his daddy?

Evelyn at Six Months

2011-01-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

Miss Evelyn is six months old now...and we shot down at Saltwater State Park - the same place that we shot her in the womb for her mama's maternity photos! I love that the sun was shining brightly during the heart of winter in January, while we had crazy, cold winds last April for the maternity shoot!

A few of my favorites in this sneak peek...

Her sweet personality is beginning to shine through...though the rushing water was a bit distracting for her. Imagine that. :)

Looking back...

Evelyn at Three Months

2011-01-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

I just realized I hadn't blogged this shoot from September...and her six months images are already 'ready to go'! First things first...

Little Miss Evelyn just turned three months, and we shot down at Saltwater State Park. She was so patient - well, during all but the Halloween cow incident, ha ha!

I LOVE seeing how the wee ones grow from shoot to shoot...and lucky for you, you don't have to wait long to see! Her six month sneak peek should be up shortly! :)

A few of my faves:

Looking back...

The Ross Family

2011-01-22T07:09:00.000-08:00

On a rare sunny day in December, we rallied the kids all together for a fun family Christmas shoot. This same day, the kids renamed our Christmas tree farm "the Enchanted Christmas Forest". That name will live on!

I love shooting the whole family together...and seeing how they've grown over time makes my heart especially fond remembering the very first shoot that I ever did -- six years ago, long before I started shooting professionally.

This is little Eddie, at his first Christmas shoot in 2004. He's now the oldest of 4, in the blue fleece coat below. :)

Lucy and Sam...

Angelica and little Eddie...

And simply because I heart Lucy's gaze in this. She is always full of energy.

And of course, representing their favorite team. Loving Crystal for keepin' it real with the Seahawks. :)

The Sparkle | Gig Harbor Headshot Photography

2011-01-21T05:34:00.000-08:00

Near the end of the year, we freshened up a few headshots for Becky. How much do I love her sparkly eyes? There wasn't actually any editing done to them, it's all in how the light played into them.

I love seeing Becky's expressions - she is one of the sweetest women I know. To be able to capture it behind the lens just makes my heart happy. :)

Olivia as a newborn | Tacoma Newborn Photography

2011-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Sweet Olivia was born in December...the perfect Christmas gift!

We shot her first of her Signature series at home, with her parents. One of my favorite things of shooting is working with beautiful handmade items. Olivia was given a handmade stocking from her amazingly talented auntie...and this year, she just happened to be the gift inside!

I'm so excited for what's ahead: not only is the little beauty a Finian Road Signature baby, but her auntie is due in a few months, and she'll have a Signature baby as well! So looking forward to shooting each baby girl over their first year!

A few of my favorites...under the tree:

With her parents, and tucked away in her stocking...

With her parents' wedding rings...

Snuggly bug.

And cradled in her papa's hands.

Blake at Eighteen Months

2011-01-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

A year and a half.

So hard to believe that he's grown so quickly...we met up at Pt. Defiance for his shoot. Though it was crisp outside, the rain held off and we had the chance to capture him in all his 18-month-old glory!

A few of my favorites as a sneak peek...

Watch him grow...

As a newborn | at home
At three months | around the neighborhood
At six months | on the tree farm
At nine months | at Gas Works Park
At a year | at the Arboretum

Logan & Blake

2011-01-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

It's been a little over a year and a half since I had shot sweet little Logan...now joined by his little brother Blake! The piercing blue eyes on this child are incredible...so clear!

I loved shooting them together, especially since the last time we met, Ben was deployed and home for just a short time. Love that he's home now and both boys are happy and healthy with their parents!

This mama and papa produce some beautiful boys, don't you think? :)

A few of my faves...

Sweet Mia & Addie at Christmas

2011-01-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

Mia and Addie mixed in their Christmas shoot with finding their 2010 Christmas tree...a big day on the farm! So much fun to see how they've grown since their first shoot. Addie is sprouting up and the two girls together are hilarious to watch.

A few of my faves from the shoot that day...

On the railroad tracks below the farm...don't worry, there hasn't been a train in quite some time!

The whole crew...

2010-12-23T04:47:00.000-08:00

I've never had the chance to shoot the whole Brownrice crew together...until now!

The Texan and Oklahoman Browns came up for Christmas, and we had a chance to bring everyone together for family portraits...and some of the most hilarious outtakes ever.

A few of my favorites...

Paige and Austin...

Parker and Trent. Isn't it amazing how much they've both grown since the last time I shot them (two years ago)?

Myrna and Enola...

...and their big sister Elise...

The original Brownrices...

...and the whole gang together.

No flair for the dramatic here. At all.

Two of my very most favorite people, and their oh-so-dramatic offspring. The apple clearly does not fall far from the tree!

Looking back over the years...

Malachi and Samara

2010-11-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love shooting little ones as they grow...especially when there's a new wee one to join their sibling!

Malachi is nearly three years old now, and he's joined by his younger sister Samara, who is just three months old. We headed down to the Museum of Glass for their holiday shoot -- an awesome mix of red, black, and two little red heads thrown in.

A few of my favorites...

This just makes my heart happy. ♥

Looking back...

Malachi at three days • February 2008
The Future Rock Star • May 2008
At the zoo • August 2008
The Rock Star Debuts • November 2008
One year old! • March 2009
Nearly two years old • December 2009
Samara as a newborn • July 2010

Nichole & Marc | A gift to Gloria's Angels

2010-10-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

Loving the shoot with Nichole and Marc -- shot down at the Bridge of Glass.

Fighting cancer has always been close to our hearts at Finian Road. Gloria Strauss captured the hearts of everyone who read about her in the Seattle Times. She fought neuroblastoma for four years before she lost the battle at 11 years old. Jerry Brewer, the columnist who covered her story, shared her story in a way that allowed her fight to change hearts and lives.

Her journey became a novel -- Gloria's Miracle, an incredible read about how lives can be transformed through faith in struggles.

When Gloria's Angels asked for a donation to their auction, it was a pleasure to help out. Nichole bought this shoot through a donation that Finian Road made to the Gloria's Angels Auction.

And I loved being able to shoot them as they prepare for marriage this winter.

A few of my favorites...

The Bells | Tacoma Family Photography

2010-09-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

A quick collection of a beautiful shoot with grandparents, daughters and a granddaughter...the last time we saw Miss Maddisen, she was three years younger. Now she's joined by her big sister and her niece.

We shot down at the Bridge of Glass -- perfect in case of rain. I loved seeing everyone together. ♥

A few of my favorites from the shoot...

