Weddings

In light of the New Year I am officially adding Weddings to my photography business. I've thought long and hard about this over the last year, and have made a goal for a number of weddings to book for 2010. Go check out the Wedding Investment under the Pricing section on my website if you or someone you know is having a wedding. I would love to capture your special day. Have a wonderful week!

11 Days Left

Bigby Family

The Bigby family Christmas Session was my favorite session to date. Rachel and Adam are two of the funniest people I know, and make an amazing couple. They recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary! Anyway, like I said, this family session was my favorite to date. The boys were awesome, and so easy to direct, and handsome! My mom came along to help me out with the session. She made sure I didn't fall into the water! There was alot of laughing, and alot of, "Riley, if you fall in that water..." Our time together turned into a three hour session. It was wonderful! Bigby family, thank you so much for spending the day with me, you guys rocked your session! Enjoy your sneak peek!

Alyssa

Why I Love My Job

On those days (which seem like so many) when business is slow for me and I wonder why I decided to follow my heart instead of my head into a journey of creativity and art, I look at the photos, and the stories I've told over the past couple years. I'm reminded how blessed I am to spend my days meeting families, children, and couples, and capturing their sweet memories so they can treasure them for a lifetime. I'm blessed to have a husband who believes in me more than I do myself, and by working hard he has given me the gift of following my passion. And that truly is a gift, especially in a time of such trial for so many people. So when I am unsure, and I need a reminder of why I have chosen this unpredictable business, and life, I look at the sweet faces of innocent children, and the faces of a couple in love, so ready to start their new journey in love, and in life. And I'm comforted... I'm comforted in the realization, that I have helped tell a story, their story. And they are helping me create mine...

One of my favorite images from Saturday's engagement session.

Rob and Erica are Engaged!

Erica and Rob braved the cold with me Saturday morning for their engagement session. We met at Tumwater Falls early in the morning. And started our journey. I've said it before, but I love my job, and anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE to talk. I talk way too much, and usually about the most random things. Rob informed me, while we were walking to the next location, (and shivering I might add) that I am way too cheery in the mornings. People told me this all the time when I was in high school and PE was our first class at 8:20. It takes me a little bit to get up, but once I am, I'm up and ready to go! Erica and Rob are such a great couple, and I am so excited to shoot their wedding in February. Erica and Rob, thank you so much for meeting me so early in the morning! I hope you like your sneak peek!

Above: My favorite from the session

Alyssa

Miss Boudoir!

Miss Boudoir finally has a face,I'm sure you've seen her on my site and blog before! I was so excited when Ashley agreed to let me post some of the photos from her session to share her experience with other women. This was my very first Boudoir session, and I was nervous, but so excited to get in there to see if it was something I liked. I've been anxiously waiting for Ashley's fiancee's birthday to arrive. It's today, so Happy Birthday, Nick! Ashley got ahold of me as soon as he opened his gift, and I started working away on getting them ready for the blog. Thank you so much Ashley for asking me to take these photos. I'm so glad Nick enjoyed his gift! I'm always a little bummed by the colors online, as they don't POP like they do in photoshop! Enjoy anyway:)

The image above is my VERY favorite from the session:)

Today...

Just a quick post from this afternoon. I took this photo to match this this little guy's brother's photo. Does that make sense? Anyway, here it is! Isn't this guy handsome? He was all over the place too! I've stopped by his house a few times with Josh, and every time he talks to me a little more. :) Ty and his little brother are the sweetest boys.

Paris

I finally got around to editing some photos of Paris when we visited in 2007. Here is one of my faves!

Just A Reminder...

Booking now until November 23rd
Winter Wonderland Collection Starts at $220

All Collections Include Cards!

email me: alyssalillegard@hotmail.com to book a session!

Alyssa

Miss Boudoir

Last week I had a boudoir session, and because we are keeping it under wraps, I won't be posting any other images besides this one, until Miss Boudoir's man receives his gift. I just loved this one so much, I thought I would share. It helps that you can only see part of her face, so she won't be revealed. This was my first boudoir session, and I hope I get the chance to do more! Here's a little sneak peek of her session. If you recognize Miss Boudoir, shhhh... Please keep her secret.

