Olympic Peninsula // Kyle + Katie
It was raining when I pulled up to their house in Seattle. Kyle was outside securing surf boards onto the roof of their car and Katie was gathering coats and rain boots. This is their ritual. Any free time that they have is spent riding waves or boarding down snowy mountains. Washington’s natural beauty is not wasted on them. When the car was packed, we headed out and caught the ferry to Port Angeles and drove to the Olympic Peninsula. They would normally camp but it was pretty chilly so we decided to rent a tiny beach shack for the night. We grabbed a bottle of wine and kicked back, laughing about the fake fireplace and the little bed I was sleeping in by their feet. Road trips make for fast friends!
The next morning we excitedly got up before sunrise and hit the road. I exchanged bits of photography wisdom for their knowledge of predicting/tracking the best surf waves, we snacked on chips and grocery store sandwiches, spotted bald eagles and the salmon they had picked clean, walked along rocky beaches through the wind and the rain. The rugged landscape, frigid water and moody weather had the opposite effect inside me…peacefulness. I suspect it has the same effect on Kyle and Katie since the peninsula calls to them so often. Growing up in Washington, I know it’s within me but I must admit I’ve been spoiled by the sandy beaches, warm water and constant sunshine of Los Angeles. It struck me how much this really means to them. To consistently make the trip, ride the ferry, brave the cold and angry water, dodge the rocks, face wind and rain….you don’t do that unless you feel that magic, electric, soul connected love for something. Sharing that with each other must be pretty special.
The waves ended up being terrible for surfing but we had a great time exploring together and it felt good to be home. Kyle and Katie are so compatible and have a real respect and admiration for one another. I could feel all that love spilling over. We returned to Seattle as friends, already discussing summer camping trips to come.
I felt inspired to spend more time in my home state so now I’m waiving travel fees for Washington weddings, elopements and portraits! The Pacific Northwest is callin my name!
Shot on a mix of 35 mm film + digital