Stephanie Bilinsky 11/22/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 11/22/23

The Art of a Family Photography Session on Film

Your family deserves the best when it comes to heirlooms. They preserve the moments that mean the most. That’s why a family photography session on film is so special. Film’s natural imperfections tell a richer story than clean, perfect digital photos. As a family photographer, I’m sharing all the reasons unfiltered film family photos are so cool.

Two children sit in a basin of water during a family photography session with Polaroid photos.

Your Family Photography Session as Art

Film photography is an art. It’s the best way to romanticize your life! Commemorate the fleeting moments that make your family’s life so rich with art that reflects your reality. It’s those candid slices of life that are at the heart of our relationships. They’re also unpredictable and make for breathtaking photos.

A boy and girl jump on a bed in their bedroom while a Seattle family photographer photographs them.

Two children put on shoes to go outside for a family photography session on film.

A boy and girl hold chickens in a candid family photo on black and white film.

Moreover, film is photography; photography is film. Photography is so intertwined with film in a way few other industries are connected to such a specific medium or product. It’s impossible to disassociate photography from film and its history. Digital photography lacks the character of film. Ironically, that’s part of why it’s so celebrated now more than ever.

A mother holds her daughter and kisses her in their backyard in a Seattle family photo.

A Seattle family photographer documents a mother holding her daughter in their backyard.

A woman swings her son and makes him laugh during a family photography session.

Two children pick dandelions in their Seattle backyard.

Creative and Logistical Perks of Film Photos

People assume that digital photos will be an easier experience because they’re more used to it. There are actually a lot of perks to doing your family photography session on film. From a timeline perspective, everything is much more relaxed and fast. I can deliver a film session in two weeks, instead of four to six. Mostly, I have to wait for my film to be developed and scanned by Photovision so I can pass them on to you. I don’t have to upload or back up files or do major edits. No overthinking and less stress means you get your incredible images faster.

A little girl sits on a picnic blanket holding a chicken during a family photography session.

A boy rides a skateboard across a driveway.

A mother leans over to kiss her son sitting in a basin in their Seattle backyard during a family photography session on film.

A woman runs through a Seattle backyard carrying her son during a family photography session.

As a photographer, I also find that my film images have a richness that’s due to the nature of the medium. I’m forced to be more involved in the process and be intentional from start to finish. From the time I load a roll of film to where I develop, scan, or print it, I have to make decisions and commit to them. It’s a more holistic process that keeps me engaged with my camera and the moments unfolding between your family members.

A boy and girl laugh as they're sprayed by a hose in their backyard during a session with a seattle family photographer.

A brother and sister sit in a water-filled basin in their backyard.

During a session with a Seattle family photographer, a boy sits on a picnic blanket holding a chicken.

Two children run past their children laying on a blanket while a Seattle photographer documents them on film.

Film photos hold a lot of life and make you see the humanity at the core of an image. It gives me the sense of being invited into your story. You can see more from this film family session here.

A boy climbs on his father's shoulders in a film family photo.

A little girl stands on a fence in a Polaroid family photo.

Children sit on their parents' backs on a picnic blanket in a Seattle family photo on film.

Would you like me to document your family on film? Let’s tell your story with nostalgic, emotive images. Reach out to me here!

Stephanie Bilinsky 11/15/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 11/15/23

Dreamy New York Engagement Photos in Brooklyn

New York is an incredible city full of stunning backdrops. For New York engagement photos, it’s easy to get carried away trying to find the “perfect” location and poses. Kate and Michael focused on documenting what they love about the city and their relationship for some truly unique engagement photos. Check out these cool, candid images from a dreamy day in Brooklyn Heights.

A couple plays cards on a picnic blanket during New York engagement photos at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

A Vision for New York Engagement Photos

When Kate and Michael first inquired about engagement photos, they knew they wanted to do an August session. The plan was to use the photos at their September wedding at Alligator Pear in Manhattan. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you they had a vision for translating their dream day around their neighborhood into a dope lifestyle engagement session.

