Annabel's Pioneer Park Senior Portraits | Olympia Senior Photographer

Perfect song for this young woman!

Of course when your senior brings her squad you have to snap a few images! Friendship, laughter and love captured!

XOXO,

Sarah

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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

10 Great Portrait Locations Near Olympia

• Percival Landing, Olympia - If you like Urban Portraits then downtown Olympia is a great option for you. We can walk along the water at Percival Landing and capture images with the soft neutrals of the Sound. On the way back we can cut through downtown Olympia to catch some funky, colorful and fun portraits. From brightly colored doors, cool architecture, beautiful murals and the boardwalk with the Sound behind it, Olympia is a very nice location to have your portraits taken! There is even a fun farmers market to shoot, a tower, docks, a playground, a neat bridge and so much more! I also love downtown Olympia for all it's little coffee shops and restaurants! A couples session in a coffee shop is just plain adorable and fun! Some free parking near the Olympia Farmers Market, street parking and most lots are paid.

• The Capitol Building, Olympia - Not far from Percival landing is the regal and structurally impressive Capitol building. From elegant stairs, giant pillar, beautiful fences, massive intricate doors and a rose garden there is lots of great variety at the Capitol Building. Can you guess the best perk about the Capitol building? If you were going to say easy parking (in the evenings) or the great view of the lake you were close but those aren't the best! The best perk of shooting your portraits at the Capitol building is it's located within walking distance of one of my favorite bakeries! Wagner's European Bakery & Cafe has an excellent selection of baked good and they make stunning wedding cakes (they made mine!) Parking is fairly easy to find and is only free during the evening and weekends.

• Pioneer Park, Tumwater - Pioneer Park is beautiful and big enough so you don't have to wait for other people to clear the area for your shots! As a Pacific Northwest Portrait Photographer a variety of rich green backgrounds, cool grey paths/ground, fields of tall flowers and quite a few interesting logs to sit on is the 'cat's meow' of variety for little local parks and Pioneer Park has it all. I also love this location because it has a little patch of foliage that provides coverage if it starts to sprinkle! We all know how important that is in Washington state! Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter - this location provides interesting backgrounds which makes it a great choice all year round. There is plenty of parking at this location, although during the summer when there are sports it can be pretty packed. No Parking Fees.

• Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, Lacey - Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is a bit of a walk but worth it for some beautiful images! There are wooden walkways, two old white barns, fields of tall grass and a fun long pathway that creates beautiful leading lines for your images. As a bonus, you can't walk through without seeing wildlife. We frequently see frogs, deer and a variety of birds (depending on the season) during our sessions at NWR. Please note that there is a small entrance fee for this location, there is a drop box for payment at the main building and is done on the honor system.

• Tolmie State Park, Lacey - Tolmie State Park is a fun little beachy location that can yield some stunning photos! It has an amazing bridge, lots of trails with rich green backgrounds and an amazing beach that works well for both posed and candid portraits. Please note that a Discover Pass is needed to park at this location. During limited summer hours you can purchase on site but to be safe I'd recommend purchasing one ahead of time.

• Ft. Steilacoom, Lakewood - Ft Steilacoom Park may be my favorite local park to shoot in. Barns, dark green foliage, a lake, grassy fields, mossy woods, a long path, flowers in the spring, old ruins, an apple orchard.... Ft. Steilacoom has it ALL. On clear days there is even a view of Mt. Rainier! This location has plenty of parking and it's free! YAY!

• Museum of Glass, Tacoma - Downtown Tacoma, near the Glass Museum is an urban portrait photographer's dream! It is possibly even my favorite location for urban portraits! The bridge to the Museum of Glass has visually pleasing art and some beautiful clean and neutral buildings behind it. There is a great selection of art, including a fountain, that makes for some interesting and unique portraits. One of my favorite locations to shoot there is an old brick apartment building with metal stairs. It can be really fun and diversify your session. I also love shooting portraits in downtown Tacoma near the Museum of Glass because it is within walking distance of so many great locations. The Spanish Steps, Fireman's Park, Opera Alley and all the funky downtown businesses and garage doors are a few examples. It is also a two minute car ride from the 11th Street bridge which is an AMAZING location to make you stand out, yet still have an interesting background in your portraits (for safety reasons we will need a spotter for this location so please let me know ahead of time if you are interested in shooting at the 11th Street bridge). Parking is hit or miss...mostly paid parking.

