Family Affair photography ~ Op Love

Only One ...

2010-02-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

We, at Family Affair Photography are slowly getting things back in order after our move. We are also slowly getting things ready for our new website. =)

Our main focus has been gearing up for what looks to be a spectacular year as far as weddings are concerned. =) I simply can't wait to get started photographing weddings. However, I'm also glad we didn't photograph weddings during our move.

Anyway, I'm rambling and I apologize for that. The reason I wanted to post something today is to inform you, our visitor that we will no longer have several blogs in 2010. ALL photographs will be posted to one blog. =) Easy to see everything we do.

This will include the 'Image of the Day', wedding previews, portrait sessions and of course the Op Love sessions. Effective immediately you will find all new photo updates here:

Family Affair Photography Blog - the one and only!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T14:47:00.001-08:00

We couldn't let today pass without wishing all our customers, past present and future a Merry Christmas! We wish all a Joyous Christmas filled with love and happiness! To all our troops, thank you and come home safely! You and your families are in our prayers.

Melissa & Damen

2009-11-13T22:34:00.001-08:00

As you can see we are still trying to get caught up with the Op: Love photo sessions. We thank all of you for your patience as we slowly get caught up.

Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Damen & Melissa

Jessica & David

2009-09-29T23:17:00.001-07:00

I really want to start out with an apology. Due to my inability to tell our soldiers "No" I got myself far behind with photo editing for the Operation: Love Reunited sessions.

Just recently I decided it wasn't in the best interest of any of the soldiers or my business for me to continuing to say yes. I appreciate the patience that has been shown to me by the soldiers and their wonderful families!

As soon as we catch up we will resume Op: Love Reunited photo shoots. The only thing we are accepting at this time are the homecomings of soldiers who we did portraits with us prior or during deployment.

Below is a small sample of photos from Jessica & David's session at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Family and friends can view more photos in their password protected gallery: David & Jessica

Temporary Stoppage

2009-09-17T14:39:00.001-07:00

This has been a difficult decision for me to make but, I feel it's in the best interest of the past customers that I do this. At this time I will NOT be doing any more Operation: Love Reunited photo shoots UNTIL I have returned photos to all those we have already photographed pre-deployment.

I think it's only fair that they get their photographs and I just can't have more stacked up waiting at this time. As soon I've completed all the past summer sessions I will once again resume taking on the Free Op: Love photo shoots.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in Family Affair Photography and your service to our great country! =)

Out of the Office

2009-09-04T23:35:00.001-07:00

We will be out of the 'office' for a bit as we take off until September 12th for some needed rest, relaxation and adventure! =) During our time away we will have limited access to the internet. I will respond to all e-mails as quickly as I can, internet access permitting! If it's an urgent need please call us as I will have the business cell phone with me.

Brandi & Jason

2009-09-01T21:13:00.001-07:00

Wow, where has time gone! I need to post a couple Op Love photo sessions and I apologize to Brandi & Jason for the delay in sharing the preview.

My daughter, Kim and I met them at Wright Park in Tacoma for this session and we both fell in love with Brandi & Jason's two super handsome sons. As soon as we were in our car, the first thing my daughter and I said was how much Jason reminded us of my youngest son with his smile. I love the smiles!

I can not express my gratitude in words to the families and the soldiers who serve. A simple thank you seems so inadequate.

Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Jason & Brandi.

Second Nomination!

2009-09-01T16:51:00.001-07:00

We received the e-mail below last week and couldn't have been more excited to be nominated for our second year in a row. We feel we have been truly blessed with our business and the wonderful customers who have come into our lives.

If you have a moment check us out here: Best of Western Washington - Family Affair Photography. And be sure to vote. Your votes are most appreciated! :-D Thank you again!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations Family Affair Photography!

Family Affair Photography has been nominated as one of Western Washington's best businesses in Evening Magazine's the Best of Western Washington. Voting begins Monday, August 31st and runs through Sunday, October 11th.

Megan & Adam

2009-08-18T01:12:00.001-07:00

We met with Megan & Adam at Point Defiance Park recently. Adam is about to deploy and they wanted some family portraits, which is part of the Operation Love Reunited program. They have the most cheerful happy little son, he is simply adorable. :-)

Below is a few photos from their recent session. Family and friends can view the gallery here: Adam & Megan.

Thank you to all our military men and women who serve our country. I also want to thank the families who support and keep them encouraged while away from home.

