Libby Lewis

Please stay tuned....

2010-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems that the server that houses my new blog and my client galleries has suffered an unfortunate accident. They are working hard to fix it all up and expect things to be back to normal by Friday (notice the calm and even tenor of my voice....). Sorry for any inconvenience...if you have an ordering emergency you can email me directly.

NEW BLOG

2009-07-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Guess what? I have a new blog! Oh so sad for this little guy...you've served me so well...but I want bigger photos, wider columns and well, bigger photos! Maybe some day I'll learn to import you into the new format but for now I'm just happy to check you off the list....new blog? done!

Please take a moment to update your link if you're a faithful (or not so) follower...

www.libbylewisphotography.com/blog

Under Promised....

2009-07-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Over Delivered...there's something to be said for setting the bar low. Mom warned me that he likes to check things out but isn't a super smiley little guy...what I affectionately (seriously) call a "watcher".

It was like he was just waiting for his moment to shine...the understudy to the lead in the play where the lead just broke his leg so the shy guy goes on stage and wows them with his outstanding performance and the entire crowd jumps to their feet and showers him with roses and thunderous applause.

It was one cha cha cha after another and I was totally smitten...

Until the end...and then he got sort of sleepy and so we quit...all very satisfied!

Instant attraction

2009-06-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

I felt a little nervous and shy when I finally met mom and dad. We'd had such wonderful phone conversations...chatty, funny, irreverent. Like talking with a friend. They sounded fun, I'd even say cool (yeah, I still use that word, what's it to ya...). Would it be so great in person or would it be all business. Were they just buttering the photographers buns (in which case I'll tell you, it works, but so do cookies).

They were wonderful. The kids were alternately sassy and sweet. The parents clearly in love with not only the kids as family but each one as special little individual spirits. "But aren't all parents like that Libby?" Probably. But not always on picture day!

Show of hands...how many of you wish that you had a photo of your mom young and happy and fit and playing with you. me me me

And then, to make it that much better, I got this email from dad, "Libby, Thanks so much. We love the photos. You've preserved forever this season in our lives--the feeling I get when I walk in the door after a long day and see my shining, hilarious girls. I'm so grateful for that."

Enough said.

You can not resist

2009-06-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

Mom told me that they spent the morning complaining, resisting, protesting..."we don't want to have our pictures taken today. we don't want to see Libby Lewis". Like I haven't heard that one before. Let me tell you though that two rambunctious boys with a penchant for silly talk and getting dirty...it's like we were made for each other....they were putty in the hand 20 seconds in.

A little father's day wrap up here...the plan was to tickle dad but...i think someone was on to them...

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

We're not a super sappy family but we do all really enjoy each other...and my dad is the lynch pin of it all...the Big Al that we all revolve around.

He's got nice hobbies that make it fun to hang around him...he likes a good meal, a good glass of wine and an enjoyable game of cards.

My friends used to be shocked when they found out my dad was an Episcopal priest (see the aforementioned drink and cards) but it's part of the wonderful humanity that makes up my dad...and my family. Happy Fathers Day!

Ahhh....I'm still relishing those mustache photos...

Baby Dinosaurs

2009-06-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Let's just pretend I haven't been awol for awhile...honestly it feels like just yesterday...and then it got hot and then everyone graduated and then I tackled a long list of overdue house projects and an overdue baby quilt and then and then....

Consequently it was just a few weeks ago I was playing at the park with these baby dinosaurs (I know, can you believe it wasn't on the news...real baby dinosaurs!) but it feels like ages.

Usually when I first meet a family there is some preliminary chit chat, ages, names, breakfast cereals, etc...this time dad just melted right away and we were immediately caught up in a world of silly talk, funny faces and rushing about...

Someone really wanted their baby dinosaur booty in the photo...

In a fit of brilliance I had suggested they bring their suits for some fun at the beach. But you know what the beach is when it's really hot and sunny out...really hot and sunny. We all sort of wilted...we took a few snaps, were baby dinosaurs again and then headed back discussing which flavor ice cream they were going to get...now that's what you do on a hot and sunny day!

I love this last shot...the way the little brother is checking out his big bro...seeing what he's doing, laughing and happy to be togehter...(no, really, it was like that!).

Sassy sacks of sugar

2009-06-03T15:48:00.001-07:00

Grace and I go way back and I have often suspected that she was a sassy sack of sugar...this time completely confirmed it...I love kids that are off and running, that take your toot joke or lion roar or funny face and make it better, bigger, more them...of course, it didn't hurt to have her dad along to remind her that there's a fine line between being funny and being a goober. I should keep him in my back pocket to remind me of the same thing.

She really wanted to go in the tree but then, as often happens, it was a bit, well, big. She said under her breath, "be brave". Okay, I'm definitely keeping that in my back pocket...

Lest you worry, Henry's got a little spice of his own.

The last shot was the literally the last shot and it just totally summed up all the love and sweetness that families have...that aura of specialness and togetherness and unity that makes sacks of sugar feel safe, protected and cherished...it's really a special thing I get to be around!

You gorgeous you

2009-06-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

You've been so patiently waiting for me to finish you...you gorgeous things! So scrappy, full of pajama pants and little boys shirts, grammas pillowcases and crib sheets...We just like to lay around and stare adoringly at you...

It looks like quadruplets but really they are just twins...fronts and back both pieced and quilted.

I know it's not right to have favorites but, well, this one is mine...

All of my quilts have been photographed the same way (all 2 of them) but then I saw Penny Lever Green's website and I love love loved the way she photographed her things in situ (her fancy word, not mine) and it inspired me to do so many things (like finish these quilts even though my quilting was bound to be kookie)...it was hard to show all my favorite little bits in one photo...race cars, fish, scooter boys, chubby kings and queens, cherubs, kitties...

The Awesome Fosse Family

2009-05-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure when I've laughed so hard at a family photo shoot...or at least not when someone ended up in tears....oh, it's so easy for siblings to go too far.

Mitchell was the reason for the season this time...graduating from high school. He rebuilt the car himself. shazaaam....

A little sexy time with the folks...

And then for a grand finale...Mitch jumped his car....kapow!

Ari the pirate

2009-05-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

"This piece right here spins and that starts the motor. And this piece moves so that you can walk from land to the ship."

"Like a gang plank?"

"Yeah, that's the gang plank."

"Hey Ari, what does this little green piece do?"

"Libby, pirates don't tell their secrets..."

I love that pirates are all jolly rogers and real treasure, complicated ships and detailed maps. I think the obsession was born on a visit to a fort in Puerto Rico.

He saw a big pile of cannonballs that had been turned into a sculpture and shouted, "blueberries!". I mean really, wouldn't pirates be more jolly if they all let their love of blueberries tumble forth?

Birthday Bash

2009-05-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

I want to spend every Saturday morning photographing three year olds birthday parties. Do you think there is a market specifically for this? Maybe I'll have to include four year olds too.

It was the sweetest little gathering...it could also be that the birthday girl has this gentle, kind spirit that made it all the more.

But you know who's really magical? Preschool teachers....how can they keep kids mesmerized and focused? At one point she had them all trying to trick the adults into pretending they were asleep...that beats the time I saw the little girl playing "coma".

SAL---Oh how I love you...

