This season was loaded with fun holiday family sessions. I did more this season than I’ve ever done and I’m now finishing up the ones I did in October and November. The Lundins are a fun family with two little girls that will, quite literally, have you in stitches. With young Iris’ “Cindy-Lou Who” hair-do and her big sister Olive spouting facts about what constitutes a mammal and what doesn’t… Well, you can imagine. Thanks to Dave+Jaymee for a laid back afternoon in their home and strolling their neighborhood. I hope we can do it again next year!

PS. This is the first post I’ve ever done completely in black and white. I was in a mood.

Seattle, WA.

“Love me some Lunnys.”

That was just one comment on a teaser photo I posted on Facebook just after my session with these three last month. Most other comments had something to do with David’s beard, which he recently decided to grow out, completely non-Movember related. I just think it’s amazing.

Lisa, David, and Abby are sweet, gentle spirits. David and Lisa play on the worship team at EastLake and David is a such a talented musician. I was thrilled to shoot their family photos this year and their willingness to walk around my neighborhood, in spite of the pitter-patter, made it a really laid back Friday afternoon.

Sammamish, WA.

The Tinneas are a remarkable family. And I’m not just saying that. No need for details because you can just take my word for it.

Ryan, Katie, and little Kennedy were a joy to spend the afternoon with… Obvs.

Long Beach, CA.

This session took place during my visit to California last month. I have a lot of family members in Long Beach so Stacy, my cousin, was really excited to schedule a session with me. It’s been 12 years since my last visit to California, so it made it that much more special. The last time I visited, Stacy and Eric were newly engaged and I was attending her bridal shower. Back then, I wanted to be a musician and I played my guitar for everyone at her party… So embarrassing to look back on…

But the session couldn’t have come at a better moment, as Stacy+Eric are preparing to adopt their second child. Oliver, their son, is wild, rambunctious, and full of dimply smiles. I could have photographed him all day.

If you’re not a dog lover or even a “dog person”, you’re really missing out on a lot of love. The purest kind.

These photos were taken a couple days after my sister’s family found out sweet “Rudy”, the dog she’s had since college and the “man in her life” before she was ever married or a mother, was diagnosed with bone cancer. Yesterday, he went home and we all miss him so much already. He was a comedian and a sweet soul. My family has been in the “animal business” for nearly two decades, so we’ve never really taken our pets for granted. We’ve owned and loved some of the greatest dogs to ever walk the earth. I hate it when people roll their eyes at someone who mourns the death of their dog. They just don’t get it, so I feel bad for them. Because dogs like “Rudy” gave love every single day of his life without fail. How many of us can say that about our own lives? Trust me—No one can.

Green Lake, Seattle.

Really excited to be sharing this family with you today. They are near and dear to my heart. Ryan and I have been friends for a very long time and I’ve really loved seeing his family grow. Although I don’t get to see them as much as I wish since they now live in New York (hopefully for not too much longer). During their visit a few weeks ago, we went adventuring in Green Lake and not once did anyone complain about the rain. Family time is always beautiful, rain or shine. By the way, it was amazing to hang out with Michal, the two-year-old you see above, who is a full six inches taller than my 3 1/2 year old niece. Ryan is 6 foot, 9 inches and his wife, Sarah, is 5 foot, 10 inches. Tall people rule.

And here’s just a tidbit to keep you satisfied until I can get up a beastly post. This was my Christmas present to my sister—a photo session with my mom and niece, who are BFFs. My sister totally cried…

To watch the entire slideshow, click HERE.

This family is amazing. They hail from California but are adjusting to life here in the Pacific Northwest beautifully. They embraced the cold that morning like an old friend and trusted me completely. For me, that’s the biggest compliment a client can give. Their trust. And even though we had to make a quick trip back to their house to change our wet socks, they were still ready for a second venture outside for a bit more photo making action. Needless to say, this family is awesome.

Shelly, Ted, Emma, and Will—you’re winners in my book.

I’ve still got room this month for holiday sessions. Email info@carlybish.com if you’d like to take a spot. Do it… You know you want to.