The Bailey Family

Two children, one teenage, a handful of animals, and a couple madly in love. Cue the Bailey family (and one of my awesome brothers). 
Stacey and Ben have now been together 7 years as of today. This family has been blended together with much love, care, fun, and handwork. Each year this family chooses many travels and adventures to embark on together; one of these adventures being Lyralu, the adorable little red-coated toddler showing off that spunky personality in these photos. Another, being the travel bus that this family lives on during travels. 

Welcome to a huge part of my family, and heart :) 

A+R Pt. 2

Part two- The Bainbridge Island Ferry Commute

Commence a few of my favorite photos ever, as we braved the cold of the ferry ride to take photos in the wind. Having grown up on an island where a ferry commute was normative, the Washington State Ferries have always had a romantic nostalgia to me. I grew up dreaming of photo sessions on ferries, and now have had the opportunities to do several. For Rainier and Amelia, this particular commute has exponential value. 
After a day spent exploring Bainbridge Island, Rainier proposed to Amelia on the way back. The Seattle skyline in view, he asked her if she would mind spending their lives together. On this windy day, we documented the love these two share on their second Bainbridge commute. These are some of my favorite moments I have had the honor of documenting. I am tremendously excited to photograph their wedding and day they seal their commitment to spending their lives together! Thank you for allowing me to document such monumental and beautiful moments in your lives.  

 

A+R Pt. 1

Ships brought us all together.

On a ship in Greece, I met one of Rainier's best friends from the small towns of Ontario, Canada. Two years later, Eric contacted me to say he would be in the PNW next summer for a friend's wedding. Jokingly, I asked if they needed a photographer..

Turns out they did! I met Amelia downtown Seattle to chat with her about options. We then planned a day of adventuring around various locations that Amelia wanted to show her Canadian beau when he arrived. 

For Amelia and Rainier, it was on a ship missions program that brought them to almost 17 different countries in two years. These two are a dynamic mixture that together, created some of my favorite pictures I have ever taken. So many images were taken on this blustery day that in fact, there are two parts to this series!

 

Family Frolics

I had yet to meet T before showing up at 7:30 am to their country, island home. They were still getting their daughter ready for the photo-shoot, so we drank coffee and talked about island life. There's something special shared between local islanders, regardless if you may be technically "strangers." After getting Sequoia on board for photos, we headed out to explore the property. Sequoia had an assortment of secret places she ran to show us, starting with her "hiking trail" up the hill side. First she went up with her grandmother, followed shortly by T and J. We marveled at spiders in the grass, the chickens on the farm, and the garden spaces. All the while, this family was overjoyed just to be with one another. It was beautiful to witness and document the synergy between this family unit, and how they all responded to the needs of the other. 

Thank you for the opportunity to document the love between you all! 



Quinn&Nate

Nate and Quinn asked me if I would partner with another friend, Alex Tande, to document their wedding day sometime last year. I remember feeling a sense of honor, and excitement. Nate and Quinn are some of the most chill, artistic, and loving people I've had the pleasure to be around. They deeply love one another, and the community that they share. I knew this wedding would be a privilege to be a part of; and it was. In fact it exceeded any expectations I may have had. 
Nate and Quinn have been a part of one another's lives for a long time now, which made their wedding all the more of a celebration of a love that already has existed and they are committed to continuing. 
The day was very relaxed, but every detail was beautifully orchestrated, and intentional. I think that shows a wonderful compromise between the characters of the two of them. 
Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your community and the celebration of your love for one another. It was a gift to be a part of documenting. 
Also, just a shout out to Tande, who was an awesome photographer to shoot with. This was his first wedding, but that didn't come across in how committed he was to providing the best images that he could. Well done, friend! 

 

Beth&Blair

Beth and I have grown up adventuring together. Her, and her sisters, are family to me. This little one is Blair, who is now just one year old. The two of them together is magic; Beth loves her daughter with incredible tenderness and patience. Blair, a happy-go-lucky child, quietly observes everything around her with keen eyes, chortling frequently enough to make ones' heart melt. 
It's strange to see someone I've known since I was born, have a child of their own. It's beautiful, but still strange. I think the strangeness comes in how subtly the events that seemed colossal  from a distant, younger, perspective, blend into every day life. There is upheaval in the first initial realizations of what will be happen to us and around us, but soon they become a part of us. 
Seeing Beth become a mother is one of those kinds of events. It is beautiful and amazing to see how gracefully motherhood came to her. It is something she learns as she goes, something she could have never done until she now is doing it. And she is the best mother that Blair could ever have. 