2009-05-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

There have been some excellent SAL events this year...heck, just this month...and I'm told the last two, Shirin Ebadi on May 19th and Gary Snyder on May 27th, will not disappoint. It's not that I doubt it, it's just that last Friday was really one of the best lectures yet. I had been prepped to like Naomi Shihab Nye. A client had mentioned how much she loved her. And then her first night sold out. I don't know very many poets...okay, I probably don't need all the fingers on one hand to count them...so the fact that the Hall sold out and was nearly so on a second night amazed...no, astounded me.

Ms Nye was amazing...I sound like a reviewer...which I'm emphatically not (see aforementioned I know nothing about poetry disclaimer) but she made me cry, she made me laugh, she made me excited to hear what she would say next. Now that's pretty darn cool...even for poetry...

How can they do it? Have a witty, clever, off the cuff conversation in front of hundreds of people. I can barely manage to remember to ask how the weather is...

My favorite line: "Sometimes I pretend I'm not me, that I only work for me..."

So perfect. That's me. That's what I say. We always make fun of my boss. She's so mean, we steal office supplies from her and hope she doesn't notice.

SAL and Mira Nair

2009-05-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful Seattle Arts and Lectures evening last week. Mira Nair was amazing. Incredibly creative, hardworking, visual, generous, interesting. She made me want to rush home and finish the projects that have languished and start the ones that have yet to flourish.

I love listening to the stories that the authors tell...they all (or most all) sound so smart and funny but with Ms. Nair she then showed us the fruits of her labor and I got to realize how much more she is than I had imagined! And also how much bigger the world is...I want to rent every movie she's made!

Mothers Day movie and more...

2009-05-11T10:57:00.001-07:00

I saw the sweetest best movie yesterday. Oh yesterday, such a blissful weekend day. I washed the windows which made my mom really happy. She doesn't live here but when I told her she said, "Oh, I love when the windows are washed!". We are what we are....and then I laid about and admired my work until I had the brilliant idea that I could lay on the couch and see quite a few windows and watch my movie and coincidentally the coffee table was a nice place to put my feet and my margarita...my mom likes those things too...well, not feet on the table but mom's do like to tell you to get your feet off the table so it sort of counts as a mother's day experience.

Which brings me back to this movie...Son of Rambow...not only was it completely charming story-wise but visually it was awesome (for my mom...she loves that word). I get in trouble for saying I love inanimate objects but I am pretty much in love with this movie.

Another yummy baby!

2009-05-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

mmmm...you know what is really nice? When a really nice family that I already really like have another yummy new baby. A baby that can be tossed around from kid sisters to adoring grammas, rolled in the ground cover, have their feet tickled and runny noses wiped and still be full of sugar...still shower us with happy, bright smiles and engaged affection....that's what's really nice!

Oh...plus...we woke her from a nap for the photos....what?! This is her first picture....

And this is the last...and I bet she even had a little more in her....

In the middle I tried to convince her big sisters that they were fairy princesses but they are pretty certain that they are little girls....so wise beyond their years...

"Be careful with that little spider"...."oh. we just squished it".

The face of Clise Mansion

2009-05-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last summer I sent some photos from a wedding I did at the Clise Mansion to the company that owns the property...Seattle Bride. They had asked for some shots that showed off the property and this wedding was amazing. Kirstie Warren of Simply Wed worked long and hard with the bride to coordinate down to the smallest detail and it totally showed...It was beautiful and fun and sweet and elegant.

And then, as I always do, I forgot about it until I got this email....

"Hi Libby! I hope you are having a nice fall. I just wanted to let you know that we did end up using some of your photos for our new ads and that you have been given credit on the photos. Your photos will be appearing in our ads in the Seattle Bride Magazine, Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom, the Seattle Wedding Show Magazine, 425 magazine and on our brand new website which will launch on January 1st. Thanks again for letting us use your photos, they are gorgeous!"

WHAT!?! So excellent!

Here's some shots from Courtney and Dan's wedding but if you just can't get enough you can see even more on the Seattle Bride Blog

I love this last shot...it was an awesome party made even better by my favorite wedding band of all time...High Wide and Handsome...a bunch of hillbillies from Bellingham (I don't think they would argue with that description!).

Trevor has great feet

2009-04-30T13:38:00.001-07:00

Right before I left town I went down to Bonney Lake and spent a couple of hours with Trevor (and his awesome, funny, laid back parents). When I came home his photos were waiting for me and they turned out to be the most perfect welcome home present I could have asked for. I got so happy and excited when I looked at them...they made me happy and excited to inspired to be back and to be a photographer!

He had the most expressive feet!

Okay, I talk a lot about why I love my job...making memories...creating family stories...all the great stuff...but the other really amazing part of my job is seeing so much love! They are totally gaga over their little boy and it shows in every photo...the amazement and delight that they have the most perfect, beautiful special kid in the universe!

This is one of my favorite family photos ever....I love it and man I had to work for it. Trevor was much more interested in the passing cars than in the me even though I must have been quite a sight lying flat on the sidewalk making every funny face and noise I could muster!

Something new

2009-04-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

I know...I said I would post vacation photos but it's so much easier to edit 30-40 images than 2000 so I went through the ones from Ari that I took right before I left that got thrown on the (huge) pile of things to do when I got home....

Notice something new? Yep, he's a bike rider now. He's got this comically little bike...like little monkeys should be sitting on the handlebars and fenders. And he goes really fast...like 80mph...or maybe 8 million mph. To which I had to agree since I didn't have a radar gun and therefore couldn't definitively tell him that it probably wasn't that fast...

I'm really used to this look for the camera. It's the "I'm waiting for something else to happen..sometimes you make funny faces when you take my photo but in general this is the most boring part of the day".

Which is 10 million times better than the fake smile he flashed me last week. It floored me. It broke my heart. I deleted it right away.

Exie's all grown up

2009-04-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

I'm home I'm home! Did you know that I had gone? Did you just think I was being a blog slacker? Nope, I was on vacation...a photo safari I like to call it. Two weeks walking every nook and cranny of Venice and London with my folks...I meant to blog en route but the thing about all that walking is that it made me really tired...and all that sightseeing plus about 2000 photos made me really overwhelmed and really tired. And now I'm home and of course the piles of mail and laundry and an 8 hour time change have made me...you guessed it, really tired.

I'll go through the photos and amaze you with the randomness of my vacation photography but until then...Exie turned one! We missed her actual birthday...stomach flu and photos are not conducive...She's not quite walking but she's so happy and easy and good...

And then the party was over and the photos were over and the cake was over and Exie got really really tired...

Baby plots...

2009-04-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Babies aren't dumb. They are scheming little masterminds masquerading as innocent little pixies...getting adults to do their bidding...not just the simple eat sleep stuff....I'm talking about a baby plot to make whole groups of grown ups traipse around after them on a seemingly drunken course while making funny faces, exaggerated gestures, squeaky sounds....they must rub their hands in glee when they see me coming.

Ellie looks all cute here...

But you can see her plotting what she'll have me do next....

You see the twinkle...as if to say, "They are all under my control...."

Serious Pudge

2009-04-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

Alana has some serious pudge. Which is funny because her brother didn't...he was a scrappy little guy. If they were babies at the same time...and involved in pro wrestling...she would totally beat the pants off him...

Sometimes (read usually) it's hard to get that combo shot...it takes a lot of patience (read bribery) from all involved. So when I saw these happening my heart just melted...

and then he tried to pull her head off...

The ultimate nature walk

2009-04-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's spring break. Thank goodness...preschool can be grueling...And so our weekly get together was like it used to be...no place to go, nothing to do, no one else to chat with. And I loved it! I like picking him up at school and seeing him interact in the world but I miss getting to just be with him and pick up on his little things in a quiet and relaxed way.

