Mpix...My FAVORITE print lab | Seattle Newborn Photographer

As a photographer that provides digital images to her clients, I ALWAYS recommend one print lab...Mpix. Not only does Mpix offer quality prints, but they have some FABULOUS photo products.
I just ordered some calendars...what an AWESOME gift for the grandparents.

The best part is that you don't have to be a professional photographer to order from Mpix...yet they provide professional quality products and services, ordering is easy, and their turnaround is impressive.

So...wouldn't you just love to receive a $50 Promo Code to Mpix so you could order some great gifts or a beautiful Gallery Wrap?

To enter to win:

*Visit RSutherland Photography's Facebook page and "Share" the 2011 "Thank You/Holiday" Video Link. By Sharing the video you will be entered to win the Promo Code.  (The "Share" tab is where the like and comment tabs are...make sure that when you "Share" the video you post it to your wall and mark "Public", which can be found on the upper right side.  I can not see that the video has been shared if you have not clicked Public).

**Clients: Want an extra chance to win? Post your favorite image (from your session this year) to RSutherland Photography's wall OR post an image of how you have used your images (example Holiday Card, Birth Announcement or prints in your home). Clients will receive an extra entry for posting an image. Please use the low-resolution images I provided on your CD.

The video must be Shared and images must be posted by Thursday, December 15th 10:00pm (Eastern Time). The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on Friday, December 16th.

This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You MUST be 18 to participate. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items.

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Meccascarps Creations...My FAVORITE Handmade Boutique | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Ever wonder where I get all those adorable hats???  Meccascraps Creations!!! 

I have had the WONDERFUL privilege of working with Meccascraps Creations since I started offering Newborn Sessions.  We really have become "two peas in the pod."  I send her a vision and she ALWAYS creates something EVEN BETTER than I imagined.  

So...who wants a chance to win 75% off one of Meccascraps AMAZING hats?

Photographers...you will LOVE to have one of these in your hat collection.

Parents...winter is coming and an adorable hat for your little one will keep them warm and stylish through the cold months.

To enter to win a 75% coupon code to Meccascraps Creation:

1)  LIKE Meccascraps BabyEssentialsandMore Facebook page : 

      https://www.facebook.com/#!/meccaspeace    

Post a message and let her know RSutherland Photography sent you.

2)  For extra chances to win...anytime between now and Thursday, December 8th 10pm when I post an image with a newborn wearing a hat made by Meccascraps leave a COMMENT for that image.  For each comment posted you will receive another entry.

Likes/Comments must be received by 10pm on Thursday, December 8th. Winner will be announced on Friday, December 9th.  

Meccascarps Creations: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Meccascraps

  This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You MUST be 18 to participate. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. 

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

A few of my FAVORITE things...| Seattle Newborn Photographer

WOW...it is December!  Can you believe it???  The "holiday season" has been very BUSY for RSutherland Photography...I have had over 50 sessions in just the last 2 months.  How awesome is that!!!  More than 50 families that I have been able to provide portraits that they can cherish forever.  Unfortunately, my poor blog has suffered and I have not been able to update it and share these families...but I am working on a little project that will showcase 2011 and the wonderful people who have made this year so successful.

But with all this GREAT news comes some sad news...RSutherland Photography will be relocating in February 2012 to Seattle, Washington.  This move comes sooner than I had anticipated, but the military life is always full of surprises.  I would like to say that I have learned to "roll with it" but I do pout and cry a little along the way THEN after a few days/weeks I begin to appreciate the adventures our military life provides us. 

I will miss all the wonderful families that I have had the opportunity to work with...SO I am already planning a trip or two back to Hampton Roads to offer sessions.  What can I say I LOVE my clients!!!  And for those San Diego Clients/Fans...I will be even closer now :)

Since I have so much to celebrate and because the holidays are my FAVORITE time of year...I figured I would start December off by giving away a few of my FAVORITE things.  (More giveaways to come...so make sure and follow my blog.)

Let's begin with one of my FAVORITE drinks...a Skinny Vanilla Latte.

