What an honor to photograph this multi-day educational training, held at the gorgeous Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle WA. The Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor Training "provides foundational lactation education to Native people so that they can provide clinical breastfeeding support in their communities." More photos may be found on my Events page - this training was filled with community, deep learning, babes-in-arms and a profound sense of dedication from both the students and instructors, Camie and Kim. As a photographer, this event was both powerful and fun to photograph; as a doula and a mother I found the wisdom and information shared throughout my time photographing to be deeply touching. To learn more about this training and to support them, please visit their Facebook page!

It was also an extreme joy to recently photograph the Union Hapkido International Seminar held at Enso Center in Redmond WA.​ This unique event was a phenomenal showcase of immense talent and hard work from Hapkido Master Martial Artists (high level black belts) from around the world, as well as students from the Center. Congratulations to all of those who promoted to the next belt level (dan) during this event...you are truly an inspiration! The Center is a beautiful location to photograph, and the sense of encouragement within the community they have created is also palpable. Thank you for inviting me to capture this event!

I was so honored to be able to capture the end-of-the-year holiday party for the South Seattle-based Lactation Lounge, run by Camie Goldhammer, IBCLC and attended by the local families who receive support throughout the year from the free drop-in group. What a warm and welcoming atmosphere here, helping new parents adjust to life with baby, addressing challenges (feeding or otherwise), and celebrating all that has been accomplished over the course of a year!

More info can be found here: ​https://www.rv-cc.org/lactation-support

This newborn photoshoot was a dream...so many sweet moments capturing the tender new beginnings of a brand new family, and, of course, many adorable looks and gurgles from sweet Baby Kai. What a beautiful thing, I think, for a baby to be surrounded by so much love! Having worked as a birth and postpartum doula for years, I have always loved working with new families; it is an honor to be invited into such a space, and to provide a service that can help to celebrate and honor such an important time in a family's life. A Full Storytelling Session is a great way to get the most out of your newborn photoshoot; it allows time to capture many natural and candid moments, giving everyone a chance to tend to their needs and getting a true glimpse into "a day in the life" for you and your newborn. Don't pass up the opportunity to invest in newborn photography now while your littles are still little, as features change quickly!

...and yes, if you have doggos or other family pets, I will definitely include them in your newborn photoshoot as well! ❤

Part of the reason I love working with small business owners on self-promotion and their marketing goals is that I hold a deep understand of what a commitment it is to grow a business. So much time, thought, energy and more goes into getting a business off the ground, investing in your brand, working and reworking your offerings, and truly valuing your customers. For this business storytelling session, I was lucky enough to catch a little behind-the-scenes "sneak peek" of founder and proprietor Karyn Schwartz opening up shop this beautiful morning. Centrally located in Seattle's colorful Capitol Hill neighborhood (indigenous Duwamish tribal land), SugarPill is an exquisitely curated herbal, culinary and mercantile apothecary. It really is an amazing space; your spirits and palate will thank you for visiting!