Page 6 – Yi Li Photography | Seattle Documentary Family Photography

10 on 10 / personal

September 10 on 10 :: Day in the life {personal projects}

September 10, 2014

On this particular Day in the Life, I took MANY MANY photos, but I’m just sharing ten here. I love how these little bits and pieces of our life fit together to tell a story of the here and now. The details change so minutely, day to day, and seem barely imperceptible when you’re living through them, but cumulatively they amount to so much in a few months, a few years. If I really stop to think about how fast the kids are growing, it takes my breath away. I know I’ll be so glad to have these photos in a few months, a few years, a few decades from now.

{1} Milk delivery – six half gallons every week!

seattle storytelling photographer

{2} All kids need jobs

seattle child photographer

{3} Bouncing!

seattle twins photographer

{4} So into books

seattle lifestyle photographer

{5} Cars aren’t just for boys

seattle documentary photographer

{6} A-choo

seattle storytelling photos

{7} My favorite sisters photo

seattle sibling photos

{8} Mmmwah!

seattle twins photographer

{9} Twin trouble

seattle boy girl twin photos

{10} Nighty-night!

seattle toddler photos

Get more inspiration for recording your very own Day in the Life! Follow along to Kyla Ewert’s blog next to see what her day looked like! I may or may not have been a little bit jealous when I saw the fun she had with her crew!

Love letters / personal

August ’14 Letters to our Children {Seattle storytelling photographer}

August 29, 2014

Dear Avery,

Oh, my big girl. What a fun summer we’ve had. You’ve been so busy swimming this summer! You had double swimming lessons every Wednesday. It was your favorite day of the week! You’ve made so much progress in your swimming, that you got promoted to level P-2 for the next session! I’m so proud of you. You worked so hard this summer with putting your face in the water and going underwater. You’re getting pretty good at going down to get rings and starting to blow nose bubbles when underwater too.

I’m so glad I got to go with you on your last swimming field trip of the summer. It was so fun riding the city bus with you and your friends to the pool, then watching you guys have your lessons and taking lots of pictures. What a fun day!

You’ve been such a big help with your brother and sister lately as well. Whenever one of them are upset, you go to bring them their huggies to feel better. Such a sweet and loving big sis! I love how you and Morgs have a special sisterly bond, and I love watching you take care of her by finding a place to sit down on the sidewalk while I’m strapping your brother into the car at pick-up time. I hope you two always share a special friendship.

It’s “back to school” time, so earlier this week I read this blog post titled “Dear First-time Kindergarten Mom”. Even though we have another year before you start kindergarten, reading the article got me all choked up and emotional. I think the take-home message was to ENJOY IT, because “it” indeed goes by too fast. As the last few days of summer pass by on the calendar, know that I love you so very much and I am enjoying it.

Love,

Mama

I’m joined in this Letters project by a group of talented photographer mothers. We’ve committed to writing a letter to our kiddos each month, accompanied by our photos. Please head on over to visit Charlotte NC family photographer and my friend Valerie Rice’s blog next!

10 on 10 / personal

August 10 on 10 :: Day trip to Bainbridge Island {personal projects}

August 10, 2014

Seattle Lifestyle Photographer, Yi Li Photography

Last weekend we took a trip to Bainbridge Island via the ferry. Most kids love the ferry, and I thought it would be a fun thing to do with all 3 kids. We took Avery once before when she was almost 2, but haven’t made the trip since. All 3 kids are getting a little easier to manage, so we thought what the heck. Plus, my mom has never been over to Bainbridge. To be honest, this was actually our second attempt at this day trip this summer. The first time we attempted it, we had planned to drive on the ferry and arrived to the terminal about 5 min prior to crossing. We were surprised at the long line and how cars were already lining up for the next ferry! I’m actually glad it didn’t work out the first time, because this time we got smart, went on a Sunday, parked our car in downtown Seattle (free on Sundays), then walked on to the ferry instead of driving. That saved us some cash, and I think made for a more fun trip.

