Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:47 AM
Meghan & Jonathan are dear friends of Chris and I. Chris has known Meghan since high school, and Meghan & I worked as baristas together in college. We were the opening shift gals who made 'knock out lattes' and knew all of our morning customers by name. We might as well have gotten an award for being the most killer baristas ever. Meghan and I have been through many seasons together since then. I have truly seen her grow into a beautiful woman over the past 6 years.

Ever since Jonathan moved to Seattle to be with Meghan things have just felt more 'complete.' Not just for Meghan and Jonathan, but also for Chris and I as well ;). They are true friends to us. They are those special type of people who share the same mentality that our LOST "friends" such as Sawyer and Kate are real people and are a very real part of life. haha. Meghan & Jonathan are the friends that are always up for going out to Wade's shooting range for my birthday and shooting some 9mm hand guns (see linked video lol). As Chris and I always say, you can tell a true friend by a lot of things, but an easy test is to see who will drive you to or pick you up from the airport.... It's safe to say that Meghan and Jonathan pass the test in more ways than just one. We love them to pieces. 

M & J recently got engaged and asked Chris and I to be in the wedding. Although we wont be able to actually attend the wedding (due to a pervious commission) we feel so honored. We are stoked for our sweet friends to be engaged and married! We had such a blast on their session. The four of us took a little road trip out to Port Angeles, WA. Even though we didn't quite make it all the way there, due to so many excellent photo "distractions".  However, I am a firm believer that it is about the journey rather than the destination. We shot some on a ferry, at a quaint little church and in a SWAMP. None of those stops were really part of the plan, but it worked out swimmingly for us... literally at points.... we were all swimming up to our shins in the swamp water in order to get a few of these frames. The light was just so golden'y-beautiful... so I couldn't help myself. Sometimes you just "go for it" as an artist and hope it pays off. In this case I am so glad we did, not only because the images turned out beautifully, but mostly because it made for some terrific laughs for all of us.

These images are very near to my heart. enjoy our wonderful friends, Meghan & Jonathan.




Thoughts
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Kellie Kano says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 03:20 PM

There is so much life in this set of images. They just scream LOVE :)

Emily M says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 09:33 AM

I love these photos. So happy for these two!

Kate says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 08:27 AM

I love everything that is happening here.

Claire Greenfield says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 09:13 AM

These are so lovely. What I like is the way that you have captured the fun and playful side of Meghan and Jonathan. They're funny, but not in a slapstick kind of way. They're both cheerful, positive and playful people - which comes out in these pics. That's special.

Ian Mitchell says: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 05:27 AM

Great set of images, nicely done! And 'Band of Horses' instant win on that one - great band!

Emma Robertson says: Friday, October 16, 2009, 02:14 PM

O wow..... the colors.... o the colors...!! These are amazing Sarah - what an incredible friend they have :)

shannon leith says: Friday, October 16, 2009, 12:08 AM

all of these made me take a 2nd look. the .5 seconds we usually spend on images was extended today for me.......... these are so intriguing and lovely.

Julie h says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:56 PM

so rad! the swamp light is ahhhhmazing!

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:30 PM

P.S Love the Prowler in that first shot, I had one just like it!

mary says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:15 PM

absolutely stunning! every single frame is so perfect and tells a wonderful story. Congrats to your dear friends!

Melinda Ortley says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 08:20 PM

I love these so much I had to leave a comment! very inspirational.

kylie danielson says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 07:06 PM

AH! Sarah! I love these. Every picture gets better and better. Your work makes me happy and leaves me feeling refreshed. Simply amazing.

mary says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 05:18 PM

love this sarah. love BOH too :) can totally hear their song 'the funeral' as the soundtrk to this series :)

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 02:31 PM

i love these! beautiful job as always. :)

Jamie says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 02:16 PM

I'm pretty sure I could never be as cool as they look in this shoot. It actually reminds me of 500 Days of Summer... minus the breaking up part of course. =]

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 02:09 PM

Wow! You guys these are gorgeous! Your relationship with these two really comes out in the comfortable feel of these images. And the light in the grass... it's the kind I dream of!