Dear Miss Latte...you help me get through the day when I have stayed up TOO late editing.  You give me the extra charge when I need to stay up late and edit.  And Miss Latte now that I am going to be living in Seattle we are going to be BEST FRIENDS because I am going to need you to keep me warm.

If you LOVE Starbucks...this giveaway is for you. 

To enter to win a $20 Starbucks gift card...Post your FAVORITE holiday tradition on RSutherland Photography's Facebook page.

All Entries will be given a number in the order they're posted.  I will use random.org to "draw" a number and the winner will receive a $20 Starbucks Gift Card.

Want to earn extra entries?  If you have family/friends in the Seattle Area send them my way.  Have them like RSutherland Photography and post on my Facebook page "Sent by (your Name)" and you will earn an extra entry for each referral. 


Entries/Post must be received by 10pm on Sunday, December 4th.  Winner will be announced on Monday, December 5th. 

 
This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Starbucks. You MUST be 18 to participate. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items.

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Miss E turns 1 | Seattle Baby Photographer

Miss E came to me for a special 1st Birthday session.  She had a great time smashing up her cake at my studio and then later we met at the beach for some outdoor shots with Daddy and Mommy.  What FUN!!! 

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

E Family | Seattle Family Photographer

I love the time I spent with this family.  These adorable boys, kept me on my toes with their bundle of energy...they were SO much fun!!!

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Adorable Mr. L | Seattle Newborn Photographer

This handsome little one made me work for the first couple of hours, BUT then he was "Easy Cheesy." 
I took advantage of this time and love the end results.

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Happy 1st Birthday Mr. D | Seattle Baby Photographer

I have had the opportunity to capture portraits of this adorable little guy a few times during his exciting first year.  It has been so much fun watching him grow.  While, it took him a while to "dig in," once he figured out how delicious the frosting once he was all about his yummy cake.

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Miss Katelynn: Class of 2012 | Seattle Senior Photographer

Senior Sessions are a complete change of pace from my family sessions, but I absolutely enjoy the changes they bring.  The most difficult part (for me)is thinking of different poses, but this young lady made it so easy...she's a natural in front of the camera!

Here are some of favorites from Miss Katelynn's session...


RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

A Special Maternity Session for Daddy | Seattle Maternity Photographer

Daddy is away on deployment right now and Mommy thought he would love to see her beautiful belly.  And "Frank" (a nickname brother has given baby) had a few messages for Daddy too.

I can't wait for their Homecoming and Newborn Sessions! 

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

It is GIVEAWAY time!!! | Seattle Newborn Photographer

As promised, a giveaway to honor my AWESOME clients!  Thank you for your continued support.

Our family finally had our portraits taken this summer in San Diego by the AMAZING Carey Schumacher of Barefoot Memories.  Ever since I received my CD I have been trying to decide how I want to display our beautiful portraits.  Many professional photographers will tell you that BIGGER is BETTER and from my point of view as a "client" this is very true.  Putting an 8x10 up on our wall would not do these incredible images justice (not to mention it would look so small). 

So, AWESOME clients...Who would like to win a 16x24 print???

Any client that has had a session with RSutherland Photography in 2011 or has booked a 2011 session is eligible to win.

How to Enter:

1)  If you have already had your session this year:  Post a Review by visiting RSutherland Photography's Facebook Page.  (The Review tab is located under the Profile Picture).  If you have already posted a Review you're automatically entered in the giveaway. 

2)  If you haven't had your session:  Post a comment on your Facebook status (make sure and tag RSutherland Photography by using the @ sign before).  For example,  "I am so excited for my upcoming session with @RSutherland Photography!"


All Reviews/Status Posts must be on Facebook by 10:00pm, Tuesday September 27th.


On Wednesday, September 28th my adorable little girls will draw the winning name.

Thank you clients for making 2011 such a successful year (and it is not even over).


RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

M Family | Seattle Family Photographer

Another wonderful family beach session to share!  These little ones were so easy to work with and aren't they just ADORABLE???
Thank you "M" Family!

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

H Family | Seattle Family Photographer

Beautiful family, my favorite location...LOVE IT!  And a bonus...this little guy LOVED getting wet!

Thank you "H" Family!

