Not your typical business headshot {Chicago Headshot Photographer}

These aren't your typical formal business suit on a gray blackground.  Of course, I can do those well, but I always love getting to do something a little more fresh and fun.  I had a great time with Solstice Consulting.  They were all so smart and so fun.  Spending a few hours with them kind of made me want to get back to my engineering roots so I could be part of a team like that.

Solstice's new website will be launching at the end of the month, and I think it's great that they will show off their best resources... their talented people.

Sweet new life {Chicago Newborn Photography}

I love it when the parents schedule their session before the baby is even born.  That way, we get the freshest of fresh little babies.  This little one was only six days old.  He was such a doll, and an absolute delight to work with.

The girl's got style {Chicago Childrens Photograper}

My daughter dressed herself this morning. And, yes, the socks are designed to be unmatched. I love when I find a fun place to get unique things and I just want to share. The store is called Little Miss Matched, and they have the cutest mismatched stuff. You buy socks in sets of three. None of them are the same, but they all go together. So, the problem of losing one sock in a pair is never going to happen. Hurray for that!

The socks came on Saturday along with some mismatched flip flops (fun!), and my daughter picked out the shorts and the shoes. I think she's got a future in fashion. And I'm proud of her for expressing herself.

I can't wait to actually pair these socks with a bright pettiskirt, a fun hat, and a jean jacket.  Sooooo cool!!!!

And, in case you want to check them out, the store is Little Miss Matched. I got these online, but they do have a store in Chicago on Oak St.

WANTED: Class of 2011 {Chicago Senior Photography}

Hey everyone!  Here's something brand new to shout out about.  Here is my first ever senior rep program, and it's going to be really cool!  Really.  I mean, what could be cooler than the chance to get amazing senior photos that are as unique as you are,  have a blast while you're doing it, and get to earn cool stuff and cash.  Yes, cash.  Like real dollar bills that you can take to Hollister or Abercrombie to get that new outfit that you've been wanting.  So, are you ready?  I know I am!

Here's the scoop.  I'm looking for a few outstanding local seniors who will represent my business for next year.  What am I looking for?  Someone who is influential in their school, liked by your peers and your teachers, has a great attitude, is active in extra-curricular activities,  is a good role model, and most importantly - MUST LOVE MY WORK.   If you are interested, then click here to fill out the application.

Here's what you have to do if you're selected as a senior rep:

* Love my work.  Tell everyone you know.

* Hand out some postcards. (Parents can help on this one)

* Use an image from your session as your profile pic on Facebook.

* Share the link to your gallery with everyone you know.

Got it?  Good.  Piece of cake, right?  So, click the link to get started.  Once I've received your application, I will send you a full contract for you to review with your parents.

I'll be making my my decisions by April 15th, so don't wait!!!

Feel free to give me a call, text, email, IM, or whatever if you have any questions.  847-707-9227.

Testing Gravity {Chicago Childrens Photographer}

Little ones always do the cutest things.  It's fun to see how a one year old's personality has developed. And sometimes, we're lucky enough to capture a spontaneous moment like this one below on film... or CF card. This little one year old was the cutest thing. And while she didn't sit there and smile perfectly, which they NEVER do, we got a ton of adorable images of her being her sweet self.

Class of 2010 {Chicago Senior Photography}

It's not to late to get senior photos if you're graduating this year! Here are some of my favorite shots from a recent senior session. We had such a great time at this session. Thanks so much for allowing me to make your senior photos!!!!

Not your average team photos {Chicago childrens photographer}

I won't say it was fate, but it was a very unique set of circumstances that introduced me to Premier Poms Experience in Barrington, IL.  It was good timing, a little luck, and some really good people.  And, I'm so thrilled to get to know this awesome organization.  What makes them awesome?  They are a not-for-profit poms team, whose mission is caring and competition.  How cool is that?  The partners started the organization after some not so good experiences with coaching that was, well, not so positive.   Coaching is supposed to make people better right?   And it has to be done well, especially if you're coaching young girls who are trying to develop their identities and self-confidence.  And, after spending two practices with these girls, Val and I were wow'd by how much they do truly care about each girl.  It was so awesome to experience.  And, it was so much fun to get to know these girls during their photo shoots.  Each of them was incredible. 

