the category

Kids

The MacFarlane Family – Manhattan IL Family Photographer

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful new year celebration!  This is the second day of 2018 and I'm getting caught up on some things - like my updates to this site!  It's been very nice to take some days off during the holiday season.  I had a wonderful Christmas and hope you did as well!  Now, as a new year is starting, I pray that the Lord will bless and keep you all in his care each day of 2018.Near the end of November (Black Friday to be exact), I had the pleasure of meeting the MacFarlane family for a phot[...]

The Havekost Family – Bird Haven Greenhouse Family Photo Session, Joliet Family Photographer

Well, Thanksgiving week just passed and my kids have (with great sadness) gone back to their regular school schedules.  These days have been surprisingly busy for me and I've been taking much too long to post highlights from the photo session a few weeks ago of a dear family at our church who is expecting their fourth little one.  Finally, though, here are the highlights!We met for photos on a chilly, wet day.  Because of this, we were very thankful for the Bird Haven Greenhouse at Pilcher Park in Joliet - a war[...]

The Cross Family – Frankfort IL Family Photographer

I don't know if this will ever change for me, but I get pretty nervous before each photo session I do.  I suppose it's because of so many unknowns that swirl around in my head...will the family be nice?  What if I don't get good shots?  What if something goes wrong with my camera?, etc. Lots of unknowns. Well, none of those 'worst case scenarios' I've imagined has ever happened.  And, I'm so, so thankful that the families that I've met have always been so warm and friendly - and a total pleasure to work with.[...]

The Clark Family – Fall Family Photo Session, Lincoln Landing, Lockport IL Photographer

This blog post has a little extra adventure!  The Clark Family and I met in downtown Lockport for their photo session - Lincoln Landing to be exact.   As we walked, a man came up to us and told us to be on the look out for some painted rocks that were hidden all around.  Painted rocks?!?  Hmmm....interesting!!  He pointed to where we could find one...and the Clark's little guy quickly ran over and found it.  Turns out, there's a whole Facebook community dedicated to finding, repainting and re-hiding these li[...]

The Raatjes Family – Lincoln Landing, Lockport IL Family Photographer

What are 'the dickens'...and how do you know if someone is full of them?!?  Something to think about, right? I don't know, but my friends Andy and Erin were pretty sure their little ones (especially their little guy) were full of them on the day of our photo session.  There was a whole lot of silliness, to be sure, but I think it all worked out perfectly for photos that were filled with laughs and moments I hope this sweet family will treasure for years to come.  💕[...]

The Grigg Boys, Kids Portrait Photographer, Frankfort IL

It's kind of depressing looking out the window at the moment...its really cold, gray, dreary.  Much to my dismay, several of the weekends in October were much the same, and planned photo sessions had to be rescheduled.  However, on the 21st, we had the ideal weekend, and I was busy (yay!)!  Photos from those sessions have all been edited, galleries have been delivered, and I'm now just working to catch up with the blog posts!  Why - on a rainy day like today, there's no better project than working on the blog.[...]

The Mangun Family – Fall Family Mini Session, New Lenox IL Photographer

Oh, kiddos....they're the absolute best. 💕 I think that trying to get kids to smile is truly one of the most fun aspects of having this photography business!  I love to talk with kids, be silly around them, and I make a point to allow them to have a good time.  I don't expect them to want to sit and pose for traditional family group shots...nope, not a bit.  But, do you know what?  That's actually perfect.  I don't want my photos to be look so posed.  A few posed shots are fine, but to be honest, I reall[...]

The Gray Family – St. James Farm, Warrenville IL Family Photographer

Hello!  I hope you've had a great summer.  I can't believe it's almost over!  Just like most kids in the area this week, my three were dreading the first day of school (though I know they were excited about it at the same time).  I know we're not quite halfway through week one, but so far, so good.  They all seem happy and are enjoying their classes so far!  :-) As a last hurrah before the end of summer vacation, I had the pleasure of getting together with my brother's family for some photos!  His family ha[...]

The Toussaint Family – Downtown Frankfort IL Family Photographer

Happy Tuesday! It's been hot around here these last few days!   Beautiful and sunny, yes - but really, really hot...the kind of weather that makes for an uncomfortably sticky photo session!!  Luckily, the Toussaint family and I met in Downtown Frankfort IL in the morning for their family photo session - before the midday sun came out in full force.  It was perfect!   Plus, as we walked from spot to spot, we were struck by just how great Downtown Frankfort is for a photo session...you can get such a great varie[...]

The Muchowicz, Muehlbauer & LaDouceur Families – Centennial Park, Tinley Park IL Family Photographer

The summer season kicked off very nicely last weekend with a photo session for family friends from our church - the awesome Muchowicz family!  :-)  I was excited to photograph not only them - but some of their extended family as well, including Kristen's grandma - who turns 99 this year!  What a wonderful idea it was to gather four generations together for family pictures! Thanks so much to all of you for letting me take pictures of your beautiful families! I especially love this silly one...[...]