Janet Klinger’s Photography Blog

Gorgeous locations heed gorgeous environmental portraits. It’s my job to work with whatever is on hand and still make you look great. But given choices, why not plan a session around a location that is meaningful to you and your family. Where did you meet? Where do you hike, swim, bike or dance? Where was the proposal? Better yet, document the proposal! Do you love to eat in the International District? What’s your favorite romantic restaurant? (Mine is Carmelita on Phinney Ridge, where Tim and I had our first date.) Do you share a sport? Where do you launch your boat? Where do you vacation? (I travel anywhere for sessions. US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe so far. Can’t wait for a trip to Asia. Hint Hint. Just get me there and put me up!)
With a little advanced planning, we can design as simple or as elaborate a session to accommodate your dreams! Make it happen.

Here are a few photos from a recent session at a local Seattle park.

Simple plans, natural Northwest setting.

Client personalities are a favorite part of my job, my challenge, my life’s adventure. Some stand out above even my usual, fabulous clients.
Five years ago I had the BEST TIME photographing Gregg and Olinda Blackburn’s engagement session and then their Seattle Yacht Club wedding. These two are stand-outs in all the best ways. Recently I was thrilled to have a studio visit with Olinda and their daughter, Hailey. What a difference 5 years makes, but besides having Hailey in tow, you wouldn’t know it’s been 5 years by looking at Olinda.
Now we’re planning a Fall session including Gregg. I love hanging out with these three. I hope to be their photographer for life!





Five years later…

Look at this gorgeous woman. Would you know she has a 3 year old?

Ellie with Martha on our porch. We were dog sitting for our good buds, Margaret & Scott Bright. Ellie loved every minute.

I am awed by photographers who, despite living full, successful lives, somehow find time to post blog entries regularly. I’m talking great blog entries.
Being swamped with weddings, portraits, hiring a new studio manager, training a new intern, designing a new logo/website, and trying to see my husband, and of course my 3 year old daughter before she graduates high school, I’m falling behind in blog posts. Many are written, but the photos are at the studio. I never seem to be able to select and prepare images. When at work, well, I want to work.
How are you successful people managing to fit “it all” in?! For an example of excellent blogging style and content, check out the strobe master, Matt Adcock’s Flash Flavor. He’s an expert at off camera, portable flash lighting for weddings, and details down to the bolts “how to”. Thank you Matt. But what I really want to know is, how do you make the time?

The Strobist is David Hobby’s informative free on-line “lighting workshop”, and a can’t-miss site. David will also be coming to Seattle in August to do some in-person lighting workshops

Seattle Bride knows how to throw a party. This years Best Of (Wedding Vendors) event at the new Pan Pacific Hotel was a sun-filled, indoor/outdoor martini and sushi feast. Much of the praise goes to Director of Catering, Erik Franklin. He has a warmth and humbleness you expect from your boyscout cousin, while demonstrating a calm, I’m in-charge flair. He showed the modern suites to my sister and me, complete with balcony, warm currents of color and texture, modern bath fixtures, and windows, windows, windows. We natural-light photography specialists love windows.
Back at the party, I LOVED being able to glide back and forth between bright, climate controlled, modern interior, then out to the attached sunset facing deck. A more rowdy deck party atmosphere contrasted the indoor intimate setting. Easily I could see this indoor/outdoor versitility working well during an evening of Michael Benson Band’s fun and furious Big Band sets. (Congratulations to Michael Benson who won “Best Of” again.)
Pan Pacific has a keen sense of style that goes beyond decor. A match made in Asia, Luly Yang designed the stylish hotel uniforms. Luly took the Best Of for Dress Shop too. She got my vote.
As for photographic possibilities: Endless! Loved the lounge, the fireplace, stairway, railing, the warm wood walls, modern fixtures and art everywhere. More than anything, I loved the natural light, and the sense of Welcome Erik Franklin calmly exudes.
Thanks for the great party, Seattle Bride. See you next year!