Paris, to think about the word evokes images of romance, art and culture.  You’re surrounded by it on the streets and in the cafes.  There is a river that winds through Paris, the Seine.  It reminds us all to take it slow, take a breath, look around and be inspired.

In Paris you can see the beginning of the modern world as narrow medieval alleyways open up into modern boulevards that allow for travel and communication.

On one specific road you will come across the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris.  This was the first free school for the Deaf founded by Charles-Michel de I’Epee in the 18^th century.  Charles-Michel de I’Epee, was also the first person to systematize sign language, this is why all sign language derives from French Sign Language.

Walking through the city you will find well-manicured parks filled with statues, shade trees and a place to sit and watch clouds that resemble large puffs of cotton float through a crystal blue sky.

Some Like Culture.

Some Like Romance

Some Like Parks.

Some Like It Shot.

Erin called us about senior portraits just a couple weeks ago, hoping it wasn’t too late, wanting photos that had Seattle in them. We met her and discussed the things she loves; she’s a Seattle coffee connoisseur and overall she just enjoys hanging out enjoying life. Well, for Seattle photos and a cute cafe we figured we would head to West Seattle first.

We’re not really the type who like to show up at a cafe unannounced – that can turned out to be a disaster and well it’s rude to do that, so we before the shoot stopped by a Cafe/Record Store called Easy Street Records to ask for permission. They were super cool about us taking Erin’s photos there with some coffee and all the great band posters/artwork around. HUGE thank you to the barist-o for being so welcoming!!

When Erin & her dad arrived I’m pretty sure the location was love at first sight. She kind of forgot to mention that she is a music fanatic with records all around her room!! :) I suppose it was meant to be!! We took photos with the delicious mocha, special made with a fancy design for her, and we even went upstairs to take photos with some vinyl afterward. Not going to lie, she really shocked us with her music selection & earned a few bonus points for being extra cool as she picked out a few favorites like Pat Benatar, local legend Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, The Beatles and a few more. Downstairs she loved the bands whose posters were plastered all over the walls.

It was hard to leave the record shop, it turned out to be so perfect! We headed to Alki Beach afterward for the sunset photos Erin was hoping for. Along the way we stopped briefly at a park for some photos with flowers and trees, and found this nature-made fort at the bottom of a group of trees.

We went to Alki just a couple blocks away – it was packed with people since it was such a nice day! The first weekends of really warm sun lured everyone out of the house too but we eventually found a parking space and went to the beach to get sunset & Seattle photos. We lucked out with a blue & orange sunset… Auburn Mountainview H.S. Colors!

We took quite a few photos at Alki overlooking the cityscape of Seattle! The weather was perfect, the locations were better than we even imagined and of course Erin is Awesome! We ended the evening in downtown for a little bonus …as you can see from the very first photo it was worth the drive! Congrats again Erin!!!

Some like mochas

Some like music

Some Like It Shot

Thank for this photo Ken Poore! & Thanks to Boomer for posing with us

This year’s spring pet mini charity theme at Tiki Tails Grooming Salon was Flowers & Fur! After a bit of brainstorming and wishing I could be outside in a real flower field (but concluding that the weather is just not consistent enough to do that here) I decided to make my own flowery backdrop. It took a lot longer than I expected to create considering it was just fake flowers hot glued onto a card board background. I selected flower colors that seemed bright and sunny all in warmer tones, and I felt that even the boys looked great with it.

how it all started

We photographed 12 mini photo session just 15 minutes each pet, 22 pets total and donated $120 the Auburn Valley Humane Society. Not only were there doggy friends photographed this time but also a couple kitties came to play!

A couple weeks later we had a booth at the popular Auburn’s Pet Palooza. We did the sunny day dance for about a week but it didn’t really work for us. Fortunately it wasn’t as bad as the weather man predicted, we got our tent and table up with time to spare before the 30 minute downpour which ended and never came back.  It was so impressive the number of people who came with their pets and said hello. I even got to meet some online fans who we have virtually known for almost 7 years, finally meeting in person.

Thanks Ken Poore & Carol Bond for the photos with your Boston babies!

