FSP is relocating from Kitsap Co. to Charleston Co.

It is with very mixed emotions that I make this announcement... The time to say goodbye to Washington is quickly approaching. 

As you know, the name "Following Seas" is a nod to my husband's Naval career. Our tour in WA is coming to an end this spring which means saying goodbye to all of my wonderful clients-turned-friends. 

I'm going to save all of the sappy stuff for later and I'll put out more information as we make more concrete plans. 

"Fair Winds and Following Seas" is a nautical phrase of good luck or blessing as a person departs on a voyage in life.

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We've got to practice our y'all-ing, introduce Landon to sweet tea and get our pale, PNW skin some sun because we're moving to Charleston, SC this spring. WoooHoooooooo! If you need me, I'll be mentally decorating my new house and deciding which swimsuit I'm going to wear to the beach first.

Five Tips for Photographing Christmas Morning

A cell phone camera is better than no camera! 
Just because you don't have that "fancy" DSLR doesn't mean you can't take awesome pictures on Christmas. A cell phone camera is better than no camera. Keep in mind that iPhones don't handle low light very well, so make sure you have as much light as possible. 

Camera Ready?
After you read this, you're going to say, "Duh!" In reality though, how many times have you gone to take a picture and your card is full, your battery is almost dead or you get the dreaded white box that says "not enough room." The last thing you want to do is keep your kids waiting because you need to delete pictures that have been on your camera/phone since July. On December 23, make sure you have a clean card and full charge.

Clutter... 
Have you ever taken a super cute, perfectly timed picture of your baby only to discover (after you've already posted it on Facebook) that the laundry basket full of your underwear is in the background? Embarrassing. After the kids have gone to bed, take a second to do a sweep around the house and tidy up. Or you can do what I do and throw everything in the master bedroom, close the door and call it good! 

Let there be light!
Like I said before, iPhones don't handle low light very well. Even nice DSLR cameras perform better when there is ample light. Quality is just as important as quantity. Natural light is better than house lights which are better than no light. Our house gets almost no natural light (it's horrible, really) so I am going to run around before the baby wakes up and open all of the blinds to get as much light as possible. 

Get in the action! 
There are several ways you can get in the action. 
1. Most cameras have some sort of self-timers that will run continuously. You can set your camera to take a picture every minute and then you can enjoy the action while your camera snaps away. 
2. Buy a cheap remote. I got one at Best Buy that works like a charm. Keep it by your side and click the remote every so often so that you are in the action instead of behind the camera. 
3. Time lapse. I think I'm going to set up a time lapse on my iPhone so I can re-watch Christmas morning in 30 seconds. 

Your Christmas Picture Checklist

If you're anything like me, you've been thinking about Christmas for weeks. There is always so much going on and I don't want to get to the end of the day and realize I didn't get any of the pictures that are living in my head. So, I made a list of pictures I know I want to get and I thought I would share it with you. The more organized you are, the less time you'll have to spend taking pictures and the more time you can spend enjoying the day! 

Picture with Santa
Your tree
Favorite/new ornaments
Decorations around your house
Wrapped presents
Kids' wish lists
Santa's milk & cookies and carrots for the reindeer
Christmas PJs
Reading a Christmas book before bedtime
Tree with presents from Santa
Kid's reaction to seeing presents
Opening presents
Handmade presents
Present aftermath
Christmas breakfast
Christmas outfit
Kids playing with their new toys
Family picture
Family traditions (my Granny dresses like Santa!)
Kids tucked in at the end of the day

Are there any pictures you're going to add to your list?
Check back on Friday for tips on photographing Christmas. 

Howe Farm Family Session | Port Orchard Family Photographer

I love working with friends. The sessions are so relaxed and you don't have to "break the ice" with the kids. Especially these kids. Big brother's biggest concern was that I was going to steal is wallet (which actually only contained one Pokemon card), big sister was amazed that my reflector could give her sparkly princess eyes and baby sister was just happy to be there. 

The fall colors at Howe Farm in Port Orchard didn't disappoint either. I mean, that yellow tree. Come on! 

Port Gamble Family Session | Silverdale Family Photographer

Howe Farm Milestone Session | Port Orchard Child Photographer

This big boy was about to become a big brother. His momma wanted a few pictures of just him before his little world got rocked by a newborn ;) 

Howe Farm in Port Orchard, WA was a perfect backdrop for this all-boy session. He got to play with the barn door, admire the huge sunflowers and run around a dirt path. He was obsessed with my "magic tricycle" and it was the prefect prop! Enjoy this rustic session. 

Port Gamble Family Session | Bremerton Family Photographer

I seriously love this family. I photographed them around this time last year for their Christmas card pictures. I was so excited when they choose me again for 2015! Not only is this family super nice, the kids... their little personalities shine in pictures. 

When it started to sprinkle right before their session, I was so sad. Mom still wanted to go for it because the kids were dressed and you know what a feat that is! I ran around Port Gamble looking for covered spots. We ended up using two covered porches and I must say, I adore these pictures. 

Family Session in Port Gamble, WA | Bremerton Family Photographer

It was the most perfect fall day in Port Gamble, WA. The trees were orange, the sky was light blue and the sidewalk was speckled with fallen leaves. I started photographing this sweet family when they were anxiously awaiting their little boy. It's been so fun to watch them blossom into parents and photograph this season of life. Guys, they make parenthood look pretty darn easy! 

Peaches & Cream | Newborn Session in Bremerton, WA

Sometimes I don't know what to say other than.... she was so cute, squishy, sweet, cuddly and I didn't want her session to end! She was such a peaceful little girl surrounded with love. And she totally rocked peach and cream.