Stacy & Mark Engagement!

Not a typical engagement picture?

Well if an engagement shoot is defined as a casual photoshoot of a couple in love, relaxed and playful, and totally comfortable being themselves, then what's not to love about some playful sparring?

Especially when Mark, one of our honored servicemen, falls in love with Stacy, a captivating Emergency Responder-type. Sparks and sparring flew...........

We had a great time trekking Snoqualmie Falls and stopping occasionally to take some pictures!

I had the pleasure of shooting Stacy & Mark's Olympia wedding just two weeks later. They planned the wedding in just a couple of short months...Mark is going to serve in Afghanistan and well, he popped the question over the phone when he realized he just didn't want to wait until he got back. Awwww.....

Cold hand on the back! Cold hand on the back!

"You coming up here with me?"

Next up will be my FAVORITE shots from Stacy & Mark's Memorial Day weekend wedding in Olympia! Stay tuned! I've got another great senior to tell you about and an update on baby Vienna's first year...

Senior-Lauren O!

Hi There Julie Watts Photo Blogillicious Readers!

Meet Lauren O. This fiery senior was a blast to shoot (Her career interest is Culinary Arts). This was one of the rare times I decided to shoot a senior in my studio...



. . .because for me, the variety/spontaneousness of location shooting will always tickle that place in my heart that remembers being a young stay-at-home mom 10 years ago. . .I was a person that felt the burning desire for photography so intensely that nothing derailed my drive. I am so thankful I had that start; shooting with a consumer camera on auto, lamps in the house laid on the side, and big skirts thumbtacked to the wall as a backdrop for my rolly polly 10 month old. That was spring of 2000, and there's something so peaceful and settling about looking back and remembering that for the past 10 years, I never gave up on my dream. I didn't give in to the worry that raced through my mind many, many times. There were SO many aspects to consider, so much experience to be gained before I could truly speak with authority and confidence about anything photography-related.

Happiness in life really is about honoring Each Day of the life's journey...not criticizing how steep the road is, how long it's taking you, how you're not outfitted with the proper metaphorical "gear."

The journey REVEALS what's most important to you in life. Clearing out everything else actually brings you closer being the best you can possibly be. I love seniors because they are at a monumental time of transition...a beginning of a new journey that THEY design themselves, that will have twists and turns and ups and downs. But as long as they follow their passion and listen to their gut, they'll see exactly what I'm talking about...

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Lauren on graduating! Follow you passion, enjoy the climb!