Movement {Seattle Family Photographer}

The only time I can do photoshoots these days is Saturday and the only time I can edit during the week is late at night. I work from 9am until 6pm, then it's home for dinner and kid time and bedtime and spouse time and then finally edit time. My plate right now is full and sometimes I feel weary about the rush of this season.

In this moment though, when I am oh-so-tired, my eyes tear up in gratitude to be editing this session.

It was an odd one at first. Super cold and rainy. The kids were not too happy. Shy but sweet, and although I did not care if they were shy, I did care that they were uncomfortable. And so I asked Mama for a re-shoot. "Let me get the kids in their element, at home, in their happy place where they can be themselves," I said.

It was a sacrifice on my part, to drive so far, give up my very spare family time, and do it all over again. But it was so worth it!

There is a photography secret that we all hopefully vow not to break. Whatever you do, only post your BEST photos. Never post those that are imperfect. But sometimes I wonder what is truly my best? My answer is ones that move me.

and some from our first session....

Christmas Giveaway Session

Remember my Christmas Giveaway winner? Here is their adorable little man!

And here's one from the sweet family that submitted them...

Don't you love that wrinkle in his nose?

Christmas Love

I am enamored with this photo. I adore the gold/red/green.

Traditional Christmas with a twist, don't you think?

Oh.My.Goodness! That is all I have to say....

My favorite of mama and daughter. Now we know where she got the gorgeous brown eyes....

Could she possibly be any cuter? I honestly only took photos of her for about ten minutes. It was super easy with that perfect face and (oh my gosh super cute hair).....

a little angel, no?

Muscle Man

Cracks. Me. Up.







And who could deny this darling pouty face? I had already posted these guys here... but there are so many more I wanted to share....

YES. I will get you a pony and a race car track and a town hall and ice cream and cotton candy and a gingerbread house (minus the witch) etc....




Editing these pictures just made me fall more madly in love with these boys!


2 Cute.

mad

Yesterday my son turned to me in the car and said, "I'm mad!" I had to laugh for a couple reasons: 1)he's just starting to be able to communicate in a feeling/talking sort of way and 2)his face was so serious and his response so random that I couldn't help but laugh.

His mad-ness made me think about how things are going for me right now. Good, in fact. Except for one teeny tiny huge problem.

My computer crashed. Ugh. Pictures are safe-- no worries! However, I have been computer-less for almost a week now (writing this post at work in fact) and it is driving me insane. I can't edit your pictures. I can't give sneak peeks. I can't upload your proofs to your gallery to view. I am stuck and I am mad.

So for now, please accept my apology for my lateness for all of these things. My computer is getting fixed, but also taking too long in my book. Soon.. .I promise!!

And for now, it's okay if you are mad too:)

red and green

It was pouring rain outside when we planned this session, so we had to take drastic action

and -ahem-go indoors. Shocked? So am I.

But it worked.

We went to a great gardening center called Molbaks in Woodinville that had a beautiful poinsetta tree and lovely Christmas decor. It was the perfect backdrop for a red and green photo shoot! And oh my! Call me naive, but I had no idea there were so many different types of poinsettas. I wanted them all.

I LOVE this family. I've been photographing them for 2 years now

and each time they get cuter and cuter.

You'd be surprise to know that this little man was unhappy/MIA for the first half of our session. Check out that gorgeous smile!

See what I mean? Love the red and green.

Christmas Give-Away Winner!

Oh man, this was such a difficult choice for me. Your entries were all so amazing. I wish I could give everyone this gift. But in the end, I went with my gut.

Presenting the 2009 Christmas Give-Away Winner:

The Venegas Family


Submission by Emily:

I have a wonderful family in mind! I have a dear friend who has this beautiful little family. When I say beautiful, I don't just mean on the outside, but on the inside too. They have suffered some serious challenges in the past couple of years, but that has never stopped them from having a positive outlook, loving life, and still serving others.