He's really into nature. I'd say right now but it's been a recurring theme. We brought a baggie so we could collect things for his nature table. We hit the mother load. Snail shells. Two giant ones. Empty. And a whole walnut. Do you know how hard it is to find a whole walnut shell? I do. His parents do.

On the way out the door I saw the cape his teacher made him for his birthday. I tucked it in just in case. Warning...he looks exceptionally pretty in this get-up...these photos aren't for those with a strict sense of boys only fashion...

Lucia storms City Hall

2009-04-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for rainy day spots...there are surprisingly few good places to go when the weather is yucky. Jaime was with me at an event in City Hall and patiently listened to me go on and on about how cool it would be to take photos there...so it seemed fitting that I made him(serious arm twisting) bring his baby girl for a test session. You wouldn't think it would have been so perfect for a toddler but not only is it visually amazing, totally open and filled with light but it is surprisingly tactile.

There weren't a lot of surfaces that weren't licked...as a non-parent I'm not yet immune to the ookiness of this....

This is really why I love my job....happy kids and families in love with them...tummy tickles, pride in accomplishment and the sweet way kids relax into the security of their parents...

I have a few more indoor ideas that I'm going to try out in May...if you are up for a mid-week adventure send me an email. I can give you the details...

Poetry Lecture with Yusef Komunyakaa

2009-03-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

The great thing about actually taking pictures is that I remember how much I love to shoot. Like it makes me really happy. I've been doing so much computer work and it can leave me dazed and moody (read, extremely grumpy). And then, shooting this poetry lecture, I had my camera up, looking through the lens, waiting for Mr. Komunyakaa to look up, to gesture, to smile and I had the flash. That feeling of happiness and rightness and joy. I'm doing what I love and I'm surrounded by and exposed to amazing people that I might not otherwise get to experience. It all sounds incredibly hokey...

I've done a number of Seattle Arts and Lecture events this month...their always interesting and I'll share a few from others soon. Mr. Komunyakaa writes a great deal about the Vietnam War and what really struck me was his beginnings. Years after the war he was on a ladder doing some remodeling when a thought struck him and he climbed down and made a note and that apparently was the beginnings of his life as a poet....

My favorite part of the lectures is the question and answer part...Rebecca sits and has a conversation with the poet. I can hardly have a decent conversation one to one and Rebecca has these smart, funny, intelligible talks in front of hundreds of people...

Beasts and BooBoos

2009-03-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ari went on vacation and it made last week so quiet. I kept feeling like I had forgotten to pick him up from school...like he was standing on the curb waiting for me...so sad.

And then he comes home and so much happens right away...like they got a dog. And he has to have stitches (unrelated incidents!).

Ari saw him and said, "oh, it's scooter!". So Scooter it is...a big, huge, tall, super sweet, jolly, patient Scooter!

And then, that same evening, in the excitement of introducing scooter to granny and grampa he totally biffed it and had to get three stitches.

Pop quiz

2009-03-09T12:36:00.001-07:00

Can you guess how old Exie is?

Sunny Days

2009-03-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

What wacky weather we are having around here...gorgeous and sunny, snowy, rainy, sunny but freezing...

My Tuesday Ari-day was so beautiful. The type of day that makes you happy. We hung out after school with some of his chums at the park, played tag and bubbles and swings and slides.

Happy Birthday Georgia

2009-03-04T14:06:00.001-08:00

It's my favorite little pony's 6th birthday today! At Christmas I decided to attribute animals to each member of my family...it's kind of a fun game and it's surprising how people agree on which animal someone should be. I can't remember them all but Georgia is indisputably a pony.

It might be kind of hard to tell in this photo since she could also be humprhy bogart in this dressing gown...everyone also got a mustache photo this Christmas but I haven't decided just how to use the photos...I'm sure it will come to me in a fit of brilliance and in the meantime...I have mustache photos of my entire family and there has to be some joy in that fact alone.

Naughty Bear Chair

2009-02-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

I saw the big bear and wanted to put the little baby in it's lap...but when mom called it the "naughty bear chair" I had second thoughts. Ohhhh...you can't be naughty when you are so little and yummy...

And then I met the real Naughty Bear...

Seriously yummy

2009-02-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

ARgh...I want to eat this whole family! I can't tell if all of the stars aligned or if they just permanently shine over their house. Everything was so sweet and loving...oh, and did I mention they are all gorgeous too!

I want them to have a million more babies...because they are so cute...but also so I can photograph them all in this awesome orange chair!

Welcome home

2009-02-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

I just got back from Las Vegas. Sounds glamorous. More like exhausting. It was my yearly sojourn to WPPI a huge wedding and photography convention. I go to classes, buy new equipment (yay!) and rethink my business. This year is going to be great....not just blog hyperbole, I swear. I've got some new ideas that I'm finally ready to implement...

Plus, I had this email waiting for me...

"We just received the photo album today! LOVE IT!!!!! Thanks so much!!!! They are even better then I thought they would be. You are amazing!!!

It must be so much fun to give people so much joy! You have really done that for us. The pictures just really capture J.

Can't wait to work with you again.

Have a great day.

Laura"

me and patches, just hanging out...

ARis book

2009-02-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

My Ari book is in! Yay for me...I always try to get it done by his birthday but the task of going through a years worth of photos always crashes my emotional server. This year I'm going to make a system....I swear.

So, every week we hang out and every time I take a couple of snaps. Nothing big usually, just a few of the activity we are doing or a place or outfit that seems quintessential. And then I compile them chronologically into a cool book which I have printed by a small run publisher and viola, a yearbook of sorts. It's amazing to see the changes he's gone through in a year and even more so to pull out year 1 (2006) and year 2 (2007) and see how little he was and the adventures we did.

The best part is that some weeks I just download the photos and don't have time to look at them and then they just sort of pile up so when I make the book sometimes I'm looking at photos for the first time. It's like a little Christmas! Here are a few of my favorite pages:

January 18:

August 13:

December 9:

Exie is 10 months

2009-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've gone from wondering how Exie got so big to wondering when she is going to get bigger...when will she walk...when will she have tea parties with Coco...when will she be a kid and not a baby...I shouldn't rush her, should I. Sorry, you can stay a baby for ever...

My impossibly grown up niece

2009-02-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

I was talking with a mom the other day who pointed to her 6 year old and said, "can you believe that big boy is my baby!" I had just met her son so it didn't have the same impact on me but I knew the sentiment. Personally I don't often get that, every age sort of seems the age they have always been.

And then I sat down to edit my holiday photos and BAM! it totally hit me. The photo of this big kid, really nearly a teen, this funny, sassy, smart girl is the niece that was 3 years old just last week...She would wear her Dorothy costume to the store and do unselfconscious dance performances, she didn't know how to swim, didn't like french fries and hated talking on the phone...

And to make it an even crazier time warp...by the time her little sister is this age she is going to be 20. Absolutely impossible!

I like kids...and my sleep

2009-02-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

I really like kids...I think they're funny, sweet, special and good to be around. And kids usually like me. And people often say I should have kids. They don't ask if I want kids, they just say I should have kids. But you know what...I like my nieces, I like Ari and I like my neighbors. I don't need my own kids...I like yours.

The only reason I would want a kid would be to dress them and to name them...not quality reasons. And it's not often that I think, "I want kids so I can take their photos". But after this session, when I got home and looked at the photos I thought, for a split second, "I wish I had this picture of my baby".

