Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 11:57 AM
I was contacted by Ketti last year about doing a family session and time and schedules just got away from us, but this year she reached out to us again and we made it happen. I am so glad we did! Ketti is a photographer as well & what typically happens is photographers don't end up actually IN any photos with their spouses & kids so I'm always overjoyed to be able to capture families, especially for photographers. 

When I was growing up my dad was always the one who stepped out of the frame to get shots of my sister, my mom & me. I figure there is always someone in every family that ends up taking on that role. Unfortunately, that means I don't have many photos with my dad actually IN the picture and now that he's no longer with us, I really wish I had more of those moments captured with him. This is the very reason I love working with families. The different seasons you walk through in life with your family are precious. Even if you have a grumpy & crying two year old, you (and THEY) will be happy that you captured this time along the way. I am not interested in capturing the "perfect" family photo where everyone is flawless and wearing their perfectly pressed matching outfits. I am interested in capturing the honest moments, the joy and spontaneity of life as it unfolds in the moment. I love this session because it is exactly that. Enjoy...


Thoughts
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Whitney Schey says: Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 11:59 AM

This is the best family session ever. Not kidding. WHOA.

dorothy says: Friday, September 23, 2011, 01:16 AM

these are so beautiful sarah, love them.

Abbie Kressner says: Thursday, September 22, 2011, 04:30 PM

Awww! Love it!

rich says: Thursday, September 22, 2011, 11:33 AM

oh my goodness - these are so so beautiful! you guys captured this family in such a fun, natural, beautiful way!

Melissa says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 06:04 PM

These are just gorgeous Ketti!!!! Your family is adorable!!

Keri says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 05:08 PM

These are just gorgeous!!! Ketti, your family is so beautiful!

Cassandra says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 02:32 PM

Love how raw and natural these are...beautiful. One day when I road trip across the US you will be one of my stops.

Julie says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 01:57 PM

LOVE these Ketti!! I can't wait to see these on your wall!! Great location choice too :)

Janet says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 01:00 PM

LOVE these! what wonderful captures!

Jen K. says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:59 PM

You just plain rock Sarah.

Aimee says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:34 PM

Ketti your family is so cute! LOVE all the wonderful moments Sarah captured!

Jeff Frandsen says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:33 PM

Love the one of him crawling through the bike rack (i'm guessing that's what it is!).

melissa zihlman says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:33 PM

I adore this family...you did such an amazing job capturing them! K, you look stunning!! xx

the detailed life says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:31 PM

oh, and wanted to add that your words in the last paragraph- I think I've had exactly those thoughts!

the detailed life says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:29 PM

Love these! Family photos in general are my favorites. Really like the colors this family chose to wear.

Laurie Sachs says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:27 PM

One of my favorite families ever and you captured them so well!!! Love, love, love. K you look gorgeous.

Angela says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:24 PM

Love these!! Ketti, you look gorgeous and I LOVE the outfits you chose! Great work Sarah!

molly says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:23 PM

love these so much! and i so agree with capturing real family moments. xoxo

cherron says: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:21 PM

Oh, these are brilliant!!! Ketti, you look so beautiful and your family is gorgeous. Sarah, you did an amazing job. Love it.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 05:55 PM
Last week we headed down the coast to celebrate our anniversary. We first stopped in Portlandia and "put a bird on it." Our first stop was at the worlds greatest bookstore, Powell's Books which is literally like entering a universe of books floor to ceiling. I went a little crazy in the photography section. I have a... ahem... a problem with splurging on beautiful visual coffee table books. I scored at Powell's and found one I have admired from afar for a while by Avedon and also treated myself to a beautiful Norman Jean Roy book. Needless to say I was a very happy girl. I'm typically not a big Pastrami Sandwich gal, but we've heard great things about Kenny and Zuke's Delicatessen and we were not disappointed! If you ever get a mad hankering for pastrami (I don't know who would, but whatever!) and you're near Portland, you should check it out. Chris and I just spent the rest of the day in Portland vintage furniture shopping and walking around the city together. Unfortunately, we didn't find any special gems to add to our blankhaus, but that really just would have been icing on the cake anyway. We grabbed a delish dinner at Clyde Common which was conveniently connected to our hotel. A big thank you to those of you who recommended such wonderful eats via twitter. I wish we had more time to experience them all, but since Portland is so close we are back there often.

