Behind the Lens - Colleen Photographic Productions senior, maternity, baby, children, family

Happy Baby Smiles! Federal Way Baby Photographer

2011-03-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Little Miss J is ready for spring in her flowery outfits. Isn't she pretty? She gave me lots of smiles during her 9 month portrait session, showing off her budding new teeth, as well as ability to stand and crawl. Those are the key developmental aspects I like to capture at this stage. Which is your favorite portrait?

Irish Spring | Federal Way Photographer

2011-03-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Appropriate soap for this week, such a fresh scent.

Cherry Blossom's and Images Within | Federal Way Photographer

2011-03-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

The first cherry blossom's are appearing, heralding spring's arrival. I like the contrast of the lively pink blossoms against the somber background, as in life renewed after a sleepy dormant winter. Photographed from my within my warm, dry kitchen on a cool, windy, rainy day.

A few images within the image:

applied some additional artwork to this final one

How Would You Like Your Photography? | Federal Way Photographer

2011-03-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

Great illustration of the familiar adage about creative endeavors such as photography, graphic design, writing, etc. Credit and thanks to www.colinharman.posterous.com/how-would-you-like-your-graphic-design

What to Wear | Federal Way Photographer

2011-03-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

Having been duly chastised for my lack of blog posts, I'm recommitted to posting here on a more regular basis, rather than just the Facebook posts I've been doing. So to start things up again, thought I'd post a helpful clothing guide for your next portrait session. Choosing the right clothing is an important factor in creating a successful portrait, and one that can be stressful for the person (usually mom) putting it all together. I have some general tips on my website, and, upon booking your portrait session, I always email a list of session specific tips, do's and dont's. A visual example really helps one to imagine the possibilities though, so look for more of these in the future.

How Effective is Your Headshot?

2010-04-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

With the economy shifting every day, the only option we have is to evolve and shift with it. For many businesspeople, that means creating or completely revamping their marketing strategies, and a large part of that marketing strategy is having a decent photo of themselves. This is especially true for those in sales position - and if you own your own business, you are in a sales position whether you realize it or not. The interesting thing, however, is that many people don't realize the importance of a good headshot.

Whether it is in business or personal life, most of you make an effort to create a good first impression. Everything from the way you dress, to the firmness of your handshake, to the scent you wear; it all serves a similar purpose. A headshot is an extension of that first impression, and in some cases it is the only impression (at least visually) that someone may have of you and your respective business. Your goal as a businessperson, and my goal as a photographer, should be to make sure your headshot is congruent with the way you portray yourself to your current and potential clients. That is, assuming you are already attempting to make those first impressions count. If you aren't, I assure you that your competition is!

So, what makes a good headshot great? Beyond all other factors, the key to an effective headshot is YOU. No matter how amazing a photographer is, or how much photoshopping is done after the session, if you don’t see the value in a good photo of yourself and/or you hate the thought of having your picture taken, you will absolutely fulfill your own thoughts and end up with a bad shot. Granted, a good photographer may be able to come up with something better than what you expected, but your goal should be more than just “better than bad.” Trust me when I tell you, everyone has a great shot in them, and the most common thing that gets in the way is someone's mindset.

Once my clients are committed to getting a great shot of themselves, the process can begin. We can work together to get a shot that is harmonious with who they really are and what they are selling. They have done their homework and have determined what they want to get out of their photos. They show up comfortable, confident, and prepared, and so do I. They are less focused on what everyone else is doing in their industry and more focused on what they want to portray. All of a sudden we are both shooting with intention and our intention is the same - to get the best and most effective shot possible. The result is that we end up with a photo that they love (yes you can love a headshot) and are proud to use on all of their marketing material.

They have a photo that says 1,000 words, and yes, they are all good words.

Here are 5 things you should consider BEFORE you have your photo taken:

What are you planning on using this image for?
What would you like to portray to someone seeing the image for the first time?
What do I find appealing in a headshot?
Do you enjoy having your picture taken? If not, please think about why.
What are 4 positive qualities about yourself (write them down!).

(Article reprinted with permission from Local Focus Photography.)

Great skincare and makeup products!

2010-03-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

We all want our skin to look great in portraits, and I use lighting and retouching to make that happen. But using good skin care products helps to achieve that naturally. I've been a fan of Paula Begoun ever since I read one of her books back in the 80's. Known as the "cosmetics cop", she was one of the first to investigate the ingredients of skincare and makeup products, reporting on their harms, benefits, hype, and options for less expensive alternatives.

Frustrated with finding suitable products for problem skin, she developed her own line of skincare called Paula's Choice. I've been using her skincare and makeup products for a while now, am very happy with the results and wanted to share the news about great, affordable products that work. My favorite is the Clear Anti-Acne System, but she carries something to address every skin type. Start with the Custom skincare guide to find the products that are right for you.

As to makeup, after trying two other popular mineral makeup lines, I now just use Paula's Choice Healthy Finish Pressed Powder and Soft Cream Concealer. Every time I've ordered, I've received free samples and have found new products that I love. You can also purchase sample sizes to try. A great feature of her website are all the reviews from other users that can help you make your choices. So click on the above link for more info and to place your order. Then let me know what you think.

Love in the garden

2010-02-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

A bit of garden love. Happy Valentine's day!

And baby makes 3

2010-02-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

3 boys thats is! We had a bit of a challenge to get the brothers to be, umm, brotherly, but we still captured some great images. Here's a sneak peak.

Business Portraits and Headshots

2010-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

A quality headshot should convey a positive image imparting your demeanor, professionalism, and competance. Displaying your business portrait helps your client feel as if they know you, increasing their comfort level and confidence in you. A poorly executed portrait can negatively influence people in their decision to do business with you. A well done portrait is not an expense, it's an investment in your future!

