Okay...so it's been brought to my attention that I have TOTALLY been under-representing (is that even a word?) for the Senior Boys! So sorry I've got a ton of 2009 Seniors coming your way but with the craziness of this week, I've been slipping. This is Conner, Issaquah High Schools' finest. Look at those blue eyes. (Conner came with his Mom who was equally darling.)

I've hinted before that I might start a match making service for each of my Studio B Seniors so that they can connect with one another. I meet so many and I already have the photos...I could easily start playing cupid among the high schools. (Totally kidding...but it isn't a crazy thought!)

This is one of those...Early Bird gets the worm type of Specials. These are mini sessions that we'll do on just September 27! First come first served for reservations and space is limited as we'll just be booking studio sessions 9:30-5:00PM. (Special may not be combined with any other discounts or offers)

The July/August issue of 425 Magazine is out and as always it's a great read for all things related to Seattle's Eastside. I feel so lucky that for each issue my assignments are so diverse. This time around, I had the opportunity to provide the images of all of the Eastside doctors that they profiled. The physicians are all doing really amazing work -- and their stories are as compelling as the patients they heal. For more info... visit the 425 Magazine website or you can buy one anywhere magazines are sold.

You know why Jordan is laughing in that second shot?...Because it is 96 flippin degrees outside! The pure comedy of the situation was not lost on any of us that it was blazing hot and we were shooting fashion fit for a ski chalet. (But darn it if she doesn't look fabulous, right?) Jordan's Mom gave her great advice...and now I'm passing it on to you. She told her "to bring outfits from each of the seasons." Senior Pictures are an experience and you're supposed to have fun. An electic mix of looks from formal to funky makes the whole session fun to shoot and more importantly...an amazing memory.

Didn't know how to say this so I figured I'd throw it in here. THANK YOU! Our calendar is overflowing with amazing seniors and each one is nicer than the next. Your referrals mean everything. Some people have asked if we're going to discontinue the program because we're busting at the seams. The referral program is not going anywhere. I know that Studio B is an investment and while I'm proud to say that my pieces are on display in some of the most prestigious homes in Seattle and the Eastside....I'm also quite pleased to know that because we offer unlimited studio credit for referrals, the Studio B experience is achievable for anyone that wants to share it. Nuff said.

This is Senior 2009, Kayla. This portrait is obviously the artist in me just busting at the seams. Kayla in this image was so exquisite that I had to sit down and spend some extra time with it. This is typical of something that I would create in a Giclee Canvas (marrying photography and a bit of abstract paint design). It's definitely a more expensive type of finished piece but for the person who truly desires unique photographic art for their home, this is a perfect type of piece.

On a side note... Since I'm on a roll of thinking that each of my senior girls looks like a celebrity these days, I'm forced to mention that Kayla reminds me of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's baby daughter Shyloh (if their girl were not two years old of course)

This is Mt. Si Senior 2009, Bethany. If you're thinking she looks familiar...I did too! The whole time we were shooting her Senior Pictures, I knew I'd be writing this entry and showing you her twin -- Adriana Lima (from the Victoria Secret & Mabelline ads) All I can say...is it must be nice to look just like (or in this case, BETTER) than a Super Model. Bethany was just darling and I loved that she remembered to bring a variety of looks and accessories (like this cute white hat).

It is totally a testimony to how gorgeous Tiffanie (Newport High School Senior 2009) is that she could look this fabulous when in point of fact...the cats wanted absolutely NO part of this photo shoot. They paused long enough for me to get this shot and then I believe the one on the left spring-boarded (claws and all) off the top of her pink collared shirt. Of course, since she looks so pretty...my guess is I'm going to see a lot more pets this Senior Picture season!

This is Senior 2009, Kendra from Oak Harbor. Yes, OAK HARBOR!!! Kendra and her Mom drove an hour and 45 minutes to get to the studio for her senior picture portfolio session. To say that I'm flattered is an understatement. I get kids from all over Western Washington and while I'm just as thrilled to see an Issaquah High School student...I must admit there is a little bit of me that feels so honored when families travel to work with me.

