Outdoor Fall Mini Sessions | Snohomish, WA

The trees are changing in the beautiful PNW, and that means stunning backdrops for your photos. I will be hosting fall inspired mini sessions throughout the day on October 21st at the beautiful Nakashima Barn in Arlington, WA.

Your session fee ($149 +tax) includes 20 minutes in front of my camera and five high resolution images of your choosing from your finished gallery. Of course, you can always upgrade to a larger gallery after the session depending on how many images you fall in love with.

Please contact me now to reserve your spot on my calendar!

Hey Baby G | Everett, WA Fresh 48

Starting my photography business six months ago, I wasn't sure what direction I wanted to head, but I knew that I had a passion for photojournalism and storytelling. One of the first sessions I ever booked was a Fresh 48 and I was hooked! Fresh 48 sessions take place right where your baby is born, usually within 12-24 hours of their arrival. I come to you, and the shoot is very relaxed - perfect for new moms in recovery. This session is more documentary, less formal than a posed newborn or lifestyle newborn session, and the perfect way to capture your very first few hours meeting your new baby. You think you're going to remember every detail, but time is a thief and it just goes by so quickly in the beginning. 

I recently had the joy of capturing a Fresh 48 session for not even 12-hour old baby Grayson. Grayson was born at Providence Hospital in Everett, WA to parents Tifiny and Sam. From the moment I walked into their room I could feel the overwhelming love these new parents had for their tiny six-pound son who had made his debut two weeks early. (Man! I wish just one of my three would have graced us with an early arrival.) Grayson was calm, peaceful, and slept through almost the whole session, including a change of clothes, in the way that only a newborn can. Tifiny was a stunning and glowing new mom; Sam a devoted and tender new dad. 

Best wished to the Sanford family as you embark on the journey of parenthood. Grayson is so lucky to have you guys as parents!

Welcome Farren - Everett, WA Birth Story

My passion is to take photos that tell a story - photojournalism. I especially love if that story is raw, and real, and full of emotion. Enter my desire to become a birth photographer. I have a heart for birth and I am discovering that I have a passion for telling the story of birth; the way a mother, her baby, and her support team work together to bring new life into the world. 

Just after I opened my business, Emily reached out to me and asked me to document her birth. It required serious trust on her part, as it would be my first birth story ever. What an honor for her to believe in me and invite me into such a personal and special part of her life.

I spent the next several months diving into the world of birth photography and leaning anything and everything I could. I picked the brains of seasoned birth photographers, I read and read, and I made sure that I had the right gear. Of course nothing can really prepare you for the big day, and the ultimate learning experience would come when the day arrived.

Emily and her husband Chad are teachers like me, so we both were crossing our fingers that their little baby would hold out until the school year was over. When the end of the school year came and went, we all knew that it was time for this baby to arrive at any time. It has been my experience that our bodies and our babies often work together and come when we are ready.

When the day came, I packed up my gear and headed to the Providence Women's Pavillion in Everett to meet Emily. When I arrived she was in great spirits with labor moving along. Chad was smiling and encouraging. Emily spent a great deal of her labor walking the quiet and empty hallways of the the maternity floor with Chad by her side. I was so moved by her ability to breath and focus through her contractions and smile and talk between them. 

As it neared closer to the arrival of Emily's baby, I was inspired by the way Chad helped her and attended to her. Helping build her up and calm her nerves. This was their third and last baby and the sex was going to be a surprise - something that is close to my heart, as all three of our children were surprises.

Baby Farren was born just before 8:00 pm and she came into this world surrounded by so much love from her parents and aunt Maggie. She was so serene and peaceful laying on her mother's chest. She barely made a peep and opened her bright eyes to see her new world. Birth brother Grey and big sister Cleo arrived within the hour to meed and welcome their sister into the world. It was so fun to witness their reactions and see the family of five together for the first time.

Please enjoy these beautiful moments from Farren's birth story.

