Hannah Nielsen » Documentary Family Photographer Seattle Portland and Worldwide

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I can’t begin to tell you how amazing it has been to step into the homes and lives of my Day in the Life clients. I feel honored to be allowed. This family was no exception. And there was a little extra coolness to this one too. Kate, the oldest, was born in February. So was I. Her twin brother and sister, Chase and Shea, were born almost three years later in April. So were my twin brother and sister. Watching these kiddos interact was such a flashback for me! So much fun!! Not to mention the whole family was just cool. It’s not all that often that you meet a dad who will dance and sing and do Barbie hair, or a mom who will hold feet for handstands over and over and over again. The kids were high energy, but somehow still mellow at the same time. Maybe easy going is a better description. I loved spending the evening with them!!

Mom wrote her kiddos a love letter, and I’m thrilled to share it, along with their images. What an amazing little family.

 

Dear Katerbug, Chaseman, and Shea Shea,

When I was growing up I knew one thing, I didn’t want to have kids.  Three kids later, I couldn’t imagine anything different.  Life is new. Life is chaotic. Life is fast. Life is busy. Life is stressful. Life is tiring. LIFE IS FUN! 

When no one is around life is quiet. LIFE IS BORING!

Dad and I never imagined that wrestling, gymnastics, dancing, being silly, and a repetitive nighttime routine would be so special, so important, so enjoyable.

Thank you for changing my destination in life.  Thank for helping me realize the important things in life.  Thank you for filling my heart with joy.  Thank you for being absolutely wonderful.

Thank you for making life FUN!

Love you always and forever,

Mom

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Posted in: Day in the Life, Families, Kids and Babies
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  • June 3, 2013 - 9:00 am

    Amanda - These were such cute photos!!ReplyCancel

  • June 3, 2013 - 10:26 am

    Jamie Bodo - This is how every family should be! Very sweet!ReplyCancel

  • June 3, 2013 - 11:09 am

    Dana Halter - I’ve only met one member of this family, but I can tell I’ll love all of them! Wonderful!ReplyCancel

  • June 3, 2013 - 12:18 pm

    Kim Wilhite - Looks like a busy day 🙂ReplyCancel

  • June 3, 2013 - 10:59 pm

    Julianna Rennard - What a beautiful family and great idea.ReplyCancel

  • June 4, 2013 - 6:37 am

    Ray Urner - This looked like WAY too much fun..!ReplyCancel

  • June 4, 2013 - 7:43 am

    Alisha Guild Photography - these are photos that will be cherished for life im sure. amazing job!!!ReplyCancel

  • June 4, 2013 - 9:56 am

    Sarah - So adorable Hannah! Loving the silly photos.ReplyCancel

  • June 6, 2013 - 2:30 am

    Michelle S Hanks - Great, very active family! I’m tired after looking at all that activity. They lOok like they are filled with love and happiness and abundant joy. Great job, AGAIN’ !ReplyCancel

  • June 8, 2013 - 11:00 am

    Leon Bailey - An outstanding set of photos. Love the B&Ws. Always great to see photos of kids living their lives and not posing with cam’s in their face.ReplyCancel

  • June 12, 2013 - 12:33 am

    Alli - What memories for these guys!ReplyCancel

This family is cool. Like really cool. Way cooler than me. I mean, not every one can pull of the name Ace, but this little man does it flawlessly! They’re all super stylish, musical, and ridiculously sweet! It was so much fun to get  little glimpse into their life during this Day in the Life shoot. Colt and Lacey own The Academy of Music and Dance in Ballard, which means they both get to spend lots of time with Ace during the week. What a blessing! Thanks Colt, Lacey, and Ace (and your four furry friends) for letting me into your home and your lives! I had a blast!

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Posted in: Day in the Life, Families, Kids and Babies
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  • May 31, 2013 - 9:55 am

    Sarah - I love this entire shoot! And I love the concept of hiring a pro photographer to do ‘A day in the life’ I am totally doing this sometime. Amazing work Hannah.ReplyCancel

  • May 31, 2013 - 10:05 am

    Jete Devisser - Ooh, what a great idea!! love everything about this. And what an adorable little man!ReplyCancel

  • May 31, 2013 - 10:13 am

    Dana Halter - Wow! I love this shoot, this family, and all the music in their lives. Beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • June 2, 2013 - 11:45 pm

    Michelle S Hanks - When I look at these I remember how I did this with our daughter. That’s because I’ve always had a camera in my fans but think if ALL the folks that don’t a miss these amazing life images. You are superb at what you choose as your genre! I’m so impressed by the “fly on the wall” style you have.ReplyCancel

I met Kat when we both started blogging for Stratejoy in late 2011. It was an important, growing time for both of us, so it was extra fun for us to both do what we love and collaborate on this shoot! She is a yoga instructor in the Seattle area (and I can’t wait to check out one of her classes! — You should too!). When I held the Love Letter Contest on Valentine’s Day, Kat entered with a unique take on the idea. I loved it! Here is her love letter:

My love,

Thank you.