Here's your chance to WIN a $100 Studio B Portraits gift card. This is our new Inspiration Guide: Portrait Design Book. The guide showcases some of my favorite images (past and present) while also sharing a ton of ideas about interior design and creating wall portraits that showcase our art in your home. Since our last newsletter, most clients are now aware of our in-home interior design consultations...but for the "do it your-selfers" we have the mini book for you to borrow and take home as well. We want to see how YOU have decorated with your portraits from Studio B. Send us a snapshot of our portraits in your home (this doesn't have to be fancy....just snap & send via email). If we show your submission on the blog...you'll receive a $100 gift card.

One more way to win...and it's easy -- Just Add a Comment to the Studio B blog. At least one time per month, we'll select a person's comment and send them a $50 gift card to use toward anything at Studio B.

These promotions are ongoing with no expiration.

Thought about titling this one "...and Baby Makes Five" For all of those couples whose first babies were of the barking variety I'm sure you can relate to the Bailey Family that welcomed newborn daughter Taylor just 6 weeks ago. I really loved this shot and could definitely see it over the fireplace -- absolute Americana -- just missing the apple pie. Like all of my newborn sessions...the grown-ups suffer in slightly balmy temperatures so that the babies are warm enough to be comfortably naked. (and clearly...Baby Taylor was quite comfortable here)

All together now....AHHHHHHH, sigh. It's just lovely and simple and perfect -- Daddy and daughter. My sister laughs at me every time she sees that I've made yet another unassuming male remove his shirt (especially when all he was trying to do was have a nice day of portraits). Can I help it if all the buff Dad's come to Studio B?

The Thybulle Family....such a pleasure to work with from start to finish. And it would be silly for me not to mention the obvious -- the entire family...Mom, Dad, and both kids are so attractive -- it makes you want to run out and buy a white shirt! Or at least find out the brand of toothpaste they use. Actually, this family's smile comes by way of Dr. Nadine Egger (some may know that she's THE orthodontist on the Eastside... they can thank her, not the toothpaste for the beautiful straight teeth) There's a shot of the entire family in the "Family Ties" section of the main Studio B Portraits website. In looking at the Mom...tell me if you don't think she looks like Elizabeth Perkins (the lead actress that starred with Tom Hanks in the movie BIG)

I'm having SO much fun! Do I even need to explain why?...just look at this image of Senior 2009, Corinne. She brought her fabulous red dress and all of a sudden I knew we were going to be creating an homage to a Vanity Fair cover. The breeze kicked up at just the right moment to capture this ultra glam shot. Love it. Of course it helps that she looks like a supermodel.

Tons of emails and calls about youth modeling had me thinking that it would be better to continue the dialog here. This is Caitlin...another Professional Working Child (ProKid) -- but you may have seen her in her Seattle billboards for T-Mobile. I laughed because her REAL Mom told me that she walked into the retail store and saw the big picture of Caitlin with her "model Mom" in the advertisement. Surreal I'm sure.

Caitlin is a great example for my next points about what makes a great child model....she's unique, extremely photogenic but most importantly comfortable with new people (remember...the photographer is almost always a new face)

The number one question I've received since the last article about child modeling is "how do I get my child started" It's really simple -- you need one dynamite professional headshot with a photographer that specializes in working with children that are in the acting, theatrical or modeling industry. This headshot will be what you can bring with you for an agency open call. Expect to pay between $150-$300 for this photo shoot. Agency open calls are free and no one should ask you for any money at any time. (Legitimate agents get paid only when your child works) After your child is signed with any agency, you can expect a more extensive photo shoot with an independent photographer of your choice to include up to 4 wardrobe changes (if they are over age 3). These photos will be used to create a Zed Card (aka a Composite Card) These cards are used to help your child during the casting process. Each agency keeps a list of preferred photographers (that's what I am for many agencies) that they know produce the kind of pictures that keep their kids working. Interview the photographers, check out the sites before making a decision.