At Pet Palooza we had two fun interactive activities happening and from 9am – 5pm it was a constant flow of great conversation, adorable puppies, happy dogs and genuine dog crazy people like ourselves. As they visited guests used a raffle ticket to vote for their favorite Flower & Fur Doggy Model. Congrats to Tannion the Husky for being selected top Doggy Model, winning a free 16×20″ metallic print and Tinkerbell the Pomeranian for coming in 2nd winning a free 8×10″ metallic print.

After we got home and tallied the votes we drew the name of the lucky winner of a free pet photo session…and Courtney S. was our lucky winner. We met with Courtney for their consultation 2 days later and soon will be photographing their dog Ty and rabbit Bunny with the beautiful spring flowers…real flowers are the best! Huge thank you to everyone who came to our photoshoot and who visited us at Pet Palooza!! So nice to meet you all and hear stories about your pets – it made us giggle when people asked if we could photograph their 6 dogs, 2 goats or those who thought a cat would be impossible only to see the 70 some cats we photographed for the humane society. We find a way to make it happen. Sometimes it takes a little longer, and definitely not all pets are perfect candidates for 15 min minis at a doggy salon but with private pet photo sessions we do find a way.

Some Like Dogs

Some Like Cats

Some Like It Shot

We started out the evening with a little pampering & a make-over by our stylist, Lacey, from Blushing Babes. Giggling happens when you least expect it…and often during the important lip lining. I try to leave the room during lips, so I don’t cause chaos and ‘The Joker’ looking lipstick application due to laughing or talking.

For a more sentimental prop, Ravishing Rose brought a hand made mirror that she herself prepared for the photoshoot..multitalented lovely lady indeed!! She looked in the mirror to see Lacey’s magic and we were all in smiles at the stunning Hollywood starlet she became with finger-waves and pin up perfect make-up.

Again we decided to add a little bit of sentiment to the session, she brought her bridal shower dress as one of her outfit options.

The dress with its rhinestones matched perfect with our creamy couch.

We decided to do a little Old Hollywood/Boudoir combo with a Chiffon Robe and lace gown.

Originally we were going to stick with all black and white photos but the colors were so impressive with her hair and skin tone that we decided to keep some color.

The last outfit she chose from our wardrobe was a Marilyn style halter. Although, not as Old Hollywood Glam as most 40′s/50′s shots, we decided veer a little toward a Marilyn look. We’re sure you recognized the wind blown Marilyn look in the beginning, but incase you’re not as familiar Marilyn did a series with a rug once too. So, Ravishing Rose channeled Marilyn for us.

The last outfit was a complete surprise, typically we don’t photograph so many outfits but we were in need of someone to photograph in front of our new flower background and we had this gorgeous mermaid style dress with gems just waiting for someone to wear it for photos. It didn’t take long for her to answer that she would model for us for a fun one that was a lot less Old Hollywood and a lot more Cheesecake style.

…and here is her bonus video to “Love Of My Life’

Some like to get make-overs

Some like to channel Marilyn

Some Like It Shot

SOME LIKE IT SHOT SCHEDULE:

•FRIDAY, SEPT. 20th LOS ANGELES, CA (Cancelled location due to lack of interest)

•FRIDAY, SEPT. 20th ORANGE COUNTY, CA (1 Private Photo Shoots Available morning)

•SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st ORANGE COUNTY, CA (SOLD OUT)

•SUNDAY, SEPT. 22nd ORANGE COUNTY, CA (SOLD OUT)

•MONDAY, SEPT. 23rd NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO “COWGIRL PIN UP PHOTO DAY” (3 Cowgirl Pin Up Shoots Available)

•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th SAN DIEGO, CA (SOLD OUT)

•WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25th SAN DIEGO, CA (1 Private Photo Shoots Available (morning)

•THURSDAY, SEPT. 26th SAN DIEGO, CA (1 Private Photo Shoot Available (morning)

•FRIDAY, SEPT. 27th SAN DIEGO, CA (1 Private Photo Shoots Available – mid day)

•SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th SAN DIEGO, CA “HOME-MAKER & HOLIDAY CARD ARTWORK PIN UP DAY” (SOLD OUT)

PHOTO SHOOT DESCRIPTIONS:

Private Photo Shoots: Men, Women, Couples, Children, Families, Maternity, Baby, Boudoir, Pin Up, Etc

