FujifilmX Seattle (The Outtakes)

October 25, 2017 Amelia Klaus

Hello everyone,

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when a bunch of photography nerds who (for the most part) don't know each other meet for a photowalk? If so, you are in for a treat today, as I'm sharing a few behind-the-scenes outtakes from the first FujifilmX Seattle meetup this past July.

My name is Amelia (Mia) Klaus and I'm thrilled to have you here! I'm a librarian and a photographer from the Midwest currently living in the Pacific Northwest, and I'd love to share my passion for books and photography with you!

Adventure

Seattle Independent Bookstore Day Challenge 2019: planning tips for success

Hello friends!

If you've been following along with my Instagram adventures or this blog for a while, then you know that last year I completed the 2018 Seattle Independent Bookstore Day Challenge! *crowd goes wild* For those of you who are new here, let me explain:

Every year, on the last Saturday of April, it is Independent Bookstore Day nationwide, and in Seattle we booknerds go all out. Starting in 2015, Seattle's indie bookstores collaborated to create a "daylong celebration of the work [they] do and the readers and customers who make it possible. [They] offered many of the same events and exclusive items as [their] colleagues across the country, but [they] also introduced the Passport Challenge, encouraging readers to get their passports stamped at as many participating stores as possible on Bookstore Day. Those who get their passports stamped at every participating store that day are crowned Grand Champions, with a crown, a party, and best of all, a 25% discount at all participating stores for the following year." (Source: Seattle Independent Bookstore Day website)

In order to complete the challenge , you have to visit all participating bookstores in one day and get your passport stamped. Last year you had visit 19 of the 23 locations, and this year you have to visit 21 bookstores, as two new stores have joined the event! Please note that, dispite only having to visit 21 individual bookstores, there are 26 physical bookstore location option, as some participating indie bookstores have multiple locations (such as Third Place Books and the UW Bookstore). Don't worry, you only have to visit 21 stores, not all 26 options! This includes bookstores outside of Seattle, including some as far West as Poulsbo (think ferry rides), as far North as Edmonds, and as far East as Kirkland. The driving time alone is estimated by Google Maps to be 6 1/2 hours. Despite the hefty driving distance and the threat of Saturday Seattle traffic, the number of Grand Champions has grown rapidly from 42 in 2015 to 500 Grand Champions last year! (GO US!)

Seattle Independent Bookstore Day Challenge 2018: planning tips for success

Hello friends!

If you've been following along with my Instagram adventures, then you know that I recently completed the 2018 Seattle Independent Bookstore Day Challenge! *crowd goes wild* For those of you who don't follow my IG, or who missed it, let me explain:

Adventure Time + A Free Background (Perfect for Phones!)

Hello Everyone,

Today Fred and I are heading out on an adventure to the eastern part of the Cascades, where we will be camping and exploring in the Leavenworth area. Originally we were hoping to spend some time hiking in the Enchantments, but, due to the wildfires, that isn't going to be possible this trip. Instead we are going to look North for our hikes, where the wildfires are a little less active.

Seattle to Joshua Tree: Pt. 2

Hello everyone,

September is here and so is the second part of my roadtrip last year from Settle to Joshua tree. Below are photos from the Pharos concert venue right outside of Joshua Tree Park, where I saw one of the most amazing sunsets of my life in addition to the amazing concert, as well as from within the park itself.

Seattle to Joshua Tree: Pt. 1

Capri Sun Fails & Fall Hikes: Discovery Park, Rattlesnake Ledge, & Heather Lake

People

Featured

January 20, 2019

The Witch Doesn't Burn In This One

January 20, 2019

August 6, 2018

Blue Summer

August 6, 2018

December 2, 2017

Lacy: StreetMeetWA November

December 2, 2017

Hey Folks,

The last StreetMeetWA event was a blast! It was great to see so many people turn out despite the short notice, the weather, and the fact that it was a holiday weekend, and I was overjoyed to be able to meet folks that I'd previously been unable to connect with. I'm excited to share this set of Lacy, who is a photographer and model, and graciously volunteered to model for most of the meet. Check out her photography on Instagram here.

December 2, 2017

November 22, 2017

A Midsummer Night's Dream

November 22, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving everyone,

I'm excited to share an amazing set featuring the beautiful Gabrielle (IG: @gabrielle.janae) taken during October's Street Meet WA event. Gabrielle was wonderful to work with. Her outfit was perfectly put together, and she knew how to work the look to create beautiful and dynamic images. Plus, look at her shoes! Staying balanced and graceful in those heels takes talent, determination, and a great sense of balance, and Gabrielle made it look effortless.

November 22, 2017

October 25, 2017

FujifilmX Seattle (The Outtakes)

October 25, 2017

Hello everyone,

October 25, 2017

October 9, 2017

FujifilmX Seattle: The August Edition (Set 4)

October 9, 2017

Hello everyone,

I hope you are having a fantastic start to your week! I'm excited to share with you the fourth set of images taken during August's FujifilmX Seattle meet. This set features local talent Yadder (@yadderarnold), and was taken with Icarus (my Nikon D60).

Hope you enjoy!

October 9, 2017

Lovely Places and Products

Featured

My Favorite Reads of 2017

Tree Lyfe: Review

Folks,

I've spent my first month as a Tree Lyfe Big Sister wearing three of their bracelets 24/7, and I'm excited to share my experience with y'all! Tree Lyfe (@betreelyfe) makes high quality bracelets for all genders, but with an environmental twist- for every bracelet sold, a tree is planted (awesome right?!). Combining this concern for the planet with a positive message, Tree Lyfe reminds us that "in order to grow, we have to fight through the dirt and darkness to reach the light," just like a tree. With such an encouraging and environmentally friendly mission, I couldn't help but say yes when Tree Lyfe invited me to represent them. However, I don't recommend or represent companies whose products I don't believe in, so I've been wearing three Tree Lyfe bracelets 24/7 for an entire month in order to test their durability and comfort.

Gear Review- Asolo Fission GV Hiking Boots

Artifact Uprising

Review- Mountain Hardwear Yuma Pant

Oh the merry month of January :)

Life

Featured

Seattle Independent Bookstore Day Challenge 2019: planning tips for success

Hello friends!

Blue Summer

Seattle Independent Bookstore Day Challenge 2018: planning tips for success

Hello friends!

6 Tips for Shooting in the Seattle Public Library

Hello everyone,

I've emerged from my black hole of Olympics binge-watching to find Seattle cold, but kissed by the promise of a fast approaching spring and a golden summer. While we wait for Spring to arrive, however, we must still contend with the final rainy months of Seattle's Winter and early Spring, which often means finding indoor public spaces where one can shoot.

This leads me to the Seattle Public Library's Central Branch. Planned and approved in the 90's, the construction of the Central Library began in the fall of 2001 and opened in 2004 ("History of the Central Library"). With floor to ceiling windows, expansive open spaces, and beautiful lines, the Central Branch can be a dream to shoot in. However, since it IS a popular public space for studying, reading, and community events, it is important to balance your desire to get the perfect shot with respecting other's desired use of the space. So here's six quick tips for shooting in the Central Branch without getting side-eyes from the other patrons!