Kim with her daughters...this just makes my heart happy. :)

Sweet shooting...of a different kind

2010-09-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Those local to our area may recognize Morgan...whose fantastic shooting took her all the way to the 2004 Olympics.

Her shooting is slightly different than mine...mine is shot with a Canon, and hers is using an air rifle! Kind of the same, but really, not the same at all. At all.

Both she and Bryant (also a national champion...shooting for the 2012 Olympics himself) were out here this summer, and I loved getting the chance to shoot them together.

Seriously, I can't get enough of the puns. :)

Shoot me now.

It's probably better to just show you a few of my faves. Enjoy!

Mia & Addie

2010-09-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than shooting two sweet little girls, with their two giant dogs. :) It was an awesome sunny afternoon, with some time for each of the girls and the whole family together.

A few of my favorites are ahead...

Doesn't her toothless little grin just make you ::happy::?

Two awesome Finian Road specials -- ending TODAY!

2010-08-31T06:35:00.000-07:00

Did you buy a ticket for the 2010 Shoot to Fight Cancer?

We raised $1825 for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life!

Don't forget -- today is the LAST DAY to redeem the coupon on the back of the ticket for 15% off a Finian Road shoot or product!

The shoot can be scheduled anytime -- but it needs to be booked today in order to save 15%. An awesome way to schedule your pre-Holiday shoot and score a gift in the meantime!

What's the gift?

Did you know that Finian Road is now offering a custom iPhone case featuring your favorite image from your shoot? Made from premium polymers that are impact resistant, the image is etched deep into the case to highlight your fave shot as well as protect your phone!

We can custom design a case for the iPhone 3G or the iPod Touch.

Current pricing for the cases is $45 per custom case, shipping included.

However, for all family shoots* booked by the end of August (to take place before November 30, 2010), you will receive a FREE iPhone case featuring the image of your choice!

If you didn't buy a ticket for the raffle (make sure to do so next year!), you can still book and receive the iPhone case with the shoot.

If you DID buy a ticket for the raffle, you can book the shoot, receive the discount AND the custom iPhone case! A very special thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society!

Get in touch with us TODAY (via phone 206-250-4575 or via email) to get your shoot booked!

*Shoots outside any signature plans

Evelyn as a newborn | Federal Way Newborn Photographer

2010-07-20T05:15:00.000-07:00

A toasty, warm welcome to Miss Evelyn. The last time we saw her, she was cozy in the womb while her mama was in the Puget Sound!

So much to love about this shoot -- the simple backgrounds of their home, sweet Evelyn curled up, being able to shoot Grandma (from the east coast, no less) with the babe, and one of my favorite-ever uses for a salad bowl. Eat your heart out! ♥

Looking back...

Evelyn in the womb

Maren at one year | Seattle Baby Photographer

2010-07-19T05:15:00.000-07:00

Maren is turning a year old. Clearly, she's got her parents wrapped around her sweet little finger! Shot up at the Arboretum in Seattle, we captured an awesome selection of images from all over the park.

All of this sweet little girl.

A few of my favorites:

Check out how she's grown!

Blake at one year | Seattle Baby Photography

2010-07-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

A year flies by so quickly.

Blake is one. His baby blues have stayed blue, and I love his sweet little grin more each time I see it. We met up at the Arboretum in Seattle, rolled in the wagon, and soaked in the ever-elusive Seattle sunshine.

Some of my favorites...

How can you not love his little white suit?

Watch him grow...

As a newborn | at home
At three months | around the neighborhood
At six months | on the tree farm
At nine months | at Gas Works Park

Samara | Puget Sound Newborn Photography

2010-07-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet Samara.

Welcomed and loved by her family, especially her big brother Malachi. Malachi is now 2 1/2 years old, and I can't wait to photograph them together over the upcoming year.

A few of my favorites, with a few held back until the baby announcement hits the mailboxes... :)

How can you not LOVE these two together?

A few of Malachi doing his thing...

Seriously, how cute do the two guys look together?

Looking back...

Malachi at three days • February 2008

The Future Rock Star • May 2008

At the zoo • August 2008
The Rock Star Debuts • November 2008

One year old! • March 2009

Nearly two years old • December 2009

Charlotte at one week | Federal Way Newborn Photographer

2010-06-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

Miss Charley...fresh, sweet baby girl. We shot in the morning, ending outside just a few minutes before an incredible thunderstorm rolled in. By then, she was cozied back up inside with her mama. Her big sister is a Finian Road Signature baby, and Charley is joining her in the club. So excited to shoot her over her first year!

One of the best parts of shooting a newborn under 10 days old is how flexible and cozy they are. It's why I always schedule in flex time near the wee one's due date, so we can shoot as soon as possible after the birth. She is perfectly ready for the shot below...a bit of a throwback to the previous nine months in the womb! :)

Yawn...sweet hat made by her mama.

A series of images that we shot just before the thunderstorm...love love love her family's backyard.

{Shot at midrange, cozy in the pot}

{wide angle, soaking in all the sunlight possible through the tall, tall trees}

{in close}

And one of big sister Ellie, with her new "big sister ride"...

Welcome to the world, sweet child. So glad to meet you.

Emma | Tacoma Baby Photographer

2010-06-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

At three months old, Emma is taking her parents' heart by storm.

She's just become their official 'forever child'. I had the privilege of shooting her together with her parents and grandma down at Point Defiance. As an adopted child myself, I loved seeing their bond together throughout the shoot...makes my heart happy. ♥ Congratulations on your sweet girl becoming yours forever!

A few of my favorites...

Ellie • The Last Shoot as the Only | Federal Way Family Photographer

2010-06-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

Miss Ellie just earned the title "big sister" with the birth of her little sister Charlotte. In the midst of an incredible maternity shoot for her mama before Charley's birth, we shot a handful of images of Ellie to mark her last "only daughter shoot" before the birth.

Life will be changing so much for this little one, but she will make a fantastic big sister. The newborn shoot will be up by the end of the week!

Until then...a few of my favorites:

Knocking on Mama's tummy...flipping upside down with Daddy...

Abby's life will adjust a bit with two little ones roaming in her yard...

Deb, Ellie and baby Charley...still in the womb!

Looking back...

Ellie at one year • January 2010
Ellie at six months • July 2009
Ellie at three months • April 2009
Ellie as a newborn • January 2009
Ellie's parents get married • February 2008
Ellie's parents at their engagement shoot • January 2008

Ellie at one year | Federal Way Baby Photographer

2010-06-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

A flashback to January, for a shoot that was never published...