Yera's First Birthday

I had the honor of documented Yera's first birthday party. I arrived at Kate's house to a yard decorated with handcrafted flags, a small teepee, and blankets all over the yard for folks to lounge. The day was full of love and laughter as friends came to celebrate life with one another. 
This day caused me to reflect on the importance of community in our lives. Seeing Yera celebrated by family and friends alike, spoke into a vibrant future in which this child would be surrounded by the support and love she needs to thrive. The day wasn't planned to the tee, to cater to just "entertaining" the children. Instead, the adults and children mingled alike, everybody grabbing chalk to draw or chasing bubbles around the yard. There was en effortless air of peace and joy that settled over us as we were focused on sharing time and memories with one another. I am excited to see how this community continues to grow and shape one another as a collective whole, and as individuals. 

Introducing- Luther Robert!

A few days after Luther was introduced to his new world, he was also introduced to my camera. We did two days of photos, since babies have a hard time with being set down for photoshoots. He'll learn in time, we suppose. 
I've never taken newborn photos before, and sometimes regard newborns with a sense of distant respect- "You're adorable, good job being born, good luck to your parents." I like them, but Luther won my heart. It wasn't anything special that he did, it was watching the devotion and love of Michael and Rachel with him... as well as one another. They adore him. They cater to his every need. Luther is unable to fend for himself; unable to communicate exactly what he needs- so Rachel and Michael spend their days learning to respond to best care for their child. He changes each and every day, I'm sure even down to the minute. Yet they still adapt. I could see the depth of such love that I'm sure only parents can truly understand. 
In that, their love for one another carried a newfound depth as well. I've photographed them at their wedding, their maternity shoot, family events, and now, with their first child.
The love between them only grows the more they realize what the other is capable of, as well as their growing dependency and trust in one another.
Oh Luther, what love you've entered into! 

Rachel&Michael- Maternity

Rachel Hartzell has become an older sister of sorts to me over the years in which I've been an honorary part of the family. She is a gracious and incredible woman, who two years ago was wed to Michael. While I don't know Michael as well, through the family events and momentous moments I've had the honor of photographing, I've gotten to know him as a caring, bold, and gregarious man who compliments Rachel very well. Recently these two brought Luther Robert, their son, into the world. But several weeks before, I managed to spend a bit of time with them in front of the camera, documenting the last stages of the pregnancy. 
Pregnant women are often told they are glowing...but Rachel truly was a radiant pregnant woman. Everything seemed to agree with her, as she breezed through this shoot, even though she was pushing 8 months of pregnancy! Enjoy:) 

Chanreas

There's something about islanders.
Chanreas and I bonded the first day we met, during my first week of training at HPC, while she was training through Iris Cambodia. We quickly bonded talking about relationship troubles. She quickly became one of my closest friends, as well as an adventure buddy. I had a few friends who were incredibly game for my continuous suggestions of photo shoots. This photoshoot came towards the end of my time spent working in Phnom Penh, when Chanreas invited me out to her island home in the middle of the mighty Mekong River (more candid photos from this later), to celebrate New Years, Khmer style. 
During the time, she pulled out her fancy dresses, and we drove around exploring her childhood home. Picture a plastic bag tied around the handlebars of her moto, with me (much taller and larger than Chanreas) perched on the back of the moto, while we cruised down dirt roads. Definitely a highlight.

 There's something special about growing up on an island, and the spirit that develops in a person because of that. We share that bond, despite the cultural differences that shaped our identities in so many other ways. I saw many similarities; in the hospitality and welcoming of strangers as family; in the spirit of adventure and exploration; in the friendliness in getting to know many people...etc. Chanreas is an incredible woman, full of compassion, love for those around her, and strength that has been fortified through the many trials and challenges she's been brought through. Her love for people and her family is only surpassed by her passion for sharing what God has done in her life. 
It was an honour to be able to photograph her, in her own home. 