Fall Family Photo Sessions - Snohomish, WA

As so many of you know, photography is my hobby turned love, turned part time job. My first love and my full time job has been teaching high school math for the last 8 years. This year I am transitioning into a new role out of the classroom in a middle school. I'm anxious and excited as summer counts down all too fast. As you can image, life gets infinitely busier for my family when I'm working full time. 

So, what's that mean to you? I will be doing limited family sessions from the months of September - November while I adjust to a new job and get my feet under me. I will be offering four weekend family sessions each month spread out over two days - one Saturday and one Sunday. Additionally, I will be doing two discounted weeknight family session each month. 

Newborn and Fresh 48 sessions will be taken throughout the fall as my availability allows.

To reserve your family session, complete this FORM (available Friday 8/3 at 10:00 am PST) and select your two top preferred dates. I will reply within 24 hours to confirm selection and send you an invoice to pay your 30% deposit. Once it's paid, I'll put you on my calendar! Easy, right? As your session approaches we will chat to plan out the details like time and location! If you want to learn more about planning your session with me you can check out this page.

The following dates will be available for fall family sessions (subject to weather should you want to hold your session on location outdoors):

• September 15th AM ($349 +tax) BOOKED

• September 15th PM ($349 +tax) BOOKED

• September 25th PM ($299 +tax)

• September 29th AM ($349 +tax) BOOKED

• September 29th PM ($349 +tax)

• October 17th PM ($299 +tax)

• October 20th AM ($349 +tax)

• October 20th PM ($349 +tax)

• October 28th AM ($349 +tax)

• October 28th PM ($349 +tax) BOOKED

• November 6th PM ($299 +tax)

• November 17th AM ($349 +tax)

• November 17th PM ($349 +tax)

• November 25th AM ($349 +tax)

• November 25th PM ($349 +tax)

Nifty Fifty | A Guide for Mom-Togs

So you bought a DSLR with intentions of taking beautiful family candids and portraits of your kids. You're gaining confidence with your camera, but you're still not getting the kind of photos that you see professionals sharing. Enter the "Nifty Fifty." 

The Nifty Fifty is an inexpensive 50 mm prime lens. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length (no zoom). What I love about prime lenses is that they take very sharp photos and they let in tons of light! Light is a photographer's best friend. What will set the 50 mm apart from the kit lens that came with your camera, is that it has a very wide aperture (f/1.8). With a wide aperture, you will be able to get photos with beautiful bokeh - that creamy blurred background that makes your subject jump out of the photo.

Both Canon and Nikon (and other major camera makers) make an inexpensive 50 mm f/1.8 lens that will run you about $125-150, but I actually have the Yongnuo 50 mm f/1.8 which is a total steal at $59 (that link will take you to the Canon mount lens. Make sure that you are getting the correct mount for your camera).

So for those of you who are still with me and wondering what all those numbers mean, here's a photographer's break down. 50 mm refers to the focal length of the lens. Chances are that the lens that came with your DSLR has a range, possibly 18-55 mm. This refers to the zoom range of the lens. With the 50 mm f/1.8 you are the lens's zoom - you will move in and out from your subject to compose the perfect photo. This really is the perfect way to shoot moving children.

F/1.8 refers to the lowest f-stop or widest aperture that this lens can open too. In basic terms, a wide aperture = lots of light let into your camera's sensor. What does f-stop mean for the result of your photos? When you shoot with a low f-stop like 1.8, your aperture is wide open and your depth of field is very shallow. A shallow depth of field is how you get your subject in focus and a creamy bokeh (blurry background).

I took the following series of photos on an overcast day with my Nifty Fifty and a wide aperture. I will put the settings I used for each in the caption. Don't be afraid to ask questions in the comments or shoot me an e-mail. I love to help people just figuring out their cameras!

All photos taken on my Canon 6d Mark ii with Yongnuo 50 mm f/1.8 lens. 

