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[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900" caption="Image #2 | Jim and the girls enjoying the patio"]
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[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900" caption="Image #3 | Getting some Seattle sun"]
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[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900" caption="Image #4 | Jim and Katarina enjoying the summer beach"]
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Well, a couple weeks ago, I spent a few days up in Seattle with some friends (i.e., Dawn Shields and her friends most of whom are also photographers.) I realized that my last few postings have been a bit light on photos, which isn’t great for a photographer’s blog is it? So… I figured I’d show you what an incredible place Seattle is, and how it kind of reminds me of the Bay Area.
When you drive on the freeways it looks a lot like driving on 280 (a local freeway here) and the scent of the open water is very familiar as well. The loading docks in Seattle remind me of the ones we have here in Alameda. The people are friendly there as well. All in all, a fun place to visit - especially, when it isn’t raining (it’s only rained on me once in all the times I’ve been there.) But the good photos are the ones of Jim and Katarina’s beach house.
This place is an incredible beach house that we stayed at up at Whidbey Island which is located right next to the Navy Air Station. Let me tell you, there is nothing that sounds as cool as Navy Jets blasting overhead. Very cool indeed even when we had to shout to talk to each other. The trip was really dedicated to share some of Jim’s business tips and techniques, and to enjoy the leisure of the beach house. Another great part of that trip is that I got to see some great locations in Seattle for shooting. Why is this important to me? Well, it’s because I just shot a wedding there this past weekend, and I got to go back to my favorite spots! I’ll be posting some of those images as soon as I have a chance.
Jim and Katarina, and their staff, made sure that this was like a luxury trip. We had specialty cooking done by Katarina’s brother, Stephan. He’s a trader by day, and a culinary chef on his off time. I have to say, the food was awesome! Kayla is not only a great photo assistant, she’s an amazing barista as well. Thanks for all of the americanos and espressos! Jim was also tireless as he stayed up each night eager to share his ideas and tips with us. All in all, it was tiring, but so incredibly inspiring as well. Thanks Jim and Katarina - you can sign me up again for next year 