Jennie, Steve & Family

2009-07-31T23:19:00.001-07:00

Sonny and I had met Jennie before the photo session and we both fell in love with her. And in a few short days we will be making an announcement that involves Jennie. :-)

Sonny didn't get to join me for the actual photo shoot, my daughter Kim was assisting me for this particular session. We met Jennie, Steve and their three well behaved yet very typical boys at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Notice the facial expression of the middle son? Priceless! He was complaining that the tree was hurting him ... I won't say where.

I loved this photo where Steve & Jennie were watching their boys play.

Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Steve & Jennie. Be sure to stay tuned for some exciting news!

Kirsten, Scott & Family

2009-07-31T22:38:00.001-07:00

We are wrapping up the July Operation: Love Reunited photo shoots today. :-) Again, I appreciate everyone being so patient with us during this time of all the deployments at Fort Lewis.

We recently met with Scott, Kirsten and their family at Point Defiance Park. It was fun watching the youngest two look for spiders and bugs in the park, it kept them entertained and amused during our stroll in the park.

'Mister Wiggles n Giggles' about to flip out of dad's arms!

What I loved watching during the session was the oldest son with the younger two and how they obviously adore their older brother. :-)

Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Scott & Kirsten.

Joelene & Scott

2009-07-31T01:56:00.001-07:00

Moving along here! My goal is to get all the Operation: Love Reunited sessions we did in July posted in the blog by the last day of the month. Yep, that has me in a crunch if I plan on meeting those goals. The blogging marathon continues.

We met Scott and Joelene at Point Defiance Park and before we knew it our hour session had slipped away. If I didn't have interviews scheduled for an assistant to take over some photo editing, I would've stayed longer as I enjoyed listening to Joelene speak. She has this soft easy way about her and I can certainly see why Scott made her his wife. The two of them are adorable together, very tender and loving.

Below is a sample from their session. Family and friends can view their gallery: Scott & Joelene.

Joelene can you contact me: info@familyaffairphotography.com. Thanks!

Janelle & 'J'

2009-07-30T23:40:00.001-07:00

The blogging marathon continues! YaY!

This time we have Janelle with her son, who will be known simply as 'J'. I hope that Janelle's husband/J's dad enjoys the photographs and that it helps him feel a little closer to his family while he is deployed.

The reason we got involved with the Operation: Love Reunited, was due to my own two sons. When they were deployed they always wanted photos from home. It was more precious than candy, cookies and even beef jerky! It's the photos from home that lift the serviceman/woman and keeps them going until they can be home again with those they love most.

Below is a sample of some of the photos from Janelle & J's recent session at Lake Wapato Park in Tacoma. Family and friends can find the password protected gallery here: Janelle & son.

Taken during a brief waiting period. With this hot weather, that actually looks pretty good right now!

Amy, Christopher & Family

2009-07-30T22:15:00.001-07:00

As mentioned, I'm working hard on catching up on some blog entries today. We met with Amy, Christopher and their family at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. All our Op Love sessions are done within the Tacoma city limits.

Below is a preview from their portrait session. We wish them the best, I'm sure Amy and the children are missing Christopher who has recently been deployed.

The thinker of the group.

And the care taker with the princess. :-)

Family and friends can view other photos in the password protected gallery: Christopher & Amy.

Melissa, Sean & Family

2009-07-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

Despite the earlier heat I worked on getting some photos ready for the blog. :-) I'm so grateful that it's cooling down a bit this evening. Triple digit temps don't suit this Northwestern girl!

Anyway, back to Operation: Love Reunited. It's been a while since we met with Sean and Melissa. Sonny & I really enjoyed photographing this family, Sean reminded me of my oldest son who is based back east. His precious daughter is his little princess and he was attentive and loving to both his daughter and beautiful wife. It made me feel like I was watching my own son with his two daughters and wife.

Below is a preview from the session. Family and friends can view more photos in the password protected gallery: Sean & Melissa.

My favorite, grabbing daddy's ears to pull him in for a kiss.

Thank you Melissa and Sean for making the session fun. We look forward to your photographing your homecoming.

Brandi, Christopher & Family

2009-07-30T15:35:00.001-07:00

Today I will attempt to do a bit of marathon posting from some recent Operation Love photo sessions. We are grateful to those who serve and at this time of massive deployments we appreciate how patient the families and soldiers have been with us! :-)

We had actually met Christopher and Brandi before, at the wedding of Amanda & William. It was fun to meet them in a more relaxed setting and to see their three children, who I just fell in love with during the wedding. :-) I'm jealous that their grandma is close by to play with them and watch them grow. (sigh, that's a hint to my son back east!)

Below is a small sample from their session. Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Christopher & Brandi.

