I had the opportunity to photograph Kelly Sullivan of Botanique, http://www.botaniqueflowers.com, a local floral design studio, specializing in locally-grown flowers--many nurtured in her own cutting garden in Seattle.  It was fun to spend the afternoon in this unexpected oasis as the warm weather wound down, the colors were changing and the last summer flowers were being harvested.  I caught Kelly as she prepared bouquets and boutonnieres for an upcoming wedding.  It would almost be worth getting married again, just to have Kelly do the flowers.  Almost.  

I recently photographed Noah's delightful bar mitzvah at SHA.  When a bar mitzvah is held on a Saturday, the ceremony can't be photographed.  But Noah's was held on a Thursday, so I was able to get images of him putting on tefillin and being called up to the Torah for the first time.  Noah seemed relaxed and confident and the atmosphere was festive.  The school playground was transformed into a colorful reception venue.  It was a fun, out of the ordinary Seattle bar mitzvah.  Mazal Tov, Noah!

My friend Leah brought her three girls--plus one friend--over for a photo shoot.  They came with a suitcase full of wardrobe items and makeup.  We raided my costume trunk to supplement and came up with some interesting combinations.  There were tough decisions about what would look good vs. what would photograph well.  The girls were excited about modeling and performed for the camera.  And as soon as they lost interest, it was over and they were on to their next activity of the day.  It was great fun.  Leah handled all the girls with calm and firm direction.  I have no idea where she gets all that energy.

Of course I needed a new head shot for my new blog.  I saw my photographer friends John Cornicello and his vivacious wife, Kim Porto, at a recent event at The House Studios and they told me about their business specializing in head shots.  They agreed to create my portrait in their studio.  Which is also their home.  The living room is completely filled with lights, backdrops, computer, tripod and reflectors.  My family would never allow me to decorate like that--but it works for them.  I'm a little bit jealous.  

Most photographers hate to be photographed, and I have to admit that I share the sentiment.  But John and Kim made me laugh and the whole experience was quite painless.  And now I don't have to do that again for a really long time.

John and Kim can be reached here:  http://cornicello.com

Hi there.  This is Meryl.

And this is my first blog post.

I'm a Seattle photographer.  I have also been an art student, travel agent, scrapbooker, PR manager, Tae Kwon Do enthusiast, English teacher, fast-food employee (until I was fired) and furniture store owner.  I have three sons.  I live in Seattle with my husband, Carlos, and our youngest son, Raphael.  And with, of course, my guinea pig, Cappuccino--who has been mine since Raphael disowned him after 5 disappointing minutes of pet ownership.  It turns out that poor Cappy is boring.  

I always seem to have something to say.  It was suggested that I start a blog.  So I did.