I provide you with a professional image that portrays you at your best. Upon reserving your session, I'll send you my Business Portrait Guide to help you prepare for your session so we achieve the best results. We'll chat about your objective for the portrait and look you wish to portray and go over clothing options. After your session, we go thru the images together and I'll help you select the best. Then I refine the image with a bit of enhancement, not a plastic doll makeover, just a clean, fresh look. Here's a before/after example from a recent client session.

Update that headshot!

2010-01-26T15:33:00.000-08:00

Now is the perfect time to update your headshot, business portrait or profile pic with our new, lower prices!

Studio Session, up to one hour, and one high resolution image on CD $150. Additional images $75.

Location Session, up to one hour and five high resolution images on CD $250. Upgrade to all session images on CD for additional $250.

Professional quality executive, business and promotional portraits help sell you and your product. Use on business cards, brochures, flyers, websites and more. High resolution digital files with reproduction rights granted. Includes minimal basic retouching per image for blemish removal.

Secret Baby Planner

2010-01-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

After photographing their maternity and newborn portraits, mom decided to sign up for my one year baby portrait plan. But she wanted to keep it a secret from dad, so she could surprise him with the final baby panel at the end of the year as a Christmas gift. This required a bit of sneaky planning, but we pulled it off! So finally, I can post baby Ethan's images online. Here is one from each session at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. I've also posted each complete session in the Featured Sessions section of the Image Gallery on my website.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

How to photograph a Christmas tree with lights.

2009-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

Camera on tripod at low angle, room lights off, expose for tree lights, shooting at a slow shutter speed to burn them in to the image, use cable release or self timer, white balance set to tungsten. Experiment with turning a room light on for a bit of fill light if you like. This was shot with one room light just left of camera, and it was a torchiere so the light was high and bouncing off the ceiling, with a 3 way bulb on the lowest setting. ISO 400, f4, 1/4 second. I lightened the tree top angel in post processing to give it some glow, added saturation, and applied high pass sharpening.

Christmas Baby?

2009-12-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

Meredith is due December 24, so we'll soon find out. A sneak peak of a few images before the big show.

Riley, Todd Beamer High School

2009-11-14T17:28:00.000-08:00

Riley is a very busy young man - ASB President, plays piano, is in the jazz choir, likes math & science, active in his youth group, technology in schools campaign, and works at the Met Market. Whew! We had a fun session, and as a bonus went to the school for a few images. It was a bit chilly outside, but he toughed it out.

Erin's sneak peak

2009-11-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Erin graciously modeled for a maternity portrait class I recently did for SPPA photographers. She did a fantastic job and we created lots of great images for her. Love the sexy boots and cute black dress she brought! You can view more images in her slideshow on my website.

Portraits for Home Decor

2009-11-05T16:12:00.000-08:00

Portraits in the bathroom? Might not be a room you'd normally think of for displaying your portraits. Here's a cute idea for a bathroom. We don't normally put glass over our wall portraits, but do recommend it for bathroom displays.

Mariah's One Year portrait

2009-11-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

Mariah wasn't too sure about having her portrait done this time, but we still captured some great images. Here's a few of my faves for her sneak peak.

Costumes contest

2009-11-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who stopped by for our Halloween Costumes and Cans event last Saturday! With your support, we made a nice donation of food to the Multi-Service Center food bank in Federal Way. Images have been posted on my Facebook page, so become a fan, invite your friends and family to become fans, and vote for your little goblin. Most votes wins a $125 Gift Certificate!

Costumes & Cans

2009-10-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Do you have your costumes ready? Be sure to stop by for a treat, because Saturday the 31st is Costumes and Cans, our Halloween canned food drive to benefit the FW foodbank. Bring 5 cans of food, per child, and receive a free 5x7 portrait of your little goblin in their costume. Costume contest for Facebook Fans too! Tell your friends and family to become our fan so they can vote for your little goblin. Most votes wins a $125 gift certificate!

Fall Color in the Garden

2009-10-24T16:29:00.001-07:00

(Click image for larger view.)

Look better in photos

2009-10-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Whether gathering for family snapshots, or having your portrait professionally photographed, there are a few simple things anyone can do to look better in photos. I often employ these methods for my clients during their session, and you can try these tips yourself the next time you're in front of the camera.

Angle your body. Facing straight towards the camera with both feet planted side by side makes your body look wider and only works for very slim model types. Angle your body away from the camera, one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the photographer, weight on the back foot. To slenderize the waist even more, keep the hips angled away from the camera, then twist the upper body towards the camera. Men look better and more natural by just shifting their weight to one foot, leaning to one side, rather than standing stick straight.

Sit pretty. For sitting poses, again, angle your body, knees pointing to the side rather than straight at the camera. Sit up on the edge of the chair, not slumped into the back of the chair. Lean a bit to one side by propping your back elbow on the arm of the chair, a table or on your knee. This creates a diagonal line leading to your face, and adds life to the image.

Don't slouch. Good posture can dramatically improve your appearance. Most people slouch without realizing it, making them look heavier and tired. Sit and stand tall with spine straight, shoulders back and relaxed not hunched up towards your ears, belly in, buttocks tight.

Chin out and down. Lean in slightly toward the camera. Move your face forward a bit and tip your chin down slightly. This eliminates double chin and really engages the eyes.

Eliminate double chin. Position yourself so the camera is above eye level and tilt your head up to it.

Tilt the head. Tilting your head slightly forward toward your ear looks more natural and engaging.

Arms out. Move arms slightly away from your body, elbows bent slightly, for a more toned look and to avoid upper arm heaviness. This also allows the curve of your waist to show, making you look slimmer.

Avoid blinks. To feel at ease, try closing your eyes, then opening them slowly just before the photo is taken. This helps minimize blinking.

