lisa VAUGHN photography

On location in the western burbs...

2010-09-30T11:30:00.009-05:00

A few weeks ago Debi called me to say "...the boys were at a baseball game all day today celebrating Camron's birthday, so can we play our session time by ear in the morning?"

I'm a mom, I totally get it. We let the boys sleep in and I met them for our session at a neighborhood playground.

We planned a contemporary photo session capturing who the boys are right now, at this point in their life. And can I just say--What a blast!! It took only a few shots to get them out of 'cheese' mode, but after that they just played and explored like brothers should. They had so much fun running on the hill and playing on the equipment that they sometimes forgot that I was even watching.

Oh yeah, and right now Debi is trying to decide on which wall layout she likes best. Tell her what you think on my facebook fan page!!

Back to High School

2010-06-14T13:30:00.006-05:00

Hello there!! It has been a crazy summer but I'm finally at a point where I can bring you up to date with past shoots.

Late last month I went back to my old High School, Mother McAuley, to take pictures for their 2010-2011 marketing materials. I'll spare you the math, but it has been a while since I've been back there. It was great to see all the changes and updates to the buildings, the teaching equipment and the uniforms (we never had pockets!!). We spent an entire day visiting classrooms and roaming the halls to capture a day in the life.

These images and many more will be used on recruitment materials and in ads the school does in the area. It meant so much to be asked to return to capture a typical school day. I had a great time and probably ranks up there with my best High School memories!

PUBLISHED!!!

2010-03-11T12:20:00.003-06:00

It was a busy week for LVP. First the FabJob online book came out with my collaboration with Laura Heitz of Right Now Redesign. Our project photos were included in the example of successful room redesigns. You can check out pictures of our project in the previous post.

Next, Better Homes & Gardens Special Publications put out their Heart Healthy Living magazine featuring a story about my friend and client Jody and her advocacy for women's heart issues. The story is only found in the magazine which is on newsstands now!

Re-Design being Published!!!

2010-01-07T08:55:00.006-06:00

So this last year was a crazy home remodel over here and we needed to do all kinds of rethinking on our floor plan and styling. It was a fun project and took up SO much more time than I ever imagined. We couldn't have done it without the help of many talented people to offer their expertise. One of those experts was my new client Laura Heitz of Right Now Redesign. We worked together on our new family room and I took before and after pictures of the transformation (If I knew how much this room was going to change I would have taken before before pictures!) In the most exciting development, Laura submitted the images for a new book that about Room Redesigns and we were selected!!! Now as we wait it's release we hope to collaborate some more on her 'After' projects.

Our new kitchen made our old furniture layout seem awkward. We previously had a large armoire for our tv, but the new flat screen didn't fit and we made do with what we had.

Enter Laura...She helped me select a new tv stand that fit the style and size of the room and rearranged the furniture to be more inviting and helped the flow for everyday and entertaining.

On this large wall I had always wanted to do a family picture layout. (I mean I do it for clients all the time, so why not, right?).

Having Laura waiting to consult on this design forced me to finally collect and frame what I needed and I couldn't be happier. She also chose a table from our bedroom to position behind the couch. We also pulled books from my office and the magazine rack from my daughters room.

Laura and I are excited to see our collaborative efforts in print and we'll both be sure and let you know when it is out!!

In the meantime, here is Laura's website to view more of her wonderful work.

Welcome Naomi

2009-09-11T21:38:00.006-05:00

I was so excited to hear that Ava was going to be a big sister and even more excited when mama called me again to capture the moment. We are meeting next week to see all the proofs, but here is a little sneak peek.
She is such a great Big Sister!

Oh, and how happy is she to be 3!!!
Thanks again for sharing your girls with me C, I'll see you next week!

boys will be boys

2009-08-26T11:45:00.012-05:00

This summer I had the chance to once again photograph Jill's boys. The last time I saw them The baby was just a newborn. Now he and his brothers are well on their way to becoming big boys. When it was all said and done, I just had to put together this adorable accordion album to give mom bragging rights on her beautiful boys.

This little one wanted nothing to do with me and everything to do with worms and his new gecko....and I wouldn't want it any other way!

And big brother is doing a great job watching over the little ones!
OH, here is the wall design that we created to show off who her boys are right now. Thanks Jill for another wonderful time with your boys.