ISO 500, f/2.0, 1/2000 sec

ISO 500, f/1.8, 1/2000 sec

ISO 500, f/3.5, 1/2000 sec

ISO 500, f/2.2, 1/2000 sec

ISO 500, f/2.0, 1/2000 sec

ISO 500, f/1.8, 1/2000 sec

ISO 500, f/1.8, 1/2000 sec

Posing Families for Lifestyle Photography - Everett, WA

This one is for the photographers - 

If you're anything like me, there are nerves before every photo shoot. Especially, when meeting a client for the first time. I recently met the Goldman Family at Howarth Park in Everett, WA for a lifestyle family session. My regular photographer nerves were in the back of my mind as their family rolled out of their mini van. At the start of each session, the first thing that I like to do is introduce myself to each family member and repeat their names back to them so that I can remember them and use them throughout the session. I find that making a connection with the kids helps me later when giving them direction during the session. 

When I met the Goldman's I felt quickly at ease - their three kids James, Dylan, and Emma, similar in age to my own kids. When I'm working with families that have young kids, I work FAST. I know it's just a matter of time before I lose them. Thankfully with life style portraits, my goal is never to get that one-off perfect shot. Instead, I am to deliver a collection of photos that tell a story of the connections between the family and who they were in that moment.

I try to maintain constant conversation with my clients and give light posing direction, but I also just love to shoot away as they carry about exploring, cuddling, talking, and caring for each other. Lifestyle photography is about capturing the moments between the poses just as it is about capturing the smiles. In addition to giving direction, I'm always moving. In each "pose" that I put my families into, I always make sure to run in and capture detailed shots - the interlocking of fingers, the brushing of a hair off a cheek, or the touch of noses - in addition to capturing those wide angle shots of the whole family.

Some of my favorite shots from the Goldman's session are the moments between the kids and parents. I hope you enjoy a few of them too.

Brothers James and Dylan check out a treasure they found.

A good friend told me to always remember to photograph the hands. She was so right.

I always throw a bag in the car when heading to outdoor session so that I can put families into a sitting pose. 

The best smiles are always "unposed."

Mom, Rebecca, and Emma share and embrace.

Dad Pat and Dylan share a moment.

My direction was "Hey guys, run over there are give your mom a big old hug."

This moment is way better than any of the two of them looking at my camera.

These tiny crab on the beach were a hit with the kids.

I never put my camera away. This was the end of our session. The kids were cold, the wind was picking up, and we were headed to the car. So glad that I turned around the capture this moment.

Families Belong Together Photo Sessions - Lake Stevens, WA

I have been inspired by the generosity of fellow photographers to join a nation-wide network of photographers donating sessions to the ACLU this month and next. Learn More Here

Through the end of July, I will be offering a total of 5 Sunset Sessions with 100% of proceeds going to the ACLU to support their efforts to end the internment of immigrants and their separation from their children.

Sessions will take place in Lake Stevens, WA at 8:00 PM June 25th - July 31st. Each session is 20 minutes long and includes 5 hand-edited high resolution digital images. To reserve your session, donate $115 using this link and send proof of your donation to me at alex@alextrepanierphotography.com. Once I have received proof of your donation, I will give you a list of available dates and get you on my calendar.

Thank you so much for joining me on this important mission. 

Treps at the Pilchuck River - Snohomish, WA

I take dozens of photos of my kids each week, but they are usually candids of them hanging out at home, playing in our backyard, or at their sports and activities. Recently I knew that I wanted to update some of the wall art in my home, so I planned a shoot on the Pilchuck River in Snohomish, WA. I dressed them up, we packed up our boats, and headed to the river on an unseasonably warm spring evening. I love how brave kids are and all three including the baby wadded right into the water that was frigid from mountain run off. 