$100 Non-Refundable Deposit To Reserve Date/Time + $100 Due At Photo Shoot

Sessions Includes:

• Session consultation via Skype/FaceTime/Phone to discuss location & ideas, plan outfits, and view product options.
• Sessions take place at the location of your choice; home, park, beach etc
• 1-2 hours of photography
• 1-2 outfits welcome during that time
• Pets welcome
• A copyright protected online client proofing gallery to review 50+ unedited images to order from for 6 months after your session. **All forms of images (prints, discs, downloads, special orders) are purchased separately** Prices & Options can be found in our BOUTIQUE
• 3-4 edited web size preview images with our copyright logo, in a blog, that you are welcome to share if you do not crop or alter the images.
• Add professional hair & make-up styling for $100/per person *required for pin up

CowGirl Pin Up Photo Day

$100 Non-Refundable Deposit To Reserve Date/Time + $100 Due At Photo Shoot

Sessions Includes:

• Session consultation via Skype/FaceTime/Phone to discuss location & ideas, plan outfits, and view product options.
• Sessions take place at a N. San Diego location TBA to Paid Clients
• Professional Pin Up Hair & Make-up Styling Is Included
• Some cowgirl wardrobe & prop options available
• 1.5 hour of photography
• 2 outfits welcome during that time
• 1-2 Pets welcome for a few photos at the end of your shoot, but someone is required to bring your pet just for that time frame – pets are not welcome to hang out all day with you (sorry, you can have them the entire time if you want to book a private pin up session a different day but on group days we try to keep the area as calm and spacious as possible to create comfort for you … this day is all about you :) stress free and feeling good)
• A copyright protected online client proofing gallery to review 50+ unedited images to order from for 6 months after your session. **All forms of images (prints, discs, downloads, special orders) are purchased separately** Prices & Options can be found in our BOUTIQUE
• 1-2 edited web size preview images with our copyright logo, in a blog, that you are welcome to share if you do not crop or alter the images.
• **Back-To-Back Sessions with a friends means you can do a couple friend photos together in between your sessions.

Home-Maker & Holiday Card Artwork Pin Up Day

$100 Non-Refundable Deposit To Reserve Date/Time + $180 Due At Photo Shoot

Sessions Includes:

• Session consultation via Skype/FaceTime/Phone to discuss location & ideas, plan outfits, and view product options.
• Sessions take place at a San Diego location TBA to Paid Clients
• Professional Pin Up Hair & Make-up Styling Is Included
• Some cute cheesecake wardrobe & prop options available
• 1.5 hour of photography 1 Hour of Home Maker Photos (think vintage kitchen and living room) & 30 Min with focus on creating our very popular Holiday Card Artwork.
• During Your 30 Min Artwork Session Pets, Spouse &/Or Children Are Welcome.. ALL Involved must be dressed vintage for the shoot from head to toe. Our Stylists are able to accommodate styling but it is an additional cost depending on age – hair length etc. We do not have many outfits available for them but we can help you get creative on a budget. If you plan to bring pets/family they are only to come for the half hour they are being photographed & are not welcome to hang out all day with you (sorry, you can have them the entire time if you want to book a private pin up session a different day but on group days we try to keep the area as calm and spacious as possible to create comfort for you … this day is all about you, stress free and feeling good).
• IF you’re not interested in Holiday Artwork that is fine :) You have the option of doing something more random or for an additional $50 we can make the artwork portion be a creative Body Paint session!!
• 2 outfits for you welcome during that time= 1 HomeMaker + 1 Holiday
• A copyright protected online client proofing gallery to review 50+ unedited images from the homemaker shoot to order from for 6 months after your session.  **All forms of images (prints, discs, downloads, special orders) are purchased separately** Prices & Options can be found in our BOUTIQUE
• Your Holiday Card Custom Composite Artwork Image Will Be Available At The End Of November you will receive a web size preview images with our copyright logo of your artwork, that you are welcome to share if you do not crop or alter the images. *We’ll keep it a secret until you have shared it
• 1-2 edited web size preview images with our copyright logo, in a blog, that you are welcome to share if you do not crop or alter the images.
• **Back-To-Back Sessions with a friends means you can do a couple friend photos together inbetween your sessions.