Right Now Redesign

2009-08-19T08:35:00.010-05:00

The kids just ran off to school, er...walked happily, ok left for their first day of school this morning! I now have the days back to do as I wish! Although I have to admit, I had a GREAT time with them this summer at the beach, the ball field and our summer long quest for the best ice cream.
I want to catch up on some posts now and want to start with a fabulous woman that I met through another client (I LOVE REFERRALS!!!). Laura Heitz has a very cool job! She is a room redesigner. Through her company, Right Now Redesign, she takes your stuff and gives it a new and fresh look. We worked together to give her a fresh new look for her headshots for her website and online presence for Facebook and LinkedIn.
Our goal was to capture Laura's fun, honest and creative personality for all to see. We looked at the various applications for her images and planned our session accordingly; we had a fabulous time to boot!!
Oh, stay tuned because I also used Laura's services and she helped me redesign my new living room space!! Pix to come as soon as the Family Photo Wall is complete!

I'm on FACEBOOK and Etsy!!!

2009-06-12T15:30:00.003-05:00

How could I forget?? This was added this spring as well, (told you I was busy). You can now join friend the LVP page on Facebook and you can see some of my fine art work for sale on Etsy. I'm still getting the knack of both of these, so please feel free to share your tips, but basically the easiest way to reach them is from these links.

One cold spring day...

2009-06-12T14:04:00.005-05:00

My new client and I ventured out to take a headshot for her work. Knowing exactly what we needed I offered to take some fun shots just for her as well. We managed to tuck inside some buildings in town and discreetly do what we had to do. I had such a fun time with her and she was so flexible with trying out different locations and ideas. Thanks so much Christine for a fun morning!

Love the shoes!!

Love that Strap!

2009-06-12T13:39:00.003-05:00

What a nice surprise!! Thanks to the Ells for this fun b-day gift that arrived today. I've wanted one of these for a while, but just never got around to getting it. The funky strap is from Elisalou Designs, how stinkin' cute is it!! Her site has all kinds of cool fabric bags & totes.
The best thing is that it got me motivated to blog again! I couldn't wait to share!!!
I've been so busy with our remodel this spring and then spring sessions started up so now I'm getting back on a new summer work schedule.
The kids have started with swimming and softball again and our evenings and weekend are spent at the pool and ball field.Today however is the first nice day in weeks and until we are off to tonight's game, I thought I'd share what I've been up to, while sitting on my deck of course. Next up...headshots!

just between friends

2009-03-01T09:46:00.013-06:00

Well, I've had so much fun creating unique and personal sessions for seniors this past year, but I thought, what better way to finish off your senior year than a group session of you and your best friends.
As you can see each of my senior sessions is completely customized to fit your personality and individual style. The YOU + TWO sessions are no different! We will consult as a group to come up with great ways to show off who you are as friends.

Available dates: March 22nd through June 14!!

Special Package Pricing of $95 per person includes:

A free no obligation consultation to design your group session
1-2 hour photo session for you and up to 4 friends
at the fabulous location we choose together
Online proofing
Mini Accordian album with 6 images
2 digital images for Facebook or MySpace, etc.
24 wallets
PLUS...when you pre-pay your session, you'll receive a free 8x10!!

Since this is not 'an ordinary, mass produced just like everyone else's pix' photo session, there are a limited number of spots available.
Contact me today to reserve your best date or if you have ANY questions.

Here is another peek of some recent Senior sessions

I MET ANNIE!!!!!

2009-01-05T12:28:00.005-06:00

In the photog world this says it all, maybe even outside of that world too. Anyway, this is somewhat old news, but still very exciting. Annie Leibovitz was in Chicago in early December and no matter what it took I was determined to go and see her speak. About 3 weeks earlier I told my husband that all I wanted for Christmas was her new book. As it turned out I went with my friends Cathy and Will, and we had a great time. We were about 50th in line and as it turns out there were over 1000 people that showed up! We sat in front and listened to her read from the book and tell some stories about some of her famous shoots.
Ahhh...what I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall at any session she has ever done--I mean, Lennon, Demi, Springsteen--wow. It was truly one of the most inspiring moments in my photographic life.
So here are some snapshots my friend Will was able to sneak (and from my iphone-supposedly no photos were to be taken-but I was regretting not bringing mine).
Enjoy!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-05T11:47:00.000-06:00

Time to celebrate and start anew! So as you can guess, I didn't get very far with posting on Christmas Eve. We got started with family time and just kept on going throughout the break.
I hope you had a wonderful time with those you love and are looking forward to 2009 as much as I am.
I am determined to continue to develop the online presence of LVP this year starting with more blogs, updating the web photos and starting a new Facebook fan club the end of this week!! So check back often!
So where does that leave us...Catching up on previous work I suppose.