Thank you for the past twelve years that we’ve had together, even though sometimes we’ve drifted apart. We always find our way back to each other. Every day, I’m truly so happy that you’re a part of my life. I’m stubborn, you know, and even though you always accept me for who I am, sometimes I’m afraid to let go of control. You hold space so well, through my highest highs and lowest lows.

Thank you for allowing me to be myself when we’re together. When we first met, I sometimes felt like I needed to be more somehow; you’ve helped me to realized that I am enough exactly as I am. You recognize that some days are easier than others, and you always seem to know just how to give me the support I need. You push me when you know I can go bigger, you hold me when I cry, and you find a way to re-energize me.

Thank you for being there no matter what. Because of you, I am stronger, I am healthier, I am happier, and I know myself better.

Because you believed in me, I am better able to believe in myself.

My love, my yoga practice – thank you.

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Posted in: Love Letters
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  • May 30, 2013 - 10:50 am

    Kat - These are about 6000x more amazing than I ever could have imagined. Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your talents and general awesomeness with me. <3ReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2013 - 12:10 pm

    Jennifer Weems - Wow! I’m feeling a little old and sore just looking at these! Good stuff, as always Hannah!ReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2013 - 12:13 pm

    Gretchen Korf - I love her love letter too! Great idea. Your images show her strength and your creativity. Nice work Hannah!ReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2013 - 12:42 pm

    Whitney Lane - I <3 the BOOM shots! What a cute note Its so sweet it makes me all girlieReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2013 - 2:01 pm

    Jessica - A little obsessed with the location! So cool!ReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2013 - 3:20 pm

    Kim Wilhite - UMMM…Awesome!ReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2013 - 3:41 pm

    Alisha Guild Photography - WOW!! Love the angles and location and close up shots!!! so funReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2013 - 7:35 pm

    Ray Urner - Seriously, this is awesome beyond words…!ReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2013 - 9:03 pm

    Alaina Bos - She is a total badass!!! I love all the color in the images you captured! They really show her spirit!ReplyCancel

  • May 31, 2013 - 2:47 am

    Michelle S Hanks - Great location and very relative expression to tell her story. These are really nice and well though out.ReplyCancel

To Miss Amalia Cadence Beherndt

Dear Amalia,

When I found out that I was pregnant with you, I had never been so scared in my entire life. Just the thought of becoming a mother had me questioning myself. Would I be a good mom? How does one “be” a mom? I babysat when I was in high school, but I did not know a thing about taking care of a baby. I did not even know how to change a diaper before I took a childcare class at the hospital.

The one thing that I did know is that I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to be your mom.

When my water broke at midnight on August 13th and you were in my arms by 3:45am, I knew we had a little lady full of life and gusto. As I looked into your big blue eyes for the very first time, I thought my heart was going to explode because it was so full of unconditional love, a love that I have never felt before. From that moment, every time I looked at you, I could not believe you were mine. How did this perfect little lady come from me?

You have awed our entire family. Your father and I will sit and stare at you for hours as you race around the house trying to find the perfect book to read or climb up on the couch on your very own. You have been curious about absolutely everything, asking what “dat” is or just sticking your little fingers into things to feel the texture. You are incredibly smart and soak everything up like a sponge. Your heart is full of compassion and empathy. You love dogs, all dogs. As we walk to the park to play, just the sound of a dog barking will stop you in your tracks and have you saying “woof woof”.

You are simply the best thing that has ever happened to me. Although you are only 18 months old, you have taught me how to be patient, let go of the small stuff, love the color pink and take a time out when I get too stressed out. Which has not only helped our relationship but it has helped my relationship with others. Most importantly, you have taught me how to be a kid again and love jumping on the furniture together (shhhh don’t tell your father). My heart just sinks when you give me a toothy grin and squint your eyes and I know exactly what you are thinking. You are definitely my daughter.

Thank you for forgiving me as I daily make mistakes in teaching myself how to be a mom. I have never been so sure of one thing, that I love being your mom. I cannot imagine a day without you. I look forward to spending my lifetime with you. You mean the world to me and I hope that as you get older I am able to show you how important you are to me.

