Captures Life Photography

an exciting announcement

Danielle Nielsen — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 03:42:33 +0000

I’m super excited about some major changes I’m making in 2013. Up to this point I’ve been photographing under the name Captures Life Photography. I’m starting a new adventure and officially changing my business name to Danielle Nielsen Photography.

My Captures Life Photography blog will still exist, and serve as a bit of an archive for the first four years of my adventure into photography. All new work will be posted on my new site – http://daniellenielsen.com

In moving forward as a portrait photographer in Seattle I’m opening up my schedule with a limited number of ‘portfolio building sessions.’ If you’re in the Seattle area and are interested in a portrait session please call me (574.339.6272) or send me an e-mail (danielle@daniellenielsen.com).

I want to thank all of you for your continued support. I couldn’t be doing this without you.

A welcome surprise on the last day of 2012

Danielle Nielsen — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:29:03 +0000

Sometimes, after I’ve shot and blogged a sunrise, another one comes along that is, above and beyond, more amazing than the first one. Such is today.

Self-Portrait – December 2012

Danielle Nielsen — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 23:06:26 +0000

This post marks two years in a row that I’ve taken a monthly self-portrait. Two years.

Discovery Park in Seattle is one of my favorite places to go. There are always all sorts of people hiking, running, or riding their bikes here. At the same time there are moments when no one is in sight and you feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself. The trails are wide enough, and no matter which way you go, it’s a good walk. There are so many different aspects here – from a sandy beach, to a rock-and-driftwood-filled beach, to forests and hills, and a beautiful meadow.

The whole family came along today so I could take this photo. While I set up the tripod and framed the shot, the boys ran around and played, dug in the dirt, and collected rocks. Cory snapped the photo for me. Many thanks to them for their support.

I’ve got a few ideas to implement in my series next year. I’m also going to add a monthly photo of the boys. Thanks for sticking around. See you in 2013.

flower photos from spring 2012

Danielle Nielsen — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:32:20 +0000

In this process of cleaning up my files from 2012 I realize I need to be more diligent about posting personal photos. I’m only 9 months behind on these… These are some of my favorite flower photos from March 2012. These were taken mainly in the Seattle area, with a few exceptions from our trip to Roozengaarde.

Photos from March, when Patti came to visit and we were tourists

Danielle Nielsen — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 23:51:13 +0000

My mother-in-law came out for a visit last March. While she was here Cami and Xuan drove up from Sacramento, CA to hang out too. We did all sorts of touristy things, like Pike Place Market, Kerry Park, and GasWorks Park. We picked up food and ate lunch at Sunset Hill Park one day. We also drove up to Mt. Vernon to see what was blooming at Roozengaarde. We were too early for the tulips, but it was perfect timing for acres of yellow daffodils. Here are some of the highlights of the trip.

A Michigan bonfire and cake

Danielle Nielsen — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 18:30:09 +0000

… because all you need is cake and a bonfire. In May 2012 I went back to Michigan for a long weekend to shoot a wedding. The next day, we had some of my darling friends over to my parents for a little bonfire/hangout/meal. And Beth, of Arlene’s Wedding Cakes brought me cake. I’m convinced she makes the best cake around. I’m also convinced that a cake is the perfect thing to bring to a bonfire.

Here’s just a few photos from the day/evening. There were so many other good friends here I didn’t get photos with.

as promised.. an overabundance of cake photos…

The perfect end to any day at my parents… sunset over the lake…

The Space Needle is 50 years old.

Danielle Nielsen — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:28:20 +0000

April 2012 was the 50th anniversary of the Space Needle. April began a six month celebration remembering the World’s Fair, and the opening of the Space Needle. The first day started with admission to the top of the Space Needle for $1 per person – the same price as when it first opened in 1962.

Cory and I took the boys down around 8 am and waited in line. It was the first time the boys had been to the top – and while Cody loved it, Gavin was a little leery of being that far off the ground.

Many thanks to the random stranger who offered to take our photo.

After walking around the outside and taking photos from all sides, we went inside, bought the boys soda in overpriced space needle cups, and found a table to sit at.

Then we wandered around the EMP and the boys ran off some extra energy.

the boys

Danielle Nielsen — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 17:36:07 +0000

While cleaning up files on my computer, I came across these photos of the boys from April at a local park.

Monthly Sunrise Photos – December 2012

Danielle Nielsen — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 02:04:49 +0000

December in Seattle. Foggy in the morning, cloudy most of the day, a bit sunny from time to time, usually in time for sunset but not often in time for sunrise. One day last week there was a bit of clearing off the base of the Cascades, just enough for a slight pink hue off the rising sun to shine through.

This has been a great year of sunrises. I hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as I have. I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of waking up while it’s still dark, fixing a cup of coffee and finding a spot to watch the sun rise. When life is stressful and uncertain, I find it healing to pause for a moment and take in the wonder’s of God’s creation.

sunshine and mountains

Danielle Nielsen — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:48:14 +0000

It rained a lot this week. Huge crazy rain with strong winds and flooded streets. Then today the sun came out. The mountains came out. Mostly. Then, just as the sun was setting the clouds flitted away and the snow-capped mountains were a brilliant pink.

Days like this more than make up for the rainy cloudy winter Seattle is known for. Days like this heal the soul.