Kelly Chandler

Beginning in early March, my daughter’s Crossfire Soccer Team began competing in the Challenge Cup Division 1 Gold State Championship.  Over the next 5 weeks they competed in 7 games that took us as far as Yakima.  This weekend they advanced to the Semi-Final game which took place on Saturday at Starfire Complex.  Crossfire defeated FC Crush 4-1 in the Semi-Final game.  Congratulations to Crossfire GU11-A for defeating Washington Premiere 3-1 in today’s Championship Game.  Click the photo above to see a slide-show of photos from today’s game.

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 went to this family’s home just hours before leaving on vacation for 2 weeks….I could hardly wait to edit their photos.  It gave me something to look forward to upon my return home.  We decided to do the session at their new home which was spacious, full of beautiful light, and simply a gorgeous place to work.  I’ve worked with this family photographing their beautiful girls and was thrilled to meet their newest addition….a handsome son.

Mommy had a little snuggle time with her son.  This entire family is gorgeous!

When he finally woke up, he was bright eyed and had remarkably good head control for such a little guy.

He needed a model milk break so I focused on the girls for a bit.  Not only does this beauty have gorgeous eyes…but lashes too.

I think Daddy is going to have his hands full trying to keep the boys from calling on these two sisters in about 10 years.

Amazing what a little milk will do….night night little man.

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. 

Meet Shawn & Tiffany, an adorable couple that started my year off perfectly.  They were wed on January 2nd at Alderbrook Resort.  Complete with twinkle lights and holiday decor, this place looked magnificent.   Tiffany was the maid of honor in a wedding that I photographed in July ‘08 (see Ashley & Travis blog post).  It is always special for me to work with people I have met at previous weddings as wedding party.  I enjoy getting to know them on a deeper level as their wedding day approaches and then capturing their special moments too.

Tiffany’s attention to detail was super creative.  The zebra print purses with matching umbrellas were colorful and fun.  They came in handy when we got a little bit of drizzle on an otherwise spectacular January day.

Can you tell how excited Shawn is to be getting married.  He definitely jumped the highest!

I love the expression on both of their faces.

One final good night kiss.

 Thanks Tiffany & Shawn for starting off 2010 with such a delightful event!

 Sacha & Will were such a treat to work with on their wedding day.  Being a self professed fan of my blog, I know Sacha has anxiously been waiting for this post. 

I took Will and his boys across the street to the railroad tracks and got some really fun shots.  Will just simply looks proud to be getting married to this wonderful lady. 

Loved her flowers…delicate, stunning and tons of variety.

Off to Blessed Sacrament for a traditional Catholic wedding.

It was super windy that day.  We were down by the waterfront so add those two things together and you have a crazy adventure.  Sacha’s veil actually blew off in the wind and I had to run about 20 yards to catch it.  It was a very long veil so we wrapped her up in it both to keep it from blowing off and to help keep her warm.

YUM!  New Renaissance Cakes created this masterpiece.

Special thanks to Janel Schlitt - Occasions Wedding & Event Planning  for putting together an amazing event to photograph and to Tiara for doing such a beautiful job on the girls makeup.  Also thanks to April Greer for second shooting for me on this event. 

I had another shoot for Soulumination on Sunday…it was at Seattle Children’s Hospital.   I’ve photographed families for Soulumination throughout the fall, but each was a child with Leukemia and the sessions were on location. This was my first shoot inside Seattle Children’s Hospital.  I wasn’t sure how I’d respond, but I knew there was no better way to honor my son Grant (who ironically would have been 12 years old that same day).  I also knew I would be giving the Mother and siblings of this 9 year old child a gift that would last forever.  

Unable to speak, open his eyes or move much at all, this little boy has endured more than many of us will in a lifetime.  From a photography perspective the session couldn’t have gone better.  It took a little negotiation to get the younger siblings to do exactly what I’d like.  Visualize me giving them a “wagon” ride - (the carts to transport items back and forth in the hospital) around the hallways after they cooperated for photos.  In the end I captured touching moments between each child and their brother.  I know they will cherish these when they are older and can grasp what an amazing 9 years this little boy has battled.  My favorite shots are of mother and son snuggled up together in his bed.  You can feel so many of her emotions just looking at the images. 