Here are a few of the images... and I can't even say these are my favorites, because there were truly so many great ones!  And, thank you, to the partners, the coaches, the girls, and their parents!  I'll look forward to seeing you all next year!

Oh, and I just have to add this. We did the photos at the Lake Barrington Field House, which is where the girls practice. Wow. That place is sooo huge and so cool!

Eat the fur

I admit it. I was skeptical at first when my very smart and very trustworthy trainer told me to eat the skin on a kiwi. I thought, sure, it might be healthy, but I imagined it nearly impossible to bite through. Then, I'd have to struggle to get it down to my stomach, as it scratched and tickled on the way down.

But, anything is worth a try. And, kiwis are so healthy and it's such a pain to peel the skin. So, what the heck, I took a bite, skin and all. And I was surprised. Really surprised. I didn't even taste the fur. The experience reminded me of eating a peach, which is entirely delish.

My kids even tried, and loved it. Oh, and that Mikey kid from the Life cereal ads of my generation eats anything compared to my daughter. Who, by the way, won't eat Life cereal.

So, here's the actual conversation following eating something that seemed gross, but wasn't:

A: Mommy, hurry! Now can I have some peanut butter and toast?
Me: Why?
A: Because I want to try something else I don't like.

Kids. If only they came with a secret decoder ring. But, at least we have this healthy snack. And, stay tuned. We're doing things differently in the nutrition front.

Lost Tooth - Chicago Childrens Photographer

My baby came home from first grade on Friday with a big smile on her face, and a hole in her smile. She lost her third tooth, but this was the one that drastically changed her smile. It was the top one. She was so proud and so excited, and eagerly ran to my studio so I could take some photos of her new look.

I don't know if any other moms feel this way, but I was kind of thankful that she started losing her teeth on the later side. Not because it grossed me out, which surprisingly, it doesn't. But, because it's another milestone reached that means that my baby is growing up. Thankfully, her excitement and pride washed away any kind of sadness that I felt about her never looking the same again with those perfect little baby teeth. Seems like yesterday that I thought how huge it was when it cut it's way through her gums for the first time - changing her smile forever. Now, here we are. Time flies.

Kiss and Tell Collection Extended - Chicago Children's Photographer

Well, I'm a sucker for cute kids and Valentine's Day. So, I'll be extending the Kiss and Tell Valentine's Promotion for another weekend. So, I hope you can make it January 22 - 24th!

Kiss and Tell Promotion

I'm really excited to announce this promotion! It's going to be so much fun! It's a new twist... a shorter session, lower price point, and the option to add-on digital files! How cool is that? It's only offered for a limited time, and I expect it to sell out before most people forget their New Year's resolutions, so call now!

Just a friendly reminder

The Christmas cards have officially started to arrive in our mailbox, and I LOVE it. I especially love seeing the ones with photos to see how people and kids have changed.

This is just a friendly reminder that it's not too late to order holiday cards from your session this year. Or, if you don't want to do a card through me, you're welcome to purchase a digital file (which includes copyright license) from your session so you can print as many as you want.

Please be aware that it is illegal to scan prints and make your own copies. I don't want to be the copyright police, but I also know that a lot of people really don't understand the copyright laws. So here's my public service announcement on the topic. ;) In essence, when you purchase a photograph from any professional photographer, you purchase the single photograph and the right to display it in your home, office, etc. It does not give you the right to reproduce it in any way. I know lots of people do this, and some do so without knowing that it is wrong. Illegal, actually. And it's punishable by law with fines up to $150,000.

If you do want to make multiple copies, please let me know, and I'd be happy to sell you a digital file that allows you to do so with better quality, too. In doing so, you can keep a clear conscience and be a good role model for your kids when you teach them that stealing is wrong.

