Emily is one!

Oh my goodness, the best part about this job is that it's so much fun to watch kids grow up - and I get to be there for all the awesome celebrations!

See those gorgeous smiles? It was a fantastic afternoon. Emily's family threw her a wonderful party (3 cakes and kids everywhere!) for her first birthday. I can't believe how much more grown up she looks, even since just a few months ago. There's definitely something special about turning one.

Emily wasn't too sure about the cake at first, but once the singing started, boy did she ever warm up to it! She dove right in, and after she had her fill she started handing out samples to anyone who would take one.

Even a yummy banana cake comes with a sugar buzz. The Queen of the Party squealed about the Awesomeness of Being One while everyone cheered her on.

All in all, I'd say first birthdays don't get much better than that.

It's never too soon!

Do you feel that chill yet? That little snap in the air after the sun sets? Oh yes, autumn is among us with all the wonders it brings.

Put on a cozy sweater and break out the smiles because it's time to start planning your family session for your holiday cards!

(or just because. who doesn't love just because?)

Why do it now?

1.) We still get great weather all through September
2.) Everyone in the family still has that rosy look and it's not from a head cold!
3.) By the time the holidays are here, you'll already have your specially designed cards up and ready to go - which leaves more time to enjoy pumpkin pie!
4.) Who doesn't love a framed photo, and that's one less trip out into the holiday shopping crowds (see also: pie benefits, above).

And if those weren't good enough reasons, I've got a treat for you:

Book a family portrait session for the month of September and receive an early bird discount - only $100 for the session fee and 25% off prints! Woo hoo!!

(See, all sorts of reasons to love fall!)

A new project

So I've joined the 100 Strangers Project. Pretty simple premise - learn about and photograph 100 strangers. What better way to get comfortable meeting people and practice telling their stories through photography!

Today I popped in to the soft open of Urbia Fresh Cafe and met the owner, Lori. She's fantastic! I'm really looking forward to the Grand Opening this week. We have so many drive through coffee shops in Seattle that it's nice to finally have a local place where you can sit down.

It's obvious she cares about her employees and her customers. The best part is that every aspect of her cafe supports local businesses. Everything from her coffee to her food to the sign on the street - all local. I'll definitely be frequenting this place!

bubble days

It's been pretty warm here - in the evening when the house heats up we head out into the sunset to blow bubbles and cool off.

It's just heavenly with the warm summer light filtering through the trees.

Bella is content to just watch them float away or to wander through them as they drift about the yard. Then she goes hunting for the ones that caught onto a flower or are resting in the grass. These bubbles last forever! We actually found some inside the following morning, still alive. (But not for long!)

I hope you are enjoying these gorgeous afternoons as summer turns to fall -they really are the most special time of the year.

Photography Classes

How daughter number one felt after a recent photography class:



How daughter number two felt:



Either way, you definitely don't want to miss out!

There are a few spots left for totally laid back, awesome, and affordable photography classes.

Meet Your DSLR: August 15th from 10am til 2pm ($30 per person)

Camera on the Go: August 8th from 2pm til 6pm ($30 per person)

The Meet Your DSLR class will help you get to know your camera so you don't miss the shots you want, and even better, can start planning the ones you see in your mind.

The Camera on the Go class will orient you with all the options on your Point and Shoot camera and discuss composition of great photos. Point and shoot cameras can go with you anywhere and with a little extra knowledge, you can start making every photo better instantly!


Drop me a line at sweetriverphotography@gmail.com for questions or registration!

Back in the swing!

It has certainly been quite the adjustment going from one child to two, but I'm getting back into the swing of things. This wonderful family was my first session since having Lillia, and it couldn't have been more relaxing. We met nice and early - the light was beautiful, the yard was green, and the raspberries we picked were delicious!

And did I mention that the subjects were absolutely gorgeous? Allison's eyes (and her mom's!) are stunning, and her personality flows right out of them.

This is my favorite kind of portrait session. We got to hang out in the yard, swinging, playing Frisbee, and picking berries. What more can you expect from a beautiful summer morning?

Jessica, Allison and Eric, thanks so much for sharing your morning with me. It couldn't have been more lovely, and I had such a great time!