MAKE YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT & RESERVE YOUR PHOTO SHOOT

SEE YOU SOON!!! ~Alisha

Who’s ready to be photographed with some Classic Cars and a beautiful waterfront view? No Experience Necessary but spots are limited so don’t wait too long to reserve your spot.

$100 Deposit To Reserve + $150 Due At/Before The Shoot

• In person consultation included for free with deposit (in Auburn/Federal Way) to discuss/view/try on outfits, talk about hair styling and view order options.
• Professional Hair & Make-up PinUp Styling Included On Site (1 Style)
• An All Day Photoshoot at private waterfront Hood Canal location with 3 classic cars, 1 truck, a camper and the beach, all in the same day.
• We will help coach you into poses
• 4 different outfits total per person - Some SLIS wardrobe options available
• Includes lunch On Site at the private waterfront property
• Includes 1 edited Print & Web Size image & If You Reserve Your Spot Before June 1st You Also Receive A FREE 16×20″ Metallic Print of the same image (your choice)
• An online proofing gallery for 6 months with 100+ images for ordering ***all images are a separate purchase, to view prices please visit our BOUTIQUE

*IF YOU’RE READY, PAY WITH THE PAY NOW BUTTON & COMPLETE THE SIGN UP FORM … MORE DETAILS & SOME PHOTOS OF THE CARS ARE BELOW

More Details/Here’s How It Works:

After you complete the Form & Pay your Deposit to reserve your spot we will email you shortly to get started with planning for your perfect pin up session. YOUR DEPOSIT IS THE ONLY WAY TO RESERVE A SPOT – 1st COME 1st SERVE.

1. We will set up a day in next week for you to come over (Auburn/Federal Way) and review any outfits you currently have, try on outfits/accessories we have to reserve them for the day if you want (1st come 1st serve), look at products that will be in your online proofing gallery and discuss the type of hair style that you would like to go with your outfits.
2. After the Consultation & Before the Photoshoot you will gather any additional outfits, accessories etc and will receive a little guide to help you get ready for the photoshoot.
3. The morning of the photoshoot you can meet us in Auburn/Federal Way (or add on in Tacoma) and follow us to the Hood Canal private waterfront property… I imagine we may be able to figure out carpooling as well if needed **this is why it is extra fun if you have a friend participating.
4. You will be pin up pampered with hair & make-up done at the photoshoot site by one of our fabulous stylists.
5. You will rotate with a small group of ladies (2-3) to 4 different photo sets/stations, each with their own cool cars or background. In between the 4 sets you will change outfits. This is an all day photoshoot, you’ll feel like a super model by the time we’re done! :)
6. After your 2nd set we will provide a lunch and ladies picnic…How often do you get to picnic with a bunch of gorgeous pin ups all dressed in vintage clothes?! Fun!
7. The last set is geared toward classic pin up style beach photos … and we are hoping for a nice sunset with low tide. We have some vintage swimsuit options.
8. That’s a wrap!! :) Afterward we will all go home and hopefully soak in a nice hot bath!
9. In the 2 weeks following we will post everyone’s individual online galleries. You will receive a special email with a link & information when your specific gallery is ready. Galleries have the option to be locked with a password so only you can see the photos. These images are not yet edited. All images are a separate cost from the fee to participate – buy as much or little as you would like. Ordered images from the gallery are edited so that you look absolutely stunning – blemishes, color correction, shaping is all included with the price of an ordered image. For prices of our images please visit the BOUTIQUE - we have bonus perks for larger orders too.
10. You get 1 Free image in Printable Size without our logo for personal printing &  WEB size with our copyright logo along the bottom (cannot be cropped or altered) so you can see what our editing looks like & share it with your friends online. The image is your choice from your online photo gallery.
11. **If you reserved your spot before June 1st 2013 you will also receive a 16×20″Metallic Print of the image you chose for your Free Web size…these are pricey & dangerous to mail so we ask that you pick them up in Auburn/Federal Way.

