Seattle is full of excellent grade schools.That makes choosing one very difficult. Once we started exploring private school possibilities we narrowed it down to Meridian School, UCDS, and Bertschi. All of these are fabulous choices. Meridian stood out in several ways for our family. We mattered to them. Both admissions director, Ted Holmes, and Head of School, Ron Waldman, treated us like they wanted us there. Ted recognized us each time we visited . He listened with clear interest to our thoughts, concerns and enthusiasm. For a family who is involved in the community this was one sign glowing brightly in favor of Meridian. We were excited too by the curriculum, teachers and physical environments inside and out. To see other parents input on grade schools or to contribute your own, see my former post on the subject.

Gently this worm was moved during a weeding fest

In addition, the families blew us away with their openness. I could see the involved parents and students were an intelligent, warm, welcoming community. Thank goodness we were accepted! The fact Meridian is located within 11 acre Meridian Park doesn’t hurt. (fabulous playground, apple grove, open grassy fields, gardens, large covered shelter, Seattle Tilth is here so the entire park is Pesticide free-something I WISH we could take for granted everywhere.)

Have community, grab a rake

Once accepted we were introduced to our Buddy Family, who turned out to be yet another excellent match, thanks to Ted Holmes’ intuition. So much fun has been had with their intriguing foursome.

There's our Buddy Family's 1st grader, 3rd from right. We're so lucky!

Meridian’s social integration also provides play dates all summer, ice cream socials, new family coffee, a skating excursion, movie night, and any activity the classroom Social Coordinator creates. My favorite event occurs each Friday; an all-school gathering to which families are invited to join in song (where Head of School Ron Waldman occasionally plays the guitar), presentations, dance and all Spanish games. Community building and involvement is a family value we build daily, hence Meridian School is It for us.

Yes this is Ron Waldman, Meridian's Head of School. He gets his hands dirty!

Like any proud parent, we want the best for Ellie. Academically I can already see the zeal with which the many specialist and teachers share their talents. I almost didn’t mention academics, thinking it’s a given priority. Socialization is equally important and harder to come by in a schools mission. Meridian has what we want and need. We’re proud to be part of this extraordinary community.

These photos are from Meridian School’s Community Service Day where parents, teachers, staff and students work together to take care of our neighborhood, including those creatures and plant life we live among daily.

That pesky photographer ASKED us to pose. We WERE working hard before she came along.

Oh so carefully

Modeling preparedness!

Taking a close look at nature and neighbor

Playing in order to understand roots in the garden, math, history...

Should we really go back inside?

Scalpel please

Developing the right tools at Meridian School!

And I thought brushing my teeth was tiring

Take good care. It will grow

Once again, I am offering photography coaching to the serious amateur, aspiring professional, and highly motivated parent. Topics include: photographing people, post processing: now what do I do with these images, and running a photography business.

JANET KLINGER PHOTOGRAPHY
2010 classes & coaching

YOU are the Portrait Photographer $150/hour ($115 if purchased with any other class/ photo session)
Join Janet for one-on-one personal coaching to become the photographer you’ve always dreamed of. Bring in your favorite subject(s) to model for you. You might choose to include props, outfit changes, inspiring music. Whether choosing a Seattle area location or taking advantage of Janet’s professional photography studio and Learn to love the beauty of North Light, or play with professional strobe equipment. Your camera equipment, or rent Janet’s Canon gear. Come play, explore and learn how to honor your creative side.

Post Processing in Camera Raw (PS CS4)
$85/hr
$195/3 hour session
$225/ 3 one-hour sessions
Now What? You’ve finished your photo session or filled your Flash Card with digital files. Learn how to quickly sort files then make your favorites as beautiful as the professionals. Learn to add drama, increase textures, intensify eyes, bring back lost highlights or shadows, color correct so everything isn’t “amateur orange”, crop for superior composition, apply oft-used settings to all your images, and more. As always you may choose to lead the direction each session explores. Taught by Janet and Staff.

Photo Coaching for Everyone
Personalized encouragement and instruction refining camera function, artistic sensibility, and developing intuition

Perhaps you need to better understand: your camera’s functions, when to use which lens, why images are out of focus, blurry, too dark or light, or how to use flash to enhance natural light.

Maybe you hope to improve your composition, increase your success-to-dud rate, add flair to fine but basic images, and discover consistent methods to intentionally repeat “happy accidents”.

You may be curious what all the fuss is over histograms, lighting ratios, fill flash or reflector use.