Smile gently. Learn to 3/4 smile, relax and think happy thoughts. A really big smile often exposes too much gum, and squints the eyes, making them look smaller.

Smile with your eyes. Tyra Banks calls this "smize". Open eyes wide, tilting up at the corners a bit, with a closed or slightly parted, relaxed mouth.

Don't look directly into lens. Try focusing your eyes just slightly above the camera lens.

Breathe. Don't hold your breath, and do some deep breathing in and out to relax and energize you.

Practice. Try these tips and posing in front of a mirror to see what works best for you and your body. Studying poses shown in magazines or catalogs is also helpful.

Holiday cards

2009-10-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is the beautiful holiday card selected by the Kurnik family, and just one of the many designs we offer. Have you reserved your session yet? Yes, amazingly it's that time of year again! Call now to schedule your appointment before it's too late. Add us as your Facebook friend prior to your session and receive $25 off your session fee!

Costumes & Cans

2009-10-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

Click photo to see the card bigger.

We are so excited for our Costumes & Cans event, which will be held at the studio on October 31, from 10am to 5pm. We hope to have a big turnout and collect lots of cans of food for the Federal Way Food Bank. Bring 5 cans of food (per child) and receive one 5x7 print of your child in their costume. Be sure to invite all your friends and family with little goblins and ghouls! This event is on a walk-in basis, so those with younger kiddos may want to come earlier.

Olivia - 2010 Senior Portraits

2009-10-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

Olivia has such a warm personality and it was a fun time photographing her senior portraits. With dad, brother and friend Maria on the scene for moral support, we captured lots of great images.

Her white sweater worked perfectly for our WOW - white on white.

Olivia remembered that she wanted a portrait showing off her tatoo, but she forgot to bring shorts or a skirt, so I raided my closet. Anything for art! She has one of the prettiest tatoos I've seen.

What is Custom photography?

2009-10-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am often asked "what is custom photography"? I thought I would take a moment to define what it is that I do, and clarify for those who have always wondered, exactly what this means!

We’ve all been to chain portrait studios, and so we’re all familiar with that experience. Whether Sears, Walmart, or other department store chain studios, you will undoubtedly have some degree of experience with the process. In contrast to this, custom photographers aim to provide their clients with a custom experience - something special, something worth investing in.

Custom photography is a luxury. Unlike department store, or other chain studios, custom photography affords you the luxury of completely customizing your session to your family’s needs. Working with a custom photographer means that you will be working with someone invested in taking the time needed to ensure you get the very best from your portrait experience. Sessions are not rushed, and you are never "just a number".

Most clients who opt for custom photography are clients who appreciate and value high-end custom work, and who have a strong desire to obtain several different images of themselves, their children, and their families. Many clients arrive with a pre-determined plan in place for their images, whether it be that special gallery wall they have always wanted to create, a special keepsake album, or a variety of gifts for family members.

So, what does a custom photographer do? A custom photographer:

- Takes the time to consult with clients before the session to obtain information about their clients’ vision for the session, to select favorite locations, (or backgrounds if in a studio), to discuss the best clothing options for each family member, and to pre-plan the combinations of individuals to be photographed at the session.

-Invests the time at the session to ensure that the client’s vision is realized, and that all requested combinations are achieved (within what is in their control, of course). Sessions are never rushed, and clients are given the luxury of a session custom tailored to their needs which is not rushed, or hurried, and where there is no ticking time clock or "next session" walking in the door in a few moments.

-Consults with clients about their final images, and assists them in selecting the best images for display. A custom photographer will have knowledge of design and esthetics for wall display such that she can assist you in creating a beautiful wall arrangement that showcases your images beautifully.

-Works personally with clients to ensure a high level of satisfaction. Unlike a chain studio where you are merely a number, and where your session is simply a cookie-cutter replica of everyone else’s session, a custom photographer tailors your session to what YOU want, and how YOU want to remember your memories. A custom photographer will go the extra mile to make sure you are happy!

Custom photography, as mentioned above, is a luxury. It is not a "need", but a "want" and there is a higher price tag associated with the higher service and custom experience. I like to compare custom photography to fine dining. We all need to eat, but we don’t HAVE to eat at a five star fine dining restaurant. We do that when we want a special occasion, when we want that extra something special, and when we are looking for not only a meal to satisfy our hunger, but also to satisfy our need for a special experience, attention to detail and customer satisfaction. We could eat fast food and have our hunger satisfied, but we would lack that special experience.

So, as a luxury, custom photography is not for everyone. It is not in everyone’s budget, and is not something that is done exclusively as the only means of capturing one’s photographic memories. I fully expect that my clients visit a chain studio in between our sessions, and would be deluded to think that my clients have no photography sessions outside of my studio. After all, children change so quickly, and it would be impossible for most to visit a custom photographer monthly to capture all of the wondrous changes that children go through!

So there you have it - my definition of custom photography. In basic terms it is simply providing the attention to detail, the high level of customer service, the outstanding product quality, and the fun experience my clients have come to expect. I personally love what I do, and I hope that it shows!

This article reprinted with permission from Heather Rivlin Photography.

Billboard with my photo

2009-09-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

We were driving north on Pacific Highway when my daughter said "Mom, did you see that?, your photo is on a billboard!" We turned around to go back and check it out and sure enough there it was, the photo I created for Puget Sound Skills Center, bigger than life, for all to see. This was actually quite a project, as the image is comprised of seperate photos of each subject, which I then enhanced and merged to create one long image. You can view the image in the earlier post I made here, just click the photo to see it bigger. The billboard is near 310th Street S in Federal Way, so look up when you are driving past.

Caitlin - 2010 Senior Portraits

2009-09-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Caitlin chose a studio session and she brought lots of great outfits in a variety of colors which worked perfectly with some of my new backgrounds.