A man and woman sit beside a picnic basket on a bench in a Brooklyn park during their engagement session.

A man pulls a grape off a bunch during a picnic in a Brooklyn park in an engagement photo.

A woman leans against her fiance on a picnic blanket in New York engagement photos.

Kate and Michael love exploring their Brooklyn neighborhood together. They take long walks and play games. For their New York engagement photos, they wanted to prioritize candid images that show their love of the city and their playfulness with each other. They said, “We like photos that feel like you are there with us.” I think we NAILED their vision.

At an engagement photoshoot, a man and woman sit on a picnic blanket talking in a Brooklyn park.

A man and woman laugh as they drink cocktails during an engagement session at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

A woman leans across a picnic blanket to pick up a cracker beside a card game in a New York engagement photo.

A Dreamy Day in Brooklyn

This fun day was such a dream for all of us. We started the session in their Brooklyn Heights apartment’s private backyard garden. They pay $50 each year for this private garden. To say it’s the best deal in New York would be an understatement.

A man kisses a woman on the cheek outside a New York apartment building.

An engaged couple holds hands and smiles at each other on a New York sidewalk.

A man kisses a woman's cheek and cuddles her for New York engagement photos.

Since it was August, it was HOT. We headed down to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade in search of a breeze from the East River. The park has the most beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline.

A couple in engagement photo outfits holds hands and crosses a Brooklyn street.

During a New York engagement photo session, a man and woman through a patch of sun on a crosswalk.

A couple in engagement photo outfits walk down a New York sidewalk during a photoshoot.

Next we spent time on the waterfront at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Kate and Michael shared a charcuterie board and Aperol spritz over a game of cribbage. I photographed them while sharing in the cheese and sparkling water. It was such a laid back experience where we all got to be in our element.

A couple stands beside a fence as people walk past them on the sidewalk.

A couple leans on a fence and looks at the Manhattan skyline during a New York engagement photo session.

An engaged couple looks at the dessert case in a New York bodega.

Finally, we wrapped up the evening with cannoli from their favorite bodega, Lassen and Hennigs. They ate the cannoli on a stoop and grabbed drinks at their favorite neighborhood bar, Custom House. I’m a total introvert, so you know we were having a good time together when we lost track of time and bonded over bar food late into the night.

A man holds out a container of cannoli to his fiance on a Brooklyn stoop.

An engaged couple sits on a stoop and smiles at each other over a container of cannoli at a Brooklyn brownstone.

Honestly, I loved every image from this engagement session. You can see more here.

Would you like me to photograph your New York engagement photos? Let’s tell your story with artistic images. Reach out to me here!

Stephanie Bilinsky 11/8/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 11/8/23

Picking the Perfect Family Photography Package

When you want to get professional family photos, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the ways different photographers break down their prices and packaging. As a Seattle family photographer, I’ve documented families all over the country with varying needs. This blog post shares my best advice for picking the perfect family photography package for you.

A family runs down a path at Ebey's Landing during a session with a Seattle family photographer.

The Art of Storytelling with Mixed Media

My goal as a family photographer is always to document people at their most comfortable and authentic. Photography isn’t about perfect poses or creating the illusion of prim and proper children. It’s about creating art that reflects life as you remember it. I’m talking belly laughs and cartwheels, sprinkler splashes and ice cream cones. Photography freezes those perfectly imperfect moments for you to hold onto always.

So ask yourself: What do you want to remember? And what’s the best way to document that?

A father and son walk along a Seattle beach holding hands.

A boy and girl run through a field in a black and white family photo.

I’m always a stan for multimedia storytelling. For me, that means a mix of film and digital photography and Super 8. Here’s how each contributes to telling a more complete story for your family.

A little girl stands beside her mother and smiles at a Seattle family photographer during a session in a field.

A mother and daughter run through a field holding hands.

