The short, sweet season

The Franke family enjoyed one of the nicest evenings we've had in the Northwest this summer, and got some really great family pictures to boot. I met them at one of my favorite locations in Steilacoom, and shot into the start of that magic hour.

There were the usual challenges working with a three-year old, but their daughter is adorable, precocious, full of personality, and quite a talker. It was really fun working with them. And though they're moving away soon, they'll now have some beautiful visual memories as souvenirs of their time living here.

Here are just a couple of the photos we got.

It's the busy season for outdoor portraits, and it doesn't last long around here. Who's ready for their family portraits next?

Nice Portrait Session Yesterday with Kaley

I got an urgent call a couple days ago from one of my recent family portrait clients, with an emergency portrait need. Daughter Kaley has done some school plays, and now wants to move on to community theater at The Lakewood Playhouse. Auditions are next Monday, for Sweeney Todd (one of here favorites), and Kaley needed an 8x10 headshot to leave behind after her try-out. Could I do the job that quickly?

Well, I just got my home studio up and running last week, and was eager to give it a real-life tryout. So of course my answer was "yes."

We kept things pretty basic for Kaley's shoot, with dark clothing, plain background, and soft lighting to show off her pretty, fresh face. Kaley's not a big smiler, but I'm told she has a sassy and mischievous side. That's what we tried to bring out, and I think that's what we got. She and Mom were both happy. And I'm sure her headshot will help the casting director remember her after the audition. All I can say is "break a leg," Kaley!