A photographer's son

The week before Thanksgiving, I was hired to photograph over a dozen doctors for public service announcements (on the radio) and posters for them to hang in their studio. It was a really fun job. I did it over two nights at local recording studios and really fun people to spend the evening working with. So, leading up to and following the events, there was a lot of talk about headshots in our house.

Yesterday, we are at our pediatrician's office for H1N1 vaccines, and Grant says "Mommy, I don't like headshots very much". It took a minute to figure out where that came from. Then it clicked. Funny. Kids say the cutest things.

Love this photojournalistic shot

Has it really been so long since I've posted on my blog? I guess that's because I've been crazy busy with sessions, editing, and ordering. Busy is good, but I am looking forward to the slower months so I can just be a mom myself.

I do feel compelled to share this one. Can't you just see how sweet they all are? These kids were so cute and so fun to be around. I had the best time! Thanks for having me to your home to capture your precious babies.

Cutie Pie "A"

Check her out. Isn't she all cute and sassy (in a good way) in this zebra print chair? I've had the chair since January, but just haven't pulled it from the sitting area into the shooting area very much. Isn't it great?! Next time, a pink wall behind the chair. Can't wait to try that.

DawnMarie + Franco = Perfect Wedding Day + Wonderful Life Together

I could write paragraphs upon paragraphs about the wonderfulness of yesterday. Everything was amazing. It was truly an honor to photograph the wedding of a dear friend of mine, Dawn Marie. DM (as she's known) is an amazing person. She's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She's funny and smart, and can grab the attention of room full of people and keep them entertained and engaged for hours upon hours. Good thing she's a facilitator for Dale Carnegie Training!!! But, most importantly, she's truly a good, good person. Kind, generous, and caring. She's kind of person who drops a card in the mail just because. And when you open the card, it's filled with beautiful, bright words. The meaning of the words are bright and beautiful, but they're also visually bright and beautiful - carefully written and created with bright and vivid markers and pens. DM- I hope I'm not embarrassing you!

So, when she she told me a few months back that she was getting married to Franco, I was so incredibly excited for her! He's the perfect match for her. And the highlight of the day was the ceremony, standing on the rocks overlooking Lake Michigan. With the warm sun on our shoulders, and warm feelings in our hearts, DM and Franco shared their promises for their life to come in a way that was, well, totally them. Perfect.

This is just a small collection of moments and details of the day.

First Day of School

Wow. A first grader. That's my baby. Well, at least she was a baby. Now she's reading, skipping rope, and doing those hand slapping and clapping games that little girls do... you know, the ones that are the grown-up version of patty-cake. I say every year how time flies. And it only seems to go faster. So, I apologize for saying it here. And, I'm sure I'll be saying it next year. But, all parents feel the same way.

Today, she lined up with her old friends from her kindergarten class and the other kids who will be new friends by the end of today. Together, they walked into the school, put their backpacks in their locker, and started their year. It made me proud.



And here she is with one of her very dear friends in the neighborhood.

What my kids will be wearing

When I shop, I'm always thinking of what I can pull together for photos of the kids together. And, I admit, it's hard! Even stores that have both boys and girls clothing never coordinate their lines. Girls have bright colors, boys have muted tones. So, here's what I pulled together today. It's really a sneak peek, because I just placed my order today from Mini Boden. As of now, this is one option that my kids will be wearing for some fall photos. While I ordered the bunny shirt that's shown below, I may opt for a solid blue shirt for the photo session. I'll also layer my son in a blue shirt as well. So, there you go - coordinating outfits that aren't too matchy-matchy.

Outfits below from Mini Boden:


And, if I were doing a family shoot, I'd throw my husband in a casual blue button down and some khaki cargos, and I'd wear jeans and a sylish brown jacket or sweater with cropped sleeves (you know the kind?) and some a pink long sleeved shirt. I haven't shopped for that.... yet. :)

Don't you just love back-to-school shopping?

