Family Affair photography ~ Portraits

Only One ...

2010-02-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

We, at Family Affair Photography are slowly getting things back in order after our move. We are also slowly getting things ready for our new website. =)

Our main focus has been gearing up for what looks to be a spectacular year as far as weddings are concerned. =) I simply can't wait to get started photographing weddings. However, I'm also glad we didn't photograph weddings during our move.

Anyway, I'm rambling and I apologize for that. The reason I wanted to post something today is to inform you, our visitor that we will no longer have several blogs in 2010. ALL photographs will be posted to one blog. =) Easy to see everything we do.

This will include the 'Image of the Day', wedding previews, portrait sessions and of course the Op Love sessions. Effective immediately you will find all new photo updates here:

Family Affair Photography Blog - the one and only!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T14:45:00.001-08:00

We couldn't let today pass without wishing all our customers, past present and future a Merry Christmas! We wish all a Joyous Christmas filled with love and happiness!

Baby 'A'

2009-10-26T22:17:00.001-07:00

Not to long ago I received an e-mail from Dawn, a former bride who's wedding we had photographed. Last July they had their first child, a beautiful daughter who will be known here as Baby 'A'. They were requesting that we photograph 'A' as she grows this first year of her life. =)

Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Baby 'A'.

Terry, Sheree & Family

2009-10-25T22:47:00.001-07:00

This weekend we met with Terry, Sheree and their two beautiful children at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Below is a small sample from their session.

Once we completed the photo session these two were allowed to play in the leaves. Do you remember how fun that was when you were young?

Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Terry & Sheree.

Baby 'L'

2009-10-19T22:08:00.001-07:00

This last week we had another visit from baby 'L'. Unfortunately due to the bad weather we had to stay and play inside. Despite staying inside, we got the many expressions of baby 'L'.

Family and friends can view more photos in the password protected gallery: Baby L

Jacob

2009-10-13T00:26:00.001-07:00

We met with Jacob and his mom, Karen at Point Defiance Park for Jacob's senior portrait session. We had a great time with Jacob and despite the differences, there were many ways Jacob reminded me of my oldest son. =) It was a little freaky at times, and more than anything it made me miss my son a LOT.

Like my own son, Karen and Jacob have a great relationship which is always wonderful to watch. We had first met Jacob at Karen and Scott's wedding at the Day Island Bed & Breakfast last month.

Thank you Jacob (and Karen) for making this session so much fun. We wish Jacob much success in his future. Family and friends can view the complete gallery here: Jacob

Out of the Office

2009-09-04T23:36:00.001-07:00

We will be out of the 'office' for a bit as we take off until September 12th for some needed rest, relaxation and adventure! =) During our time away we will have limited access to the internet. I will respond to all e-mails as quickly as I can, internet access permitting! If it's an urgent need please call us as I will have the business cell phone with me.

Second Nomination!

2009-09-01T16:56:00.001-07:00

We received the e-mail below last week and couldn't have been more excited to be nominated for our second year in a row. We feel we have been truly blessed with our business and the wonderful customers who have come into our lives.

If you have a moment check us out here: Best of Western Washington - Family Affair Photography. And be sure to vote. Your votes are most appreciated! :-D Thank you again!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations Family Affair Photography!

Family Affair Photography has been nominated as one of Western Washington's best businesses in Evening Magazine's the Best of Western Washington. Voting begins Monday, August 31st and runs through Sunday, October 11th.

Carrie, Dan & Family

2009-08-13T21:23:00.001-07:00

Recently we had the opportunity to photograph the brother of Dawn (wedding) and Jobe (family portrait), along with Dan's wife and their two sons. We met with Carrie and Dan at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

We enjoyed meeting up with Carrie, Dan and their son's. And we look forward to seeing them again soon when we photograph the youngest brother for his senior portrait.

Friends and family can view their gallery here: Dan & Carrie.

Amy, Jobe & Family

2009-07-29T13:01:00.001-07:00

Last year we photographed Jobe's sisters wedding - Dawn & Brett. This time we were meeting with with Jobe, his wife Amy and their adorable little son at Wright Park in Tacoma for a family portrait. Below is a sample from their session.

Family and friends can view the password protected gallery here: Jobe & Amy.