Recent Garden photos

2009-08-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

The garden has really grown a lot since the front yard renovation last summer, so here's a photo update. We can create your outdoor portraits in any of these wonderful areas, and you are welcome to take a stroll thru the garden during your next visit to the studio.

The front porch, and one of my favorite places to enjoy the garden; the swing.
View of front yard patio.

Pond next to front sidewalk.
View from street, and with afternoon sun lighting the grasses.
Side path with tropical area including hardy bananas.
View of side path towards the front yard.

Entrance to back yard.Right side sitting and shade area under tree.

Left side sitting area with luscious purple clematis on trellis.
Fondly referred to as "The Outback", this is the area on the other side of the English Laurel hedge, which previously was a mess of scrub trees and overgrown blackberries.

View to the left and the arbor Randy recently built for the swing. Split rail fence built from trees we removed.Pathway leading to the back field.

Federal Way Symphony Garden Tour

2009-08-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

A garden tour is a wonderful diversion - spending the day outdoors, the treasure hunt of finding the gardens, viewing a variety of horticultural creations, gathering ideas for our own garden, and meeting other garden enthusiasts.

The Federal Way Symphony 10th Annual Garden Tour took place July 18, featuring seven private gardens in the Federal Way and Des Moines area.

My slideshow of garden tour images may be viewed on my website in the Image Gallery, Featured Sessions or via this link: FW Symphony Garden Tour.

Kurnik Family

2009-08-04T13:19:00.001-07:00

We photographed the Kurnik family while their daughter was home from college. and we had a nice evening for the session at Brown's Point Lighthouse.

Commercial job

2009-08-03T21:07:00.001-07:00

This image was shot for Puget Sound Skills Center for use as their new poster and other marketing pieces. My daughter attends PSSC, Digipen Academy, so I was excited to work on the project and help promote the school. My goal was to create an edgy, dynamic image that would be attractive to potential program applicants. The models are all actual students, representing 14 different programs offered at the school, and they did a great job depicting their chosen fields. Click on the image to see it much bigger.

Mariah's 6 month session

2009-07-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Mariah came in a bit late for her 6 month session, but it worked out fine for her, and we captured lots of cute portraits. Her complete session slideshow is available on my website. Thanks to Grandma for bringing her to the studio!

Maternity model wanted

2009-07-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

Looking for a pregnant woman who will be 7-8 months along in August, to model for an upcoming photography class. Free portraits in exchange for modeling. Please email or call if interested.

Mt. Rainier

2009-07-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Grandma Betty from ND is visiting and had never been up to Mt. Rainier, so last Friday we ventured forth. It was a beautiful, warm day and it was quite busy with many other visitors opting to do the same. Fortunately, we entered the park on the west side, because Stevens Canyon Road is closed for repairs due to winter damage.

Gorgeous views, warm sunshine, sweet scented flowers, twittering birds, followed by burgers and blackberry pie - 'twas a feast for all the senses.

Welcome Preston

2009-07-07T15:44:00.001-07:00

Preston was very alert for his first portrait session at 6 days old. I love how he's looking directly into the camera in this image with mom and dad.

They selected these images for his birth announcement cards.

Photo makeover

2009-06-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

My cousin posted on Facebook a photograph she had taken of a rose. With her permission, I offered some suggestions on how the image could be improved. I thought this might be helpful to others too, so am posting it here. Here's Tracey's original rose photo.

My initial observations: First, the rose is too centered, like a bullseye, which is a static composition. You want to lead the eye thru the image, coming to rest upon the subject of interest. Imagine your canvas divided in thirds, horizontally and vertically. Where the lines intersect is where to place the subject. Since we read from left to right, ideally you want to place the subject to the right, so the eye travels thru the image and stops there.

Introducing diagonals into the image creates leading lines and adds energy to the image. Tracey had a bit of a diagonal in the stem of the rose, but she can go further by tilting the camera when shooting, so the stem emerges from the bottom corner of the image.

The background is very busy, since all the leaves are in focus. Emphasize the center of interest by shooting with a wider open aperture and/or a longer lens, which will defocus the background.

I'd pump up the saturation and contrast to make the image really pop.

Compositional rule of thirds diagram for subject placement:Here's the image after saturation and contrast adjustments and some retouching. I found the highlights on the leaves to be distracting. Any lighter areas of an image will draw the eye. So I toned those down by cloning a darker green over those spots. There was a withered petal and other browned spots on the rose and foliage that I cleaned up because they were also distracting.

Here's the image with some blur added to the background to make the rose a more prominent center of interest. Ideally, this is better achieved by shooting with a shallow depth of field and/or longer focal length lens.

Here's the final image, cropped for closer, diagonal composition, and with a darker edge vignette added. Keep in mind that the image isn't as sharp here as it normally would be, since I was working from a low res image lifted from the web, then re-uploaded to blogger.

Cute hats

2009-06-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

While in Lynden last weekend for my nephew's graduation, I stopped by the Heritage Festival. Jo Kaseter of Me and Mom's Hats had a booth crammed full of the cutest hats in many styles and colors. These would be perfect for baby and childrens's portraits. You can visit her store at Pike Place Market or order online at her website http://www.seattlehats.com/

Maternity wrap up

2009-06-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Becca and Chris welcomed baby Preston a bit early, and I'm looking forward to photographing his newborn session next week. Here's a couple from their maternity session. Becca has the best cheekbones! She's wearing one of my wrap tops, which took a couple tries to achieve the right look with the wrapping, but we got it done and she looks beautiful.

Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Remembering those who have served our country, and thanks to all who continue to do so. Have a great memorial day!

New Logo

2009-05-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

After many years of the old logo, it was time for a makeover. I love what the designer came up with, but have been waiting to deplete my stock of materials before I started using the new one. What do you think?