Bring up topics and questions, or let Janet use her intuitive instruction to help you electrify your next creative light bulb.

One-on-One
$85/hr
$195/3 hour session
$225/ 3 one-hour sessions

Group of Two or Three People
$120/hr
$275/3 hour session
$295/3 one-hour sessions

Business Coaching for the Up and Coming Professional Photographer
As more people notice your talents, perhaps you’re contemplating, or even diving into, the profession of photography. It’s no wonder. With over 25 years as a pro, I’m still in love with photographs and the people I meet because of my love for this art. Love and enthusiasm, even coupled with talent, does not a photographer make. So what now?

Above all, learn how to get your first professional jobs and what to charge. Remember, unless you get paid, you’re not a professional.

Let’s answer typical questions from those new to the photo biz such as:
Should you advertise, how much to charge, is a CPA necessary, how to keep track of income and pay taxes, utilize typical tax breaks, legal means of deducting travel, organizations to join, the necessity of a business bank account, is taking out a loan ever wise, is it necessary to purchase the latest gear, travel to seminars, give away photography services, get a partner …

This profession may not be for the faint of heart, but for those willing to learn what it takes and apply this knowledge, there may be a meaningful, heart-warming, and rewarding profession beginning with your next CLICK!

One-on-One
$125/hr
$295/3 hour session
$345/ 3 one-hour sessions

Group of Two or Three People
$150/hr
$390/3 hour session
$420/3 one-hour sessions

I was honored to speak at last nights “Mamas with Cameras” photo club gathering. I was so impressed with these Mamas. More than half have children under two and several with newborns yet they are able to take time for themselves, simultaneously cultivating their creative passion for photography. This caring sisterhood shared ideas and encouraged each other, all while feeding that female-need I know all about for socializing and making new friends. I’m inspired by these motivated mama’s passion. (more…)

Andrea and Peter Gradwohl have started a new business to help our kids eat great lunches. Fantazimo caters to your kids, literally. All for less than $5!
They were featured on Evening Magazine too.
(more…)

Many people from my “Mom’s group” have requested that I post responses to my request for
input on 3 grade schools: Meridian, UCDS and Bertschi.

To See where our family is now in school, check out this follow up post

If you have further input, please comment below!
(more…)

Halloween is a wonderful combination of the simple and the wild. Pretending to be someone or something we are not (at least externally) has it’s own excitement. Stimulated by endless possibilities, I am sometimes inspired and sometimes overwhelmed with costume decisions. What I love about the Annual Janet Klinger Photography Halloween Costume Photos is that, for our neighbors the studio is a hop, skip or slither from home. And for everyone, it’s an affordable treat to capture our own children at their best, beastly or beautiful. I have never seen a child in costume, no matter what his mood, who wasn’t adorable. See for yourself. The halloween photos are in!

Our not-scary Studio Manager kelsey

See all the images!

Purchase a photo session with Janet Klinger Photography by October 25, 2008 and receive either 8 wallets or an 8×10 photograph. Pre-purchase a 20 image Coffee Table Book and 10% of the book cost goes to the Seattle Public School of your choice.

For more details including pricing click here.

Book your session now!

Maria & Ray get cosy above downtown Seattle

Engagement sessions are invaluable. How many times have I heard “My fiance hates to have his picture taken”, or “I am so awkward in front of the camera”. These sentiments are based in truth as known prior to working with a pro photographer, yet are dispelled as myths upon seeing the images. Confidence is built. And not simply with the couple, but with all those invited to view their images on-line or around the coffee table.

Let’s face it. Uncle Joe may have the same camera as the pros, but does he know how to find great locations, compose, inspire his models, and most importantly, does Uncle Joe know when to press the shutter? Timing is at least 50% of a good photo. Everyone who’s been snapped mid-sentence, eating, or at an awkward moment is susceptible to thinking they are unfit to be photographed. (Just avoid this uncle masquerading as a photographer until he comes to one of my Photography for Beginners classes!)

Location’s influence on a successful image fluctuates dramatically in importance. If the scene is horrific, as some basement-of-the-church receptions are, then lighting, lens choice, angle, and model’s inspiration and expression reign supreme. But if the location is even slightly interesting, why wouldn’t you want a significant portion of the images to glorify your unique choice of environment?

