alex nguyen portraits

New Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:37:00 +0000

I have moved my blog! My new blog is located at: http://blog.AlexNguyenPortraits.com and is housed through WordPress. I will keep this old blog for archival purposes, but all my new clients and sessions will be shown on the new blog. :)

Military Family

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:16:00 +0000

I had done a military family model search a while back and got Family B from Fort Lewis interested in a photoshoot. They were willing to drive all the way to me in order to get their pictures done, and were so awesome and willing to work with me on different poses. I have a lot of respect for the men and women who are out there, every day, fighting under the American flag, and I hope that these pictures do them a little justice.

Family "B"

their kids were adorable

sweet moment with dad

sweet moment with mom

sweet moment with each other! I love how it looks like she's placing her hands on her heart

a different family shot

I think I literally went "awwwww" when I snapped this capture

my ultimate bribe is lollipops. I think she was a little too happy about her lollipop and I had to snap a picture of the face she was making

being serious with dad

Go in peace

March Mini Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:16:00 +0000

Since my Valentine's Day Mini Sessions were so successful, I'm offering up a mini session for this month as well. If you're tired of the same old mall pictures or big impersonal studio photos and want something that really captures your child's personality, then this would be the session for you! Plus, the price is perfect for your pocketbook!

This is a GREAT gift for mom and dad from the kids, or for nice pictures of the kids in their Easter best outfits. You'll get some gorgeous pictures to give out to your loved ones! Here are the details:

mini-sessions will be booked for 30 minute slots for Saturday March 21st, 2009 and Sunday March 22nd, 2009

there will be 5-10 final images to choose from in your proof gallery

mini-session can include up to 3 children only

the mini-session includes 1 8x10 and 2 5x7s

the low price of only $65 for the entire March Mini package!

Mini-sessions will be booked on a first come, first served basis. All sessions will take place at my home studio in Kenmore. If weather permits, I'll move the sessions to a nearby park for outdoor shots. You also get a 15% discount off any additional prints you purchase from your mini-session. Hurry and book your session on my website today!

Happy Half Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Wow, I can't believe it's already been six months since I had my second little boy. Happy half birthday sweet Albert! You've enriched our lives more than I knew would be possible, and your mom, dad, and big brother love you so very much. I'm sorry you're subjected to mom's camera all the time, since you're the non-moving subject it's much easier to pose you! :)

from this sweet dreamy baby at six days old

To now...

we like to roast babies here

sitting pretty at five months

Contemplative baby

Look, he does actually smile for me sometimes

Old Tyme Villain

showing off his latest trick - free standing at six months!

Miss I - One Year Old

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:50:00 +0000

This mom contacted me through a website called MiNeeds, which is a handy place for people who are looking for a service to get bids from professionals (photographers, lawyers, everything under the sun) and also a great place to advertise your work. She wanted pictures of her one year old daughter taken, and came over so I could capture her sweetness and innocence. At first little Miss I was a little bit wary of me and my camera, but mom and dad were always right there with her, and by the time we got outside she was all smiles. Here's a sneak peek at the results of the photoshoot!

Meet Miss I

with dad

with mom

She had the cutest clothes

Hesitant smile

mom was all ready with multiple outfits!

All smiles outside

Two Sisters

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 06:05:00 +0000

I had the opportunity last weekend to photograph these two really cutie sisters and their mom. Of course, they were cute separately, but not together. I definately need to work on my sibling photography taking skills! The older sister was a dream to work with, she took direction very well and I had a lot of fun posing her. Her little sister took some working with to get her to look at the camera and smile, plus the ultimate bribe in my bag of tricks - the lollipop. We ended up outside for some family shots as well, and had better luck. Overall it was really fun and I hope their mom enjoys the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

She looked so much older than her age for some of the photos

Looking more like a kid!

My patented method for getting little kids comfortable - peek a boo!
See her peeking?

a BOO!

what most of the sibling shots ended up looking like

a sweet moment with mom

big smiles

my favorite shot of the day

Baby Boy C - 3 days old

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:07:00 +0000

Baby Boy C was born thursday morning, which makes him the youngest newborn I've ever had the pleasure to photograph. He was overdue by over a week, and his mom made the appointment with me hoping to entice him out into the world. I learned a lot during this photoshoot, especially about dealing with a newborn this young. He basically just wanted to nurse the entire time, which was fine, but a little difficult to photograph! Who says that newborns are always just sleepyheads?