I'm so glad I took the time to get my kids together in front of the camera and now I have beautiful canvases on my wall to remember this unique time in our lives. Who else is like me with hundreds of photos on my computer, phone, and social media but far too few printed photos? Each of my sessions comes with a gallery of images for digital download, but I would also love to help my clients turn their memories in to tangible products that they can enjoy in their home - albums and wall art. I work with professional printing labs to create archival fine art that will last for many years to come. 

Larsons at the Lake - Lake Stevens, WA

The Larsons and I recently met on the docks at Wyatt Park for a quick family session. Brian, Bailee, Oliver, and Apollo live just a couple blocks away and spend a lot of their time at the beach in the summer months, so the lake was the perfect back drop for them. Despite the cool temps, the overcast skies were a photographers dream and the Larsons made my job easy. I was able to capture so many loving moments in hardly any time before the looming rain clouds let loose.

Oliver is perhaps the coolest 7 year old in all of Lake Stevens and his smile was absolutely contagious. Apollo, sporting his Nasa romper, was darling and gave me great smiles coaxed out by the fake sneezes of his mom and dad! Of course no family photo session is complete without the family dog and the Larsons recently adopted a greyhound who has a former career in racing! I can't wait to watch these boys grow.

Oliver giving me a great smile at Wyatt Park in Lake Stevens, WA

Brothers Oliver and Apollo on the dock at Wyatt Park in Lake Stevens, WA

Brian and Bailee at Lake Stevens

Oliver on the dock a Lake Stevens, WA

Apollo on the lake in Lake Stevens, WA

The Larsons recently adopted this pup. She was formerly a racing dog.

The boys embrace as mom and dad look on.

Brewster's Mother's Day Mini - Marysville, WA

Craig is a co-worker of mine and all around great guy. He an his kids decided to treat Annalisa to a Mom & Me mini session for Mother's Day. Of course I had car troubles getting there, but I met the four of them at Jennings Park in Marysville, WA. Haley and Carter were so great, and it was obvious how much the two of them adore their mom. I let the big kids run the show and take me around the part to where they wanted to have photos with their mom. Haley chose a beautiful Rhodedendron Bush, and Carter took me down to the small fishing lake. All in all, it was a GREAT mini session!

Little League | Lake Stevens, WA

My oldest son, Xavier, started playing T-ball through Lake Stevens Little League, and my husband had the joy of coaching his team (better him than me because they were a wild bunch!). Xavier made some great friends, and the team was made up of kids who he will be in elementary school with next year. I'm glad that he will have some familiar faces on the playground. 

Baby sister, Magnolia, is always a trooper at games during nap time. Lake Stevens, WA

I think he was tired of the camera - photographer mom problems. Lake Stevens, WA

Blue Knights! Team Cheer, Lake Stevens, WA

Xavier made friends with lots of kids who he will be in school with next year. Lake Stevens, WA

Go Blue Knights! Lake Stevens, WA

End of the year trophy. Lake Stevens, WA

Big smiles for his trophy. Lake Stevens, WA

Mean Mug for the camera. Lake Stevens, WA

Mom & Crew | Lake Stevens, WA

Leann contacted me about my Mommy & Me mini sessions for Mother's day, and I was immediately excited because she wanted to do an in-home session. I love being invited into the homes of my clients. It's not only a privilege, but I also feel that I capture the most genuine versions of people when I photograph them in their own space. 

When I arrived at Leann's home, I knew the session was going to go well. She is stunning, Crew is as darling as they come, and his nursery where we were shooting, was magazine-worthy (my first had a nursery ready for a photo shoot; but, my poor daughters.... that's a story for another day.) Crew was fascinated with the sounds of my camera and I got dozens of great shots of him looking right into it, which is always a blessing when working with a baby so young. Leann and Crew cuddled, read a book, and dad even stepped in to coax some smiles out of him. 

What a beautiful family! I can't wait to watch Crew grow.

