Amanda Kay Photography Blog » Seattle-area Lifestyle Photographer

Baby Holland

Thursday, January 12, 2012 Posted in babies, families

Our dear friends Chrislyn and Jason had their baby girl last year. We went over for dinner one day and I snapped some pictures of the new 3-person family. It feels good to finally get a little caught up on some personal sessions I did for our closest friends and family. I was blessed to have several of these sweet personal sessions last year, including the maternity pictures I did for Chrislyn and Jason, one of my very favorite maternity sessions yet.

This adorable little blue-eyed cherub looks so much like her mama it blows me away. The older she gets, the more she looks like Chrislyn. I love seeing family resemblances. My own daughter looks nothing like me but so much like my mother-in-law’s mom and brothers. It’s so endearing to see features replicated over and over in families. I don’t know why that makes me happy, but it does. My son is sometimes a miniature replica of my dad, except with blond hair instead of brown. Sometimes just the way my boy looks at me freaks me out because it feels like my dad as a baby is staring me down. Anyway, Chrislyn is clearly a gorgeous momma, so Holland is a lucky baby.

Making faces in the mirror! I love how Holland is look straight at me in the one above. She was very intrigued by my camera.

Daddy Jason was the best man in our wedding, my husband’s awesome friend from college. One of my personal goals for 2012 is to help my hubby find more time to hang out with Jason. As time passes and things get busier and busier with the kids, James and I often don’t get many one-on-one moments with our closest friends. I know James cherishes his friendship with Jason (in a manly way, of course) and I’d like to help them find more time to do manly things together again (you know, like play video games, have some beers … and whatever else they do). Chrislyn, I hope to see you more often this year too! I always have so much fun talking to you and sharing recipes and crafty ideas together! Flashback! Here’s one of the staircase images we did when Chrislyn was still pregnant with their little girl.

Holland let us know when the session was over. Jason & Chrislyn, thank you for being our friends. Thanks for blessing us over the years with laughter, great food, beautiful handmade gifts (Chrislyn) and awesome conversation. We hope for many more get-togethers between our two families in 2012! &hearts;

by Mandy McMahan

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The H. family

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 Posted in families

This family was so adorable. The young sisters, the parents … I don’t think it’s hard to tell that the H. family is chock full of the beautiful gene. And, like most of my awesome clients, the beauty doesn’t stop at the skin level. From the minute I walked into the H. family’s home in Issaquah, I knew it was going to be a fun session. I’m so grateful for kind-hearted clients. I’m lucky to work with nice people. Their smiles were genuine and their patience was endless. And just look how cute the girls are! Thank you for letting me take your family pictures, Jeunai! I hope you like the gems we were able to get on that drizzly day!

by Mandy McMahan

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Maranda’s maternity session

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 Posted in couples, dads, maternity, moms

My husband’s pretty cousin Maranda was pregnant with her first little one this summer and I got to do maternity pictures for her and her boyfriend Josh, the cool guy with the great smile in these pictures. They were both SO excited about being parents. After Maranda’s baby shower in Olympia (where most of my in-laws live), we went to the campus of St. Martin’s University, where Maranda went to school. There were lots of beautiful spots to pause and take pictures of Maranda, Josh and the adorable baby belly.

I seriously think Maranda had to have practiced her facial expressions in the mirror because she had the perfect “looks” every time (she was just a natural, I’m sure she didn’t actually practice in the mirror … I’m the only dork who does that). And the breeze was really workin’ it for us that day, too. I’m so excited to give these pictures to Maranda. She’s the type of mom who has dreamed about having a baby forever. She blogged about her pregnancy and captured every little detail so she’d never forget what it felt like to have a little person grow inside of her. You could just see the joy in her eyes every time you talked to her about her little guy. She cherished every single moment of her pregnancy and shared the details with all of us who followed her blog.

Don’t worry. No moms or baby bellies were harmed in the creation of these middle-of-the-road photographs. Josh was looking out for cars and cyclists. I am a sucker for middle-of-the-road shots. I don’t know what it is about them. Maybe it’s the visual of the long road ahead (or behind) that a beautiful journey is just beginning? I love ‘em and I’m glad my client mommies are up for these types of pictures.

