Holman Family Reunion – Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

Posted on March 21, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

This was one of my all time favorite family sessions, such a fun, vibrant, loving group, about to embark on a family reunion vacation. The session was booked by one of my favorite people, Claire Kingsbury, and introduced me to her family of origin, EACH OF WHOM, individually, is filled to overflowing with life and love – put them all together in the same backyard, and the hilarity and affection explode in waves of joy. Think I am laying it on thick? Meet them, and you will know this is a great understatement! Three of the children married, two about to embark on their LDS missions, one still at home and two grandchildren. They were so real and connected, it was a dream to photograph them – I felt I could have stood in the middle of the yard and just spun around clicking wildly, and the images would have been amazing (I did put more into it than that, and the results I hope speak for themselves).

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The Holmans had a “Four Foot Photography Christmas,” so each household has their choice of artwork or photobook memory, we did Christmas cards, accordian books, layflat albums, float wraps, playing cards, prints and canvases.

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Feedback from the fabulous Mrs. Holman (This message made me so happy!):

“I just wanted to let you know that we got our package with our stuff and oh my goodness, we are over the top thrilled! Thank you so much, especially for the little extras you tucked in there, that was awfully kind of you. I have to say, those accordion books are my absolute favorite, they are so perfect for each of those kids, it is like you grew up with them (she is being overly kind, I am old enough to be their mother). They are going to love them and I can’t wait for the kids to see them. Have a Merry Christmas and we’ll be talking to you again.”

This is an excerpt from Connor’s letter home to his sister (with permission), telling how he uses his accordion book in his ministry in Africa. I love this so much, I am changing my name to Megan.

If you are planning a family reunion, I highly recommend planning a reunion photo session, I will be adding it to my session options for sure. Whether you hire a photographer at your destination, or appoint Uncle Bob, not only is it important to document your family, the process is emotive in and of itself (I have talked about this before – I feel strongly that creating the images is as important as having the images, from rats to dogs and their people to weddings to extended families!). The Holmans will always have these images to recollect and validate their relationships and remind them of the fabulous memories they made on the vacation they left for when we wrapped the session.

I have officially applied for weird aunty status, I love these people so much!

Family Reunion Photography, Kitsap County Photographer, Mary Eklund, Four Foot Photography, Kingston, Family Photographer, 2013, Extended Family Photo, Family Portraits, Kingston Photographer, Poulsbo Photographer, Port Orchard Photographer, Family Love

Confidence given, confidence returned…Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

Posted on March 17, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

I attended MeRa Koh and husband Brian Tausend’s Confidence Workshop at the Hotel Murano in 2011, in the midst of the biggest ice storm

(not my favorite picture, but it had been two very long, emotional days!)

we’ve had in the PNW in 15 years, and believe wholeheartedly they will achieve whatever they set out to accomplish! MeRa moved seemingly insurmountable airline mountains to get back to Tacoma in time for the workshop, which had women coming from all around the country. She started a fantastically successful wedding photography business, then moved into teaching photography skills to other women (hence the “Confidence” workshops were born!), and was featured on the Nate Berkus show among others. You may have seen MeRa at a photography trade show, on Disney or Nate Berkus, and she is a local Tacoma girl! She and Brian and their children have a dream to create a family travel show (read more about it here) and they have 6 more days to reach their fundraising goal – help out a little or a lot if you can, and watch for their new TV show, and you will see me sporting my headbands this fall (in lieu of a haircut or two, but I’m all about pursuing your dream!)…I still need to work on my confidence in some areas, but not so much in shooting, and I feel this workshop was a huge jumping off point for me. I will forever be grateful for the friendships made, technical skills learned, confidence gained and ideas gathered in this two day period. It was also the beginning of my love of lifestyle photography, which I now emphasize more than strict portrait photography. Here are a few of my favorite images from that Confidence workshop, the ones of my kids are some of my all-time favorites, and are canvases on my own walls:

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MeRa and Brian, thank you for the confidence you have given me, I give you back the same – I know your dreams will come true, and become new, brighter, bigger dreams. Bon voyage!!

Mary

MeRa Koh, Confidence Workshop, Kitsap County Photographer, Lifestyle Photographer, Mary Eklund, Four Foot Photography, Kids and Families, Kickstarter Campaign, Nate Berkus, Disney Channel

Candle light

Posted on March 16, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

This week’s lighting challenge was not as technically difficult as some, just meant to get us thinking outside the box. Candle light photos of course would be great for WEDDINGS, ENGAGEMENTS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES…since none of those was on my radar for March, I thought I would do a project with my boy, who got a new set of Legos from his Auntie Jessi this week. They are Avengers – Captain America on the motorcycle, Ironman in midair, Loki launching missives from the boat, Redface in the vehicle, and some other ugly dudes (I thought I was doing well to have paid that much attention). We had some fun!

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Kitsap County Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, Mary Eklund, Four Foot Photography, Kids and Families, Photography Awesomesauce Winter Lighting Challenge, Candle light, Kitsap Wedding Photographer, Pet Photographer, Real Estate Photos, 2014

SKWLL Vandals – Port Orchard Child and Family Photographer

Posted on March 9, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

I feel like my son won the coach lottery this year – his basketball team just finished up their season, and it was a great one!

The lighting challenge this week was dragging the shutter – using a slow shutter speed and second curtain sync on the flash to show motion. This is often used at a wedding reception, but since I didn’t have one of those handy, I thought it would be fun to try at a basketball game.

Kitsap County Photographer, Sports Photography, Child and Family Photographer, Port Orchard Photographer, Photography Awesomesauce Winter Lighting Challenge

Kitsap Humane Society Adoptables – Kitsap County Pet Photographer

Posted on February 27, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

I met some cutie-pies on Tuesday! Some of them have already been adopted – go to Kitsap Humane Society for currently available adoptable animals.