We'll be seeing a lot of Ellie over the next few days...a quick glimpse at her one year shoot, images we captured during her mama's maternity shoot, and her first shoot as a big sister!

At one, Ellie was walking all over...with her hands delicately giving her balance as she stepped out. Don't you want to just sweep her up and pinch her cheeks? :)

Enjoy!

Seriously. Precious.

Ariana and Gibson | Orting Family Photographer

2010-05-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

With Gibson's first birthday and Ariana's third birthday, we shot near their family's new home out in Orting. What better way to mark their big days and new place? How can you go wrong with the river running right near their backyard and Mt. Rainier in the distance?

Ariana is growing into a beautiful little lady (who showed me where the best snacks are kept: in the freezer). Gibson's little blue eyes and grin are the best at lighting up a room. Or the whole outside, for that matter.

Read on for some of my favorites in this short little sneak peek...

Oh, hello 'fro. I love you so.

Guess what's awesome about this image...it's straight out of the camera! No Photoshop, except for cropping. How beautiful are her eyes?

Looking back over time...how fun is it to see how they've grown? It is one of my very most favorite things about being entrusted to shoot little ones over their first years...

Ariana at five days • May 2007
...at three months • August 2007
...at six months • November 2007
...at nine months • January 2008
...at one year • April 2008
Ariana at two years, Gibson as a newborn • May 2009
Ariana at two and a quarter years, Gibson at three months • August 2009
Ariana at two and a half, Gibson at six months • October 2009
Ariana at two and three quarter years, Gibson at nine months • January 2010

The countdown is on...

2010-05-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

On a crisp, incredibly windy afternoon at Saltwater State Park. It was there that I learned an east coast term for water: "water business". :) And we soaked that water up.

Rebecca is due next month, so we caught her right at the perfect time for maternity shooting -- 30-33 weeks along. Her little one is growing so quickly -- and the arrival date will be here sooner than we think!

Near the end, with the crazy wind over the water, she headed right in. It. was. awesome. Connecting with her east coast roots. And braving the cold, cold Puget Sound. Love it.

And cannot wait to shoot the wee one here in a year.

From the shoot, a few of my favorites...

Hello, joy.

Congratulations go to...

2010-05-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

What an incredible response to this year's Shoot to Fight Cancer! With 73 tickets sold, $1825 was raised for the American Cancer Society and their life-saving research, cancer education, advocacy, and cancer patient support!

There was an awesome rush in the last week - with $975 worth of tickets sold within the last 5 days before the drawing...with the very last ticket timestamped at 5:59 pm on Friday! :)

From my heart, thank you so much for your support of the American Cancer Society and our Relay For Life team.

Thanks to the random Number Generator at random.org, lucky number 43 was chosen from the 73 tickets in the drawing!

Without further ado, the winning ticket belongs to:

Mrs. Rebecca Callon!

Congrats! I can't wait to shoot the Callons! :)

Last chance!

2010-04-29T21:06:00.001-07:00

The deets, in case a pitiful image of my child trying to sell raffle tickets to a dog doesn't persuade you:

Finian Road (formerly known as Shelley Mauss Photography) has donated an awesome grand prize worth $750 -- to a drawing where 100% of the proceeds raised benefits the American Cancer Society.
What does the winner receive? An awesome photo shoot, the digital negatives, and two beautiful gallery-wrapped canvas (worth $300) of their choosing from the shoot.
There's 125 tickets available - we've sold 54 tickets so far. If you bought 1 ticket, you'd have a 1 in 55 chance of winning! If you purchased 2 tickets, you'd have a 1 in 28 chance of winning!
Not that I'm a numbers nerd or anything, but selling 6 more tickets will tie the amount raised last year. Selling 8 tickets beyond that will tie the amount raised in 2008. Selling 1 ticket beyond that will give us our best year yet!
Tickets are only available until 5:59 pm on Friday night. Do not worry if you don't have your ticket in hand, all donations for tickets will be included in the drawing. And you will still receive your ticket in the mail (with the 15% off coupon to Finian Road!).
How do you buy a ticket? Click here. Donate $25 for each ticket you want to purchase [minimum is 1, maximum right now is 71 tickets. :) ] If you donate before 5:59 pm on Friday night (Pacific time), your tickets will be included in the drawing.
When will you stop talking about Relay? When cancer always considered a treatable disease, like the flu. Or a cold. Or really, when it's never again a life-threatening disease. Until then, we'll Relay For Life to make that day possible. Because we are making it happen.

Ariana & Gibson

2010-04-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

From way back in January...for Gibson's nine month shoot! He just turned 1, can't wait to see the birthday boy and his big sister for their next shoot in a few weeks!

We met down at Redondo Beach, where Davin and Theresa had a lot of memories. With two little ones now, it was so fun to shoot them and freeze this moment in time together.

How beautiful is Ariana?

And how handsome is Gibson? :)

I love this one of the two of them together.

Looking back over time...how fun is it to see how they've grown?
Ariana at five days • May 2007
...at three months • August 2007
...at six months • November 2007
...at nine months • January 2008
...at one year • April 2008
Ariana at two years, Gibson as a newborn • May 2009
Ariana at two and a quarter years, Gibson at three months • August 2009
Ariana at two and a half, Gibson at six months • October 2009

The Shoot With the Mud

2010-04-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

This is, honestly, one of my favorite shoots of the year.

On the drive to the Harbor, it was raining off and on. Praying that the rain would hold for a bit. And it did. But it didn't stop the mud.

Little Miss Haidyn is now 18 months old, and into a crazy-paced run everywhere. Which is awesome unless there's been a lot of rain. So I give you the first shots before the infamous dive...

And the shot immediately post-face-plant-in-the-mud.

My favorite part of all of this?

We kept on shooting. Liz grabbed a backup shirt and jacket from the car, Todd cleaned Haidyn up, and she was off and running again, faster than a little blonde lightning bolt. Everyone just rolled with it.

If we'd stopped shooting, we would have missed this:

And this sweet babe kiss:

And this little grin:

And this squeal:

I am loving seeing this little one grow. She started a mini-Signature plan at one year old. We're shooting Haidyn at one year, 18 months, and 2 years.

Cannot wait for her two year old shoot!

Maren at nine months

2010-04-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

As promised, sweet Maren at nine months! Loving the Seattle sunshine down at Gasworks. And her daddy's shades almost fit...almost! :)

Among my favorites...

Hello, sweet little tooth...

Check out how she's grown!

Sweet Maren at six months

2010-04-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

Sweet Miss Maren at six months old. Her nine month sneak peek will be up shortly...these just never made it to the blog in the rush of Christmas!

