American Motorcyclist Magazine {Chicago Commercial Photography}

I love when I get to work with really cool people for a really cool assignment. Last week, I did a shoot for the American Motorcyclist Association. The American Motorcyclist Magazine is doing a piece about Rebecca, who doesn't own a car and uses her bikes and other forms of public transportation to get around. I met her last Monday at her amazing garage in Evanston. It had tons of character, inside and out. And, I could go on about how awesome Rebecca is, how she came alive when she was talking about things she's passionate about (her bikes and her business). You can check out her blog here. And just what a cool person she is. But, if I did all that, I'd probably embarrass her. (Hi Rebecca! You rock! I hope you like these.) Being around people like that is so cool, because some of their excitement for life can't help but rub off on you. And that's one really cool thing about this job.

Taste of Summer Today {Cary Photograher}

My little man wanted to make lemon squares yesterday, so how could I resist? As he insisted on using the hand-held mixer by himself, I was impressed with his domestic interest. But, then I realized it probably had more to do with dessert and power tools than a genuine interest in cooking. Oh well, I'll take it. Whatever his motivation, the time together was fun and the end result was delicious.

Mmmmm. Lemon squares. Sweet and refreshing. Light and Tangy. Flaky and moist. Hungry yet? Maybe I'll share some. Maybe. Depends how nice you are.

Faces for Friday {Cary Childrens Portraiture}

Happy New Year to everyone! It's been a busy 2010, and I'm looking forward to a great 2011. Over the holidays, I took some time to go back to a session in July of my own kids. I had a few printed for a gallery wrapped canvas display, but didn't really have the time to enjoy each and every shot until now. Here are a few funny faces to warm up this chilly Friday.

I had some fun giving them a softer, more vintage look, which I think really suits the images.  My favorites are the first and the last.  The first one makes me laugh, and the last one just melts my heart.  My sweet baby boy, no longer a baby, not yet a man, but all mine.

All I want for Christmas.... is a Kelly Moore Bag

I've got big camera bags that hold everything, and small camera bags that hold only one camera. And all are snoring boring "looks like a camera bag" bags. So, I've decided to do something fun to warm up this cold winter. There's nothing like a burst of color and style to beat the winter blues. So, here's my remedy... Kelly Moore Bags. Aren't they gorgeous? Style and function in one. Gotta get me one. Let's hope I'm on Santa's "good list". :)

Fun with the "C" Family {Arlington Heights Family Photography}

I love when I get to do different stuff. This awesome family is always up for something unique. Last year we hit downtown Arlington Heights. This year, we stayed by their house. In fact, their house ended up being the perfect backdrop. I'm so envious of their awesome new addition, complete with a swimming pool. I've been thinking about training for a triathlon, but the swimming part is holding me back. If our house had this, there would be no excuses.

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Tea for Two {Chicago Kids Photography}

I love when I get to shoot in the city. Here's one adorable shot from a recent session.

The Best Medicine {Chicago Kids Photography}

This one is feeding my soul today. How can you not feel great when you see this?

Sneak Peek A-boo {Fox River Grove Kids Photographer}

Here's a little sneak peek of one of the cutest little guys ever. I just fell for his big blue eyes that sparkled in the light. His mom and dad are in trouble. I bet he gets everything he wants when he flashes his gorgeous eyes.  And his brother and sister are just as cute.

Fun "H" Family {Cary Family Photographer}

We got lots of gorgeous images at this session. Here's just one of these really fun and adorable kids. :)

Sweet Pea "A" {Cary Newborn Photography}

What a sweet pea this little one is. Here are a few of my favorites. The first is some new props that I've acquired recently.   Love that crate from Anthropologie!  The second is a new twist on my very popular towel shot. For the next newborn I photograph, I'll have to hunt for a pea to layer between the towels. Who wants to be the next newborn session? :)

Love this little lady {Chicago Kids Photography}

She was smart enough to know that the purple belt that went with her dress was not the "karate belt" I tried to sell it as. She loves to pose, in a very princess and dramatic almost disco kind of way. And she was a trooper when her boots kept getting stuck in the tree, and as she fell forward, I rescued her from falling on the ground. And she loves suckers that turn into gum (aka blow pops). She's only 2 days older than my son, and her mom and I compared back-pain and other pregnancy related grievances before they were born. And many years before that we shared boyfriend-related grievances. Thankfully, we're not married to those same silly college boys. We found better ones to marry. Time sure flies, but I do think that things keep getting better.

Last Bit of Summer {Chicago Kids Photographer}

It's kind of funny, because this session was two weeks ago, and we were joking that we were "faking" summer. These adorable little girls were bundled up in coats when the weren't in front of my lens. But, after last weekend, you would think that summer is still here. We always get that last warm weekend in October.

It was a real treat to photograph these girls. They are the nicest girls, and I had fun playing "gimme five" in between takes. They were troopers in the cold, and are just good kids. Sweet, kind, respectful, loving. A real joy. And it was a treat to work at this location. I love water and beaches.  And it was even prettier as the sun was setting.   I think I'm going to have to take my own kids here for a session next summer.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Brett - Class of 2011 Cary-Grove {Cary Senior Photographer}

Here's Brett.  He was a natural in front of the camera, and was super fun to hang with.  Here are a couple of my favorites.  There were many favorites, but I can't make this blog all about him.    So, I had to pick just two. I love the one on that white wall with his killer eyes.     I'll be posting more on facebook soon, so be sure to check out that page and become a fan.  Link is here.

Kelli and Kylie - Class of 2011 Cary Grove {Cary Senior Photography}

Here are two awesome seniors, Kylie and Kelli. They're both seniors at Cary-Grove, and we had a blast together.  These girls came with the most awesome clothes and shoes to pick from.  And both of them are beautiful and looked amazing in anything they put on.  It made me want to go shopping... and be 17 again. 

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Sweet Kids

You may recognize this little beauty. I photographed her a few years ago when her little brother was inside his mom's belly. She was (and is) so cute that she made the ad that I had running at Wool Street in Cary. It was fun to see them again.   Thanks "S" family for hanging out with me so I could photograph your awesome family!

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!