Fun family session

Do you ever have a million things that must be done, and yet, you just can't resist doing something that doesn't quite qualify as a "must do". I'm having a moment like that right now. There is laundry to be done, stuff to organize, outfits to pick out, suitcases to pack. But, I'd rather post some of these images. I had such a fun time with this family, and we got some really great images. Check out a few below:

Studio will be closed August 4rd - August 10th

Just a heads up that the studio will be closed during the time that I'll be laying on a beach and doing absolutely nothing. ;) I've been told by my travel agent that there is wi-fi at the resort... but I've also been told by my husband that we won't be using it (except to check in on the kids, who are staying home with grandparents).

If you're interested in a session, go ahead and email me right away. I'll call/email you back when I return in the order that you contacted me, since I'm almost fully booked for the months of August and September.

An important message

Most of the time I get to shoot the happy moments of love, life, and relationships. But, occasionally I get called upon to create images of a different kind.

In June, the American Motorcyclist Association contacted me to shoot some images for an article in their August magazine. Many of you will remember the story recently about the motorcylist, Anita Zaffke, who was killed when a driver failed to stop at a stoplight because she was painting her nails. It was a tragic story. But, it's not just a story for Greg Zaffke, who is Anita Zaffke's son. He has to deal with the very personal and wasteful loss of his mother every day.

There's a lesson to be learned here. And, Greg has turned his grief into something productive in order to brings awareness to a problem in our multi-task focused world. He paints the nails on his right hand black as a statement and reminder of his mother. Black Nail Brigade is an organization that he's created to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, and to work for legislation that holds negligent drivers accountable.



Greg appears above with his black nails and his mother's helmet. To learn more about the organization, see the Black Nail Brigade website.

A little bit of sunshine

I'm working on editing this session, and this little cutie pie makes me smile. She has bright eyes and a smile that melts hearts. I have so many sessions to edit, but I couldn't resist taking the time to share two of the many, many, many adorable photos from this fun session.

Bad Blogger

That's me. I'll admit it and take full responsibility that I haven't posted anything for a while. It's not that there isn't good stuff to post. The truth is that there's too much to post, and just not enough time. So, I put my nose to the grindstone and try to get the editing done. Lots of sessions. Lots of great and fun sessions. Lots of really fun people. Lots of awesome images. But... not enough time to post them at the moment. So keep checking back. :)


PS. The studio will be closed from August 3rd - August 11th. And this vacation, I'm not taking my work with me. Heck. There probably won't even be internet. Is that even possible these days? Anyway, because of this, turnaround times on orders and proofs will be slightly longer than usual.

McHenry County Girls on the Run 5K -- go girls!!!!

Inspiring. Strong. Confident. Fun. Challenge. Goals. Courage. Perseverance. Character. Reward. Accomplishment. These were the words of the day for May 31st. I'm so proud of the girls who finished their participation in the program with a 5K. Even though I donated my time and talent to be there, I feel like I was given so much in return. I had chills as they started the race, and tears of joy for them as they finished. I can't wait until my daughter can be a part of this great organization.

Here are a few of my favorites from the morning. To view and order photos, go to www.monacellaphotography.com.
- Go to the website, and then the proofing page.
- Enter "GOTR1" for photos before the race, and "GOTR2" for photos during and after the race.

If you'd like to purchase prints, we're offering very special pricing and donating 20% of the event print sales back to Girls on the Run McHenry County.

How to order:
- 4x6s and 5x7s are $10 ($2 of every print sold goes back to GOTR McHenry County)
- 8x10s are $20 ($4 of every print sold goes back to GOTR McHenry County)
- Place your order via the online ordering system. The special prices will not be reflected on your order, but we'll contact you with the correct pricing.
- Orders will be accepted until Saturday, June 27th. Details on where to pick up the images will be available shortly.

Lil' Slugger

When I photograph little ones who are as cute and as happy as this little guy was, I really know that I have the best job there is. This little guy was so happy and was so fun to photograph. His dad brought this awesome glove and ball. Perfectly used, but not too grimy. His dad kept hiding the ball in the glove so little "R" would have to dig and hunt a bit to find it. Worked like a charm. We got so many great shots like this.