The Journal
Stories, guides & honest advice
Real planning notes from a working South Sound photographer — weddings, seniors, families, and couples.
Weddings · 6 min read
How to Plan a Yelm Elopement (2026 Guide)
A complete planning guide for couples eloping in Yelm and the South Sound — locations, permits, what to spend, and a 4-hour timeline you can copy.
Weddings · 5 min read
How to Build a Rain Plan for a Puget Sound Wedding (Without Losing the Photos)
Six rain-plan moves we use on every PNW wedding day so the photos still look like the day you imagined.
Weddings · 6 min read
The South Sound Wedding Day Timeline Template (Photographer-Built)
The exact timeline framework we send every South Sound couple — engineered around sunset, family formals, and an actual portrait window.
Weddings · 8 min read
12 Puget Sound Wedding Venues a Photographer Actually Recommends
Real notes on twelve Puget Sound wedding venues we've shot — what the light does, where to put the ceremony, and the rain plan that actually works.
Seniors · 5 min read
When to Take Your Senior Photos in Washington (Month-by-Month)
Every month of the South Sound senior portrait calendar — what's in bloom, what's in season, and what your gallery will actually look like.
Weddings · 7 min read
How to Choose a Yelm Wedding Photographer (2026 Guide)
A practical, no-fluff guide to picking a Yelm wedding photographer who actually knows the prairie light, the barn venues, and how to keep a timeline on track.
Couples · 6 min read
10 Engagement Session Locations Across the Puget Sound
Ten scouted, photographer-approved engagement session locations across the Puget Sound — with the light, the timing, and the vibe of each.
Seniors · 5 min read
The Ultimate Senior Photo Checklist (Outfits, Props, Timeline)
The exact what-to-bring checklist we send every senior 24 hours before their session — outfits, props, snacks, and the small stuff that saves the gallery.
Family · 4 min read
How to Get Real Family Photos With a Toddler (Without Bribes)
The actual tactics that work for family sessions with toddlers — from a photographer who's photographed hundreds of them.
Seniors · 6 min read
Best Senior Photo Locations in Olympia, Tacoma & Yelm
Twelve real, scouted senior portrait spots across the South Sound — what the light does, when to shoot, and what outfits photograph best at each.
Family · 5 min read
Newborn Photos vs. Fresh 48: Which Is Right for You?
Two very different ways to document your baby's first days — here's how to pick the one that fits your family.
Family · 5 min read
What to Wear for Family Photos in the Pacific Northwest
Stop stressing about matching outfits. Here's the simple PNW palette formula we share with every family before their session.