Every time I hear a version of “We look horrible in photographs”, I know this client will benefit even more than the usual from an engagement session. Invaluable is the confidence gained by seeing how great you look when in front of a pro’s lens. Invaluable is the experience of working together as a team before your wedding day to gain rapport. Even family members gain confidence about how good THEY will look. One of the many wonderful side effects of engagement sessions is how helpful, inspired, and interested family and wedding party become in making the photos great. We’re a team on the wedding day. It’s great to have everyone working toward the same goal.

Take the time for an engagement session. In 3 of our 5 wedding packages it’s included at no charge. In Options I and II add a simple one hour engagement session for $395, or an extended three hour engagement session allowing us time to explore a complete range of ideas. For a complete list of custom engagement options, visit the websites’s Cost section, and choose the “Tell your story- Engagement and bridal” botton at the top.

And thank you to Maria and Ray for the fun session — they’ve put together a website for their upcoming wedding at RayFinallyAsked.com

Before The Healthy Goddess, Christi Masi created The Healthy Bride. Herself beautiful, fit, and athletic, Christi is clever enough to make a living helping others maintain or create their own positive self-image. And If there is anyone who wants to look good, it’s a bride. Twice each week future brides join Christi at the SAM Olympic Sculpture Park to get in the shape of their lives to celebrate the happiest day of their lives.

BUT WHAT ABOUT AFTER THE WEDDING? Christi found women disinterested in socializing with future brides once no longer belonging to this special club. Hence, The Healthy Goddess. Then even further beyond these newlywed women are women like me who put themselves more in the category of “Recovering Moms”. If there has ever been a group in desperate need of a little kick in the booty camp, its members of THIS club. Move over you trim, fit, gorgeous brides. Here come the rest of us huffing up the hill in hopes of surviving another of Christi’s intense workouts.

Their is nothing like a little camaraderie to inspire me to get out of bed at 5:30 for a rain or shine workout. Even better is having a committed and inspired trainer like Christi Masi creating workouts step by step so my still sleeping brain can relax while the rest of me works toward looking even better than on my wedding day. Or at least better than yesterday. See you at the Greenlake track at 6am SHARP!

Where oh where did those days of traveling to Ecuador or cross country skiing in Yellowstone Park go? In these hectic days of parenthood, I both relish being energetic Ellie’s Mom, and resent the daily responsibilities I’m now faced with– and disappointed in myself for falling down on the job. Right now our fridge interior is barren except for the 5 day old Brazilian black bean soup, last weekends now-cardboard pancakes, and last night’s quinoa pasta leftovers.

Truth be told, the grueling challenge of a “responsible” life goes further back than Ellie. After a scary misdiagnosis with Lupus, I cut back working all waking hours of the day that I wasn’t playing. Until that doctor’s appointment, I felt balanced. Yet the 2 week wait for test results had me reevaluating balance. As my 30’s set in, so did my desire to find that special life-long snuggle guy. Running full boar all waking hours left little time for romance. Scared by the unknown, I felt I would have to give up my full-of-play ways. Sure enough, when I fell in love, I was drawn to the responsible, tenderly adorable, creative, orderly architect, Tim Rohleder. While I thought we had a perfect match, however close, nothing is perfect. Here is a man who puts family first, just as I always dreamed. Tim works hard, loves his clients, bikes to work, takes an equal responsibility for household chores. What more could I want? The answer points to me, not Tim. Janet’s Agenda: supermom, superwife, superphotographer, superathlete, superfriend, supersmart, but subtract “super” and you have a clear idea of how I feel. Not bad, not great. Where is life’s adventure and spontaneity I fell in love with so long ago?

Happily we are able to take 2 annual trips to visit each Tim’s family and my family. Then there’s work related travel. It’s no secret that I relish these work excursions hinting of my old travel ways. Grateful for these work/travel opportunities, today my challenge is to revive self-inspired excursions rather than passively accept them only when clients request. And to somehow get Tim and Ellie to join in the fun.

Modeling an adventuresome yet balanced life to Ellie would be a gift to her, to myself, and to our family team. Onward I struggle for this precarious balance, unwilling to accept my vision only as a dream.

With tickets now booked to Anchorage (June1-7), I’m off to the grocery store… Balance is achieved one day at a time.

A carefree day in Yellowstone Park:

A boy in Ecuador:

Mothers to be, mothers with 3-or more generations, new mothers, grandmothers, I want to tell the story of your extraordinary life. JKP Blog readers receive 20% off an adorable Uno Album or a Wall Canvas of your next session. Simply purchase a One Hour or longer session by Mothers Day. To see a sample album layout, come visit the new website, www.janetklinger.com, then choose the Associates and Design button.