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Mother, mom, mommy, momma, mama, ma, mammy, mummy, mum, mumsy, madre, mater, mutter, mere, makuahine. Blessings to all mom's out there for the love, time, energy and sacrifices bestowed upon us.

HS Senior Graduation announcements

2009-05-08T17:44:00.001-07:00

Evergreen Lutheran High School Senior Portraits

2009-04-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

I've got exciting new backgrounds and I'm looking forward to the creative possibilities with them. I was anxiously awaiting one to arrive for Garrett's senior portrait session with his guitar, but it didn't show up until 8pm that night. The background I used instead worked really well for the look I envisioned. Here's a sneak peak of one of the images that I tweaked with some extra artistic techniques.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T18:40:00.001-07:00

Senior Feedback

2009-04-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

I love creating beautiful portraits for my clients, and I so appreciate it when they take the time to send a note about how much they love theirs. I'll be the first to tell you that my portraits aren't the cheapest available out there. Quality custom portraiture is not cheap, and it's nice when people "get it".

Thanks to Lauren G for the feedback:

Why did you choose Colleen for your senior portraits?
I was dissatisfied with the photographers all of the girls in my school chose. So, I decided to research a couple of seattle & regional photographers. I immediately fell in love with Colleen's style. Her pictures were flawless and exactly what I was looking for.
What did you like about Colleen’s photography that you didn’t see in portraits done elsewhere?
Other than being flawless in lighting, composition, and final touch ups, they are sophisticated, classic, & a touch edgy.
What did you like about your session with Colleen?
Colleen had pictures in her head before you stood in front of the camera. She knew great poses, lighting, and props. Though most importantly, she made me feel at home and relaxed.
Anything you would do differently?
Order more!
What you like best about your portraits:
They're beautiful and original. I have received so many compliments, especially from my crush! ;) Thanks Colleen!
Friends and family reaction:
They are in awe!
Advice for upcoming seniors about their portraits:
Relax! Photographs are art!
Thoughts on the entire experience of working with Colleen:
It was fantastic and I am so pleased with the pictures I have.

First Day of Spring!

2009-03-20T11:08:00.001-07:00

Yay, spring is here! All the rain we've been having should encourage the garden to reawaken. I'm anxious to see what plants survived the winter we had, and am so ready for sunshine and warmth.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

An Old Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

Newborn announcement and gallery

2009-02-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

This is the birth announcement I created from the previously posted newborn session. Also, their selected favorites are now available to view in the Featured Sessions of my website Image Gallery. Shaelyn

Award winning images

2009-02-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

I have some great news about my entries in SPPA's (Seattle Professional Photographers Association) February print competition. All four entries received merits, and two images received highest scores in their division!

A portrait of a newborn baby, titled "Presenting Ethan", was awarded Best Child's Portrait.

A portrait of a high school senior, titled "The Cellist", was awarded Best Portrait of a Woman.

A portrait of a father and newborn baby, titled "Her Hero".

And just for fun, a pictorial of a blossom taken in Hawaii, titled "Bird of Paradise".

Now for a bit more info about print competition.

Why do we enter print competition? To increase skill in our craft, show dedication to our art, and earn merits towards professional organization degrees.

How are prints judged? Images must receive a score of 76 points to receive a merit. Highest score in each category receives an additional two merits and a plaque. Entries must meet specific size and mounting requirements, and are judged on the following 12 elements, in order of importance: impact, creativity, technical excellence, composition, lighting, style, print presentation, center of interest, subject matter, color balance, technique, and story telling. More details on this can be found on PPA's (Professional Photographers of America) website.

SPPA is an affiliate of PPA, and holds monthly print competitions, with a yearly competition adhering to PPA rules.

Man's best friend

2009-02-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

Chris called me last Saturday in urgent need of a business portrait for an ad for his appliance repair business. He had previously gone to a mall photo studio, but wasn't happy with what they provided. I was able to get him in that day, photograph, retouch and file prep, and he walked out the door an hour later a happy man with CD in hand. A mall shop may be cheaper, but can't provide the personal service and attention that you receive when working with a professional photographer. Thanks for stopping by Chris, it was fun photographing you and Emma.

Valentines Roses

2009-02-15T01:00:00.001-08:00

Pretties from my sweetie.

Behind the scenes

2009-02-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

Some pictures taken by daddy with his cool little Iphone during their newborn session.

Here's one of the images I was photographing at the time.

Little rosebud.

2009-02-10T16:42:00.001-08:00

Since Shaelyn was born close to Valentine's Day, I thought the bed of roses would be sweet, then I added a vintage look to this one. A portrait like this reaches it's full potential when displayed as a large wall portrait for maximum impact.I love capturing the intimate connection between parents and their new baby.I wanted to try a new pose using a sling, mom and dad were up for it, and baby slept nicely.

Custom Collages

2009-02-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

I've updated my website with a new gallery of some of the many different custom design options available for your portraits. There are examples of special treatments such as Vintage Hand Tinted and Spot Color, plus lots of wall collages. The Tiny Treasures 8x16 is one of my popular collages that parents really love. Check out all the ideas in the Image Gallery.

Maternity clothing

2009-01-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

I just received some great new maternity wrap tops and I'm excited to try them out on my next maternity client. They are similar to the wrap around top designed by Isabella Oliver. Check out their website for beautiful and stylish maternity clothing. Or buy the less expensive reproduction like I did from Mystic Clothing.

Beautiful family

2009-01-24T18:25:00.000-08:00

I was very honored when asked to photograph this family, since mom is a fantastic photographer herself, and most photographers are pretty picky about their images. The kids all have such different personalities and it was fun capturing them, with a mix of reflective and fun portraits.

Miracle Mariah

2009-01-20T16:56:00.001-08:00

Mariah was in for her 3 month session and I just love her serene expression in this image. She is such a sweet baby and her face just lights up for her grandma. I'm excited to show the images to her daddy when he's home on leave.