Intern Wanted

2009-07-22T23:34:00.001-07:00

We, at Family Affair Photography are actively in search for the right person to join our team. First as an intern with the opportunity to become a part of our team.

As mentioned, it's starting out as an intern meaning WITHOUT pay, working on photos from our FREE Operation: Love Reunited photography sessions. These are family portraits that will be edited then sent to the soldiers who are deployed, away from their loved ones. Once they are edited I will make the prints and send them to the soldiers.

At this time we are simply looking for an individual who is looking to fill a little extra time on their hands while earning a little extra cash. This isn't a gig where you will make big money. Unfortunately, I don't make a lot of money so, I don't have a lot to pay out!

We had looked into some photo editing companies and decided we really don't want to send the work out of state or to another country. If we like what you do with a few of the Op: Love sessions then we would like to pay you to edit photos from our paid work. We are looking to pay a comparable rate to the services we found online.

The other opportunity this person would have is to become an assistant with the ability to work up as an associate photographer, shooting at weddings and other events.

We are working on three ways this individual would be able to earn money, get some experience and if they want move on with their own photography business or maybe stay with us as an associate.

If you are interested in wedding and portrait photography, please contact us for complete details and requirements.

Amanda & Kevin

2009-07-21T22:50:00.001-07:00

As I said, I'm trying to get caught up on posting photos from some of the recent Operation: Love Reunited. We also met with Amanda, Kevin and their family at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Kevin's brother came along to help with his beautiful neices. Family and friends can view more photos at the gallery: Kevin & Amanda.

Natashia & Anthony

2009-07-21T21:23:00.001-07:00

Once again, it's time to try and post a few Op: Love photo shoots. With such a large amount of the base leaving, we have been in high demand for the free portrait shoots. Unfortunately we haven't been able to serve all who serve our country and requested a family portrait session before their loved ones deployed.

We met with Natashia and Anthony before he deployed at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. They had three beautiful children and their youngest one reminded me so much of my youngest who could wear me out and the next second be so incredibly loving and sweet.

Family and friends can view additional photos from the session in the gallery: Anthony & Natashia.

Lindsay & Zach

2009-07-14T22:37:00.001-07:00

It's time once again to tray and catch up on some of the Operation Love Reunited photo shoots. We met with Zach, Lindsay and their adorable son at Lake Wapato Park in Tacoma.

Baby L's facial expressions are priceless!

Family and friends can view the complete gallery here: Zach & Lindsay. Many thanks to our troops and to the family who must spend time apart. We appreciate your service to our country.

Also a note to the others waiting for their preview, please continue to be patient, I haven't forgot you if you allowed an online preview.

Ana & Hernando

2009-07-10T21:22:00.001-07:00

It's been reported that Fort Lewis has 10,000 soldiers deploying in July and August. (see article here). With that said, we've been keeping busy with several Operation: Love Reunited photo shoots. Each and every session has been a joy for us to photograph.

We recently met with Ana & Hernando at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma for their session, here are some of the photos.

Family and friends can view the complete gallery here: Hernando & Ana. Hernando and the rest of our troops will be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for serving our country! ** Ana, please contact me!

Crystal & Aaron

2009-07-09T21:02:00.001-07:00

As mentioned we've had many Operation Love Reunited photo shoots. Our second session last weekend was with Aaron, Crystal and their precious little girl who has PERSONALITY!

As always we appreciate our troops and their families. Family and friends can view additional photos from this session here: Aaron & Crystal.

Heather & Tony

2009-07-08T15:11:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we met with several couples/families for the Operation: Love Reunited photo sessions. The first couple we met were Heather & Tony at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

We enjoyed getting to meet both Tony & Heather and we wish Tony a safe return and the two of them much happiness. Family and friends can view the full gallery here: Heather & Tony.

Meghan & Russ

2009-06-21T07:48:00.001-07:00

We recently met with Meghan & Russ at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma for an engagement/Op Love photo session. They will be getting married in their home state of Illinois when Russ returns from his deployment.

* Since this photo shoot technically fell under two categories it's being shared both in the portrait section and under the Op: Love portfolio. :-)

We wish them much happiness and more importantly for the safe return of Russ. As always we are grateful to those who serve our country and to the families of those who serve. Thank-you!

Family and friends can view the gallery here -> Megan & Russ.

Misty & Frank

2009-06-17T01:56:00.001-07:00

These past few weeks have been filled with many requests for Op: Love Reunited photo shoots. If you have written, please be patient as I'm attempting to answer each e-mail.

Due to the number of soldiers deploying right at the start of our busiest season it's making it hard to schedule the sessions with very limited weekend availability and to keep with the timelines I normally set for these sessions.