Alexandra says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 01:32 PM

These are incredible. As usual. Wow.

Meredith Amadee says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 12:41 PM

My heart melts with every new photo shoot you post. You've captured the beauty in their love and the uniqueness in all of these locations. Thank you for making me smile and realize what a beautiful world we are surrounded by.

Candice says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 12:13 PM

i dream of the ferry rides often. these images made me nostalgic. seattle is going to be a destination for the Lanning's very soon...again.

GOOD friends are hard to come by. so glad you are able to cherish them so. :)

Meghan says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:50 AM

these photos are out of control! i seriously could not be more thrilled about them i love that you guys show us how i see us. you capture that warm and fuzzy feeling in a photo, unbelievable! thank you thank you thank you!

Brittany says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:31 AM

You have such a beautiful and unique style! I just love your work, and this is an amazing shoot.

Ben Blood says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:26 AM

Sarah, these are so great! Such good outfits too!

Janet McK says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:19 AM

haha. I absolutely love the one with the popped balloon.

Lesley says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 10:43 AM

these are just...i dunno...there isn't a word for the awesomeness of them... :)

geri e. says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 10:36 AM

wow! seriously stunning.
beautiful session and so innovative.

Allison Davis says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:55 AM

Lovely session. I love the tight BW with her hair sweeping around her - just a very beautiful photo. I love how soft and warm all of these photos feel - great work!

anda says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:37 AM

your connection with these two is so evident here. just my opinion -- but this is your best work. when a set of photos moves me, as an outsider, to tears -- it's powerful. beautiful!!

anda says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:37 AM

your connection with these two is so evident here. just my opinion -- but this is your best work. when a set of photos moves me, as an outsider, to tears -- it's powerful. beautiful!!

jamie delaine says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:35 AM

this is too much. too much. you're my favourite. ever.

PROMISE TANGEMAN says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:24 AM

Sarah!!! you guys NAILED this one. Makes me miss seattle and the ferries. amazing.

Kristine Neeley says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:24 AM

Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow. I am so very much in love with this series. I'm particularly crazy about the ferry shots - I know how windy that can be!

jill says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:23 AM

this is, hands down, without a doubt, no comparison, the most wonderful engagement session i've ever seen. cheers my friends.

Jane Hasty says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:04 AM

Gorgeous work and I love your description of your friendship. You said it perfectly!

Lynn says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:03 AM

Love these images!!! Meghan totally has this Katie Holmes/Maggie Gyllenhaal thing going... just beautiful!

josh mccullock says: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 09:01 AM

utterly awesome!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:28 PM
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable." - Helen Keller 

Johanna & Chad are true adventurer's. They love life and breathe it in deep. With wild escapades of jeeping in the mountains or long camping excursions, these two love the excitement that comes from seeing life as their playground. I absolutely love the spirit of these two. It is playful and kindhearted. Chris and I are so excited about their wedding coming up in November. I have a feeling that this is just going to be one of those super fun weddings with lots of fellow adventurer-types ;). Johanna & Chad hired Michelle Engvall to coordinate the event and we always love the opportunity to work with Michelle. 

These photo's just feel like fall to me.... it is absolutely my favorite season of all time. The leaves changing, bundling up in scarves and hats, however, the only problem is that Seattle apparently didn't get the memo that it is the end of September and therefore time to stop being 85 degrees and sunny everyday :). Oh and doesn't Johanna have the most beautiful eyes?! holy cow. 
enjoy. happy fall.




Thoughts
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Ty Hagerott says: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 05:53 AM

Wow what an amazing set of shots. I love the acorns...the straight poses are so fun.

Tessa Cockhill says: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 09:10 AM

Your amazing. I Love your style.

Kristen says: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 06:32 PM

Your work is flawless. I'm from Seattle as well! Let me know if you'd like to get coffe or something! I'm out in Ballard.