I left the session feeling emotionally exhausted.  I felt anger at the disease, sadness for the siblings, a full heart from witnessing the unconditional love of a grief filled mother, and gratefulness for the health of my own children.  

I knew when I joined Soulumination that I was giving the gift of my photography talents to families who might not otherwise think to document the final moments in little lives.  But what I didn’t realize was the gifts I’d be receiving from these families.  I am constantly reminded that the little things in life really don’t matter.  My prayers go out to this little boy and his family as they search to find peace in this unbelievable struggle.

Wow, what a crazy season!  The to-do list just seems never ending this time of year doesn’t it?!  So many hats to wear, so little time…..mother, wife, photographer, custom card designer, party hostess, and finally Santa’s Elf.  The list goes on but you all share the same story I’m sure…so I’ll spare you the details.  Rest assured that the change of pace January brings will be a welcome one.  I’ve been behind on blogging, thanks for checking in though.  The jobs listed above all took over and blogging took a back seat.  I’ll be back soon though so come back soon.  My first wedding of 2010 is this Saturday, January 2nd….starting the year off with a bang.  In the meantime, if you didn’t receive my holiday card the front and inside are shown here.  Happy New Year!

Scott and Lindsey had a black and white affair at Pravda Studios with elegant touches of the past.  There were cigar girls greeting you at the door with real or bubblegum cigars for the men and heart shaped compacts for the ladies as party treats.  Scott wore a tux with a bow tie.  The bridesmaids outfits were black, sexy and even had feathers and netting covering their eyes.  There were white feather plumes, crystals, candles and black accent frames (with their engagement photos) on the tables….the event was spectacular.   Even more spectacular was the beautiful couple. 

The fabulous Stacey Yuchaz was second shooting for me and caught this shot.  I love how the reflection in the floor to ceiling mirror shows the details on the back of her dress and accents her tiny figure.   Notice the chandeliers and billowing fabric that Lyndsey had added to help turn Pravda’s tall ceilings into a cozy room.

We got lucky and had a beautiful day….every other day before and after their wedding day had rain.  But they must be living right….it was sunshine and blue skies.

Lindsey had funky black shoes with pink soles.

The ladies were so fun!  Trying to pose them so their feathers didn’t end up in front of another bridesmaid’s face was challenging but we got it.

Not sure what the groomsmen were saying here…but clearly Scott was getting razzed.

As the evening turned dark the lights in the room became more colorful.  The entire room had gorgeous up-lighting from Travis Terry.  I highly recommend investing in this feature.  It adds such beautiful accents to photos. 

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Scott Schield! 

 If I don’t have a wedding to photograph on the weekend, you’ll find me standing on the sidelines of one sport or another, photographing my children and their teammates.  Rain, snow, wind….it doesn’t matter, I wouldn’t miss it. 

Dalton’s Eastlake Wolves Rookie Football Team Red had an UNDEFEATED season.  This past weekend, I got the chance to photograph something extra special, A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!  At 9am on the ice covered turf of Mt. Si High School, these boys did what they had been taught to do all season long…..”Play like Champions!”  In front of about 250 fans, 37 Eastlake Cheerleaders, and with my husband coaching the defense, I watched the Eastlake boys defeat Lake Washington 12-0 in a shut out.  Our team lead the league in points scored (245) and fewest points scored against (45).

Dalton (#28) tackles a LW Kang.

Running to the outside.

Heading to the end zone!  Touchdown!

This LW Kang thought he was going to score…but Dalton got him from behind.

What a season….and what an honor to be able to capture photos of these boys from the sideline.  They handled each victory with class and made each and every coach and parent so proud.  Way to go Eastlake Wolves Rookie Red Champions!  For more on the team, you can see an article published in the paper at the following link.

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red/sports/70306152.html