They are the Vanegas Family and they are comprised of Jairo, Melanie, and Ethan. Jairo was diagnosed with a brain tumor about 4 years ago, had surgery, underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and made it through. Since that time he and Melanie have taken the opportunity to show how precious life is through their actions. They have raised money for Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong charity, Melanie kept going to school and finished her nursing degree throughout the ordeal so that she could help others, and then despite Jairo’s diagnosis, they did not want to wait to have a child and used invitro fertilization to have their son, Ethan.


Every 6 months or so, Jairo has to have tests run to see if the cancer has returned. I know these appointments must be terrifying, but they keep their chins up. They could question God, feel like He is being unfair, and ask why them, but instead, they both serve as youth leaders in at church, and are ALWAYS willing to give a helping hand to those around them AND with a smile.

Unfortunately, they were dealt more difficult news recently. Melanie's mother now has cancer. Despite the fear and this scary time they are enduring, they continue to smile, to live life to the fullest, to be great people. They have trust in God and truly feel blessed despite all their challenges. They don't ever say much about what they have gone through or continue to go through. In fact, they would probably be embarrassed if they knew I was doing this, but I SWEAR, they are the most deserving people I know. I admire them so much and would love to give them this gift for Christmas! Please choose them...it would make my day and my holiday season! Thank you!

If you want to read more about Jairo’s story, check this link out.

Melanie recently mentioned she would love to have some family pictures taken. When I saw your giveaway, I knew I had to enter them. If there are any people deserving of something like this, it is them. I hope you know I am not entering them just because Jairo had cancer or that Melanie’s Mom has it now, but because of how they have responded to their trials. They are truly people who know how to dance in the rain…great for Seattle-ites, don’t you think? Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely, Emily Nedry



Thank you Emily for your sweet submission! I am so excited to photograph the Venegas family and yours:) Have them and yourself contact me at carriestroud@gmail.com and we'll set up your sessions.

t.d.

Tough Day. it wasn't just one thing, of course, because it's never just ONE thing. it's more like a snowball effect that pushes what might have otherwise been a small thing into a big thing because, well, it was the last thing. get my drift?

oh boy. snowball. drift. i am either exhausted or hilarious. let's just say both for now...

any-who...

i am off to bed at this un-godly hour, so I'll leave you with a picture that brought a smile to my face while editing tonight.

something about the jumble of hands and feet and family makes my snowball turned avalanche turn into a happy winter ice skating scene.

yes. it's time for bed.

yay for cute families with great hands and feet!

Boys and Toys

Well, besides the fact that I got lost and showed up an entire hour late for their session, spending time with this lovely family truly made my day!

Remember this little man here? He's all grown up with a new baby brother!

The moment I took this picture I knew it would be my favorite one of him...

Jacob is so fun to watch as he plays--especially when he shows you his car collection:)

And here's the newest addition. Joshua is such a dream!

So many smiles and such a great temperament.

Is it possible to take too many feet pictures? I don't think so....

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (sigh)........I love my job.

Christmas Cards Are Here!!

I love them I love them I love them.

I know you will too! Thank you Heather-Rita! They are oh-so-lovely.....

Without further adieu, here are your options for cards this year:

*They will be on 5x7 shiny cardstock, front and back as displayed (not folded), and

printed beautifully with envelopes included.*

"Winter"

front

back

"Peace"

front

back

"Holly"

front

back

"Peppermint"

front

back

"Joy"

front

back

And props go the fabulous designer:

PS (Christmas Give-Away)

Whoever submits the family to recieve the Christmas Give-Away with me will ALSO recieve a FREE mini-session (30 min) with me as well as any other print products (that includes the cd) at 50% off!

So-- definite incentive to give!

Christmas Give-Away

I have been contemplating doing a Christmas give-away, but my mind keeps whirling in a different direction; a direction that brings more peace to me than any other.

I love to give. I swear, the joy it brings me to see (or read) that smile is overwhelming at times! It brings happiness, and love, and I really believe that is what this season is about.

Remember the words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive".... Well today, I would like to not only give myself the chance to GIVE, but I would like to give YOU the chance as well.

Announcing:

The Carrie Stroud Photography Christmas Give-Away!