And what a better place to start than with this singing and dancing free spirit! I've known this little ones mom for over 20 years-yikes! When we started this session we were fighting the rain and ended up having to re-start later in the afternoon. It was worth the wait, we saw all of her personality come out and play. In the end we also created a storybook and a mini-album which are just adorable.

Thanks Meg for a fun play day with Kelsey, she is a wonderfully exciting young girl! I had a great time!!

The Coat!!

2008-12-24T11:45:00.008-06:00

Well I am here on Christmas Eve with everything wrapped, well mostly, and I've got a few hours before the celebrations and cooking begin. I wanted to do a little catch up on the latest posts. let's see how far I get...

So the coat. When I got to this session I noticed right away that she was wearing a beautiful outfit by Matilda Jane. Their clothes are just precious and I've been dying to photograph someone in them. This is the Audrey coat AND it is reversible too! (sorry no shots of that though). Anyway, you can get these gorgeous clothes through trunk shows and art fairs. Check out their site for a trunk keeper near you.

Here are some additional shots from that session that we used to create an adorable storyboard. (sorry I'm having issues with the image size and posting)

True Fall

2008-12-10T20:39:00.004-06:00

I told her mom today that although it seems like I should have, I've never done a true fall session. You know the kind with leaves and all the cliches that go along with that. But when we said we were going to hang close to home and just see what we could come up with, it all 'fell' into place. This too is part of a card, so a bit of a sneak peek here. Oh, and she totally went and grabbed the rake on her own-honest! I think that is what made this all so genuinely sweet.
OH, next post...let's talk about that coat!!

Jeans & Hoodies

2008-12-10T19:59:00.011-06:00

This shoot was so much fun! This year mom decided to go casual and let the kids show of their vacation hoodies and we just let them giggle and play (you may remember their gorgeous red velvet dresses & sweaters last year) (it is part of her Christmas card, so only a sneak peek here).

I love his laid back stance, he just looks like one of the guys in this.Don't you just love this? We grabbed the bench that is in their foyer for this one and I just let her do what felt fun. And I love her new glasses--such the big Sis'!
Ah, and a private moment to play in the mulch. I think we can all learn something from this one. Funny how it is usually the simplest things that make us the happy.

Nicole you're the best, thanks for another chance to play with your kids!!

We Sisters Three

2008-12-10T17:36:00.004-06:00

Although I've known these girls for a long while, I saw them in a whole new light during this session. Previously I've only seen them individually, but the way interacted together was just very special. We went nearby the house, but to a park they hadn't been to before and just let them explore.
I had so many favorites from this session it was hard to pick what to post, so here's just a few and then it looks like mom and I are going to work on a mini album later on so I'll keep you posted.

I love love love this one. The repetition of the semi-circle with the land and water...it played right into my lens!

All the little treasures they found exploring

Thanks guys for letting us play!

Beautiful Dancer-Part Two

2008-12-10T08:18:00.007-06:00

So when this mother daughter team approached me this summer about a senior session we went over the ideas for the 'typical' session for my seniors. But then, mom REALLY wanted a dance shot since her daughter has been dancing since she was a little one. However, all her daughter could think of was all those dance poses she's done in the studio, in costume, with staged smiles and she said 'NO!'
I said give me some time to think of something that can work for us both and WOW!! look what we came up with. I had so much fun scouting for this one, I knew EXACTLY what I wanted and scoured all over to find a location that would suit our needs.
Here are the individual shots and the storyboard we printed in the end.

Thanks Karen & Paige for a wonderful session experience!

Breathing Room

2008-12-10T08:15:00.002-06:00

I am finally at a point where I can catch-up on whats been going on around here. Keep an eye out today and tomorrow as I am planning on a huge post-o-rama!
ready??....

Two Big Announcements!!

2008-11-06T16:26:00.003-06:00

So things have been crazy around here, but I didn't want to forget to tell you about this:And I'll be there with all of this:
Lynda from Greenstar will be there with lots of really cool vendors she's come across the past few years. It should be a fun night and I'll have lots of new things for you to check out. Oh, and I'll have fine art jewelry pieces for sale as well!
Hope to see you there!!

