Kelly Chandler

So fun to photograph these young men as they start out their final year of Eastlake High School baseball.  All the seniors got together for group and individual photos.  A few of the moms who were there talked about how “just yesterday they were in Little League”.  Ironically, following this shoot, I headed off to my son’s first game of his last Little League season.

Last night I went to a beautiful Soulumination dinner to celebrate all the good that is done through this amazing organization.  It was held to honor the photographers who donate our time and talent to capturing images for the Soul families to treasure.  

As photographers, we come into VERY intimate moments (often in the final hours of life).  We can witness unimaginable grief and yet the families are so gracious and appreciative to have us there to document their family.  It is hard to come into these moments, be so moved and feel so much a part of it, and then leave.  Soulumination follows up with the images/gifts to the family.  Often I feel heartbroken and wish I could reach out to the families but as the photographer, we can’t.  

One Soul family came to share their Soulumination experience.  They brought all the photos, framed images, memory books, bracelets, etc.  They shared the emotions they had during the session and after.  What moved me so much was when the father spoke of his baby girl.  He was holding a gorgeous photo of he and his daughter and said, “I don’t feel my daughter when I visit her grave site, I don’t feel her when I look at her headstone, I FEEL her when I look at this image.”  I, of course, broke into tears.  

He held up a handmade trifold album.  It is small enough to hold 6 or so wallet size images.  He told us that each of their surviving children received one of these albums with images of them individually with their sister and family images.  One book in particular was tattered and obviously had been held regularly.  It was the big brother’s book.  He carries it with him almost constantly so he can see his sister whenever he wants. 

Some of the images given are wallet size laminated photos.  This proud father (a Seattle firefighter) brought his helmet to show us that he placed one of these images inside his helmet.  This way, he has it with him when he has to draw upon his own strength to get him through rough days at work.   Similar to our Soul jobs, he faces difficult scenes and tragedy in  his work too.  

I guess I wanted to share all this to remind you of what an amazing organization Soulumination is and the way it touches lives on many levels.  You may not be able to be a photographer but there are things you can do to help.  Visit www.soulumination.org to see how you can volunteer your time to help create these gifts that are given to parents and kids so they can remember their precious loved ones.

Summer is just around the corner.  Be sure to book your Senior Photo Session soon.

Everytime I photograph a ballerina I am amazed at the grace and beauty that these dainty young ladies possess.  Yet they are so strong.  How they can lift their bodies in the air so effortlessly is beyond me.

Okay, seriously….how cute is this? I’m crazy busy trying to wrap up photos promised before the holiday….but I had to post this photo.   This would even put the Grinch in the holiday spirit.

You may have seen this amazing story of Brian and Misty Baker in the news.  Best friend, Amber Pluckebaum agreed to be a gestational surrogate for Misty.  In a surprise, both women ended up carrying twins and ironically delivered just 36 hours apart.  Now Brian and Misty have 4 beautiful newborns and I got the privilege of photographing them.  See their complete story from the LA Times .

This little one was just shy of 2 weeks old when we photographed him. For about 20 minutes he was bright eyed and alert for photos.  A little bit of milk and he conked out for the duration of our session.  He was a champion as we moved him around and captured him in so many precious ways.  He’d fuss for a moment and then settle right back into his deep sleep.  These are just a few of my favorites.

No doubt, his favorite spot was snuggled up against daddy’s warm chest.

When we were all done photographing, I got to hold the baby and get my baby fix……ah, best part of my job.

My heart sinks each time I see a call come into my cell phone from Soulumination.  It means another precious life is hanging by a thread and a volunteer photographer is needed to preserve memories of these special individuals.  When I got the call a few months ago to photograph a tiny baby with cancer, I literally felt sick to my stomach…why does something like that happen?  I found myself tearing up for days after our session, just thinking of the strength of this little baby girl and her parents.

I’ve been keeping track of this little doll and she is now cancer free.  It isn’t often that I can share these images as often they are to remain private.  But Austyn’s parents have released the photos to share.  This is one of my favorites….Austyn in Daddy’s arms.  We can all celebrate her precious life….cancer free!!!  Learn more about the amazing work of Soulumination at www.soulumination.org .

I had a fabulous day with Sophie and Ian last week shooting their 2013 Model sessions.  These two had some hilarious banter back and forth over who will bring in the most referral appointments.  Let the competition begin…..

I am excited to announce that my photography is on display at Starbucks in Pine Lake through May 15th.   Stop by Starbucks at 3016 Issaquah Pine Lake Road in Sammamish to see a variety of my work gracing the walls for customers to enjoy.  It is truly an honor to be their featured artist.