Cemetery Lovin'...

When I first heard that they wanted their wedding portraits in a local cemetery I must admit I was a tad apprehesive. Don't get me wrong, we've made old school locker rooms look like the hilton and dirty alleys look one step off the run-way but still...A cemetery? Uh YES a cemetery! It was awesome! It's as if we took a detour past the headstones and walked straight into an english garden. To top it off the bride and groom couldn't be cuter. After knowing the groom for many years I'm so glad to see he's found a bride that so obviously adores him. (:

Improv & Improve...

I probably couldn't count how many times I've shot at Millennium Park. There's a novelty to that in I know what will and won't work, where my light will be, technical, technical, technical. But then came this fun and spontaneous couple Joe & Erin... From dance parties, hot dog carts, to one improve scenario to the next they brought life back into the spot and it inspired me. So much so that even when I edited the pics I wanted to try something new. I've been wanting to make a film-type reel for quite some time but I finally sat down and figured it out. And I'm glad I did! From the photoshoot to the editing a little improve and be a great improvement.

Milestones...

Coming from a girl that plans birthday's nearly 6 months in advance you could say I'm a fan of celebrations. Even more than that I love celebrating milestones in peoples lives. Most recently a huge milestone for Jason & Nicole is the birth of their first little one, Julia. I got to be there merely hours after she was born to capture her first moments. Pretty amazing...And just this past week during mother's day (Nicole's first as a momma, que milestone) I got to take pictures of Julia and the family just after her Christening. (Again, que milestone) It's a really sweet thought to think that I got to be a small part of some really big days in this families life. Can't wait for the next celebration of something great for them.

Pssttt.... Your clothes can talk. (:

More often than not, after I've asked: "So what would you say your style is?" I get a "Umm... I don't know?" This may sound funny but I kinda feel like I should stop asking that and just look at what the future bride wore to the shoot. (: Really though, you know tank top, dress, jean combos are all over her room from trying to find the perfect outfit and out of every option this is the one she likes best. And why does she like it? Cuz it's her style! And there ya go. The answer to my question.

I had this mini epiphany while shooting Robin this past week. Before I could even get the question out of my mouth I was thinking the very thing her response was; she's classic. All american, beautiful, timeless type of girl. Her outfit was cute and that only reflected her great personality as well. Notice I didn't mention anything about reading guys by what they wear? Let's be honest...The fiance more than likely picked out their clothes.

(Not saying that Robin did) (:

A Happy Semi-Accident...

At some point during a photo shoot I'll say something like: "Now, if you have any ideas, I'm all about it, just let me know." and 9 out of 10 times whether they see something they want or not they don't say anything. Well...Jerry & Amy did. and it ending up being my favorites of the day. They asked if they could sit in the grass with the purple flowers. Which even at that stage was awesome. But then, I don't know if they in relief that the shoot was over or what, they fall back on the grass. I just remember calling out: "Don't you move!" Many clicks later the best images of the day (to me) were complete. So glad they spoke up!

Baby Julia...

I've always known that being a photographer has allowed me almost a back-stage pass if you will on some of people's most life changing events but it's definitely hitting me afresh today. Here I am, before all friends and grandparents even get to see little Julia and I'm there with my camera during her first hours. I don't know....That's really heavy stuff for me. What a privilege! And it's not even like this is their third kid, and it's old hat by now, no...It's their first. There first moments and memories as a family for them and I'm asked to encapsulate it into a lifetime of images. Wow...

Anticipation...

Considering this is the first shoot I've had recently in the city where my hands were legitimately frost bitten to say I was excited may be a little bit of an understatement. Like the first day where there's no more snow in sight or the first opportunity to sit outside in a hoodie rather than a parka there's little signs of change and I couldn't be more ready for it.

I've had an unusually busy winter and though I love winter shoots I also love flip flops...And I'm ready for the change. (:

Today's shoot was pivotal. Not only is the weather changing but also the type of photo season. We're now hitting engagement season and I'm pretty stoked about it. Are you kidding me? I get to hang out with awesome couples like these guys. (: Super cute, great fun, really looking forward to their big day