Using Props and Natures Surroundings Add to Beautiful Wedding Photography

Do you have a wedding theme for your special day? A lot of guys and gals do. Incorporating  fun and creative props at your wedding can really add another dimension to your keepsake wedding photos and wedding album. Also, working with natural surroundings, like we have here in the Pacific Northwest is beautiful for your pictures. Mother Nature does not let us down!

Wedding rings on the bridal bouquet is gorgeous and so romantic! This is one of my signature photos that I love to create for all of my couples.

How about a framed picture!? I love this a lot!! The wedding party and family did too!

For this Victorian wedding the velvet sofa and handmade decorations using the brides favorite colors and style really set the tone for a very romantic wedding.

Nothing like a beautiful lake and greenery to make a pretty frame for a wedding portrait. Or, an umbrella! 

Nothing's off of the table when it comes to your wedding. Recently, I photographed a wedding held at a race track. The bride and groom incorporated his race car and they had black and white checked flags. Their wedding was uniquely their own and wonderful!  

Call me today at 240-899-5295! I can't wait to photograph your wedding! www.jollysiendaphotography.com

Landscape & wildlife photography along the seashore

The other day we had brilliant blue skies and fluffy white clouds. It inspired me to jump into my car, with my camera gear, and take a drive along the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas following the seashore.

I made several stops; the first was at the boat launch at Tracyton. There were a gaggle of geese swimming about. Next, I headed to Keyport Marina, walked on the dock, and took photos of boats and this beautiful hanging basket of petunias over the seashore.

Seagulls we're having a terrific time along the shoreline as the waves crashed against the tide. I also saw several ferry boats make the crossing from Coupeville on Whidbey Island to Port Townsend.

Seagulls along the shore at Fort Worden beach, Fort Worden, Washington.

I love watching ferry boats, don't you?! The is a Washington State Ferry on the Coupeville, WA to Port Townsend ferry run.

Point Wilson Light, Lighthouse, at Fort Worden,

Geese swim along the shore at Tracyton, Washington.

Before I crossed over the Hood Canal Bridge, I stopped at the Kitsap Memorial Park. There I saw a boat on the canal with an American Flag waving to me as it glided on the canal towards the Olympic Mountains.

Boat with an American Flag on Hood Canal sailing towards the Olympic Mountains.

When I reached Port Townsend I headed to Fort Worden to walk the beach and see the Point Wilson Light lighthouse.

It was a perfect day! At dusk the pastel colors of the sky caught my attention with the curve at the beach. Point Wilson Light and a seagull were entertaining.

I love the seashore, don't you? Everyone I saw there had a great time! Can you do a handstand on the beach? What's your favorite beach location? Let me know on Facebook.

Having fun on the beach!

Going to the Bremerton Raceway and We're Going to Get Married!

On June 30, 2018 Joe Graham and Cathy Darlington Strong married each other surrounded by love, family,  friends, and race cars! It was a romantic, energized, ceremony and party complete with Joe's yellow race car, black and white checkered flags, a tool box, and red roses!

Everlasting love sealed with a kiss!

Cathy and Joe had their First Look before the ceremony. You could feel the love in the air!

Cathy dazzled the crowd in her beautiful wedding dress!

At 7 pm the races stopped as Cathy and Joe said their vows on the race track!

I give you this ring Cathy and my love!

Our sincere congratulations to Cathy and Joe! Thank you for allowing Rich and I to be a part of your wonderful celebration! Best wishes!!!

And away we go!

Photography in Your Flower Garden

Whether you're a professional photographer or learning about photography a great way to learn and practice your skills is to go out into your yard and photograph the flowers in your garden. I love to experiment with wide angle and macro lens for this.

This is a great way to understand color, texture, depth of field, design, and to train your photography eyes. Don't get discouraged. Let the natural world pull you in and keep practicing with you camera. Over time, I know you will be thrilled with your results! When you are -- make up some prints of your flowers and display them on your wall as a fine art photography gallery! So pretty!!

See something you love! Please let me know! I'd love to hear from you. Fine art photography by Jolly Sienda Photography is available on this website or by contacting me.