Tabitha, Samuel & Family

2009-07-28T01:02:00.001-07:00

Wow, I didn't realize how far behind I have gotten with my blog entries, I do apologize! :-)

It was about 2 weeks ago we met with Tabitha, Samuel and their three beautiful children at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. Here is a small preview from their session.

Intern Wanted

2009-07-22T23:35:00.001-07:00

We, at Family Affair Photography are actively in search for the right person to join our team. First as an intern with the opportunity to become a part of our team.

As mentioned, it's starting out as an intern meaning WITHOUT pay, working on photos from our FREE Operation: Love Reunited photography sessions. These are family portraits that will be edited then sent to the soldiers who are deployed, away from their loved ones. Once they are edited I will make the prints and send them to the soldiers.

At this time we are simply looking for an individual who is looking to fill a little extra time on their hands while earning a little extra cash. This isn't a gig where you will make big money. Unfortunately, I don't make a lot of money so, I don't have a lot to pay out!

We had looked into some photo editing companies and decided we really don't want to send the work out of state or to another country. If we like what you do with a few of the Op: Love sessions then we would like to pay you to edit photos from our paid work. We are looking to pay a comparable rate to the services we found online.

The other opportunity this person would have is to become an assistant with the ability to work up as an associate photographer, shooting at weddings and other events.

We are working on three ways this individual would be able to earn money, get some experience and if they want move on with their own photography business or maybe stay with us as an associate.

If you are interested in wedding and portrait photography, please contact us for complete details and requirements.

Roxanne & Jesse

2009-07-22T23:22:00.001-07:00

This isn't the first time we've seen Roxanne & Jesse, the first time was when we photographed their wedding in Auburn. This time we got to meet up with them for a maternity shoot. It's highly possible that Roxanne and Jesse have welcomed the new baby since we saw them. I can only imagine how cute he/she will be!

We wish them a healthy baby who brings them much joy and happiness in life.

Tara & John

2009-07-19T20:00:00.001-07:00

Tara and John asked us to meet them at the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton. Sonny and I hadn't been to that park before and we were thrilled with all the opportunities that presented itself as we walked down the paths.

Tara's son came along and was a great helper, I just might have to hire him! He also made a cute model. :-)

During our walk, it started to rain. We found some cover for the brief period of rain.

The tree's also provided some shelter from the rain sprinkles.

Tara and John will be getting married next month at the Hansen Place in Sumner. We look forward to their wedding as both Tara and John are a really fun enjoyable couple to know.

Family and friends can view the engagement session photos in the gallery: John & Tara.

Marcus Trufant Football Camp

2009-07-14T23:01:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we had the awesome opportunity to photograph the campers at the Marcus Trufant Football Camp in Olympia.

It was fun for me to be around the young football players as it reminded me of when my own home used to be filled with the football teams from my own two sons.

Of course Sonny liked getting the opportunity to meet Marcus Trufant. What a COOL guy. I enjoyed watching him interact with the young campers. Okay, I got a kick out of meeting him in person too. He's a Tacoma boy who's now playing for the Seattle Seahawks.

Here is a small sample of some of the photos we took of the campers.

This guy had an arm and could really throw the football, I was impressed.

I'm ending with a photograph of my husband who claims I "made" him look 'goofy'. Well, he got his revenge as he "made" me look 'old'! :-P

I think it might be time to admit to ourselves that we are goofy and old. (sigh)

John

2009-07-07T13:08:00.001-07:00

Recently I was contacted by John who inquired about getting his portrait done to use for his business. He is in the process of adventuring out with his own practice in the Olympia area.

Sonny and I enjoyed strolling around the park talking to John and we wish him much success. Family and friends can view the full gallery here -> John.

William, Jennifer & family

2009-07-01T02:09:00.001-07:00

We recently met up with William, Jennifer and their handsome 2 year old son "N" at Wright Park in Tacoma for a family portrait session.

After a short bit we left the park and went to Rustin Waterfront and "N" had a chance to explore under rocks for crabs and other little critters of interest.

Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Jennifer & William.

Sabrina & Brock

2009-06-28T16:55:00.001-07:00

We recently met with Sabrina, Brock and their two beautiful children at Lake Lois Park in Lacey. I had never been to this particular park before and I was delighted by all the little spots that were perfect for family portraits.

Let me close with my favorite candid photo from the session.

Family and friends can view the password protected gallery here: Sabrina, Brock & Family.

