Erika + Jacob-A Magical Year


When I asked Erika why she decided to sign up for my Year in the Life package she said that she "really wanted to document this moment in time for me and Jacob. It hasn't been an easy couple of years but there are so many joyful moments that I want to hang onto and remember." She was also beyond gracious and said that a motivating factor was me and my work as we have worked together in years past. She said, "Every time I work with you it just gets better. I see how hard you work to learn more, try new things, and improve...it's really been amazing to watch you on this journey."


Wow...just wow! I don't want to make this about me and I just have to say how nice it is to feel seen and appreciated. Helping others feel seen and appreciated is one of my motivating factors in my style of photography, so it's nice to receive a bit too!


Erika's favorite thing about the process & sessions were "capturing real moments, being in different places at different times, seeing how we change and how we don't."


And I also asked her what she would change about her Year in the Life sessions, to which she responded that she wished she had gotten "some extended family in on one session. It was just too hard with schedules this last year...some day!"

Spring


For their first session, we just wanted to document a typical weekend morning at their home together. They frosted cupcakes, read old Valentines, watched a little on the tablet, jumped on the bed, and snuggled and giggled. Then we headed out for their very typical scooter ride. I love that Erika had to buy an adult scooter to keep up with Jacob because he is so fast!

A child relaxes on a grey couch while using a tablet device under a patterned blanket.
A young child in blue pants and white shirt stands alone in a modern kitchen with white furniture.
A child sitting at a counter while receiving gentle care and attention.
A quiet moment of care and attention during snack time at a kitchen counter.
A playful and joyful moment shared during mealtime with food and laughter.
A tender moment showing affection and connection between a child and adult in a home setting.
Close-up portrait of child wearing gray shirt with natural lighting.
Cozy moment on bunk bed with stuffed animals and blue tent visible.
Brown dog walks past blue play tent during indoor playtime.
Bare feet visible near blue fabric with brown dog resting nearby.
Relaxed indoor moment of drawing or writing activities together on a comfortable bed.
Child sits on blue exercise ball during indoor playtime activity.
Energetic playtime as two people jump and dance together on a bed with white headboard.
A joyful intimate moment between parent and child laughing together on bed pillows.
A tender moment of affection shared between parent and child while lying on gray pillows.
A playful bonding moment between parent and child on a bed while a brown dog watches from the side.
Person in gray sweater petting large brown dog on patterned bedding.
Overhead view of people looking at children's book on coffee table.
Motion blur of person riding orange scooter past residential homes.
People playing sports on an outdoor basketball court with buildings in background.

Summer


Summer was an extra special treat because Erika invited me to document them at their family home on the waters of the South Sound. They have spent a lot of time here together as well as when Erika was a child, so it holds extra special memories and just had to be a part of their year in photos. They kayaked, SUPed, played with the dog, found sand dollars and little crabs. It really was such a special place!

A candid outdoor portrait showing joyful bonding moments on a rocky surface.
Rustic wooden signs reading 'Larson's Fishin' Creek' mounted on a white wall.
A decorated deer head mounted on a brick wall in a home interior.
Sunlit indoor scene with window view of lush forest greenery.
A green garden hose and small bowl on wooden decking.
Dog and beach gear silhouetted against scenic lake view through doorway.
Dog and paddleboarders at the edge of shallow water on a sunny beach.
Blue flip flops and footprints scattered across dark sandy beach.
Golden retriever splashing through water while people paddleboard on a lake.
Dog and paddleboarders enjoying shallow waters near a forested shoreline.
Large white beach house with deck surrounded by tall evergreen trees.
Two small seashells nestled in dark sand on a beach.
A golden retriever and beachgoers walking along a shoreline on a sunny day.
Close-up of hands sharing or exchanging something at a beach.
A touching moment of affection shared near the ocean on a sunny day.
A solitary figure stands on a beach with forest-covered hills in the background.
A distant silhouette walks with a dog along a peaceful shoreline.
Small hands holding a found treasure on the beach while wearing swim gear.

Fall


Erika opted for a more typical portrait session at the beautiful Lincoln Park in West Seattle. The Year in the Life package is super open ended as to what type of session is included. It could include newborns, extended family, a senior portrait, an outdoor portrait session, or real life at home. They still played in the leaves, brought Jacob's bike, and explored the beach in between portraits. Jacob was really inspired by my camera to do his own photo session of his mama, which was absolutely adorable.

People exploring and gathering fallen leaves on autumn ground near large tree trunk.
People playing with autumn leaves beneath large trees in a park.
Child rides bicycle along waterfront path at dusk with blurred figure in background.
Two figures standing on driftwood at a scenic beach overlook.
An autumn portrait captured outdoors against a background of fall foliage.
A creative photograph taken through a hollow log showing a framed nature scene.
Two silhouettes walking along a rocky beach shoreline at dusk.
Someone taking a photo of distant figures on a beach with a smartphone.
A playful autumn scene with laughter and movement in fallen leaves.

Winter


We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place and have so many fun adventures nearby. Erika thought Jacob would enjoy a ferry ride for our last official session of the year, which was such a great idea! Ferry sessions are definitely some of my favorites as no matter the weather, the light is always so magical! During their session they explored the nearby beach and creek first, then read books, explored the deck, and Jacob even snagged a free snack from the vending machine! They were so comfortable with me by now that it truly felt like they completely forgot about my camera and were very much their every day relaxed selves.

Walking through tall grass on a coastal path overlooking the water.
Exploring under a wooden pier on a pebbly beach by the water.
People walking along a sandy beach beneath cloudy skies and forested cliffs.
Silhouette looking out ferry window at coastal scenery and cloudy skies.
Joyful moments aboard a ferry with scenic water views through the window.
Happy passenger wearing a space-themed jacket sitting aboard public transit.
View of waterfront houses from inside a ferry or boat window on an overcast day.
Reading time together while sitting in a cozy library space with books and soft lighting.
Empty ferry interior with rows of brown seats and window view of water.
Person leaning on green ferry railing overlooking water on cloudy day.
Playful interaction between two people on wooden bench in ferry interior.
Two silhouettes looking out at cloudy waterfront view through window.
Close-up of two hands touching, one wearing sweater sleeve and one in black sleeve.
Intimate moment shared between two people by window in natural light.
Cozy indoor scene with two people sharing a warm moment on blue couch.

What a difference a year makes!


Just look how grown up this kiddo is now! These sessions were one year apart. This Kindergarten year that is so special. Those baby cheeks are disappearing and he is growing older and wiser! It is never too late to document a year in the life with your loved ones.


Close up portrait against a soft grey background.
Cheerful passenger in space print jacket resting on ferry seat near window.

Year in the Life-Reflections of the First Year


My own motivation for launching the Year in the Life package was to bring a bit of a daily or weekly photography project feel to families. An added benefit that I didn't expect when launching is that this package has filled a need with single mothers who desire something other than selfies with their children. I am grateful to be able to fill this void and also to be able to document more of your perfectly imperfect REAL authentic lives throughout the year.

Ready to Book Your Own Year in the Life?