It’s almost the holiday weekend, so there is still just enough time to plan and shop for a July 4th get together! The Fourth of July is one of my top three favorite holidays, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than to create a patriotic tablescape for your guests to enjoy! […]

My camera LOVED this family! Or maybe this family loved my camera, doesn’t matter. We had a gorgeous summer day at Montrose Bird Sanctuary, which helped also. I’ve now photographed here in every season and I’m never disappointed (but summer is probably my favorite). Where else can you find a random field full of tall […]

Where to begin….I’ve been following Katelyn’s blog for several years now, and I will admit that she is the reason I became a photographer. When I found out that she is exactly my age, she is from my home state and taught herself everything she knows (no degree in photography, no fancy certificate or higher […]

Just when you think you’ve shown up a tad early and the light seems too harsh, you find a little grove of trees that diffuses it beautifully and creates a glow around everyone. Every photo session I look for it, that one perfect spot that will create a halo around the little ones I’m photographing. […]

Beautiful family portraits are the goal, but how does one arrive at the final product? The things listed below are aspects of my portrait experience that I didn’t fully realize until I inquired about testimonials and saw some patterns. You know how after you take a personality test and you’re like, “Oh yeah, that’s me.” After reading […]

I can’t believe it’s already June. Wasn’t it just Christmas? It often feels that way, time does what it does, it goes on.  If parents aren’t careful, the cares of life, laundry and work can cause them to wonder how their children are already 3 feet tall when they could have sworn they were just […]

Don’t you just love spring time? Let’s go over some fun reasons why we love it (mostly because lists are helpful to me): -Most importantly, it’s warm enough for portraits outside -Flowers in bloom everywhere -Fresh fruits and vegetables -Blue skies -Farmer’s markets -Graduations -Weddings -Days are longer -School is out soon! -Summer vacation planning is […]

I’m a big fan of farmer’s markets, and this one I found in Lincoln Park was just lovely. In fact, hopefully I can tour other Chicago neighborhood markets throughout the spring and summer and share a series. Every neighborhood in Chicago has it’s own character and vibe, so I’d expect those markets to reflect their […]

What a privilege it is to continue to be invited into the most intimate season for a family – the welcoming of a newborn child. I am always amazed at how calm these sessions tend to be, even though I know this season can be very stressful and challenging. But the homes I walk into […]

What are people looking for when they hire a family photographer? What I’ve come to learn is that your photos are not enough. There are thousands of photographers out there with great equipment who know how to use it, and are talented artists as well. There are also people who have a decent quality DSLR […]