Syreena B says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 11:10 PM

I lOvE your work, I really do! I never comment but I thought it was about time I did :)

Jennie Williams says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 06:40 PM

OMG- these pics are so frickin cute!!!!

Johanna and Chad says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 04:05 PM

Sarah you’re awesome! These are fantastic, we can’t wait to see the rest of them! How do I pick a favorite?? The pine cone one is funny - only because I can tell Chad thinks he picked the best lookin' one. :)

Alexandra says: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 01:33 AM

Ooooh I LOVE these :) They look sooo happy. I love how natural you always make people look :) You are sooo talented!

Carmen AKA FRESH says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 10:07 PM

oops, commented on wrong post. but you know what i mean girl!

Carmen AKA FRESH says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 10:06 PM

It was a profound moment when I, former inner-city high school teacher learned the following:
You cannot change the world; you can only change yourself - thereby impacting the world. You continue to impact me Sarah! Hope to get a mentorship session with you in this lifetime.

amanda thiessen says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 09:20 PM

so awesome!

John Edgar says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:56 PM

AMAZING!!! Looove how.. hmm, can't find the right word but it's kinda like gritty? But not gritty because they are so light.. either way, beautiful.

Kelsey Johnson says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:35 PM

Sarah- you always amaze me with your photos. You truly are an inspiration.

tiffany zajas says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:34 PM

Beautiful.

Fall is definitely a favorite season of mine as well.

Kelsey Johnson says: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 06:34 PM

Sarah- you always amaze me with your photo's. You truly are an inspiration.

Thursday, September 3, 2009, 12:07 PM
I rarely shoot in my neighborhood in Queen Anne. I'm really not sure why because it is quite fantastic and full of wonderful places to shoot. I guess maybe it is because it is what is right in front of me everyday. So I am trying to stop and take it all in a little more and see it with new eyes. Cristin and Harpur helped me do that on their engagement session :). We decided to stay in Queen Anne and shoot their session over dinner at a restaurant called, How to Cook a Wolf. It is known to be one of the more amazing restaurants in Seattle and it is right around the corner from our house. One thing I learned about Cristin & Harpur upon first meeting them is that they are huge foodies. They LOVE good vino and even better food so capturing them in their element is EXACTLY what we accomplished on their session.

It was the first time I have ever captured a couple while they were enjoying dinner and drinks together, just them. There is something very intimate about capturing people in that setting. Food and drink have an amazing power to bring people together. To make the walls drop. And the food at How to Cook a Wolf was incredibly fantastic. A few glasses of wine later the sky was black... Harpur decided it would be a "genius" idea to get into the window at the video store across the street and then drag Cristin in with him. We were all rolling. I love that kind of spontaneity :). A big thank you to Queen Anne's very own, Video Isle  for putting up with us! After the video store Haprur thought of another great idea... how about we go hit up The Paragon, a local Queen Anne bar/pub for some post-shoot drinks.... (photos to follow)
Needless to say, it was by far one of the most spontaneous, random, photojournalistic, intimate and adventurous shoots I have had with a couple. And I was also very thankful to have the amazing low light capabilities on my 5DMKII (no flash was used in any of these images and most all of them were shot at an ISO 2000 or higher).

We are leaving to head out to the Spokane area for Cristin and Harpur's wedding this weekend. It will be on Cristin's dad's vacation home located on 2000 acre's of land. Chris and I are so stoked. We will be out of town through Monday so if we are slow to respond to e mail etc. that is why.



Thoughts
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Tressa says: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 01:17 PM

When the phrase "lifestyle" gets thrown around, this is exactly what I imagine. Thanks for reminding me the ordinary, is so very extraordinary.

maiko says: Monday, September 7, 2009, 11:45 AM

Lindo seu trabalho.... sou do Brasil e Acompanho o seu trabalho....... lindo, lindo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Kat Braman says: Friday, September 4, 2009, 12:17 PM

love it! all that grainy goodness is so yummy. especially love those ones in front of the movie posters.