Film Photography

Analog film is instant nostalgia (like, literally instant when it comes to Polaroids). It’s incredible because it captures moments that can’t be replicated exactly as they are. It’s raw and breathtaking. Even the “imperfections” make you feel in a way that’s so unique. Film photos give you that sense of looking through old family albums and reliving the moments in each image..

A father and son hold hands and smile in a field outside Seattle during a session with a family photographer.

Two children gather around their mother and father at the edge of a field during a family photography session with a Seattle photographer.

Digital Photography

Digital photography allows for more clicks and more chances to catch those unexpected moments. After your session, I take some time to edit photos. My goal is never to change moments but to enhance them to tell your story better. If you want clean, crisp images and a fast-paced session, digital photography is a good tool for our toolkit.

A little girl stands beside her father who holds her brother on a sunny Seattle day during a session with a family photographer.

A little girl lays on a rocky shore laughing in a Seattle family photo.

Super 8 Video

Honestly, I don’t know if a family photography package is ever fully complete without Super 8. This form of video gives you that golden combination of movement, nostalgia, and art. It’s just dreamy. You’ll want to watch it over and over again.

You can see the Super 8 video from this family session at Ebey’s Landing here.

The Perfect Family Photography Package

Now your brain’s probably turning with all kinds of considerations. I have three family photography packages that can help you turn your family’s story into art.

A little boy splashes at the water's edge during a Seattle family photography session.

Mixed Media Session with Super 8

During this session, I use a roll of Super 8 film for 2 minutes of analog video footage. For photos, I use three rolls of film, one pack of Instant Polaroid film, and digital cameras to document your family’s real life magic moments. This package really captures every side of an afternoon in your life.

Cost: $1500

Two children walk across a stony beach with their father in a Polaroid photo taken by a Seattle photographer.

A little boy picks up a piece of driftwood from a pile on a Seattle beach.

Film Photo Session

In this session, we take a fully analog approach to creating still images. You’ll want to start an old school album with nostalgic photos, and your family will thank you for it.

Cost: $750

A mother and father sit on a bench with a child in a Polaroid photo as part of a film family photography package.

A child leans against her father on a park bench and smiles at a Seattle family photographer.

Digital Photo Session

If you opt for a fully digital session, I focus on the candid, in-between moments. Those are the ones that are the most honest, connection-filled images after all.

Cost: $500

A husband and wife stand on a Seattle beach while a Seattle photographer photographs them.

A Seattle family poses for a digital photo beside a dune as part of a family photography package.

Would you like me to photograph your family? I’m a Seattle film photographer ready to travel! Inquire with me here.

Stephanie Bilinsky 11/1/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 11/1/23

Plan Your Virtual Photoshoot Magic

A virtual photoshoot is a perfect way to create magic with a photographer you love regardless of location. You can create the photo session of your dreams anywhere in the world through your phone. As a Seattle photographer, I’ve worked with clients from Hawaii to Spain to document incredible everyday moments and dreamy vacation vibes. We can work together even if we’re not together. How cool is that?

In this post, I walk you through everything you’ll love about a virtual photoshoot. Plus I share tips on making the most of your virtual photo experience.

A mother kisses a bay on the cheek during a virtual photoshoot at their home.

What You Need for a Virtual Photoshoot

You might think a virtual photoshoot requires a lot from you. Since your photographer isn’t physically present, do you need to do a lot of the work they would do in a conventional session? Not really. In fact, all you need for a virtual session is:

An internet connection
A phone with a fully charged battery and plenty of storage (4gb + is ideal)
An app (typically Clos or Shutter)
A tripod
An open mind

A mother walks across a beach in Hawaii with two small children during a virtual photoshoot.

A mother sits on a beach with two children while a Seattle photographer photographs them.

Two children hold hands and laugh during a vacation photoshoot with a Seattle photographer.

It also helps to have a sense of where you’ll be photographing. Watch how the light moves around your home, and try to book at a time of day when it’s doing interesting things!

