Paul “Fred” Varjak: “The mean reds. You mean like the blues?”

Holly: “No, the blues are because you’re getting fat and maybe it’s been raining too long. You’re just sad that’s all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?”

Fred: “Sure.”

Holly: “When I get it, the only thing that does any good is to jump into a cab and go to Tiffany’s. Calms me down right away.”

Just like last year, I visited sweet little Maya for some birthday pictures. This year she turned two. Terrible two’s jokes aside, Maya was not in the mood to be smiley and playful for her birthday shoot. We tried everything. Her bright pink jacket and perky pigtails didn’t do the trick. Bouncing and kicking a cheerful pink ball didn’t crack a smile. We even brought out the big guns with a shiny pink bicycle but she was barely amused. I don’t think she was sad at all. Just a case of the mean reds. Perhaps what Maya needed instead of pink was a little blue box! I kid. I kid.

In the end, what seemed to suit her best was relaxing in her living room and playing with the record player. Maya and I are the same like that. A needle on the record and a snuggle on the couch on a chilly autumn morning is exactly what I’d want too.

I could tell Rachel was nervous that Liam wasn’t performing well during their Gas Works Park family session a couple weeks ago. “Everyone always looks so happy in your pictures,” she said with concern. I reassured her over and over that things were going well and I was getting great shots but I know it’s hard to believe me when your toddler isn’t doing what you think they should be doing (i.e. looking at the camera, smiling, sitting still). How do you take someone seriously when they’re sprawled out on the concrete taking pictures with one hand? Did she really just toss a ball in the air, clap, make funny noises and stillll get a good picture? Yes. Yes, I did.  And I can confidently say, “Rachel, your family looks really happy too.” You don’t even need a magic wand to see that.

Rachel, Eric and Liam, thank you for a delightful, sunny morning at Gas Works Park. I had so much fun getting to know you, rolling around in the grass, and watching your family love on each other. Thank you for choosing me to be your family photographer. It’s truly an honor.

Clearly the newest member of their family was the star of the show. No one could keep their eyes off of him and his cuteness. It certainly helped to create some great smiles and belly laughs. And what a workout we got! Hiking up and down hills, spinning in circles, picking flowers, digging in the dirt, playing chase, and every kids favorite game of 1-2-3 swing! It was madness…and blissful…and absolutely perfect.

When we finally made it back to their weekend home, a bottle of wine was cracked and I was invited to stay and relax. How wonderful it is to spend an intimate afternoon with people who start out as strangers and quickly become friends you want to know forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening up to me the way you did and allowing my images to become a part of your family’s history. It’s truly an honor.

Josh and Jeanine are one of my special families that have been around since the beginning of my adventures in photography. I remember the day they told me they were pregnant and I remember watching her grow and glow as they became baby married. I remember visiting little Liam in the hospital when he was born and taking some of the very first pictures of their new family. And now, they’re doing the next big thing with wedding plans a brewin for this coming November. It’s gonna be one hell of a party, let me tell ya. I’m beyond excited and honored to be trusted with telling their story in photographs that will become a part of their family history. It’s truly amazing.

The day of our session was a wet one so we jumped to plan C and ended up at the Conservatory at Volunteer Park. Greenhouses make a great, dry background! So does the water tower we hiked up and the covered benches with all those great lines I love. And we did get lucky with some sun breaks. Puddle jumping, sun soaking, cuddling, whispering, laughing and loving. It was an afternoon made for lovers, adventures, breathing in fresh life and celebrating family.

Josh and Jeanine, it’s been an absolute delight to watch you fall more in love with time. The addition of Liam has made you an even more beautiful couple and I can’t wait to watch you become husband and wife this November. Enjoy your love story…

The Jenkins Family met me at Woodland Park for a mini session on Thanksgiving weekend. It’s families like theirs that really make me feel the words: thanks and giving. Thanks, for choosing me as your family photographer. Thanks, for allowing my images to become a part of your family’s history. Thanks, for trusting me to capture images you’ll use for your new business. Thanks, for giving me these opportunities year after year.

Julie & Moses, it was so wonderful seeing you again this year. I can’t believe how much little Kannon has grown! I wish you all the best for the new year and can’t wait till we do it again.

I arrived early at my sister’s house to help everyone get dressed. Somehow, this turned into snuggling in bed to finish watching Caillou, making coffee with G-ma and PaPa, eating apples and heading out the door an hour later than planned. No biggie. This wasn’t a “regular” photo-shoot — it’s family. As we drove to the location I’d scoped out months ago and had been dying to shoot in since spring, my sister and her punk #1 made a detour for Starbucks. Because, duh, punk #1 is a diva after my own heart and, in his words, “I need coffee (aka kids hot chocolate). But not my baby (aka little brother) — he’s too little (ha!)”. So now we’re dangerously close to nap time as we arrive at out destination. I’m trying not to freak out about the cup of hot chocolate that will no doubt drip onto clean clothes and faces. I suggest we kick leaves and play a games under the trees. “Ummmm, no” he tells me. “I drink my coffee”. I suggest we take a wagon ride. “Boys, you sit here. Mama will pull.” I was quickly informed that wagon riding would end in tears and wagon pullingwould be a game of war to be fought out between brothers. Finally, Ty said words that cut deep and made me rethink the whole photo-shoot. “Stop taking my picture. Play with me!” Ahhhh. I’ll never get those words out of my head.