Tiffany's sneak peak

2009-01-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

I photographed Ed and Tiffany's wedding a few years ago, so was thrilled and honored when they called to sign up for my Maternity and Newborn Sessions. I'm looking forward to meeting their new little addition soon.

Tiffany brought a special piece of jewelry with a purple stone and it worked perfectly with a purple shrug I bought and have been wanting to try out.Hmm, is that a mirror...? Tried a new technique on this image.

Lillian is One!

2009-01-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

It has been a joy photographing Lillian over the past year. She was not into wearing a birthday hat, or any hat for that matter, quickly snatching them off her head. We did manage to capture a few in her traditional costume with the hat.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

Health, Peace and Prosperity to you all in this New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

Wishing you the hope, love, peace, and joy of Christmas. Here's my favorite cookie recipe that we make every Christmas:

Snowballs

1.5 cups butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
4 cups sifted cake flour
2 cups (1 12 oz. pkg.) chocolate chips
2 cups pecans, finely chopped

Combine first five ingredients and blend well. Stir in flour, pecans and chocolate chips. Form in 1 inch balls, place on cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar when cool.

Snow laden trees

2008-12-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

View of the back deck and yard, with snow piled high on the table and railing. Icicles on the house, but they're melting quickly since the sun is peeking through the clouds.

More snow!

2008-12-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

The snow just keeps falling, with more predicted, and the roads are bad. Sadly, we may have to cancel traveling to visit family up North. It sure is pretty though, a few more photos from today.

Winter snow

2008-12-18T21:53:00.000-08:00

I can't remember when we've had snow like this in time for Christmas. Our normally mild winters cause the appearance of snow to be a pretty novelty, rather than the yearly annoyance I grew up with in ND. Here the snow is a major disruption, causing school closures and abundant traffic problems, both unheard of in ND. There I learned to put up with several months of cold and snow, bundling up in goose down coats and moon boots, shoveling the driveway and side walk, plugging in the car's block heater at night and scraping ice off the windshield in the morning. One enjoyable aspect was ice skating on frozen ponds, which were constructed every year in most neighborhood school yards. I have particularly fond memories of a natural pond all to myself, found in the barren hills behind our house, an area now completely taken over with housing developments.

Inspired by the fresh dusting of softly falling snow, I went out to capture a few wintery images today.

Lauren's sneak peak

2008-12-13T02:06:00.000-08:00

Lauren is a beautiful and talented girl and was a dream to photograph. We captured loads of great images, here's a sneak peak.

Baby Magdalyn

2008-12-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

Magdalyne was such a sweet baby during her session, slept, hardly cried, and curled up nicely for her portrait. I love how this one looks very womb-like.

Displaying portraits in the home boosts children's self esteem

2008-12-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

My previous post led me to some further research on the power of portraits displayed in the home. Decorating with portraits can do more than add warmth and beauty to a home, it can actually enhance a child's self-esteem. In her book, "The Magic of Encouragement: Nurturing Your Child's Self-Esteem", psychotherapist Stephanie Marston suggests placing two pictures next to a child's bed. One should show the child happily involved in an activity that they enjoy, and the other should show family togetherness.

The two keys to high self esteem are a sense of being capable and of being loved. Displaying photos that illustrate this help to develop and reinforce those feelings and be a powerful influence on a child's well being.

David Krauss, Ph.D., co-author with Jerry Fryear, Ph.D., of Photo Therapy in Mental Heath, states, "It's important not only to be photographed in ways that indicate caring, nurturing, love and success, but also to see those images and take them in." The Cleveland clinical psychologist often uses client portraits and snapshots in therapy, and advocates periodically going through family albums with children to give them a clear vision of their growth and change, and to provide them with a sense of personal history. Photos should be displayed, Krauss says, because kids who see themselves on view feel loved and valued. The idea of a family photo gallery particularly appeals to Krauss. "What it says to a child is "I'm important in this family to the extent my parents acknowledge and honor my presence with wall space."

Anna Mae Kobbe, Ph.D., of Knoxville, states "We need to get photos out and enjoy them more. They are especially important in a child's room because they supply someone young with tangible security." Kobbe discovered that images of the whole family enjoying life evoke a strong sense of self, and that a visible picture of faraway friends or relatives helps the viewer feel more connected to that person. This is important, since many children live at a distance from grandparents and other relatives.

Take advantage of any opportunity to make positive photographs of your child and family. Then be sure to display them for the lifelong benefits you and your children will enjoy. Give me a call, I'll be glad to help.

Twin babies

2008-12-09T12:12:00.001-08:00

Photographing multiple babies is fun, but can be a challenge for them to "cooperate" at the same moment. Mom said this image really captured their different personalities.

These two little sleeping cherubs is one of my favorite images, which mom ordered as a 16x24 gallery wrap. I ordered one for display too, entered it in SPPA's November print competition and it earned first place!

Mom ordered this one in sepia tone as a wall portrait for their bedroom and she said the babies love looking at it and the other wall portrait. We know that interesting imagery provides stimulation to babies developing brains. Research has also shown that portraits of children and family members displayed in the home effectively reinforce a childs self image and confidence.

Best scrunchy face ever!

2008-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

It's always so fun to see the changes in babies through out the year. At Lillian's 9 month session she delighted us with her new expression and funny laugh. She has mastered standing next to a chair and had fun playing with blocks for the first time.

Olympic National Park

2008-12-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

After seeing the movie Twilight, which was lush with moody gray Pacific NW scenes, I was inspired to go back thru some images I shot a year ago at Olympic National Park. These are the Hoh Rainforest, Lake Quinalt, and Beach 4 near Kalaloch. You can see more in the slideshow on my website.