Firsts of Spring

2008-10-29T08:37:00.006-05:00

I met these little darlings earlier this year as part of a volunteer project. I joined the student photographers at College of Dupage for their 9th annual partnership project with Easter Seals. The title of this years show was "The Book of Firsts" and it showcased first events for the students of the school.
It was a truly rewarding experience and I wanted to thank my family, Mike and Lynne, for allowing me into their home and sharing their children with me.

Hooray for Greenstar!!

2008-10-21T08:31:00.005-05:00

Daily Candy loves Greenstar Creative--Yay for Lynda!!
Today DC came out with its Fall Wedding Guide and is featuring her luscious custom stationary. They only write their witty prose for the hippest companies and products in Chicago so it's a big deal!! Check out the story at http://www.dailycandy.com/chicago/

Isn't she lovely

2008-10-19T19:46:00.003-05:00

This started as a belly session, but she arrived when she was ready. We spent a beautiful morning together and she was just precious.

Gina and Brad thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with me and Congratulations!

Beautiful Dancer-Part One

2008-10-14T14:52:00.006-05:00

This one took a bit to happen but we had a great time once we finally got together. The original date was the weekend we had torrential rain for 3 days. Not good, for more reasons than you can imagine. But, after my trip out west, we got lucky with the most beautiful day.

It is a 'Part One' because P. is a dancer and we did some really cool shots at the end of this session to show off her talent in a very artistic way. I'm still working on some unique items with the dance shots and will share soon.

These however were taken at a great old building with beautiful fall color changing ivy.
enjoy!

I can totally see this on on an announcement of her Graduationhello Gap? we have a new model!

Going to Scarecrow

2008-10-10T07:11:00.008-05:00

Real quick. Today I am heading out to St. Charles to see my friends at Eliza Jane. The towns annual Scarecrow fest starts today and we'll be behind the store showing off all the latest and greatest.
I'll have those fabulous photo purses plus new sterling silver photo jewelery-my samples seriously just came yesterday! Also, I have a gorgeous photo albums that can be custom designed with luscious leather covers.
Plus for all you who stop by to say hello, I'll have special gift certificates for prints.
I'll post some pix later today. (Already did keep reading!)
Scarecrow runs today through Sunday and I'll be there today until 1 and tomorrow from 1-9. Hope to see you there!

here are some quick Snapshots from today. AND they had a huge 50% off sale!!

Owners Nicole and Megan

California Girl

2008-10-03T09:40:00.005-05:00

Well it certainly wasn't easy, but I picked a few fav's from this session out in CA. As a graduating senior she was excited to have her 'real' pictures taken. She was so much fun to work with and really up for anything. We did all these AFTER she sat with the family for those shots (see previous post). I think the only reason we stopped is because she had to go to a soccer game.
enjoy!

love this!!
Thanks K, I had a great time!

The family that plays together...

2008-09-30T10:25:00.005-05:00

So, I knew they were going to be fun from the get go! Without giving up too many incriminating details...let's just say we made the shoot work for what we needed and had a blast!
It was such a pleasure working with a family that genuinely loves each other and loves to have a good time together.
I know what you're thinking, two dogs in posts in a row?? But I said we'd try it and Harley is definitely part of the family and such the guard dog, don't ya think?
Doesn't this totally capture what every teenager thinks of their parents?? Love it!
One of the quieter moments.
A bit of explanation here, we wanted to try a shot of bother and sister 'sparing' (it's a football/soccer rivalry thing--I'll show later) but while she was getting ready we played around with the light and thought we'd try a 'cover shot' pose. I thought it was a fun look with the strong pose and beautiful sky.
No I didn't forget about the fun HS Senior shoot we did too. Still working on those, hope to put up in the next day or two. But just look at her--She is gorgeous and it shows in every frame-I'm having a hard time narrowing them down!
On a personal note...Brenda, thank you so much for sharing your family with me. It truly made a wonderful start to my vacation!!

Happy Birthday Sista!

2008-09-30T10:02:00.003-05:00

Well, her birthday was last week but I went out to California to see her and her new place. We had a great time together and just the right balance of fun and work (more posts coming about sessions out there!)
Here are just a few from our time together--SNAPSHOT WARNING!! My point and shoot is broken so these were with hers and even from my phone--yes I use mine in a pinch.

