honest, warm-hearted, timeless photography

Hello! I'm Alison

I'm an Anacortes family and senior portrait photographer with a relaxed, natural style.

People say I'm calm, patient and warm and encouraging. I also have a silly side and I love to have a bit of a giggle.

I’ve been photographing people for about 16 years now. I love it!

I think that:

:: You are beautiful just as you are;
:: Everyone deserves a little kindness;
:: Life is a messy business.

I hope you see warmth and heart in my photos. I always try hard to put that in there.

to my corvallis clients

2022

I'm moving to seattle! (and now, as of summer 2024, Anacortes!)

Thank you for many years of fun memories and for sharing your growing families and special moments with me! I'll be back in Corvallis sometimes, so please get in touch if you'd like to book a session and we may be able to work it out.

In 2022, our nest was empty, and we returned to Seattle to live on our boat. In 2024 we continued moving north and now call beautiful Anacortes, Washington our home.

Besides photographing people, I love the Puget Sound, long walks, boats and camping, and hanging out with my wonderful family.

I grew up in England and moved to Seattle in the late 80's after meeting my husband in France where we worked together in a ski town. I started Thistledown Photography in 2007 in Corvallis, Oregon. I began with high school seniors and soon added families, schools and weddings.

I found that I loved working with all kinds of people and helping them find their best and most confident selves in front of the camera, and I discovered the importance of portrait photography as a part of people's lives.

"Thank you for bringing your sunny, candid style to our wedding! These photos are exactly what we want to remember - the people, the smiles, the hugs. Working with you felt like working with a friend who happened to be taking our photos, and we both feel that made all the difference."

- Alisha and Dan

Fun Facts

I'm English, but I've lived in the Pacific Northwest for a long time.

My original career was in textile design.

I have four amazing grown up kids and one awesome daughter-in-law.

I love cooking.

I love chatting with little kids.

I live on a boat.

My pets are weird but wonderful.

I am often muddy or sandy. Or both.