Meet Anela

A woman in a yellow sweater and a red floral skirt standing outdoors surrounded by flowers and greenery.

About mom

Written by my daughter:

Mom takes pictures probably every day. She adores doing day-in-the-life photos with her family. My siblings and I like looking back at the photos later in the books she makes for us.

She lives in Seattle with three fun kids, a great husband, and two adorable cats. She loves taking pictures of her family. She loves doing photos with other people because she says everyone should have good photos.

-Moana, 12, who also designed this logo →

A colorful abstract drawing of a rainbow with a red outer arc, followed by orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and black  shape layered over a watercolor-style background.
Close-up of cream-colored roses with pink and orange centers, with the word 'Presence' overlaid in white text.

From Anela to the Grown-ups

I’m in it with you, having sweet babies, tired and grateful.  I’m also seeing what it feels like to head into another phase of motherhood.  My tiny little baby that changed everything is now 12 - thriving in middle school, also begging for a phone and wanting independence.  I’m also the mother of the greatest cherry on the top in my life, the third kid that my heart ached for, more than anything for years.  She was so hard to get here - if you have or are experiencing infertility, I’m here for you. And never ever will I leave out that rockstar 9 year old boy of mine when writing about what makes my heart tick.

I’ve always loved kids. From being the older cousin, to babysitting, being a classroom teacher here in Seattle, and now as a mom.  I think kids are truly magical.  Scientifically.  The odds of each of us being exactly who we are…it’s just too magical to be here.  And the newness of becoming human, it’s my favorite part of life. I have to honor this existence and for me, there isn’t a better way than photography.  

I have learned so much from photography - presence, perspective, light, observation.  I am incredibly grateful for this part of my life and so hopeful that I can be a little part of your story that helps you connect to the best parts as well. 

With love,

Anela

Close-up view of a blue flower, possibly a pansy, with vibrant blue petals and dark purple markings, set against a black background.
A woman wearing a yellow sweater and patterned skirt lifts a young girl in a pink dress with a red hair bow, smiling at each other. Two other children, a boy and a girl, stand nearby, laughing and talking. They are outdoors in a backyard with a treehouse in the background, surrounded by flowers and greenery.
A woman and three children sitting on a brick garden ledge surrounded by pink flowers and greenery, smiling and enjoying each other's company during sunset.
LET'S STAY IN TOUCH
A young child with clasped hands sitting on a couch, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt with patterns, in a black and white photo.
Child sitting on colorful carpet playing with a set of domino cards, some cards face up showing numbers and dots, with a domino game box and domino tiles nearby.
A woman in a pink dress teaching two young girls in a classroom. The room has educational posters, colorful decorations, a small table with chairs, and classroom supplies. The woman points to a black board with a question, and the girls sit on a rug facing her.
A woman is playfully squishing her face with two children, a girl in pink and a boy in a striped shirt, who are holding wands close to her face indoors.

My

Side profile of a young woman with short hair, illuminated in black and white.

heart

Children are being thrown in the air by adults during an outdoor activity on a sunny day.
Young boy in blue shirt and shorts playing with a red and white ball on a grassy field.
Black and white photo of a woman with a child, both with light skin, the woman has eyes closed with a gentle smile, and the child is hugging her with feet and hands around her, some of their faces are close together.
A girl in a dress and a boy in striped pants playing outdoors near a house and a picket fence.
Multiple children are raising their hands in a classroom or living room with blinds letting in sunlight. One girl with light-colored hair is lying on her side, resting her head on her hand, looking upward.
Shadows of two children playing, one with their hand raised, cast on a beige siding wall with a vent pipe.
A young girl in a pink dress and glasses twirling outdoors with trees and sky in the background.
A person standing in a doorway with two young children on the floor, one hugging the person's leg and the other holding onto the leg, while a black dog looks on.
A family of four standing in front of their house with a white picket fence, green yard, and colorful flowers. The father, mother, daughter, and toddler son are smiling, with a black dog nearby. The house has beige siding, red shutters, a large front window, and a brick foundation, with the house number 1389 near the door. The sun is shining, and trees partially frame the scene.
Two young children wearing superhero masks standing indoors. The child on the left is wearing a red mask and soccer-themed shirt, looking at the camera. The child on the right is wearing a blue mask, with hands on face, and has a beaded necklace, looking away.