Portraits at the Northlight Seattle: Jenna

Jenna Hanchard is an amazing human, podcast host, producer, and social commentator that I had the pleasure of photographing at the Northlight Studios in downtown Seattle. While Jenna is new waves in the media world, she needed some images that matched the new journey she is on. It is a joy to be in the presence of true talent and an honor to capture it shine. And Jenna is just one of those people you just wanna be around! She speaks truth to power, specifically by exploring stories of Black women liberation, and continuously centers Black & Brown voices. She is a voice of a generation and a leader for our city.

Follow Jenna on instagram @jennahanchard and listen to her podcast, Lola’s Ink, on KUOW or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Thank you for allowing me to capture some of your story, Jenna. You are beautiful beyond measure!

Engagement Session at Greenlake: Mali & Gabe

When COVID hit, Mali and Gabe had already been engaged for a while and their original plans for engagement photos all fell through. So while we could, we grabbed the sun, practiced our social distancing, and celebrated their new journey together! Thanks for letting me be a part of it, Mali and Gabe! I can’t wait to hear all about your wedding.

Portraits of Sage at the Northlight

Getting Present with Portraits

Something I love to do with people I photograph is a technique called “knocking on heaven’s door”. And we do it before I even get my camera out. I may or may not have stolen this from a YouTube Superstar / yoga personality. And say what you will, but I love doing this with people. We close our eyes and we begin to sway back and forth, letting our arms dangle and slap against our sides with each movement. I breathe deeply so as to encourage the other person to breathe deeply (yes, I am still swaying with my eyes closed too). The back and forth continues at whatever speed feels right and it probably goes on slightly too long … just until it all begins to make sense. We’re giving ourselves permission to let go and tap in. At some magical, indescribable, moment the person I am with will open their eyes and begin to show a glimmer of themselves … true and one of a kind. That’s when I know it’s time to get the camera.

And here is Sage Ke'alohilani Quiamno! She is an incredible entrepreneur who serves as the CEO for Future for Us, a platform dedicated to advancing womxn of color in the workplace through community, culture and career development. Follow her on instagram @sageq.

Thank you for tapping in and being present with me, my friend. You are beyond beautiful. I am grateful to know you.

Day 10/100

“You can't keep the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair...” - Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech 

I remember exactly how my 4th grade classroom looked and felt. We lined up outside the courtyard door, put our backpacks along the the wall directly to the left, sat down in pods along the center of the room which faced the whiteboard, while my teacher, Ms. Wright, gathered her things from her desk in the back which sat up against the large window that looked across the parking lot and into my front yard. It was a cocoon of a place, filled with learning, failing, and growing. 

Looking back, I recognize Ms. Wright as the first person to lay any kind of prophecy to my life. She saw me struggle, work too quickly and miss things, sit next to boys who teased my studiousness, and she saw me keep going anyway. 

One day in early Spring, she asked me to hold off from joining the PE line. Another adult would walk the other 25 kids to the gym, while she showed me something. Thinking I was in trouble, I quickly wracked my brain for any evidence of wrongdoing over the last 24 hours. Pleading with myself to come up with some kind of apology for a behavior that hadn’t happened yet. While I slowly approached her desk, I kept my eyes out the window, holding my gaze towards my front door less than 500 yards away. “Don’t run, just breathe,” I kept telling myself. I had no reason to believe I was in trouble, Ms. Wright was a kind person. I just didn’t want to find out that I had disappointed her in some way.Shaking, from what I would later realize was my good friend, anxiety, I took a deep breath and reached her desk. 

Ms. Wright was magnificent. She ran a mile every day before school. Wore effortlessly cool jeans and tops every day. Her curly brown hair was big, but not too big, and sassy, but not too sassy. She taught me, “When in doubt, cross it out”. A writing technique that I still use this day and has helped me trust my gut more and more over the years. She showed me how to make math fun by “karate chopping” numbers in a row to get to the median. Which I still act out whenever demonstrating median to someone else. And she always checked in on me, especially if she could see I was upset. She had high expectations, took learning very seriously, but gently eased us along the 4th grade path with magical care. 

I came to find out, Ms. Wright had kept me from PE class to show me my report card. This felt very sneaky. Report cards were to be mailed the next day and were to be seen by my parents first. But, there was something she wanted to tell me personally. It felt like a secret between friends, because she had written a comment just for me. She turned to her computer screen and read while I quietly cried. 

I don’t remember the exact words she wrote, but I’ll never forget the feeling. Ms. Wright understood me. She saw that I was shy, but had a loud voice. She knew I missed my old house, but that I also enjoyed walking to school from my new one. She knew I was independent, and that wanted to be good at everything. She knew I didn’t quite fit in with any particular group of kids, but that didn’t stop me from making friends. She knew I tried very hard and I cared very much. I never told her any of these things, she just saw it. 