We brought along the balloons from Maranda’s baby shower and used them in a few frames.

Maranda, her family and Josh all love to go hunting. I love that she wore this camouflage-type shirt for the latter part of the session. I can totally picture Maranda’s blog post about her son’s first hunting adventure (several years down the road, hopefully). Maranda, thank you for letting me take your pictures! It has been a joy watching you grow into motherhood. Your energy and passion for mothering is refreshing and I’m so happy for you three. I just wish we got to see you all more often! xoxo

by Mandy McMahan

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Stacy’s maternity session

Friday, December 2, 2011 Posted in boys, families, maternity

I posted teasers of my beautiful neighbor Stacy’s maternity and family photos from this summer but I never finished sharing all of the images. Stacy and her family were AWESOME to shoot and I love so many of the pictures we got this day so I just have to share another handful of them. This fun family lives just across the street from me and one evening we just popped outside and took some pictures in their backyard, in the neighbor’s backyard and on a trail near our houses. I didn’t really have to tell Stacy to do anything — she knew exactly how to work the camera. Stacy waited a long time for me to give her these (and photos from her daughter’s birth, which will be coming up in a blog post next!). Stacy is a strong and faithful woman, devoted to her family and to Jesus. I hope these pictures are special to this great little family — that little baby in Stacy’s belly in these pictures is a true miracle in many, many ways.

by Mandy McMahan

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Welcome, little Noelle

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 Posted in babies, births, couples, dads, families, girls, moms, newborns

This summer I had the privilege of photographing another birth. I don’t get to do a lot of birth photography right now because of the need for flexibility in those situations (and the fact that I don’t have a lot of flexibility in my schedule at this point), but I have to say yet again that birth photography is my favorite and I LOVE having the opportunity to photograph moments like this. Someday when my children are older and my husband’s job is not as demanding as it has been recently, I will surely be looking to take on more birth photography. Or, if you are having a planned c-section, please do contact me! I am so in love with birth photography. It is amazing to be able to capture such beauty, such huge moments in the lives of my clients and friends. And this birth was just about as beautiful and miraculous as it gets. These are my neighbors, Stacy and David. If you think Stacy looks beautiful and charming and totally at ease with the birthing process here, it is no lie. She was pretty much that graceful, calm and entertaining the entire time. Stacy and David were expecting their second child. And they were going to give birth at the same birth center in which my children were born, at Valley Medical Center. I’m kind of attached to that place. Every time I walk in, I get giddy with excitement and the rush of unforgettable memories overwhelms me. I’ve been there several times in the last few years for other births and I have to say I love going there every time. Stacy and David were so ready to welcome their little girl. Their young son was waiting at home and the labor was long. After a pregnancy with several scares, difficult conversations and God-orchestrated miracles, Stacy and David were more than ready to greet their little daughter and snuggle her in their arms. Stacy did a lot of walking that night and entertained us all with her laughter, jokes and overall upbeat mood.I don’t normally take photos of myself on sessions but since Stacy was a neighbor and friend, both my dear friend and neighbor (and Stacy’s sister-in-law) April and I jumped in for some snapshots. Stacy is tall and very slender — her adorable baby belly was beautifully huge on her slim frame so we played around with that for the pictures. Her whole pregnancy, Stacy looked stunning and I always told her she should have been modeling for pregnancy magazines. I swear I start to get all puffy in my face around week 27. No pregnancy modeling for me, but Stacy rocked it every trimester. It’s adorable watching Stacy and David together. David is very attentive to his wife. They’re affectionate, respectful and loving toward each other. I first really witnessed their closeness when I did their maternity pictures this summer.

After a long night and eventful morning, precious little Noelle was born on June 30, 2011.

by Mandy McMahan

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The T. family

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 Posted in boys, children, dads, families, moms