I love you always,
Your mom

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Jenn was the winner of the Valentine’s Day Love Letter Contest. I’ve been itching to share her letter forever, but I had to wait until we did our shoot — and I’m so glad I did! We had such a great time and I just love these Mommy/daughter (and doggy) moments. Thank you, Jenn, for sharing your heart with us!!

Posted in: Day in the Life, Kids and Babies, Love Letters
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  • May 29, 2013 - 1:38 pm

    Dana Halter - What a beautiful love story! Thanks for sharing, Hannah!ReplyCancel

  • May 29, 2013 - 1:46 pm

    Jenn - I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to spend a day with you Hannah! These photos are absolutely adorable and I cannot wait to share them with all of our family and friends. Thank you so much!ReplyCancel

  • May 29, 2013 - 2:47 pm

    Amanda - O my goodness this was the most beautiful post ever!! LOVE!ReplyCancel

  • May 29, 2013 - 5:27 pm

    Nikki Closser - I’m dying over those yellow rainboots and blue eyes! What a timeless gift you have given them. I love the photos!ReplyCancel

  • May 29, 2013 - 5:42 pm

    Whitney Lane - I can’t decide which is cuter the kid or the dog!! So much adorablenessReplyCancel

  • May 29, 2013 - 6:13 pm

    Kim Wilhite - Curls! Love it!ReplyCancel

  • May 29, 2013 - 6:39 pm

    Michelle Baulig - OMGosh – these are beautiful! How can I get some to keep forever?
    Michelle and Matt
    Grama and GrampaReplyCancel

  • May 29, 2013 - 6:56 pm

    Ray Urner - Mawwwwwwwwwwwwwww! <3ReplyCancel

  • May 29, 2013 - 8:36 pm

    Sarah - Absolutely love this shoot Hannah! Gorgeous images!ReplyCancel

  • May 31, 2013 - 2:32 am

    Michelle S Hanks - Wow! Fabulous! I love the outfits, perfect! I am still laughing over the Pug’s face pressed against the carpet. Hahaha last shot – PRICELESS!ReplyCancel

My cousin, Joy, has the coolest little family you could ever hope to meet. They’re down to earth, sweet, thoughtful, funny, and just generally fun to be around. When we scheduled their Day in the Life shoot I was so excited! We decided to play around the house and in the front yard a little bit

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Then we headed off to the park down the street.

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A little fun in the trees and grass…

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And then back home. Jenna decided she’d like to be a photographer too and insisted that Joy find the camera for her to play with. She’s got a good eye and it was so fun to see her so interested. After some fun with that, the girls headed up to their room to play.

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Love this little family so much! We missed their dad, Craig, who couldn’t be there, but I sure enjoyed our mother/daughter session!

Posted in: Day in the Life, Families, Kids and Babies
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  • May 13, 2013 - 12:02 pm

    Tanja - So cute! They must have had a blast and it shows in your pictures!ReplyCancel

  • May 13, 2013 - 12:29 pm

    Jenna Leigh - What a fun day you had… the smiles are infectious! Great job!ReplyCancel

  • May 13, 2013 - 1:47 pm

    Dana - Lovely pictures as always, Hannah. These day in the life shoots make me smile!ReplyCancel

  • May 13, 2013 - 4:17 pm

    Jete Devisser - Those look like a couple of lively little girls! Very sweet shots!ReplyCancel

  • May 13, 2013 - 6:27 pm

    Ray Urner - WAY too much fun! I kind of want to hang upside down from a tree now as well…ReplyCancel

  • May 13, 2013 - 8:55 pm

    Ashley - So much fun!ReplyCancel

  • May 13, 2013 - 11:16 pm

    Leon - Nothing like taking pics of young ones having fun. What an enjoyable shoot! Great pictures as well! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • May 14, 2013 - 1:40 am

    Michelle S Hanks - Playgrounds – WWWEEEEEEE. I think my favorite is pf them looking up at you from the bottom of the slide. Great idea!ReplyCancel

  • May 14, 2013 - 6:57 am

    Mark Martinez - These are just fantastic Hannah! They will love these images 🙂ReplyCancel

  • May 14, 2013 - 8:27 am

    Nick Rose Photography - Such a fun shoot….really great work here!ReplyCancel

  • May 14, 2013 - 10:45 am

    Nikki Closser - What a fun family and beautiful kids! You did a fantastic job capturing their personalities. How awesome that Joy has these amazing photos forever and ever 🙂ReplyCancel

  • May 14, 2013 - 1:47 pm

    Erin - ahh what fun little girls. great job capturing their personalities!ReplyCancel