Anyway to the subject on hand! We recently met with Misty and Frank, who will be deploying mid July and their three adorable boys.

I know the boys and Misty will miss Frank as he serves our Country. Many thanks, not only to our soldiers but their families also. We look forward to your safe return. Family and friends can view the full gallery -> HERE.

Lori & Matthew

2009-06-10T11:07:00.001-07:00

This last Sunday, Sonny and I photographed three soldiers and their families for Op: Love Reunited. It's a program that we are thrilled to be a part of that provides photos to the soldiers when they are deploying, while they are deployed and for their homecoming.

The first to be posted is Lori and Matthew at Lake Wapato Park in Tacoma. Matthew will be deployed in July.

I know I'm repeating myself, we truly appreciate the scarifies made by the families and the soldiers who serve our country. Thank you and we wish you a safe homecoming.

Mike, Nicole & baby O

2009-06-04T21:09:00.001-07:00

With several troops preparing to deploy, we've been getting many calls for the Op: Love photo sessions. If you are interested please check out this link for details of the program: Op: Love Reunited.

We were delighted to meet Mike, Nicole and their cutest baby girl who will be known as Baby O at Lake Wapato Park in Tacoma. It was such a beautiful day here, perfect for their family portrait.

We hope that Nicole will contact us midway through Mike's deployment so we can send him some photographs of Baby O as she grows during his deployment.

We truly appreciate all you sacrifice for our country.

Brittney & Family

2009-04-25T22:55:00.001-07:00

Last week we met with Brittney, who's husband is currently deployed. and she wanted some photographs of the family to send her husband.

I honestly don't know how she does this, being alone with her young children. There were weeks I was alone with my three and I constantly felt like I was being pulled three different directions! It appeared she has kept her sanity - unlike myself when my three were young!

After several attempts to get all five of the children to look toward the camera, I opted to try to get each child on their own!

KC ~ Deploying

2009-03-24T20:24:00.001-07:00

This week I have three Op: Love Reunited photo sessions. All three are from the same troop and will be deploying this week. The first of the three is KC and his beautiful wife.

Due to the weather we met at our home 'studio' first, the rain had stopped and we quickly took off and spent a few minutes at the park before more rain came.

We look forward to their return and of course more importantly for the safe return and photographing their homecoming!

Family and friends can view the password protected gallery here: KC ~ Deploying

Zornes Family

2009-02-19T21:58:00.001-08:00

Recently we had the privilege to photograph the Zornes Family pre-deployment, Op Love Reunited Session. Cassandra called us after seeing the photographs of her friend, Nichole who's husband is also serving in the US Army.

It was really cold outside and I was surprised at how well these three did with very little or no complaining.

To qualify for the Op: Love Reunited Session the soldier must be getting ready to be deployed, deployed or returning home. It also must have a patriotic theme, such as uniform and/or flag in the photo.

Again, we thank you for the service you provide to our country - we greatly appreciate all our soldiers and their families give for us and our freedom.

Family and friends can view the gallery by clicking -> HERE!

Beau ~ Deploying

2009-01-06T22:50:00.001-08:00

Recently we had the opportunity to meet up with Beau and his beautiful family at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. Beau will soon be deploying and had called to inquire about the Op: Love Reunited portrait session. Click here for more information -> Op: Love Reunited.

Beau with each of his daughters. Aren't they the cutest?!

Feeding the ducks.

Taking a moment alone with his wife.

We wish them the best and may the time go quickly so that Beau is home with his family once again. Thank-you for serving our country.

Family and friends can find the full gallery here: Beau.

Rewinding through 2008

2008-12-30T17:12:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our new business blog! This will be featuring our 2009 Op: Love Reunited photo sessions here.

Op: Love Reunited is one of our favorite photo shoots. During the homecomings I often find myself getting misty eyed while waiting with the families to see their soldiers finally returning home after a long absence. I've accidentally found myself in the middle of a stampede when the soldiers and the families were allowed to reunite. That mistake hasn't been made a second time!

And for the military away from home - on deployment, we do a portrait session so they can receive photographs of their family. Hearing how much receiving the photographs meant to those who are away from their loved ones while serving in foreign lands always warms my heart.

We are truly loving the opportunity to give back in a small way to those who serve our country. Thank-you!

The photo above was published in the Tacoma News Tribune.

If you have a loved one serving and they are currently deployed give us a call so we can book a FREE Op Love Reunited photo session. Also, we will do pre-deployment photo shoots, and homecomings. Once again, thank-you, not only to those who serve but, their families!