Here are a few highlights from our day trip, but my most favorite memory isn’t in photographs; it’s just a memory in my heart. On the ferry ride back, Avery didn’t want to go outside on the upper deck, so I took Bennett by myself while Avery stayed below with Eric. Morgan was strapped to my mom, fast asleep in the passenger cabin as well. Bennett and I went to the front of the ferry where everyone was taking in the view of the approaching downtown Seattle skyline. Being at the front to the ferry, it was quite windy, so I carried him in my arms with my back towards the wind. He stuck both arms out, like he was Kate Winslet on the Titanic, giddy with laughter, I’m sure he was thinking he was King of the World! I did ask a stranger to snap a photo of the two of us together at that moment. It’s not the best photo, but I’m so glad I have that memory of us at that moment to keep in my heart. I’m joined in this 10 on 10 project by a group of amazingly talented photographers. We’re sharing 10 photos from one day in the life of our families on the 10th of each month. Please head on over to to see what one summer evening looks like to Sherri Davis of Sherri Davis Photography. Hint: it looks awesome.

Baby / Family / sessions

Quinn: First peek {Seattle newborn photographer}

July 31, 2014

I’ve had a handful of clients lately who are not on Facebook, so I’ve been posting a first peek here on the blog! I spent yesterday morning photographing Quinn’s newborn session at home with his family. What a treat to be able to see this little guy again after photographing his in-hospital newborn session a week earlier. He’s such a mellow guy who barely fussed at all, as long as we permitted him to eat frequently (which of course we did). Despite lots of milk, he never fell into a deep deep sleep while I was there, so he sure made me work. We must’ve tuckered him out, though, since mama later told me that he slept for about 5 hours straight after I left!

Enjoy your first peek! I can’t wait to finish editing the rest of them!

Love letters / personal

July ’14 Letters to our Children {Seattle twins photographer}

July 27, 2014

Dear Bennett,

Oh, my sweet Buddy. I feel like I write the same thing in all of my letters to you. What a sweet guy you are. How kind and good-natured you are. Well, it must be the truth.

I was recently going through all of my photographs, and realized I don’t have too many of you. There are TONS of your big sister Avery, and quite a few of Morgs, but for some reason, not too many of you. That’s when I decided to dedicate this month’s letter to you. There are so many things I love about you right now, and I never want to forget them.

Your smile and your laugh, or your “chuckle” as Avery calls it. Those two things will brighten the gloomiest of days. Lately you’ve been acting really silly, and hiding behind doors and in hallways. You’ll then peek your head out slowly, and then break into the silliest, most mischievous smile. It’s the greatest!!!

I love getting you out of your carseat in the morning when we get to school. I lift you up and carry you around to the sidewalk, and in those brief 15 seconds, we have a moment and you hug me close and give me a tight ((squeeze)). It’s one of the best parts of my morning.

Your pudgy little hands with dimpled knuckles. I love watching you pick things up, manipulate them with your fingers, and I think you’re a lefty like me!

And then every night when I put you to bed, before I lower you down into your crib, I cradle you like a baby, and think what a BIG guy you’ve become. So heavy and long and hardly a baby anymore.

I’m acutely aware that it’s going too fast. But trust me, I’m enjoying it. When you’ve grown up and moved out of the house, I’ll be thankful for this time we had together.

Love,

Mama

I’m joined in this project by a talented group of photographer mothers. Each month we’re documenting a slice of life in words and photos, as Letters to our Children. Please follow along to the next blog of my dear friend Allie Shellaway, then keep following the circle until you end up back here!

Baby / Children / Family / Hospital newborn / sessions

Three is the new two {Seattle hospital newborn photographer}

July 23, 2014

This (not-so-little) dude came into the world yesterday, on a cold, cloudy morning in Seattle. I spent this rainy morning at the hospital photographing the new bundle, his big brother and big sister, and parents. I can already tell he was born into a bustling family full of love. His middle name is Matthew, which means Gift from God.

There are so many fleeting things to remember from the first days of life. The tiny wrinkled feet, the first bath, the first footprints, the soft dark hair, the squish. Have you noticed that he doesn’t have one bit of a cone head? Combine 3rd child + rock star mama + did she say only three pushes or something insane like that?!?! Well there you have it.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Three is the new two. Go ahead. Call me a trendsetter. 😉 Congratulations, L family, on the birth of your new baby boy! THREE is such a blessing and oh so very fun!