THINGS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF:

• No guests are allowed at our big photo days. Nobody except; paid participants, photographers, photographer assistants, make-up artists, and car/property owners are welcome to stay during the photoshoot — you are welcome to have someone drop you off & make sure it is really us but I assure you & can provide hundreds of references that this is a professional environment you will be a part of. (In our many years of experiences, even the nicest guests can make a stranger feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. Since there will be multiple clients photographed at the same time; no spouses, friends, etc are allowed on the property during the photoshoot.
• This is an 18+ event … if you are 16/17 we may be able to discuss parental permission etc but your entire group must be 16/17 & our approach to posing and styling/outfits will be non provocative.
• This is an alcohol & drug free event before & during. Have fun after, just not on the property :) If you mussttttt smoke a cigarette there will be an area for you during lunch break but all butts must be picked up and smoking is not allowed while wearing SLIS wardrobe.
• One pet is welcome to be photographed with you at 1 of the 4 sets. This will require prior permission, so please give us a heads up. You must have a friend bring your pet and take them after their 1 hour of photographs. Your pet must be friendly, in control (on leash) and your friend will be responsible for cleaning up after them. (YAY!!! I Hope We Get Someone To Bring Their Pet!!)
• We allow edited images to be submitted to select magazines with our permission. Images must be edited/purchased for submission – if you want us to submit your images you must sign a model release.

EXCITED YET!?!??!?! WE ARE!!!!! :D

MEET THE CARS/TRUCK/CAMPER Here are some photos of the lovely classics you’ll be photographed with…

The Galaxie – Classic Red

The Convertible MG – White Mirage Color (purplish/blue tint)

The Classic Red Chevy – Yes, Twilight Fans … The Kind From The Book.

The  VW

The cute vintage camper

The Chevelle

We started the day with a ride on the Seattle Monorail from Westlake Center to the Seattle Center and back. It is quite a sight riding into the curves of the Experience Music Project.

The vibrant pink was a gorgeous contrast to the baby blue and blue skies as we waited for our monorail ride back. It was Holland and Nick, our cousin’s, first time on the monorail – they enjoyed the short ride. So now that can be checked off our WA Bucket List.

After some discussion about what to do next we all realized none of us had been on the new ferris wheel that was established on the waterfront last summer, so we decided to check another item off the bucket list while we were playing downtown. The Great Wheel!

The Great Wheel viewed from the Pike Place Market looks large but when you get up close it is enormous!

I’m posting this photo for a random stranger :) our cameras can sometimes catch the attention of people passing by. I don’t typically do this, but she was so happy to be in that moment I wanted to give her this keepsake.

At this point in the day the sun was starting to set and the winds came out in full force. It was immediately winter again as soon as the wind started. We could see clouds of rain being dumped in the Puget Sound and were hoping it wouldn’t come our way. We headed to Minor’s Landing at Pier 57 and got ready for the ride.

We weren’t sure if paying $13 a person to go around was going to be worth it, and let me tell you … it definitely was!! You make 4 trips around at a reasonable pace, great for photo taking and there are some fabulous views that change with each rotation as different ferries and boats pass by or clouds move exposing and covering the sun! It is heated and fully enclosed so we enjoyed a little escape from the weather as well.

The Great Wheel offers an up close and personal view of the Seattle Space Needle once you reach the peak of the rotation. If you aren’t friendly with heights…don’t look down!

We had to imaging the Olympic Mountain Range as we looked West into the layers of clouds. Even without seeing the mountains the view of the Sound and Elliot Bay was serene and beautiful. We were all sad when the ride ended, and were hoping they’d accidentally forget to make us get out so we could enjoy another few rotations.

After the ride we decided to check out the arcade at the Historic Minor’s Landing. Typically this place is for little kids, but there seemed to be more “big kids” there playing than young ones! Holland had a good run on the Galactica for a few minutes.

We were on our way back to the lightrail when I asked if they had ever been to the Gum Wall. They had, hundreds of times since both cousins worked at a restaurant downtown before so we decided to take a backroad and see the Gum Wall.

Good times and great memories Melissa and Nick. The last time both Holland and I saw them was when we flew up and photographed their beautiful Olympic Rainforest wedding a few years ago. We’re so happy to be back and able to spend time with our family again.

I can now check off the Pike Place Gum Wall √ from our WA Bucket List! From what they said it has tripled in size over the past year. There were a lot of creative concepts infused in the gum…some with sculpting and others with humor.

