Sneak Peek of Baby "H"

This little guy's dad is the soccer coach at a local high school, and so it just seemed right to include an image with two of dad's favorite things. Mom and Dad were so super nice, and getting the hang of parenthood rather quickly. The rest of the images turned out really great, and I'm working to get them online as quickly as possible. Thanks so much for coming in! I had a ball (really bad pun intended).

A peek from the beach

Here's one image from a session last weekend at the beach. It was a really fun evening - so thanks for allowing me to spend time capturing your family!

Another Sneak Peek

Here you go! I hope you see this before heading off to paradise! The images from the session turned out beautifully. I had so much fun with you and your three girls. I could tell how much you all love each other, and it was so fun to be a part of your evening.

Do you Facebook?

Is that already a verb, like "google" is now a verb? I'm not sure if Facebook is a verb yet, but it should be because Facebook is fun. I was pretty skeptical that it could be any different than, say Linked In. But, Facebook has some super fun applications. I like that you can post images. How fun it is to search and see what your grade school friends now look like. Or, at least what their kids look like. Since a lot of people use their kids' images for their Facebook image.

So, I'm thinking aloud right now... Wouldn't it be nice for your old and current friends to see a super great image on your profile? I'd be happy to send you a small sized image (with a small logo it) for your Facebook photo. Just add me as a friend, and write on my wall, or add a comment to this post. This is my gift to my current and former clients, because you're all such great people. :)

Looking forward to seeing you online!

Sneak Peek for the "A" family

Here's a sneak peek for two super cute kids from Kansas. Yes, Kansas! Their grandmother lives in Cary, and they had their portraits made while they are in town visiting. How fun is that?

I had a lot of fun with you last week. I'm working on all your proofs, and they'll be ready shortly.

My image included in a photography DVD

John Upton is a world famous photographer and the co-author of the photography book that is used in nearly all college photography programs. Calumet Photographic (my favorite photography store) makes great learning DVDs, and recently they partnered with John Upton on a DVD entitled "The Essence of Photography".

At the end of the DVD, they picked a bunch of images to have John provide his thoughts on. One of the images included in the DVD is my image "Strong". And, he had positive things to say about my image! How cool to have one of my images reviewed by John Upton, and then published on a DVD.

Who likes a secret?

No peaking! I can't show you yet. But, I'm working on something really fun for all my baby clients. Actually, it's for their super nice mommies. I'll give you a hint: it's really cute, it includes an image of your baby, and it's practical. How often do you get something that's totally cute *and* practical. Okay, that's technically three hints. Give up? Well, I'm still working on it, so I don't have any images to show. So, you'll just have to check back in a little while.

Here's one more tidbit of info just to tease you. I think they are so cute and fun that I'm giving one away for each baby session. Yay! I'll do this for baby sessions going forward. And, if you've already had a baby session, I'd be happy to make one for you as well. Just say "pretty please with sugar on top".

Sneak Peek for "R"

Here's one image from a session with three year old "R". I think I'll call this image "soulful", because I do love her expression here. "R" wasn't quite up for the happy and smiling images, but here's one that I think is lovely. I applied an antique finish so it matches her timeless expression. And wouldn't you just kill for those gorgeous curls?

Baby "R"

Here's just one sneak peek for the "S" family. It was so great to see you again this past weekend! Both your girls are just so beautiful and a dream to photograph.

Mothers and Daughters

I always love capturing the love between a mother and daughter, because I know what a special relationship that is. Here is one image that just makes my heart sing, and makes me want to give my daughter a big hug and kiss. And, while I don't climb into my mother's lap and give her kisses anymore, I hope that she knows that I love her so very much and am thankful for her every day.

Sweet "T"

This almost five year old is such a doll and so pretty! Her mom has a great sense of style and brought the most awesome outfits. Too bad she can't come along on all my sessions to dress the subjects and hold the reflector. Here are a few sneak peeks. This is only one of the outfits. The red pettiskirt is mine, but her mom made it look incredible. She gets the credit, but I can keep the good tip. I'm going to have to remember "blue and red".

Lake Michigan

A really great client wants some beach images in a few weeks, so I went out recently to scope out a good spot. My husband suggested Hawaii. Ha ha ha. I found a great local spot here, at the Wilmette Beach. I love the grasses, sand, and blue waters. It was pure delight to see my kids laughter as they ran in and out of the waves. I'll maybe post some of those shots later. But, I really liked these more formal ones. The second image has a filter applied to give it a bit of a mysterious, dreamlike feel.

Back from a workshop

Last week, I flew to Huntsville, Alabama to take part in Heather Bookout's two-day Ripe conference. I just love her work, and was blown away when I saw it in person. So many rich colors and textures. I left the workshop with many great new ideas and a fresh sense of inspiration. I can't wait to hit the fabric store to satisfy my creative juices. Keep an eye out for some of the changes I'll be making based on this workshop.

Here's an image of myself, Cindy Harter, and Alli Gaulin, who are two of the pixelchicks who I was lucky enough to spend the days with.

Facebook

In keeping up with the times, I joined facebook this week. It's a pretty fun site. Go ahead and add me as a friend... I'd love to make more connections!

Sneak Peek

Here's a super quick sneak peek of baby "G". Isn't she just a doll? Those blue eyes are so pretty!!!! The proofs will be online shortly!

Giving Back to our Community

Calling all golfers. Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County is holding their Annual Golf Classic on Monday, June 23, 2008, at the Bull Valley Golf Club in Woodstock.

The day's schedule is:
Registration & Box Lunch 11:30 am
Start of Golf 12:30 pm
Cash Bar 5:00 pm
Dinner, Silent Auction 6:00 pm

If you're interested in booking a session and having the money go towards this worthy cause, check it out. I'm donating one session and a 16x20 to be a part of the silent auction. The retail value of this is $250.

Sneak Peek

Crazy busy. That's what life is like the past few weeks. Vacation is great, but when you come back there's a whole lot to catch up on. So..... I'm busy working. In the meantime, here are two sneak peaks for the super fun "G" family who is waiting patiently. :) I should have the rest online very soon.

Cool New Video!

Check out this video clip! These clips will be created for all seniors, and can even be downloaded to your iPod.

Aloha from Paradise

There I was, last Saturday, sitting on this beach on our last day in Maui. I sat on my rattan beach mat, with the clear crystal Pacific just feet away from me, with the islands of Molokai and Lanai poking their mountains into distant billowing clouds. I tried to absorb the full beauty of the panorama, but I just couldn't get enough of the sound of the surf, the warm sun on my skin, the magical color of the ocean, and the soft texture of the sand.

As we sat there, we watched a couple gather on the beach wearing leis and white clothing. And a minister or officiant performed a wedding ceremony with their three young boys at their side. It was obvious that the boys found the sand more interesting than the promises being made. A handful of loved ones were there. It was surely an private and special moment for them. One held a camcorder, another a point and shoot camera. I threw on my telephoto lens and ran up on the distant path to observe and take some images with the rest of the casual observers. I wrestled in my mind with the idea of giving them my card so they could contact me so I could share the images with them. Ultimately I decided that I didn't want to interrupt their special day. I sort of regret that decision. So if you know of someone who got married on the beach just north of Kaanapali Beach Sheraton in Maui last Friday, let them know that I have some images for them. Hey, it's a long shot... but stranger things have happened.

Okay - I've spent way too much time on this blog. I better get down to the pool so we can grill our dinner. I'm wiped out from our scuba training today and ready for some good food and a good night's sleep. Aloha!

Aloha Vacation!

Tomorrow is the day that I'll be leaving for vacation. I'll have my mobile and laptop with me, so I can stay in the loop a bit. However, I'm not sure what internet connectivity will be like. Plus, the whole point of a vacation is to not work.... so, I'll attend to urgent issues, but most matters will wait until I get home on June 2nd.

Happy with "Glee".

That's the title for the below image that was selected as one of BetterPhoto.com's finalists for the month of April. Over 30,000 images were entered, and only 446 were finalists. So, with glee, I'll present you with the lucky image: "Glee".

Sneak Peek for Baby "I".

This little one has chubby everything, and is too cute for words. And she sure has grown and changed since I photographed her at just a few weeks old. Sweet baby "I" was so cooperative and we got so many great images. Six months old is such a fun age for portraits! Here are just a few. The rest will be online in the next few days. Thanks again "K" for bringing her back for more photos!

Photo of the Day

Today one of my images received the Photo of the Day award in the category of people at shutterbugs.biz. This one is especially meaningful for me because the subject is my son. What I love about this image is the rich color of the background and pillows, and I love that his favorite stuffed animal is with him under his cheek.

Much needed vacation

Just wanted to let you all know that I'll be going on vacation in late May. We're off to Hawaii! And thanks to very supportive grandparents, we'll be leaving the kids at home!

So, if you're thinking of scheduling a session in May, the studio will be closed from May 20th to June 3rd. I do still have openings in May, so call now if you want to reserve a date!

"S" family sneak peek

Here's a sneak peek at a recent session. This was a really fun session because this little boy was so cute and such a great baby. I have to hand it to the parents, who have three under the age of three. Wow! I know I couldn't do that. But, they are so at ease and make it look easy.