I’ve always thrived from encouraging others to pursue their passion, whether that’s photography, making jewelry, writing a novel… I feel like we are the best versions of ourselves when we’re doing exactly what we were created to do in the world.

Sonja is, first and foremost, my dear friend and secondly, she’s been interning for me since the beginning of January and I cannot tell you what a blessing she has been, both personally and professionally. So on a sunny day last month, we took the opportunity to capture some headshots that she can use as she builds her business and her brand. She is so talented and I have been blown away by how much her eye and “voice” has developed in just the last few weeks. She has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know and she is most definitely one to watch… Check out her website to get to know her and her photography a little better. You will fall in love with her.

What a wonderful session this turned out to be. For Becca, turning 15 is a big deal—which it is! Hello, driver’s permit!—so to celebrate the occasion, Becca’s mom reached out to me about doing a photoshoot for Becca’s Quinceañera. I absolutely love doing portrait shoots like these, so of course, I was totally on board! Becca did the whole nine yards, too. Hair and makeup like a movie star by the amazing Shyn, three awesome outfits, and tons of shooting time! Thanks to Becca’s mom, Orfa, and her Aunt Gaby, for tagging along for moral support (and tons of laughs). Also a huge thank you to my girl, Sonja, for rockin’ the reflector and carrying my magic stool.

Jason is an aspiring model and I was so excited when he contacted me about doing some updated headshots for his portfolio. Every once in a while, it’s nice to do something different, a change of pace. This was such a refreshing shoot for me, I really hope to do more things like this in 2012. Thanks, Jason, for a great afternoon! Your face is money.

Seattle, WA.

Funny story… So I met the talented Canadian photographer, Anastasia, in San Francisco at the VSCO Workshop and I remember thinking, That girl has the cutest laughing nose-crinkles I’ve ever seen… A few weeks went by, we’d been home for a while, and I received a message from Anastasia about doing a session with her while she was visiting her best friend, Carla, in Seattle. She was hoping for some new headshots and for some fun photos of her and her BFF. What I couldn’t know was how hilarious our time together would be! Anastasia+Carla have a friendship that goes beyond being friends. It’s a kinship, a bond, and a chemistry that transcends even our own understanding. And I don’t mean to get existential on you, but I have a friendship like the one they share with my best friend Stephanie and I totally get it… There are some people that bring out a side of yourself that no one else can. And the joy that comes from these one-in-a-kabillion relationships should never be taken for granted. Who said sessions are just for people in love? Well, these two are obviously in love, but we won’t go that far… even though we secretly want to… (We ALL know they’d make an adorable couple if they weren’t both already married to men and blissfully happy!)

Anastasia+Carla, we can do a shoot together any time! In fact, I am counting on it!

PS. For instant laughing fits, download the Auto Tune App, which is what Carla was playing on her phone. Try it out… It’s pretty hilarious.

San Francisco, CA.

We just flew in about 30 minutes ago. I am wiped. But really excited about the next few weeks and the amazing experience I had at the Visual Supply Company workshop. More to come.

Pasadena, CA.

Kristen Marie is one of my favorite Seattle photographers and has become a wonderful friend of mine. I was lucky enough to join her in California to assist on a gorgeous wedding there (I haven’t blogged it yet, but I will). The day before the wedding, we walked around the city of Pasadena and took some photos. Check out her work. It’s beautiful.

Jamie is my first Senior of the year. What a sweet heart and genuine soul. I think most of us, at some point during our childhood, wanted to grow up to be veterinarians or a marine biologists who trains dolphins. Well, Jamie has a passion for animals like no other and is actually going to study zoology when she goes to college. To be a zookeeper! How cool is that?!

We had so much fun together. Jamie was up for whatever I asked her to do, even hiking through the woods in flip flops. I think her Senior portraits turned out pretty awesome. Be sure to leave her some love below.

If you’re interested in booking a Senior Portrait session, please contact me asap. I have a very limited number of bookings for April and May, especially since I’m leaving for Haiti soon. So get to it! Email me at info@carlybish.com with the subject “Senior Photos” in the subject line.

CLICK IMAGE TO SEE LARGE.

I hated my senior photos. I regret going to a well-known conglomerate studio that charged a hideous amount of money for a very small return. Really? Twelve wallets and a really awkward photo of me leaning against a fake tree for just under $500? Sheesh… Please don’t make the same mistake I did. Seek out photos that you’ll love. If that happens to be photos from me, then I couldn’t be more thrilled! But no matter who you go to, just be sure about what you’re getting.

I’m booking a very, very limited number of Seniors this year, so if you want a piece of this action, jump on it asap! Email me at info@carlybish.com with the subject “SENIOR SHOOT” to book your date. Let’s make some photo magic!

I was never really “popular” in school. I had friends of all genres, a few here, a few there. But I can count on one hand the number of people who have the title of “best” and most of them, I’ve known for more than a decade. Stephanie and I were best friends in elementary school. In junior high, there was some distance and a simple “hey” when we passed each other in the hallways. We reunited in high school and it was like distance had never been an issue. We’ve spent a lot more time together and after all the time apart while I was in Tennessee, I have savored every moment of time with her.

She always made me feel like I was somebody important. And that’s what a true friend does.

“You meet people who forget you. You forget people you meet. But sometimes you meet those people you can’t forget. Those are your ‘friends.’” – Anonymous