Challenge Met

2008-11-30T13:44:00.000-08:00

Even with the studio heater cranking at too warm for clothing level, newborn baby Ethan would have none of it and presented a bit of a challenge with plenty of crying during his portrait session. But I have lots of patience with fussy babies, and we worked thru his reluctance until blessed sleep finally ensued. Mom was pleasantly surprised at the amount of great images we captured and here are a few favorites.

Blair and Andrew's maternity session

2008-11-03T23:13:00.000-08:00

Andrew is the force behind our front yard makeover, and when I learned he and his wife were expecting their first child, I said hey let's schedule maternity portraits.

I'm so glad they took me up on the offer because working with them was a blast. Blair is a photographer's dream - such a natural in front of the camera, moving easily and everything she does looks fantastic, I could have photographed her all day. We captured so many great images, it's hard to pick just a few for a sneak peak. Since they are outdoorsy people, they wanted to do some photos outside in the garden. Thankfully the rain held off, and Blair was a trooper in the chilly air.

Baby Mariah and daddy's first portraits

2008-10-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

After reading about abandoned baby Mariah in the paper and seeing the news stories on tv, I just had to do something for her and her daddy. I wanted this baby to know she is valued and loved, and we can convey that with portraits that will be wonderful keepsakes for her.

I contacted Clark to offer my Baby Plan package at no charge, but when I learned that he was heading to Iraq, I said we've got to get you both in here to do a newborn session together before you leave. So the day before shipping out, we captured some beautiful images. Clark is such a sweet guy, so attentive and caring towards his baby girl. And with a great family to lend their support, this little one will be well taken care of. I look forward to watching her grow as we photograph her over the next year.

Here's some of my favorites, the first two have my enhancements, the others are just previews.

Aww thanks!

2008-10-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

I received such a nice email today from another photographer and she said I could share it here. Thanks for the compliments Amber!

Hello there, I ran across your blog and just had to contact you. I am photographer in Rapid City SD. I have a small studio inside a bridal shop so I do a lot of weddings but my real love lies in babies and children. I do 2 big shoots a year called Baby Blessing so I work with babies a lot. What I love about your work is first of all the lighting!! How do you get lighting like that? Also the free spirit that comes across in your work, not so much posed just fun!! I love it and just wanted to tell you so :) Thanks, Amber Heredia, Lasting Memories Studio

Maternity portraits sneak peak

2008-10-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

I photographed engagement portraits for Marcelle and Brody a few years ago and it was so nice to hear from them again when they were thinking of maternity portraits. She has such a perfect round baby bump!

This is one of those images "oo-oo" images that I went nuts over when I saw it through the camera.

Senior pictures - Karen

2008-10-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Karen came in for my yearbook session, which I offer for those wanting just a few basic head and shoulder portraits. After photographing the traditional poses, we tried for something a bit more fun and stylin and this is one of my favorites.

Baby's First Year Album

2008-10-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

This is a page from a baby's first year album that I created. She's the cutest little girl and was such a good model for me! Her album is 40 pages with 65 images and you can view all the photos of it on my website at: http://colleenphoto.com/?slideshow=baby-s-first-year-album

Let me know what you think.

Create your avatar

2008-10-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Just for fun today, a website where you can create your own Manga Avatar: http://www.faceyourmanga.com/welcome.htm
Here's mine, what do you think? I've been told it looks just like me.

Birth Announcements

2008-09-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I do birth announcements! I have many styles to choose from, cute and whimsical or clean and classic, I can create pretty much anything you have in mind. Choose one or several of your favorite images to feature. My Maternity/Newborn package includes 25 birth announcements, but you can order as many as you need to proclaim your new arrival to everyone on your list. The first one here is one of my most popular options. You can see more in the Image Gallery of my website.

Animation and art

2008-08-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome animation, those that know Photoshop will "get" it, others will just enjoy the animation: http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/077/2/e/Animator_vs__Animation_by_alanbecker.swf

You may have noticed the new little animation on my blog. It was done by my talented artist daughter who has been creating these lately so I asked her to make one for me. She's very into dragons, here's one of my faves. You can see more of her artwork at http://irkendragon.deviantart.com/

Senior pictures - Ian

2008-08-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

How time flies! I can't believe my nephew will be a senior this year, 2009 Graduate of Lynden High School. Ian's droll sense of humour kept me laughing during his session. Here's a couple of my faves and new backgrounds.

6 month fun

2008-08-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

I had such fun photographing Lillian's 6 month session and we captured so many great images it was hard to choose which to post. Mom and dad got quite the work-out in trying to wipe the constant flow of drool since she was teething.

Sweet baby Melina

2008-08-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

This sweet little one was such a good baby, sleeping for much of her session so we could capture lots of great images. I love it when parents bring in their new baby right away while they still have that fresh newborn look.
Since she was doing so well, and it was a warm day, I decided to try a few outside in the garden for something different.

Jaeden

2008-07-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

It was fun to see Jaeden again for her 3 year portrait. Her sweet hugs made my day. She got to be the first to try out my new sailor dress and although she wasn't crazy about the hat, we did capture a few cute images of her while it was still on her head.

Senior pictures - Kirstin

2008-07-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

My last 2008 senior, Kirstin opted to wait to photograph her session until her braces were removed. And what a beautiful smile she has!

I applied a vintage hand colored effect to this one.
My newly painted studio door, makes a cool background don't you think? Love the expression and energy in this image! I applied a fun mega contrast effect to it.

My new realistic beach background. A contemplative portrait with my blue mood effect.

Presenting baby Jake

2008-07-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

I love photographing newborn sessions and capturing expressions like this as the new parents gaze upon their baby with pride. This is one of my new backgrounds that is just wonderful.

Jake looks very cozy in my new baby poser, which he promptly initiated! No worries, it's washable.

