I think this really might just be the cutest baby ever. He was in such a good mood - the perfect subject. Just woke from his nap, not hungry yet - what more could I ask for? I want to shoot more 6-month babies! I love it!

Thanks K for letting me be your photographer!

baby smile

What are you looking at?

This session was so much fun - the weather was beautiful, the twins were super cute, and we were on a mission to visit the grandparents. It was a busy afternoon, but well worth it. Thanks for a fun time!

profile

gatekeeper

Love

June in Chicago was a big success! I had a great time seeing everyone again!

I don't get to do newborn photos often enough - but I had a chance to photograph this adorable little girl, only one month old! I was so excited to meet her! Babies are just so amazing. And this one is absolutely perfect!

infant 1

infant 2

I've been running like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to get ready for this trip to Chicago. I've decided to leave you with some peaceful images. We all need to stop every once in a while to take a breath. Until I return...

golden

luscious green

winter morning

I'm in the throws of preparing for my upcoming trip to Chicago. I'm so excited to have a full schedule! I can't wait to see all of you again and see how your families have grown! Keep an eye on my blog for some sneak peaks... It looks like I'll be back again in August, so please let me know if you want to schedule a session before summer is over.

And for your enjoyment, here are a couple of shots from a party I did last week. Hungry?

appetizer

paella

flowers

I've been swamped finishing up an album for a friend back in Chicago - I helped her start on it and then skipped town and took my gear with me. Aren't I nice?

Well, now it's done, and I'm back in the game! Stay tuned for some fun pictures...

Tonight was the June SPPA meeting, and I brought along a couple of prints for competition, as usual. Once again, we have a winner!!!!

I've moved up a notch this time around - second place in the Folio category! This was actually one of my sessions from May, which I was very happy with. Thanks, Joel and Mommy for the opportunity to work with you!

Joel Storyboard

The girlie girl has been asking for a pink bedroom for a couple of years now. Her room in the new house is a really pretty purple, and we have pink accents all over. I love it as it is, but the walls are pretty empty. Time for a picture!!! I'm thinking 24x36 or so - pretty big.

We went outside in front of one of our blooming shrubs (rhododendron?? I wouldn't know - I'm new around here) for pink overload! Here's what we came up with. Lots of personality, and generous amounts of pink. Now to choose one... any thoughts?

Pink 1

Pink 2

Pink 3

Pink 4

Pink 5

This session was a lot of fun in the sun. We hung out on the beach for the morning, and let the girls play. I couldn't help but post this shot! She's a beauty!

those eyes

I heard Brooks Jensen speak at this month's SPPA meeting. He was very inspirational, both from an artistic perspective, as well as from a business perspective. Unlike other speakers I've heard recently, his ideas are forcing me to think, and not just run with some good ideas.

One thing I've been considering quite a bit for the last two weeks is how many people stop practicing photography once they master the craft. I can see how that can happen - perhaps the challenge, the learning, and the process of it all have been the fun. Once you have it mastered, the mystery of "how to" is gone and you have to turn inward for inspiration. That's when there is nothing left to hide behind, and your work really is an expression from within.

While every image makes a statement - and hopefully one the artist intends - there are typically some accidental or maybe lucky factors involved in the final product. Once photography has been mastered, these things are no longer accidents - they are choices. This is when a true voice is heard.

For now, I'm eyeing his book: Letting Go of the Camera. I know I'll be in for some good reading.

LettingGo

It's available here. If this guy (or his magazine, LensWork) interests you - check it out. I know you won't be disappointed.

Til next time!