Other than that, you don’t need much technical know-how. This is a simple process for individuals, romantic partners, and families.

A mother holds a little boy's hand as they walk along the water's edge on a beach in Hawaii for a virtual photoshoot.

A mother and daughter sit in the shade on a Hawaiian beach during a family photoshoot.

What to Expect at Your Session

From your perspective as the client, a virtual photoshoot couldn’t be easier. You download the app, set up your tripod, and video chat with your photographer. Your photographer takes hi-res photos.

A woman sits with her legs across her husband's lap on a boat in Spain during a virtual photoshoot.

A couple poses on a yacht for a vacation photoshoot while a man reaches in front of the camera to pour a glass of wine.

One perk of a virtual photoshoot is that clients sometimes find it easier to relax in front of a phone screen than camera lens. You get to be cozy in your intimate space with me gently guiding you on positioning the tripod and prompting you to interact with each other. I specialize in documenting life like you remember it - organic and unfiltered. My sessions don’t involve complicated posing that takes you out of the moment.

A man sitting beside a woman leans forward to take a sip of wine during a virtual photoshoot.

A man and woman sit on the prow of a boat in Spain for engagement photos.

Why You’ll Love the Experience

With virtual photoshoots, you can take your favorite photographer anywhere in the world (where there’s internet access, anyway). I’ve photographed a family on the beach in Hawaii and a couple on a boat in Spain. As cool as those adventures are, I also value the quiet, intimate moments when I get to document people at home with their loved ones.

A woman stands in a doorway with a baby looking over her shoulder in a family photography session with a Seattle photographer.

A woman holds up a laughing baby to kiss his tummy during a virtual photoshoot.

I love the ability to have an intimate look into people’s lives through their phones. We’re all so connected to our cell phones, and this is a fun way to break the normal daily cycle. You’re bound to learn something new about your phone, yourself, and your home/location through a new point of view. I genuinely love being an art director by providing virtual guidance in these sessions.

A woman holds a baby to her shoulder in a virtual photoshoot with a Seattle photographer.

A mother sits on a couch and kisses her baby's hand during a family photography session.

Want to book a virtual photoshoot with me? Whether you’re documenting the art of everyday life or celebrating your dream vacation, I’m down to help you turn it into art! Inquire with me here.

Stephanie Bilinsky 6/9/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 6/9/23

7 Creative Location Ideas for Family Photos in Seattle

The spot you choose for family photos can shape your experience. As a lifestyle photographer, I always recommend people choose places where they feel comfortable. The best photos portray those in-between moments when you and your family are just enjoying each other’s company. Check out these creative location ideas for family photos in Seattle!

A mother and child look over the edge of the dock at Mount Baker Beach for family photos in Seattle.

7 LOCATION IDEAS FOR FAMILY PHOTOS IN SEATTLE

1. GOLDEN GARDENS PARK

This park stretches the shoreline in Ballard. You get stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains from the beach and hiking trails. Most areas of the park are dog friendly too! If your ideas for family photos include your fur babies, Golden Gardens Park is a great spot.

A toddler sits in the sand at Golden Gardens Park smashing sand between her hands.

A family poses in a field for a Seattle family photographer.

A mother blows bubbles for a toddler on the beach at Golden Gardens Park in Seattle family photos.

A child follows her father between the trees at a sandy park in Seattle.

2. DISCOVERY PARK

For a location that gives you stunning Pacific Northwest nature, check out Discovery Park. Located directly across the water from Bainbridge Island, Discovery Park includes miles of hiking trails and beaches. There’s even a historic lighthouse!

A couple stands under a tree with a baby smiling at a Seattle family photographer.

A mother and father lean over a baby smiling in a Seattle family photo.

3. GASWORKS PARK

Gas Works Park is located in the Northlake neighborhood. It gives a cool mix of city views and rolling hills. As you might have guessed from the name, this park is a repurposed industrial site. The city has done a great job of making it a fun place to explore.

