A few weeks ago I was able to sit down to dinner with my childhood best friend Andrea, and her adorable family.  Andrea and I live on separate coasts, and so seeing each other these days is a rare thing.  In fact, this was the first time we had met each other's children! I snapped a roll of film in my front yard as they were leaving.  As always, I wished I'd shot more.

It was such a lovely visit...

I could have photographed these adorable people all day long!

….The truth is fall is just around the corner.  And yes my friend, that means it’s time to start thinking about your holiday photos.

I know that I sound like a crazy person talking about holiday photos on August 1st, but as you know,  August, September and October are usually our best months, weather wise. So lets take advantage of the pretty light while we have it!  And, by booking your fall session now, you’ll be able sit back and relax knowing that you’re one step ahead of the holiday rush!

Here are a few tips on how to make this years portrait session, the best ever!!

1. Schedule early.  Everyone wants those prime weekend spots.  But remember, there are only four 10:00 am Saturday morning appointments on my calendar every month.  If a morning appointment is going to work best for your little ones, then get it on the books now!
2. Think outside the nap box.  If you need to work around naps when planning your photo session, think about booking something in the late afternoon, or early evening.  That “Golden Hour” is absolutely stunning in the fall, and you’ll get beautiful, dreamy photos out of it.
3. Pick a family friendly location.  Parents often want to meet at a playground or favorite park for their photo session.  But, sadly, choosing a beloved playground or park usually results in a very unhappy kids.  Most toddlers would much rather play at their favorite spot than get their picture taken.  Instead, ask me for a suggestions.  I know a ton of  great spots around Seattle, and then stop off at the park on the way home. That way everybody wins!

have a great day, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

~Sandra

I worked with this adorable family a couple of weeks ago out at the Ballard Locks and we were so lucky to have such a beautiful day to work with!!  You gotta love Seattle in the summertime!

Here are some photos that I took of my brother Jim, my super talented sister-in-law Cat Thrasher, and my two ADORABLE nieces while visiting them in Virginia a few weeks ago.  I miss them all so much, and am so happy to have had the opportunity to photograph them!  Wish they lived closer!

I just can't stop taking pictures of these people... they are just too adorable!!

Friend, does this sound like you?

• You have a fancy new camera and lens, but always shoot on auto.
• You feel frustrated that your pictures don’t look the way you want them to. Ever.
• You really want to learn how to use your camera but the instruction manual that came with it: a) scares you b) puts you to sleep c) reads like its in a foreign language or d) all of the above.

Would you love to:

• Shoot without using “auto” mode!!!
• Know how to perfectly expose your images.
• Rock composition and take your photos from snap-shots to works of art.

Let me help you!

I’ll be teaching a beginner’s photography class on June 15th from 10:00 to 2:00

In this class you can expect to learn:

• The basic rules of good exposure and composition.
• Shooting in manual mode.
• An understanding of light, and how best to use it.
• Tips and tricks for getting great photos of your kids.  It can be done!

As part of the class you will also get:

• One-on-one feedback and instruction time so that your individual needs and questions will be addressed.
• Lots of practice time! Yes, we will have models of all ages for you to work with!
• Access to a private Facebook Group where you can share your photos, ask questions and learn from others in the group.  I’ll also be on the Facebook page to answer questions and give feedback well after the class is over!
• And I’ll feed you.

Details:

• Class will be held at my Greenwood studio on June 15th from 10:00 to 2:00.
• The cost of the four hour class is $250 (a $50 non-refundable deposit is required at registration)

Space is limited, so sign up today!  Shoot me an email (Sandra@sandracoan.com) or give me a call (206.841.2260)!

Please note, if you are an aspiring professional photographer, this may not be the class for you.  For information on one-on-one mentoring or professional portfolio reviews, please give me a call (206.841.2260) or send me an email (Sandra@sandracoan.com)

Last week Peter and I took the boys and my mom up to the Skagit County Tulip Festival. We had a great day!  If you've never done the Tulip Festival before, it is well worth a trip!  Really amazing!