Artisans Group: My Favorite Bright Green House

When I was in art school, I took a photography class on how to capture architecture. We shot everything with this huge, large format camera and I immediately fell in love with the challenge — plus using different gear than my tried-and-true camera was FUN!

I hadn’t used those skills in a very long time until Artisans Group walked into my life. Artisans Group found my photography in 222 Market and learned that I was the photographer for most of the marketplace branding. Because they designed 222 Market, they liked my vibe and have taken me under their wing ever since.

I am so grateful for this amazingly talented and kind business. They have helped me hone my skills in architecture and allow me to continue my education in helping me learn how to make each space and exterior shine. They really took a chance on me and I have LOVED every house we’ve shot (10 so far!). I am super pumped to watch this relationship continue to blossom and can’t wait to see what creative + unique houses I get to meet next. 

To learn more about Artisans Group and the beautiful work they do all over, head here.

Love is Awesome

Love really is awesome. It is easily one of the biggest values I try and live my life by — to love deeper and more frequently. Because of this, it’s no surprise to me that family sessions are some of my favorite shoots. And memories. And time spent.
 

This little family straight up STOLE my heart. To be completely honest, I ADORE babes with a full head of hair and this little girl was absolutely beautiful. The more I shoot children, the more my heart grows. I’ve learned so much from them over the years like to always receive snuggles and kisses; the bigger the world, the more to explore; and to always, always stay curious. Some of my favorite shots from this shoot happened because this curious little guy wanted to learn more about my camera and studied the lens for a few moments — enough for me to really capture his tiny, eager personality!
 

And as always, I cannot stress how important it is to take the time for "Mom-and-Dad-only" photos at the end of each family shoot. This night in particular was super magical — the smoky, wildfire skies created an array of soft pinks and oranges and the backdrop framed this couple perfectly. They’re seriously happy, love soaked faces and aura rivaled the sky that night and I was SO happy to have been able to share that with them.

Oh, Baby: Alissa + Brenden

Alissa + Brenden are welcoming their first baby — a boy! — and I was lucky enough to celebrate with them from behind the lens. 

What stood out to me most about these two was the look in their eyes every time I asked them to look down at the baby bump. Their faces lit up, their eyes softened — you could feel how much love and excitement they have for their baby. It was as palpable and vibrant as the sun that surrounded them. 

Alissa + Brenden also knew exactly what they wanted for their location. They wanted to take baby boy to a place he would come to know first hand — a field with iconic PNW trees surrounding them. I loved that they had a vision in mind and that I was invited to join them in that. I so appreciate the love that they have for Washington, particularly Olympia, and could already imagine all the places they would take their baby and how many “firsts” the three of them would have together right here in this very space. 

I cannot wait to meet Baby Wood and if I’m lucky enough, continue to capture his amazing life as he grows with his beautiful family underneath those PNW trees.

Moon Cycle Bakery

Poppi Photography has been a dream of mine for a long, long time. 23 years in the making. Beginning with an assignment, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I firmly answered, "photographer", at the brazen age of ten years old. It's incredible to look back at all of the creative opportunities which have been in my path. From art classes to art school, to working with small businesses and to exploring everything from portraits to architecture. I've been in search of what to specialize in. Which is funny, because until this year I haven't been sure. 

What I've found is this...I want to specialize in working with companies, people and places that I feel personally connected to. I'm at a point in my career where connection and purpose are more important than any other factor. More important than status, income, or genre. I want to take images with heart and soul.

And if you've guessed by this point, Moon Cycle Bakery is one of those companies I feel personally connected to, you guessed RIGHT! From the moment I learned about the mission of Moon Cycle Bakery, I was not only a fan but was instantly in awe of their vibe, positivity and inclusiveness. This bakery has soul and wants all females to feel empowered by embracing ever-changing womanhood and lives by one of my favorite lines from the show Parks and Rec, Treat Yo' Self. When I looked at their Instagram, I saw image after image of calming, entrancing, wildly beautiful photographs and I knew this was an opportunity to think outside the box. When my dear friend Devon asked if I'd be interested in taking images for their Kickstarter campaign, my fingers couldn't type the email fast enough. 

