Changing Things Up a Bit

I've been editing portrait photos from various shoots around Seattle and have been customizing a new website! I'm hoping to have it live in the next couple of months.

Until the sassy and fun flash site is ready to go, I have created a temporary site to share current photos and projects. Hope you enjoy it. One of my favorite photos is on the front page (and below). She was the sweetest little girl and so much fun to work with. I'll be posting more photos from her session on the blog soon. Until then, please check out out the gallery page here: www.erikamonaco.com

Hello mini-super model! Doesn't she look great? I absolutely love her expression...


Cheers!
Erika

Maui

We're home from Maui and missing this fabulous beach. I hope to get some more photos and stories up soon. This was taken at 8:00 am just as the lifeguards were getting set up and people were arriving to catch the morning waves.

Day 1 - Workshop

Today was the first official day of Me Ra Koh's workshop in Tacoma, WA. I’m staying with my cousin Michelle, which is great because I feel like I never get to see them enough. More on that later...

When I first got to the hotel this morning, the art hall was buzzing with excitement and a little bit of nervous energy. I certainly had it and my adrenaline was going! I was nervous about wanting to ask too many questions, trying too hard, or just firing off my camera trigger like a mad woman. I mean, what should I be worried about since I’m learning from one of the best photographers in the business?! Well most of my worries went away as soon as Me Ra and Brian introduced themselves and explained their love for photography, family, clients, and teaching. On top if it, they are smart, creative and hilarious all in one!

After we went through the first part of the presentation, we were challenged to take indoor photos of Mom and Baby models using natural light, main challenge being that you are working with multiple photographers so it forces you to be creative in getting your own unique shot. All the ladies from the workshop were a breeze to work with and helpful as well. Tomorrow we’re heading outside to photograph families at the UW Tacoma Campus, but in the meantime, here is baby Finely and Maryann.

I absolutely love this first shot of Maryann and Finley. He was always reaching for her necklace...

It's the unplanned shots like these that have me elated.

Our group was lucky enough to have Dad nearby for some family shots.



Finley resting after a long photo shoot. He was such a good sport.

The Untraditional Memorial Day

The week before, we had debated about all the places we should check out, Yakima, Cle Elum, Victoria, ect. Last minute we decided to stay home and I think it was the best decision for us. I work for a local radio station occasionally and had a shift on Saturday. Once I got home, Jun and I went out to enjoy the sunshine. First we stopped by Joey's in Bellevue for a quick bite to eat and a couple cocktails. It was so nice to just sit outside and enjoy the perfect 80 degree Seattle weather. Joey's has excellent apps and I absolutely love their white cosmopolitans! I get a warm and fuzzy feeling just with the first sip.

There are so many days that I wish my camera would be in arm's reach. I try to convince myself to take it more places, but feel that it can be a little invasive and might distract me from just enjoying what is right in front of me.

So on Sunday I planned ahead and brought it golfing. Even though Jun is not a fan of being in front of the camera, he's not as shy when showing something he loves. Here are a few photos from the day...