Oh Baby! Pregnancy Announcement | Lake Stevens, WA

I had the very special privilege of getting to help Kaelah and Andrew announce their pregnancy. Kaelah, Andrew, and each of their moms, Jodee and Jayne, met me at Cavelero Park in Lake Stevens, WA just before sunset for a beautiful and love-filled session. Cavalero Park is overgrown with tall grass, bordered by evergreen trees on one side, and has a picture perfect grove of Cottonwood trees. It made for a great back drop to Kaelah and Andrew's growing love story. I love the way they incorporated a few pieces that they had collected for their daughter in the session and the giant pink balloons we used to announce that the baby on the way is a girl. Congratulations, Kaelah and Andrew, I cannot wait to help you welcome your baby girl in November 2018. I have no doubt that she will be spoiled with so much love from the two of you and her awesome grandmas!

Palmiter Lifestyle Maternity | Lake Stevens, WA

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of doing an extended maternity session with Emily, Chad, Grey, and Cleo that included a lifestyle shoot in their home. When I arrived at their beautiful home, Grey was ready to show me some magic as his family looked on. After the magic show we headed upstairs to the kids' brand new bedroom suite complete with a "no entry" sign. We got to take a few special pictures of the big brother and sister in their former bedrooms before they are turned into a guest room and nursery. From there we headed outside to mix potions and ended our morning with a plaster belly cast. Emily is an art teacher and has plans to make a ceramic bowl from the mold! How cool is that?

Sister, Sister, Sister | Everett, WA

I got to meet the most darling girls a couple weeks ago at Howarth Park in Everett, WA. These girls were not afraid to brave the frigid puget sound waters and waded right in! They collected shells, rescued flounder that has been stranded on the beach at low tide, and ended the day with a picnic lunch. 

Ariyah Fresh 48 | Kirkland, WA

With the birth of our last child, Magnolia, came the realization that a chapter of my life that involved carrying and birthing babies was ending.. I wouldn't be having any more children nor did I have a sister or close friend whose pregnancy or birth I would be a part of. Coming to terms with this phase of my life closing was not easy; and, out of it came the seed that blossomed into my desire to become a maternity, birth, and fresh 48 photographer.
 

When Maranda contacted me just days after I started my professional photography journey, she mentioned that she was having a baby soon. Imagine my surprise when the very next day when we spoke she was in labor! We exchanged phone numbers and made plans for me to meet her the next afternoon for a Fresh 48 session. As soon as I arrived at Evergreen Hospital where Maranda had delivered, I was met by proud and doting big brother, Jasper. Jasper was thrilled to introduce me to his sister, Ariyah and don his "big brother" shirt for photos. I have never met a three year old who was more excited or more in love with their new baby sibling. I loved capturing the moments between them - counting her tiny toes, peering protectively into her bassinet, and cuddling with mom and dad. Thanks Maranda, Ed, and Jasper for letting me be a part of telling such a beautiful story of love between siblings.

Big brother Jasper keeping a watchful eye on Ariyah.

Counting tiny toes at a Fresh 48

Everyday Moments | Lake Stevens, WA

This past winter I committed to using my camera to capture our daily lives. Put our memories down in hard copy (or digital file). I'm going to be really honest with you. At first it was really, really, hard. Not because I didn't have material to photograph. My kids give me dozens of photo worthy moments every day. It was hard because I preoccupied myself putting them in a cute outfit, making sure that laundry basket that lives permanently in my living room was out of frame, and shoveling the pile of mail on my counter into a drawer before I started shooting. Somewhere around Valentine's Day I realized that I didn't want to photograph synthesized moments in our lives, but instead I wanted to capture the NORMAL, everyday story. The emotions of our daily lives. And my, oh my, are my kids just full of big emotions. Parents of young kids out there, you know exactly what I mean! If you scroll back through my Instagram feed, you can see the shift with this photo right here. This was the birth of my desire to become a lifestyle photographer. I want to capture the emotions of the families I work with and tell YOUR story. When you work with me there will me a mix of light posing and lots of me just trailing you with your camera. I want to give you a gallery that tells a story of exactly who your family was at the time of our session.