Something A Little More Personal

I rarely post anything personal on this blog. Most of our personal stuff, is posted on my other blog A Beautiful Life which hasn't been too personal lately being as there is nothing super interesting going on in our lives. We bought a house, so we are spending the weekends when we are at home "kind of" doing things around the house. Yesterday I touched up the paint on the molding in the bathroom. Anyway, last Friday when we were on our drive home for the three day weekend, I was mentioning how long it had been since we had seen Josh's best man, Lopez. In the army no one has a first name. While I know Lopez' first name, there are a bunch of them that I just know by last name. Most of these guys don't even know each other's first names, so why would I? We hadn't seen "Lo-Lo" since January 2008, when he stayed with us. Arriving at 12 am. and leaving at 6 a.m. that morning. Needless to say there wasn't alot of chit chat that morning. I don't even think he let me cook him breakfast.

So when we were on our way home (back to Kelso) Monday afternoon, we got ten minutes away, and were told to "come back, Lopez is here!" He drove down from Ft. Lewis. Did he call? No. So he was really lucky we weren't home already. It was so nice to meet his family, and catch up with Lopez. We laughed over wedding photos, Josh and Lo-Lo shared a drink and we ate pizza. The perfect way to spend Labor Day.

I rarely take my camera out for family events, but I just happened to have my camera in the car. Last weekend was awful for weather so my engagement session is being rescheduled for the second time.

Lopez "proposing" to Josh's cousin, Kyle.

Photo By: Tasha Owen

Josh and Lo-Lo having a moment in the photo booth.

Photo By: Tasha Owen

I have a Boudoir Session to post, but can't post until after the gift receiver receives his gift! Have a wonderful week!

Nathan Senior Rep 2010

I have known Nathan FOREVER, or at least it seems like it. It seems like every weekend when Josh and I head home, Nathan and his twin brother Matthew are hanging out with my brother. I had the pleasure of photographing Nathan yesterday as my guy Senior Rep for 2010. We headed out to the golf course for a little mini session, that turned into an hour... Or so... I am so excited for his full session in the spring. We have some great stuff in the works!

Nathan and family, thank you so much for meeting up with me yesterday. I had so much fun. Nathan did a wonderful job! Thanks for letting me get "just a couple more" more than once. I hope you enjoy your preview!

Holiday Mini Session Special!!

If you are planning on having photos done in time for the holiday season to be used as gifts for loved ones, or as Holiday cards, the time is now to book your session! Session booking starts now, August 24, 2009. Take advantage of being outside in the beautiful fall colors before the gray and dreary settles in for the rest of the year.

Due to the fact that the Holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, November 23rd will be the last day for Holiday Mini Sessions.

Regular sessions can be booked for after this date, but will not be ready in time for the holiday. So take advantage of the Holiday Mini Session Special and book your session today!




Holiday Mini Session Special
Starting at $220 with option to upgrade


Winter Wonderland Collection
$220 (Over $70 in savings)

30 minute session
Location of your choice
(3) 8x10
(6) 5x7
(1) Set of 25 cards with envelopes

Under the Mistletoe Collection
$350 ($114 in savings)

30 minute session
Location of your choice
(3) 8x10
(8) 5x7
(1) 11x14 mounted
(2) Sets of 25 cards with envelopes

Silver Bells Collection
$480 ($160 in savings)

30 minute session
Location of your choice
(4) 8x10
(10) 5x7
(1) 16x20 mounted
(3) Sets of 25 cards with envelopes

Card samples coming soon!

'Tis The Season!

I'm getting everything ready for Holiday Mini Sesssions. Start thinking about your getting your photos taken for Christmas cards. This week is crazy for me. We are packing up my brother, and moving him over to WSU. Holiday Specials will be coming next week, so please bear with me! Check back on Monday the 24th for more information:)

To book a session please email me at: alyssalillegard@hotmail.com or call 360.353.3277

Alyssa

Ashley, Nick and Bentley

I've photographed this little one three time now! I couldn't believe how much Bentley had grown. It's hard to see how fast little ones grow when you're around them on a daily basis. I photographed her a year ago in October, and haven't seen her since! We spent some time yesterday at Friends Landing in Montesano, playing on the slide and the swings. Then we got a chance to take some photos of Ashley and Nick for their engagement photos.

