Steve Smith Photography | Seattle wedding and portrait photographer

Last weekend I was part of the planning team for OSP West and annual gathering of West Coast wedding and portrait photographers. OSP (Ospen Source Photo) is an online forum that help photographer’s network, share ideas, and help each other. This was the third year of the event, and the first time in Seattle.  It was founded several years ago by David Jay a sucessful southern California wedding photographer.  

All the months of planning finally paid off and we had a very successful event.  There many great speakers, including Gene Higa, Mike Larson, Ken Sklute Kevin Swan and Jim Garner.  They all had great messages to share, some of them even help lead our shoots which we had scattered throughout the day in downtown/Pike Place and Pioneer Square areas on Saturday and at the UW Campus on Sunday.  The weather decided to hold out for us and was only a bit chilly in the morning. Oh and our new puppy, Simba also got to be in a few photos!

Here are several of my favorites of the weekend!

The morning started out with rain, but by the time I made it to Port Townsend, the sun started to break so I new it would be a good day. I met up with Jessica in the castle at Fort Worden State Park, where she was getting ready for the big day. Once they were ready, I took Justin who was waiting outsde, (also dressed in white Coast Guard uniform) and took him up the hill near a large tree to get them in place for their first look.

After the family and bridal portraits I headed over the the historic church at the park where the ceremony would take place. After the ceremony, we left for downtown Port Townsend for more photos. Then they met back with their guests at the commons at Fort Worden for the recption. I had a great time spending the day with Jessia and Justin, and I wish them all the best!

This park has so many photogenic locations, and it’s a must see location if you are ever in the area, you an even stay overnight in one of the historic buildings! I’ve photographed many times at this park and it always seems to suprise me. 

I met up with Alvin and Samantha for an early morning session a couple of week ago at the University of Washington. We visited one of my favorite locations on campus, the cherry blossoms at the Quad.  We arrived at 9am Sunday morning, when most people are still asleep, by the time we left, the crowds were really starting to build. The blooms were just starting to open, and a little later than normal due to the cold weather.

Alvin and I went to school together many years ago and I’m pleased to be photographing their wedding in a couple of months at Laurel Creek Manor in Sumner.

We met up with our good friends John and Jenna and their two daughters for quick family photo shoot in downtown Renton last Saturday afternoon. The weather refused to cooperate, but a little rain never stops us, we used umbrellas and building awnings to stay dry.   After our quick  session we headed off for some cupcakes.   John had a secret plan for us actually getting together, it was a way to get Jenna dressed up and out of the house, while a crew of family and best friends transformed the house for the surprise baby shower in just under an hour!  We came back to the house to switch vehicles, and of course  just happened to have a camera in hand for the big SUPRISE as Jenna walked in the door. 

Then it was time for the guys to leave, so we (Larry,  John and his dad) left for a little wine tasting in Woodinville.  We got in a couple places before they closed for the day, Steven’s Winery is located in a little tiny warehouse, and makes a very limited production of wine, all of which I think are great (and I suggest you visit soon before they sell out) and Novelty Hill/Januik, where the grounds are fantastic, but the wine didn’t quite live up to the stellar location in our opinion, but it’s still worth a visit if you are in the area.   Then it was off to a new wine bar and shop located in The Landing, called Vino at The Landing, where we tried a few more wines, and had some tasty appetizers.