This family was one of my very first clients. They have trusted me since the beginning of AKP three years ago and I’m grateful for them. The beautiful mommy, Marissa, has blessed my family several times over the past few years. She’s crafty and artistic and thoughtful and not afraid to share those talents with those around her. Our home is still adorned with awesome things Marissa created for us. It had been a whole year since I last got to see them (gosh, I just realized I never even posted their 2010 pictures and I LOVED them … might have to get on that and post a back-in-time session!) and take their pictures so I was super excited for this session. We met at Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac, Wash., where Marissa married Paul and also where we did our very first session together in the winter of 2008. Crazy to think that the last time we were there, little guy Cooper was in a stroller and wrapped up in huge blankets. It was so fun to go back to that place. And it’s always fun to talk with Marissa and Paul. They’re Cougs just like my hubby and me so of course they get extra points there. Thank you, Paul & Marissa (and Cooper!) for trusting me over the years to take your family pictures. I know I’m always guaranteed to have a great time with you three. I appreciate you and look forward to your new little adventures ahead!

by Mandy McMahan

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Phu, Samantha and Kalia

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 Posted in babies, dads, families, girls, moms

This is SUCH a sweet family! I first met Phu and Samantha last spring when we did Sam’s maternity session up on the University of Washington campus. This couple was just so kind and agreeable. I made poor Sam trek all over the UW campus and there was never one complaint. They were both easy to talk to and they are comfortable in front of the camera. The care they have for each other is so evident. I really don’t have to give much posing direction to either of them. They just snuggle up together so perfectly. So I was thrilled to work with them again for baby Kalia’s first family photo session. That beautiful little girl followed in her parents’ footsteps did a fantastic job lovin’ on my camera! Samantha was hoping for some great Christmas card photos and we got a huge handful from which she can choose. This was a fun session to both shoot and edit.

Thank you, Phu and Samantha. It has been a privilege getting to photograph such special moments in your life together!

by Mandy McMahan

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One classy, happy family

Monday, November 14, 2011 Posted in babies, boys, families

That pretty mommy in the picture above is my childhood friend Brynne. It had been years and years since we last had a chance to see each other. Like, as in … the last time I remember a get-together we were playing with her awesome Strawberry Shortcake collection. Or we were at a skating rink for a birthday party. Or getting our exercise on with a Skip-It (yep, I’m bringin’ it back). My family has great memories of Brynne, her two cute sisters and adorable parents who were always, always kind and wearing smiles on their faces. So I was so thrilled when Brynne wrote me on Facebook to talk about getting her entire family together for a photo session this fall.

I told Brynne that we always loved getting the W. family Christmas cards each year. Brynne’s mom Jana would dress the three young girls up in matching Christmas attire and the photo cards we received were always just perfect. The ones you saved for years because they were just too cute to toss in the recycling bin after the holiday season (what? No, we don’t toss out Christmas cards! Of course not!). I was honored to be the one taking pictures of the gorgeous family this year. And when I use the term gorgeous, I’m not just talking about their smiles, their hair, their awesome attire (although they did put together the PERFECT palette for a photo shoot). The thing my young self remembers about this family is that they were just GOOD. Good hearts. Happy moods. Helpful attitudes. Welcoming smiles. Kind. Polite. In the years Brynne and I used to have playdates at each others’ houses and go to the same kiddie birthday parties, I literally do not recall one moment where Brynne was ever angry, frustrated or pouting. Not that she didn’t ever feel those things — just that I always remember her handling herself so well, even for a young girl. Classy.

Now Brynne’s dad is finally seeing more boys in the family get-togethers as he has two sons-in-law and one on the way (his youngest is engaged to be married soon) plus Brynne’s sweet cheeks little son Kaizo.

Brynne with her hubby Manat and little dude Kai …

… second W. family girl Tess and her husband Jeremy …

… and the youngest W. family girl Paige with her fiance Adam.

They’re the newly-engaged ones.

Just look at all those smiles. Genuine. It was so crazy fun meeting up not only with Brynne but to see her sisters and parents again. Her parents were almost exactly as I remembered them from my youth. And her sisters … I recognized Tess immediately and then just had a great time seeing Paige because I remember her as the baby. That’s how long ago it was the last time I remember “playing” with these W. family girls!

Yep, still wish I had sisters. Good thing God gave me some pretty awesome sisters-in-law that I love dearly.

I love this one of Jana with her girls. My mom sees Jana every now and then at the grocery store (because both Brynne’s parents and my parents still live in our childhood homes which are in the same neighborhood) and sometimes at school events because both of them work in education. So even before social net-working sites like Facebook, every now and then we’d get an update on what Brynne and her sisters were up to via those happenstance meetings between the mothers.