And then I flipped on the tv and had another drink and was just happy that they had these photos and I get to get up in the morning whenever I want...call me crazy...

We did some cute feet shots with the big sibs but I like this view even better...

See aforementioned reason for having a baby...you get to dress them in awesome t-shirts like this!

Sisters

2009-01-31T08:40:00.001-08:00

I have brothers...sigh....3 big brothers. So there is some consolation in being the baby but when I do sittings like this it makes me sort of sad. I don't feel it as much when the siblings are little but when they are older and friends, comrades, sounding boards...then it makes me really wish I had a sister..

baby quilt done!

2009-01-29T11:27:00.000-08:00

Ahhh January! I'm home now and actually glad for it. Or at least not as traumatized by the cold as I thought I might be. My whole plan for vacation was to get so bored that I wanted to come home and tackle my to-do list. I didn't get bored but I did get relaxed and reinvigorated and excited to come home. First on my list was to finish up the quilts I started for my friend who had twins...they were almost 2 months early...totally catching me by surprise and making it completely impossible to get them done in the mad holiday rush. I love love love how they turned out and imagine them being well loved and well used...

It sort of looks like the wizard of oz...like marci got squished by the falling quilts...

Now to tackle the rest of the list...maybe I should finish those Christmas presents....

Where you been?

2009-01-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

I feel like I left so unceremoniously...I always have the best intentions when I come to Hawaii...I'll do a bit of work in the morning, maybe bring the laptop outside...I even brought Ari's birthday party photos and family Christmas photos to sort through and make pretty and now look at me...my last day and I'm finally, lethargically pulling out the computer and sorting through photos.

I'm afraid the trip has been a lot of this...eating out with the parents and an afternoon beer...is that so wrong?

We did make a side trip to Lanai where I learned valuable vacation lessons. Motion sickness pills plus a glass of wine at lunch can make you really really sleepy...rain in the afternoon can make you really really sleepy...walking around beautiful grounds can make you....

And I learned that I'm not so good at put put although the general consensus was that I didn't apply myself...maybe I was just really really sleepy...

I'm working on my book...My Vacation Meals...sure to be a best seller quickly followed by Random Vacation Portraits and My Feet on Vacation...

My cousins engagement

2009-01-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

You know what's great about South Dakota...lots and lots of cornfields. What's great about family? They do what you ask (usually!). My cousin is getting married this year so while I was home for the holidays we did some engagement photos. So darn cute! She's a bit younger than me so we didn't really come up together and it was great to be able to hang out and get to know each other a bit better!

Hanging with the boys

2009-01-05T12:14:00.001-08:00

I went from an all girls week in Sioux Falls to hanging with my best childhood friend and her adorably cute, polite, sweet boys in Minneapolis over New Years (don't worry, they've got a little sass in them too...). You think it's cold and snowy in Seattle...Seattle doesn't have anything on the Midwest. Face freezing, bone chilling cold. Which made photos a challenge...it's hard to see kids spirits in snowsuits, boots, hats and mittens. DeAnna had a plan though. Minneapolis has a great downtown library. Big, open, kid friendly. I've been really wanting to shoot in the library in Seattle...this was good practice!

Um, yeah, or you could show me the other eye...

Tom's hiding under the table to have his snack in case the "manager" comes to get mad at us. Oh buddy...it's going to be okay...

You know what the best part of the visit was...realizing that my friend, who I knew was a good mom, was actually a really really great mom. You might luck out and get one sweet, nice kid, but to get two takes real work and dedication...

Christmas at the Lewis's

2008-12-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

I meant to put up photos of Christmas sooner but as soon as it was over the magical pony ride was all over and the post Christmas stress syndrome started. The long count until next year's extravaganza. But the actual Christmas...sparkle princesses all around....

It's hard to see but that little button...it says "world class baby maker"...true enough...

Don't worry...there's no boo boo on her forehead. Just the best place to display a new unicorn band-aid.

American girls and ipods...like I said...sparkly princesses all around.

Oh and lip gloss and fairy wings...

But you know why my mom is the best gramma ever? Because when she unwrapped those handmade croissant earrings she put them right in and wore them all day and considered wearing them the next. That is true love!

true story

2008-12-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

Turns out you really can fly on the power of positive thinking! It wasn't looking good for getting out of Seattle...after a few moments of anguish and then frustration, sadness and finally acceptance all of the stars miraculously aligned in my favor and I made all my flights. Not in time for sushi dinner in South Dakota...mmmm canned tuna roll...but in time for good night stories and kisses!

She's not a believer but she really wants to take 7 seconds off her swim time so I think she was willing to give it a try...

Power of Positive Thinking

2008-12-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

Being from the Midwest I like to make fun of how a few flurries will totally shut this city down. I mean they cancelled Wednesday school on the chance of snow (kid you not)! But in all honesty, it's really bad here. Snow and ice and unplowed roads. Which is all well and good except when I think how I am going to get to the airport tomorrow at 6am. Which of my 80 year old neighbor ladies should I ask to drive me in the dark, on the ice slick, bright and early? Should I offer photos for life to my neighbor who has kids and a 4wd but might not know me from Adam...right now, I'm flying purely on the power of positive thinking!

Looks all warm and snuggley...perfect for a tickle session.

It was snowy up on their hill as well...

The Kaills are living on the power of positive thinking as well...mmm....maybe we're still in Puerto Vallarta...

I swear I didn't ask her to do this...but I was excited that she did. I did a snow angel in my swimsuit right after Claire did but the photo is kind of blurry....oh no wait, they dropped the camera in the hot tub...oh, even better, there wasn't a camera around to catch it....

Jess and Charlie totally rock! Seriously...

2008-12-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

You never know how a party is going to shake out...

There were certain things I was prepared for....pretty people, seriously yummy food, a gorgeous tented ceremony, beautiful couple, welcoming family....

What I hadn't counted on was how much this crowd would boogie. Let's just say they brought it. And how...

And Charlie's parents....words can't do it justice...photos barely do....

Want more proof? Check out their photobooth slideshow...

Sibling love

2008-12-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

The last time I saw these kids it was such a different sitting. Everything went well and they have a beautiful 30x40 canvas hanging over their mantel to prove it but everyone was so well behaved that it was hard to get the special sparkle. I wasn't sure what to expect when I came over on Friday...

I needn't have worried though because a little fairy must have come by and sprinkled fairy dust over everyone...they were so sparkly it was unbearable. You know it's good when I'm doing happy dances at the sitting and not just in front of my computer (my dancing is not as bad as Elaines but trust me, it's not pretty...)

What really sold me on these kids is that the parents are totally committed to having siblings that are friends...and they are!

They're moving back to Texas soon so I thought it would be nice to get photos in their rooms...

It could be forced...but it wasn't which just delights me. Plus they looked like the stepped out of the pages of cookie...

Marshmallows continued...

2008-12-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

You really have to remember your audience when you are shooting kids...

We were doing Ari's annual holiday photos which had a rock band theme (or at least a family style hill billy rock quality). So naturally I asked if they were going to name their band the Marshmallows.... so Ari says, "I want a marshmallow"...duh Libby, why would you say that to a sweets-obsessed child. It took a good 5 minutes for him to get over the fact that there was no marshmallow, there wasn't going to be any marshmallows and there never was a marshmallow...oops.