• Pt. Defiance Park + Rose Garden, Tacoma - Pt. Defiance Park is a top spot for summer portraits due to the colorful and fun rose garden. There is also a Japanese Garden area that is beautiful to take portraits in. PDP is also a wedding destination - and a stunning one at that! This location can be fairly busy though, so I'd recommend weeknights or mornings when it isn't as crowded. Parking is free but limited - on busy days, don't bother. Pt. Defiance Park is also a few minutes drive from Owen Beach - Ask about how you can include both for your portrait session.

• Owen Beach, Tacoma - Right down the road from Pt. Defiance Park is this little, not so hidden gem. Owen Beach is simply beautiful and can include beach pictures, woodsy pictures OR BOTH! Owen Beach can be very crowded though so I'd recommend a sunrise session here. Parking is free and there are plenty of parking spots on site.

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Fun Prop Ideas for Your Portrait Session

Most of the portraits that I shoot focus more on the connection between people rather than props but I do recommend bringing one or two personal items to make your session unique and fun. It doesn't have to be big and elaborate to make amazing photos (but if you have a beautiful armchair briiiing it!!)

Couples/Engagement Photography

• Chalkboard

• Save the Date

• Rings

• Pillows, blankets

• Candles

• Flowers

• Flower Crown

• Beautiful Dress

• Uniform

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Matching item ex baseball caps or jerseys

• Balloons

• Hammock

• A bicycle

• Large balloon or half a dozen small ones (helium)

• Umbrella

• Signs

• Old Pick-up truck or car

• Row boat

• Coffee

• Hat

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Maternity Photography

• Book

• Ultrasound Photo

• Baby Shoes

• Sign

• Chalkboard

• Letters Spelling Babies Name

• Flowers

• Floral Crown

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Balloons

• Pickles and Ice Cream!

• Significant or cherished item

• Chalk

• Lace dress, a flowing dress

• Fur baby and sign to announce pregnancy

• Tiny crown

• Baby Daddy!! siblings.

• Sun hat

• Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)

• Large piece of sheer fabric

• Wedding Rings

• Tulle Skirt and Bralette

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Senior Photography

• Letterman Jacket

• Sports Paraphernalia

• Your best friend or close family member so you are more relaxed

• Medals or Awards that you are proud of

• Sports uniforms

• Instruments

• College Swag

• Several Outfits

• A fun hat

• Sunglasses

• Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)

• Flowers

• Floral Crown

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Balloons

• Book

• Sign

• Graduation year numbers

• Globe

• Flag

• Significant Necklace or Bracelent

• Class Ring

• Props that elude to your future career (stethoscope for doctor etc)

• The best prop you can bring is confidence and a genuine smile!

Family Photography

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• Pillows and Blanket

• Tent, Campfire, s'mores

• Chalkboard

• Family Pet

• Bicycles

• Kayaks

• Hiking boots and a gorgeous view!

• Signs

• Bubbles

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Old Pick-up truck or car

• Tee-Pee

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Children's Photography

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• Watermelon

• Lemonade stand

• Kissing booth

• Old Pick-up truck or car

• Signs

• Bubbles

• Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.

• Tee-Pee

• Bicycle or Tricycle

• Umbrella

• Balloons

• Child-sized chairs

• Headbands

• Bow Ties

• Cakes or cupcakes

• Lollipop

• Swing

• Vintage Suitcases

• Chalk

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Lifestyle Photography

• Game or activity

• Books

• Baking

• Ice cream

• Pillow Fight

• Fort

• Sprinkler

• Water balloons

• Tea/coffee

• Couch

• Bed

• Wagon

• Bicycle or Tricycle

• Popsicles

• Trampoline

• Hike

• Tent, campfire, s'mores

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Preparing For Your Portrait Session

Hello friends! So you're getting your picture taken! Let's talk about a few things to get you ready for our session!