Here's his sneak peek, enjoy!

Meet pirate baby, aarrgghh!

Contemplating the outside world

What does big sister think of him?

Sibling love

one with dad. you can't tell he's actually screaming his head off here

big yawn

Miss E - 3.5yo

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:44:00 +0000

I've decided that 3.5 year old girls are my favorite subjects to shoot. Not only do they follow direction well, they actually like having their picture taken and give me real smiles for the camera. I've done three 3.5 year old girls recently and they've all been super-fun shoots! I met Miss E and her mom through PEPS which began meeting when my first son was around three months old. Our playgroup has been loosely keeping in touch ever since then, and it's nice to see our kids "grow up" together. Miss E's mom was nice enough to volunteer her daughter to come over and let me photograph her for my Valentine's Day promotion, and here are some other cute shots that I got during that shoot as well.

serious face

big smiles

another great smile

Peek...

A BOO!

First Blog Contest Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 08:41:00 +0000

My first Alex Nguyen Portraits blog contest has ended. Thank you to everyone who voted, and I hope you had as much fun with the contest as I did! Here are the winners:

In first place, with a whopping 50% of the vote, FAMILY D. Congratulations, they received a $125 gift certificate!

In second place, with 38% of the vote, FAMILY H. Congratulations, they received a $75 gift certificate!

And in third place, we have FAMILY I. Congratulations, they received a $25 gift certificate!

Thank you again to everyone who participated! Please remember to spread the word about my photography and services, and your friends and family too could win my next blog contest!

Valentine's Day Mini-Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:51:00 +0000

I had my first foray into offering mini-sessions, which turned out pretty successful! They were shorter, 30 minute sessions in one location where clients came to me. Since it worked out so well, I may offer more mini-sessions come spring, maybe at a destination such as the tulip fields in Mt. Vernon, or a nearby park. Here are some peeks of the adorable kids I photographed, including a very sleepy but delicious two week old! I was pretty impressed his parents were up and about with him already. Enjoy!

Look at that pout!

He's going to be a heart breaker for sure

She was very very serious

sleepy head

Hey! He woke up!

Fun fun fun!

Blog Contest Time!

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Welcome blog readers! This is my first blog contest as a thank you to my clients. Please check out the pictures below and vote for your favorite family/child. Voting will start sunday January 25th and end at midnight on saturday February 7th. The winner will be announced on sunday February 8th on my blog. The winning family will receive a $125 gift certificate applicable to any of my photography services which they can use for themselves or give away! Please feel free to come back and vote as often as you like during the two week voting window! And without further ado, in no particular order, are some of my favorite poses from past clients!

1. Family "A"

2. Family "B"

3. Family "C"

4. Family "D"

5. Family "E"

6. Family "F"

7. Family "G"

8. Family "H"

9. Family "I"

Thank you for voting, and please come back on sunday February 8th to see who won!

Valentine's Day Mini Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:16:00 +0000

I'm trying something new and offering mini-sessions just in time for Valentine's Day! This is a GREAT gift for mom and dad from the kids! Set an appointment for just your children, or for a "mommy and me" or "daddy and me" photo session. You'll get some gorgeous pictures to give your loved ones for Valentine's Day. Here are the details:

mini-sessions will be booked for 30 minute slots for Sunday February 1st, 2009

mini-sessions will be booked on a first come, first served basis

all mini-sessions will take place at my home studio

there will be 5-10 images to choose from in your proof gallery

the mini-session includes 3 5x7s and 1 set of wallet Valentine's Day photo cards

you get a 15% discount off any additional prints you purchase from your mini-session

pictures will be back in time for a Valentine's Day gift

the low price of only $65 for the entire Valentine's Mini-Session package!

Hurry and book your session on my website today!