Greece

September through November of last year was spent working on the Encounter, a 90 ft classically rigged sailing vessel. Built in Zimbabwe, this ship now sails the Aegean Sea, based out of Skopelos in the Sporades Chain. I've posted a blog with photos giving a slight overview of life onboard with the sailing program, part of Torchbearers International. While the majority of my time was spent sailing, boat maintenance, and spending time with the students, there were also times where exploring the towns and historical sites were taken. While this is only a briefly look at the photos I've gotten a chance to edit, enjoy. 
From time spent exploring Skopelos Island (where scenes from Mama Mia! were filmed) to the ancient site of Philippi to the site of Corinth, above which the Acro-Corinth, where the temple system of Aphrodite (should you see a phallic building, safe guess that's one of her temples) still remains perched above the city. 
Greece was an incredible place; a place where I felt safe, welcomed, and almost at home. The maritime culture was something I could relate to. Different from Washington State however, is the culture build upon thousands of years of tradition and history. History clung to every stone overturned and place that we were. The beauty was in the re-invention, despite generations shifting and passing through. 
Greece was incredible; sailing through the islands was fantastic. I can only hope for another opportunity to go back. 
 

A Peek into March

This month has been spent exploring during times when I'm not working. I know my 365 Project took a turn for the not happening, yet I still have been photographing in my off time. 
I also have the honour of hosting two dear friends who separately came to visit one after the other. 
Enjoy!

Come Sail Away

September through early November of 2014 of my life were spent aboard a 90' gaffed rigged sailing vessel, by the name of the Encounter. A program supported by Torchbearers Austria, the Kingfisher Project offers sailing retreats, school programs, and a seven week Bible School for young adults ages 18-25. Having spent 11 months participating in the Torchbearers New Zealand Capernwray school after graduating high school, I had always been looking for an opportunity to volunteer with the programs represented internationally.
Having grown up an island child, raised in a maritime focused family, this unique experience to spend over two months on board a sailing vessel, exploring the Aegean Sea was the program that called my name. 
Not only did I learn how to perform all the deckhand responsibilities, there was a component of leadership practice that I was placed in the position of. Even though the students were all peers, I was given the position of making sure the ship was cared for in the way that she deserved. That meant organizing watches, training students on deckhand responsibilities, and managing what I could understand of the sailing when it took place. Of course, Cappy Theo and Sandra (the directors of the program) were there to really instruct when my limited experience shown through.
It meant two months spent within a community that came from various backgrounds and experiences, learning how to work and learn together. It also meant two months with nothing but bucket showers, swimming almost every day, immense storms with some dangerous situations, getting stir-crazy in the rain, lots of chores (everybody LOVES cleaning the hull..), and deep friendships. We were unified through a shared experience of who God was, and what community could look like... and even through the distention that can happen when 16 people share 90 ft of space together. It was a time of incredible healing, as we were given the space to learn who we were, and what directions our lives had brought us all thus far. Speaking for myself, it was a time of retreat- I only took my camera, no computer, and very little phone access. I couldn't work on projects outside of the ship life (which drove me crazy sometimes) but also gave me the time to process through a great deal of life, within a community that was doing the same. 
I love the unpredictability of the sea, when we are at the mercy of the weather. Some days, that means no wind and no direction. Some days, that means a wild day, where one might almost go overboard with waves crashing over the deck. Other days, it is a gentle peace. Any day, I love it. 

Because I was working most of the time, the photos of sailing I have are limited. But here's a preview.... 

January 1st, 2015

January 1st, 2015. 
We spent the afternoon, exploring the island that has shaped parts of our identity. It was a beautiful day, with golden light streaming over the water until the sun slipped away behind the Olympic Mountains. We walked the entirety of South Beach while the sun set. Then, we clamored up the sandy hills at Cattle Point, almost as if climbing to the moon. 
What a wonderful, refreshing beginning to the New Year.
This photo series documents the precious moments that afternoon, as well as marks the start of my commitment to take a photo a day throughout 2015.