I love her super pinch-able cheeks...aren't they the best?

A few of my favorites from an afternoon on the tree farm, just in time for Christmas!

Hello, tiny little lips.

Master Blake at nine months

2010-04-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby Blake isn't a baby anymore! For his nine month shoot, we headed down to Gasworks Park in Seattle with his parents. A few of my favorites, just hanging around and avoiding the winds from the lake.

So much fun to see him grow.

Watch him grow...

As a newborn | at home
At three months | around the neighborhood
At six months | on the tree farm

Master Blake at six months

2010-04-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

As I am getting ready to upload my favorites of Blake's nine month shoot, I realize his 6 month shoot never made it to the blog! In the crazy rush of the Christmas season, I just hustled out his images, added them to Finian Road's Facebook page, but never loaded them here.

You'll find another 'double time' post this weekend...from his sweet friend Maren.

Take a quick glance through my favorites of Blake at Christmas, on the tree farm. Grab some cocoa for this cold & windy, stormy night in the northwest...and travel back to the holidays... :)

The 2010 Shoot to Fight Cancer is LIVE!

2010-04-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

Does it get better than this?

I introduce this year's fabulously awesome Shoot to Fight Cancer.

A photo shoot with your fam from Finian Road + the digital negatives + two incredibly beautiful gallery-wrapped canvas of your two favorite images from the shoot, all while fighting cancer at the same time?

The newest addition to this prize are the two gallery-wrapped canvas. They are beautiful prints on canvas, wrapped around stretcher bars so the image continues over the edge and onto the sides of the canvas. They need no frame and are ready to hang! You will love them!

With the exception of the cure for cancer, I can't think of a sweeter deal.

Tickets are $25 each, and there are just 125 tickets available. Great odds for a prize package worth $750!

100% of every dollar from every ticket goes to support the life-saving work of the American Cancer Society...saving lives and creating more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, finding cures and by fighting back.

Check out the beautiful shoot from last year's Shoot to Fight Cancer with winner Candice Iverson and her husband, Brian.

You can use the shoot yourself, or give it away as a gift (and you would be the best gift giver EVER!).

Here's how to buy your tickets:

Go to our online website for the Relay For Life.You'll see a very cute photo of the Wee Ski fighting cancer in camo.
Click on the blue "donate" button under our names.
Enter the amount you wish to donate under "select gift amount": $100 buys you 4 tickets, $75 buys you three tickets, $50 buys you two tickets, and $25 buys you 1 ticket. And you can always buy more than 4!
Follow the prompts to complete your donation to the American Cancer Society.
We will receive a notice that your donation has been made and your ticket stub will be in the mail to you within 48 hours. It will go to the billing address for the credit card used to pay for the ticket.

The drawing will be held on Friday, April 30th at 6:00 pm, Pacific time. The winner will be announced on the blog that evening, just after drawing!

Remember, you can't win if you don't buy a ticket! Good luck!

Together

2010-03-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

The very first shoot of spring.

A special shoot - the day before sweet little Ellie was baptized, and the gift of having the girls' grandparents with them for the shoot. Siri was photographed with her other grandparents at a year and a half -- so here's Ellie's turn! Miss Elise is a year and a half, and Miss Siri is turning 3.

We shot down at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge -- where the girls were a bit more joyful than the average birdwatcher. :)

Among my favorites...

How awesome is it to see these girls grow up together?
Siri at three months • July 2006
Siri at six months • October 2006
Siri at nine months • January 2007
Siri at one year • April 2007
Siri at a year and a half • October 2007
Siri at two years • April 2008
Elise as a newborn, Siri at 2 1/4 years • July 2008
Elise at three months, Siri at 2 1/2 years • November 2008
Elise at nine months, Siri at 3 years • March 2009
Elise at one year, Siri at 3 1/2 years • July 2009

The Girls

2010-03-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Anaya and Audrey are growing so quickly! It's so much fun seeing the two sisters together - close in age, and little balls of fire. :) A late winter, almost spring shoot...

In shades of gray

2010-03-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Breaking out of my comfort zone...shooting in harsh, bright sunlight. (How can you be upset at blazing sunshine in March in the northwest?!?)

Lots of emotion & intensity.

Loving how my faves turned out.

Merina | Headshots

2010-03-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Down on the waterfront in Olympia, on a cold and windy morning. With crazy wind and chilling temperatures, doesn't Merina still look so beautiful? Loved updating her headshots.

A few favorites...

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

2010-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the sweetest day - save a sweet $50 on a Finian Road shoot for your family!

If you are looking to give a gift of family images (or looking to receive one from your sweetheart!), here's your chance...give a Finian Road photo shoot and pay just $400!

Now through February 14th, all gift certificate purchases are $50 off the regular price of $450.

Orders made by noon Pacific time on February 11th can be guaranteed to arrive by the 13th in time to give on Valentine's Day.

Your gift certificate will arrived wrapped and ready to give.

This will be the only special savings this spring on shoots -- so if you are looking to book a shoot, why not lock in the savings now?

All orders placed by February 14th will receive a bonus 16x20 print, on metallic photographic paper to be chosen after the shoot. A great way to highlight your favorite image! It's simple to buy online, right now: your gift certificate will ship within 12 hours!

Anaya and Audrey at Christmas

2010-01-17T22:02:00.001-08:00

A sweet shoot on an icy cold day in December.

I love seeing these two girls grow up - being so close in age, how they interact and how their personalities shine through. And I absolutely adore their bright smiles.

You may recognize Audrey's beautiful plaid dress from last year, when her big sister Anaya had it on for Christmas. Aren't they beautiful together?!?

Looking back over past shoots...

Malachi, just before Christmas

2010-01-11T21:47:00.000-08:00

Twenty two months old. So incredible to see how he's grown since I shot him at three days old...he has definitely come into his own. Sweet, loving, and the most fabulous sneaky little smile.

What am I excited for? That he's going to be a big brother! He's one of a few "second Signature babies" that are expected for Finian Road this summer...yea!

There were so many fantastic images to choose from -- I cannot wait to show his parents the final shots!

Among my favorites...

I love this father/son image.

One of his famous faces...

Mama hugs and squeezes...

As close to snow as we seem to be able to get! Good thing the lower fields seem to take longer to "defrost"! :) He was a fan as long as the "snow" didn't stick to his gloves!

Just before they headed into the trees to find their 2009 Christmas tree!

Looking back over the past two years...