The next morning we grabbed some breakfast from Mothers in Portland and hit the road for Cannon Beach. When we got there, the sun was just breaking through the clouds and it was a nice "toasty" 55 degrees! Ironically enough, this is one of my very favorite qualities about this beach. I'm not a huge fan of being in a swimsuit... I tend to blind people, totally unintentionally, of course ;) I'm just a pasty human, I can't help it. So for me, I like to stick to my "jacket beaches" it's the only way. We caught one of the most breath taking sunsets of my life on the evening of our anniversary. It was perfect in every way. The sun nestled behind the big goonie rocks and Chris and I were just happy as could be. I'm thankful to live this life... It is bigger and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.


Thoughts
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Kelsey Reely says: Monday, August 22, 2011, 03:34 PM

my phone must be on the fritz since I can't imagine you would come to Ptown and not call me!!!! Would love to see you soon. xoxo

Kelsey Reely says: Monday, August 22, 2011, 03:32 PM

my phone must be on the fritz since I can't imagine you would come to Ptown and not call me!!!! Would love to see you soon. xoxo

Kelsey Reely says: Monday, August 22, 2011, 03:32 PM

my phone must be on the fritz since I can't imagine you would come to Ptown and not call me!!!! Would love to see you soon. xoxo

Sarah-Jane says: Sunday, August 21, 2011, 11:53 PM

As always, AMAZING pics guys!
Happy Anniversary!
xxx

Sarah-Jane says: Sunday, August 21, 2011, 11:52 PM

As always, AMAZING pics guys!
Happy Anniversary!
xxx

Sarah-Jane says: Sunday, August 21, 2011, 11:51 PM

As always, AMAZING pics guys!
Happy Anniversary!
xxx

Jarusha Brown says: Friday, July 15, 2011, 10:00 PM

You two are so cute! Looks like a lovely trip :)

Sharon says: Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 08:21 PM

Hi there, sweet couple!
Here is sharon from brazil just saying hello :)
I am passing thru a really hard time here in personal life and it is making me think a lot about my photography.
I stoped for a while and came here to find love and inspiration. You two always give that with your beautiful photos.
Just want to say thank you!
happy anniversary!
Love,
Sharon

francis says: Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 11:57 PM

happy anniversary. from a fan in socal. keep inspiring and sharing. you rock sarah!

francis says: Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 11:56 PM

happy anniversary. from a fan in socal. keep inspiring and sharing. you rock sarah!

Emily says: Sunday, July 10, 2011, 01:55 PM

Love these pictures! So inspiring!

tif says: Sunday, July 10, 2011, 10:42 AM

at the end I wanted to scream..Kiss Kiss- I guess I wanted a kissing picture:) ha!! happy Anniversary your love is All!!

lauren clark says: Saturday, July 9, 2011, 12:31 PM

Cannon Beach is my favorite place on earth

danielle says: Friday, July 8, 2011, 05:00 PM

congrats on your anniversary! Looks like you two had a ton of fun on your trip :) Miss you guys.

d

Jenn Stark says: Friday, July 8, 2011, 11:46 AM

So cool to see Portland/Cannon Beach thru your eyes, just a few days before we explored the area ourselves -- the beach sunset ones are just magic. Especially love the birds in the clouds. xo

Derren says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 08:10 PM

Such a fun post guys! First of all, love all the images from Portland and the beach--we miss Oregon! Second of all, those potatoes look delicious. Loved having a window in on your vacation/anniversary! And congrats :-).

Derren says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 08:10 PM

Such a fun post guys! First of all, love all the images from Portland and the beach--we miss Oregon! Second of all, those potatoes look delicious. Loved having a window in on your vacation/anniversary! And congrats :-).

Derren says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 08:09 PM

Such a fun post guys! First of all, love all the images from Portland and the beach--we miss Oregon! Second of all, those potatoes look delicious. Loved having a window in on your vacation/anniversary! And congrats :-).

the detailed life says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 02:29 PM

Yay for Oregon love!

Whitney Schey says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 09:33 AM

It's easy as a photographer to be intimidated by other REALLY talented photographers... but I never ever leave your blog feeling intimidated, or anything like it. I leave feeling INSPIRED and EXCITED to be courageous in my next undertaking. You fuel my creative pieces. Thank you.

rich says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 09:11 AM

happy anniversary to you and chris! absolutely beautiful images!

Anda says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 08:46 AM

Okay, I am so jealous of your Cannon Beach images -- they are to die for, as always. It was your previous Cannon Beach photos that made me want/need to see it in the first place. However ... when I was there? Last week? It was super sunny, 80+ degrees and jam-packed with people. Not majestic at all! I guess I didn't understand its allure. But your photos have once again convinced me to try going when it's overcast and chilly. I also prefer the non-swimsuit beaches. xoxo.

