Meet Tonie.

When I first moved to Seattle I had numerous people tell me that it would be really difficult to make real friendships, especially with fellow photographers.  I was afraid that I might not find the same loving community of photographers here, like I have back in Colorado.   I am so blessed to say, those people…were wrong.   The photography industry is changing.  More and more I find community rather than a competition.   But before I say too much about the shift in the industry (that is for another post) let me tell you about my friend Tonie.

Tonie is the beautiful face behind Tonie Christine Photography.  She is a ball of energy and can literally light up a room.  Tonie is an encourager, lives with a true zest for life and talks about as fast as I do!  She has an amazing heart and has a gift for making people feel loved and welcome!  I “met” Tonie in late December when I posted in a photography Facebook group about a wedding date that I was already booked for – to see who might be available. She commented on the post and then noticed I was writing from Seattle.  She instantly messaged me and asked if I knew about the Photographer Christmas party downtown and invited me to come along! So Agustin and I met up with Tonie and her husband Eric an hour later!   And so began our friendship – pretty much instant friends :)

Tonie and I recently explored Fremont – hit up the antique shops, talked about business dreams and goals,  and of course took some portraits!

I’m grateful for a new friendship and for the welcoming community of photographers here in Seattle.

Tonie had never seen a vintage metal address book before – to say she was excited may have been an understatement :)

Antique treasures in Fremont. I’m a fan of this part of town.

A photo shoot with Tonie has to include the “Tonie” Face!