Seriously, how cute are his little cheeks and eyebrows? And his sweater vest?

Tess and Jeremy are the only Cougs in the family of Huskies. At least I had two allies that day in the midst of the purple and gold graduates!

Congratulations to Paige and Adam who had recently gotten engaged! LOVED her ring.

Paige actually asked if we could do piggy-back pictures and I was so happy at her suggestion. That’s a pose not every couple enjoys doing for pictures but one I think is so cute! Thank you, W. family (and husbands!). I had such a great time reconnecting with you after all these years and meeting the new additions. I hope you like your family photos — I’m honored you selected me to do these for you. Keep in touch!

by Mandy McMahan

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W. family holiday portraits

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Posted in babies, children, dads, families, girls, moms

This is one of my favorite families to photography. I have such a great time on my sessions with the W. family. This was my fifth session with them! Check out our first, second, third and fourth. This family is just so fun to hang out with because they laugh together so genuinely. Anyone can tell that they love being together.

I met Sarah while we danced together on the 2004 Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals squad. I actually didn’t get to know her well until I started taking pictures of her family and I’m so glad I did! Her home is gorgeous, her family is so kind. She always appears to have a good outlook on things. She and hubby Charles are right in the middle of a difficult season now, as he’s in Afghanistan off and on for long stretches of time. So Sarah’s at home with the new baby and the two older kids, holding down the fort and a full-time job. She’s pretty impressive!

That is one well-loved little girl right there. The only consistent thing I heard her older brother and older sister fight over was who got to hold baby Charlotte. Both wanted to hold her, snuggle her, kiss her for the camera. There are very few things more heartwarming than seeing the love between siblings.

This is one talented young lady. She’s been in so many stage performances in the past several years and she always, always seems to be the lead role in the shows! She is chatty like any other young lady this age and it’s so fun for me to listen to her and her mom talk to each other. My own little girl is only 3.5 right now and I can’t even imagine her being this age … I know it will come all too soon. And I hope my girl and me are as close as Sarah and her eldest girl appear to be.

This young man loves that dog. And his baby sister, too. He is always polite and agreeable when we do these family photo shoots. I know it can’t be his favorite thing to do on a weekend, but he goes along with anything on our photo shoots and helps the family out by carrying the dog, the baby, the stroller … I appreciate his manners and respectable attitude toward his family. Pretty much totally grateful for this family and how much they’ve trusted me to capture their precious family moments on camera. I admire them for many reasons, but the biggest is just how much fun they seem to have together. That’s what I desire for our own family … that we can laugh with AND at each other, that we trust one another and watch out for each other. That it’s enough fun to just BE together. Sarah & Chuck, you’re in my prayers during this difficult season apart from each other. Thank you for letting me take your pictures again. I always have a great time and leave with a smile on my face (and way too many awesome images to cull through and edit … you’re such a photogenic family). Hugs to you!

by Mandy McMahan

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My niece

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 Posted in babies, families, girls, moms

This sweet bundle of cuteness is my one and only niece, Izzy. My awesome sister-in-law Jill had the idea to do some three-generation photos with her mom Karen and her daughter this spring. It was so much fun taking these pictures for them! I’m just getting around to showing some photos from personal sessions this year because I’m finally getting more caught up with my client sessions. I have so many photos on this computer that just sit, sit, sit. I don’t edit my personal images very often and I’m committed to doing that more in 2012. I loved editing these pictures. Jill and Karen are so refreshing to be around. They’re the kindest, most accepting people and they laugh a lot. Izzy did such a great job looking straight into my camera lens the whole time, too. I wonder if she’ll grow to recognize her Auntie Mandy when I’m NOT holding a camera in front of my face. She’s so cute that every time I’m around her (which sadly, isn’t often because our two families have just been so busy this year!), I can’t help but take a ton of pictures. Anyway, my dear SIL … I miss you and need to see you more often. This disc has been ready for you and I can’t wait to make the transfer (your disc for the second book in the Hunger Games series). And schedule our (annual) SIL Craft Day for your bday. And watch Edward and Bella get married. And celebrate your beautiful daughter’s first birthday. Pull out your calendar. We’ve gotta make some dates. Much love to you!

by Mandy McMahan

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