Calling in Gay

2008-12-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

My friend called today to ask if I was calling in gay. I had no idea I was supposed to. Since my boss (me) already knows I'm gay I decided to blog in gay today. Hope I don't get fired...

Look, here's me on my birthday...

Don't worry, I'm not going to get all political on you now, I'm still the same old Libby. It's not even that I want to get married (although the gifts would be nice...outfits, not so much) but I'm sad that my friends that are married don't have the rights and benefits of other committed couples. I think in 20 years well look back and marvel that that was the case but jeesh, by then we'll all be old ladies.

How Big's Exie?

2008-12-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

Sooooo big!

Notice anything different about Exie? Yep, she's sitting up. So big....but clearly not too big to be stuffed into her sister's doll stroller. Oh the indignity...

The Marshmallows

2008-12-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've fallen off the blogging planet...and just when I have the most to blog about! The excuses are endless...the holidays, the days without power while we did electrical work, then I got sick, then my computer got sick, then Marci turned 80...but I'm back and have so many exciting stories to tell...

I'll start with the Marshmallows. I went to Portland a few weeks back and photographed lots of old friends. It was awesome to see my sister in laws best friends family who moved from Dallas to Portland. I've seen these kids off and on for 10 years or so and I can confidently say they are the nicest, sweetest, most interesting, caring, best group of boys ever. And sassy...because you know, for me, all of the above wouldn't matter a whit if they didn't have a little spice too...

We tromped around their neighborhood and I thought they looked like a band (they are actually more of the string quartet but those need names too...). Xander wanted to be the Paul Reveres but I decided they would be the Marshmallows...

I think this is when the idea they were a band struck me...

When you fall and gets hurt and start to cry...sometimes a good tickle session will pull you out of it!

And to exemplify the reason I love these kids...we stopped at the fairy altar on the way home...and when I suggested it the 9 year old said, "Oh, that's a good idea, I love the fairy house". I rest my case.

Thankful

2008-11-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

We've celebrated Thanksgiving at Sylvia's for the past 5 years. Except for last year. Last year Sylvia was really sick and we weren't sure she would make it. Actually everyone, including Sylvia, was sure she wouldn't make it. But she did...and this year we celebrated Thanksgiving at Sylvia's.

And I'm thankful for Marci...my friend and neighbor. It's amazing to sit around the table with her and her friends and listen to a lifetime of stories of travel, living abroad, trails hiked and mountains climbed (literally)...

Oh yeah, I'm thankful for the food too....mmmm turkey.....

Beautiful Bainbridge

2008-11-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

I spent the best day on Bainbridge with some longtime clients. They showed me one of their favorite special haunts. And after a full morning of tromping through the fields we got to go back to their beautiful home for a yummy bowl of turkey soup before a mad dash to the ferry.

I love these next two because they were completely natural. Livvy going off ahead, walking through the mist and the girls piling on their dad (as he tries to keep dry). It's such a moment of childhood...being small enough to just sit on your dad's legs or tummy...

The other fun part about being at the grandparents house was that I got to see photos from my first meeting with the Westphals when the oldest was not even a year!

Sexy White Shoes

2008-11-24T15:44:00.001-08:00

I was pretty sure when I saw Louis's sexy white shoes that we were going to have good times together. Plus they were the perfect mix of ideas and willingness. Their wedding at the super gorgeous Fairmont Hotel is going to be dy-no-mite.

I love this one because he's looking at Ann like, "I love you soooo much...you're funny and cute and perfect".

there's a lot of fake flare floating around out there but this is genuine 100% authentic all natural sunshine...

Me and Annie

2008-11-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

I woke up yesterday and it was like Christmas was over. It was a very nice evening...Annie's not such a dynamic speaker but her photos are amazing and it was interesting to hear her talk about her work.

Backstage she introduced herself to me and shook my hand which I thought was very cute and charming. She defended me against the ribbing of Linda which made me want to smile and barf at the same time (I settled for backing into a corner and trying to pretend I didn't exist). She gave me a couple of stare downs (see previous reactions) and then it was just the regular business of the lecture and reception with the added twist of a near mosh pit of adoration.

Rosana and Naeem

2008-11-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

I try not to be drawn to hyperbole in my blog writing so let's just say that I really really really liked Naeem and Rosana...let's count the ways.

they made me seriously good coffee in the craziest coffee maker I've ever seen
they showed me their wedding pictures and were patient enough to describe it all in detail and tell me who everyone was
they are having a home birth and you know my sister in law is the home birth queen (no, really)
their playlist could have been taken straight from my computer
they had a million ideas for photos but completely deferred to my judgement
no one got tense with each other and used secret eye movements or serious voices (I hate when that happens)
they were game for anything...seriously
we laughed the entire time

There's more but now I feel self-conscious. Okay, I will just add that I could feel the love these too had for each other...I'm pretty sure they are going to have one super little baby!

It's actually surprisingly hard to draw with shaving cream...

Did I mention they were up for anything?

What you want

2008-11-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

I was describing what the SAL receptions are like to a friend who will be at the upcoming Annie Leibovitz lecture. I told her that it is kind of a mob scene but then revised it. For the most part it seems that people just want to stand near the author. If you wanted to actually speak with them you could, usually, just walk right up, introduce yourself and enter into conversation.

I have a firmly held belief that you get what you ask for. It started my junior year abroad in Nepal where we had to conduct independent research projects. I studied AIDS education. I would just call up people...government officials, heads of NGO's, performers, doctors...important people. And they would meet with me. Maybe it was easier because I knew what I wanted. The hardest part now seems not in asking for something...but in knowing what I want to ask for.

I love this photo because even though this group paid for a special walk and luncheon with the well know poet WS Merwin, he is listening to her, delighting in her presence.

Can you imagine just looking at a painting and suddenly you are discussing it's subtleties with John Updike? Or, you hand him the sketch you made of him during the lecture and he kindly tucks it into his jacket pocket...

Up for a trip...

2008-11-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

I love a good long road trip but I'll also settle for a fun little excursion and I've got two coming up. Both days have openings so I thought I'd throw it open...

Bainbridge Island: Sunday November 16th

Portland: Saturday November 22nd

If you are interested or have a friend that might be let me know and I can give you more information...I've got special surprises for my travel buddies!

Where oh where will she turn up next?

Hello again

2008-11-11T16:46:00.001-08:00

You know what I really like...happy kids. You know what I really really like...happy kids that are silly, sassy, goofy and maybe even just a little bit naughty. Sydney's got it all in spades.

This is our annual installment...I can totally vividly recall each yearly session we've had since she was 6 months...sitting in a flower bed in Seward park with a little knit cap on...I'd dig out the photo but it was film. Yes, it was that long ago!

You Big Baby

2008-11-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

Exie is 7 months!

Don't you love those second babies? We wake her up from a sound sleep, she's got a cold, her sister face plants her, we change her clothes in the chilly air...and not a peep. She just takes it with a quiet, graceful acceptance (and a little bit of pumpkin puree barf...)

Back to basics

2008-11-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ari and I are finding our footing with the new schedule...I'm picking him up from school now one day a week and then heading out on an adventure. The first week we headed to a park. It was a blast. But I stayed around for dinner and witnessed first hand the effects of over tiredness on a 3 year old. Yes, I will have another glass of wine thank you.

So then we tried a more mellow approach. A walk in a nearby park. He fell asleep in the car and, while I spent a delightful 2 hours having a tea party with my friends in their yard while he slept, it wasn't exactly our most quality time.