Erika Jessop says: Friday, September 4, 2009, 11:59 AM

Sarah, these are so pretty. I especially love the Video Isle ones that show "Coraline"...great work!

Jasmine* says: Friday, September 4, 2009, 07:06 AM

So fabulous. One of your best sessions ever! Love it! :)
xoxo

Danielle says: Friday, September 4, 2009, 01:04 AM

love the one of her in the window and then the wide of the two of them together in the window. very cool idea and overall look. Gotta love that 5DM2 and the low light!!

d

Betsy says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 10:45 PM

ummm.. ridiculous that most of these are over 2000ISO. i am MUCHO impressed. Love the photojournalistic feel.. so much so, I feel like I can just go rent their romantic comedy, "Cristin & Harpur". love it.

Betsy says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 10:44 PM

ummm.. ridiculous that most of these are over 2000ISO. i am MUCHO impressed. Love the photojournalistic feel.. so much so, I feel like I can just go rent their romantic comedy, "Cristin & Harpur". love it.

melissa oholendt says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 08:53 PM

That last image is the money shot - I LOVE it.

What a great idea! This shoot has such a lovely intimate feel.

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 07:11 PM

love the stuff in the window...what a great session. you guys are putting up killer work this summer! :)

Maureen says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 05:16 PM

You nailed this one, Sarah. Enjoy the long weekend. Hope you and Chris get some time off.

Alice says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 04:14 PM

Hi Sarah & Chris, your photos always make my days! Checking your blog is one of my favorite activities and they always give me surprises! Love your style and all the photos you have taken... they are beautiful and truly can portray the love and emotion of the couples through these photographs. Excellent work! Keep it up and give me a daily delight! Cheers!

FRESH says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 03:20 PM

Sarah; so nice to smile after my gear was stolen MID-WEDDING Saturday. I'm just a mom with a camera, trying to make a go when this happens. I love how you see the good in people. Your images and blog-narrative have inspired me to do the same. Blessings girl!

scott neumyer says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 03:19 PM

man, oh, man do I LOVE the 5D Mark II. Love that it's able to get these images at that high of an ISO. LOVE the shot with the posters hanging in the window.

Dennis Bullock says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 02:53 PM

These are great Sara....love the look of film....how you to achieve that?

Justin James says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 02:45 PM

Sarah & Co. - - Love this post! The pictures of them in the display window are priceless. Awesome job. I typically stay updated on your blog and this is definitely one of my favorite posts you've put up. Keep up the good work.

Julie h says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 01:27 PM

wow! Those video isle shots are too perfect. Now that's an awesome couple! Excited to see the wedding.

matthew lyons says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 01:26 PM

Very nice Sarah. I love, love, love the image of Cristin with her hand up her face. (image 9). I also like the last image. I appreciate images that make statement about a person without showing his/her full face or body. Very cool!

Alexandra says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 01:13 PM

What beautiful photos! They all feel so natural. I especially love that last one :)

Ben Blood says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 01:02 PM

Oh goodness. The video store ones are spectacular! The one of her outside with the reflection is +A! Great job guys.

wrecklessgirl says: Thursday, September 3, 2009, 12:55 PM

sarah. what. those pictures in the video store are KILLER amazing. brava!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 04:51 PM
Stephanie & Kylan have insane chemistry. The crazy thing about these two is they met all the way back in middle school!! But they didn't let the 'love sparks' fly until college when they ended up on the same campus. It's always a crazy thought to think that they were sitting right in front of the person they would spend the rest of their lives with for most of their middle school and high school careers and never knew it... timing and fate are funny little things. Stephanie & Kylan are absolutely, one-hundred percent perfect for one another. No doubt. They are quirky, fun-loving, cultured, light-hearted and just straight up amazing. When I first met these two I knew that I wanted these fantastic people in my life in one form or fashion.  