This shoot felt like it was completely meant to be. The women that came together to model, style, and film this endeavor are all personal friends of mine and are all fellow female entrepreneurs. The creative energy and desire was swirling around us and I know the images we made show that feeling. 

Perspective, light, shadow and change. As women, we can identify with the similarities of the moon. Are we illuminated in full by our place in life or do we have just a sliver of radiance to share? This sweet reminder in the sky shows nothing stays the same for too long. Feel free to change. Rise and set over new horizons. Create wonder each day because you too are just as magical as the moon. CONGRATULATIONS, DEAR DEVON!!! Your impact on me is undeniable and pure. Everyone, please go check out Moon Cycle Bakery Kickstarter and indulge your senses! 

DREAM TEAM:
Video: Meg Newton Photography // @megnewtonphotography
Video Stars: Savannah Jones // @1savannahsmiles + Devon Loftus (founder of MCB) // @mamadwildling
Model + Artist: Darcy Goedecke // @darcygoedecke
Photos: Moi! // @poppiphotography
Treats: Moon Cycle Bakery // @mooncyclebakery

Stay Golden: Alexa's Senior Session

If we've adventured together before, you'll know my two favorite times of day to shoot are sunrise + sunset. The light is just so yummy and each time of day has it's own unique vibe to it.  What you may not know is that sunrise is hands down my favorite time of the day to shoot.

Sunset is beautiful in all it's glory, especially when the sun has set just perfectly that it creates that ultra glow — or the golden hour, as we like to call it — but what I love about the sunrise, is that we start in that honey-hued light. It meets us with a huge smile, open arms and total sweetness. This is where Alexa's shoot started and that energy was carried throughout her entire session.

What I loved about Alexa was her openness to meet me at sunrise. Our photo shoot was scheduled for 6 am and Alexa relayed to me that she woke up at 4 am to get ready. Not a hair was out of place and her smile stretched from ear to ear. Here was a senior in high school who had already found the beauty in meeting the day early and that some moments in life are worth the lack of sleep and early alarm clock. I was not only blown away by her old soul but by her ability to model! Girl's got moves!! And of course, I was giddy with excitement when she let me pick a flower and braid it into her hair. That openness to spontaneity + creativity is something I so love about my clients. 

Cheers to the golden girl that met me at sunrise to dance under the sun together. Your glow has only just begun, my dear. 

*I am currently booking senior sessions for 2018 and am offering a special package that gets me SO EXCITED! The Poppi 2018 Adventure Senior Sessions include a road trip to a scenic location and a mini session with friends in your home town. Email me at contact@poppiphoto.com to reserve your spot! I can't wait to make these sessions EXTRA special for you bold babes! Limited availability.*

Fleurae: My Flower Family

If there are two things I love most, it's supporting women-run businesses, entrepreneurs and artists and getting to stare longingly at pretty flowers all day. Luckily, I've found a place in downtown Olympia that encompasses both. 

Fleurae is an Olympia oasis, beckoning people of all ages and genders to stop in and quite literally smell + admire the roses (or the Dahlias, or the Dusty Millers, or the Proteas...). They are constantly highlighting local artists and supporting the dreamers of this world, not to mention their shoppe is intentionally created with every ounce of their sweat, tears and endless love. (Have you seen their epic driftwood chandelier?? Yeah, they MADE that).

When team Fleurae can't be found in their shoppe, they are off delivering BEAUTIFUL handcrafted bouquets, flower crowns, runners and so much more to their customers. Their work is always 100% personalized and professional and never fails to brighten someone's most important day. 

Above all else, Fleurae is run by two of the most heart-centered, genuine souls I've come across in this lifetime, Iana and Carissa. To say they're my friends is an honor and to witness the beauty these two bad-ass women continue to create is a joy. Thank you both for opening your shoppe to the world and spreading your light like petals. It's a highlight in my month to shoot with Olysocial and/or photograph weddings with their gorgeous florals! 

To check out their shop and learn more about their gorgeous work, head here + here. 