Malachi at three days • February 2008

The Future Rock Star • May 2008

At the zoo • August 2008
The Rock Star Debuts • November 2008

One year old! • March 2009

Sweet Jeremiah

2010-01-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah is also a "Wee Ski" like my son...his parents received a gift certificate for a shoot from Jeremiah's grandparents - what a great gift! When they were up here for Christmas from Oregon, we met up on Olympia's waterfront for the shoot.

Jeremiah's mom, Laura, and I went to high school together -- it had been years since we'd seen each other. Now we both have little Wee Skis, great husbands, and fabulously creative jobs - she is doing something I would love to know how to do well - she's a pastry chef! :)

Onto my favorites!

How can you not fall in love with these eyes?

Yes, you can have whatever you want. Forever.

And the whole fam together...

Josh and Laura, I loved shooting your son! ♥ Can't wait for you to see the rest!

My own sweet baby...

2010-01-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

...just turned one.

He's maybe had one or two 'official' images on this blog...so to celebrate his birthday, here's a few of my favorites from his one-year shoot.

I love these boys.

Starting his first steps -- only a few on his own. Promptly followed by sitting down. He's watching a train right now -- way more exciting than walking.

I love that his baby blues never changed.

A sequence of one of my favorite things he does right now -- shaking his head back and forth like he's saying NONONONONONONONONO. Both he and Papa are doing it right now. It makes my heart happy.

Four teeth!

Taken by my awesome husband...

Crawling. His favorite modus operandi.

Oh happy child, I love you.

Self portrait!

...now, back to regularly scheduled programming.

In the next week, look for several more shoots that have yet to be blogged, an awesome Valentine's Day special (perfect to ask for as a gift!) and lots of Finian Road goodness all around.

Happy 2010.

On a chilly afternoon...

2009-11-25T19:11:00.000-08:00

...little Miss Ellie braved the winds. And the cold. In the most ridiculously cute Kenneth Cole Reaction boots ever. So crazy to think the last time I shot her, we were hiding from the 95° sunshine. How things change in the northwest in a few short months!

And her sweet hats? Her mama has been designing them...aren't they fabulous? I'm thinking there would definitely be a market for them if she ever decides to sell them...

Onto my faves for her nine-month-old shoot...with a few hidden until after her family's Christmas cards are out!

Looking back...

Ellie at six months • July 2009
Ellie at three months • April 2009
Ellie as a newborn • January 2009
Ellie's parents get married • February 2008
Ellie's parents at their engagement shoot • January 2008

Of yellow fleeces and the giggles

2009-11-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Meet the Iversons. Candice, as you may remember, was the winner of the 2009 Shoot to Fight Cancer, benefiting the Relay For Life. She and her husband amaze me.

They surprised their family and friends at Thanksgiving two years ago, with a surprise wedding. The two of them are such a blast to be around...I couldn't stop laughing...with them or at them. Brian is so sweet with her, and she adores him.

It was such a privilege to be able to shoot them. Over the last year, they have both lost an incredible amount of weight - 60 pounds for Candice and 120 pounds for Brian. This shoot was later in the year as they hit their latest benchmarks. An awesome chance to capture them right where they are right now.

We had some pretty funny moments - especially during the 'arches' spot. There was another photog who was shooting a high school senior there. They must have spent more than 45 minutes in. one. spot. Just. one. spot. We were doing some creative cropping, but yellow fleece guy kept showing up in the background. I hadn't laughed that hard in a long, long time.

Anyway, I digress. Onto my faves!

I said, "Will you lean up against that arch?" Thanks, Mr. Literal.

Give me your best creative idea. This is what I got:

I love it.

I have never met a girly-er girl than Candice.

Congrats, you two...can't wait for you to see the rest!! ♥

Mama and Son

2009-11-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

Let's be real - I was so far north for this shoot that I swear I needed my passport to reenter the United States from Canada. Perhaps it wasn't THAT far, but really, it felt like Canada, eh!

I had the chance to shoot Erin and her 13 year old son, Trent...who has been rocking the mohawk for longer than he can remember. They dyed it green for the occasion!

We headed to Kayak Point. Love the beach (even with the tide up!), the cool rocks and driftwood, and the amazing climbing structure that Trent mastered for me.

So fun to see them together - Erin's such a great mom to him. Makes me happy. :)

A quick peek at some of my favorites...

I love that his silhouette even frames the 'hawk. :)

I heart this. :)

Can't wait for you to see the rest!

Sweet baby Cale

2009-11-11T21:41:00.000-08:00

Just six days old. Tiny, wrinkly and perfectly new. The little details of newness that fade so quickly - "just born" skin, longer fingernails, and wrinkly feet.

Loving his thick, wavy hair, his deep eyes, and how snuggly he was with his mom and dad.

Among my favorites...

I love the swirl of his hair...

This looks like there could be milk!

Not quite! :)

Holiday Deadlines: A Quick Reminder

2009-11-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

How can it already be November?

Just a quick reminder about scheduling for pre-holiday shoots...

For image delivery by December 1st
Shoots must take place by Monday, November 23rd.
If you're hoping to use them with your Christmas cards, this is your deadline.
For image delivery by December 14th
Shoots must take place by Monday, December 7th.
If you are planning to use images and prints as gifts, this is your deadline.

Of course, you can schedule shoots through the end of the year and into 2010 -- but holiday delivery isn't guaranteed if not shot by these dates. There are a handful of Finian Road newborns that will be arriving before the end of the year - so these deadlines are firm.

The Best of Western Washington Insider Deal is available for one more week (through November 8). Here's the details:

With a scheduled and prepaid photo shoot by November 8, you'll receive a discount of $75 off the photo shoot price of $450.
The shoot can be scheduled at any time between now and May 8, 2010 (in time for Mother's Day).

Great gift idea
Don't have time for a shoot before Christmas and want to give a great gift? Purchase a shoot with the Insider Deal, give the gift certificate as a Christmas gift...schedule the shoot before April, and frame enlargements as a gift for Mother's Day! :)

Available dates can be found under "schedule" at the Finian Road website. Questions? Just ask!

Autumn color with sweet giggles

2009-10-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

Soaking up the last of the fall color in the northwest...celebrating Gibson at six months, and Ariana at two and a half.

Honestly, it feels like just yesterday that we were shooting Ariana's six month images down here on the waterfront!

How much do I love shooting her baby brother over his first year and a half as well?!? The two wee ones are such a joy to shoot, and their parents are the best. Love it!

Had such a hard time choosing my faves...so here is a sampling:

We started on their front porch -- the last time we'll shoot here as they are moving this week!