Children / Family / sessions

Sneak peek: Seattle in-home family portrait session

July 7, 2014

Here’s a rare session sneak peak for this mama who’s not on Facebook. I think I got a few good ones of the kids 😉

in-home family session

Love letters / personal

June ’14 Letters to our Children {Seattle children’s photographer}

June 29, 2014

Dear Morgan,

Oh, my baby girl. You have the world at your feet and you’re in charge. People often ask if you and your twin brother are very different. I smile and I chuckle a little as I answer, “Yes, they are very different.” The funny thing is…your personalities are exactly the same today as they were on the day you two came out of me. In the hospital, Bennett was suuuuper chill, and would just sleep in the little bassinet and didn’t have a care in the world. He’s pretty much still like that today, as long as he’s well fed. You, on the other hand, you wanted to be carried constantly in the hospital. And you cried a lot. Before your dad and I could recognize your cries, we’d hear one baby cry and I’d ask him, “Is it Morgan??” and he’d answer, “It’s always Morgan.” And today? Well, you’re pretty much still like that.

Your two favorite words right now: “Mine.” and “No.”

You’ve been getting up REALLY REALLY early for about the past month. I don’t know if it’s the early summer sunrises or what, but the 6:15 wake-up-screaming-standing-in-your-crib-every-morning has your Baba pretty tired. Since he goes to work pretty early, he’s the one who gets up with you. He would really appreciate it if you went back to your 7:30 wake ups like Bennett. Maybe it’s your way of getting in some extra personal cuddle time??

You’ve been really bonded to grandma lately, and I keep jokingly trying to get her to adopt you. You could go live in her apartment right next door to us, and come over and play whenever you want! It would be the best!!! #kiddingnotkidding

But this weekend you and I went on a little hike to the orchard while Avery & Bennett went to the playground. I think you really enjoyed it and ever since that personal time with me, you’ve kind of been stuck to me. I have to admit, your cuddles really get me, and they almost make up for your cray cray temper tantrums. Maybe being 1 of 3 kids makes you feel lost in the crowd sometimes. I will try to make sure we get some more personal time, okay?

You are so affectionate (when you’re in a good mood) and your snuggles really make our day. I love the last photo of you snuggling with Baba, and how you just go up to him and lay your head on him. It’s the sweetest. This series right below is you enjoying the strawberries from our garden. You have a little mischievous grin that I love, and a little Buddha belly! I love you so very much, my sweet, spunky girl!

Love,

Mama

I’m joined in this Letters to our Children blog circle by some super awesome and super talented photographer mothers. We’ve embarked on this personal project together to capture a bit of our kids here and now. Please follow along to my friend Allie Shellaway’s blog next. Have I mentioned that her photography is to DIE for?!

Baby / Family / sessions

Weston {Seattle newborn photographer}

June 19, 2014

I was looking forward to shoot Baby Weston’s at-home newborn session after I had documented his birth day in the hospital. At ten days old, he was settling in nicely at home, and his TWO big sisters were already pros in their new roles. With three kids in the house, you can expect a certain level of baseline chaos (I should know!) but mom and dad were so relaxed and easy going you would never guess they might be a tad sleep deprived.

One of my favorite things about doing in-home newborn sessions is being able to photograph the family in their home environment, so the children have a visual record of what their house looked like when they came home from the hospital. I always make it a point to get a photo of the whole family in front of their home, which becomes a wonderful little time capsule for the kids when they get older. And I can’t forget to mention that I LOVE showcasing the baby’s nursery, where so much time and love has been invested to create the perfect cozy spot. Baby Weston’s nursery definitely did not disappoint, and was filled with so many wonderful little details all so carefully thought out, down to the two little silver cups engraved with mom and dad’s names from when they were babies!

Guys, thanks so much for trusting me to document such an important event in the life of your family!

10 on 10 / personal

10 on 10 :: June {personal projects}

June 10, 2014

Here’s what a typical Sunday in June looks like for me and my gang! Hope your summer is off to a great start!

{1} Enjoying the new outdoor playhouse! {2} Safe in daddy’s arms {3} She’s into fastening her own buckles. I’m so amazed at those little fingers! {4} Strawberry harvest time {5} This guy likes to have jobs. Here he is shuttling pea pods from the garden into our container. {6} Jackpot!!! {7} Fury caterpillar {8} Stop and smell the flowers (but these don’t have a smell) {9} Squee!!! Time to water!!!!!! {10} All in a day’s work. Pasta dinner reward for our hard work, and cuddled with this one on my lap for the meal. I’m joined in this 10 on 10 project with a group of talented photographer mothers. We’re documenting 10 photos all from a single day in the life of our families, then sharing them on the 10th of each month. Please stop by my friend Davina Gruenstein’s blog next to see her 10 shots, then keep following the circle around until you end up back here!