To learn of other special offers including classes, sign-up for the email newsletter.

Happy Mother’s Day!

In the ever-present struggle to regain balance between personal and professional life, life as momma to Ellie and wife to Tim, Thursday night has been carved out as “MY” night. Granted one Thursday each month I’m at an informative PUG meeting, or an educational Woodland Park 3-5s co-op meeting, or occasionally an inspiring Soulumination meeting. Still, 1 to 3 nights each month are for doing as I please. This tiny freedom rejuvenates.

I usually spend that time with friends, so much do I miss being social. Now it’s easiest to build friendships with other working moms who are also motivated to go around Greenlake at 8:30 in the pitch blackness.

But last Thursday, oh my! I had forgotten the sheer pleasure of nestling into the warm sands of Olympus Spa. Blissful, rare relaxation overcomes me as I bake in the mud & jade room, then cool down to warm in the charcoal room. I don’t know the exact purpose of these “earth energy” rooms. Who cares about energy anyway. Give me it’s antithesis!

Then into the mugwort steamroom. Yuck. Slimy on the butt! Might that be why they gave me an extra tiny towel? With towel in place, mind off the slime, my pores couldn’t be happier, my breathing easier. To cool off, into the freezing waterfall pool. Gasp! Then into the hottest of the pools to soak before I have a 50 minute Korean body scrub.

1) Mud & Jade room 2) Relaxation lounge with foot message 3) Waterfall pool surrounded by 3 other warm to hot pools.

Why work if you can’t splurge now and then? Use of the spa for a day is $35 in Lynnwood, $30 in Tacoma. The bodyscrub is $65/60 Lynnwood/Tacoma. I’m so happy Tim and I figured out a way to have some time for each of us. I’m ready for another week.

Our annual group trip to Skalitude in Carlton Washington never disappoints. When I want to ski, snowshoe, or sled out my door, this snowy cabin is the place.

Tim & Ellie stepping out.

Vida knows how to travel. Mush, Daddy, Mush.

And neither parent has blue eyes… Look Mom, no Photoshop either!

Thanks to Julian’s trains and track, inside was kid-heaven too.

More on Skalitude

Ellie has asthma: diagnosed by desparate attempts to barely inhale air into lungs. Horrified parents “help” while petrifying a previously trusting girl.

In the ER at Children’s Hospital we initially had no idea what was going on. The nurse gave us the face mask to put over Ellie’s nose and mouth and left us alone in the room. Elle struggled with all her might to free herself, pleading with us to help, yet confused that we were the ones forcefully holding her down pushing a scary mask over her mouth and nose. Sweat dripped off all of us. Especially off Tim who was relegated to straight jacket duty. I was in tears sympathizing with Ellie’s fear, confusion and her use of the signs we had been teaching her: STOP! I imagined we were forcing her to inhale something that was painful, or worse, harmful. Without thinking, I donned the mask for a few minutes to relieve my nervousness, and hopefully calm hers. With so many friends and family in the medical field, I’ve heard more than my fair share of “medical mistake” stories.

A fabulous book exists called It’s My Body. It teaches kids to trust their feelings. If uncomfortable, a child is given several ways to express herself. One of them is to put up her hand and, if using words yet, say firmly “Stop!” Together, all of us had been reading this helpful book for 3 or 4 days previous when this first asthma attack put us in the emergency room. That awful day my girl was not practicing her new skill, she was DEMANDING it in only the way I would hope she would, to no avail. Her face reflected devastation that her parents were the non-complying adults. Anguish ridden and feeling distraught, we vowed never again to let the nurse leave before telling us how to administer treatment, then to cope with this breech of trust. Unfortunately, after too many attacks, we’ve honed our skills. Fortunately, we now know more about preventing the attacks in the first place. I’m inhaling now, with great relief. While she has eczema (often the two go together), we haven’t seen asthma for about a year. Our bodies have relaxed, but thankfully not from sheer exhaustion.

I brought my camera because I imagined the worst. Having already had a sister and mother die prematurely, I didn’t want to be without precious images. Still, I didn’t even think of the camera until after the storm subsided.

Glad to be a part of the fun at UCDS’s auction which raised nearly $700,000! I’d love to say my photography raised the majority of that, but I actually know the final value. Let’s just say it was less than $600,000.

