KJ in the Orchard
Hello all, I’m excited to be writing you for the first time in 2026. I hope your year has begun with as much ease and softness as possible.
I hate to admit it, but 2026 is absolutely kicking my butt so far. Our family has been battling sickness for most of the month, really taking the wind out of my sails. And as you probably already know, things are extremely dire on a national and global level, especially in the US where fascism is rapidly rising.
I have to believe that art is part of how we create the world we want; so I am pushing through the paralysis and continuing on with making and sharing my work. I appreciate you taking the time to be here even when there are so many other pressing matters at hand.
First things first—I have a little business update to share.
I am now offering a new type of package: the Portal Session. It is a two-in-one package, consisting of two separate mini shoots—before and after a major life transition. It’s an opportunity to document you going through the portal of a gender-affirming surgery, pregnancy/birth, or another big change. (Moving houses? Cutting off all your hair? Just a few ideas.)
I was inspired to add this as an official package after offering it informally to clients over the last year and getting really great feedback about it. I am currently offering it at an introductory price of $950 to celebrate the announcement, and plan raise the price when my books get more busy in the springtime.
You can read all the details of what the Portal package includes on my Booking page.
On that topic, I am so excited to get to share some images from the first half of a Portal Session with my client KJ, who was one of the folks who really encouraged me to make this offering official (thank you KJ!).
I photographed them in the Carkeek apple orchard in early November, on a clear autumn day after the sun had sunk behind the trees. The orchard is one of my favorite places in Seattle, and I was thrilled that KJ was excited about shooting there despite the dormant and bare apple trees. It ended up really giving chrysalis vibes, which is incredibly appropriate for photos taken on the precipice of a big change. I am always in awe of the way nature helps weave the story in photos.
I love the way dusk light casts such a soft, warm glow over everything in these photos. Thank you for making these with me, KJ, and for allowing me to share them! Can’t wait for the second half.
As always, thank you for being here. I’ll talk to you again in a couple weeks.
Until next time,
Holly