A man and woman stand side by side holding up an ultrasound printout for a pregnancy announcement.

A man puts a hand on his wife's baby bump in a Seattle maternity photo.

A laughing couple holds hands and runs through Gas Works Park in a Seattle maternity photo.

4. MT. BAKER BEACH AT LAKE WASHINGTON

Looking for a way to help your kids relax at your session? Why not include a swim in your ideas for family photos? Mount Baker Beach is a magical place to splash around for photos with serious summer vibes.

A toddler wades into Lake Washington as her mother and father wave to her for family photos.

I’m obsessed with sessions at Lake Washington thanks to these family photos!

A Seattle family photographer photographs a toddler running through the water in Lake Washington.

5. STAN SAYRES MEMORIAL PARK AND BOAT LAUNCH

This park and boat launch offers a different take on waterside family photos. It’s a fun place to visit year round. Are you thinking about a lifestyle session on your family’s boat? I’m in!

A mother carrying a baby follows a child running down a dock in a Seattle family photo.

A family poses in front of a boathouse at Stan Sayres Memorial Park and Boat Launch.

Two parents hold the hands of a child splashing in a puddle at Stan Sayres Memorial Park and Boat Launch.

6. RAVENNA PARK

Ravenna Park offers a more woodsy experience with fern-lined trails and mossy hillsides. The park is only a half mile across, so it’s more manageable than some of the larger parks for sessions with small children. Ravenna Park is always a safe bet for relaxed, nature-filled photos.

A family holds hands as they walk down a hill in Ravenna Park in Seattle.

A couple poses on a hiking trail in Ravenna Park for a Seattle family photographer.

Two children climb on their parents sitting on a park bench in a Seattle family photo.

7. PIONEER SQUARE AND DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

If none of these nature-y ideas for family photos appeal to you, there’s always Pioneer Square and Downtown Seattle! You get gorgeous tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture, and shops and cafes you can pop into. Sometimes an afternoon on the town is just what your family needs for those magic moments to unfold.

A woman wraps her arms around a man in Pioneer Square during a lifestyle photography session.

A couple runs across a street in Downtown Seattle in a lifestyle photography session.

A man and woman kiss on a street corner in Pioneer Square in Seattle for an engagement photo.

Would you like me to take your family photos? I’m a Seattle photographer who captures the in-betweens on film and Super8. Reach out to me here!

Stephanie Bilinsky 4/17/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 4/17/23

Artsy Studio Maternity Photos

Studio maternity photos are the perfect way to document a unique time in your life in a modern, artistic way. Megan’s session shows that maternity photos can be creative, cool, and moving.

A studio maternity photo of a woman in a black bodysuit sitting crosslegged.

3 Reasons to Get Studio Maternity Photos

For this session, Megan joined me in my Mount Vernon studio. There are so many reasons to do a maternity session in a studio instead of outside or even at home. Here a few of the biggest.

A pregnant person pulls open a white button down shirt in an artistic maternity photo.

A pregnant woman looks down at her baby bump in a black and white maternity photo.

1. Control Over Conditions

Where you’re outdoors or in your home, there’s so much that’s beyond our control. For one, rain, heat waves, or unexpected cold can make everything harder. In the studio, I can control the heat and AC to accommodate you any time of year.

A woman laughs in a Seattle studio during her maternity session.

A pregnant woman reclines on a chair with her dress falling open over her baby bump in a studio maternity photo.

My studio also has incredible lighting that isn’t dependent on fickle weather. For natural light, the studio gets south light, which is nice all day. I also have a wall of windows. The shadows that dance around are magic.

A pregnant woman poses in a chair in a Seattle photography studio.

Sun shining through a window casts shadows on a pregnant woman in a studio maternity photo.

A pregnant woman rests her hands on her baby bump in a sunny photography studio at her maternity session.