Models Wanted: Military Family

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:37:00 +0000

Hello everyone who reads my blog! I am looking for a military family for a FREE photoshoot. In exchange for signing a full model release, I will trade you a full photoshoot (complete with photo gallery of at least 20 different poses) and 2 free 8x10s of your favorite poses from the shoot. I'm looking for a family that fits the following descriptions:

must be a full family with one parent in the military (can be mom or dad) and has military dress for the photoshoot. sorry, I'm looking for families where the parent is not currently serving their tour right now

must have at least one child (more is fine as well)

child must either be very small baby (newborn would be great!) or at least walking well

must be willing to travel to me (although I'm flexible on this condition depending on where you are stationed)

If you fit these terms, or know someone who does and would love a free photoshoot, please let me know! You can contact me through my website or directly at alex@AlexNguyenPortraits.com. Thank you and please spread the word.

and because we can't have a post without pictures:

2008 Recap and welcome to 2009

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:44:00 +0000

2008 and the madness of my first busy holiday season has come to an end. I've learned a lot about photography, people, running a business, and the follys of dealing with Mother Nature in the last three months. I wanted to give a shout out and a huge THANK YOU to all my clients who have allowed me into their lives to capture their family memories for them. THANK YOU also goes to my wonderful family and friends who have been so supportive in my endeavors and getting my business off the ground.

I hope that in 2009 my business continues to grow, and I continue to grow as a photographer as well. Please check back for some changes to the blog, and visit my website for its new look and new images in the galleries as well.

Happy 2009 everyone!

And to leave you, a little montage storyboard of my boys from the last year.

Claire - 2 years old

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:16:00 +0000

Claire was my last photoshoot for the year of 2008! I met her at her home because the weather was not being very cooperative for an outdoor shoot. I think I had finally run out of luck with outdoor photography for this Seattle winter! Claire was quite spirited and kept me on my toes trying to get some good shots of her and her lively personality. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Meet Miss Claire

Where's Claire?

There she is!

Pensive toddler

Actually looking at the camera for me

We brought out some books for her

telling me exactly what she thought about the photoshoot

Cormier Family

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:25:00 +0000

I met this family at Discovery Park in Seattle for a holiday portrait session. Once we got to the park we discovered that it was fairly cold and windy BUT it wasn't raining which is always a bonus. The twins weren't really sure about this whole photo taking in the cold, and often the twins would be looking at each other instead of the camera. However, we were able to get a couple of family shots and some nice captures of the kids. I hope you enjoy their pictures!

meet the Cormiers

the kiddos

sweet big brother moment

as you can see, it was pretty windy during the shoot and small people were starting to get unhappy

and one of their oldest. look at those eyelashes!

Mitchell Family - redux

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:17:00 +0000

I had a session with the dad's side of the family earlier this year, and this is the mom's side of the family. I met this family at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, which I cannot stress enough is so well suited for photographing large families in a great setting. I tried to center the shoot around the one year old, who is the first grandchild and was trying desperately hard to walk around during the shoot instead of pose for me. It was a fun family to shoot because they were pretty amicable to positioning themselves in fun silly poses for me.

The family

Mom, dad, and baby

Grandparents

dad and son

The men

siblings

happy kid!

Raina - 2 years old

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:39:00 +0000

I met this 26 month old toddler and her family at Gas Works Park in Seattle for their photoshoot. This was also my first rescheduled session because of rain! I've not had the opportunity to wander around Gas Works before and it was a pretty neat location. Along with the old gas works factory, there is a great view of the Seattle skyline and Lake Union.

Raina wasn't so sure about having her picture taken, and I had to resort to every toddler bribe I had to get some smiles. Bubbles, my panda Pez dispenser, food, and The Ultimate Bribe Lollipop. Evevtually we got some nice pictures as she ran around the park and I chased after her with the camera. :)

Meet Raina

a sweet moment with dad. This was how she was for most of the beginning of the shoot.

the bribe lollipop in action!

running down the hill

classic toddler

with mommy

Here you can see the gas works plant

The whole family

William - 5.5 months

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:12:00 +0000

William is, by far, the most smiliest baby I've had the opportunity to photograph. The kid is a charmer, with big, wide open laughs and grins I was able to capture on camera. He was not shy about the camera at all, and his parents went above and beyond to get him to giggle and allow me to capture his great personality on camera. He was a hoot to photograph and I enjoyed capturing all his antics.

Meet William. This was near the end of the shoot and he was feeling a little tired

Mr. Personality

look at that laugh!

with dad

checking me out

with mom

family shot

The Skiver Clan

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:53:00 +0000

I met the Skiver Clan at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, which seems to be my default meeting place for Seattle and the Eastside lately. They were my first big family photo session, complete with three separate little families combining to one giant clan. Two grandparents, two grown siblings, two spouses, four little kids/cousins/grandkids. Whew! The two little school aged boy cousins were extremely adorable and really fun to capture on camera. I also had a lot of fun posing the families in different ways to represent all the different relationships that existed.