Shokoofeh says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 04:29 AM

Truly awesome photos! :)

Lea Hartman says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 04:29 AM

Those are awesome! Love your shades too!

wrecklessgirl says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 12:54 AM

in love.

leah zawadzki says: Thursday, July 7, 2011, 12:00 AM

crazy wonderful. happy anniversary.

sk says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 10:59 PM

man...this looks like old man winter here compared to the sweat box we are in here in oklahoma!

hayley says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 10:31 PM

so lovely as usual. and I'm jealous you guys are wearing jackets in summer.

kati says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 10:17 PM

i grew up at the beach and now live in portland. always love seeing people enjoying my world. when i first started going through the pics, for some reason i thought "i'm about to see a pic of the waffle window!" hahaha :)

Dave Stark says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 09:44 PM

Absolutely love these images guys!!! They really tell a great story of your trip.

Megan Eckers says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 08:51 PM

STUNNING.

Meredith says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 08:07 PM

gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. loved the shout out to portlandia. but seriously, you guys have an incredible amount of talent. love it all.

Valerie (Colibriphoto) says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 07:16 PM

Absolutely GORGEOUS! You are such an inspiration to me Sarah... Thank you.

Jade Sheldon says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 07:15 PM

Happy anniversary to the two of you! Portland is my home town and I attended PNCA wich is just a few blocks away from Powell's. I spent nearly every afternoon there which probably explains my ridiculously large book collection. I must admit I also have a taste for expensive coffee table books, especially ones concerning illustration and photography.

And I know just how you feel about the beach: I too am blindingly white so the mild beach weather definitely suits me better :)

These images are stunning!

Katie says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 07:01 PM

These are freaking incredible. Seriously. Dying over them.

Michelle Stone says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 06:52 PM

you guys are ridiculously, insanely talented!! and the 3rd to last shot of the girls on the beach at sunset took my breath away. xo.

Hanna says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 06:26 PM

love these! congrats!!!

Annie says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 06:14 PM

The shots of you on the beach are stunning - you are beautiful Sarah! (and Chris!) :)

PS: I have similar shoes to those Sarah, only mine don't have holes in them - now I'm tempted to cut some in myself! :)

Christian says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 06:14 PM

Epic shots! Love your work.

alyda says: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 06:08 PM

i heart you two. beautiful photos and people.

Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:05 AM
We shot pretty Jane over a month ago and although I have been dying to get my editing hands on these for a while and it seems like every time I try there has been another project or job that comes up that needs to take precedent. But Tuesday I finally got the time to sit down and play a little bit. I experimented with this shoot. I taught myself some new things in post. I had a lot of fun exercising some new "muscles." 

The other day I asked a photography mentor of mine what they believe was the magic sauce that gave the photography legends their career longevity? The answer really resonated with me... in short the answer was, the photographers who keep pushing themselves and never become stale or stagnant in their work are the ones with the legendary careers of creative success. Of course there are many factors that play into someones success, but at it's very simplest form it seems as though that is the case in many of the greats throughout history. When I look at the work of great photographers such as Avedon, Nachtwey, Leibovitz they all seem to carry this trait of continued exploration in their respective bodies of work. Although these photographers had a definite style they never became too predictable. I've been challenged with this and am really exploring how to continue to cultivate that same spirit in my work. I think it is something we have to be intentional about or before we know it we have slipped into the human default of comfort. After all, what artist doesn't want to have that kind of delicious and flavorful magic sauce? That type of mastery never comes in a single great image, but rather an evolved body of work over the course of time. I am so inspired by this idea, I hope you can be too.

Model: Jane of Heffner Management
Makeup/Hair: Tiffany Colors






Thoughts
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Elise Scott says: Monday, August 22, 2011, 06:47 PM

You're photos are honestly outstanding! I feel so inspired!

MaryS says: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 12:22 PM

Beautiful work! I've enjoyed looking through all of your photos. Great eye!

MaryS says: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 12:13 PM

Your images are amazing. I'm enjoying my lunch, perusing through all of them. Great work!

Rachel Peters says: Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 06:52 PM

These images all blow my mind!!! Love each and every one!

hayley says: Monday, June 27, 2011, 08:56 AM

absolutely beautiful work.

Caitlin Sullivan says: Friday, June 24, 2011, 12:42 PM

Love that last shot! Amazing!

Patricia Takacs says: Friday, June 24, 2011, 08:28 AM

Wow this is an amazing set, it looks like it comes from another time--her expressions are beautiful and your compositions are superb!

Patricia Takacs says: Friday, June 24, 2011, 08:28 AM

Wow this is an amazing set, it looks like it comes from another time--her expressions are beautiful and your compositions are superb!

the detailed life says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 04:41 PM

last frame- perfect!

