Another great high school senior {Des Plaines Photography}

I met this family a few weeks ago, and they were so much fun.  Talk about great personalities that are so easy to get along with.  We had lots of laughs together! And a beautiful girl! 

Absolute Darling {Palatine Children's Photography}

I couldn't resist sharing this one from a recent session.  So adorable and those eyes... wow.

Holiday Mini Session {Palatine Family Photographer}

Here it is... my first ever holiday mini-session.  As I'm posting this, I'm kind of thinking I'm crazy for doing this as I'm booked solidly with signature sessions (a new name for regular custom sessions).  This very well could be my busiest fall on record!  The reason I'm doing this is I have many clients have older kids who don't change as quickly, and who love my holiday cards, but don't need a signature session every year.  So, this is for them!  But, you don't have to be a current client to take advantage.  I'd love to meet new families who want to see what I'm all about.  So here it is:  A quick session with the same great quality and enough prints to give to grandparents and to refresh the small frames around your house.  And don't forget the gorgeous holiday cards, of course.

Vernon Hills High School Senior

This beauty was so fun to work with.  She could not take a bad photo, and we had a lot of fun at a bunch of my favorite spots.   There are a few more on my facebook page, so check that out. 

Adorable Baby {Palatine Family Photographer}

This poor little blog has been badly neglected, so I thought it need a little life.  And what a better way to show some life than to show a beautiful little boy and his gorgeous mom. 

Sneak Peek for the "K" family {Barrington Family Photography}

I'm working on these now and can't resist these two beautiful children.  They're so adorable and so nice.  Can't wait to show them the rest, but they'll have to wait a little bit longer. 

Great kids!!! {Buffalo Grove Family Photography}

I've known these kids since they were born, and so it was a great treat to photograph them.  I loved some of the tender moments they had as well as some pretty silly ones.  Here's a sneak peek.  Can't wait for them to see the rest!!!

I've watched these kids grow up {Palatine Family Photography}

Check out one of my favorite families.  I've been photographing these guys for many years now.  It's so fun to catch up with them every year and see how they're growing into great people. 

Always fun to be published {American Motorcyclist Magazine}

Hurray! A great session with a fabulous subject. He wrote the article, I shot the image, and we made the cover of the August issue!

Laughing Kids RULE {Long Grove Kids Photographer}

I really cannot remember a time I got to spend a session with such happy kids. They were so full of life, and giggles, and laughs. Thank you "N" family for being sooooo very fun!

Sneak Peek! {Palatine Kids Photography}

I can't resist posting this.  I had so much fun with this family, and loved that their dad found these flowers.  And, I love these fun outfits!  Thanks for being such great sports on this chilly day and I can't wait to show you the rest of the images!

Cary-Grove Class of 2013 {Senior Photography}

Here's a gorgeous high school senior from Cary-Grove.  She looks like she could have stepped off the runway and into my lens.

Sweet Baby "I" {Chicago Baby Photography}

Here are two from a recent session with a super sweet family.  I love the tender moment below and the honest expression from this little one. 

Sneak Peek for the "O" Family

Here's a few sneak peeks at a fun family I got to work with this week. 

Playing Catch Up!

It's been a busy summer, and I'm so fortunate to have had some great people to work with this summer.  I'm so thankful for many loyal clients who return again and again.  I love when clients become friends.   Here's one great family I got to photograph with in July.  I have to give credit to this family, too, who braved the heat and humidity and still look cool.  

I first met them when this handsome guy (below) was just a little one.  And, he still cracks me up with his energy, expressions, and creative use of my props.  The shot below was not what I intended, but perhaps the photo session was too much work that he needed to take a rest.  This was too cute not to capture.

And, I just had to add one more because this girl has the most beautiful eyes.

More blog posts to come from recent sessions...

Rocker Baby {Palatine Baby Photography}

Here's a cutie pie rocker baby lookin' so cool in his hip smooches hat.  He's only seven months old, but already has all the ladies swooning, especially his mommy, grandmas, and aunts.  And me, too.  But, I'm not impartial, because he's my sweet nephew.  xoxo.  Love ya, babe!  Thanks for being the biggest doll in the world and being so cooperative today!

Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois 5K - May 20, 2012

Last Sunday was another great day for Girls On The Run of Northwest Illinois. Here's this year's collage!  I'm so proud of all the girls, their coaches, their parents, and all the staff and volunteers at GOTRNIL who made this 5K the best one yet!

All the photos are now posted on my website at www.monacellaphotography.com.  Click on the 'Clients' tab at the top of the page, and enter the password "GOTR".

This year, instead of ordering prints, digital files are available for $15.  To add images to your cart, click the icon at the top left of the image.  When you're ready to check-out, click the shopping cart button at the bottom right of the screen.  The images will be emailed to within a day or so.  $3 of your purchase will be donated back to Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois. Thanks!

Sneek Peak for the C Family {Long Grove Family Photography}

This family is awesome and we met at historic Long Grove.  It's one of my favorite spots because it combines nature with some cool buildings and textures.  These guys are so great and I always have a lot of fun with them.  :)

Urban Senior {Crystal Lake Senior Photos}

Here are two of my favorites from a great session with high school senior. I love sessions with an urban setting. We had a blast with a variety of cool backgrounds. 

Time for Family Portraits {Chicago Area Family Photographer}

Here's one great family I had the pleasure of photographing recently.  Now is the best time to have a family session.  Capture your family as they are and start your holiday gift shopping early.  Grandparents love portraits!

Cute kids {Cary Family Photographer}

Here's a few of my favorites from a recent session. These kids are so cute and were so fun to photograph.

Cary-Grove Class of 2012 {Cary Senior Photography}

Here's Robbie. We met last week at a spot that I've been want to try out for a while now. I love it! Here are just a few from his session. There are so many great ones that I couldn't even decide which ones to post.

Jami and Dan Are Married!

They got married on July 5th in Montana, and came back to Chicago for their wedding reception.  It was a great party, and Jami and Dan were so nice and so fun to be around and they have the nicest friends and family.  Here are a few from the fun day!