Meghan & Russ

2009-06-21T08:05:00.001-07:00

We recently met with Meghan & Russ at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma for an engagement/Op Love photo session. They will be getting married in their home state of Illinois when Russ returns from his deployment.

* Since this photo shoot technically fell under two categories it's being shared both in the portrait section and under the Op: Love portfolio. :-)

We wish them much happiness and more importantly for the safe return of Russ. As always we are grateful to those who serve our country and to the families of those who serve. Thank-you!

Family and friends can view the gallery here -> Megan & Russ.

Andrea & Jonathan

2009-06-10T20:06:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I met with Andrea and her husband Jon who will be deploying in July. The reason this doesn't fall under the Op: Love category is because Andrea is a co-worker of my daughter. That and I forgot to mention to Andrea that we needed to have a patriotic theme/feel.

My daughter, Kim gave me specific instructions to "be and play nice" to Andrea. Like I'm not a nice person! Humph, that's a 'child' (she's 26) for you.

With Jon deploying, Andrea will be returning to her home state to be with family. I know my daughter will miss Andrea's bright cheery smile. As for Sonny and myself, we hope you keep in touch and let us know when the baby is born.

We also hope that Andrea thought we "played nice" and will give our daughter a good report. :-) It was great meeting both of you and we wish you both the best.

Baby L ~ 3 Months

2009-06-03T23:26:00.001-07:00

It wasn't that long ago we met with Baby L and his family. This time L was visiting us for a 3 month photo session. He has grown so much over the past couple of months. You can view photos from his first session with us right HERE.

He still has all that lovely hair and his eyes are a beautiful blue-green. This little guy is going to be a HEARTBREAKER!

The many expressions of 3 month old baby L.

I absolutely love doing the "As Baby Grows" packages as I get to watch these precious little ones grow.

We took a chance at getting baby L without a diaper for this shot. (okay, we had a diaper hiding under him).

After working the camera with the lion, he decided it was time to chill a bit.

He briefly considered fighting sleep but he soon gave in and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Shhhhhhhhhhh, the little angel is sleeping.

Kimberly

2009-05-30T21:48:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I was talking about some places that I saw that I thought would be good for senior portraits. My daughter Kimberly volunteered to be a 'senior' model.

Shocked and awed I took advantage of her offer! This is one of those rare opportunities that I was granted.

Our session for the most part took place in downtown Tacoma. There are many wonderful locations for senior portraits in the area.

The photo below is my favorite of the photos taken downtown.

This is the look I received when I asked her to do something - she's thinking about it!

Are we done yet?

This was my personal favorite from the park.

Now if I could've just gotten her to lay down in the dirt for the one photo I really wanted downtown! Another time, maybe with an adventurous senior?

Ashley

2009-05-29T13:33:00.001-07:00

Meet Ashley, a beautiful high school senior who met with us this last weekend for her senior portrait at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Doesn't she have such a beautiful smile?

We wish Ashley much happiness in which ever path in life she chooses.

Bridal Open House

2009-04-26T23:56:00.001-07:00

We have been invited to participate with several other vendors in the Bridal Open House at the The Attic and the Hansen Place in Sumner on Sunday May 17th, noon to 4pm.

We would like to cordially invite you to come check out the beautiful renovations at the Attic and to come see us along with some of the following vendors:

Pastor Pat, Simply Celebrations - Bridal Consultant, Kinetic Vision Media, Robes Elegante, Studio Ice, Act 3 Catering, Linens by Alice, Do Me A Favor, Generation X Productions (DJ's) and many, many more!

Please stop by and introduce yourself, we look forward to meeting you.

Out of "Office"

2009-04-25T01:01:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be out of state for the next two or three weeks due to a family urgent need back in Baltimore/Washington DC area.

During the time I'm away, I will have some limited access to the internet. I will also have my cell phone and if I can't accept a call at the time, I will return the calls as soon as possible.

I wish all well and look forward to returning to our beautiful state of Washington.

I Almost forgot, I am setting up an entry for an upcoming event to be remotely posted here in the next few days.

Lora & Gordon

2009-04-22T00:21:00.001-07:00

We recently met with Lora & Gordon in Gig Harbor. They will be getting married this coming June at a private residence in Gig Harbor.

When we first met Lora she had mentioned she wanted some engagement photos by the cherry trees when they were in bloom. We had perfect weather while the color was still on the tree.

