It was a beautiful day for our maternity session at Golden Gardens Park. I was so happy to take these photos of my friend, Maryuri, and her husband, David. They will soon be welcoming baby Zack into the world, and I’m excited to see the little guy.  Maryuri and David are both such great people and I know they will make great parents. Maryuri has a kind and gentle spirit, one that nurtures those around her. David has a fun and happy personality, and his positive energy seems to spread to everyone around him. Together they will make the perfect team for Zack. He’s a lucky baby, to enter into such a warm and loving family

Hope you enjoy these photos from Maryuri and David’s session at Golden Gardens Park in Ballard, WA. It was tough to narrow down the pictures, so I posted quite a few 🙂

A special thanks to our friend, Yisell, who helped during this photo session. Thanks, Yisell!

Maryuri and David both had huge smiles the entire time, and I could feel their excitement of becoming parents.

One of the benefits of working at dusk is the ever-changing light which pushes you to work fast, but yet remain mindful of the scene.  I’m very happy with the wide range of colors we were able to capture during the session.

Congratulations, Maryuri and David! Can’t wait to meet baby Zack!

Chris and Robin met each other in college, fell in love, and got married in 2008. Among the many adventures life has brought them over the past 3 years, September 16th 2010, brought the most remarkable of all. It was the day their first son, Henry, entered their lives.

I’ve known Chris and Robin for almost 10 years and I’m so, so, very happy for both of them.  Knowing the character of these two wonderful parents, there is no doubt that Henry will be loved and cared for like no other. Chris and Robin are achievers. They strive for excellence in their lives and work hard to accomplish it. They don’t give up, and they don’t give in, and in this way, they are going to pour everything they have into making Henry a fine young gentleman.  They are the type of people who lead by example, and by doing this,  they inspire their friends and peers.

“It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.” -Joyce Maynard

Everything about Henry’s baby room was special and each item held meaning for the family. Trains are very sentimental for Robin since her dad (who passed away 10 yrs ago) was a HUGE fan of trains. He was president of the model railroad club for countless years in Kitsap County and loved all things trains. Growing up, trains were a huge part of Robin’s life.

During the photo session, Robin put Henry to bed, giving him the opportunity to recharge his energy. The three of us began talking about our own childhoods and the experiences we had growing up. Chris, Robin, and I each grew up in rural/suburban areas where we were free to run around to our heart’s content. We played in the woods, rode our bikes through the streets, and were fortunate to play outside without the fears that exist today. (Jeez, I sound like an old guy, “Back in our day, we….”) 🙂  As we reminisced, Chris and Robin began to talk about their wishes for Henry. They described a desire to provide him with the freedoms and experiences they both enjoyed as children, and how they wanted to him to have a balanced and fulfilling childhood. As we chatted, I could see how blessed Henry is to have such responsible, sensible, and caring parents.  Chris and Robin, you are both wonderful parents!

The theme in Henry’s room is nature based. Chris and Robin’s parents passed on their love of birds and animals to them (Robin’s even named her after a bird!) and they want to pass the same respect and love of nature on to Henry. Robin- your paintings are amazing!! LOVE THEM!!! They add so much cheer and happiness to Henry’s room.

The grey overalls Henry wore were a gift from his Grandma Ilene (Chris’ mom). The blankets he was sitting on were both made by Robin’s mom (Grandma Sarah).

Thanks, Chris and Robin, for allowing me to capture these special pictures of Henry and your wonderful family!

Chinu and I were introduced a few years ago and since then have become really good friends. Recently, we were toying with the idea of doing a photo shoot. A bunch of suggestions were thrown back and forth until the Seattle Art Museum was mentioned. Instantly, we both knew the S.A.M would be the perfect setting- it was one of those “Ah-ha! Why-didn’t-we-think-of-this-earlier” moments. And to make it even better, the Picasso exhibit was in town.

I’m really happy with the way our session turned out. We had such a great time taking these pictures while being surrounded by inspirational art. There’s something about walking through a museum and being immersed in the creation of others. It’s such a personal experience, and as Picasso said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Isn’t that so true? We each take away something different, but doesn’t art leave us feeling inspired and a little more…alive? Whether it’s in the form of music, painting, or photography, the creativity of others always leaves me feeling refreshed. Art is like a daily multivitamin for sanity.

The SAM photo shoot with Chinu left me feeling inspired. Not only is she a gorgeous model, but she has a warm heart. I’ve seen how much she loves her family and friends, and cares about those around her. She’s an intelligent working professional with a quirky, slightly-sarcastic, sense of humor.  Chinu has a gentle, fun, spirit, with the drive and motivation to do great things in her life. How can you not be inspired by that?

“Are we to paint what’s on the face, what’s inside the face, or what’s behind it?” -Picasso

Thanks Chinu, for being a wonderful friend and great model!

I remember when Joe first told me about the girl he met. He went to her “Project’s Day” at Seattle Pacific University, and then later to her house with a group of friends. They started dating and a few years later, got married. And now they are going through their first pregnancy together.  Through many adventures over the years, I’ve gotten to know Katie really well and I know she is going to be a great mom.

Joe and I have been close friends for the past 10 years and so naturally, I was super excited when he and Katie wanted their maternity pictures taken. Even though it was a little chilly, we had such a fun time taking pictures at Picnic Point Park. And as you’ll see in the pictures below, we chose the only sunny day this entire winter! Even the sunset decided to make a special guest appearance.

This is a really special pregnancy, not only because it belongs to two of my friends, but because it is their first. And to make this wonderful experience even sweeter, Joe and Katie are having… twins!! Joe and Katie had a scare early in the pregnancy but God has blessed them with two healthy babies, and they are surrounded by love from their family and friends.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOE AND KATIE!!!

Here are some memories of this very special time in your lives…….