Although we can schedule your session any time during the day, we try to schedule to take advantage of the best natural light. The hours after sunrise and before sunset are 'golden' times and have ideal lighting. The golden light of these hours are soft, flattering and BEAUTIFUL! Please make sure you specify one of these time slots if you are interested.

ASK QUESTIONS! We strive to create a custom experience for each of our clients. Feel free to ask questions including location advice, wardrobe, style, props and more! Below are a few guidelines to get you started.

Clothing

• Keep the attire simple, but coordinate colors for groups.

• Solid colors are best... try to avoid large bold patterns and neon colors as they can take attention away from your face. If you do select an outfit with a pattern try to match that pattern to solid colors for the clothing of the other parties in the portrait.

• When selecting your wardrobe consider the location of your portrait session and match accordingly. For example, soft colors look great at the beach and avoid green in the forest so you don't blend in!

• If you plan to hang a large print or canvas of your images consider the colors of your home when selecting your wardrobe.

• Darker, solid colors appear more slimming than lighter colors.

• Dress weather appropriate so you aren't too hot or cold.

• Be sure to include the appropriate shoes, socks and stockings for your outfit. Plan your wardrobe from head to toe as full length poses are a part of your portrait session.

• Bring an outfit change(s) to add variety to your sitting.

• Wear clothing you are uncomfortable in. If you are uncomfortable it will show in your face and will be harder to relax and enjoy yourself.

• Avoid baggy clothing as it can make you look big/boxy.

• Eyeglasses can create glare that hides your eyes. We recommend wearing contacts if you have them or asking your optician if you can borrow a similar frame without lenses.

• Remember to empty your pockets of cellphones, keys, chapstick etc so there aren't visible outlines.

• Ladies!!! Take your hairbands off your wrists.

• Feel free to bring a few props with you to add a unique touch to your portraits.

• Bring a portable speaker and your favorite tunes! Music can create some great vibes and help you relax.

Hair/Make-up

We highly recommend getting your hair and make-up done as professional stylists know how to apply makeup to best bring out your natural beauty! Besides, knowing you look fabulous and FEELING fabulous will help you be more relaxed and happy. Those natural smiles and real laughter are always my fave!

There are many talented Hair and Makeup artists in the area, if you'd like suggestions please contact one of the artists on our Wedding Resource Guide.

Kids

• Bring snacks to avoid hangry 'tudes. Also good for bribery.

• Bring a comfort item - stuffed animal, pacifier, blankey etc.

• Make sure parents AND kids are both rested. You may be so focused on making sure your child is well rested that you forget about yourself. Children are very sensitive to their parents emotions and even the slightest bit of grump or frustration can affect their behavior. Bottom line, if you are happy and relaxed your kids will be too!

• Allow for extra time to get to the location and prepare for your session. The events leading up to your session can set the tone of the day. Extra time = no stress about being late and time for your munchkins to look around and acclimate to the location.

• Don't force them to smile! That's my job! Kids are much more relaxed and natural when you aren't telling them what to do and what not to do. Relax and have fun with them, your smiles and laughter will relax them and then their smiles will come naturally. I'll say it again - when you are stressed they are stressed, when you are relaxed they are relaxed!

• Bring baby wipes! Cause boogers.

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Dnycia's Ft. Steilacoom Park Senior Portraits | Tacoma Senior Photographer

I met this sweet senior's mother, Letitia, at a get together with some friends and she started telling me about her soccer-loving daughter, Dnycia, so I was excited when Letitia contacted me to do Dyncia's senior portraits! We had one reschedule due to rain but as a Pacific Northwest Senior Photographer I considered that lucky because the next was beautiful and we even had some sun!!