Chris and I feel so blessed to have Stephanie and Kylan as one of our couples. They are the type of people who enrich your life. They laugh harder than most and their love for one another is a natural outpouring of the deep affection that lies within each of them. Stephanie & Kylan let us peek into parts of their heart on this session, they trusted us and let their guards down making it quite a magical experience to capture them. I am a very emotional shooter... when a couple lets me into those sweet moments I get a little lost in it. I felt like I was in an amazing little "photo-daze" for most of this shoot, the place where creating comes without thinking and the shutter snaps not because I am telling it to, but rather, because my heart is so tangled up in what is happening before me that it can't help but shoot. Perhaps that sounds a little crazy but it is like a high for me. I felt high for the majority of this session :) In the best way possible. Stephanie and Kylan seem to have that affect on people. 



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (19)
Eric McKenna says: Friday, August 28, 2009, 11:44 PM

wonderful work - as usual. such a great group of pictures of a wonderful couple! congrats!

Sarah says: Friday, August 28, 2009, 11:51 AM

Great pictures

Christine says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 07:28 PM

Pure awesomeness. Great shots, stunning couple!! :)

Chelsea McGowan says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 02:01 PM

That last shot is MONEY. So so money.
They're all beautiful, as usual. I don't recall ever seeing an image from you that wasn't outstanding.
But THAT one?
That one made me catch my breath and call my hubby into the room and remind him that THESE kind of images are why we do what we do.
Congratulations!

Julie says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 01:06 PM

Gorgeous images! The couple looks like they laugh together all the time...pure happiness.

melissa says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 07:09 AM

UGH! Sarah! Your work is always so amazing! I love everything you do, you are truly an inspiration!

Anne Whirledge-Karp says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 11:40 PM

These are stunning photos! They've caught the amazing love Kylan and Stephanie have for each other, their zany humor and thoughtful tenderness. I especially love the portrait in the mirror, their images in front of the store fronts and the images and colors blending with the grasses and fence. Thank you for capturing this very special relationship with your photos!

LisaK says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 10:28 PM

Your photos are always such a delight. I love these! Honestly, you are such an inspiration...do you ever get sick of hearing that! ; )

Jamie Robertson says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 09:52 PM

Wow.Amazing pictures. A big Awwwwwwwww! (And last but not least is the guy in this picture a former model?)

Kylan says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 09:46 PM

Sarah & Chris-
Stephanie & I are so happy with your photos! We love all of them and can't wait to see the rest...Thank you both so much for such a wonderful afternoon!
-K

John Huson says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 09:00 PM

Sarah & Chris, I have never commented before...my first time! But I just wanted to say that these photos are great! Your photos are always great. I like them because your photos seem to slow and stop time...you capture tiny moments so well and the color is just awesome!! I met you guys earlier this year at that PUG meeting. Keep up the good work. I've added you to my BLOG reader under the "inspiration" title. :)

Sarah-Jane says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 08:20 PM

These are superb! You guys are a great inspiration. Always capture the 'moment' and emotions pouring into each image x

Briony says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 07:11 PM

oh man this has to be one of my favorites i've seen in awhile! beautiful beautiful beautiful!

kelli trontell says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 07:03 PM

stop.
this is amazing.
as always.
looove it.
xo

jamie delaine says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 06:35 PM

:) :) :) Your blog makes me smile. you make me smile. Those last two: ahhhh I want to hug someone!

Bianca Valentim says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 06:33 PM

I'm speech less!
:)
:)

scott neumyer says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 06:28 PM

pure awesomeness. LOVE the water shots

Kristin Anne says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 05:38 PM

I just love your images when a couple in tangled up in one another's arms with their eyes closed. Such a real moment caught on camera. Nice work Sarah! Always!

Morgan Trinker says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 05:36 PM

Oh my goooodness, I can understand why you were in photography wonderland with these two! What a gorgeous couple, gorgeous colors, gorgeous settings, and STUNNING emotions captured. Brilliant. These truly express the sheer joy of photographing a couple head over heels in love. Thanks for sharing!