We loved the bright colors, and gum-cicles hanging from the window. None of us would touch the gum…can’t even imagine the germs hanging around (literally) but it was a fun place to visit. Not as romantic as Paris’ locks of love but definitely something unique and personalized from visitors.

Some like the monorail rides

Some like ferris wheel rides

Some Like It Shot

• Date: SATURDAY, April 27th 2013
• Time: By Pre-Paid Reserved Appointment Only (9a-3p)
• Location: www.TikiTailsDogSalon.com Auburn, WA 98001
• Cost: $30 Non-Refundable Registration Fee for 1 dog, $40 for 2 dogs
  • Dogs of all sizes welcome, please email about other animals – No Humans
  • Spring Flower Mini includes a 15 min. photo shoot with our bright spring flower theme backdrop and some flowery prop options.
  • Spring Flower Mini includes 1 WEB size digital image (your choice) posted on Facebook for you to save and share (with our logo, not to be cropped or altered.)
  • An online proofing gallery is available for orders for 6 months – ordering additional prints/gifts/downloads is optional as much as you’d like.
  • For each mini booked we will donate $10 to the Auburn Valley Humane Society
  • One lucky mini will win a FREE 16×20″ metallic paper print…this is a fun non-competitive contest, we will have a photo from each mini posted at our PetPalooza booth May 18th at Auburn Game Farm Park. Attendees will vote for their favorite image and which ever mini has the most votes wins a 16×20″ print.

Your Non-Refundable Payment Reserves Your Pet’s Spot. 1. select the number of pets (1 or 2) and then click the BUY NOW button to complete the transaction. 2. Once you have paid please complete the Sign Up Form below.

For St. Patrick’s Day in Seattle we decided nothing would be more fun than to go to the annual Irish Heritage Festival held at the Seattle Center, in what they now call The Armory aka The Center House. So we dressed in our best green outfits, hopped on the Light Rail to Westlake Center and rode the Monorail to the Seattle Center ready to enjoy the festivities. The first sight you see off the monorail is the undercarriage of the Space Needle…as my cousin pointed out, ‘it looks an awful lot like a mushroom’.

As we browsed the venders’ Irish themed goodies, the room was filled with the sounds of the Carrigaline Celtic Band while the leanai & paisti  (children) danced about care-free and uninhibited in front of the stage.

They were followed by the Seattle Police Pipes & Drums. Their strong sound drew in the attention of all ages. Kids in the front row enjoyed the bag pipes and drums, with fingers in ears and smiles gleaming. We were in the back and if our eyes were closed we would never have known. The band was a surprise for us, we thought a dance group was next so  it was an extra special treat.

The energy of the room changed as they hyped everyone up.

The activities also included Irish heritage and genealogy studies. Both Holland and I have some Irish descendants, and with the last name McGraw we are often asked if we’re Scottish but according to his family history the McGraw clan is from Ireland. We still have McGraw/Holland family members who live in Ireland and we certainly do hope to visit one day!

Finally on stage were the Comerford Irish Dancers we came to see. Ringlets, ruffles and fancy foot work galore.

They had several Western Region Champion Irish Dancers performing and representing their age division, boys and girls.

Not a sight you see too often, identical twins  performing Irish Dance together.

All of the audience was mesmerized by the footwork, rhythmic sounds and curls bobbing while Irish music played.

The Comerford dancers performed several pieces; large group, small group, dou and individual with performers ranging from semi pro champion to brand new beginning students.

Kids appreciating kids sharing their talents on stage is always a memorable sight. One of the solo performers just had his first lesson this winter. Pretty impressive!

I didn’t realize that I have extended family who were competitive Irish Dancers in their youth, such a small world. I wonder who else I know has secret hidden talents.

We have more photos of the Seattle feis dancers, bands and waterfront if you’d like to see, prints may be purchased for anyone interested… CLICK HERE

Outside were some equally entertaining sights and sounds. How often have you seen a green faced man on stilts, wearing a kilt, playing the soundtrack for Star Wars on his bag pipes infront of a DeLorean? It was my first time and I must say it was fun! I actually didn’t realize that the DeLorean was created by an Irish inventor, and that reminds me…only 2 more years until we are Back To The Future!

