Engagement :: RoseAnn + Justin

Engagement :: RoseAnn + Justin

Meet Justin and RoseAnn. They met after being introduced by friends. Turns out, they also actually went to the same high school, but didn't know each other then. They dated for about three years, and then just over a month ago on November 10, Justin asked RoseAnn to marry him.

I met up with Justin and RoseAnn in Libertyville, where Justin is a firefighter. We had already cancelled two sessions because of ongoing rain. I was keeping a close eye on the forecast. I was hoping for a little snow, but more so just keeping my fingers crossed that it wouldn't be freezing.

After a few frames in and around the fire station with the vintage fire truck, we stopped at a couple more outdoor spots before heading to downtown Libertyville. I like getting to sessions early and driving around looking for unique places. This didn't fail as I found a miniature apple orchard, which made a stunning backdrop for some of my favorite images. 

Not many engagement sessions in December get this lucky with cooperating nature. What an outstanding day we had.

Portraits :: Baby Lenox [Newborn]

One day young and she tackled her first photo shoot. I simply love newborn portraits shot as a documentary style. It's raw, it's precious, it's timeless, and you see the beauty of a newborn. There are plenty  more times for dress up, but for today, it was just about being one day young.

Welcome to the world Natalie. Addison is going to make  a great big sister.

Artists :: Diana Arand

Diana Arand is a totally rad Chicago local glass artist. She does these custom mosaic hand cut designs that are truly extraordinary. She's going to be at the One of a Kind Show in the Merchandise Mart December 6-9. She'll have some glass work on display to purchase as is, but will also be talking about her custom order pieces.

One day this summer we had tried to have a photo session. I'm pretty sure we could've achieved what we were trying to achieve in half the time it actually took us. Lots of side tracking and horsing around. Diana and I also work together in marketing for a tech company. I don't think it coincidental that our desks were not next to each other for a length of time.

Just a few of her artist session frames below. Go meet Diana Arand and visit her glasswork in person. She'll probably give you a free hug. Plus these images just don't do her work justice. [www.dianaarand.com]

Artists :: Katie Todd

A few years ago, I was at the Double Door in Chicago to catch a show with some friends. I had brought my new lens to just test out in low light. Katie Todd opened the show for the Damnwells and I immediately loved her sound. How did this sound come from such a tiny little lady?? I introduced myself to her after the show and we chatted for a few minutes and I said I'd send her a couple of the frames from the evening. I was lucky enough to develop a great relationship with Katie. She's one of the sweetest and kindest people I know. And the more and more I listened to her work, I grew so interested in her career as a music artist. She has an earthy and raw, but sweet sound which delicately graces over her piano. She frequents my playlists in the car and at the office.

We've worked on a few promo projects together, and even a few family sessions with Kelly and their daughter along the way. Great people often surround themselves with great people, and through Kelly and Katie, this is how I also met Dayna and Jason Abraham. [See their super cool backyard wedding here.]

This summer, Katie ran an amazingly successful Kickstarter campaign to get her newest album, Closer, recorded. It's so great to watch an independent artist grow. It's an honor that Katie's album cover includes an image we worked on together [actual album cover not designed by me]. 

So as I was eating pancakes and sitting at my desk this morning, and Katie Todd came over iTunes, I wanted to share this story. Check out some of the promo and family sessions I've worked on with Katie at LeRoy Oakes in St. Charles, IL.

Happy December 1!

Portraits :: Webb-Roberts Family

Happy Thanksgiving! My last fall family portrait session in Chicago was last weekend! The trees were hanging on for one last hurrah. Smells of Blommer Chocolate gracefully glided through the air and was inviting . . .  for the first 5 minutes. I'm not sure if neighbors love it, hate it, or just get used to it.

One of the things I love about the city is being able to walk out the front door and find some awesome spots to take photos within half of a block. Some of the favorites of family, big sis and little sis below.

Event :: The Junior Council Snowball

It may be just Thanksgiving, but the Junior Council of Lurie Children's Hospital is gearing up for its 25th annual black tie event, Snowball, on February 2, 2013. This year, the anticipated event is again to be held at Chicago's historic Union Station Grand Hall.

The Junior Council supports Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago’s Pediatric and Adolescent HIV and AIDS programs. 

Portraits :: Horner Family

I seriously love shooting in rural areas.  Maybe I'll have to move somewhere far outside the city. Maybe. I said it a couple of weekends ago, but this truly could be the last warm weekend. I can't believe it was so mild out. We drove out to a private property in Rochelle to do these fall portraits before they were off to see Wreck it Ralph. All smiles from this family, check out some of the awesome frames below.

Portraits :: Haedt Family

Well. I don't exactly know how to describe fall light in wide open spaces. It's just different. And so beautiful. Rochelle is a deceivingly cool small town. They have good pizza. They have great rural areas to shoot in. AND the HAEDTS LIVE THERE!

I love these guys so much! I've been lucky enough to capture some great moments of their growing family year after year. This session was a fall portrait combo and Leni's almost one-year session. The outfits from Matilda Jane and J.Crew's Crew Cuts are in perfect coordination. No matching white shirts and jeans here!

Portraits :: Peetz Family

Oak Meadows Park in Oak Lawn. I haven't been here since maybe 10 years old? I not only went to the same grammar school as Lisa, but we also did gymnastics and ballet! It has been quite some time since I've seen her . . . maybe 2000 when we graduated high school? But thanks to Facebook, we've since reconnected.

I was very excited when Lisa reached out to me about portraits when she would be back in town with Daniel and little D. Energetic and FEARLESS Little D. His parents must drink a LOT of coffee. :)

Some of my favorites below . . .