G

This is the second time I've photographed this young woman.  Last year she took part in my school fundraiser - it was fall and we took advantage of mother nature's colorful backdrop with some outdoor photography.  This time around, we went a little more urban.  Cream city brick - painted walls  and a really interesting trip to the local bookstore, Books & Company!
This creative girl was up for anything, which always makes for a great shoot.  I love it when clients bring their own ideas to the table.  Some we try and they flop... but some we try and they're so great, I can't believe I've never thought of it before!
Thanks G for being willing to try anything once - you're a photographer's dream come true!

Summer Vacation part 3

Now, last but certainly not least... we capped of our days of fun in the sun with a trip to Noah's Ark in Wisconsin Dells. It was silly...

and sassy...

and just so much fun. Can't wait to do it all again next year.

Summer Vacation part 2

So this is what carefree looks like. Isn't it beautiful?

We spent a few carefree days lounging on the beach - playing in the sand & water and generally enjoying each other's company. It put a smile on my face too.

I know, I know. Another jumping photo. But look at how happy this boy is! Wouldn't we all like to feel like this? Ahhh, summer vacation. How I love you so!

Summer Vacation part 1

It's not often that a family gets to spend pure, concentrated, unfiltered time together. So when you get the chance, grab it. My opportunity came last week, when we decided to do a little camping at Kohler-Andrae State Park on the shore of Lake Michigan. What a beautiful place. The water, the lake breeze, the sand... but I have to be honest. The landscape was not the most beautiful thing I saw while I was there.

It was this.

and this...

and this.

Little Girl * Big Laugh

Six month old Veronica has her mama's eyes. She's got her daddy's legs. And she has one of the most beautiful laughs you'll ever hear. This little one has a laugh full of so much gusto, you might have to look twice to make sure it's coming from her bitty body. We weren't sure what we'd get at this session - it was late afternoon and she'd just had some dinner. Sleep was right around the corner. But little V surprised us all, with a good hour of smiling and of course, laughing. With her mama off camera goofing around, Veronica let it all go and it was so much fun! My wish for her is that she always finds a reason to laugh - to see the fun in life... it will take her far.

Spunk and Smiles

I could see it in her eyes. A five year old with plans for the day that didn't really include sitting still for a photographer. She was willing to sit and smile, sit and smile... for a while. Even her little sister was willing to play the game - for a bit. And then these girls put me to work. We spun around in circles, we peek-a-boo'd behind trees, even ducked under her father's shirt tails. But it was worth it. A series of photos that not only captured pretty girls in lovely dresses, but the spunk behind their smiles. These are the photographs I treasure. The ones that highlight what children are really like... these are the ones I enlarge and frame and put on the walls of my home. So I can always seen in their eyes, all the wonder that is childhood.

What a phone call can lead to...

I'm still amazed by the families that contact me. From out of the blue you pick up the phone or send me an email and then... we're friends! Planning your photo session, "what do you think of this park... what do you think we should wear?"... the back and forth and natural progression that happens when two people are working together to create something memorable. I'm always a little nervous arriving at our chosen location. "What if the light's too harsh... what if my camera jams up?" is playing in my thoughts.... but then I see you and your family approaching with big smiles on your faces and my heart does a little jump for joy. This is the moment I've been waiting for. The moment I get to put a face to a personality I've already grown to admire.

The following is a photo session that too - began with a simple phone call. For weeks we thoughtfully planned the event and when it arrived, like other photo shoots, it was hard work completely masked by delight and happiness. Three generations together on a beautiful day, Andrea, thank you for picking up the phone.