Congratulations to Dave Miller and Susan Takemoto, the winning bidders for a JKP photo session. I can’t wait to work with you two, officially this time! I’ll be in touch right after this post…
The real winners are the UCDS students. According to Eric S. Sanderson, the auction Chair, the funds help support teacher excellence and financial aid. “Financial aid” is ringing loudly in this Mom’s ears.

These Moms, Dads and UCDS staff sure know how to roll up their sleeves and have some fun. Clearly much creativity went into planning this playful event. If designed by a parent, Wow! If designed by a professional, Wow! I sure hope she/he has many children left to put through the school. My girl, Ellie, won’t turn 3 until June– after the UCDS cut-off.

OK, I’ve been informed that the creative team was headed by Kenlyn and Tom McQueen. Additionally, Marisha (Mary) Nykiel and Kay Kim  were in charge of the auction displays. This is where the big round of applause comes in!

A great central spot for displaying my work. Thanks Debra, for all your wonderful help!

If you’re interested in a photo session, and can get your hands on one of the few remaining “donation” cards (now at the front desk at UCDS) then 20% of your session will be donated to UCDS if purchased by April 30th. The sessions don’t need to be completed by then, and are guaranteed to remain the pre-paid price for two years from purchase date. What kind of photography do you dream of?

Clearly, setting up was almost as much fun as the dinner!

Come in and play!

So many organized people make for a smooth flowing evening.

I know what I would have done all night long.

No she is not wearing this parasol, but they do look good together! Ever been to the Bella Umbrella website? Jodell Egbert both designs parasols and rents vintage umbrellas. Gorgeous.

Colorful dinning room entrance.

The Dads were doing their part, naturally! Palm leaves were plentiful, and someone had to tie and hang each one.

Everything was planned, placed and perfect.

Fantastic watery world surrounds the video of kids having their say.

Full of ambiance. From the ceiling to floor and everywhere in between.

Every photographer or hobbiest who buys new camera gear makes a decision. What to do with the old and replaced. I use these retired old Canon bodies and lenses on days like today. Heavy misting rain along with blustering winds makes keeping a camera dry impossible. Putting the camera and lens in a plastic bag with a hole cut out for the lens helps. I don’t want to be afraid to shoot on sandy beaches, on dirty, dusty trails, on canoe trips, or in our ever-present rain. The next time someone asks why some of my gear looks like it gone through the ringer, well…

Expressiveness isn’t limited to smiles.

Ellie Explorer.

Just checking in!

Soaked and smiling! Love that girl!!!

This old Canon 70-200 lens and 20D still capture sharp, vibrant color, even when wet, dropped, and near freezing. Hell, I’m not sure why I bought a new one. OK, the image stabilization and faster aperture had something to do with it. With Seattle’s ever wet days, I’m glad to have a lens I’m willing to risk. But I sure wish Canon would start sponsoring me!

Preparing for a photo session pays off. No tears for baby, no tears for you.
It can be stressful asking your child to leave the house at an unusual time, to alter bath time, nap time, meal time. Highly recommended is scheduling your sessions around these known times IF your session is AWAY from home. (More later on in-home sessions.) When possible, try to prepare all clothing, props and even snacks one or two days before the session. Keep your session day as “normal” as possible. If you dream of happy baby photography, take care of yourself and Baby with a little advanced planning. Raise your milk cups and sip to success!

NOTE: If you don’t manage to plan, it’s completely understandable. You are a Parent!!! Great photos are still likely. I really want you to love the whole experience, not just the photos!

Even with great pre-planning, baby may need a minute to become comfy with the environment. Apprehension sure is cute!

Warming up!

Now we’re best of friends!

I can’t rave enough about Ellie’s pre-school. We attend Woodland Park pre-3s (next year we’ll be in 3-5s) with the talented, creative and boundlessly energetic Teacher Tom Hobson. If you enjoy community and sharing in your child’s pre-school experience, the North Seattle Community College pre-school co-ops might be perfect for you too. There are numerous different locations in North Seattle. But Hurry! These all fill up fast, and there’s a lottery system for those not already enrolled. Check out their website for all the pertinent information. It’s worth the effort.

If you’re not in the North Seattle area, you might be interested in one of these other co-ops.

Thanks to Ray & Jill Farbarik, who invited us to a neighbors Disco Party for a groovin’ good time. Kids Do Love Disco. But not as much as I do!

Yet another reason I am thrilled to live on Phinney Ridge.

Belly Dance, Disco Dance. What’s the difference?

John Travolta, the New Generation

The Groovy Dress Set

Dancing shoes on and ready to PARTY!