Catching Autumn Color at Seabeck's Hood Canal

The sunrise, cool crisp air, crystal clear water, warm autumn color, fog layers, Olympic Mountains, seagulls, a fisherman taking his boat out to sea, tranquil and calm — this is what I feel and see as I look, linger, and take in the natural beauty of the Hood Canal, at Seabeck. A picture perfect slice of Pacific Northwest paradise.

Want to learn how to be a better photographer? Please contact me today to set up an appointment for one-on-one photography instruction. Tel: 240-899-5295 E-mail: info@jollysiendaphotography.com . Let’s have some fun and take our photography to a new level!

Fisherman goes out on the Hood Canal in Autumn.

Serenity, color, light, shadows, reflections…and more.

Seagull flies over the pastel cloud reflection and the marina on Hood Canal

Wide angle shot of cumulus clouds over the Hood Canal with a seagull and a crow

The Brothers Mountain, Olympic Mountains, peaks over light pillows of fog on the Hood Canal.

Amanda Marie and Matt Godsey's Rustic Wedding at the Jacob Smith House

Two hearts united on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the civil war-era farm manor house, the Jacob Smith House, in Lacey, Washington. The happy couple were surrounded by family and friends.

The bride’s family and friends flew in from Connecticut for the wedding celebration — joined by Matt’s family and friends from Washington. Their day couldn’t have been more perfect with delightful autumn skies and lots of love.

Their nuptials started with a beautiful and romantic First Look pictures.

Followed by their First Look kiss. So sweet!

Amanda and Matt said their wedding vows under an arbor with rose petals.

With just the right touch of color for the autumn leaves and trees; and, the historic Jacob Smith House for their backdrop…the setting could not have been more romantic and ideal for their wedding photography.

Using the front porch and fall color for family photos.

The wedding reception with Amanda and Matt cutting their wedding cake. The cake was very yummy!

Amanda Marie and Matt Godsey cut their wedding cake

Our best wishes to Amanda and Matt Godsey. Thank you so much for asking us, Jolly Sienda Photography, to be a part of your celebration! Much love to you both!!!

Marry me...Autumn color and wedding themes for the perfect fall wedding

The colors of Autumn are breathtaking! I love shades of green, rose, purple, orange, pink and the warm tones they bring to a wedding and wedding reception.

Monster wedding cake at an Autumn wedding

There’s so many themes you can have at your wedding. These brides and grooms chose crystal and ostrich feathers, monsters and rich purple flowers, a vineyard, and Autumn leaves on their wedding cake. As a photojournalist wedding photographer, I love capturing all the details of the wedding season — whether it is Autumn, spring, summer or winter.

Let me help you capture your dream wedding. Booking for 2019 and 2020+ wedding photography seasons! Can’t wait to hear from you!!! E-mail: info@jollysiendaphotography.com, Tel: 240-899-5295.

Rich Autumn Color is Dreamy for Nature and Landscape Photographers

Look in your backyard and grab your camera! This is the time of year to capture autumns richest colors at their peak. In my Kitsap Peninsula, Washington backyard, we love our beautiful Red Maple tree. In fact, this photo is one of my best fine art photography print sellers! Everyone loves the oriental style tree line and the warm red color or the leaves. And, I didn’t have to hop on a plane and fly to New England to get this fall color!

Maple Tree, Bremerton, Washington.

I’m amazed at the variety of colors of the trees found in Washington State and throughout the West. From New Mexico to the Olympic Peninsula and Canada there is so much beauty! Americas nature playground provides a bountiful display for landscape and nature photographers.

Get out there and enjoy! Here’s my friend Rachel Zachary taking a walk along the burning Aspens along the Rio Grand near Taos, New Mexico. So relaxing!

Better hurry — the color won’t last long.

Jolly Sienda Photography offers personal instruction for budding photographers who want to be more comfortable with their cameras and see things differently when they photograph the world. Contact me today and lets have some fun together!

Autumn family portraits and your four legged friends!

Let’s have some fun and run through the leaves together! I love photographing family portraits. There’s nothing better than being outside, on a cool fall day, with the sun on your back, beautiful autumn color, and perhaps your four legged friend beside you.

Family portraiture and pet photography

Family Portrait and Family Pet Photography at your home.

Contact me now to book your autumn family portrait session! What a wonderful and unique holiday gift to yourself and loved ones. Tel: 240-899-5295, E-mail: info@jollysiendaphotography.com, jollysiendaphotography.com

Autumn Weddings & Event Photography -- Apples, Falling Leaves, and Lace.

The last breath of summer and the early fall months of September and October are so warm and inviting! Engaged couples who choose to marry at this time of year can enjoy warm sunshine and cooler breezes. Romance is in the air!

The color of fall leaves, golden yellow roses, and rich burgundy, sage, and purple hues are delightful to photograph and are so romantic.

I love to photograph the wedding rings using symbols of the season -- how about rings on a red delicious apple tree?!

Getting married? Hire me today to capture your wedding moments. I look forward to working with you! E-mail: info@jollysiendaphotography.com

Boho Northwest Wedding at Belfair's Tiger Lake

Congratulations to Maurean Grogan and Dan Dimmen! They married on 08-18-18 a palindrome day -- super cool, in a park-like setting on Tiger Lake in Belfair, Washington.

Maurean Grogan and Dan Dimmen, wedding photographs

The couple and their families pitched in to plan the perfect wedding! It was outdoors, at sunset, with twinkle lights and lanterns. Maurean's sweet doggie was part of the ceremony too. They even had a slick Volkswagen bus for cozy, fun, glam camper shots. Their wedding had it all! 

With about 120 guests, a roasted suckling pig with all of the fix'ens, a DJ, yard games, and more, guests and the happy couple partied the night away under the stars!

The wedding ceremony was full of emotion and love. Everyone could feel the love that Dan and Maurean feel for one another.

Weddings are all about family and friends getting together to celebrate the joining of two hearts. Smiles and tears filled the air!

Cheers from the guests as the wedding ceremony was about to begin!

And, many beautiful family memories...heart and soul with love!

The wedding party

Maurean's family

Dan's family

Best wishes to the bride, groom, and their families!

Two Hearts Wed at Destination Wedding at Heronswood Botanical Garden

On Saturday, August 11, 2018, at 5:11 pm, Kyle McInnis and Calvin Sweat married each other at Heronswood Garden in Kingston, Washington. They drove three days, from their home, in Sioux City, Iowa for their wedding and were joined by family and friends from Iowa, Washington, and Hawaii.

Kyle and Calvin's Wedding Party

The bride and groom planned their dream wedding together and it took some time to put everything together. Kyle, and her grand daughter Izzy Tello, the Maid of Honor, traveled to the Kitsap Peninsula, WA., in 2017 to meet with wedding professionals and see the venue. 

Kyle wore a stunning crystal beaded dress with a train and carried a fresh wedding bouquet of vibrant Northwest flowers.

Calvin dressed in a handsome wedding suit with a shimmery satin silver-grey vest and tie. He was joined by his best friend, Mitch, who served as his Best Man.

The wedding ceremony happened at about 5:11 pm in the afternoon -- a special time for the couple to coincide with the time they got engaged.

It was a picture perfect day for them with temperatures in the low 70's. The ceremony was officiated by Amber Bartz, Celebrations by Amber.

The floral British style garden sanctuary where Calvin wed Kyle McInnis.

Helping to show off Kyle's lovely wedding dress and train.

A beautiful setting for a bride and her family and friends!

At Heronswood Garden there are so many beautiful places to take pictures. For the 4-hour wedding and reception -- we barely could scratch the surface!

The celebration included the traditional cutting of the cake and the First Dance for the newlyweds, followed by lots of visiting with friends and family.

Cutting the wedding cake. The cake was made by Methia Marie Gordon Nugent, Sweet Life Cakery.

Congratulations to Kyle and Calvin! Thank you so much for asking Jolly Sienda Photography to be a part of your wedding celebration. It is an honor and a pleasure to get to know you; and, Rich and I wish you the very best!

Two Business Partners Enjoy a Portrait Photo Shoot

Cathy Darlington Graham and Ron Jenson, business and real estate partners, with John L. Scott Realty in Belfair, Washington, worked with me recently to create new portraiture for their business cards and other marketing materials.

Being real estate agents based on the Pacific Northwest's Kitsap Peninsula, they wanted to do their photo shoot outside using the lush greenery of the Evergreen trees and the blues of the sea at Hood Canal.

We had a lot of fun at the photo shoot and the results gave Cathy and Ron a fresh, new look. Also, we did individual portraits and head-shots.

Do you need a re-fresh with your professional business and executive portraiture? Please contact me today to book your lifestyle portrait session.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Let's Celebrate International Cat Day!

For all the lovable cats in the world and to those kitty's that need a home -- we're thinking of you today, August 8, 2018, on International Cat Day!

I adopted my beloved Topaz 11 years ago from a shelter. He's a character and so loving. He is gregarious and follows me around the house like a dog --- but he's a cat! I took this picture of dear Topaz recently with a 150 x 600 lens.

Topaz I love you!

When I travel I enjoy taking pictures of cats in unique settings....doing what cats do...sleeping, staring, and just being adorable kitties! The cats below, from left to right, were photographed in Kotor, Montengro and Alexandria, Virginia.

Give a cat a loving home. They will give you so much back in return!

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!