Garden Makeover

2008-06-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

You will notice a big change to the landscape next time you stop by the studio. Thanks to Andrew and crew of Father Nature Landscapes, we now have a beautiful new front garden for a welcoming entrance and outdoor portraits.

The crew starting work.
View from street, before:

View from street, after:

Front corner, before:Front corner, after:
View from driveway, before:
View from driveway, after, with new entrance path. We will be adding more stone pavers, and maybe an arbor later.

Off the porch, before:Off the porch, after:The grass circle and perimeter:

View from porch, before:
View from porch, after:
Before:After, with the widened path and new little patio:

We put the pond in ourselves a couple years ago, and the immediate area stayed pretty much the same, but with the removal of the overgrown ceanothus behind it, the view is opened up.

YouTube video

2008-06-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

I created a quick promotional YouTube video, check it out and post a comment to let me know what you think.

Jessica & Michael's Maternity Sneak Peak

2008-06-17T17:30:00.001-07:00

Here's a few sneak peaks from J & M's recent maternity session. This one is so cute, love the attitude and their expressions!She's wearing one of my new shrugs here. Shrugs are great for maternity portraits since they expose the belly.
Bought several new fabrics recently and this one looks great with her coloring. They have a cranberry accent wall in their bedroom too so this will be perfect for their wall portrait.

A Photographers Garden Blog

2008-06-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

I just discovered a fantastic garden blog by David Perry who is also a Seattle commercial photographer. A must read if you appreciate artistic, beautiful garden photography along with eloquently written musings about gardens, his work and the people he encounters. A visit is like a relaxing retreat. Photographers Garden Blog

Portrait Garden update

2008-06-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, the Portrait Garden has changed a lot since the previously posted photos, so here's an update. This is the view towards the back, with the arbor and pathway Randy built. It makes a nice passageway, spot to hang plants and art, and the birds like to perch there as they flit about the garden and scout for worms. The Laurel has grown quite a bit since planted as shrubs, forming a nice hedge and home for the birds too as you can hear them rustling about in there, with their songs providing nice background music. We have way too much grass on the other side, but are thinking of creating an island planting bed in the center. I'd like a gazebo back there somewhere too. We'll see if I can talk the resident garden planner into that idea.
View to the right as you pass thru the arbor.

View to the left. The Anne Folkard hardy geraniums have quickly formed a spreading ground cover. There is Blue Fescue grass on the edge of the border, Stewartia Pseudo Camelia tree in the foreground, Meta Sequoia on the left, and our tall Giant Sequoia in the background on the right, which is the one nice tree that was here when we bought the property. The rest of this area was full of blackberry bushes and crappy scrub trees. At the back of the garden, under the tall trees, we have shade plants such as japanese maple, ferns, hostas, and bleeding hearts. The path leads to the back meadow where I photograph portraits in the tall grass.
My roses have started blooming.
The rhododendron is fabulous now, I love the color.

And the wonderful bleeding hearts, faithfully growing back bigger and better every year.

Garden Tours

2008-06-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

I was photographing at the Point Defiance Flower and Garden show last weekend when we discovered a garden tour, part of the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program. So we checked it out on Sunday and what a treat it was. Three gardens in Orting - The Chase Garden, Homeranch, and Old Goat Farm. Thank you to the hosts! Here's a photo from each, I posted a slideshow of all the photos on my website, GC slideshow. I highly recommend visiting these spots if you get a chance, the drive out is pretty with quaint country views. Old Goat Farm sells gorgeous plants and garden art, check their website calendar for open days . For a bite to eat stop at Route 66 Pizza, the burgers, shakes, fries and onion rings were great.

Here's my newly freshened up pot with the plants I bought at Old Goat Farm, and the celtic stepping stone I just had to have too.

Congratulations Graduating Seniors!

2008-06-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all 2008 Federal Way Seniors! Todd Beamer, Decatur, & Thomas Jefferson High Schools graduation ceremonies June 8th, Federal Way High School June 9th, Truman High School July 2nd.

Senior Portrait 50% off Sale!

2008-06-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

Save 50% off Senior Portrait Sessions for the Class of 2009 when you reserve your session by June 20th. Visit our website to view the galleries and complete information about our services. Choose your favorite session and call 253-838-5204 to reserve your appointment with your credit card. All appointments are prepaid and require a minimum order purchase. Sessions must be photographed by August 30th.

Beautiful garden

2008-05-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

Our front yard is a bit torn up right now after removing a few trees, so we've been talking to landscapers about renovation to achieve some curb appeal. After talking to Andrew of Father Nature Landscapes, he asked me to photograph one of the properties he has worked on. My husband and I love seeing beautiful gardens and this one was really a treat. Andrew's crew did the patio, water feature, fire pit, granite seating and lighting. The lady of the house has done a wonderful job with the plantings and garden art. You can see more of Andrew's work at the Point Defiance Flower & Garden Show, June 6-8.

Senior pictures - Haley

2008-05-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

Haley has got it goin on! Beautiful, leggy, poised, and so nice too. I went a bit overboard with the amount of images I shot, as I often do when I'm having fun and working it with a willing subject. She attends Todd Beamer High School, my next door neighbor on the other side of the fence.

Captain of the cheer squad.

Shot this one on one of my newer backgrounds that I just love, Classic Garden. Then gave the image my vintage hand colored look.

Mom's favorite that she chose for her wall portrait.

Love those curls!

2008-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Mason is now a very busy little guy, so his one year session was a bit of a challenge, but we got some great expressions. He has developed a wonderful head of curls since his last session and I had to capture a sweet image of all the curls from the back.

A fun portrait with big sis Morgan wearing one of my pettiskirts. I applied a vintage hand colored treatment to this one.

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

A Newborns Conversation With God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."

Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there!