This week we headed back to basics...We came home and headed out on a walk. We looked for nuts, mushrooms, worms, berries and big green leaves. We held hands, raced, made up little games and sniffed lots of things. I got a kiss and a hug and a wave goodbye. It was a very good day.

moments before the aforementioned meltdown...

such a pretty boy...

mmm....cedar...good to sniff....

Charlotte and Dante

2008-11-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

I love love love getting emails like this...mmmm now if only I could get me some black cherry wine to read it by this email would be perfect....

"We all loved our session today! I overheard Charlotte having a conversation with her friend in the car today: "I got my pictures taken today. And I tore this branch off the willow tree and gave Libby Lewis a tail! (then burst into laughter)" Too cute! You are awesomely good with the kids and we enjoy chatting with you too!

Now if I could find me some black cherry wine to celebrate our good photo session- the day would be near perfect.Cheers, T"

uh oh...they're coming for me...

Who hiccuped? Was it you? No? It was me...nooo...I'm sure it was you.....

man oh man she was good at those monkey bars....of course part of the game was that she was trying to kick me...

this might be the exact moment when I got the aforementioned tail...

Halloween neighborhood fun

2008-11-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Set up the photo booth in the garage...darn rain...wanted it in the driveway to try to avoid the creepy factor...so I settled with just doing my neighbors...some good Halloween fun!

Okay...it wasn't my best costume but decent considering a 3:30pm goodwill run...and...I don't really have a lot of hair for curlers...

The unexpected

2008-10-30T07:57:00.001-07:00

You know why I love to photograph kids and weddings....the unexpected. I can have an idea...a really sure and confident belief in the photo I would like to make and then poof a kid pretty much grabs my arm and does one of those comedic yanks where I fly up into the air, twist around and land on my back with tweetie birds circling my head. Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic but it almost like when I was a kid and got to drive sitting on my dad's lap (seems shocking in this day and age but it was rural South Dakota). My dad was driving but I definitely had my hands on the wheel. It's like that when I'm shooting...I'm driving but the kids can call the shots just a bit...

You can imagine where I thought he should stand...

And I definitely wouldn't spend a lot of energy trying to get a 7 year old to lay her head lovingly on her 9 year old brothers shoulder (even if right after this she went for the pressure point in his neck...)

Back in business!

2008-10-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah! The weddings are up and running... You have no idea what a huge psychic relief this is for me to have such a monumental project off the to-do list. Plus, if I do say so myself, it looks freakin awesome! I feel so happy to have a website that I'm totally proud of, that reflects my style and my joy of photography so well! Oh happy day!

New Website!

2008-10-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Oh happy day! My new website is finally launched. I got really tired of wishing it was done so I just finished it (amazing how that happens....). Maybe next time I won't do it on a weekend when there's no tech support because alas my wedding link doesn't seem to be working...so sad! Never fear...it will be up and running and just as beautiful as the portrait site very soon! I'm not exactly sure I got all my I's dotted and T's crossed so if you see something especially glitchy or misspelled feel free to let me know...oh, and I might have missed a few emails in the transition so if you haven't heard back from me try again...

Christmas card fun!

2008-10-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

What, didn't you know...it's time for Christmas cards! It would be cliche to mention the fact that it's not yet Halloween...and since this is my favorite time of year I can't really complain. Seeing my images all slicked up in fancy dancy holiday cards, professionally printed just like cards from a store...makes me feel all grown up!

Here's a couple of my faves but the rest can be found online: http://www.libbylewis.com/extra/cards/index.htm

I know I know...there's some more info I need like pricing and quantities and all that good stuff but rest assured it's on it's way....and the special mock ups and email I do for each customer...that's coming too...I promise...

Pumpkin Patch part 2

2008-10-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

When I reread that last post I think I sound like a bit of a whiner. I don't need no stinkin quiet, no people around pumpkin patch! We can make magic even with thousands of people (and just a teensie bit of photoshop magic). Poof people be gone!

Merrick is like jack be nimble...

Pumpkin patch

2008-10-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Driving out to the pumpkin patch to meet Freya and Ari I had one of those...oh my god, I am so happy to be alive...kind of moments. Bits of fall foliage, small country roads, tractors harvesting corn, bucolic scenes unfolding left and right. I had a sitting this weekend at the farm in Snohomish and I'm not kidding when I say there might have been 3000 people there. My family was totally cute but the place was totally overwhelming.

Jubilee might be like that on the weekends (but I doubt it) but on this Tuesday afternoon it was small, sleepy and sweet. You could take a tractor ride to the patch but we chose to walk...picking seeds, looking for slugs and pondering what size pumpkin might be just right...

Chet...

2008-10-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

A prime example of the explosion of cuteness I mentioned earlier....

Chet and I have had a rocky past..after a good baby beginning where we shared some happy tummy time and goofy grins on his parents cool quilt I encountered the big stare down last year. You know what I mean? Why are you here? You aren't funny? You're ruining my quality time with my folks and frankly you are a little scary.

So I was a little nervous for our 2 year old update. He's a shy guy and it started off slow...Uh oh...But he's an active guy and once he realized that I thought it was great to have his parents twirl him, toss him, spin him...we hit it off. (sorry about teaching him that throwing berry bits at people is funny...my bad....)

Whoa....sometimes you get a little dizzy and need to regroup...

Fall might finally be here

2008-10-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

It's a weather roller coaster around here...this was just last week and we were getting warm running around and doing circus tricks. Today I had to finally break down and turn on the heat (I try to wait until October 1st every year...)

We had a picnic with Freya who has started making her super cool shirts again! She pieces them and hand prints them with her own designs. Don't you think she should sell these?

It's funny but if I were editing this for a client it might not make the cut but I really love this photo because it's a little quirk of his that I share...he's smelling a stick. He likes to smell things...something that I get made fun of for quite regularly around my house.

mmmm....this tape smells good.
mmmm.....my pencil smells good.
oooo...this mystery object I found on the couch doesn't smell so good.

Exie...6 months!

2008-10-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

I think there is going to be a lot of blogging coming up because there has been an explosion of cuteness lately...but let's start it off with an old stand by...yep, time keeps on marching and baby Exie is now 6 months.

I think Exie woke up on the wrong side of her musical swing...Or it could be that she didn't appreciate my insistence that she be in some semblance of a sitting position...

But then she got real happy when she got to do some tummy time...

I like this one...it's like we forgot the baby in the grass...now where did we put that baby....

Nigel and Owen

2008-10-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Whew...what a week. I started the week with my annual Lakewood Co-op photo shoot where I did an amazing 21 families in 5 hours (I swear the photos are coming for all you co-op blog readers) only to follow it up with a whole week of entertaining kids for my friend Sheila. Sheila has a couple of schools that she does amazing, surprisingly un-cheesy school portraits for. And while she is pretty decent at getting the kiddos to smile--what with trying to do it for 400 kids in 7 hours--she lets me help her get some happy faces. She tells me she couldn't do it without me. I, of course, ask her questions like, "could you do this without me?" She's good like that...

It is an amazing high to have 75 preschoolers laugh with me, giggle at my jokes, smile shyly back at me. Plus, I got to see my friends Nigel and Owen who happen to go to one of the schools Sheila shoots. Last year when we did their holiday photos I chased them around as they stared fascinated at my equipment (not the same as smiling fascinated at my jokes, I assure you). This year it was all laughing, sharing, tackling and good times! Their parents are the best though...either way, interested stares or happy smiles....they acknowledge that it is purely their boys!