Please submit the name and story of a family that you believe deserves to receive a

*FREE*

Photo Shoot

Digital CD of all high resolution images

25 Christmas custom made Christmas cards with envelopes

(Value $475)

Here's how you enter:

Send me an email to carriestroud@gmail.com with their name, picture (if possible) and a short story/synopsis of why they are deserving to win. THEN, blog about or facebook this giveaway and then leave me a comment to let me know that you did it. Deadline to submit is November 4th.

The family needs to be Seattle-based--since that is where I am at now.

On November 1st I will post the families from your emails, and then I will choose the winner on November 6th.

P.S. Whoever submits the family to recieve the Christmas Give-Away with me will ALSO recieve a FREE mini-session (30 min) with me as well as any other print products (that includes the cd) at 50% off! So-- definite incentive to give!

Let the gift-giving begin!

Falling for new friends

Here's how it went:

I was in the checkout at the Gap the morning after I arrived in Seattle. I was rushed. I was disheveled. I was exhausted. I was recognized.

When I gave my zipcode, since it was still a Florida one, a woman behind me suddenly said,

"Are you Carrie Stroud?"

I turned around. "Yes" -- and my inner voice said, "Yahoo I must be famous!"

But no, not really:)

"I'm Andrea!"

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!" I said. Andrea who has been emailing me for the past year. Andrea who has been super complimentary of my work. Andrea who has become a great photographer herself and is so excited to learn more and more each day. I love Andrea.

However, I was so rushed so I blubbered something stupid and said see ya and ran out the door.

Thankfully, she still liked me anyway.

Fast forward to our get together. An adorable family shoot and teaching session. They are the coolest and cutest bunch ever. Andrea has a great camera and simply wants to take better pictures of her family, so I was able to show her a few of my techinques. Her daughters were the perfect models too. I really can't believe I get paid to have that much fun!

this gal would not smile. but does she need to with that sweet face?

I about died when I saw these glorious fall colors.

Milkshake break. Mandatory.

Isn't she so cool?

Thank you my new friend!

Boy Crazy {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

I am crazy in love with this one. Arn't you? I swear it took every inch of self-control to not take this three week old home with me!

And his parents! Where should I start? First of all, his mama has the best hair I have ever seen in my life. All those hair care commercials, she puts them to shame! She was also one of the most loving new mama's I have had the privilege of photographing.

His daddy is oh-so-large-in-stature, so it was a loving laugh that his wife and I had when his great big hands tried to hold his tiny babe in all the poses that I asked him to.

It was my first photo session back in Seattle, and I couldn't have asked for a better one.

Thank you oh-so-much!!

completely candid- i heart faces challenge

Let's be honest, pretty much every photo shoot I do is completely candid. But here is one that makes me want to play too...

And what the heck? One of my favorite photographers is judging. I'm super excited!

Go here to participate too...

It's time for Christmas Pictures!

Too early to be thinking of Christmas? Definitely not. In fact, by my watch I am already behind!

I actually have a new plan this year where I will stop taking Christmas photo sessions by November 15th. That way, there is ample time to process orders and get your custom-designed Christmas cards out on time! What? Did I say custom-designed Christmas cards? YES I DID!!!!

I am crazy silly excited this year to introduce some custom-designed holiday cards for MY clients and my clients only. They are being designed by a fabulous graphic artist, and really I cannot wait to show them to you.

With all this holiday spirit floating around my place (seriously... I am listening to jingle bells right now) I have decided to put together some awesome packages with awesome deals. Without further adieu, here they are:

The Candy Cane
$125
30 minute mini-session
25 5x7 custom designed Christmas cards (design on back and front) with envelopes
(1) 8x10

The Snowman
$175
30 minute mini-session
5 high resolution images on disk
Copyright release to print
25 5x7 custom designed Christmas cards (design on back and front) with envelopes
(1)8x10

The Reindeer
$250
Normal 1-2 hour session
10 high resolution images on disk
Copyright release to print
(25) 5x7 custom designed Christmas cards (design on back and front) with envelopes
(2)8x10 prints
(4)5x7 prints

The Christmas Tree
$325
Normal 1-2 hour session
ALL high resolution images on disk (35+)
Copyright release to print
(25) 5x7 custom designed Christmas cards (design on back and front) with envelopes
(2) 8x10 prints
(4) 5x7 prints


*Keep in mind the larger the package the larger the savings, so hurry to schedule your Christmas session now!*

growing so fast...

