baby portaits

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2016 Wrap Up

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2016 Wrap Up

2016 was year of amazing growth, closeness, emotion, and overall life fullness. From newborns to new marriages and Chicago to Oahu, photography took me to new places, familiar places and amazing hearts. I went through periods of self doubt, questioning my work and its ability to continually push further. I was inspired by so many artists' creativity. I was inspired by the faith of so many of the brides and grooms celebrating their commitment. I worked on sharing my love for photography and helping others take better photos. Here's a glimpse into some of my favorite moments from 2016. 2017 is going to be written in the salt and starts. And I'm looking forward to everyday the new year brings.

Newborn :: Naya [Chicago]

Newborn :: Naya [Chicago]

The first snow flurries floated down on Chicago and inside I got to meet little Naya, just a couple weeks new. What I love about photography is being able to story-tell through visuals. Telling an authentic story and documenting these milestones as time capsules. For newborn photography, this is especially true. There are so many different styles of baby portraits, but to me, capturing the strongest stories, the most authentic stories, means being a fly on the wall and letting the story unfold itself. Watching two new parents interact with each other and a newborn. Witnessing the quite moments and the real moments. These are the moments that happen in a flash and slip by in an instant. I'm here to freeze that story forever in your family journal.

Newborn :: Averly Mini Session [Honolulu, HI]

Newborn :: Averly Mini Session [Honolulu, HI]

I am a strong supporter of lifestyle documentary photos for newborns. Keep it simple. Natural light. Quiet moments. Focused on the new family life and welcoming a new babe into the world. While in Hawaii, I had the opportunity to meet Averly, just a couple weeks new. She did great in this newborn mini session in town.

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How Photography Cracked Me

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Sometimes people ask, 'what got you into photography'? And I usually say it's a pretty boring story. I do not have one of those old stories of how I got my first Polaroid when I was 7 and instantly knew I was going to be a photographer. While that may be true for some, it seems like an opportunistic story. I also got kitchen toys . . . and I am certainly not a chef. [Although I'm hoping Chef Charles can help me out with that.]

You get my point. No one ever says they knew they wanted to be something when they were a kid if it doesn't pan out.

Portraits :: Alejos Family Chicago Portraits

It's time for another Alejos session! If you recall, the last session was before the littlest Alejos made his debut to the world [check the spring session here]. And now he is 3 months old! Spitting image of his older brother. So much, it's even a little spooky. After a solo portrait session, we rounded up the whole family to do a few Christmas card worthy shots [you'll have to wait til Christmas to see those]. We had one of the last mild days of the season on our side, warm sun and fall crunchy leaves.