First Dance and Fun Wedding Reception Photography

Let the wedding reception party begin! It's so much fun for me to watch people at weddings let loose and have fun. Yeah, most brides and grooms are a little nervous on their BIG DAY, but once the corks start popping and they've already had their picture taken by the wedding photographer in dozens of scenarios, everyone is more relaxed and has BIG smiles on their faces.

I love taking pictures of people having a good time and not worrying about me taking their picture. It's those candid, spontaneous moments that tell the wedding story.

It's an honor for me to photograph your wedding. Let me tell your wedding day story. Booking now for 2019 and 2020 wedding photography and wedding reception photography. Contact me at jollysiendaphotography.com, Tel: 240-899-5295, or info@jollysiendaphotography.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Portrait and Fashion Photography with your BBF

Getting together with my best best friend, Rachel Z, is always so much fun! We're just a couple of gals that love spending time together, hanging out, trying on clothes, and playing in the outdoor sunshine! On a recent visit, Rachel asked me to take some new photos of her. We had a blast! Here are a few of my favorite shots of Rachel from our portrait and fashion photo session!

I do declare, Miss Rachel, you looks great in jeans and on the golf course!

Here we are -- just a couple of girls hanging out! Love you Rachel Z! Until the next time!!!

Portrait and Fashion Photography by Jolly Sienda Photography

Adventure Travel Photography in Morocco!

Traveling to Morocco has been on my bucket list for years! I spent one day in Tangiers in 1987 (ferry crossing from Spain). The intriguing sights, sounds, smells, and overall exotic feel called my name. Dreams can come true! In April 2018, my partner and I spent 17 days exploring Morocco. We traveled by car over 1,400 miles, passing through seaside towns, lush green agricultural landscapes, small villages each with their own mosque, up and down through the Rif and the Atlas Mountains, rode camels at the amazing Sahara Desert, and traveled through the rugged and tropical Dades Gorge -- all of this was now ours to share with you!

Our driver, Ali, told me daily, "Keep your camera ready because you never know what you're going to see." Boy, was he right!

Photographing the people, places, and culture of Morocco ignited my senses, made me SMILE,  and fueled my passion to capture the best in international photojournalism. Ali was right, you never know what could be around the corner.

Exotic Morocco will bring me wonderful memories that will last a lifetime! How about you? Reach out to me if you are interested in travel photography. I'd love to hear from you!

Plan Your Wedding Photography When the Light is Most Flattering.

Have you ever heard that photographers chase the light? It's true. The most flattering, warm, light is early in the morning from sunrise to about 10 am in the morning and after 3 pm in the afternoon to sunset. This is when the golden and pink light happens for magical photographs.  Below are several images from weddings which we had fantastic light because of the weather and the time of day in which the photos we're taken. First photograph was taken in the morning for the First Look; middle photograph at sunset; right photograph mid-afternoon about 3 pm.

Maurean and Dan’s wedding was at 6 pm, in August 2018. Capturing the warm golden early evening light.

I know brides and grooms have a lot to cover when planning your wedding. I understand and I'm here to help! Have a conversation about wedding photography with your photographer and learn from them when the best times are to take your beautiful pictures. Trust their expert advice. Ideally, if you can, please try not to have your wedding ceremony at noon. The light is harsh, intense, and can cast a lot of unflattering shadows. Your photographers will use fill flash and reflectors (when possible), however Mother Nature can be tricky.

4 pm outdoor wedding ceremony in July at the Best Western Silverdale Beach Hotel, Silverdale, Washington

I look forward to talking with you about your wedding plans! Jolly Sienda Photography offers complimentary wedding photography consultations. Contact us in Bremerton, WA., at Tel: 240-899-5295 or email us at: info@jollysiendaphotography.com

Commercial Real Estate Photography Keeps Me Busy as a Photographer

One of the things I love about my job as a photographer is the opportunity to work with real estate agents and commercial developers in the greater Puget Sound area; and, I get to help them sell and market their properties with my beautiful pictures! What a bonus!!!

Cozy beach home living room

I really enjoy architectural photography. Every property is unique. I love working with lines and angles. Great real estate photography is all about presenting a sense of space and dimension.

The right light enhances the property and will help you sell the real estate listing.

If the property has a view I always focus on its best feature and include this in the clients images. 

It's all about presenting the best images possible to help your client sell the property!

Contact me today at 240-899-5295, e-mail info@jollysiendaphotography.com for real estate photography and commercial photography rates! Jolly Sienda Photography, based on the West Sound in Bremerton, Washington

Travel Photography Caribbean Style! Explore, Color, Light, Angles & More!

People ask me all of the time -- what's your favorite type of photography? And, I answer by saying, "I love all kinds of photography: portraits, weddings, landscapes, food, etc." However, when I'm traveling and seeing new places I'm sooooo happy!! I'm on sensory overload. There's so much to see! And, I'm paying close attention to what's happening in the moment and how I will take pictures in different settings. I love this challenge!

Herd of goats stand on a large lava rock, St. Kitts, Caribbean.

Often I'll tell our driver, "Stop the car!" And, I'm jumping out and running to get the shot! Like I did for the goat scene in St. Kitts. 

I'm also drawn to color, shapes, and changing light. I'm always thinking about the light source and adjusting my camera dials to experiment with different ISO, shutter speed, and aperture settings. 

Left to right: St Kitts yellow barn and palms; Sunrise after the storm at St. Lucia; Afternoon sun in St. Kitts lights up row houses after a tropical rainstorm.

Woman selling plants on the street in Antigua, Caribbean.

I enjoy photographing people too using their natural surroundings. In Antigua, Caribbean, I got down low, almost on the ground, and photographed my subject using different angles which adds dimension and interest. It's all about experimentation and seeing what works!

After a long day of travel photography, I treat myself to an awe moment on this deserted beach on the Island of St. Lucia. Simply paradise!

Cat's are Quirky, Curious, Interesting, and Fun Creatures for Travel Photography

When I'm traveling I'm always looking for interesting subjects to photograph. Cats are unique because they have attitude and presence. They make a statement wherever they are. And, I love photographing them!

Tuxedo cat sits on a window ledge of a tole painted building, Oberammergau, Germany. This cat reminded me of my kitty, Topaz, also a Tuxedo cat and a charmer!

I love to catch cats when they could care less about me watching them. However, sometimes,  cats are eager and willing to be the stars in the picture!  From the left, cats on a bench in Kotor, Montenegro; center is an orange tabby cat on stucco stairs in Mykonos, Greece; right is a cat watching us eat at a marina in Kusadasi, Turkey.

It's really nice when you have great light, shadows, and textures to work with in your photo; and, there is the cat in the space. This is a photo I've sold many time from my fine art photography collection. I took the picture while traveling in Mykonos, Greece. It was taken at sunset.

Tell Everyone to Save the Date!!! Spring Engagement Photography on the Kitsap Peninsula!

I'm so excited to work with Maurean Grogan and Dan Dimmen. This couple has the right idea! And, they want all of their family and friends to Save the Date!

Save the Date! 08-18-18!!!

Having fun and feeling a little love for one another in the sun! Celebrating love, spring, and their August 18, 2018, wedding date.

We had a great time taking their photos at Bremerton's Evergreen Rotary Park. The cherry blossoms were perfect!

Loving life together. Congratulations to Maurean and Dan! I can't wait to photograph your wedding!!!

Daytrip to the Skagit Valley and the North Cascades Highway for landscape photography

I love where we live in the Pacific Northwest! In just three hours or less you can explore mountain ranges, lush agricultural valleys, seashore, and more!

We stopped in Edison, WA and ate delicious paella outside at Slough Food's sundeck. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The scenery along the North Cascades Highway is breathtaking!

Sauk River and the Cascade Mountains

I'm told the wildflower trail up to Mount Sauk is beautiful in July

Daffodil fields at the Skagit Valley

On St. Patrick's Day, we photographed the daffodils in the Skagit Valley and drove to Concrete, Washington, to see a portion of the beautiful North Cascades Highway. Can't wait to explore more of this region once the entire highway re-opens. Portions of the North Cascades Highway closes due to snow every year. 

Paella served at Slough Food in Edison, WA.

Whitehorse Mountain near Darrington, WA.

So happy for spring! Daffodils along the Skagit Valley, Washington

Showcase your best self -- for personal and business success!

Did you know you should update your professional picture every year or two? That's right! We all change a little bit and having a new lifestyle portrait of yourself sends a positive message that you are on top of your game! It will make you feel terrific too!!

Let's together show the world what you're made of! Contact me today at 240-899-5295 or by email at info@jollysiendaphotography.com for your professional photo portrait session consultation!

Capturing all of the lovely details is what I love about wedding photography!

Every wedding is different. This is why I love photographing weddings! Being able to get to know the bride, groom, their friends and family is a joy. And, I absolutely love capturing their themes and all of the special details.

Don't worry -- I will document your timeless moments and meaningful wedding and wedding reception event telling your story with love!

Enjoying nature photography and travel photography in sunny Florida

I recently visited relatives in southern Florida and went on an airboat to photograph and see wildlife at Everglades National Park. We had so much fun!! I shot the sunset at Juno Beach as high surf and waves crashed onto Juno Beach's pier. We also checked out the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. What a blast!!! Check out the seven new photos below. I LOVE travel photography and nature photography!!!

Great Blue Heron flies over the Everglades

Here I am holding my Canon camera with a 70 x 200 lens with Richard Anderson and Linda Anderson on an airboat in the Everglades!

We saw lots of alligators in the wetlands!

Rose early to catch the sunrise and high surf at Juno Beach

Pastel sunrise greets boats along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach, Florida.

How to choose an engagement and wedding photographer

Jolly Sienda Photography captures unforgettable moments with artistry and LOVE! Contact us for a complimentary engagement and wedding photography consultation at info@jollysiendaphotography.com / Tel: 240-899-5295.

Below is some photo examples and how to steps for finding the right photographer.

Jolly Sienda Photography captures unforgettable wedding moments at Port Gamble Weddings & Events.

Congratulations! You just got engaged and would like to work with one photographer who can do your engagement photos and your wedding photography. But how do you choose a photographer when there are so many portrait and wedding photographers to pick from?

Do a Google search for photographers in your area. Review the photographers work on their website and Social Media pages. Look at their reviews. Ask yourself, do you like their photography style and the variety of work they advertise? Can you visualize spending time with the photographer, getting along with the photographer, and being comfortable with them for the photo session? Does the photographer advertise they can do both engagement and wedding photography?  

Next, contact the photographer and schedule a time to chat and meet them in person. Ask a lot of questions and build a relationship with the photographer. There are many qualified and talented photographers in the market place; however, by doing a little homework and setting aside some time to get to know the photographer, you will gain great confidence that he/she will do a fantastic job for you. The results will show in the service they provide and beautiful natural photographs showing you and yours at your best! 

Marina and Malcolm engagement photo session, April 2019.

Marina and Malcolm DeWalt, married at Harborside Fountain Park, October 2019

Early birds catch unique light for landscape photography

I feel great joy when I am able to be outside and enjoy our natural surroundings. To get this shot, I bundled up for the 30 degree temps. It was just after 8 am and lovely pastel colors reflected in pools on the water. The seagull passing by made me smile! 

New Pacific Northwest Fine Art Photography Landscapes

Tulips and a Red Barn in the Skagit Valley. This metal print is available for purchase via Fine Art Photography on the website.

Reflection on Liberty Bay. This metal print is available for purchase. Contact me.

February Weddings are Perfect for Rich Red Color!

For this beautiful wedding they kept things simple...and used romantic red accents for the bridal flowers, dresses, and the wedding cake.

The bridesmaids sip champagne and shine with BIG smiles as I photograph them in their beautiful red dresses. They've got the romantic Valentines wedding look and style for sure!

Modern bridal photography captures the joyful bride and groom as they walk hand-in-hand down the aisle. We did it!!!