Ariana's proud death grip on her baby brother cracks me up.

More squishy face, less death grip.

I think these last three are among my most favorite... :)

In the Harbor...

2009-10-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

I caught up with these three...Todd, Liz, and a few-days-shy-of-one-year Haidyn. Before they move next year, we have three shoots scheduled to document Haidyn's first and second birthdays + a bonus shoot somewhere in between.

You will fall in love with this little girl. I did. :)

This face...priceless.

Mama and baby's feeties...

Loving their shadows together...

Look! What do we see?

A puppy! Haidyn sized!

I think it's the sparkly eyes that got me! :)

The sisters

2009-10-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Anaya and Audrey. Within a year, their parents have their hands full with two of the sweetest little girls. So much fun not only seeing them grow, but seeing how they interact and love on each other. Anaya does a bit more of the loving - sometimes as a big sister and sometimes just to remind Audrey that she's bigger. :)

Brian and Marta are incredible parents to their daughters.

I just love shooting these little girls.

I managed to find a handful of my very favorite shots from a shoot filled with great ones. You will love them!

Miss Audrey, holding her head up...

Sometimes life as a big sister is tough. :)

A big bear hug to finish it off... ♥

Looking back over past shoots...

A toasty shoot...

2009-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

In Phoenix, Arizona...somewhere in the neighborhood of 110° or so! But seriously, when you have the chance to shoot this little face, how can you not brave the heat?

It was my first time meeting ten-month-old Samuel - and he and my little one, Thomas, became fast friends. We shot around him and his incredibly fabulous parents, Michelle and Nate, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs. We made good use of shade, air conditioned breaks, and a bit of water here and there...and the scenery was fantastic. :)

Onto my favorites...

This was the first time he was standing on his own!

Michelle and Nate, I loved finally being able to shoot him!! :) Can't wait for you to see the rest!

In the sunshine

2009-09-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby Maren is three months old now...complete with little grins and big dark eyes. Loving how beautiful she is! We started at her home and headed to the park. I think I shot one of my most favorite 'cozy wee one' photos ever with her first image below. How beautiful is she?

I ♥ her grin.

Want to see how she's grown? Check out her newborn shoot!

Deep sparkly blues

2009-09-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

How can you not want to squeeze Blake with his big, deep blue eyes? Now three months old, he's developing his own little personality to go with his wide smile. We spent some time around his home and his neighborhood in Seattle, taking in the sights, running from the rain, and soaking in his presence with his mom and dad.

Among my favorites...

For his first shoot...Blake as a newborn

At long last...

2009-09-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

...Miss Kaitlyn is a senior. I've shot her since she was in junior high school. An image of her that I shot was featured on the cover of BECU advertisement -- and now she's getting ready to graduate this year!

Kaitlyn has always had a special place in my heart since I asked her to speak at a Relay For Life team captain meeting when she was just 13 or so. She stood up in front of 100+ people to explain why she Relays. Speaking from her heart about people she loves who have cancer, she moved everyone in the room. Team Captains were literally handing her cash by the time she was done. Since then, she's raised $1000+ each year to be a K-Club member. Smart and funny, she is an exceptional young woman.

So proud of you, Mini K, and loved shooting you as you finish high school!

Enjoy the sneak peek! :)

And Mini-K with her mama...

Summer grins

2009-08-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

So much fun to see Ariana as a big sister! While she's ready to take the world by storm, three month old Gibson is content snuggling in with everyone and taking things in. Love seeing her hold him and then run off to play. It was a warm afternoon - perfect for play!

I just love this of Theresa and Gibson together.

Looking back...
At five days • May 2007
At three months • August 2007
At six months • November 2007
At nine months • January 2008
At one year • April 2008
Ariana at two years, Gibson as a newborn • May 2009

All Brown and Ricey

2009-08-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

Each time I shoot them...there is always major change. Austin will be a sophomore in the fall, and Paige will be in her final year of junior high. So different from four years ago!

Austin's now taller than his mom (and me!), and Paige is continuing to grow up at rapid speed. The shoot was much warmer than last time...which I think we were all grateful for!

We spent about an hour and hung out at the waterfront. I so love that they will pretty much do anything I ask...and are themselves the whole time.

They were flexible with when we began the shoot time...so we started about two hours before sunset. Perfect, sweet, golden light.

Canadian geese are not afraid of Austin or Paige.

This image? So much has changed since the first time they sat on this log four years ago.

Over the years...

Ellie, in all her six month glory

2009-08-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Miss Ellie is six months old...with her big baby blues and sweet toothy little grin. And she was an amazing child in the heat...it was nearly 95° out when we shot her down by the water in Tacoma. Just giggles, laughs, and play for her.

This was the same spot we shot her parents for their engagement shoot almost exactly 18 months earlier.

Little did we know that a year later, she would be added to the mix...

This one just makes me happy. :)

Looking back...

Ellie at three months • April 2009
Ellie as a newborn • January 2009
Ellie's parents get married • February 2008
Ellie's parents at their engagement shoot • January 2008

The Girls: Siri and Ellie

2009-07-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Three years. That's how long I've been shooting Miss Siri...from her very first shoot at three months old. She's been a big sister for a year now. I adore the two of them together. So much fun to see how they interact with each other, how each girl has different facets of her parents, and how the whole gang is together.

We shot down at the waterfront for Ellie's one year and Siri's 3 year, 3 month photos.

You will love these.

I do. :)

I adore this face - made when her papa was playing peekaboo with her... :)

Lots of history here...
Siri at three months • July 2006
Siri at six months • October 2006
Siri at nine months • January 2007
Siri at one year • April 2007
Siri at a year and a half • October 2007
Siri at two years • April 2008
Elise as a newborn, Siri at 2 1/4 years • July 2008
Elise at three months, Siri at 2 1/2 years • November 2008
Elise at nine months, Siri at 3 years • March 2009

Sweet newborn Maren

2009-07-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

Tiny Maren in her papa's arms...how can you not fall in love with her sweet smile?

So many fabulous touches to her new room. Loving the chalkboard wall with the 'welcome home. Love the congratulations card handmade for their family...hanging above the crib. And being a fire family, I so love the red, white and blue outfit custom embroidered for her from her daddy's friends.

This is the first in her Signature baby experience...so excited to see Maren grow!

Check out a few of my favorites from the shoot...

Tiny Mister Blake

2009-07-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby Blake...settling in at home with mom and dad and four-legged pup Ella. I love seeing Kathleen and Grant with him...so comfy and cozy in his parents' arms. So excited to see him grow over the upcoming year as a Signature baby.