Lora & Gordon have been getting the property ready for the upcoming wedding and I know from the looks of it now, that it will be such a beautiful location for the wedding.

Brittany, Andrew & Family

2009-03-31T00:35:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we got to meet up with a former bride and groom of ours, Brittany & Andrew. This time we were photographing their beautiful family. They had referred a couple to us, and as a result we had another wedding. As a thank you we offered to photograph their newest family member, he's such an irresistible guy too!

It was great to see you again and we wish you and yours continued happiness and much love!

Kelsey & Chris

2009-03-21T23:43:00.001-07:00

Last weekend with our lovely Northwest rain, winds and COLD weather we met with Kelsey & Chris in Seattle. Chris is based at Ft Lewis and Kelsey flew in from CO for this portrait session.

There wasn't the opportunity to see if weather would improve in the next day or two as Kelsey's flight departed that same evening. So despite the weather we made the best of our situation.

Kelsey and Chris in the hotel lobby. The lobby had a fireplace with a copper wall which proved to be an interesting backdrop. It was decided that the hotel lobby would be the best place while in his uniform.

Another interesting backdrop is the outside wall of the Experience Music Project. Stay huddled, stay warmer ... not warm, just warmer!

Around Seattle Center.

We made a quick stop at Queen Anne Hill - no view of MT Rainier with this weather!

One last stop in front of one of the icons of Seattle - Pike Place Market.

Fix it Friday

2009-03-13T18:01:00.001-07:00

Recently I found another photography group and each Friday they present a photograph for members of the group to fix. I thought I would start participating.

While we try to get everything right in the camera in the first place, there are always edits that can be done to enhance a photograph. With our packages we include a basic edit (light, saturation, etc) to all the photographs you receive. We also offer to do "special edits" for 4 photos of your choice for our portrait packages. These would be photographs you would like to enlarge for the wall and special prints or prints for an album.

The edits below are further enhanced from the basic edits, brightening the eyes, whitening the teeth, removing distractions, getting rid of stray hair, acne, etc. There are also artistic edits that can be done to a photo which I haven't applied to these particular photographs.

This first photograph is my daughter, Kim who sometimes assist us in photographing wedding.

Before - this is a file I found and it has a basic edit done already.

After - cropped, eyes lightened, added a glow, removed white bra strap that was showing on right shoulder, softened photo a bit.

Next we have sweet little 2 year old 'L' who we just photographed this last weekend.

Straight from the camera, with absolutely no editing done.

After - that pole HAD to be removed, cropped, fixed her hair a bit, lightened her eye area, and gave her a bit of a glow also. She's adorable no matter what!

This next photograph isn't one of ours, this is a photo that was given to the group to fix.

A really faded Original.

My edited version that I'm turning in. This I had to darken, add contrast, removed some white spots on the barn, whitened the whites of her eyes, added some color to her face, darkened her lips, softened the dominate freckles - I wanted the freckles to remain though, tilted the photo and cropped.

As a side note, I always keep the photos in my blog cropped to standard sizes for frames. Special crops can be provided and we can cut custom mats if you need for your prints. However, I've seen plenty of square frames now.

'L' Turns 2

2009-03-12T02:21:00.001-07:00

We met L and her parents at the Tumwater Falls Park for a photo session to document her turning two. Both Sonny and I absolutely fell in love with 'L' and all her expressions. She was a bit shy at first, but it didn't seem to take long for her to warm up to the idea of being in front of the camera.

Below the tunnel tubes at children's playgrounds always make fun colorful photographs.

Time with mom and dad ....

Really now, WHO can resist that little sly smile!

Reflections of who I am

Just as we finished up our photo session, grandpa pulled up in his truck which totally delighted 'L'. I must admit I was just a wee bit jealous wishing I could hug my granddaughter.

Sonny and I both had fun watching 'L' play and explore all the playground equipment at the park. And we can't wait to see her as a flower girl in August!

* Family and friends can view the full gallery here -> 'L' Turns 2

Baby T - 6 months

2009-03-09T01:11:00.001-07:00

It was once again time to go visit Baby T for her 6 month photo session. Every three months we get the privilege of seeing how much she has grown and changed. Seeing her go from a new born in awe of the new world she is discovering to growing her own unique personality has been a heart warming experience. Baby T's 3 month session can be found here -> 3 Months.

We threw some petals into the air, catching Baby T's attention.