Letitia had warned me that Dnycia was shy but camera's don't lie! Just look at that smile!!! Once she warmed up a bit I think she even had fun! I know I did! So nice to meet you Dnycia, good luck in the rest of your senior year and I'll see you for family photos in the summer.

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Winter Wonderland Stylized Senior Shoot | Olympia Senior Photography

Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE shooting in the snow? Well....I absolutely do!

I got together with some fellow photographers for this fun and snowy Stylized Senior Shoot . Tammy of Tammy Dalquist Photography brought her stunning squad of Senior Models and we had a blast shooting and playing in the snow. 

As a Pacific Northwest Senior Photographer I love the rich greens of our beautiful scenery, the way red from this shoot pops makes me grin ear to ear. Red is BY FAR my favorite color to shoot!

Girls, you are gorgeous and I had a blast getting to know you a bit. Countdown is on until the end of senior year, make it memorable!

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Vantage Desert Stylized Senior Shoot | Olympia Senior Photographer

Right about now every year I REALLY start missing the sun! As a Pacific Northwest Senior Photographer I love the rich PNW mood of winter but I will forever miss that warm glow of the sun! Rain rain GO AWAY, so that sun can come make my day!

Here are some gorgeous sun drenched images I took back in September! This was such an amazing, adventure filled day - several other photographers and I piled into a car and road tripped over to Vantage, WA. Isn't the scenery amazing!!!!!  I cannot wait to go back come spring! Message me if you are interested in a portrait session in the gorgeous location.

***Desperately seeking an adventurous couple MADLY IN LOVE who wants their love documented with this gorgeous background!!!

How do YOU get through the dreariness of winter?

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Adryanna's Chamber Bay Senior Portraits | Tacoma Senior Photographer

Adryanna, you are one amazing girl! Way to rock your senior photos!

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Abigail's Pioneer Park Senior Portraits | Olympia Senior Photographer

On a beautiful, sunny September afternoon I met Abigail, her mom Jen and her little sister Sidney at Pioneer Park in Tumwater, Washington. Abigail is fun, creative, goal-orientated and sweet as pie! I had a blast chatting with her and her family. Abigail plans to join the military when she graduates and then continue her education. She is making things happen!

Abigail and her sister, Sidney, are the best of friends. Their light-hearted banter kept me laughing and smiling. I can only hope that my kids have a similar relationship and have a friendship on top of being siblings! So cool!

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful

Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm Stylized Senior Shoot | Olympia Senior Photographer

The 'what'

Hello there, first time blogger alert!

I recently had the pleasure of working with Tammy Dahlquist of Tammy Dahlquist Photography, her gorgeous team of model seniors and a handful of extremely talented photographers to create a stunning photo shoot at Evergreen Lavender Farm in Olympia, WA. As a Pacififc Northwest Senior Photographer, this was a dream event!

The 'where'

Evergreen Lavender Farm is located at 9733 Evergreen Valley RD SE in Olympia. It is a small farm but what it lacks in size is more that made up for in it's beauty, charm and a surreal fairy tale like environment. There is a neat little gift shop on the premises that boasts some amazing lavender products including but not limited to jewelry, culinary lavender, essential oils, jam (try the the blueberry lavender, it's a bit of heaven on your tongue,) art and lavender beauty products. Fresh and dried lavender bundles are also available for purchase. The owners, Thane and Peggy, are super nice and very knowledgeable about lavender. It's amazing to see the spark in their eye when they talk about their farm and their products and it warms my heart to watch such nice people living their dream.

This little local farm is very worth a visit and much closer than the big farms in Sequim, so stop in and say hi and tell them I sent you!

The 'good stuff'

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Such a lovely evening and the portraits turned out amazing! I had a blast and look forward to this being the first (ok second, last year I took my kids there) annual adventure at Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm! I Can't wait for next year. Would you like your own beautiful lavender field portraits?? Contact me to schedule your one of a kind, tailored just for you, senior portrait (or amazing engagement or maternity) session.

XOXO,

Sarah

Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!

Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful