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!

 

Sweet Newborn "A" {Cary Newborn Photographer}

I'm so excited about this shot! I've had this prop for some time now, but didn't have a baby sleepy enough to put into it. Doesn't he look so comfy and cozy?  What an adorable boy, just one week old, all tiny and all curled up. 

And his mommy is so awesome and scheduled his first session almost two months in advance.  And, she even brought some really awesome hats for him to wear.  Love the little elf hat. 

Girls On The Run Northwest Illinois 5K June 2011

I remember hearing that there are no selfless acts, because even when we give of ourselves 100%, we are rewarded with good feelings.  And because of that good feeling, it's not really a selfless act.  That's how I feel about donating my time and talent to Girls On The Run of Northwest Illinois. For the past three years, I've volunteered to photograph the 5K race, and every time, I get a gooey feeling in my stomach when I see the excitement and anticipation on the girls faces as they get ready for the race. I have chills when I hear Laurie Dayon's pre-race pep talk. And I my eyes well up with tears when I see the girls finish with the roaring support of fans, and hugs and high fives from their running buddies. In that moment, I know they are having a mountain top experience that changes how they see themselves and makes them believe that anything is possible. I'm so proud of them. And I'm so proud to see so many of my friends and clients cross the line, too.  So, congratulations to all you girls!

This year was particularly inspiring, as the race has grown so large that the fans along the finish line were staking out seats early like it was a Disney Parade. The pre-race lineup was too big to even get in a single shot. And, Laurie's pre-race pep talk was heard from high in the sky in a bucket truck! (Go Laurie!!!!) And I have to say that the entire GOTR crew did an amazing job to keep everything running smoothly. 

The race photos are online on my website on the featured tab. Go check them out to see what an awesome day it was.

This year, digital images are for sale. A single image, printable up to 5x7, is $15. The entire disk of 477 images is for sale for $50. And check out what a cool disk it is. Don't ya want one? ;)   Oh, and 20% of the sales will be donated back to GOTRNWIL.  You know you want one...

If you are interested in purchasing an 11.25 x 17 poster of the collage below, let me know.  Pricing will depend on how many people want them.  If there is enough demand, they'll probably be around $10 each, with $2 going back to GOTRNWIL.

Cover!!!! {Chicago Photographer}

I'm seriously the worst blogger when I can't even post really awesome stuff on my blog in a timely fashion. But, hey, here it is! In May, the American Motorcyclist Association hired me to shoot Rebecca and her bikes in her garage for the July issue. Turns out, they really liked the images (and Rebecca), because we ended up getting the cover! There's also almost a full page image inside the magazine. How cool is that?

Fun Family {Chicago Family Photography}

Just a quick post to share two from a really fun family! Such cute kids (and really nice parents, too)!

This one needs a quote to go along with it. {Palatine Childrens Photography}

This is a recent one from a super fun session. I feel like it needs a quote. Something short and sweet. I can see this image on the front of a greeting or note card, but it needs a quote. Help me out here. Pretty please???

Baby Birds

I am obsessed with the nest in our yard.  I'll write more later, but wanted to share this one.  Thanks to my 200mm lens, I get to "see" these little ones up close.  I'd love to set up my camera on a tripod with a remote trigger and wait for mama bird to feed them.  Not sure I'm that obsessed, however.  Check back later, and maybe I'll post some from a few days ago when they were tiny little things and not even poking out of the nest.

Cary-Grove Class of 2011 {Cary Senior Photography}

Here are a few from a great session last week.  I had so much fun.  She was sooo natural in front of the camera with her gorgeous eyes and smile.

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.