In the end, they were happiest playing in the dirt, watching for deer, chasing balls and…drinking coffee. It’s far from the perfect photo-shoot in my head…but it is a total reflection of who they are right now. And, duh, I’m photographer. We get re-dos allll the time.

Everything was perfect. Cute shot after cute shot against one gorgeous background after another seemed too good to be true. Then, this sweet little curly head angel reminded us…he’s a toddler. He’s the boss. After many games and debates over shoes or no shoes; keys or no keys, jacket or no jacket; stuffed animal or no stuffed animal; screams or laughter; the orange Dum Dum saved the day. I always travel with sugar. It’s not bribery….it’s distraction. From Dum Dum on, it was on. And honestly, I think it ties up the whole session with a fancy bow.

Blissed out on sugar that matched from head to toe, this session couldn’t have ended more perfectly. It has to be one of my favorite Fall sessions this year. Enjoy the show….

One day last weekend I snuck away from the heartaches and headaches of my upside down life to play with The Littles (my neffers and their new friend Maya) at an amazing beach park by my new  house. It was a beautiful, breathtaking kind of day that provided the exact internal healing I needed. I stuck my hands in the Earth and inhaled the fresh Puget Sound air. I listened to the laughter of children and gossiped with girlfriends. It was bliss and it reminded me that even when times are hard…good things and good people happen.

In the midst of all this, I think I discovered the core of why I love being a family photographer. It’s the rawness and expressions of genuine truth that only children know how to show you. It’s the way a child melts into their mother’s arms and the way they squeal with excitement. When they’re angry, you know it. When they’re tired, you know it. And when they’re filled with joy and wonder and happiness….you undeniably know it. Moms and Dads let down their guard around their children too. I see moments and emotions unfold in a way that is so honest and true. They need no coaching to show you how they really feel. It’s love people. L-O-V-E. Love. And when I look out into the world with my lenses and snap a moment of life’s true perfection…I am filled to the brim with a deep understanding of why this gift is so dear to my heart. I can’t help but rush home eager to show the world all the beautiful faces I’ve captured. I love to tell the stories of who we are…who YOU are and why it all matters. Amen.

Family portrait season is well under way and I’m fully booked till mid November. There is still time to get on my calendar and experience the fun, fresh approach of a Jamie Neilsen Photography session. Call or email me soon! Your children will thank you for it.

As I was heading over to their place to meet for our session, I thought to myself, “Self, why on earth did you schedule this session on a Seafair weekend when roads are closed and at mid afternoon, no less, when the sun is out of control bright and unpredictable”? Well, despite all that (and a few bumps and bruises along the way) we had a very energetic and fun filled session at Woodland Park followed by cake back at their house. Grandma and Auntie Rebecca joined in on the fun too so there was no shortage on laughter and smiles.

Adam, Rachel, Alden, Greta and Will…it has been such a pleasure photographing your family. All the best to you in your new home!

As always, lots more in the slide show….

We’re experiencing our first “real” week of summer here in Seattle. The temperatures finally hit above 75, blue skies are everywhere and even though my car broke down on the side of the road yesterday, I’m happy to take things slow, travel by bus and soak up the sunshine. Hallelujah for sunshine!

Unfortunately, Steve and I are still hard at work on our house and haven’t been able to enjoy many summer activities this year. So, I came up with a list of adventures for you to enjoy instead! Get the kids in on it…and please send pictures or links to your blogs! If it were me, I’d wrangle up the nephews. Those boys make me so happy. The pictures above are from this spring so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

1. Visit a local u-pick farm. Take home fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables.
2. Camp out in the backyard.
3. Have a sidewalk chalk art show.
4. Make fresh lemonade.
5. Make ice cream.
6. Fly a kite.
7. Play in the sprinkler.
8. Make s’mores.
9. Have a picnic.
10. Make paper airplanes.
11. Skip stones.
12. Climb trees.
13. Make a puppet show.
14. Catch frogs.
15. Play catch.
16. Go swimming.
17. Feed the ducks.
18. Ride public transportation and make several stops.
19. Have a water balloon fight.
20. Wash the car.

Go ahead and bookmark this page for future reference and share it with your mommy groups. Not only is it a great list of fun activities to fight boredom, they’re perfect for photographing. Just be sure to keep your gear out of the water.