Tag Archives: Family Portraits

Thanksgiving 2015

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While baking my mom’s crescent rolls Thanksgiving morning, gathering the Pumpkin Somethin’ and the supplemental stuffing I had made the night before, I was scrolling through a photography forum I {very much} enjoy, and the thread was about who was being asked to bring their camera to Thanksgiving dinner, with many flat out refusing, some sighing that it was expected, and a few who wouldn’t dream of not bringing the “big” camera and documenting the day. While I am conscious of not being all up in everyone’s face during the day, I am solidly in the camp that packed a bag and did a little insisting. Mainly, I can never have enough photographs, but also – last Thanksgiving I packed the camera and took some group shots, pictures of the kids and some of the food, but did not get pushy enough to do individual family groups as I had intended (Thanksgiving at my dad’s includes in-laws, outlaws, exes, siblings, steps and pretty much anyone we can squish into the tables). Turns out, my stepmother had a mini stroke that day. She is fine, but it was my last Thanksgiving with my mom, and then my dad had a stroke in February. Around the table, we have lost mothers, fathers, aunts, grandmas and grandpas, have other family members that could not come due to illness or distance. I am so grateful for the ones who were there in person and in spirit, but what I wouldn’t give for some from last year, with my mom and her wife, my sister and my niece, me with my mom and sister. So it was fairly dark, the images are not perfect, pretty noisy, “not my best work”, but I am so pleased to have them. The love is there and it is real. Bring your camera, your cell phone, your iPad. Please don’t turn away from a picture because you don’t look your best (note my daughter with a crazy barrette in her messy hair, food on her face and a thrift store dress – perfection), or are too busy stirring the beans or want to lose 10 lbs. Be present in pictures. Grab someone you love, make a goofy face. Just be there.

Missing Beni in France

Thank you so much Dad & Donna for having the whole crew, whole crew for including me and mine, Marianne for all the planning and organizing, ALL the fabulous women who cooked and baked, Gordon for crossing the pond, John for frying the turkeys, Jake for lending your voice, Marianne for getting my picture with my dad and the great turkey hat dessert with the kiddos. STEPHANIE. Love you all. Oh, and the first couple of images are from our Snoopy inspired Thanksgiving breakfast of popcorn, toast and candy. What? It’s TRADITION.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family, Thanksgiving, Kitsap Photographer, #bepresentinphotos, #familylove, 2015, Amazing Grace

 

Sibling Surprise!

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Last Easter I sneakily met up with these three darlings along the Port Orchard waterfront, to create the images for a Mother’s Day surprise. I love these three and their momma – it was so fun to have them together, as it was the youngest’s Senior year, and all the little chicks are leaving the nest. I knew this would be EXACTLY the thing their momma would like the best. We were so lucky the weather held out and their mom did not have complete apoplexy about all three of them being late for church! I have been a huge proponent of making images with and of your children (two or four legged), but even more so since my own mother passed. I cannot have any more photographs of/with her, but I can make darn sure my kids get them with me, and yours get them with you. It’s important. Have them made. Print them. #BePresentInPictures

 

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Daniel, Kaitlyn and Alyssa are so much fun, and beautiful from the inside out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port Orchard Waterfront, Family Photography, Kitsap County Photographer, Sibling Pictures, South Kitsap High School, Waterfront Photo Session, High School Senior Pictures, Kitsap County Portrait Photographer, Port Orchard Marina

Pet Pictures with Santa! Gig Harbor Mud Bay, 2014 – Kitsap County Photographer

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It was my great pleasure to be at Mud Bay in Gig Harbor on Sunday, November 23rd to photograph pets with Santa – many for the first time! It was such a hoot, thanks to Santa and his elf and … Continue reading →

Arin and Jeremy 2014 * Kitsap County Photographer * Four Foot Photography

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Arin Williams is an annual client and everyday friend, and never disappoints in arranging her session. Girlfriend does her homework, and always knocks it out of the park. Last year we had the Narrows Bridge in the background, this year in Wright Park in Tacoma. We did not let a little rain stop us, it was a good trial run for my emergency wedding umbrellas! This is the 4th time I have photographed Titan and Chai, and as much as Chai makes me work for it, I can always count on Titan to pose majestically on a rock (you can see the original, when he was less than a year old, on a large canvas in Pet Town, Port Orchard). Arin has volunteered extensively for Kitsap Humane Society, and is a tireless animal advocate. I kid you not, that Jeremy is not only a cutie, he is the best sport around, I have not caught him so much as rolling an eyeball (he COULD be an eyeball roll ninja, but I have a 6 and a 9 year old, so I don’t miss much!). I super love their connection, and there is no where on the planet that “love me, love my dog” applies more. Fortunately, Jeremy does. Here’s to the family we choose, here’s to love.