Congratulations Nick and Ashley! I hope you enjoy your preview.

Alyssa

Just Another Photo

From Monday's Session:) Something a little different.

Kaitlyn Senior Rep 2010

Kaityln was chosen as my 2010 Girl Senior Rep for 2010 at Montesano High School. Kaitlyn and I met up this morning, along with Kaitlyn's sister Amy, and wandered about downtown Oly to see what we could find. This was supposed to be a Mini Session, but it turned into almost two hours of photos. Walking everywhere takes a long time. I got so many great shots today! This girl is so beautiful, and a dream to work with. I'm already excited about our full session in April, and I'm already dreaming up stuff I want to do!

Thank you so much Kaityln, and Amy for meeting with me today. I had so much fun!

A little bit vintage:)

Alyssa

Creative Portrait Packages!

Hello Everyone, I didn't realize that the Creative Portrait Package pricing wasn't on my website, so I just updated that. You can take a look at print prices and packaging in the Boutique area of my site! Thank you!

I'm loving this picture of Elijah and his dad! I want this one in my house:)

Alyssa

It's Been So Long!

It's been a month already since my last post. I have to get better at posting more often!

Yesterday Josh and I made a trip up to Olympia to take photos of this little guy and his family. Mama (Nicole) and I went to school together. We reconnected by myspace last summer, sending emails back and forth, and planning a get together so we could take some photos. We just now got to meet up and do a little photo session swap! Nicole and Daniel were wonderful, so relaxed and so much fun to talk to. It's nice to see a friend after such a long time. Elijah, their little one was an absolute dream to photograph. I mean seriously, this boy didn't cry once. And when it was time for mom and dad to have their photos taken, he slept in the stroller, and just as we were finishing up his eyes popped open and he just hung out like such a trooper.

Nicole is starting up her own photography business too, so it's old hat for Elijah to have a camera in his face. He was the easiest child I have ever had the privilege to shoot!

And then it was our turn to get our picture taken. Josh and I have a hard time being serious in front of the camera, so I hope we weren't too difficult for Nicole! Here are the very first edits I've done this morning. I don't look at the photos until the next day, so I didn't sleep last night! I got up at 6 o' clock with Josh and when he was out the door at 6:30, I started uploading right away!

Nicole, and Daniel: Your family is so beautiful. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture your memories. There will be some photos of Daniel up soon! Thank you so much again!

This photo was Nicole's idea, and I love how it turned out!

Black and white conversion on my flickr account

Have a wonderful Monday!

Alyssa

Beka

This morning my friend Beka and I went on a photo adventure. I've been wanting to photograph Beka for awhile, and when she came down to stay with me a couple weekends ago it decided to rain in Kelso/Longview that Saturday. So, we scheduled some time this morning and we wandered around, listened to some inspiring music on my ipod dock, and had a wonderful time. Afterward we had lunch at El Rancho.

We took our time today, and the session ended up being almost 3 hours, but it was worth it. I got a chance to really take my time, talk, and laugh! Beka is obviously beautiful. I'm surrounded by so many beautiful people.

Beka, I hope you enjoy the sneak peek of your photos! Thank you so much for spending the morning with me. I love you!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Enjoy the sun!

Alyssa

New Pricing

Due to the state of the economy I'm lowering my session fee prices. You can view the new session fees on my website.

I know times are tough for everyone, me included. Capturing memories of your children is still important, so if you can save a little here and there for a session! It will be worth it, I promise!

I hope everyone is doing well, and if you have sunshine I hope you are out enjoying it!

God Bless,

Alyssa

Kyle's Senior Photos

Today my brother, mom, and I trekked around Longview to take the second half of Kyle's Senior Photos. I think everyone can agree that taking photos of your own family is the hardest because they never take it seriously. Kyle is such an awesome person to hang out with, there is never a dull moment when we are together. Here are some of the nice photos that I found in amongst the crazy ones!

Hope you have a great day!

Alyssa