{Seattle Newborn Photographer} little penguin

Our little guy is growing so fast.  To mark his 2-month birth day, we had a little photo session with our little penguin. 

{Seattle Newborn Photographer} rooooar!

Happy Sunday!  The weather was beautiful and sunny here in Seattle and we made full use of the sunshine.  My friend made these adorable hats for Clark and asked me to photograph them for her Etsy site.  As you can see, Clark is the perfect model!  

{Seattle Newborn Photographer} my little pumpkin

Happy Holidays!!!

{Seattle Childrens Photographer} Dr. Fin, Medicine Fish

I had been wanting to do a cake smash photo shoot of Kannon but was feeling less than thrilled about the clean-up.  We got this goldfish as part of Kannon's 1st B-Day theme and decided the fish would make a perfect 1st B-Day photo shoot.  Now, the sunshine has been touch and go in Seattle lately so we had to make it quick.  Somehow in our journey, Mr. Fin became known as Dr. Fin, Medicine Fish.  Kannon loved the little dude and quite the mess splashing around.  Happy 1-st B-Day Kannon!

{Seattle Newborn Photographer} Baby Clark Arrived!

Ok, this a few weeks overdue but when you have 2 kids 11 months a part your hands are quite full.  Our little guy finally arrived, a week past his prime on October 8, 2010.  We are in love with his calming presence, thick black air, and chestnut eyes.  I hope to get a few more photo shoots in with this guy before his "sleep anywhere" habits disappear but here are few I caught this week.  Enjoy!

{Seattle Family Children Maternity Babies Photographer} Holiday Mini-Sessions!

It is not too late to get those family photos in time for Christmas cards!  

Book a mini-session between 

October 15-November 15 

and 

I will waive the session fee and include a complimentary 8x10 print

For more information please contact Kat at 

happymamaphotography@gmail.com

or at 206.257.0514

Fall Changes

After a lovely summer in Coeur d'Alene, ID relaxing and photographing so many beautiful people, places, and things I am happy to announce that Happy Mama Photography is heading back to Seattle beginning 

September 1.   

I will be offering a welcome back fall discount and waiving all session fees. 

Contact me to book your session today!

{Coeur d'Alene Maternity Photographer} Miss Jen

Miss Jen braved the hot weather and wind to snap a few belly pics before her little guy arrives.  This lady was a trooper!  We were both climbing over rocks, balancing on the docks, and constantly getting up and down...I think we were both exhausted by the end!  But we had fun and this beautiful lady gave me some great shots!  Thanks Jen!

{Spokane Couples Photographer} J&J

I love photographing couples.  Perhaps it is a reminder of love, carefree days, and life before kids.  I always leave engagement sessions full of energy and rekindled love for my husband.  Yesterday, I had the privilege of photographing an old friend and her fiance on one beautiful day.  We had fun parading around on a gorgeous campus full of brick buildings, grassy knolls, and a lake complete with geese.  It was so beautiful! I am so excited for these two!  Congrats Jessica & Jonathan!

{Coeur d'Alene Family Photographer} M&M

Love knows no bounds.  Yesterday, I had the privilege of working with an exceptional family at capturing their spirit and love for each other.  I walked away with hope, happiness, and was eager to get home to my own family.  I was reminded of the simple things, love and family.  

Thanks M&M for the awesome day!

{Coeur d'Alene Maternity Photographer} Lady J

Wednesday I loaded up my gear and headed down to City Park on what was possibly the hottest day ever!  Even at 6pm the sun was blazing and we were sweating but Jamie and her sweet family were awesome and smiled for the camera.  It was crowded but we managed to find a few good spots and I brought a handy stethoscope along to play with.  Even with all the heat, we had fun! Thanks Jamie!

MADEfair

Last weekend, we loaded up and headed to Missoula for MADEfair.  We were among 65 vendors selling fun and funky creations for every soul.  Our dryer balls were a huge success and we even came home with some awesome goods for our home---like reusable tea bags and glasses made from wine bottles.  I had fun photographing the event as it was an excuse to linger at a booth wishing that Christmas was just a little bit closer.  I can't wait to do it again next year!

{Coeur d'Alene Family Photographer} Alex and Aaron

We journeyed over the mountains to Missoula, MT this weekend for MADEfair.  We had a blast and I had a chance to sneak away and photograph two very sweet brothers and their family.  At 9:30 am the Montana sun was shining brightly and temperatures well into the 80's but we had fun playing around.  The boys especially had fun clowning around the playground.  What a sweet family!  I can't wait until our bean#2 arrives....its going to be trouble!!!

{Coeur d'Alene Newborn Photographer} Baby Claire

Today I had the chance to photograph sweet 6 week old baby Claire.  It was hot, bright, and I was going off 4 hours of sleep but baby Claire was an sweetie and gave us some good shots.  The family was really sweet and patient and enjoyed smiling for the camera.  What fun!

