Kelly Chandler

Last night, I did some second shooting for my dear friend….and amazing photographer, April Greer.  It was fun for a change not to be the lead dog snapper but rather to hang back and capture the moments that April helped create with her bride and groom. 

During the ceremony, the ring bearer pulled a flower out of a huge arrangement nearby.  He wanted Grandpa to smell it.  I love the way Grandpa didn’t lift a hand to pull the flower away but rather leaned in for a sniff before refocusing on the ceremony.  Such a tender moment. 

A lovely summer night sky.

I worked with Julie and Todd a few years ago when I photographed a wedding that they were in at Canon Beach, Oregon.  At the time, I remember thinking how adorable they were and hoping that one day I’d get to work with them again.  This past weekend, I got that opportunity.  They were all smiles….all day!

Woo Hoo…this crew was excited about the marriage!

Just after the ceremony, the bride and groom slipped away down the stairs for a moment of privacy.  I love this shot taken from the overlook of the upstairs balcony as they ran away for their moment together.

A suburban soccer mom myself, I am always excited to head downtown Seattle to get a little urban flare in my photography.  This Fall I will have the honor of photographing Andy and Carol’s wedding.  We recently met downtown Seattle for their engagement session. 

Before I even parked my car near Pike Place Market…I saw a man with bright neon pink and orange hair, spandex neon pink leopard print pants and platform high heels in a lovely neon orange.  I knew I had left suburbia for sure!  Later in the evening, after sighting a few more interesting and quite shady characters during our session, I admitted to Andy that I was very pleased to be with a man in those back alleys of Pike Place Market!

Andy and Carol were fantastic to work with.  They were natural with the camera, clearly in love, and up for anything.  We got fun shots in the market, moody shots in the alley, and romantic shots on the pier.  Loved it! 

Here are just a few of my favorites from the evening we spent together.

I caught a glimpse of her hand in his pocket with her ring popping out and thought it was a cute shot.

I’m looking forward to seeing these two in October for their wedding.  I wonder if they will invite the guy with pink and orange hair?

I love photographing newborns.  And the newer, the better.  Katie and Mike saw my work while pregnant and touring Overlake Hospital.  They planned ahead, booked an appointment for one week after their due date and we held our breath hoping that the baby would arrive on time for her photo session.  I always recommend getting in for the true newborn shots as soon as possible after the baby is born.  They are tiny for such a short time and capturing this moment in their life is so important.  Never in their lifetime will they be this small again.  I got an inspiration to do this little naked shot when I saw the adorable hat.  How precious is she!?!

You could tell that Mike just ADORED the two ladies in his life.  He was so tender with his wife and daughter.  Katie was a totally comfortable mommy.  Watching her, you would have thought she had done this Mommy thing before. 

This handmade blanket that she nestled in was so soft.  I kind of wanted to curl up next to her and take a nap myself.

 This photo is shown completely as shot with no retouching.  Now that is a perfect baby.  Again, this is a testament to why I like to catch them fresh out of the oven.  Their skin is yummy, they can be moved around into different positions and don’t seem to mind, and they look like little angels.  Thanks Mike and Katie for allowing me to photograph your little angel. 

I constantly am asked by clients to post some photos of my kids on my blog.  Okay, so they are beautiful subjects….I love them…..and I’d plaster them all over the blog if I thought that was really what people were visiting my site to see.  However,  occasionally I do bend to the pressure and post a few images.  This week wraps up with a baseball jamboree and a season end party at our house.   Imagine 14 boys, their siblings, parents, grandparents, lots of food, trophies, and general chaos…that will be my house on Friday.  Pray for sunshine please.  :)  

As I was burning DVD’s with photos from the season to give to the parents of my son’s teammates I couldn’t help smiling.  What an amazing group of kids.  My husband, Rob, has coached many of these boys for 4 years now.  They started out digging sand castles in the dirt watching the ball go by.  Now they are pulling double plays, hitting home runs, and are playing as a real team.  As I thought about their growth both athletically and emotionally I was really astounded.  I’d like to commend my husband, his coaching team, and the parents for their dedication to the boys.  It is a real commitment to be involved in your child’s life.  Years from now they will remember little about their youth…but they will remember that you showed up, participated, supported them, and loved them.  I encourage all parents to step up, get involved, show some interest, and see where your child takes you. 

MY, OH, MY THAT BALL HAS LEFT THE YARD!!!!

 Dorrinda was hilarious…we were asking her to give us a little attitude for the camera and she couldn’t stop giggling.  A typically strong and impactful woman became giddy and nervous.  It wasn’t long though before she put on her attitude and started to work the camera….we got playful, moody and down right sexy shots.  I took these 2 photos as we waited for the driver to bring Elliot to see his beautiful bride for the first time. 

Elliot arrived in style and was so happy to be with his bride.  Later that night when the evening was over, I complimented Elliot for his tenderness with Dorrinda.  He was constantly touching her, caressing her back, and looking her way when he wasn’t able to be near her at the reception.  He is a keeper for sure Dorrinda!

Blessed Sacrament was the backdrop for a spectacular wedding celebration.  This church is amazing to photograph inside and out.

I had the pleasure of having April as a second shooter at Dorrinda and Elliot’s wedding.  To see some of the fantastic images she captured visit www.aprilgreerblog.com.