How can you not love this grin?

Avila at one year

2009-07-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe she's already a year old! A sweet, loving little girl. Caught up with her at the waterfront, at my favorite not-quite-yet-open park. Fantastic open space, a giant white bridge, and cool rock structures throughout. The perfect place for her to wander around.

Mother and daughter ♥

How happy does her mama make her?

And by far...my favorite:

Looking back over her first year...

Miss Ellie at Three Months

2009-07-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

So much going on...that it's time to get the blog updated! These are from April...when Ellie was turning 3 months old. So excited to shoot her tonight at six months...her beautiful eyes and sweet little smile melt my heart.

We spent time at home and in her family's backyard with their faithful four-legged love Abby.

Love her intense gaze here...
Recreating an image from her mama's childhood...

Looking back...doesn't time fly?

Ellie as a newborn • January 2009

Ellie's parents get married • February 2008

Ellie's parents at their engagement shoot • January 2008

In the sun

2009-06-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

Just before Brad left for basic, the whole fam got together for a shoot. Perfect timing on a fantastic day! Meet Brent, Gina, Brad and Tor.

I love seeing these brothers together...lots of laughing, exploring, and playing. The whole gang together is so relaxed and comfortable...I loved shooting them!

So good to capture them all together...a quick sneak peek of my favorites:

Tor is a little fireball. I love this image of him:.

Brad and Tor together...

And I am loving Gina and Tor together!! ♥

Introducing Miss Audrey

2009-06-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

When Brian and Marta began the adoption process...never did they imagine they'd have two beautiful girls within a year and a half of one another. A second birth mom chose this family to raise her child...and they welcomed her with open arms!

I love seeing how Anaya is adjusting to being a big sister...trying soft kisses intermixed with little smacks. :)

Aren't they simply beautiful?

The second time around...

2009-05-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

What a difference a year makes!

We last saw little miss Ariana celebrating her first birthday...and now she's a big sister to baby Gibson! I so love catching up with her and her new brother and can't wait to shoot him over his first year and a half!

I love his snuggly gaze up at his mom...

How can you not love his tiny little lips?

Two year old Ariana...

Baby brothers are a big deal.

Especially when they have big sisters who are so good with them.

I love his gaze...

And this look...

And the family together...

Looking back...when Ariana was an only child...

At five days • May 2007
At three months • August 2007
At six months • November 2007
At nine months • January 2008

At one year • April 2008

Up in the trees

2009-05-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

Five-year-old twins Nicholas and Brian are crazy about climbing trees. No better place to shoot than down at Pt. Defiance...where there are a ton of different trees to climb! Big trees, little trees, flowering trees...didn't matter.

Occasionally, we popped Mom and Dad into the scene as well!

Trees can also be very serious business.

"Get so close that you are touching elbows!"
So they just touch their elbows together. :)

Congratulations goes to...

2009-05-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

With 60 tickets sold and $1500 raised, this year's Shoot to Fight Cancer is a success! With the donations given through the shoot to fight cancer, more people will stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer!

This year's winner wins not only a shoot valued at $425, but a bonus $100 gift card to the place of her choosing!

Thanks to the random Number Generator from random.org, there was a 1 in 60 chance of winning (how do you like those odds?!?)...

Without further ado, the winning ticket belongs to:

Mrs. Candice Iverson!

Congrats! I can't wait to shoot you! :)

Last chance!

2009-04-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Just one day left until the drawing!

Last year, with the first Shoot to Fight Cancer, we raised more than $1700 to benefit the American Cancer Society and their life-saving cancer research, education, cancer patient support, and advocacy.

There are 125 tickets available, for $25 each.

You have a good chance of winning a photo shoot with Finian Road (valued at $425) for you and your family.This year, we are adding a little bonus to the mix! The lucky winner will also receive a $100 gift certificate -- to the place of your choosing! Does Mom want a new outfit for the shoot? Choose your gift card from Nordstrom or J. Crew! Do you want your little ones to be dolled up? Choose your gift card from Gymboree or Old Navy! Does your husband need a little enticing to get him to the shoot? Choose a gift card from The Ram or Cabela's to persuade him. Wherever you'd like -- your choice!

The value of the total prize is $525 - and 100% of every ticket sold benefits the American Cancer Society.

Tickets are only available through 1 pm on May 1st - or as long as they last.

Here's how to get the tickets:

Go to our online website for the Relay For Life.
Click on the word "DONATE" near the top.
Enter the amount you wish to donate under "select gift amount": $100 buys you 4 tickets, $75 buys you three tickets, $50 buys you two tickets, and $25 buys you 1 ticket. And you can always buy more than 4!
Follow the prompts to complete your donation to the American Cancer Society.
We are so close to the drawing - so even though you won't have your ticket in hand by the drawing time, you will still have a ticket in the drawing itself. :)
Your donation is tax-deductible for 2009.

Thanks...and good luck!

Katie and Aubrey

2009-04-20T11:30:00.001-07:00

It's been a year since Aubrey finished her signature baby plan...and it's so much fun to see how much she's grown! She's now two years old. How beautiful are she and her big sister Katie?

To see how both Aubrey and Katie have grown...

Barely conceived, just before they found out she was in the oven • June 2006
At eight months in the womb/the maternity session • January 2007
As a newborn • February 2007, and part deux
At five months • July 2007
Aubrey at one year • February 2008

Fire in the hole!

2009-04-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

Catching up with Jackson, Freddie, Tegan and Liberty...we headed over to the boardwalk at Chambers Bay - to be greeted by rain and wind! After a small people led revolt, we headed over to the giant playset at Chambers Elementary...just what the small people needed to be happy. :)

I love what you find with four kids in the family - every range of emotion and a ton of laughter.

Check out Jackson's curls!

And look who's walking now!

Mmm...fiber. Or pinecones. Take your pick.

Just before Liberty jumped, she started yelling "Fire in the hole!"

I just love this image of Freddie alone, up and watching over things.

Just before the revolt...

This would be my same exact face if I had that much wet dirt on my hands. :)

To see how they've grown...

November 2008 • Scenes of Fall
August 2008 • Jackson at six months
February 2008 • And one makes four

Amazing beauty.

2009-04-15T01:04:00.000-07:00

Jill and Jeff are getting married in a few weeks...and wanted to capture everyone together. The girls are so beautiful - so different from one another and so incredibly fun to be around. I spent a little time with each of them individually, and pulled together some family shots that simply crack me up.

I love this. Totally relaxed.