Annie says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 04:28 PM

Where/what is that store!? I must go there! :) These are amazing, you are constantly raising the bar and challenging creative thinking. I love! :)

todd hunter mcgaw says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 03:33 PM

mmm. challenging indeed.. love.it. :)

Rensche Mari says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 01:46 PM

Oh, you and Chris are so talented! You can never be predictable, I LOVE YOUR WORK SO MUCH! You always inspire me to push myself to be better.

Rensche Mari says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 01:46 PM

Oh, you and Chris are so talented! You can never be predictable, I LOVE YOUR WORK SO MUCH! You always inspire me to push myself to be better.

Maranda says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 01:11 PM

Beautiful images... love the Headdress.

Amanda VanVels says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 12:58 PM

wow i'm blown away! that polaroid is $$$$$

Lindsey Edwards says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 12:16 PM

I work for Millie and so I've inevitably followed & loved your blog forever and ever- but I HAD to comment on this post. Sarah these shots are ridiculously beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for something new and fresh that pushes past the endless sea of "cute girls looking at maps, wearing bows, and holding flowers". I am in LOVE with every single image.

caroline lee says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:51 AM

the last 3 images = to die for!

Kerry says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:36 AM

wow, so beautiful! your images always take me to a wonderful place, you are magic.

anda says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:36 AM

wow; just wow.

Kerry says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:35 AM

wow, so beautiful! your images always take me to a wonderful place, you are magic.

anda says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:35 AM

wow; just wow.

Michelle says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:30 AM

I think this is the best shoot I've seen on your blog yet!! (And that's saying a lot.) Absolutely gorgeous stuff.

kaethe says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:30 AM

gorgeous. second to last shot makes me feel fuzzy inside. :)

kaila regina says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:29 AM

lalalalalove. the words & the images.

gladys says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:28 AM

SO TRUE! You are such an inspiration Sarah! Thank you for sharing.

Andria Lindquist says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:28 AM

that pink silk frame is wonderful. so is the feeling, the variety. the 2nd to last shot is beautiful.

Rafael Shea says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:27 AM

you are A M A Z I N G. just sayin

Rafael Shea says: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 11:25 AM

you are amazing, just sayin

Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 08:26 AM
This is just a taste of what I'm working on today, I just loved Jane in this one so I thought I would share. My friend Tiffany, did jane's "beautifying" as I call it... which is when you take an already beautiful person and make them even more beautiful.... like that's even fair?! ;) Speaking of "beauty" yesterday I totally indulged myself and got the most luxurious facial of my life... I am seriously starting to wonder if I will ever enjoy anything again... it was just that good. And I really can't afford to get addicted to these things, but my sweet huz told me to go and do it, we've had a busy few months and he helped me justify it... Chris is just sweet like that. But really, if you ever need to get a girlfriend a really nice gift, get her a gift card to go get a facial. Her and her face will be thanking you for days. 

Our plane touched down last week from a flight from JFK into Sea-Tac and it felt so good to be home. We LOVE to travel but lets just be real for a second, can we all agree that sleeping in your own bed *might* be the most amazing thing in the world? Or maybe that just makes me old... that sounds like something my mom might say :) Either way, I think it's TOTALLY true. Not to mention, Chris and I haven't really spent that much time in Seattle in the summers because that is typically when we are racking up our Alaska miles to Gold Status for work. But this year is different! We booked a lot of our travel based work for the Spring and Fall with some spot dates throughout the summer so we could really enjoy a true Seattle summer. We're pretty stoked! 

Also- I saw Super 8 this weekend... as I said in my twitter, I hate to be a hype girl, but this movie lives up to it. JJ Abrams had me jumping out of my seat and leaning in for more. It is one brilliant piece of filmmaking. Go and treat yourself!


Thoughts
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wrecklessgirl says: Tuesday, July 5, 2011, 02:24 AM

you know i love me some JJ ... so i'm so excited you shared. i haven't heard of it (maybe cause i'm on the other side of the world?)!

Heather says: Saturday, June 25, 2011, 09:56 AM

Love the Jane portraits. We did the same thing with bookings this year. Sticking to Seattle for summer, because not very many places can bit a Seattle summer twilight. Enjoy your time at home!

tif says: Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 09:46 AM

SWOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LINDSEYBELLE says: Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 05:54 PM

Good facials are hard to find, but amazing if you get a great one! ;) Love this shot. I need to go see Super 8. I have heard it is awesome.

Dianne Jago says: Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 04:47 PM

Agreed. Super 8 was incredible. Not only did it make me jump but I also found myself laughing like crazy. Reminded me of the goonies!

Annie says: Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 04:32 PM

I would love to have a picture of myself exactly like this :)