Baby / Births / Hospital newborn / sessions

Hello, world! Birth day session {Seattle newborn hospital photographer}

June 8, 2014

This may be one of my favorite sessions to date! Nothing changes your life quite like having a baby, and as a photographer, there is something so amazing about being able to capture moments for a family on such an important, life-changing day! I had hoped to be able to make it to photograph Baby Weston’s birth, but the stars did not align, and thus I arrived at the hospital to photograph him at four hours old.

It was so magical to stand back and capture the delight of parents, grandparents, and TWO big sisters as they got acquainted with the first boy in the family. As dad held his new baby in one arm, he said, “I finally get to hold my son!” I love how these hospital sessions are so relaxed, natural, and authentic. And since this was mom’s third time around, she had a quick labor and delivery and was super relaxed as well. I feel so honored to have been invited to record such an important day for this family.

If you or someone you know are expecting, and would like to capture all of the special moments in the hours immediately following your baby’s birth, please send me a message using the CONTACT form to book your very own Hello, World! session.

Love letters / personal

May ’14 Letters to our Children {Seattle family photographer}

May 30, 2014

Seattle family photographer

Dear Morgan & Bennett,

My sweet twins. You’re now 19 months old, and I’m so amazed by you two every day! You both have such fun little personalities. Definitely different, which makes life even more fun. Bennett, you are so jolly and happy most of the time! You love running into your classroom every morning, and are happy to wave “bye bye” to me. Everyone at school says that you are so good natured, except of course when you’re mad. Then you stomp your feet back and forth and fuss. But even that we’ve been able to turn into a game where you’ll start laughing if we stomp our feet with you.

Morgan, you have a sweet little voice that you’ve been practicing with to say “hi” and “Hello”, but then you also have this FIERCE side of you with a very L O U D voice that you sometimes use to emphasize your excitement or to make a statement or of course when you’re M A D! It’s so funny to see all these different sides of you.

You are both very snuggly these days which is wonderful. And you have both become pretty easy to put to bed which is so nice for me and Baba. Your language is taking off with more words every day, and even some in Mandarin. Bennett, last night you said “ABC book” while pointing to show me which book you wanted. I was so amazed! I love you both so very much, and I can’t wait to see more of your personalities unfold in the coming months.

Love,

Mama

Seattle baby photographer

Now please head over to visit Brisbane newborn photographer Renee Shea to read her touching letter and enjoy her bright, colorful photography!

Children / Family / sessions

Endings and beginnings {Seattle family photographer}

May 21, 2014

You know those friends where years (even decades) may pass between seeing each other or talking, and then you get together and it’s like you never missed a beat? Stacey is that kind of friend. This session was such a pleasure for me to shoot. We go way back to our undergraduate days where we became close friends while studying abroad in London. We shared such fun experiences, even traveled together to Spain and Portugal on our spring break. Fast forward 15 years, and we are both living in Washington with our own families. We’ve kept in touch over Facebook, but haven’t seen each other in person since we were both pregnant with our girls (her youngest and my oldest). It’s been way too long. I was so glad she contacted me to do a session for them in their first family home as they prepared to move (gasp!) to a different state for a great work opportunity for dad! Yay, we got to see each other, but NO, she was moving! Like many families, it’s been years since they’ve had family portraits taken. She wanted some pictures in their home…their first home where they brought both the girls home from the hospital as little babies, and celebrated so many firsts. I have such a heart for shooting this type of session – in your home where YOUR life happens, with the people you love. Don’t get me wrong. I do love a pretty sunset and fields of flowers, but they don’t make my heart go pitter patter like in-home sessions do. As I drove home after their session, I felt so happy that I had a chance to catch up with my dear friend, but also sad that we had not done it sooner and now she has moved, but grateful for the reminder that life passes all to quickly, these types of friends are rare, and when you find them, you should hold them close to your heart. Love you, Stacey! To book your very own in-home session with the people you love, use the handy CONTACT form on the left! I can’t wait to capture you where life happens!

personal

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 11, 2014

I put together this little tribute to my kids for Mother’s Day. I’m feeling incredibly blessed these days. Some days are really tough, but I wouldn’t trade this mom gig for the world.

