{Sneak Peek - Miss E & Daisy} South Elgin, IL Child Photographer

Today I got to work with one of my favorite five-year-olds... always supportive of my business dreams, this family has repeatedly stepped up to help me out. Thank you, Vicky... I love working with E. She's so sweet and beautiful. I just *had to* share one really quick...

{sleeping like a baby} Barrington, IL Newborn Photographer

Some days, the newborn photography gods smile down on me. Today was one of those days... my babies were happy, my parents were friendly, my nurses were helpful, and even the lighting was great. I had a new basket to try out and these babies gave it a resounding thumbs up... tushies up? I'm getting more confident with these babies and find that I actually really love working with the itty bitty 5 pounders. So different from my Millie...

Anyway, we got some good ones today and I just have to share. Enjoy!

{The Greatest Gift} Elgin, IL Newborn Photographer

In my work with Bella Baby Photography, we usually photograph baby on her second day of life. For this sweet girl, I was called in just hours after she was born. Although Mom & Dad were concerned that she would be uncooperative after a stressful day, she was putty in my hands once I laid her in my super comfy cozy basket and let her have her pacifier for a few moments. Tears flowed in the room both during the photo shoot and while viewing the photo gallery. Moments like this make up for all the times the work of a photographer goes unappreciated...

Thank you {L family} for allowing me to photograph your sweet baby girl. It was an honor to be a part of such a special day!!

{Christmas Baby} Elgin, IL Newborn Photographer

You'll recognize this family from other posts on my blog(s)... The M family has done so much for me. They jumped in to give me practice when I was first starting to grow my own business. So, when I heard they were expecting a baby on Christmas Day, I was thrilled... when I learned that dad had moved to Florida for a new job and the family would follow when baby was a month old, I was heartbroken.

Baby A made his arrival on Christmas Eve. One day early, weighing in at almost eleven pounds! I met him 10 days later and boy, was he cute! He didn't really want to sleep - so alert! - but I was able to get some great images anyway...especially of the family!

Thank you Kim & John. Thank you to the kids, too. You've been great and you're already missed. Whenever you want me to come take some pictures in your new home, just let me know. ;)

{Reflecting on the last nine months} Elgin, IL child photography

Nine short months ago, I welcomed my third baby girl. At a whopping 10 pounds, 2 ounces, my labor & delivery nurse commented that in spite of her middle name Rose, she was no rose! "Maybe rose bush or rose bowl," she said. It had been a tough delivery and we thought this little lady was going to be trouble.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Millie is the sweetest baby I've ever met. So smiley and loving. She's beautiful and I am blessed to be her mom!

 

  

  

  

 

{Changes} Chicago Metro Maternity Photographer

Lately I've been busy (you might have noticed the lack of blog posts as of late). But, I'm not nearly as busy as this beautiful lady. This mother of two teenagers and one toddler is expecting her fourth child this week. On Christmas, no less... on top of all that, the family is in the midst of a cross-country move! After weeks of our schedules not matching up, I finally got the opportunity to document some of the final moments of this pregnancy. As usual, the M Family was a pleasure to work with. Best of luck to you all, and I can't wait to meet the little one!!!

 

{Spartans}

I love sporting events. As a teenager, I participated on every sports team available (including a short attempt at playing football in high school). As an adult, I love attending professional and amateur events. And now, as a photographer, I am providing a service to parents - sideline photography that is focused on their young athlete.

On a beautiful fall day, I had the opportunity to photograph two football players: Jeremiah, the quarterback on his team, and Jordyn, who plays wideout for hers. The weather - although cold - was perfect. Jordyn & Jeremiah gave it their all and I enjoyed watching and photographing them. I wanted to share a quick sneak peek of each of them.

{Toes} Elgin IL Infant Photographer

At five months, Millie's primary focus is her feet. If she can get them in her mouth, she's happy. Really, anything in her mouth makes her happy. And what a happy baby she is!!!
 

{Anticipation : Miss Christine} Elgin IL Maternity Photographer

For the past four years, my daughters have known Miss Christine as their gateway to all things Princess; their educator in the ways of Google; the one person in daddy's office who doesn't mind a little bit of Sharpie and hi-liter on her desk blotter. She's shown great patience and enthusiasm with my girls, and now its time for her to welcome a baby girl of her own. I couldn't be happier for you Christine... and I can't wait to photograph your little lady!!!

{Duck Duck Goose} Elgin IL Photographer

I recently joined a group with the goal of becoming more inspired in my photography... going outside the safe confines of portrait photography. And although I failed in my first week - I couldn't think of anything "white" to inspire me! - I did photograph something out of the norm... ducks. So, here goes...

{Sisters} Elgin IL Child Photographer

A shared moment between two of my favorite girls... a memory to cherish when they get to the age where sisters are best frenemies.

{The D Family} ELGIN, IL Family Photographer

A few weeks ago, I had a session with my husband's cousin and her little guys - 18 month-old twins and 4 year-old big brother. We met at a park early in the evening and let them run wild for an hour, with Grandma Joanie chasing one twin, while Mom chased another twin, and I cajoled big brother into giving me something to work with...

I got home feeling defeated and actually suggested a reshoot... but on second look, I actually have some winners! Steph, I hope you enjoy these. I got a good laugh looking back through them!

{Millie Moo} 2 Months - ELGIN IL newborn photographer

One of the many things I've been working on is setting up my desktop computer for photo work - whereas in the past I've done everything on my laptop. So, needless to say, I'm a bit behind in my editing and blogging - among other things. I did Millie's 2 month pictures a week or so ago and this was an instant fave...


More to come soon!

My Dream Garden

In one word... JEALOUS.

These are a few - just a few - of the flowers that populate my in-laws' garden and yard. I've been working on incorporating bokeh into my photographs...playing with depth of field and composition. Floral photography is ideal for that experimentation. I had so much fun! Enjoy!!

{Miss A} ELGIN IL Newborn Photographer

After 9 months of imagining poses for my new baby, its quite disappointing that I couldn't shoot her newborn pictures with the creativity I had envisioned. But, she's still a beautiful baby and I am excited to show off her first official photos!!