Kelly Chandler

This has to be one of my favorite photos of all time.  I mean really, how adorable is she!?!  I stopped in the middle of editing this clients photos to post this blog.  I just couldn’t wait to share it.  Their session is full of adorable shots of this little princess….so I better get back to work. 

January through March is typically a slower time of year for both portrait work and weddings.  It is my time to catch up on life and breathe.  I can hardly believe that April has arrived.  As I look back, my first quarter was amazing.  I’ve had more new clients than ever and the treasured clients who return every year to me are back again.  Thanks to everyone who spreads the word of my work.  I owe it all each of you that read my blog, support my work, and tell your friends to come see me for photos.  I promise to keep more current on my blog posts….it seems to be the thing that takes a back seat.

The photo above is of two new little clients of mine.  Mom and Dad saw my work on display at Overlake.  I can’t imagine having twins, but this couple seemed so relaxed.  It was as if they had been parents for 3 years rather than 3 weeks.  I can’t wait to see these little beauties as they grow.  Next time I see them they’ll be sitting up and smiling.  Did I mention that I love my job!

I recently had the pleasure of photographing these two beautiful children.  I was in awe by the love that this little boy shared for his baby sister.  There was no sibling rivalry…just a genuine adoration for his little baby. 

How could you not LOVE this kid.  His smile made me laugh.  It matched his personality perfectly. 

I asked him to hold her little feet in his hands and without hesitation he did it.  Then he asked “like this….is this okay?”.  Oh My Gosh!  I rarely get siblings his age who are so helpful and in to having their photos taken.  It made my job easy!  Can’t wait to see this family the next time, they were a true joy to work with. 

It is my honor once again to be on display at Overlake Hospital in the Labor & Delivery - Mother Baby Unit.  It is particularly exciting this time as the hospital has recently remodeled the entire Childbirth Center.  It looks fantastic!  Gone are the peach and teal of 1980….you now see beautiful rich colors and warm dark wood furnishings.  Makes me almost want to have another baby just to hang out there.   Plus, you will find over 50 of my favorite images enlarged and lining the halls in this area of the hospital. 

This Sunday, November 8th from 11am-2pm Overlake will be celebrating.  They invite you to come to an Open House to see the newly remodeled center.  There will be guest speakers, car seat safety demonstrations, informational and educational booths, a family show by a magician, refreshments, and more….and it is all free.  Did you know that Overlake is ranked in the top 5% in the nation for Maternity Care!  Impressive! 

 So stop by on Sunday, take a tour, and check out some of my favorite baby and family images like this one. 

Okay, is this the most adorable boy and dog you have ever seen?!   I have no time to be blogging right now but I couldn’t help it.  I had to share this photo.  I’ve been photographing this young boy for years.  Every time I see him, he is more and more handsome.  Adding the dog about put me over the edge.  I wanted to take them both home with me.  Their Mom wouldn’t let me.

Tis the season….for Senior High School photos!  If you have a Senior, you need to get your appointment scheduled now to make the Fall deadline for your school yearbook.  Most schools have a late October to early November deadline for photos to be used in the yearbook.  Contact Kelly to schedule your Senior appointment. 

Summer is here, my kids are out of school, wedding season is in full gear, and oh yes, my portrait work is on fire……life is good….life is hectic.  I’ve been posting mainly wedding photos as I know my brides/grooms are anxious for a peek of the day that blurred by.  I’m taking a quick minute out to post some favorite family shots from a portrait session I did recently.  Every time I work with this family, I admire the interaction the boys have with each other and their parents.  You can tell they all genuinely love each other. 

 Great parents make great kids!  Thanks for the pleasure of working with you again this summer.

I spent a lovely afternoon with Dana and Rich in their Seattle home last week.  Their 6 week old daughter captivated me from the moment I walked in their door.  She is utter perfection with beautiful features and a great disposition.  Dana and Rich are so totally comfortable and relaxed with their little lady.  I think there is something to be said for babies picking up on their environment.  She just cooed and looked around until she was hungry.  Then she squawked a minute, mama fed her and with a full tummy she was back to gazing about the room and kicking her little legs in the air.  

Clearly this is when she was hungry. 

I got my baby fix for the day…thanks for sharing her!

I am certain that if Bailey (the dog) could talk you would hear something like this…..”Ruuuuuuufffff….take the photo…she is pulling my hair!”  I was laughing out loud when I edited these photos.  You know the dog was just hating being told to “STAY!”

Notice the dog leaning to try to edge just out of her reach.

Amazing what the promise of a dog treat will do to make Bailey tolerate some hair pulling.

This adorable family has been to see me 3 times since she was born.  I am always amazed at how much babies change in just a few months.  We moved into the master bedroom and took advantage of some beautiful natural window light.  I loved the color of the walls with their white bedding.  Plus, it matched her beautiful eye color. 

Time to call it a wrap…..both baby and dog need a nap.

 I had the immense pleasure of visiting the home of this beautiful newborn and her family a few days ago.  I was greeted at the door by a very proud daddy.  I barely got in the house and found I had 2 little girls arms wrapped about my legs giving me welcome hugs.  The girls were pulling me up the stairs to meet their new baby sister.  We soon found Mommy rocking her little bundle of joy.  The girls quickly gathered around to show off the new addition to their family.  I glanced over at Daddy who was standing nearby looking at his girls with a look of tremendous pride on his face.

Later, I was being serenaded by the girls playing their pink guitars in a jam session with Daddy (yes he was really singing).  Miraculously, she fell asleep peacefully.  I wish I could do that.

We had finished a few naked shots of the baby on their fur bed-cover.  Just as I mentioned putting on a diaper to avoid potential damage, she went pee-pee all over.  Good thing it was a washable cover.

Daddy gets a moment to hold his tiniest girl.  You can see she already has him wrapped around her finger!

 I really recommend home visits to parents of newborns.  It is so easy to have me come to you rather than packing up everything and making your way to my studio.   Plus it gives the photos a really relaxed feeling.  This service is free January-March.  When my portrait work picks back up to the hectic pace I keep (April-December) it is still possible to have me come to you for a fee.  Please inquire well in advance if you are interested in scheduling your newborn home session as I need to keep my calendar clear for a longer appointment than I require for studio time (to allow for my travel).