Innocent wisdom

Today, my daughter inspired me. We all believed, at one time, that we could save the world. Where do we, as grown-ups, lose sight that we can make a difference? We can change the our lives, our community, even the world.

I believe we all have good ideas and can make a difference. But most of the time, we find excuses why it won't work even before we start trying. We give ourselves reasons to not even try. Just think of all the lost opportunities because we don't try. All it takes is an idea, a belief we can do it, and the action to make it happen.

Here's a challenge for you all. Pick one thing you've been wanting to try. One thing that's been eating at you, but you just haven't done it. Maybe it's to take guitar lessons. Join a book club. Better yet, start a book club. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Get involved in local politics. Donate your time/talent in a big way to someone who could use some help. Reach out to an individual who needs help. Volunteer at the food pantry. Start exercising. Sign up for a triathlon.

Whatever it is, pick it. Write it down. And take action. Today. Do it. And tell me what it is and what action you took. Yes, I'm holding you accountable. If

I get a huge response, I might even toss out a free photo session to the idea I like best. Action counts. Now, think hard, and act. Be inspired. Show me your inspiration. Put your foot to the floor and go.

Kelsey Class of 2010 {Chicago Senior Photography)

I'd like to introduce Kelsey. She's a senior at Lake Zurich High School. I'm honored to have her as a senior rep this year, because she's got it all. Sports, grades, looks (check out her gorgeous blue eyes and her killer smile), and she's really nice and so much fun.  Here's a few sneak peeks from her session.   Check out my facebook page for more.  And ask Kelsey how you can get a great deal on your senior photos.

Girls on the Run Race Photos are Online

The race photos are online now and can be viewed on the featured section of my website. There are some new options this year. Here are the things that can be ordered:

5x7 $10
8x10 $20
digital files of all images in both galleries. $40
11x17 poster of race collage. $25

20% of all sales will go back to Girls On The Run McHenry County.

Images can be ordered using the shopping cart feature on the gallery. To order the digital files or the poster, add any image to your cart and then select either the digital files or poster option in the shopping cart.

Girls on the Run McHenry County

Here's a little personal history.  I know this post isn't about me; it's about an awesome organization and an awesome group of girls.  But bear with me.   About a year ago, I started exercising.  I didn't set out to become a runner, because that was crazy talk.  Totally unrealistic.   So when I was fit enough to run for 3 miles, I was so proud.  Beyond proud, actually.  Completing a race is not just a physical accomplishment.  Yes, it does require getting into shape and building muscles and endurance.  But, really, it's a mental accomplishment.  It requires hard work, effort, perseverance, discipline, confidence, the power to push yourself, and strength. 

For me, one year ago, in my 30's, that was a huge accomplishment.  I only wish I could have done it when I was younger.  And that's why I'm so proud of these girls.  Every one of them.  That's why I get chills when Laurie gives her pep talk.  It's not just about running.  It's about being a strong person, and being confident and believing in yourself.  And that's why I get tears in my eyes when I'm at the finish line.  Because these girls have accomplished something really huge.  And hopefully they have learned that the best accomplishments require work, most times, a lot of it.  But, it's worth doing.  And they're worth it.   GOOOOOO GIRRRLLSSSS!!!!

In a little while, I'll post information on viewing all the photos from the race. Also, posters of the collage are available. If you're interested, please let me know.

Happy First Birthday "N" {Chicago Kids Photographer}

The saying about kids growing up way to fast applies to other people's kids, too.  I can't believe that my niece is one.  And, if I can be a bragging aunt, she keeps getting cuter and cuter.  She's my first niece, and I just melt when I see her.    Here are some cute ones of her.   Watching her eat the cake was so fun.  Of course, having been at her birthday party, I knew that she was going to enjoy the experience. A lot.  Some kids are really hesitant, not liking the texture of the frosting.  Oh no, my niece knew exactly what to do.  She ate and ate and ate.  And was eating it by the fistfuls.  Literally.  The shot below was taken early on, so it doesn't show the damage.

Cary-Grove Class of 2011 - Sarah {Chicago Senior Photographer}

I'm so excited to introduce to you Sarah. She is a Class of 2011 Senior Rep for Cary-Grove High School.  I was lucky enough to photograph her about a year ago for a commercial project, and she was so adorable, stylish, and fun.  So I was ecstatic when she applied to be a rep this year.  :)  This time, we got to shoot just for her.  And, we had a great time in the studio, and then had a blast going outside.  We even got "busted" by the local forest preserve patrol.  Apparently, it's new that you need a permit to photograph in the conservation districts.  Good thing they let me take Sarah's mug shot photo after they arrested her.  Just kidding!   Just to clarify, the officer was very nice, and politely informed us of the new rules.  Then we hit the tracks to get some shots with a more urban feel.  She's such a natural, and we had so much fun together that we stopped the session only because the sun went down.  Actually, we kept going until past sunset, pushing the limits on my camera.  Thank goodness for my awesome camera that almost shoots in the dark.

Thanks Sarah for being a rock star!!!!   Ask her how you can receive a great deal on your senior session.  And, next week she'll have some awesome senior rep cards.  Ask her for one!

What a Fun Family! {Chicago Family Photography}

I love my job.  I especially love it when I meet a family that's so fun to be around.  It's the best feeling when someone comes to the studio as a stranger, and leaves as a friend.  I had a great time photographing and hanging out with this super sweet family.  Their kids are super adorable, too.    Here's a few of the adorable shots we got at the session.

Sweet and Sassy {Chicago Children Photographer}

These little ones were so cute and so full of energy and personality. Aren't they adorable?

Be Careful What You Ask For {Cary Kids Photographer}

Today, my kiddos were on the payroll.  I paid them real money to help with cleaning out stuff around the house.  In the armoire in our bedroom, I found a bunch of markers and a coloring book.  My son's job was to test the markers and toss the dried out ones.  He sat down on the carpet to complete the job.  Rethinking that, I suggested he test the markers on the bathroom floor.  That's exactly what I got. 

Who else has a good story like this? I'd love to hear it!

Good Fortune? {Chicago Kids Photography}

He pulled this out of his fortune cookie tonight. I'm not sure it takes a prophet to make this prediction come true.  He is four.  And, most importantly, he is a boy.

Dreaming of Seven {Chicago Childrens Photographer}

My baby turned seven today. Yesterday, while I was grilling our dinner, she was running around outside and then laid down and was looking up at the sky, just like this. Of course, like a good mom (ahem and photographer) I grabbed the camera. I wonder what she was thinking about as she looked up at the sky. Maybe it was the cloud types that she's studying in school. Maybe she was thinking of the presents she wants for her birthday. Maybe she was thinking of how her sweet brother can seem so annoying. Whatever it is, it's a priceless moment. Here she is. My baby. On her last day as a six year old.

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.