Wilson | Photography Retreat

When Bre Thurston and I decided to host exclusive photography retreats we had no idea the fulfillment that it would bring to us. It all started with a text message that would change our lives. I said, "we should come up with  a learning experience that is not only a way to become a better photographer but is also a way to relax and rejuvenate." Bre immediately agreed with me and together we brainstormed and came up with what is now Blair and Thurston. Within 24 hours time we had a website and a plan and our dreams begin to take shape. You could say that we are highly motivated but I like to think that we are highly passionate. When we want something we work hard and we make it a reality and we really wanted this to be a beautiful reality.

Nearly a year later we have hosted two wildly successful retreats where we laughed, cried,  and saw so much growth in our attendees, but what's more is the growth that we have seen in each other. We have always been good friends but now our relationship is even more. I can't really put my finger on it,  at the risk of sounding cheesy I will say that Bre is one of my soulmates. It's like this was our calling and we can't wait to see where our Retreats take us. Our Retreats are like no other photography retreats in the industry. They are intimate, luxurious, and from the words of some of our attendees,  they are like changing. Unlike so many other photography education programs out there, Bre and I aren't trying to make our attendees be like us we're trying to make them the best them!

Our next photography retreat is an Austin Texas we are so excited!

These photos are from the family session that took place during our Last Retreat on Bainbridge Island. The Wilsons are good friends of mine and they were the absolute best family we could have asked for.

What To Wear To Your Family Photography Session | Seattle Family Photographer

It is family photography season and I am so excited to see so many of my returning families and many, many new families as well! Weather you have a family session scheduled with me or another photographer, chances are you have questions on how to prepare. I get asked about wardrobe by 100% of my families and I am happy to give a little guidance. I thought I would start a series of blog posts here as a reference for my families and other people looking for ideas on planning their wardrobe and preparing for their family session. Today, we will focus on wardrobe. 

If you have invested in custom, lifestyle photography, you are likely excited about planning for your session. The reason I call it an investment is because it is. It is an investment in your money and your most valuable currency, your time and you want to make sure that everything goes great! One of the most fun parts of preparing for your session is planning what you will wear. This is the time to really express who you are! I know some of you stress about getting your outfits together, but trust me, you don't have to. While I don't style my families, I do help them along the way if they ask. Here are some basic tips in preparing your outfits. 

1. Most important tip. Be yourself!! Lifestyle photography, especially from an artist like myself, is meant to be authentic. If you don't usually wear dressy clothing, don't. If your daughter hates dresses, don't put her in a dress. If your son can't stand wearing button down shirts, don't put him in one. If you are a sporty family, dress sporty. You can find clothing that fits your style that is clean, nice, and comfortable. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't dress your best, but it does mean that you can dress your best in your own style. 

2. Coordinate, don't match. There are rare occasions where everyone in the same color works, however generally you want diversity in colors and patterns. To be frank, it is cheesy and out of style for everyone to be wearing jeans and white polos. When thinking about colors, choose colors that compliment each other. 

3. Stay away from graphics and florescent colors. Please, don't let your kids wear those athletic shirts that are bright neon orange or yellow. What that means is that your kids face will be bright neon orange or yellow. Graphics tend to go out of style so I suggest staying away from them. 

4. Make sure the clothing you choose fits. I get it. Kids grow fast and you want to get the most out of each clothing item. But this isn't the time. It doesn't look good when kiddos clothing is baggy or rolled up to fit. 

5. Mom, this is your time to shine! I love when moms are in dresses (if they like dresses) or an outfit they feel great in! Mom, go out and buy your outfit or choose your outfit out of your closet first. Choose something you feel amazing in and build the families outfits around yours. 

6. Dress in layers. Layers add interest but also allow for removing clothing if it gets warm. Think scarfs, hats, vests, cardigans, tights, blazers, jackets....

7. Don't forget shoes and accessories are important too. A great outfit with ratty shoes won't look as good. Think about how the shoes will match as well as necklaces and headbands etc. These items can add a pop of color too!

8. Make a Pinterest board or inspiration board with outfit ideas. It will help you get a feel for colors and patterns you love as well as trends you like. 

9. Ask your photographer for help! Don't be shy. We are more than happy to help you along the way. Promise!

Have fun with this!! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments. :) 

Kaitlyn | Seattle Maternity Photographer

I just wrapped up this families newborn session and I was going to blog them all together but this maternity photography session deserves it's own post, I think. 

We met at sunset on a gorgeous Seattle summer evening. I adore meeting couples right before they are about to welcome their baby into the world. There is so much excitement and love in the air. These two are absolutely gorgeous and I will say that they are even more beautiful now that they are parents. 

Enjoy! I will blog their newborn session soon. :)

Juliet | Seattle Fresh 48 Photographer

As many of you know, I spent the better part of the past ten years as a registered nurse in the NICU and L&D. I left that part of my life behind about a year ago to pursue phtography full time. It was like a calling and I had to follow it, however sometimes I miss being in the hospital surrounded by all the hustle and bustle and of course, I miss the fresh newborns. Well, I am delighted to have had a few of my first fresh 48 newborn photography sessions, or as I prefer to call them, birth space newborn sessions. There is magic in the air in those first few hours with a new baby. The joy, the promise, the excitement. It is intoxicating. 

I spent a few hours visiting with one of my long time favorite families a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to be there while the older kids stumbled in on their new baby sister and it was so beautiful. I have since photographed them in their home for their full session but have yet to edit that one. For now, enjoy sweet Juliet and her family, just about 24 hours old. 

I will be offering fresh 48 sessions to my newborn clients only as an add on. Stay tuned for more details on that endeavor. I am very excited about it. 

Divelbliss | Seattle Family Photographer

I was lucky enough to meet this family a year ago when I did their newborn photography session. I immediately fell in love with them. They are sweet and so grateful for this little guy. I was thrilled when they asked me to photograph them again to celebrate their little guy's first birthday. It means so much to me when families trust me to capture them. I know how busy everyone is and for them to give me a morning or an evening, a sacred amount of their time, makes me so grateful.