This is Paradise

I've always loved exploring, something that lends itself easily here in the PNW, and I am so grateful every day that my job allows me and encourages me to do so. What beats exploring alone is exploring with my clients, who so graciously jump feet-first into the adventure with me. Meet Daniel, Alicia + baby Elena Palermo — three of my favorite people and one heck of a family. 

When the four us arrived at Paradise, we ventured down a trail together to capture the light and magic that nestles into the mountains every crook and curve. After getting lost in dreamy light and their genuine glow, I realized that I was down a path I had never discovered before. The countless times I find myself in Paradise and here I was, unveiling a new space, fresh greenery and breathtaking beauty. The best part of it all was that the Palermo's had never been to this spot either and just like that, we were discovering together.

I thought back on the adventures we had already taken together — starting with a maternity shoot, a newborn shoot, and now a family shoot. I've watched Elena grow older and the Palermo family grow fuller and my heart was bursting with gratitude and love.

There on that dirt path while the stillness engulfed me in paradise.

Cheers to adventure. Cheers to always discovering. And cheers to my clients who graciously bring me with them on the adventure called life. 

To check out more of Alicia's gorgeous pictures and their sweet family, make sure to follow along. 

 

Aloha

I love when life puts pure joy right in my path. I randomly met this beautiful family on the beach while in Hawaii the day before I was booked to shoot a wedding. After some small talk, they found out I was photographer and wanted to book me for a shoot while I was there. It was very serendipitous and I was so excited to celebrate with them through photography as he had just proposed to her. Those generous smiles were abundant throughout the shoot as well as the adorable, sand-covered baby legs!

The Artisans Group

Shooting the Heron Haus for The Artisans Group in Olympia, Washington was an exciting shoot. Having the opportunity to photograph architecture of this quality motivates me to continue and grow my craft. This company is providing cutting edge technology with the advanced homes they build. I love capturing the essence of a home while showcasing the design and spirit that goes into its construction. Their homes are an innovative melding of science and beauty with clean lines and impressive touches around every corner.

Ross + Spencer Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Ross and Spencer's wedding at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle was a day full of smiles, laughter and over-joyed, happy tears. The breathtaking backdrop for this equally striking couple created a grand ambiance of celebration. It was apparent from every shared glance this was a marriage of soul-mates. The abundance of love shared among all in attendance appeared from the beginning to the very end of the day. What a festive bash to document!

Chelsea Farms in Olympia

One of my favorite restaurants in Olympia is Chelsea Farms. This awesome establishment is now at the top of my list after having the opportunity to photograph the amazing people who own and work here! Their organic, sustainable farm to table operation creates some of the most delicious food out there. Add in the lively and friendly atmosphere and this is a must visit. 

Poppi Girl Session at General Porpoise

What's better than getting to spend the afternoon shooting the cutest small business owner and then cap off the day with doughnuts to go? Nothing could have topped the fun I had with Emily while taking her pictures at the General Porpoise doughnut and coffee shop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. She needed new shots for both her website and social media and talk about unforgettable shoes! I am so excited that the fun we had doing these shots won't be the last, as Emily booked a family session for the near future. 

Spruce Skin and Wax Shoppe

Spruce Skin and Wax Shoppe located in Olympia, Washington was a gorgeous, relaxed setting to capture this sassy group of ladies. Offering a variety of services to meet all skin care needs provided the opportunity to capture pampering at its very best. Mingled with an exquisite shop full of every type of accessory imaginable, including their chosen collections of skin care lines, helped showcase Spruce's amazing customer service and dedication to their art.

Vance + Shelby Vashon Island

Vance + Shelby

Tacoma, WA

Vashon Island

Taking the ferry boat from Tacoma to Vashon Island provided a unique backdrop for Vance and Shelby. Although the skies were drizzling, smiles were abundant as was the love shared between these two. Nothing was more heart warming than the looks they exchanged. Despite getting soaked by the rain before we finished, the laughter shared was the highlight of the day as well as these amazing images. I can't wait to shoot their elopement in September! 

Speegle Family Adventure Maternity Session Enumclaw, WA