2. A Modern Feel

A studio can be great for someone who wants to put a modern spin on traditional portraits. There’s a lot of value to documenting this time in your life in a space like this, and you can do it in a way that’s fresh and sophisticated.

A woman poses in a white shirt dress for an artistic maternity photo.

A pregnant woman leans forward with her elbows on her knees in a Seattle studio maternity photo.

3. Convenience and Comfort

A lot of little things are just easier with studio maternity photos. At my Mount Vernon studio just off the freeway, we have about three parking lots full of spaces. It’s also homey without worrying about prepping your actual house for photos. (Who has energy for that at that point in baby prep, anyway?) I also have a cool collection of furniture and props we can use.

A woman leans against a studio wall posing in a black bodysuit for her maternity session.

Sunlight shines on a pregnant woman's baby bump at her Seattle maternity photo session.

A woman in a black bodysuit looks over her shoulder in a film maternity photo using direct flash.

Megan’s Artsy Maternity Session

Megan’s session is a perfect example of how studio maternity photos can be artistic and cool. Forget those over-the-top photos of gauzy dresses billowing around people in dramatic poses. Megan wanted to play with light and shadow as well as black and white images. I loved the chance to get creative and play around as an artist!

A pregnant woman's hair falls in her face as she looks down at her baby bump in a studio maternity photo.

A woman poses in a white shirt and unbuttoned jeans in a film maternity photo.

A woman flips her hair and raises and arm over her head in a studio maternity photo in front of a white backdrop.

A lot of people schedule their maternity photos for their third trimester. Megan happened to be in town visiting her parents during her second trimester, so we scheduled this session to honor her and document what a badass she is. Since Megan and I have known each other since elementary school, it was surreal and amazing to be part of this experience for her.

Sunlight creates a triangle of light on a baby bump in a Seattle maternity photo.

A pregnant woman leans with a foot up on a stool in a Seattle photography studio for her maternity session.

Would you like me to document your studio maternity photos? I’m a Seattle film photographer ready to create art that imitates life. Inquire with me here!

Stephanie Bilinsky 4/10/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 4/10/23

Documentary Family Photography: Creating Your Family Archive

One of the joys of being a Seattle family photographer is that I get to document clients over years of growth and change. I’ve been lucky to photograph Vanessa’s family at their Vashon Island farm for five years now. Their photos are a perfect example of how documentary family photography can create an archive of magical, unfiltered moments.

A father and mother kneel in a field with two children while one walks towards a Seattle family photographer.

Why Documentary Family Photography Hits Different

Documentary family photography isn’t the trip to JC Penny you might have taken with your family when you were a kid. This style aims to document your family as you really are. It prioritizes real moments over glamorous poses, creativity over convention. Here are five reasons why documentary family photography hits different.

Two small boys stand behind their baby sister in a field of flowers in documentary family photography.

A mother holds a son in a hillside on Vashon Island.

1. It’s a better look into your family’s real narrative.

Your family’s story is so much deeper than a moment that everyone is standing still and looking at the camera. The beautiful, chaotic in betweens are the heart of your story. Your photos should reflect that.

Two boys run down a dirt path in documentary family photography in Seattle.

2. You can create your family archive.

In the age of social media, it’s easy to forget that photos are forever. They’re how we pass our story from one generation to the next. Documentary family photography helps you do that with that perfect combination of honesty and creativity.

A mother ties an orange hat on a toddler.

3. It documents children’s alchemy from a unique perspective.

Let’s face it. Kids’ magic lies in the unpredictable moments. They say or do something that you never in a million years could have expected, and you love them for it. This style of photography embraces that.

A father chases two boys towards a forest.

A toddler wraps her hands around her mother's leg in a Seattle family photo.

4. This style embraces real life, not fake and forced poses.

Real life isn’t always pretty, but it’s true. Sometimes your kids are a blur running through a field at blue hour. Sometimes they’re a pile of cuddles. It’s not about striking the perfect pose. It’s about documenting tender and joyful moments.

A mother and son embrace in a sunny field in documentary family photography.

Grandparents greet three small children in Seattle family photography.

5. It mixes art with the freedom to be yourself in your photos.

Documentary photography is an art. It lets you be yourself while using light, color, and movement to tell your story.

Grandparents, parents, and three children stand together laughing for a Seattle family photographer in a field on Vashon Island.

A boy in a hat stands at a garden gate surrounded by rows of flowers on a Washington farm.

Creating Vanessa’s Family Archive

Like I said before, I’ve photographed Vanessa and her family for years. I love visiting them at their farm on Vashon Island across the water from Seattle. These kids live the life with everything they could dream of on that farm. They also always send me home with treats from the farm - apples, eggs, homemade bread, you name it!

A toddler in an red dress walks through shallow snow in Seattle family photography.

A mother ties a bow on the back of a toddler's dress while a boy makes a snowball in the distance.

A toddler runs up to her father who stands by a low fence on a Vashon Island farm.

Since I’ve photographed this family for years, their photos show how we’ve grown alongside each other. We’ve also gotten really good at doing their sessions fast. Photo sessions never last more than an hour or so. Documentary family photography can be incredible without being an all-day commitment.

A mother and father stand by a line of fir trees with three small children in a Seattle family photo.

A family laughs and leans on one another in a candid family portrait.

Our fourth session included a Super 8 film. I’m obsessed with how it turned out.

Would you like me to work with me for your documentary family photography? Let’s embrace real life with candid photos you’ll cherish. Reach out to me here!

Stephanie Bilinsky 4/3/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 4/3/23

Portland Family Photographer: A Candid Slice of Life

As a Portland family photographer, I view my role as preserving your life in art. A session like this is the perfect way to do that. I used photo and Super 8 to document a candid slice of life for Jan, Nola, and Stella.

A toddler smiles at a Portland family photographer while her parents sit beside her in a pile of leaves.

A Portland Family Photographer for Nola, Jan, and Stella

When Jan and Nola decided to move, they reached out to me to document one of their last weekends in Portland on photo and Super 8. I love working with families to commemorate a meaningful moment like this. In fact, I did the same for another family in Seattle. You can check out that session here.

A toddler and a small dog run down a street.

A family poses for Portland family photos in front of a flowering hedge.

A father walks down a Portland street with a toddler on his shoulders.

A Portland family photographer photographs a family standing under a pink flowering tree with their dog.

A man smiles at a photographer while his toddler sits on his shoulders beneath a flowering tree.

Nola is also a photographer. It’s always such a compliment to photograph another artist. These photos show so many sides of her. She’s the cool mom, the artsy mom, the baker mom. She’s self-aware, and everything she touches turns to gold. That includes the family she’s built with Jan, one of the raddest people I’ve met.

A toddler puts a sprig of white flowers in a green bag.

A father leans over his daughter's shoulder to look at the flowers she's holding.

A toddler throws flower petals around her backyard in Portland.

A Portland family photographer photographs a toddler and father walking towards a mother holding out a pink flower.

A Portland family stands in the doorway of their garage.

Celebrating Life Unfiltered in Photo and Super 8

This session was the dream for a Portland family photographer. I met Nola, Jan, and Stella at their house. It was disheveled and full of packing boxes in preparation for their move, and it was perfect. We could preserve the chaotic, beautiful truth of this moment. We walked their favorite paths around the neighborhood and hung out in the yard. Everyone was so at ease that I felt like I could document their life authentically.

A toddler frowns in her front yard with a van parked behind her.

A mother and toddler sit beside a floral mural in their Portland home.

A toddler shows her mother a stuffed animal in a candid family photo in their Portland home.

A toddler and her mother poke her belly button laughing.

A mother carries a toddler through a living room scattered with boxes.

A mother and father play with their toddler who stands in a moving box.

Nola and Jan opted to include Super 8 in their family session. As a Portland family photographer, this is one of my favorite mediums to work with. It’s emotional and real. Super 8 has a lot of vintage appeal because it looks like old school home videos. It’s also really unique and different from the digital video we see all the time. Check out Jan, Nola, and Stella’s Super 8 film below.

Would you like me to be your Portland family photographer? Let’s create art that imitates your life. Reach out to me here!

Stephanie Bilinsky 2/28/23 Stephanie Bilinsky 2/28/23

Seattle Lifestyle Photographer: The Sullivans’ Last Summer in Seattle

There are lots of legit reasons to hire a Seattle lifestyle photographer. The Sullivans reached out to me to document an important moment in their family - their last summer in Seattle and their last season as a family of three. I documented raw magic moments on a mix of digital and Super 8 film.

A woman holds a toddler outside an ice cream stand as they both turn to look at a Seattle lifestyle photographer.

A Seattle Lifestyle Photographer for the Sullivans

I love when clients reach out because they want to document their real life in a place that’s so important to them. Laura and Tim are incredible artists. Before the session, they shared this: “We are TRULY so excited to shoot with you specifically because of all the film/off-kilter/non-cookie cutter family photo vibes. We want weird and cannot wait to see what you create.” I couldn’t have described my approach to family lifestyle photography better!

A mother and child pull toys out of brown paper bags in their living room.

A man holds up a magnifying glass for a toddler to peek through.

A child leans out of a hammock to touch the grass underneath while a Seattle lifestyle photographer takes pictures.

A woman holds a toddler while they wait for ice cream.

A toddler sits between her parents with a soft serve ice cream cone.

A man holds a toddler eating ice cream in documentary family photos.

A man and woman sit with their toddler in a sunny patch of grass eating ice cream cones for Seattle family photos.

Since the point of lifestyle photography is to document life unfiltered, we spent the evening the same way the Sullivans had been doing all summer. We met up at their rental then headed out for ice cream cones. Laura and Tim shared cones with their daughter Misa before heading to Lake Washington for a swim. It was the perfect way to capture what life was really like for the family in that moment.

A man lifts a toddler at the edge of the water at Lake Washington.

A mother and child kneel in the water of Lake Washington for a Seattle lifestyle photographer taking photos.

A husband and wife wade into a Seattle lake and embrace.

A toddler walks towards her parents in Lake Washington in Seattle family photos.

A father walks towards his daughter in the shallows of a Seattle lake.

A father holds a toddler's hands and swings her over the water of a Seattle lake.

A family in bathing suits sits laughing on the shore at Lake Washington for Seattle family photos.

A mother and father hold a toddler's hands as they walk down a dock in their bathing suits.

That Last Summer in Seattle

As a Seattle lifestyle photographer, I love to incorporate Super 8 film into sessions. Laura was especially excited about this part of the session. With the move to Chicago looming, she wanted to preserve this moment in Misa’s childhood and their family’s life in Seattle. Laura said, “Something dreamy and sweet is going to remind me of this last summer as a family of three and how grateful I am for this life.” I love the way the Super 8 came together! You can see the full-length film from this session here.

A mother and father embrace a toddler on a dock in a Seattle lake.

A mother and daughter stand on a dock in Seattle as another family member pulls himself out of the water.

A mother and toddler laugh on a dock while being photographed by a Seattle lifestyle photographer.

A woman holds a toddler's hands as she walks along a dock's edge at a Seattle lake.

A toddler in a dress runs down a narrow tree-lined road in Seattle.

A family runs in circles around a Seattle tennis court.

A woman watches a father touch his forehead to a toddler's in Seattle lifestyle photography.

Would you like me to be your Seattle lifestyle photographer? I’ll snap slices of life that you can revisit for years to come. Reach out!

Thanks to these Seattle businesses that helped make this day magic:

Ice cream: Homer

Children’s gifts: Perry and Carlson