I really love doing family photos, but historically the one family that is by far the hardest to photograph is my own. Not only because I have to be in some, but because people tend to have absolutely no problem complaining to other family members. That said, this one went really smoothly - which was awesome. I just wish I could have had my whole family there (missing my younger brother and his family). That said, these people are some of the most important in my life, and I am excited to share these with you all.

Joey and Crystal's Idaho Wedding

Joey and Crystal had one of my most memorable engagement shoots of the year, being able to not just meet them, but explore the absolute beautiful area around Lake Tahoe and Reno Nevada was an absolute blast. But beyond the trip, and the location, there was another thing very unique about the whole thing - that is we spent a lot of time together. I don’t normally ride in the same car for hours with couples, we don’t normally get six or seven hours to visit - but with them I did. And man, what a privilege. They are so kind, thoughtful, and have had so many life experiences. I loved getting to know them, but even more so getting to know their kids, and their friends at their wedding took things one step further. What a great couple, and one i’m super excited to be able to share these photos with you. I hope you love them!

Dan and Kaylene's Engagement Photos Downtown CDA

They met a long time ago. First when neither of them were available (although Dan made an impression with his goofy self even back then) but then again when they were. You see, Kaylene worked with Dan's daughter. So one day - on his birthday - Dan called his daughter and invited her and the people in her office to come down to Pig-Out-In-The-Park with him and get lunch. This included Kaylene.

Anderson Family Photos in North Idaho

There are some incredible ties between my past and my present with this family. My oldest son shares a class with one of these amazing kids, I used to go to school with one of these amazing moms, and I am friends with - even if we don’t’ get to spend much time together - with one of these amazing families. Not to mention getting to play basketball against one of these excellent fathers. In the end, when they reached out and asked me to do their family photos again, I was very excited. This is one incredible, beautiful, kind family - and it shows. So here are a couple of my favorites, but there is no doubt that this was a highlight family photo shoot for me this year.

Personal - Hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail and Rainier

it doesn’t take too long when looking at my personal blogs to realize that I love being outdoors and hiking. Every summer I try and find a time where I can get out and get some nature time. I love doing it with my family a lot, but I also really enjoy doing it with friends. In this case, I had the chance to go hiking with my friend Zach Nichols, who is also a very talented photographer. Any of the photos of me, for example, were taken by him. This particular trip didn’t go quite the way we planned, with a couple of changes as we drove to the trail head, but man, what a beautiful trip. The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the worlds best, going from Mexico all the way up to the Canadian border, and while we only spent a single day on the trail, we ran into some people that had spent over 150 days hiking the trail. Very cool.

Marc & Amber's Engagement in Manito Park

They met 22 years ago at a conference. It was 1999, and they came together as a group of professionals, and Marc and Amber hit it off. They talked a lot over the course of the four day conference, but in the end, they would go home back to their lives. No numbers were exchanged, and because it was 1999, that also meant that's about where the potential to build on a friendship ended. They would end up seeing each other one more time a year later, and be reminded at just how well they fit - how well they got along - but again, that would end.

The Blog

Brent Looyenga is a Spokane wedding photographer based IN SPOKANE WASHINGTON and Coeur d’Alene Idaho area. He loves people and specializes in wedding, engagement, family and senior photography. You can like Looyenga Photography on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.