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

T Family | Seattle Family Photographer

After this weekend, it is difficult to believe that this was just two weeks ago. 

Here are some shots from Miss Fearless' session:

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Miss Taylor, Class of 2012 | Seattle Senior Photographer

Such a FUN session with a wonderful young lady.  I just had to share a few of my favorites...

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Letting Go...they're ready to SOAR!!! | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Today was a difficult day!  Today, I had to let my babies go.  My 6-year-old began 1^st grade, my 3-year old preschool, and my last “baby,” my photography business…well, it is time to let go too (NO…I am not giving up my business, but I am making some very important changes). 

At the beginning of the year, I made a New Year’s Resolution to take on only 2-4 sessions a week.  While most weeks I have followed through, my resolution didn’t seem to help me slow down any.  I continued to do, what many “newbie” photographers do all of the time, I fixated over my work more than ever.  My husband has said that I am “obsessive compulsive,” well he isn’t right too often, BUT this time he was right on.  In my mind my actions make sense.  This business really is my “baby” and I have spent the last year and half nurturing and caring for it so that it could grow strong.  I have exerted my energy and devoted countless hours to it, but just like my other babies I know it is ready to SOAR.  It is time to let go of the hours I spend on Facebook admiring other photographers work, time to STOP worrying about how many emails I am receiving, how many sessions I am booking AND most of all it is time to say “No, sorry I am booked.”  I have spent so much time worrying about my business that I have missed out on some precious time with my own children and my wonderful husband…time I can’t get back. 

So I came up with a plan of action:  Operation Balance

1)      Office hours!:  Yes, just like other working professionals I have set a schedule for myself.   I am going to take advantage of the time when both my girls are in school.  Now that my oldest is in 1^st grade I will only get to see her after 3pm and I sure do not want to be working everyday during that time.

2)     Email:  I will turn off the email notification on my cell phone during non-office hours.  I have never had someone email me something that was so urgent that it couldn’t wait.  Clients know my cell phone number and if they need to reach me they can, but I don’t need to rush over to my phone every time it chimes.  This takes away from valuable family time.

3)      Setting an alarm:  While my little ones are sleeping is when I get a lot of my work done, but NO MORE staying up until 1am.  It makes for a very grouchy mommy the next day.  Because it is so easy to get caught up in my work, I am going to set an alarm to announce that working hours are over.

4)      LESS browsing Facebook:  I love admiring other photographers work and while it is inspiring it is also distracting.  It takes time away from getting my work finished and now that I have office hours I need to make sure I am efficient with my time.

5)      Saying “I am sorry, but I am already booked.”:  These words have been very difficult for me to say.  I fear upsetting a potential client, but time with my family is irreplaceable.  Hopefully clients will understand that I am a working mother/wife.

After dropping my girls off at school, I realized as much as I am going to miss them I know that they’re ready.  I have nurtured, instilled confidence, provided lots of love (to hold in their hearts while we're apart), and taught them a balance between right and wrong.  It is time to let them go…it is time for them to soar. 

And just like my girls, my business, is ready to SOAR too:  I have nurtured it, I am confident that I can provide my clients with portraits they will cherish forever, I love what I do BUT the BALANCE between family and work is missing and it is time for that to change.

Ready to SOAR...

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Mr. H...Full of Smiles | Seattle Baby Photographer

One of the happiest 6 month olds I have ever seen...just LOVE all the wonderful smiles I was able to capture.  Isn't he just ADORABLE??? 

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

A Change of Location... | Seattle Newborn Photographer

Each summer I travel to California to visit family and each year I make sure to take some time to offer a few sessions.  It was in San Diego that I grew to love photography so it seems only appropriate to enjoy this beautiful "change of location."

Here a few favorites...

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.

Mommy and Me | Seattle Family Photographer

It seems summer has gone by so quickly and I have completely neglected my blog.  So I will be blogging away over the next few days.

This session produced one my FAVORITE shots ever!  I loved capturing Mommy and Miss E!

RSutherland Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, family, baby, and child photography in Seattle and surrounding areas including but not limited to Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, Snoqualmie and Sammamish.