There's a lot of energy in them kids...

Don't Vote

2008-10-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping I have 5 blog readers...they're like my friends, right?

working it out

2008-09-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

I know I talk all the time about how hard it is to choose photos for my website but now that the new one is really truly near and I am really truly having to narrow down years worth of wedding work it is really all the superlatives I've already used...agony and ecstasy....emotional roller coaster...completely overwhelming....

And then I see little moments and it's like falling in love with my job all over again...anna and kevin were so cute and so into each other made me so in love with them. The whole wedding is them staring at each other in disbelief at their good luck....

Oh, and they also made a big banner out of one of their engagment photos I took of them...need I say more?

Fall is here

2008-09-22T11:29:00.001-07:00

You always think summer is going to go on forever. Especially when you have 80 degree September days...I don't think we had 80 degree July days around here. I don't know what happened to me this summer...usually it is neighborhood bar be ques, berry picking and grass mowing (my life between work is terribly exciting). But this summer we could just squeak in a celebratory end of summer BBQ and a last minute double pail full of berry picking.

Of course now there is no denying fall is here. I'm back at work...Seattle Arts and Lectures kicked off their season...and I'm back worrying that I'll get rained out...which I did this weekend. But...I'm also back to seeing my regular fall clients in all their one year older glory!

Ahhh...shorts and steaks....

Richard Russo is a pretty funny guy...he took it in stride when I asked him to look up and give me a little sugar...but I think it caught him off guard just a little...

You know how I feel about big banners, right? Love them...Well, that's my big banner right on stage of a totally packed Benaroya Hall...

Last time I saw this family Jayden wasn't even walking...now he very clearly runs the show...

This isn't exactly what I had in mind for this shot but I think it might perfectly sum up the kids...

press release

2008-09-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

The funny thing about being a photographer and self employed is that things often snow ball. Like photographing a fund raising luncheon for a friend which led to photographing a few of Seattle Arts and Lectures events which led to my second season now photographing all of their events. And for those of you keeping score, yes, that means that this November I will be photographing Annie Leibovitz (OMG)...

So, some of my photos will be in City Hall for an exhibit...that's exciting! And look...I'm in a press release!

SEATTLE —A City Hall exhibition will feature writings by Seattle public school students and photographs capturing their interactions and discoveries, Sept. 17 to Oct. 10. Titled “Dive Down into the Loud,” the exhibition features 15 photographs and 15 pieces of student poetry and prose by students who participated in Seattle Arts & Lectures’ 2007-08 Writers in the Schools (WITS) program.

Seattle photographers Libby Lewis and Susie Fitzhugh captured the students at work in the WITS program. Their images show students reading their work, participating in classroom writing assignments and projects and attending local Seattle Arts & Lectures sponsored events.
A free reading and book signing of “Dive Down into the Loud,” featuring writings by the youth authors, will be held, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the Bertha Knight Landes Room at City Hall.

The exhibition will be on display in the City Hall Lobby Gallery on the first floor and the Anne Focke Gallery located on the L2 level of City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave. City Hall is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. For more information about the City Hall gallery program, call (206) 684-7171. The exhibition is presented by the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.

The universe answering

2008-09-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm a pretty big believer in the universe's ability to give you what you want and are ready for. Not in a hugely dire cosmic way but so many times I've gotten that email from a mom telling me how much she loves her photos just when I'm most down or that homemade meal just when I'm feeling overwhelmed and overworked.

So the other night, way too late, I was reading Tara Whitney's awesome blog and it led me to her friends post about how their 5 year old daughters had a 40 minute impromptu dance party and it made me sad that I don't have my nieces near me and that so many of my friends live so far away and that Ari has gone to school and we can't have dance parties. And then I met him and his mama after school and we had a picnic and I got to visit with a good friend and while she made a phone call he gave me a 10 minute impromptu dance party. The universe is good like that...

Just to laugh

2008-09-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when I spend all day in front of the computer I just need a little chuckle. And a sure fire place to find one is the "personal pulls" folder...the dirty secret of my computer...the nose picks, half blinks, screaming tantrums and yes, all the goofy shots I try to get of my assistants during weddings so that I can create funny holiday cards....So, just in case you need a laugh today too here are a few of me (since I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone else...)

jazz hands...

and a personal fave....

Exie's getting big

2008-09-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

Well, she's definitely getting bigger...even though you technically aren't big until you can sit up...

Coco was totally ticked that I came and spoiled her tea party with gramma but she's never one to be shy for the camera...

Laura and Shawn

2008-09-04T18:37:00.001-07:00

Okay, a little secret...In case you are wondering if I ever do any work besides my friends and family....I've been putting off the loads of awesome couples and families I've been doing this summer in hopes that my new website and blog would be done...it's going to be so wonderful when it is and the light is at the end of the tunnel but I was scooting through images today and Laura and Shawn's made me smile so I thought I would sneak a few on...It's pretty much everything of Seattle all rolled together but was able to still be perfectly personal to them.

So I had a little crush on Zeno...

A few members of the Tall Boys played and clog danced!

And finally, because she is awesome, Laura went into the lake!

Have you ever been to the Cedar River Watershed Educational Center? It's right on Rattlesnake Lake and is seriously beautiful

A last Wednesday

2008-09-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

I know that Ari and I are going to still hang out but next week he is going to start preschool and it just feels different...so we had a great day today...scooters and new jumpy trampolines and sneaked dried mangoes.

I realized that what I really really like about hanging out with Ari is that we stop to smell the roses. Literally...we walk slowly around the neighborhood and consider things, find soft leaves to rub on our cheeks, blow dandelion puffs, climb rocks, name herbs and yep, we stop to smell the flowers...

Taking turns with Elliott

2008-08-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm home now. But I miss my brother's family. I miss seeing my nieces grow up. It's hard when you visit because you are so enmeshed in a different life. I like my life but I like them too. I wish they lived down the street...or maybe across town...well, definitely in this county...this doesn't have anything to do with these photos...it's just how I feel right now...

I don't know if you can imagine but taking a photo of 4 kids mostly under 5 years old is a little hectic. I didn't see this moment until I was editing...Scout is kissing baby Elliott (okay, knowing Scout it could be a bite but I'm pretty sure it's a kiss)

We did this same shot when Scout was born. Just before she peed on everyone we got one beautiful, magical photo of the girls. I thought it was too much to ask to have it happen again but there it was...a beautiful, magical moment!

Introducing Elliott

2008-08-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

I feel so silly...blogging all about her but never actually introducing my beautiful new niece. May I present Miss Elliott Jane...

Born with ten fingers and toes on August 25th, late in the evening...a respectable 7lbs 14oz and 21 inches.

The careful observer will notice the dimple that marks all my nieces and my brother (and caused me great envy as a child...)

Shhh...don't wake the babies....

Sibling baby love

2008-08-27T10:12:00.001-07:00

I feel so much pressure to capture that perfect newborn photo...It's a stage that goes so quickly but is so unreplicable...toddlers have a couple months of wiggle room...by the time they hit school we could be anywhere around 6 months...When I look back on the other girls newborn photos I feel like I captured it perfectly...their individual sweetness and tininess...I'll trust that I can do that with this baby too....

In looking at these two I realized how similar Scout and Georgia look...the first is Scout holding the baby...the second is Georgia....crazy...

Baby Girl Lewis is here!

