Kade

I LOVE newborns!!!! I know that I have said that a few thousand times, but I think it needs to be said again. Remember...if you bring these little angels to me in the 5-10 day window, you will receive a free sitting fee.

How beautiful is this little boy? I know, it makes you want another...or wait, is that just me? =)

My little beauties.

I asked my girls if they wanted to go to the volleyball game and watch the girls play, or if they wanted to dress up, put makeup on, and take pictures...guess what they picked? Although, I love taking their pictures, I was a little sad that they don't care about one of my favorite games. (Aunt Gail would be upset with that, too!) Anyway -- this is going to be made into a unique wall portrait collection in the studio. Our custom framing department is going to make this AMAZING!! =)

Snow Day!

Brad and Ellie were home from school today because all of this beautiful fluffy white stuff, so we decided to go outside and play.  It was so much fun for me because I was able to get some really great shots of our girls in the most natural of settings.  

January and February are slow months for photographers (at least for me).  Initially this kind of makes me sad because I love this job so much, that I would just prefer to be shooting all the time.  However, I learned that this is a great time to do those much needed family shots that get sort of pushed to the side the rest of the year.  Oh sure I take pics when my kids need updated shots, but I rarely use my camera when I am not trying to make wall portraits for them.  Because of this I hardly ever have snapshots of them playing or everyday stuff that I generally shoot for other people.  It kind of stinks, but I guess that is the downside to the business.  

I was so pumped today when I started editing these. My head was spinning with inspiration.  I think that these storyboards are just adorable and I am actually going to redecorate my bedroom because of these.  I have a st. Louis Cardinals bedroom currently, but I think I am going to change the room completely by painting it all white and have silver accents with a plant here and there.  I am so excited for the possibilities. I challenge every mom out there to redecorate a room in your house based solely on images of your children...let's be honest, what other pieces of timeless art could possibly compare?

My baby girls: Claire (2), Ellie (5), Ava (4)

Henry is 1!!

I just love this family!!  Henry has been coming for portrait sessions for the last year, and I have enjoyed watching him grow.  He always brings mom and grandma and we get to enjoy each others company for a little while.  It's quite nice.  We had lots of great images from this session, these are a few of my favorites. Thanks Shortridge family, as always, it was a pleasure working with you.

Enjoy your preview! =)

Maximus, Maxinator, "Baby Mwax"

Max has a lot of names in my family, "Maxinator" is my personal favorite! This little sweetie came over last night for some 1 year pics and pizza with the pages.  We had a great time.  We don't get to see mom and dad very much, so we really enjoy our time when we get together.  Mom (Amy) and Dad (Jesse) are friends of ours from college and seeing them is always great.  Wonderful people. Wonderful friends. Enjoy your preview, Heimers.

"Sallee Inspired" trip to Chicago.

If you are a connoisseur of great photography and you haven't heard of Sallee Photography--COME OUT OF THAT HOLE and join the rest of the world!! No, but seriously, check out their stuff...truly amazing.  

I had the honor of going to an engagement shoot with JB, and help a little. I was there with two other fantastic photog.'s (Steve Neilson and Bryan Creely).  Needless to say, I was in some really talented company. Anywho-- I learned more from this shoot, than I have in the past 2 YEARS of studying this business.  I can't even begin to express the amount of inspiration, knowledge, and confidence I now have due to this one experience. The lighting techniques were unlike any that I have ever attempted before, and I hope to try some of these skills in the near future! That being said, I have some pics from the weekend to share with you...

And to JB--Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! =)

 

Brad (my husband) said, "I don't get it" when he saw this one...his mathematical brain doesn't really allow for much artistic appreciation. =)  Just teasin', babe.  There is nothing to "get"... I just like it! =)

Brad and the girls had some fun on their own.  They visited the childrens museum (next to Navy Pier).  They had a great time and I am so glad that they had these photos taken...they are so awesome!!  Check out their little faces. =) I will cherish these for years to come.