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Couples and Engagements, Kitsap County Photographer, Pet Photographer, Tacoma Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Port Orchard Photographer, Family Photos, Holiday Cards

Port Orchard 2014 Senior and Family Photography – Matala Family – Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

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High School Seniors are always such a fun assignment! Not only are ALL 18 year olds good looking, they are vibrant, interesting and full of anticipation – and that is where the similarities end – it is cool beans to meet, even for a short time, these young adults, who seem to be all lit up from inside, and focused on what lies ahead. I love to include mom, dad or a sibling/friend in the session, but my favorite is to photograph the whole family, and the Matala family was all in, even Sadie the Sheltie. These folks are a blue print for how to enjoy your family photography session. More fun, open and playful I could not have asked for, but I suspect they are always genuinely enjoying their life together. A senior’s achievements are always impressive, but how awesome to take the time to freeze this moment, enjoy each other, and make memories together as your young person goes out into the world. Thank you!

 

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High School Senior Portraits, Family Photography, Kitsap County Photographer, Portraits on the beach, Port Orchard Photographer, South Kitsap High School Class of 2014, Manchester

Sun Flare – Winter Lighting Challenge Week 22

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Here it is, the last week of the winter lighting challenge, and I am so excited to be able to say I completed each week, within the time frame allotted. I am maybe more proud of that getting it done than of the images created, but I really love some of them. And the lessons learned! Huge! Pushed outside my (natural light during the golden hour) comfort zone, this old (ish) dog learned some new skills (tricks are for kids). Lighting is really everything in photography, so feeling confidant using sources other than natural light is invaluable and, it turns out, fun!

This week’s challenge was sun flare – the sort of lens refraction that used to be considered a mistake, and has been wildly popular the last few years. At first I stayed very far away from sun flare, as with anything trendy that dates my work. Over time I have warmed to it – while I still object to an entire session heavy with sun flare, I became intrigued by the challenge and like the variety it can add. I thought it would be a BIG challenge this week, as we were expecting rain all week, but this morning I woke up to lovely sunshine (now gone), and tried to make the best of it. Here are some I took today and some examples from a wedding I photographed last May, a pet photography session, a few high school senior portrait sessions, real estate photography and a family session.  Flare on, sun, flare on.

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Four Foot Photography, Mary Eklund, Kitsap County Photographer, Lifestyle Photography, Real Estate Photography, Portrait Photography, High School Senior Portraits, Family Photography, Wedding Photographer, Sun Flare, Winter Lighting Challenge, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, Silverdale, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Belfair

Winter Lighting Challenge – video light

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This week’s lighting challenge was to use a video light – my models grow weary of my lens, and were not buying into my concept of the shoot, but the video light looks a LOT like a light saber, so I had plenty of volunteers to assist, even if they were not terribly cooperative!

The last image, “A “Boy” and His “Dog”” is done in natural light, so you can see the difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port Orchard Photographer, Kids and Families, Natural Light Portraiture, Video Light, Lifestyle Photography, Four Foot Photography

 

Studio Work at Cindy’s Grooming Styles – Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

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This week I was delighted to be asked by a middle school student if she could job shadow me. The specific day was Friday, my plan was to edit and work on taxes – a realistic view of my workday, but not something I thought would be too exciting for a 13 year old! The weather did not allow for outdoor shooting, but Miss S’s mom happens to own Cindy’s Grooming Styles, which has a large area for doggie daycare (and some beautiful wall art by Four Foot Photography)! We have talked about doing some limited edition sessions in the shop for Cindy’s clientele, so this was a great opportunity to do a dry run. Without much time to put out a model call, I decided to work with my own four foots – unfortunately, my wingnut Bichon was still several weeks from his next grooming appointment, and I really haven’t worked with our rescue pug that much. To that end, Cindy agreed to work Fabio in to get him camera ready, and I thought I would set up my mobile backdrop and bring Gladys along for a realistic study on how it can be to work with an animal who doesn’t have much experience at posing or isn’t particularly trained (Gladys is quite deaf). We had a lovely day – Ms. S is a bright, eager learner, Cindy did a beautiful job on Fabio, and Gladys was a pleasant surprise. Over the past several years I have been looking for the words to explain how the process of having your pet (or family) photographed can be very validating to the strong connection people have with their pets (and each other) – and also it is so FUN! The shared experience brings an emotional element to the images that is reinforced every time you look at those photographs. This was first called to my attention by the fabulous Stephanie Wright, whose rats I photographed my first year in business (Click here to see the images). She told me later that the evening after the photoshoot she just couldn’t put her girls down, seeing them through the camera’s eye she fell completely in love and just sat and cuddled them. This was the best compliment, and after photographing Gladys Friday, I got a taste of my own medicine. We loved her right away, stinkiness and quirks and all, but I am now SO IN LOVE with her adorable little head tilt! Here are my babies!

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I genuinely prefer to shoot in more of a lifestyle format and natural light, but this really got my studio juices flowing! Miss S had an opportunity to photograph as well, I will add some of her shots in the next few days (I REALLY have to get my taxes done!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Foot Photography, Mary Eklund, Pet Photographer, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Dog Photos, Cindy’s Grooming Styles, Port Orchard Photographer, Pets and People, Portrait Studio, Bichon, Pug

Holman Family Reunion – Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

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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.

Connor letter

 

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.

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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

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I attended MeRa Koh and husband Brian Tausend’s Confidence Workshop at the Hotel Murano in 2011, in the midst of the biggest ice storm2014-03-17_0007

 (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