Since we've got a ton of new designs for our Senior Graduation Announcements I thought I'd share another beautiful Senior.

Alexa, Bush School - Class of 2009 is our model for the "Sophisticate" Forgot to mention that Christine (below) is modeling the "Dots of Love" design. And yes...I am claiming credit for the clever names for each of the styles! As you see in the sample here, all of the designs are custom so the colors, names and elements can change to match imagery. (I promise that we've got some great things coming for the fella's as well.)

So I've been shooting up a storm today but I had to make mention of Senior Christine before I buzzed out the door. We dropped this amazing shot of her into one of our new Senior graduation announcement designs for the Class of 2009. (Thanks for being my cover girl Christine) I know you can't tell to look at this image since I'm only showing her from the shoulders up...but this International School student is a minute big...SO SO petite. Reminds me of the gymnasts that I keep seeing for the Olympics.

For those that don't know, Summer kicks off the madness of photographing Senior High School Portraits....that will last all the way through the Fall (or until I drop...whichever comes first) No complaints. The teens are my absolute favorite subjects and you'll see a ton of them here in the upcoming weeks.

Living in Los Angeles for many years, I had the opportunity to work with Ford Models aspiring child and teen modeling talent. While Seattle is not the mecca of acting and modeling that SoCal is, I think many would be surprised to find that the Northwest has a thriving industry for young models & actors as well.The name brand companies that call Seattle home need to produce many of their ads using local talent and that's where kids like three-year old Samantha come in. Apart from being crazy cute...kids that want to work need to show versatiity of emotion that spans from "HAPPY" (think Toy's R US) to "SAD" (booboo needs a Band-Aid) And did I mention that they need to do it on cue? Sammy was a natural.

This is a popular topic and one that requires a lot more detail than what I would spend on this entry, but let me just say the following: There are a few reputable agencies in town and with very little exception a standard protocol for getting your child involved in this activity. I call it an "activity" because the most healthy approach to modeling/acting is to pursue it with the same attitude you do for your kids in soccer, swimming or dance. For those that are interested in additional info, please feel free to touch base

Thought this would be fun for everyone to see. A little "behind the scenes" if you will. Because we specialize in Lifestyle Wall Portraits, after the pictures are taken -- the art of interior design is the next step. With such substantial investments, I want my clients to really get an idea of what can be done. Whether it's one "WOW" canvas piece or a collage series -- the more thought that goes into the process, the better.

During the intial order appointment, this type of rendering is where it begins. There's no right or wrong...it's just a sharing of ideas & brainstorming.

Sometimes, we land on a perfect idea and sometimes we take the next step and move to an In-Home Consultation. This was the case for the Kemmerer Family. I went to their home and we selected two locations for their pieces, tried some different arrangements and then firmed up the final design. This is the original image (left) and then tadah (right) the 40x30 Canvas Gallery Wrap is hanging in their media room.

Holy Smokes! So excited!!! The new Senior 2009 Promo video arrived today and oh my goodness -- it looks so great. A big thank you to all kids in the show!!! We've got it posted up on our newly design MY SPACE site and here's a sneak peak as well.

See The Show: SENIOR 2009 PROMO

Sometimes the picture is so beautiful and the moment so lovely that I just think to myself...."is there anything that really needs to be written...let's just sit and stare" Sisters Alexa and Elise came with Mom for a family session and I just had a ball.

It is worth pointing out that I LOVE the color combination for this shot. The first question that I get quizzed about when people are coming in for a portrait is "what do I wear?" My usual reply is there really are no rules but if you can pick something that you love yourself in -- you're half way there. The next thought is -- coordinate. Think about the colors and the styles...complimentary on both fronts is going to give you photogenic results every time.

I've been going back and forth on the title for this shot. The first was Two Brothers & Baby....but then I landed on "Uncle Jimmy" because Baby June's Uncle absolutely slayed me with that terror-filled face! If I ever do make the comedy gallery for the main website...this image is definitely part of the mix.