And the girls had no trouble when Jill and Jeff were the main focus. :)

Jill, I can't wait for you to see the rest!

The Fam at the Falls

2009-04-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

After a week of incredible rain and even snow...sunshine was a welcome visitor to this shoot over the weekend! Five-year-old Victoria and 15-month-old Alexandra were so cute together. Early on, Victoria let me know that she loves being a big sister...and she loves to watch out for her little sister.

We shot along the path at Tumwater Falls, and climbed down one of the step paths down to the water. Exploring, hanging out, tossing stones into the water...

Good stuff. :)

Little Miss Abygail

2009-04-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

...is sporting her cute little toothy smile!

She's getting ready for her first Easter...as any nine month old little one can! I love seeing her with her mom and dad - especially the image at the very end with her snuggled up against Brian, trying to stay warm.

How can you not love these baby blues?!?

Watch out world, it's "The Tripod"!

When first starting out, bubbles are always very serious business.

And there's the grin...

To see how she's grown...

Abygail as a bun in the oven • May 2008
Abygail as a newborn • June 2008
At three months • October 2008

All bundled up at six months • December 2008

The 2009 Shoot to Fight Cancer is LIVE!

2009-04-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

During the month of April, you can buy a chance to win a photo shoot from Finian Road!

Last year, with the first Shoot to Fight Cancer, we raised more than $1700 to benefit the American Cancer Society and their life-saving cancer research, education, cancer patient support, and advocacy.

There are 125 tickets available, for $25 each. You have a good chance of winning a photo shoot with Finian Road (valued at $425) for you and your family.

This year, we are adding a little bonus to the mix! The lucky winner will also receive a $100 gift certificate -- to the place of your choosing! Does Mom want a new outfit for the shoot? Choose your gift card from Nordstrom or J. Crew! Do you want your little ones to be dolled up? Choose your gift card from Gymboree or Old Navy! Does your husband need a little enticing to get him to the shoot? Choose a gift card from The Ram or Cabela's to persuade him. Wherever you'd like -- your choice!

The value of the total prize is $525 - and 100% of every ticket sold benefits the American Cancer Society.

Tickets are only available in the month of April - or as long as they last. A number of tickets have been pre-reserved by those who read the blog, so don't miss your chance to make a donation to the American Cancer Society and take a chance to win a photo shoot!

Here's how to get the tickets:

Go to our online website for the Relay For Life.
Click on the word "DONATE" near the top.
Enter the amount you wish to donate under "select gift amount": $100 buys you 4 tickets, $75 buys you three tickets, $50 buys you two tickets, and $25 buys you 1 ticket. And you can always buy more than 4!
Follow the prompts to complete your donation to the American Cancer Society.
We will receive a notice that your donation has been made and your ticket stub will be in the mail to you within 48 hours. It will go to the billing address for the credit card used to pay for the ticket.

Your donation is tax-deductible for 2009.

Questions? Leave a comment or shoot me an email! :)

GOOD LUCK!

Spring is (almost) here!

2009-03-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

Don't let the beautiful bright colors fool you...it's a little above freezing! Snow was everywhere a few hours earlier, until the sun came out...yea!

Elise is now eight months old -- almost nine -- and Siri is turning 3. So hard to believe I've shot Siri since she was three months old!

Elise is growing by leaps and bounds, and her sweet little personality is beginning to shine. I love seeing the two of them together. So different. So loving. So them.

Lots of favorites for this sneak peek...

Elise's little BamBam ponytail reminds me so much of Siri's faux hawk at six months.

I am also now, as a new mom, a sucker for snuggles. Especially between daddies and their daughters.

And for my favorite expressions...

And my favorite classic family shot...two little ones doing their own thing, and Dad bringing them together. :)

And a little self-portrait of Siri and I -- my first ever Signature Baby Plan client...in all her three year old glory! ♥

To see how these beautiful little girlies have grown...

Siri at three months • July 2006

Siri at six months • October 2006

Siri at nine months • January 2007

Siri at one year • April 2007

Siri at a year and a half • October 2007

Siri at two years • April 2008

Elise as a newborn, Siri at 2 1/4 years• July 2008

Elise at three months, Siri at 2 1/2 years • November 2008

One year old!

2009-03-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

It feels like it was just yesterday when I was shooting Malachi as a newborn...doesn't time fly? We headed down to the beach for some early spring beach time for his one year shoot. I love that as he grows, we continue to shoot things that are "everyday life" for them...spending time together, playing and hanging out. Today was no exception!

Amazed by his mama...

Before touching the seaweed...

And after touching the seaweed...how cute is this little face?!?

And one of my favorites...charging down the sidewalk...

A look at his first year of life...
Malachi at three days • February 2008
The Future Rock Star • May 2008
At the zoo • August 2008The Rock Star Debuts • November 2008

Coming attractions...

2009-03-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

Lots ahead in the next few weeks!

First of all, a huge thank you to all of my clients who have been so wonderful over my first maternity leave! Thomas, also known as "The Wee Ski", is growing faster than the weeds in our yard, and he's doing so well!

As I'm coming out of maternity leave, I'll be scheduling clients who have already paid in advance for their shoots...first come, first served! If you haven't heard from me yet, you will soon!

I will be focusing on shooting back-to-back on weekends -- especially as we head into the busy pre-Mother's Day season.

This year's Raffle For Relay is approaching soon. We raised $1700 last year with the first Raffle, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society and their life-saving research, education, cancer patient support, and advocacy.

This year's Raffle will have a special bonus for the winner...details to come on April 1st. Tickets will only be sold in the month of April. The drawing will take place on May 1st. There are a limited number of tickets...so don't wait once they're available!

Several sneak peeks this week...check back to see!

And since posts without photos simply aren't as interesting...here's my little Wee Ski at two months!

Sneaking in...

2009-03-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you just need to make time. Even in the rain.

As was the case this weekend...when I had the chance to shoot Ben, Genevieve, and Logan. Ben had been unexpectedly been reactivated recently to the middle east for a 12 month tour. After starting his training, he made a surprise visit home to his family a few days ago -- and it just so happened that we were both able to carve out some time to shoot their family while Logan is little and Ben is home.

I shot to simply capture them together.

And for the record, Genevieve is a awesome mom - who can pull giggles from her son and loves to see her two boys together.

I loved this shoot.

Some of my favorites...

Taking steps with Mom towards Dad...

How can you not love seeing Logan next to Chappie, and his gigantic doggy tongue?

And I saved my personal favorite for the very end...

Logan kissing his daddy's hand. ♥ ♥ ♥