Photography.... The Gift That Never Stops Giving

It was a few days before Valentine's Day when I got a call from Tom, who was wanting to give a photo shoot to his wife Laurel as a gift for the special day. I was glad to hear Tom was finally wanting to schedule a shoot with me as he'd been Asher's Little League coach when my business was first getting started and he and Laurel had mentioned several times that they needed an updated family portrait. Apparently Tom was sporting a mustache and a full head of hair last time the family gathered for a photo shoot- a clear sign it's high time to make an appointment with your photographer ; )

A couple weeks after Valentine's Day, I met Tom and Laurel and their sons Ben and Sam at Larrabee State Park on a lovely pre-spring morning. The light was wonderful and the colors Laurel chose for the family to wear were perfect for this quintessential Northwest setting. Here are some of my favorite photos we created for Laurel's gift...

Such a happy, handsome couple!

This was actually the very first picture I took as we were just getting started. Tom reached out to help Laurel navigate the rocks and I got off one shot. I think it makes a very sweet picture : )

I love that even the sea worm Sam found on the beach matches the family's color scheme!

There was still a bit of snow on the ground on this February morning and, as little brothers often do, Sam went about taunting his big brother into a snow ball fight. With strict instructions that they avoid my camera, I took a chance at capturing the scene and am so glad I did... I love this action sequence- especially the way a very amused Sam runs right out of the frame just as Ben fires the retaliatory shot : )

I am always very excited when a client wants to give the gift of photography to a loved one. I personally believe a photo shoot is the best gift to give just about anyone as great photographs have a way of bringing unending joy that many gifts lack, and not only to the recipient of the gift! I also believe all gifts should be pretty, even if they are just a piece of paper representing a gift to be received in the future. With this in mind, I commissioned my graphic designer Lindsey Kiniry of Queen Bee Ink. to help me create a gift certificate that is a gift in itself. I must say, I love the final result and was so pleased to provide Tom with something so lovely to give his Valentine : )

Please contact me if you'd like to give the gift that never stops giving to someone you know!