2008-08-26T11:19:00.001-07:00

After a day of maybe I might be in labor but I don't want to jinx it my sister in law decided she was. So we filled the tub, called the midwife and lit some candles. It was another beautiful water birth and the baby is so perfect and sweet. She has big Lewis dimples and wide little hands so different from Scouts long skinny newborn fingers...

The midwife has this wonderful, the stork just brought my baby, fabric and spring baby scale...

Visiting Dallas

2008-08-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

I'm in Dallas awaiting the imminent arrival of baby girl Lewis #4. In the meantime I'm soaking up the sun and my nieces all of whom are at these incredibly cute, sassy, snuggly ages. I've never had such a fun visit.

Here's Jenny in the pool at twilight. I never realized how often people ask a pregnant lady when she is due. She's due in 4 days in this photo (in case you wanted to ask....)

It's so hot here...Incredibly, soul suckingly, I've become such a Seattlite, hot...This was my second trip to the pool of the day.

I'm a "let's get out the house" kind of kid person. As soon as the heat of the day became bearable we headed around the block...

Daryl has gerbil named Charlotte...Gerbil's are nocturnal...I'm sleeping right next to the gerbil...You know where I'm going with this...I love the second one, she looks so incredibly grown up.

It's great for me that Scout has big sisters because it has really cut down on our warm up time. She sees their excitement and is ready to engage with me...

It's the money shot...

Today was Georgia's very first day of school. I passed this on my way down the hall and literally ran for my camera...it's such a perfect memory of life....another example of what I wish I could remember, sitting on the floor with my mom having my hair brushed...

If Georgia was nervous she didn't show it. She was so excited and ready...

At Libby's house

2008-08-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is usually the day I go to Ari's house to play but today was special and he got dropped off at mine for 4 hours of fun! It's amazing what you can pack into a morning...blackberry picking, muffin baking, digging in the pots and pans and story reading. Plus, at my house I get my photo taken with him...which is always special for me!

at the beach

2008-08-19T08:38:00.001-07:00

Oh man, last week was all sunshine and sandy feet...now I'm sitting in a sweatshirt and shivering...it's so Seattle here in Seattle...

Megan and Matt's Photobooth

2008-08-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Megan and Matt had such a wonderful and fun wedding at the space needle a few weeks back. The photos are so cool they make me want to buckle down and blog about...which I swear I will. But in the meantime here's a little teaser...

Still swinging

2008-08-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

I love the swing shot! Theres always room to try something new with it...even if does sometimes involve the occasional croc to the head...

Exie is 4 months (already?!)

2008-08-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or has Exie officially turned the corner from newborn to chubby baby?! So fat and smiley although my faves are those big blue eyes and funny looks that are so fleeting on a baby.

Family love

2008-07-28T18:04:00.001-07:00

I love getting notes that so perfectly describe why I love my job and what I hope to give people!

"delighted and thrilled with your pictures of my family..love my album and have ordered more...it was a wonderfuly present and you captured the smiles and love of my family. Thanks, Judy"

Laney's Birthday Party

2008-07-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

I've been really wanting to photograph a birthday party...it seems like the ultimate in good summer fun. We tried last year but I was already booked so I was over the moon when Laney's mom asked if I was available to photograph her 2nd Birthday. Little miss sparkly was so delighted and excited about everything!

And to top it all off, her mom sent me the loveliest note when she saw the photos!

"Libby, I hope that you are doing well. I just wanted to write to let you know how much we LOVE the birthday photos. That little girl is our miracle baby and has transformed our lives in so many ways. Thank you for helping us to record this milestone. We look forward to including you in our future life celebrations.

Thanks again for everything... Your spirit and heart definitely come through in your work. :-) "

mmmm.....cake!

I heart Della and Co.

2008-07-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

I secretly love Della and her family but I guess putting it on my blog makes it not so secret. I am, of course, often drawn to hyperbole but when I go over there I wander around in a daze of joy and envy. I love it when every aspect of peoples lives in filled with purpose and creativity. I think Della might need to be officially named queen sparkle pants.

I call the first one "river dance with garden gloves..."

Does her mom look familiar. Shes the amazingly talented, Christmas stocking maven who designed my holiday cards last year... www.ahnaholder.com !

Old Married Couple

2008-07-18T19:28:00.001-07:00

I did Jen and Erik's wedding in 2005 and now I got to meet their beautiful baby Kaj. It's so awesome to get to see a couple settling into themselves. I was there on this hugely monumental day and now I get to revisit and reconnect. It's a wonderfully humbling experience...to be the recorder of memories.

Plus, they made an insanely cute kid!

New Orleans all the way...

2008-07-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Libby, where oh where have you been....I spent the nicest 4th of July in New Orleans with my dad and my brothers. I was looking forward to it but as the baby with 3 big brothers I'm often bear the brunt of their "jokes". Let's just say it went really, really well. There's not that much that can go wrong with laying by the pool, eating yummy food and having the occasional drink (yeah, right). It was so much fun. Plus, instead of my point and shoot, which I mostly love, I stuffed my big canon 5d with a short little 50mm 1.8 lens on it into my bag (literally). It was the best decision. We just passed it around and went to town. I have 250 of the best photos of my family from my 2 day trip!

A sort of loose rendition of the Reservoir Dogs...this one turned out better than the ill fated Beatles rendition which I won't share on principle...

It's like my dad is the "Saint of Drinking" and Lee is the saint of...oh, never mind...

they said I had to try a hurricane. but they didn't put any alcohol in mine..at least none I could taste...

pretty much sums up the trip right here!

Exies 3 month already!

2008-07-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Can you believe Exie is 3 months already? And now she is so big and smiley and cute...Coco says her dream come true will be when Exie is old enough to have a tea party with her...

The many faces of Exie...

Many Wednesdays

2008-06-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Ah, it's the agony and the ecstasy around here as I work on a new website. It'll be a snappy little number--witty prose, zippy photos, total drivability...but the getting there is killing me. Luckily I think I'm brilliant (most of the time) but having an objective mind helping me with the selection process is a doozie...Lots of times I end up just saying..."just give me my opinion"...it's easier that way...

At times like these I really let the projects build up. I'm afraid of the phone, turn off the email and drink way too much coffee. I had a breaking point this afternoon..returned correspondence and finally downloaded a months worth of photos on my point and shoot. It's always a relief to actually clear the plate. Plus I got to revisit many Wednesdays with the A man and tweak the photos with my new totally rad actions!

Amber + Carl

2008-06-18T17:19:00.001-07:00

Just a little extra lovin for Amber and Carl...from the Alki Crab Shack...

Suzanne's new baby

2008-06-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

We've all been looking forward to finally meeting Suzanne's first great grandbaby. Suzanne is my neighbor and my quilting buddy and the namesake of this baby and there has been lots of talk of her for a good 9 months now...So when she finally showed up this weekend I ran down the street with my camera.

I felt funny "working" in front of my neighbor. They don't really get to see my large and in charge side (that's a nice way of saying bossy-britches). We've got a really casual neighborhood (that's a nice way of saying that anyone could be caught in their pjs at anytime of the day...). But it also felt really good to be able to give her these super sweet photos...I had a great gramma that I was close with and I wish I had some good baby photos with her...It seems to drive a lot of what I do--the desire to give people memories and show the love and devotion of families...

Here's one with gramma....Bella almost seemed afraid of the camera at the beginning--she'd cry when I put it up but by the end she became transfixed and would follow me with those huge eyes wherever I went!