She also somehow knew that with all these things, I was destined for good things. I was worthy of big things. And she was excited to see me grow into an imaginative young leader that would impact many lives through kindness and hard work. 

I read somewhere recently that one word of encouragement, said with kindness and hope, can change a person’s future. Ms. Wright saw that I always had a lot on my mind, that I was always struggling with myself. She knew that that struggle probably wouldn’t change into the future. But she also knew that it could harness it and make it into something really good. For years on into the future, I would think about that day as I am doing now and remember I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. Ms. Wright changed my future that day. And continues to do so even now. 

Who was your favorite teacher growing up? Did they ever tell you something special?

Today marks 10/100 days of my #100dayproject of writing and sharing. Are you doing a project? Would love to hear all about it and keep up with ya. Leave the links below or DM me on instagram @karenleannkirsch or something!

xo, -k.

4/18 of my favorites from 2018. This lady. The crown. Those glasses. That wall. Pure perfection. I'll be using this image as many times as possible. #sorrynotsorry (at Georgetown, Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtD9SoMHTex/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xel4thawby9v

3/18 of my favorites from 2018. The sunset was almost as dreamy as these two. ________________________________ #makeportraits #shootandshare #junebug #nikonshooter #portraitcollective #vscoseattle #seattleportraitphotographer #seattleweddingphotographer #makingmoments #realportrait #huffpostido #loveauthentic #seattlebride #seattlebridemagazine #seattlebrideandgroom #littlethingstheory #momentsovermountains #lifeofadventure #lookslikefilm #soinlove #findyourlight #kirschcreative #makeadventure #pnwphotographer (at Lairmont Manor) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtCa-30nDYC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1q5945qh45yk1

2/18 of my favorites from 2018. This lil' one stole the dance floor. Hands down. ___________________________ #seattlephotographer #seattlebride #washingtonweddingphotographer #pnwwedding #destinationWA #kirschcreative #radlovestories #radwedding #realwedding #DIYwedding #realstoriesreallove #darlinglovestory #giveashit #authenticlovestory #pnwphotographer #weddingflorals #weddingceremony #weddingwire #theknot #junebugweddings #bridalparty #lookslikefilm #fineartweddings #modernwedding #makeportraits #weddingdress #weddingshoes #weddingdetails #kirschcreative (at Lairmont Manor) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs-0JSHnpcF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ji58of717ilp

1/18 of my favorites from 2018. In no particular order other than joy! This one never fails to make me smile. _________________________ #makeportraits #shootandshare #junebug #nikonshooter #portraitcollective #vscoseattle #seattleportraitphotographer #seattleweddingphotographer #makingmoments #realportrait #huffpostido #loveauthentic #seattlebride #seattlebridemagazine #seattlebrideandgroom #littlethingstheory #momentsovermountains #lifeofadventure #lookslikefilm #soinlove #findyourlight #kirschcreative #makeadventure #pnwphotographer (at Port Gamble, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs9Mmukncl0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=171qvzjyeswhn

I would like to give @bethanyyackelbeauty a billion amazing points for consistently bringing out the beauty around her. This shot is another favorite of mine from 2018. And from a brilliant shoot coordinated by @chloenicoleweddings to boot. 🙌🏻 heaven 🙌🏻 ______________________________ #seattlephotographer #seattlebride #washingtonweddingphotographer #pnwwedding #destinationWA #kirschcreative #radlovestories #radwedding #realwedding #DIYwedding #realstoriesreallove #darlinglovestory #giveashit #authenticlovestory #pnwphotographer #weddingflorals #weddingceremony #weddingwire #theknot #junebugweddings #bridalparty #lookslikefilm #fineartweddings #modernwedding #makeportraits #weddingdress #weddingshoes #weddingdetails #kirschcreative (at Rock Creek Gardens) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs7H3QSHVAm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1knehq02u8d44

Today I wrote “art makes me feel human”. And then I also wrote it here. So there’s that. Happy Friday. ______________________________ #pnwportraits #pnwportrait #pnwphotographer #seattleportraitphotographer #seattleportrait #washingtonportraitphotographer #makeportraits #thehappynowmovement #liveauthentically #realface #modelcall #fineartmakeup #fineartphotographyprints #portraitmoods #eyes #editorialphoto #styledshoot #kirschcreative #poses #loveyourhair #seattleboudoir #boudoirphotographer #darlingdarling #vscoseattle (at Seattle, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/BszeuEqnVUw/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mmp6xrssak50

