Why I do what I do

I think of this sometimes, why document, why take a photo, what is it I do when I pick up my camera? I love photographing things, but there is more than the click of the button, composition, and lighting. There is soul! 

My mom died a couple weeks ago and I am moved to share the real reason I photograph and feel it is not only my passion but my calling. In July my mom insisted I photograph her and my dad, her last photo which ironically enough was glowing with the light of the sun. 

The immense shock and grief from the loss of a loved one is difficult. I had a mother-daughter photo session two days after this loss. I almost cancelled, but after talking with my client and thinking about it more I went ahead with it. Describing the immense healing that took place for me with this session will take some time, but I will try to describe it. We went to this magical place in Olympia called Woodard Bay where over a hundred seals have their babies, and make these incredible mammalian grunting noises while sitting on old log pilings. The daughter and the mother a beautiful testament of how our relationship with our mothers is a primal one with many layers. You can see the slideshow here

How many times have we had a moment where we made a memory, like the way our mom holds our hands when we are little or grown up, the struggle to get along, the deep well of love we have. I miss her! I miss her hands her eyes, her voice. The things she did that I found annoying. What is it about the relationship with our mother's that can be so complex and yet so simple? So this is why I do what I do, I preserve memories that are fleeting and the legacy for future generations as well as the treasure for the ones who miss and love those who have gone before us. 

Wedding at Port Ludlow and Tiffany Blue Ribbons

It is the beginning of August and summer is flying by. Last weekend was the Thurston County Fair and I submitted one of my favorite photos named "Sisters". It is the essence of how I experienced my sister when I was a little girl. I won a blue ribbon (not Tiffany blue though), this is the first time I have ever entered my photographs into a competition and I am honored to have been awarded a ribbon. 

Here is the image...

So, last weekend I photographed a wedding at the Inn at Port Ludlow  and the colors were Tiffany blue, yellow, and white. What an incredible location and color combination! I loved the choice of colors in the wedding and the attention to detail that the bride and the wedding planner Melissa Ryan from Lush Parties and Events in Seattle created. A wedding planner makes a huge difference in the flow of events and it relieves the stress of the day for the bride. I loved the group shots too, over 25 people- a family reunion portrait!!!!! And with a wedding planner there to round people up, it made photographing the must have important shots that much easier on everybody. 

The colors of the bridesmaid dresses were Tiffany blue, such a fantastic combination! 
These umbrellas were on the top of the outside tent, there were also these paper lanterns that were glowing as the day went on.
Inside each bag was a party favor containing Swedish cookies with whipped creme in the cookie and a fluffy cream inside in yellow and blue. The colors actually are Swedish colors, the colors of the flag. 
Check out the cake, it was so fresh, and the glass boats on top were a keepsake from the wedding and part of the theme. 

This weekend I am pretty busy, a Photography workshop in Portland, and a Eco chic and Fair Trade wedding in Olympia at Capitol Lake. The groom is actually kayaking to meet the bride. I will post this wedding for sure as it will be a lot of fun. 

Have a great weekend!