{Coeur d'Alene Children Photographer} Kannon Bear

I received a number of request to knit some bear hats for fellow photographers.  After making a few I decided it was time to make one for Kannon.  A few hours later, a new backdrop, matching Bum Genius 3.0 diaper, and hat Kannon and I had a little fun playing around.  He wasn't too fond of the hat until he discovered the long tails....and then it was love (and drool) at first site.

{Coeur d'Alene Photographer} What to Expect

I am so excited that my calendar is starting to fill up with upcoming sessions.  I am nervous and excited and am awakened with nightmares of forgetting my memory card or worse *breaking* my camera.  Of course, I am list maker and list checker and there is no way I could forget something so simple!  

However, several people have already asked about what to expect and what to wear to their sessions.  That being said, I thought I would pass along a list to help others relax in preparation for their session.  

::my goals::

1. Relax!!!

2. Have fun!!!

3. Capture those images your mama (or dad, uncle, you, or whomever) would want on their wall!!!

::what to expect::

Shoots typically last around 60-90 minutes which is plenty of time to play around and have fun.

Feel free to bring along any special props, like an old car, favorite book, or dog that you want to be captured with your session.  Just have fun and pretend I am not there!

I go through each and every image and select the best from the bunch. Typically there are 20-30 images. I will choose a select few to be edited and featured as a sneak peak on my blog within 24 hours.  The rest of the images will be individually edited and uploaded to my online proofing gallery within 2 weeks. 

::what to expect for newborns::

A newborn session will last roughly 2-3 hours depending on the baby. I try to follow babies cues and keep them warm, relaxed and happy.  Sometimes this isn't possible in which case we can schedule a reshoot or simply give it more time.  

I like to schedule sessions in your home because that is where babies are usually happiest.  That being said,  make sure the baby is fed, warm and relaxed about 20 minutes prior to my arrival.  Crank the heat, turn up the music.  I will bring backdrops and props and I like to set up somewhere where lighting is great, usually near northfacing windows. 

I prefer all newborn sessions to be done within the first 10 days of birth because they are less likely to wake with handling.. I will set your due date as your session date and wait to hear from you once your little bundle has arrived.

I go through each and every image and select the best from the bunch. Typically there are 20-30 images. I will choose a select few to be edited and featured as a sneak peak on my blog within 24 hours.  The rest of the images will be individually edited and uploaded to my online proofing gallery within 2 weeks.  

 ::what to wear::

family/senior/maternity sessions
1. Coordinate but don't match. Choose different shades of the same color paired with jeans. Or choose 3-4 complimentary colors and each person wear a different combination of them.

2. Texture!  Knit sweaters, jeans, courdoroy, tweed, scarves, etc. 

3. Avoid trends!  Stick to timeless classic outfits.  Seniors, this applies to you!!!  Do you laugh at the bellbottoms in your parents photos??? 

4.No logos!  Stick with simple solid colors.

5. No shoes!  Okay, some shoes are okay.  Avoid white tennis shoes or brightly colored shoes.  Barefoot, sandals, and neutral colored shoes are best.

6. Comfort!  If you are uncomfortable in it, don’t wear it.  If you can't move, play, or get dirty in it, don't wear it!

7.  Hair and make-up.  While I want you to look nice for your portraits, please don’t try anything new the day of your session. Keep your hair simple, make-up simple (some foundation, a little mascara and some lip gloss).  

8. Simple!  Accessories are nice but keep it simple. Leave the giant earrings and big black watches at home.

9. Props!  Have fun with this.  If you have a favorite toy, musical instrument, dog, love note, polaroid, bring it!  If you want it remembered on camera, bring it!

newborns
Newborns are always photographed best in their birthday suits or a simple diaper cover.  I will props to use  so that all you have to worry about is keeping baby happy.  If you are having family portraits done with a newborn, wear a black top and jeans.

babies and toddlers
A baby is best photographed in a simple diaper cover or birthday suit.  I will have props like hats, buckets, and toys available for use.

For toddlers, keep it simple.  Little girls always look cute in a simple & classic.  Jeans and barefeet are my favorite.  Be daring and let your toddler pick their outfit...sometimes silly layers, tutus, and cowboy hats are just plain adorable!

{Coeur d'Alene Photographer} Summer Special!!!

SUMMER SPECIALS!!!

The first 10 people to book sessions will receive a FREE session, 25% off prints, complimentary 8x10, and a CD including 5 images from their session. 

Book now!!! Contact Kat by phone or email

happymamaphotography@gmail.com

208.292.4119

{Coeur d'Alene Family Photographer} Father's Day Shoot

My husband, Dale, rarely lets me take his photo.  I got lucky this week when he gave me the OK to snap away.  The weather was crummy (so annoying!!!) but we got some good shots.  Hopefully, I can surprise him with some prints before Father's Day!

{Coeur d'Alene Senior Photographer} Hipster Sam

I will be the first to admit that my brother is devilishly handsome and today I got to capture some of his good looks on camera.  

We hit Tubbs Hill with the dog, my husband, and 7 month old and got a chance to enjoy some nice weather.

He was a good sport and smiled for the camera despite our dog trying to chase him and keeping my son from eating sand.  Sam is from California and was looking for photos with a more beachy feel....all in all, we got some good shots!