I am floored at how beautiful our little summer styled shoot by the lake turned out in the latest issue of @seattlebridemag !! It is absolutely amazing to work with likeminded, ambitious women to create something beautiful. One thing you won’t see on pg. 31 is the love story that made this shoot so amazing. My business hero @happycampercocktails put it best, “Two beautiful women in love who made MAGIC behind the lens.” Three pages wasn’t enough to capture all the magic we experienced that hot summer day. Though an incredible honor. And I just want you all to know that. Big thanks to Seattle Bride Magazine for believing in our vision and that #loveislove ! Even bigger thanks to the team who helped make this day one for the history books! ____________________________ Planner/Styling: @eventsnorthwest Florals: @dandyflowerco Drinks: @happycampercocktails + @simplegoodnesssisters Cake: @deepseasugar Chef: @kristinamcap Paper: @elizabethlovespaper Jewels: @wearebirdie HUMA: @samanthaleann_hair Tablescape/Styling: @lovelycustomco Models and real deal couple: @mackenziemarieflynn + @danifosjordleggett Photos: Me 💁🏻‍♀️ ______________________________ #brideandbride #groomandgroom #seattlebridemag #twobrides #twogrooms #justgotengaged #seattleevents #seattleweddings #pnwedding #wedadventuremag #upperleftusa #gayweddings #dirtybootsmessyhair #optoutside #elopementwedding #elopementphotographers #ohwowyes #kirschcreative (at Featherstone on Retreat Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/BstOCMZHzdA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7ak5ogfpmthg

I’m so excited to say that I’ll be doing a 28 portrait challenge next month with all of you! Y’all showed UP on my last post. Being able to dive deep into portraiture next month is exactly what I was hoping for ... so thank you ... each and every one of you 😘❌⭕️ (at Downtown Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/BslpK_BHab8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=re6aih4992rd

If I could take a portrait every day, I’d be a happy lady. What do you think? Could I get 28 people in February to say yes with me? ... this is a stream of consciousness ... but true feelings ... did I just make a break thru? ... Comment below if you wanna be one of the 28? ... Happy Saturday y’all ✌🏻💋 _________________________________ #pnwportraitphotographer #seattleportraitphotographer #seattlelove #igers_seattle #quietthechaos #streamofconsciousness #posingisfun #portraitphotographer #lifeofadventures #portraiturephotographer #realselfie #kirschcreative #portraitmoodshot #blackhat #portraitmodel #modelcall (at Pacific Northwest) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsj0PzQH-Qr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1d4xoogx8b71o

Here’s to you! It’s Friday and you don’t even know how you got here. But you’re here. Hooray! ________________________________ • • • • #makeportraits #shootandshare #junebug #tgif #portraitcollective #vscoseattle #seattleportraitphotographer #seattlebrandingphotographer #seattlebrand #seattlemakers #makersmovement #brandingwork #savvybusinessowner #whereiwork #creativeentrepeneur #handandhustle #creativehappylife #girlbosslife #personalbranding #brandingimages #makersgonnamake #gritandvirtue #kirschcreative (at Seattle's Chinatown-International District) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgBWwcnaBe/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u9b51rzj06uf

Woke up to no power still ...BUT I also woke up to an email from @weddingwire telling me that I have won a 2019 Couples’ Choice Award!!! Thank you to all the couples who invited me into their lives, laughed with me, and collaborated with me to make real good things this past year! I can’t wait to see what’s next 💋 And if you find yourself newly engaged, lets celebrate! I’ve got a cold drink just waiting for ya ...💛💣 Follow the link in my bio to learn more 💛💣 _____________________________ . . . . #seattlephotographer #seattlebride #washingtonweddingphotographer #pnwwedding #pnwweddingphotographer #kirschcreative #radlovestories #radwedding #realwedding #DIYwedding #realstoriesreallove #darlinglovestory #giveashit #authenticlovestory #pnwphotographer #weddingflorals #weddingceremony #weddingwire #theknot #junebugweddings #bridalparty #lookslikefilm #fineartweddings #modernwedding #makeportraits #weddingdress #weddingshoes #weddingdetails #brideandgroomportrait (at Port Gamble, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsY46hen_Ze/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=f1vpq9rod05r

I love gettin’ cozy boudoir. Cuz cozy is sexy! You will not convince me otherwise! (at Downtown Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsRN5hPHaY-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=q5iq5r56b47k

I had a radical bone deep realization this morning ... yoga is my barometer for my attitude on any given day. If I’m up for a challenge, the session goes quickly. If I’m not, I tend to heckle the teacher on screen (sorry @badyogiofficial !!) So now I gotta plan. Approach my mat every day with excellence and ride that wave throughout the day. And I have to say, I’m so ready for the flow... PS- This is my friend Sarah. Please take all her classes at @shefayoga and @ritual.house ... This sneak peek is just the tip of the iceberg. She’s a powerhouse of goodness ✌🏻💋 (at South Park Hall) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsKD4KRnDxF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=aanffbh9vg79