The daffodils around the center were in full bloom. This flower caught my attention, it was just asking to be photographed. I leave you with another Irish saying “For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day”. 

Some like Irish bagpipes

Some like Irish dance

Some Like It Shot

One of the 1st things on my WA State Bucket List was to visit Forks, WA & La Push in the Quileute Nation again. As a child I frequented both in summers as a happy camper passing by or stopping for lunch. Things have definitely changed.

I met Jessie, also a Twi Fan, a few years ago in San Diego when we were hired to photograph her engagement photos while her fiancé was stationed there – even added a little vampire love to one of the extra photos since she wore her UW shirt.

We also photographed their wedding in Wisconsin before her husband was stationed in WA with the Navy. She has become such a great friend of mine, her family is practically our family now too so I was excited about living near them once we got news of our move up north. :) Together we planned for our January girls day. I picked her up from the ferry and we headed west. We stopped briefly by Lake Crescent in the foggy morning to grab a snap shot and allow a tailgater to pass on this two lane road trip. Let’s just say it’s a bad idea to tailgate a photographer, looking only at the road is practically impossible.

We barely arrived in Forks in time for our 11AM “Team Forks” Twilight Tour. We knew it was the off season and in the summer tours are led by Twilight look-alikes. This wasn’t going to be the case, they were making a special tour day just for us (they have them year round on most days). The guide worked at the gift shop for some time, but our tour would be his very first Twilight Tour of Forks.

We realized pretty quickly that you can’t be the shy type riding in a van like this. The entire town knew who we were and why we were there – dead give away. At stops people did gawk for sure, there were just the two of us riding alone in that big bus, making stops and drive-by photo snaps. I grabbed a drive-by glimpse of the Outfitters where Twilight’s Mike & Bella worked …corporate stores weren’t as happy to be part of the tour I assume because we didn’t stop and they weren’t mentioned.

Our 1st stop was visiting the truck Bella got from her dad (purchased from Billy & Jacob Black). Forks had a tourist info area where they were perfectly displayed. The book version…

And the movie version:

2nd stop was at the Swan House where Charlie would have lived. I didn’t realize that there was actual real-estate research done in the making of the books. So the houses that were described were actual houses in Forks.

We drove by the Forks hospital where Dr. Carlisle Cullen worked and around the back there it was! His office and designated parking spot.

We took a momentary detour looking for a locally popular herd of deer to photograph but we were minutes late, they were into the forest already for the day. So, our next stop was the famous Forks welcome sign. Team Forks brought cardboard characters for us to play with at our stops.

We stopped at the Police Department, and looked at their little indoor Twilight display before heading out to the Forks police car that Bella’s dad Charlie drove.

Just down the street was the Cullen’s house, the book description, not the movie. It wasn’t as elaborate or hidden far in the forest as either suggested but rather just a couple blocks from the main street. It was a cute Twilight tribute. I especially liked their lawn ornament castle (it was in the video) and if you looked in the windows there were surprises and memorabilia. Including a collage of graduation caps on display.

The main drag had stores that were trickled with Twilight goodies and I am sure during the summer, tourist season, it is even more so than January. From what we heard the town has had some issues with fires in the past year or so. Fires that burned down some of the popular Twilight stores, as well as some fraud from out of town business owners promoting the Twilight fun in town but leaving before paying employees etc. I was sincerely sad for Forks. The town struggled horribly before Twilight, since logging was it’s original source of income and as that took a decline so did the economy. Twilight was such an amazing change, I followed the towns transformation during the height of it all and only hope that it will survive the drop in fans as well. As they say, support what you want to last – so we did.

Our last Forks stop before the end of the tour was at Forks High School, which happened to be in session so we couldn’t wander around campus photographing the lunch room etc.

Team Forks even offered us the opportunity to be photographed with their Prom Set Up, if only that shadow of Edward was real so we could dance the night away. Thanks Team Forks for a wonderful trip! Your mascot retriever was adorable!!

Once the tour was over we hopped in the car and asked ourselves, ‘La Push, Baby! You in?’ Of course!!! It was just a few miles away and a must see.

As we followed my GPS to the beach we were surprised with a bunch of Twilight attractions. The first of which was the Treaty Line!