If it was good enough for Eve .... we added a fig leaf to keep this blog G rated ;-) Mommy and Daddy will get the full Monty!

If you are the parent of a newborn or you know a parent with a newborn, please inquire about our "As Baby Grows" portrait package. With this package you get a portrait session every three months for baby's first year.

Family and Friends will be able to view the photographs in the password protected gallery -> Baby T

Steve, Cordelia & Family

2009-02-09T19:55:00.001-08:00

We recently met up with Steve, Cordelia and their two daughters the day before Steve was to deploy. I enjoyed their two beautiful daughters who had no problems being in front of the camera!

Thank you for dealing with the bitter cold and keeping a positive attitude. We wish Steve a safe return to his family and home.

Barrett Family

2009-02-09T18:24:00.001-08:00

Earlier this week I heard from Dawn, a former bride we photographed last summer asking about scheduling a family portrait session at her grandma's house. I learned that several family members were in town for the funeral of her uncle.

So, we quickly arranged a time to meet on Sunday afternoon. I wasn't sure what type of mood to expect for the shoot. However, I felt a lot of support and love among the family members.

It was really good to see this family again, I just wish it had been under happier circumstances.

Nichole

2009-01-24T19:42:00.001-08:00

This afternoon we had the opportunity to meet again with Nichole and her beautiful daughter 'E'. We had met them once before when we photographed the homecoming for the 585th Engineering Company.

Above is how we remembered Nichole and 'E' as they waited for Erik and his troop to arrive. Nicole has since lost weight and this is the new Nichole - Her beauty really shines now!

This time we met at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. This will be a gift for Erik ... so, shhhhhhh no telling!

Above is Nichole with 'E', we found a little color at the park!

'E' asked if she could take a picture of her mom. Here Sonny is helping her take a picture.

As you can see by the photo that she took above, 'E' is not only beautiful in front of the camera she takes really good photographs! I think she could be a top model or a top photographer if she so desired.

Family and friends can view the full gallery here -> Nichole's Portraits.

Tara & Ryan

2009-01-13T19:34:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we met with Tara & Ryan by the Museum of History in Tacoma. It was a gray day without much promise of sunshine, in other words it was a typical Northwest winter day.

Tara & Ryan will be getting married at the Liberty Theater in Puyallup this coming April.

They met and knew each other since middle school if I have my facts correct. Tara or Ryan feel free to correct me! I didn't say they were dating since middle school!

Sonny & I are looking forward to photographing their wedding. Tara & Ryan have such a connection with each other, you often find them looking at each other or giving each other kisses.

All the important wedding planning is complete, they are just dealing with the little touches now.

We wish them a lifetime of love and laughter!

Family & Friends can view the full gallery HERE.

Nancy

2009-01-10T02:07:00.001-08:00

When Nancy contacted me she mentioned something about how fun it would've been to get a portrait session done in the snow. Well, she got her wish! We had snow, we both quickly arranged our schedules to take advantage of the snowy conditions.

We also took some of her playing the harp, we (Sonny and I) were treated to some beautiful music. I had to admire the fact that she only started playing the harp 5 years ago and played wonderfully.

It was the most peaceful experience and I would have been happy to sit and listen for hours if allowed. Thank you Nancy for such a wonderful treat!

Toby

2009-01-02T13:15:00.001-08:00

This is Toby stopping by to wish everyone a "Yappy New Year"! He also wanted to remind people with fur buddies at home that Family Affair Photography includes pets as family and will do pet portraits.

Here's Looking at You!

2008-12-30T18:21:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our new business blog! This will be featuring our 2009 engagement portraits, family portraits, child portraits, as baby grows portraits and of course pet portraits.

With a new year approaching I decided it was time to retire the old business blog and create a new one. Then I had the brilliant idea of making separate blogs for the wedding, portraits, Op: Love Reunited and then lastly a photographers choice.

During the year as we photograph families, seniors, engaged couples, children and fur buddies we will post the previews here in this blog, it will also serve as our portrait portfolio.

Below are a few samples of portraits taken throughout 2008.

If you are looking for more samples of our work from past portrait sessions please check out our 2007/2008 business blog which is FILLED with weddings, engagement sessions, family portraits and much more. To view all those photos just click on our name -> Family Affair Photography.

We look forward in photographing you and your loved ones, call us today to schedule an appointment!