I just love it when I have the opportunity to take photos of children as they grow. Remember little Will? It's been six months since I took his last photos and there is already such a personality blooming. It was like pulling teeth to get him to look up. Apparently, mom and dad need to take him outdoors more due to his fascination with grass and dirt! Boys will be boys, afterall! But really, how adorable is he? So cute.

I heart faces - contemplative

It's been awhile since I have participated since we're about to move back to Seattle in a couple weeks...but today seemed like a good day to try!

This weeks challenge theme is "contemplative" and although I have many that would fit, this picture of my daughter and her great-grandmother speaks to me more than any other.

Perhaps it's my daughters "true and tight" hug, or TUDY- as we call her- staring out with such wisdom and grace. Any way you look at it, my eyes tear up in gratitude to know and love such a wonderful woman.

If you'd like to see more pictures of my husband's grandmother and her farm go HERE

and ANYONE can participate--so give it a whirl!

Robby & McKenna are married. for like. ever.

My little brother-in-law, recently got married (gasp!) in the Logan, Utah Temple a few weeks ago. Because my hubby was in the hospital we missed the wedding, so I was unable to get any pictures there. Thank goodness her sister is a photographer too!

They came back to the South for a fun Italian reception (that I planned!) and while I was there we were able to sneak away for a little photo shoot in downtown Columbus, Ga. My new sister-in-law is adorable and as much as it "wierds me out" to see him married...I have to admit that they are so stink'n cute! I am so glad he found such a perfect match.

ATTENTION!!

I'm moving back to Seattle!!!

This means for everyone in Tallahassee, you'll need to contact me quick to schedule your session.

For everyone in Seattle, see you soon!

Sweet Sixteen

Talk about GORGEOUS. This gal just celebrated her sweet 16 and wanted some photos to commemorate the occasion. I don't think she took a single bad picture. I couldn't decide which ones to put up because she looks stunning in them all. And what a cute personality too!

see what I mean? crazy cute!

love the sun flare on this one!

Thanks so much Summer! Happy Sweet 16!

french fries and ice cream

What can I say about this sweet family? I'm really just going to have to let the pictures speak for themselves.

love. them.

I love the shirt all scrunched up and his belly hanging out.

Time for some ice cream and french fries. I about died when I heard that this little one actually prays for french fries...so of course, we had to make a stop!

color me happy

What a fantastic family! Cathy has been a fan of mine for some time (isn't she a sweetie?) and so I was so very happy when I got the chance to photograph her family in Utah. I was also very lucky because another local photographer, Vivian, decided to shoot with me as well and she knew of the perfect spot since she only lived five minutes away!

so we've only got one kiddo looking, but does this photo not make you smile?

this shot makes me laugh so hard!

i ADORE that mama is trying to hold her son still with his overalls!

Lovely

This family was a dream to photograph. It didn't hurt that I absolutely love them ... as my hubby and their dad have been friends forever. I am just so so thankful to have them in our life. When I was stuck traveling to get to Utah (read about that here), they just happened to be there to help with my husband and take him to the ER. They stood by his side when I couldn't, and I will be forever grateful.

Oh--and Belinda packed me a lunch for my photoshoot travels. How cool is that?

This was the first time I got to meet this little one. Beautiful.

is it just me? or would he rather not be hugged? :)

yes mom, i DID get some non-silly faces, but who can resist loving this goofiness?

such a pretty girl!

and little miss with mama... so precious!

she was the best behaved newborn I have ever photographed.

sadness...

hello all...

It has been a whirlwind of a week out in Utah. Hubby was hospitalized shortly after we landed and just yesterday I had to fly home with my kiddos without him. You can read more about it here. Unfortunately, I had to cancel way too many Utah photo shoots because of these events.

However, I did get a chance to photograph some that were closer by...so I will take some time to get those sneak peeks up here as soon as I can. And maybe next time, Utah will be a bit more fun:)