We stopped at the cafe at the Treaty Line for a BITE to eat. Loved their menu!

The Vampire Shake was delicious (cherry) and the decor was all Twilight to our surprise.

Even had Cullen historical photos, like most restaurants show local history. This is Edward in his first car lol.

The Vampire Threat was Dangerously High so we were headed to La Push Beach in hopes of seeing some werewolves or vampires.

Along the road was this gem! Jacob Black’s house! You can stay there, it is a rental home. Seems like a fun idea to me.

As we arrived at the beach our first sight included a roaming werewolf..well sort of! There were strays roaming around the beach and town, it was interesting. Normally I am not one to like the idea of roaming canines – my 4 fur kids are indoor family members – but seeing them in this town was different. It made you wonder how real the legend was.

I know it looks like it was warm, but it was definitely not. Photo taking in the wind was on a time limit before rushing back into the car and away from the wind that slapped our faces.

I specifically wore this outfit for the day, not sure if you recognize some of it from the Twilight movie but this is the blue jacket (replica) Bella wears when her and Edward are in the forest and he reveals he is a vampire. The shirt is the one she wore when she was in the motel in Arizona being chased by James. Thanks to Aimee & Tisha, friends who have gifted me these lovely fashion statements. When I wore them to the movies some fans actually recognize them but besides that it is not an everyday realization.

The driftwood was as gorgeous as the books and movie suggested.

The clouds were being creative on a typical cold day with on and off rain.

It was easy to imagine Victoria swimming in the ocean or cliff diving teens from cliffs all around.

…or the bon fire day when the group of high school students just walking along the beach…and Bella and Jacob had their first conversation about the cold ones.

Jessie and I had a wonderful day, we thought about talking to the old man Black who was a local story teller you could sometimes see, but we needed to leave our Twilight paradise and head back to reality.

On our schedule was a quick dinner stop in Port Angeles, where Bella spent time shopping with the girls amongst other events, and of course having her first date with Edward at Bella Italia. (cell phone pic)

I was a nerd and ordered the mushroom ravioli, same dish as Bella of course. It was delicious!(cell phone pic)

Sometimes I wonder if any clients would consider doing a Twilight themed photoshoot with us now that we’re in the perfect state for one. (If so, do let me know!) While in CA I had a few requests to play around during sessions…even our stylist Tisha was a HUGE fan! She brought Edward with her to all of our shoots together…he protected us all.

If you’re a fan of the TV show “Switched At Birth” on ABC Family you’ll recognize this handsome vampire, Ryan Lane, at his modeling/headshot session. If only they included a Deaf vampire in the series I’m certain he would have got the role…something like the Twilight character, James.

Courtney was a high school senior and we happened to be in a meadow of wild flowers, too perfect to not have a sparkling smile.

I’ve also converted a pin up boudoir babe, Brittany, into a vampress of love from the infamous bedroom scene.

I even wondered how fun it might be to if I were part of the Denali Clan – until I saw them in the movie and well, they just looked too funky for me.

But perhaps my favorite was my good friend Aimee’s daughter, I like to call ReneseMaddie. Aimee had a son a year later and named him Carlisle!! Perfect!

If you follow our posts you know that we’ve attended Comic Con for 5 years now. In our Comic Con adventures I have had the chance to see the Twilight cast panel twice. Enjoy some Comic Con Twilight fun in this video with Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, Ashley Greene, Elizabeth Reaser, Julia Jones and Nikki Reed as well as The Hillywood Show Twilight Characters.

My last bit before I end the longest blog I’ve written, I don’t think most people know I was a big fan of Ashley Greene (Twilight’s Alice) as a Pin Up model long before she was cast in the movie. She modeled for one of our favorite brands of dresses “Stop Starring“, this photo is NOT ours but I wanted to show you why I especially love Ashley as a pin up aficionado myself…

Well, I am sure you think I am crazy at this point and I guess I accept that role in life, lol. You won’t find Twilight around my house, besides the books and a couple movies. I still love Twilight though, its characters and the Northwest. It would be dreamy to photograph any of the cast in an actual photoshoot, it is on my wish list. I leave you with this image from my 30th birthday, with Kiowa in 2010.

Some like vampires

Some like werewolves

Some Like It Shot