Category Archives: Children

The Making of A Milestone Session

I recently received an inquiry from a nervous Mama who wanted to schedule a milestone session for her 1 year old, but was afraid that it wouldn’t go well because their son was very shy and *clingy to Mom* (boy do I remember those days!) Her call made me think of 2 different 1st year Milestone sessions I did back in the Spring of this year. TWO 1st birthday studio sessions scheduled on the SAME DAY. The first session was TWIN girls and the second was a little girl and her big sister (whoRead more »

6 Month Milestone Session | HEP Studio | Park Ridge, IL

Milestone Portrait Session | Park Ridge, IL | Chicago-Area Photographer Wow, it sure has been a long time since I’ve blogged about a session! I can’t think of a better time to jump back into it then to share photos from adorable Della’s 6 month milestone session, taken at my very own HEP studio. Most 6 month sessions are pretty tame, with baby just learning to sit on their own, and usually content to just be placed in various bowls and crates… but not Miss Della! ImagineRead more »

Family Session | Patriot’s Park | Downers Grove, IL

Family Portrait Session | Downers Grove, IL | Chicago-area Photographer One of the best parts about starting this business is getting to reconnect with old friends! It was good to see Jim (an old high school and college friend) and meet his beautiful family. It was wonderful to see the unique bond each child had with their parents, and one another. These kiddos were so fun to work with and I got to learn a lot about Star Wars and ninja training! It got pretty hot and humid as the evening wentRead more »

Family Session | Wildwood Nature Center | Park Ridge, IL

Family Portrait Session | Park Ridge, IL | Chicago-area Photographer Even though it was hot and muggy, it was so much fun photographing the W Family last weekend. I’ve known Becky & Alex for almost 14 years, so it helped calmed the jitters that came with my first “real” shoot. Little Elle took awhile to warm up, but putting her in charge of wagon pulling and bubble blowing helped do the trick! Baby Hunter is just about to crawl, so it was the perfect time to get someRead more »

Scouting New Locations in the Southwest Suburbs

Family Photographer | Chicago-area Photographer | Downers Grove, IL | Oak Brook, IL I am always on the hunt for new session locations! I want to be able to offer a wide variety of “natural backdrops” for my clients, all in one destination, within a short drive of where they live. Last week, I took my assistant/model (aka, Cole/CJ) out with me again on a warm, sunny morning. I have to say, he’s very accommodating for the most part… so long as I have a pocket-full ofRead more »

Chase & Jack Turn 1!

My two beautiful nephews were born just 6 weeks apart, and while I enjoyed all their early baby days, I have certainly been looking forward to this time right now! They are so curious and mobile, I just love to see them interact with one another. I couldn’t help myself when I saw these adorable (matching) outfits at Carter’s. I knew right then I wanted to photograph them together wearing them in an old red wagon… and that’s exactly what I did. This was a great time toRead more »

Ashlynn’s First Communion

I absolutely love this little lady. I have known her since the day she was born, and we have formed a wonderful bond over the years since. So, I was honored when Ashlynn’s mom asked me to take photos of her on her First Communion. It was a bright, sunny day, which is great for a party… but it makes it tough to photograph outdoors. We did the best we could and I think everyone was pleased with how her portraits turned out. Fun fact: the dress she is wearing is an altered version ofRead more »