The Skiver Clan

My theory that the chance of getting everyone to look at the camera grows exponentially more difficult with a) more people and b) younger people is again proven. thank goodness for lollipop bribes!

Grandparents and grandkids

cute cousins

Siblings and cousins

Family units!

The Blumenthal Family

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:15:00 +0000

This mom and I have been in the same playgroup since our oldest sons were wee little tykes so I was pretty excited to do their family portraits. I met them at my favorite eastside outdoor location, the Bellevue Botanical Gardens where her two boys gave me a glimpse of my future life! Rambunctious but full of brotherly love, I tried hard to capture their personalities in the pictures. The older one was at the age where he was so willing to ham it up to the camera and pose for me, but the younger one had more reservations. Together though they made some very sweet moments I was able to capture and hope their parents will treasure.

Meet the Blumenthals!

this was taken towards the end of the session, I think you can tell the boys are getting a little tired

Do you know how hard it is to try to get TWO toddlers to look at your camera? :)

older brother

I always try to get the mom in a picture alone with a kid, because mom is usually the picture-taker and never in the pictures herself!

brotherly love

The Smith Family

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:05:00 +0000

It's definately the time of year everyone wants nice family pictures done. I've been pretty lucky in that the weather has generally been not raining, which is all you can ask for in the Seattle area. :) I met this nice family at Bothell Landing Park as park of my Holiday Portrait Package. They were very fun and amicable to trooping all over the park to find different shot locations. The biggest factor to work with was the little girl's interest in eating leaves and not smiling at the camera, but I think it worked in our favor. I hope they enjoy the picture as much as I enjoyed shooting them!

The Smith Family

Dad and Emily

mom and Emily

baby on a bridge!

but she's so cute!

one last leaf picture!

Oliver - 9 days old

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:09:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of taking newborn Oliver's portraits last week. His mom and I actually went to high school together (way back when!) and reconnected through Facebook. She was kind enough to let me photograph little Oliver, and she also joyfully participated in my eagerness to stage as many hat pictures on babies as possible. The lighting conditions were a little challenging, but Oliver behaved like a champ and pretty much slept through most of the shoot. I present Oliver's sneak peek now, aka The Most Awesome Hat Shoot I've Ever Done.

meet Oliver

Oliver with mom and dad

beanie hat Oliver with a dimple!

I lent Oliver my own apple beanie hat

The Most Awesomely Terrific Baby Hat EVER

baby feet and rings

soft newborn head

baby bottom

kisses from grandma

snuggles from mom

Elizabeth - 3 months old

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:50:00 +0000

Elizabeth's parents contacted me to take portraits of their adorable daughter as part of my Grow With Me package. I was excited to meet her and am pretty excited for her next photoshoot to see how much she's grown and learn. I was also excited that their house had these huge, gorgeous windows that let in a ton of natural light and made for a great shooting area for me to set up.

Elizabeth is only a couple of days older than my youngest son Albert, so I had a lot of practice in posing the three month old. As a bonus, Elizabeth's maternal grandparents were there as well as we were able to get some nice generational shots with the whole family.

Meet Miss Elizabeth

her mom was very helpful in finding different hats to use during the shoot

look at those eyes!

baby feet!

a sweet moment with dad

Mommy and me

three generations

The Vo/Vu Family

noreply@blogger.com (alex nguyen) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:08:00 +0000

This cute family wanted some shots of their three year old and seven month old boys, along with some extended family shots as well. We were lucky in that even though it had been raining cats and dogs earlier that morning, by the time of the photo shoot the weather was quite decent. The extended family humored my wishes by me posing them on the side of the street for some great fall foliage. These are the two things I learned: 1) the more people involved in a group shot, the greater the chance someone isn't looking at the camera; 2) the younger the person is in a group shot, the greater the chances are that s/he isn't going to be looking at the camera.

Once we got inside and the kids alone, they were much more cooperative and I was able to get some nice shots of the kids along with some candids of the kids with their parents. Here's their sneak peek and I hope they enjoy the pictures as much as I did!

The Vo/Vu family

their cutie 3 year old

their ever so serious 7 month old - I have a hard time getting babies this age to smile for me!

a sweet moment with mom

playing with dad

the extended family. In this shot they actually are standing by the side of the road, what good sports!