2

My little boy turned two. (Seriously? Stop growing up, kid!) So we had a little photoshoot to celebrate.

He was pretty obliging.

I just can't believe how big he is getting. I am in love with this kid.

Pssst...what do you think of my gorgeous new photo prop?

It's an early 1900s school desk that I refinished with my husband. Who, while we're on the subject, is a stud and carried it all around the park for me.

We got fewer strange looks than you might think. Maybe this park is a popular location?

The desk is available and the front is completely customizable, if anyone is interested in doing a session in the Bothell area!

I can't wait to hang these up. :)

Easter: Belated

Where has the time gone? Remember this little guy?

Somewhere between last April and this one, he turned into this:

The bow tie trend is killing me right now - so fun for photoshoots!

Sunday Sunshine

Sorry I haven't been around for awhile. We are finally settled here in Seattle, and I'm back to taking photos! Hopefully I'll have more fun things to share in the next few weeks.

I like to share some of the photos I don't take for clients. These are photos I take for ME. They generally aren't fancy setups or dramatic poses, just a little peek into our family life, and the moments that I want to save forever.

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S Family | Seattle Family Photographer

Sunday Sunshine

I like to share some of the photos I don't take for clients. These are photos I take for ME. They generally aren't fancy setups or dramatic poses, just a little peek into our family life, and the moments that I want to save forever.

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Sunday Sunshine

I like to share some of the photos I don't take for clients. These are photos I take for ME. They generally aren't fancy setups or dramatic poses, just a little peek into our family life, and the moments that I want to save forever.

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C Family | Impromptu Photos

Sneak Peek | West Jordan Family Photographer

Sunday Sunshine

I like to share some of the photos I don't take for clients. These are photos I take for ME. They generally aren't fancy setups or dramatic poses, just a little peek into our family life, and the moments that I want to save forever.

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Sunday Sunshine

I like to share some of the photos I don't take for clients. These are photos I take for ME. They generally aren't fancy setups or dramatic poses, just a little peek into our family life, and the moments that I want to save forever.

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Sunday Sunshine

I like to share some of the photos I don't take for clients. These are photos I take for ME. They generally aren't fancy setups or dramatic poses, just a little peek into our family life, and the moments that I want to save forever.

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Moving + a Discount

I have a big announcement I've been sitting on for awhile.

Secondstar Photography is moving!

That's right, if you recognize that skyline - my family and I are headed to the greater Seattle area to continue my husband's education. This means a few things:

1. If you want photos taken in Utah, you need to book your session before August 31st, 2012. I have very limited space for sessions in the next few weeks, so schedule soon! All regular sessions scheduled before moving day will receive $15 off the initial session fee. Just mention that you saw the discount here on the blog at booking. Email me: secondstarphotography@gmail.com to book your session, or comment on this post.

2. If you live in Seattle, know someone in Seattle, or have always wanted to travel to Seattle, and you also need beautiful, professional, but affordable photos, it's your lucky day! I will start booking sessions in the Seattle area on September 30th. Tell all of your friends/family/neighbors/random Facebook acquaintances that I'm coming! My contact information will remain the same: secondstarphotography@gmail.com.

3. My pricing structure is going to change. Obviously, the market in Seattle is a different beast, and I'm still working things out, but prices will be going up. My goal has been and will continue to be to provide quality photography at a price that is affordable. I have learned and grown so much since I started secondstar, and have invested a lot into equipment, training, and software, and I want what I earn for my time to reflect that. I will post new pricing information as soon as it becomes available. Pricing will not change until after I move, so if you book a session now, you'll still get the low prices advertised here on the blog. 


Thanks for 5 great years in Utah! I've had so much fun getting to know all of my clients and fellow photographers. I'm looking forward to a new adventure and can't wait to meet more of you!

Sunday Sunshine

I like to share some of the photos I don't take for clients. These are photos I take for ME. They generally aren't fancy setups or dramatic poses, just a little peek into our family life, and the moments that I want to save forever.

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High Noon | Free Photoshop Action

You might be interested to know that I (sadly) spend a lot more time in front of the computer than I do behind a camera. The post-processing takes hours and hours. That's part of what you're paying for in a session, the time I put in to make the photos just right. Let me show you the difference:

Before:

Super cute, right? He's a natural. :) But look at what can happen with a little time and know-how.


After:

It makes a big difference, and although I try not to over-process my images and make them look fake, editing is part of what makes a photograph look good. Of course, if you don't start with a well-composed and exposed image, all the editing in the world won't make the difference. :)

One thing that saves me a little time is Photoshop actions. Actions are a great way to record the steps I use most in Photoshop, so you can apply them to a photo with one simple click.

For all my photographer friends out there, today, I'm providing a FREE action for you. I call it "High Noon." It works best with outdoor photos that just need a little...boost.

The action can be downloaded here. 

If you aren't sure how to install Photoshop actions, there's a good tutorial here at The CoffeeShop blog.

Feel free to comment with any questions, I will try to respond as quickly as possible. You can also email me at secondstarphotography@gmail.com.

Or email me to schedule a session.

Sunday Sunshine

I like to share some of the photos I don't take for clients. These are photos I take for ME. They generally aren't fancy setups or dramatic poses, just a little peek into our family life, and the moments that I want to save forever.

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Stricklan Family | Utah Family Photographer