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Kitsap Humane Society, FourFootPhotography.com, Adoptable Dogs, Rescue Dogs, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Mary Eklund, Dog Photos

Puppies! Puppies! Puppies! Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

Posted on February 7, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

Wednesday I took my kiddos to help socialize some puppies (optimally puppies should be introduced to 100 people before they are 12 weeks old – this can be hard to do when they also shouldn’t be out in public before they are vaccinated) in foster care that are almost ready to be adopted. It is great to know that these 7 (7!) little fur bundles were not at all fazed by my 2 foots. Yup, I’m all about sacrificing for the good of the animals…Did I mention we got to play with PUPPIES?!

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I love, love to photograph animals of all ages, breeds, colors, temperaments, and also feel strongly about donating my time and abilities to rescue organizations – the opportunity to do both, and with 7 puppies…oh my! (Had I actually been planning to go this nutty cuckoo, yes, I would indeed have brushed my daughter’s hair!) So maybe I just HAPPENED to have my camera along….

The puppies are being fostered and are available through K.A.R.E. (Kitsap Animal Rescue and Education). They have been wormed, had their first shots, and have been bathed, handled, loved in a home with exposure to other animals, men, women, children, and even someone in uniform (great idea!). While we were there, they were extremely good about using the piddle pads! One has already been adopted.

Four Foot Photography, Mary Eklund, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Rescue, K.A.R.E, Puppy Pictures, Silverdale, Dog Photos, 2014, Pet Photographer, Volunteer

Kitsap Humane Society Adoptables – Feb 5, 2014 Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

Posted on February 5, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

Kitsap Humane Society has an amazing corps of volunteers who selflessly care for the animals in transition, spending time away from their own furbabies, families, jobs and lives on a WEEKLY (and sometimes daily) basis, without recognition or compensation. These folks walk the dogs rain, shine, heat or cold. The dogs get so excited to go outside, not all of them remember their manners, but they all appreciate the kindness that is shown them. Volunteers help clean the kennels and the kitty boxes, socialize the animals, make soft blankets, collect food and funds, it goes on and on. Here are some of the cuties I met on Tuesday:

Be sure to check out the other adorable adoptables {here} on Shelter Buddy. Thanks, volunteers, for all you do!

Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Mary Eklund, Kitsap Humane Society, Adoptable Animals, Port Orchard Photographer, Dog Photos, Cat Photos, Rescue, 2014, Silverdale, Gig Harbor, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Kingston, Poulsbo, Four Foot Photography

Fun with the kiddos Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

Posted on February 1, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

My models work cheap – the two foots for pretzels and the four foots for Zukes! Once again, here they are helping me with this week’s lighting challenge, which was Off Camera Flash Daytime Portrait. I had a hard time choosing just one for posting in the group – luckily, no such constraints here, I can post my top 5 (or so…). Because I appreciate their cooperation and want them to have fun, they have a lot of input into what we do. Today, we started with a stick horse and it went all Lone Ranger from there.

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I have never been a huge fan of flash, but am digging it off camera with the triggers!

Four Foot Photography, Kitsap County Photographer, Lifestyle Photographer, Port Orchard, Kids and Families, Mary Eklund, Photography Awesomesauce Winter Lighting Challenge, Week 13 Off Camera Flash Daytime Portrait

Woodland, WA Wedding ~ Chris and Liz…MARRIED! Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

Posted on January 22, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

I had the singular pleasure of being asked to photograph the wedding of Christopher and Elizabeth at The Lewis River Golf Course, just outside of Woodland, WA, May 19, 2013. Gorgeous bride and groom, adorable children, beautiful venue, glorious day? Yes, please! The day dawned clear and bright and went off without a hitch. Liz had carefully created the decorations and everything was lovely, simple, and spoke to them as a couple, from the flowers to the new cowboy boots she wore under her elegant gown. Chris and Liz were surrounded by love, with his daughter and her son, their grandparents, parents, siblings, family and close friends in attendance. The ceremony in front of a stone fireplace perfectly suited them, reflecting their love of family and each other. A low key reception with good conversation, food and drink followed throughout the afternoon. I LOVE weddings, so to spend all day photographing happy, lovely people in a beautiful setting was spectacular! All too soon it was time to say goodbye, and off they went on a surprise honeymoon, to begin their life as Mr & Mrs Cowen. Congratulations!

Four Foot Photography, Mary Eklund, Wedding Photography, Lewis County Golf Course, Cowlitz County Weddings, Clark County Wedding Photography, Kitsap County Wedding Photographer

I’m Free….free lensing….

Posted on January 18, 2014 by FourFootPhotography

Aw, I couldn’t resist! This week’s challenge involved a technique I have seen, but never tried before (and that is the point of the challenge!). The idea is to disconnect the lens from the camera, resulting in some crazy, wavy, blurred areas (if you are familiar with LensBaby, that is the general idea). I was VERY reluctant to “do that” to my cherished camera body, but some nice ladies talked me down and I gave it a shot (bad photographer pun!) – now I can’t stop thinking of ways to try this again, it is definitely somewhat addicting (but I will probably use the back up camera body when I get it back from repairs/cleaning!). I really like the “film” look it gave the portrait of Gladys. I was unable to free lens Fabio, as every time I got down on the floor to photograph him, Gladys put her shedding self as close to me as possible. I am also including images I took with the lens attached, so you can see the intention. Can’t wait to see what is in store for next week!

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Kitsap County Photographer, Mary Eklund, Gig Harbor to Bainbridge Island, Lifestyle Photography, 2014, Winter Lighting Challenge, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Port Orchard Portrait Photographer