About Me

It's been my immense pleasure over these past 22 years to work with so many fine families in my community and beyond. It has been especially satisfying for me to capture in portraits the families of the children that I have watched growing up for so long. I am now doing many of the High School senior portraits and weddings of the same kids who went to preschool with my kids!

I graduated with a BFA from the Chicago Art Institute in Photography in 1978, and have been pursuing the fine art of photography ever since. I strive to bring that same artistic sensibility to each and every portrait in a way that touches the heart with authenticity and beauty.

About Sessions

My studio is located in my home in the lovely Mt. Baker neighborhood, 10 minutes south of downtown Seattle near Lake Washington. Sittings are available in the studio; outdoors, such as a nearby park; or your own home. Choosing the right setting depends entirely on your preferences and weather conditions. I ask that people allow about an hour for portrait sessions but often it will take less time especially with small children involved. Within 2 days I invite clients to come back to the studio to view and order photographs and frames. There are no proofs to take home so I ask that everyone who wants to be involved in the selection process be present. This fun session usually lasts about an hour, giving you the chance to sit back and enjoy viewing all the images from your session. If possible, its best if you not bring small children with you to this session so you can focus on the job of selecting the best images for yourself, family and friends. It's also a good idea to have in mind any areas in your home where you might like to display your portraits. If you bring me a digital photo of the wall you have in mind, I can show you exactly how your framed photos would look on that wall!

Clothing guidelines

1. Clothing that is timeless, simple and classic will help your portrait stand the test of time. It is important that everyone in the photo be wearing clothing that will work together, so that you are the primary focus in the photos instead of the clothing. If you are doing a color portrait, select solid mid to dark toned colors that work with the other colors in your group, such as the same shade or color family. Avoid stripes and prints as well as pastel colors that can make the skin tones look washed out. For black and white portraits, black or dark long sleeved shirts or sweaters are best. Select clothing that will be flattering when seated such as a long flared skirt instead of a short skirt. It is a good idea to keep jewelry and make-up to a minimum, so as not to compete with other elements in the portrait.

2. For young children and newborns, it's always best to schedule their appointments for when they are at their best. A well rested and fed child will be much happier for their portrait. The "window of opportunity" for a child portrait can be very short so we should plan accordingly, but be prepared to be flexible. Please resist the urge to tell your child to smile, or insist that they be on their best behavior. It can create stiff looking photos and I have found over the years that it's best to follow the child's lead and let them be themselves. Smiles usually come on their own and when they do, they are so much more charming.

Directions

The studio is located in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle, 4 blocks east of Rainier Ave. So. and 1 block no. of McClellan at 2539 32nd Ave. So.

From I-5 north heading south, take the Dearborn St. exit (towards I-90). Turn left on Dearborn. Turn right on Rainier Ave. Go south for about 1 mile and turn left on McClellan. Turn left again on 32nd and go 1 block. I am on the next NW corner of 32nd and Lander. Please come to the driveway studio door entrance.

If heading No. on I-5, take the Columbian Way exit and turn left on Spokane. Turn left on 23rd and then right on McClellan. Continue through Rainier Ave. intersection and turn left on 32nd. Go 1 block to 32nd and Lander. House on the left NW corner. Studio entrance is on the driveway.

From the Eastside, take I-90 west and exit at Rainier Ave. South. Left on McClellan, left again on 32nd. Go 1 block to Lander. House is on the NW corner of 32nd Ave So. and Lander. Studio door entrance is on the driveway side.