10 on 10 / personal

10 on 10 :: May {personal projects}

May 10, 2014

I’m finally getting around to editing some of the photos from vacation that I took with my big camera. Here are a handful of faves from one day in Hawaii. The twins were uncertain about the water, but playing in the sand kept them entertained. I imagine it must have been a great sensory activity. Avery loved the shallow “sandy pool” at our condo, and was very comfortable jumping into it repeatedly. My grandma and aunts came out to our condo to hang out with us and have lunch that day, and though Morgan was pretty shy around new people, she warmed up to my grandma towards the end of their visit. It was fun to watch her being silly with her great grandma! The black & white sums up our vacation pretty well. I’m glad to have a photo of 4 generations together, but it was total CHAOS for most of the trip (at least one child melting down at any given moment) and I tried my best to just roll with it. Hope the rest of your May is wonderful! Please check out my friend Christine Lambeth’s take on the 10 on 10, and be sure to keep following the circle around to see all of the lovely work of these talented photographers.

business

Mother’s day gift guide!

May 6, 2014

1. LifeProof underwater case for iPhone, which allows Mom to take awesome underwater photos like I did on my latest vacation | 2. Stylish camera bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag by Kelly Moore | 3. Beautiful succulent garden | 4. Olloclip fisheye, wide angle, & macro lens adaptor for iPhone | 5. More than a pedometer Shine activity tracker | 6. A beautiful memoir poignantly detailing the crazy, awesome journey that is motherhood that I’ve read more than once (or twice). Lift by Kelly Corrigan | 7. Super cute (and free!) printable | 8. Molly Moon’s gift card to treat her special kids (or just herself!) | 9. A dinner she won’t soon forget; date night at Staple & Fancy | 10. Personalized art work made by the kids | 11. Electronic gift certificate for portrait session with your’s truly! Use the CONTACT form to request your very own!

Note: none of these vendors provided sponsorship to be mentioned here. This is just a collection of goodies that I personally love already, or would love to receive from my ~~husband~~ kids. Of course, I know the intangible snuggles and poetry written by my husband that has become a Mother’s day tradition in our home will top my list of favorites this weekend.

Love letters / personal

April ’14 Letters to our Children {Seattle child photographer}

April 25, 2014

Welcome to April’s Letters edition, iPhone style! seattle twins photographer

Dear Avery, Morgan, & Bennett,

There are so many things I want to remember from our vacation! Even though it’s been exhausting, I have really loved spending aaaaallllll day long, day after day with you guys. Parenting doesn’t end when you go on vacation, but the little moments of magic make all the tantrums worth it. I mean, I was in pure heaven when I witnessed this: seattle twins photographer It happened so fast that you guys are a bit blurry, but I don’t really care. I love this photo so much. You guys have actually started playing with each other! I can’t wait to see you guys grow to be great friends. Bennett, you were a bit unsure of the water, and you were still surprised when bigger waves would come and splash over you, but overall you really loved the water. It was so fun to watch you play! Seattle twins photographer Avery, you couldn’t decide which was better, the beach or the pool! Frankly, I have a hard time deciding that myself. seattle child photographer beach And Morgs, you wanted nothing to do with the water at the beach or the pool, but you did really love the fish in the koi pond. You kept waving at them saying, “Hiiii!” I will really treasure our family vacation memories, the little moments of magic, and all of the firsts you guys got to experience on our trip.

Love,

Mama

Photography notes: All photos shot with iPhone5, edited with VSCO Cam, underwater photo made possible with Lifeproof case, a hope and a prayer!

I’m joined in this Letters to our Children blog circle by a group of insanely talented photographer mothers. Please stop by and visit Philadelphia Children’s Photographer, Lucy Baber Photography, to see what she wrote to her children in April.

Children / Family / sessions

I scream, you scream, Ice cream shop family session! {Seattle family photographer}

April 22, 2014

I’ve been wanting to do a family session at Molly Moon’s for a really long time now, so when it started raining on the day of our scheduled session, I texted Wendy of Paperfish Studios in Portland, OR with this idea as a rain back-up plan, and she happily agreed to abandon our previously agreed upon outdoor location. I mean, kids and ice cream are a winning combination, right?

And I’m so happy it was raining that day. We ended up having so much fun, and the photos sure show it. There were just so many favorites from this session. Wendy, your family is the BEST, and I’m looking forward to hanging out with you guys again in the future!

Seattle family photographer