Spring in Seattle

I have three favorite times of year….fall, winter, and spring. Right now I am firmly stuck in the belief that spring is the most glorious of them all…especially here in Seattle. How magical that the sun and the rain can share the same sky practically at the same time. How beautiful are all the trees blossoming. How cheerful are the daffodils poking their heads up from the soil.

I walk my dog three times a day on Queen Anne Hill and every walk I am astounded by the new forms of life that have popped up since my last tryst down the Avenue. What a time to be alive <3

An hour north of Seattle my parents have a flower farm. The allure of spring is even clearer there. There are baby chicks chirping, swans migrating, and brightly colored blooms everywhere coming into there own.

Last week my mom brought a bit of the farm spring magic into my Studio. Our Easter sessions featured chicks, flowers, and sweet children and I don’t think there is anything cuter in the whole world. Here are some photographs from one of the sessions <3

Much Love, Kiana M.

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The McShane Girls

This is my time of year, I  can feel the shift in the air. The fall is lingering with the summer in a beautiful dance, vying with each other to control the weather. This session was one of my last summer ones. We hid in the shade from the strong sun and played in front of the hydrangeas in full bloom. These two girls are so full of personality. So polar opposite and yet so similar. What a beautiful thing is <3

Much Love, Kiana M.

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Mila and Summer

When I was seventeen years old I got on a yellow school bus for the first time in my life and headed off to Nathan Hale, the third and final high school I attended in my teen years.

I was nervous for a lot of things…would the other kids like me. Where would I eat lunch. Was this outfit as cool as I though it was this morning. What would my classes be like.

One class in particular had captured most of my thoughts. Photography class. I had signed up for it because an art credit was required and frankly I was too embarrassed by how terrible at art I was to do something like paint in public.

I was excited for photography though. More excited for that class then anything else about going to a new school. As that yellow school bus crossed the Ballard Bridge I snapped photos in my mind. I noticed the rose bush that blurred by, the kids running in the field to the left, the sun reflecting off a lazing sailboat.

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After I had shot my first roll of film I found myself in the dark room a week later. I stood in front of my enlarger carefully watching the timer tick down. I placed the paper in each of the chemicals like you were supposed to. Then it happened…my entire life changed. I will never forget the magic of that first photograph in the developer. Never forget how the image slowly appeared. A picture of my brother sitting on the steps with a skateboard in our back yard. I actually teared up a little. I was euphoric. This was the closest thing to a miracle that I had ever witnessed. From then on I was hooked.

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I remember bringing that first photo to Mr. Kuhns. He gave me 50 out of 50 points and wrote “Very Nice!” on the back.

Mr. Kuhns was the best teacher I ever had. He believed I could do photography so I did it.

He put my work in gallery shows. When I decided that I wanted to intern for a photographer as my senior project he helped me put together a portfolio. When I told him that I thought I maybe wanted to do photography with my life he told me to go to The Brooks Institute of Photography.

So I did go to Brooks. My mom and I got on a plane and visited the school and I came home sunburned and convinced. He went with me to pick out my first digital camera that was required for my new school.

Mr. Kuhns gave me the tools to do what I love in life…and that is all you could ever ask for in a teacher.

A few weeks ago he said that his two granddaughters were in town and that he wanted me to photograph them. I leaped at the chance.

That shoot meant more to me than I can explain. It felt like coming around full circle. Going back to my roots. It reminded me of when I first fell in love with photography. Mr. Kuhns and his lovely wife came to the studio for the image premier and I was shaking with nerves. I wanted to do a good job on this…wanted them to still think that I could do photography. I felt like I was 17 and in high school again. When they liked the pictures I was so happy. He always thought I could do photography….so I do.

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The Banahans

Emma cries when you pick her up because she has learned what Henry David Thoreau knew all along: that all good things are wild and free. Her parents call her Freebird as she runs through flower fields laughing and chasing bubbles. Emma is magic. A whirlwind of curls and giggles. A giver of wildflowers she picked herself.

Maddox is a total sweetheart. So helpful, curious, polite. His laughter is infectious and he transitions so easily from pine cone wars to serious discussions of soccer camp. He is always my assistant and always a wonderful buddy to have around.

It’s been a beautiful year of watching these adorable kiddos grow and change. I’m so sad it is over but I can’t wait to continue to capture this fantastical family!

Much Love, Kiana M.

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Anders is One!

Many moons ago Hope came into my studio to do her maternity photographs. By the time she came back in for her premier Anders had already arrived in the world and I have been watching him grow since then! His one year shoot was a magical day…he took his first steps right in front of my camera! I feel so blessed that I could capture his grin as he wobbled a few feet toward the mirror in my studio.

Anders is a sweetheart and the perfect model because he always turns his head towards the light 😉 I can’t wait to watch him continue to grow and hopefully witness more milestones!

Much Love, Kiana M.

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Baby Theo

I spent this Mother’s day with this oh so adorable baby boy and his family. It was so special to have not only his mom there but his mom’s mom too! I can not think of a better celebration of motherhood and family than a photoshoot with multiple generations and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it.

Can’t get enough of Theo and Company? Check out their full slideshow here: http://animoto.com/play/deiOT1zGLBD7SExYmPAXbw

Much Love, Kiana M.

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Baby Emma

My entire life I have wanted red hair. I told my mom about this wish when I was about six and she said: “Well, when you grow up you can dye it.” So for the past three years I have attempted to dye my damaged locks red, the brightest red I could.

Through the door of my studio came the most adorable little baby girl with beautiful blue eyes, teensy fingers and toes and the most perfect red hair. Little Emma is so sweet and so thoroughly loved by her family and every person who comes accross her. I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to document her adorable little newborn features.

Much Love, Kiana McCrackin

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Sweet Little Nora

This beautiful baby girl inherited the name Nora from her great-grandmother. I love old names, they make for old souls. My middle name, Lucille, was given to me in honor of both my Mama’s grandma and my Dad’s mom. My romantic heart loved having a piece of my family with me at all times. Little Nora was perfectly named. She is patient, sweet as cheesecake, and an absolute joy to photograph.

Much Love, Kiana M.

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Baby Jackson

Meet sweet little Jackson, also known as Mr. Roboto. This baby boy was so cute and hilarious with so much character. When placed on his beautiful mama’s lap he started staring straight ahead while moving his little arms stiffly and he was transformed into Mr. Roboto. He was the perfect little model with his eyes always finding my lens and everytime I thought we had tuckered him out he rallied and gave us the best expressions. It was so much fun capuring both Jackson and his mom, Darlene.

Much Love, Kiana M.

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Madeline

I photographed Madeline and her mother Marybeth on a rainy winter day under a canopy of trees at the Montlake Arboretum. They are both so beautiful and were such a joy to work with.

Motherhood is my absolute favorite thing to photograph and I feel so blessed to have been able to capture these two ladies.

Much Love, Kiana M.

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