She's in purple and I'm in the green-total Mardis Gras thing going on. She looks great for 22, huh?
Ok, so we have farmers markets too, but I am always amazed at the quantity and colors of the offerings here. I ate all my strawberries before I even got home and the grapes, plouts & plums were just divine!

We went out to Rollins lake one day with some friends and what a beautiful site!
I don't do pet photography, but couldn't pass this one up of her dog Grover. And yes he did jump in and ugh, what a muddy mess!
Ok, next up will be from the sessions I had there. An incredibly fun family and their HS Senior daughter--give me a sec....

i scream, you scream!

2008-09-17T16:50:00.012-05:00

The day before school started I took my kids to my favorite ice cream shop when I was growing up--it's tradition (but the butter pecan for dinner isn't always the case (sometimes it's strawberry!))
Anyway, when we were there I thought what a great place for a shoot and this little one's mama thought so too. With the blessing of the owner, we shot inside and out and had a blast.

I loved this one. And did you notice the cone is just the right size!

I don't know what I love more, the eyes or those curls!
Check out the shoes-I've got another shot of those that I'm saving for the photo album we're doing.

Perfect cooperation with the light here-yay
Watch of more from this session. Like I said, I'm creating an album of her for mom and I can't wait to get started with the designs.

NEW LOGO!

2008-09-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

Look what Greenstar made for me--thanks Lynda!!

'Nothing says Christmas like a Tank!'

2008-09-10T18:58:00.010-05:00

So it wasn't in the plan to do the boys annual Christmas card shot while sitting on a Tank, it just worked out that way. The past few years we've done some fun things with these guys from finding a new favorite barn (see previous post) to hanging out in an alley last year. This time we took a chance on somewhere neither of us had been and we couldn't pass up what we found.

Ok, so these may not make the short list for the cards but I thought they were a fun Sneak Peek---you'll have to wait until after their cards are out to see the rest!
Time to burn off some energy. Check out the giggle on little bro'.
So this is the shot you get when a 7 year old boy discovers the 'authentic' mermaid sculpture in the pond.

Twice as Nice

2008-08-19T17:24:00.006-05:00

When I first got the call for a session with 1 year old twins, I was smiling on the outside and my stomach was doing somersaults on the inside! I just had visions of them running off in complete opposite directions. Yeah, there was a little bit of that, but I had too much fun playing with them and trying to keep track of who was who! In the end it all worked out great.
( Also, it is amazing how they already each have their own personality--you'll see...)

the daredevil...Can you guess what happened next?

and the model--she loved the camera!

And the chair is still an attention getter. We were actually able to capture some quiet family time. Can't you just hear her saying "I love you guys!"

Some one on one time is always nice too.

Look how I've grown

2008-08-01T14:55:00.005-05:00

It was so nice to be asked to celebrate the 1st birthday of this little one. I was there at the beginning for her newborn picture and announcement and now just look at her.

And talk about getting lucky on location...as of that morning we were still not sold on the final spot for the session. I arrived early near the house and I saw this adorable shop that kept their flowers out overnight. We couldn't have planned it any better. She was so inquisitive and full of wonder, it was perfect!
Note the personal touch we added:

We brought the sunflower from home, I promise!

And here she is only one year ago...

Project Runway Returns!

2008-07-16T13:25:00.002-05:00

The TiVo will be ready to go tonight when Project Runway starts its new season!!
Oh and get this quote from host Tim Gunn in Sunday's paper: 'I mean, the Croc-it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously?' With comments and wit like that---I can't wait!

Birthday Time-Part Two

2008-07-15T13:52:00.004-05:00

So, I created some new packages to help my clients get a fabulous collection of photos ready to hang or frame (and save some $$ too!) Just look at the storyboards that were created from this sessions pix:this is one of my fav's!

yummy Chocolate background.

Here is the layout from the Wall Design Guide that Ann chose to display her adorable girls.

Birthday Time-Part One

2008-07-15T13:25:00.006-05:00

These two were a blast to work with! They just turned 3 and 1 and were such a fun pair to play with.
It was a gray cloudy day but we still managed to have a blast inside and outside.

I also was able to try out the new chair that I found and what a time they had with that

His Turn

2008-07-13T21:00:00.006-05:00

These were taken a while ago but as you can see I'm doing a bit of catching up on posting.
We had lots of fun with these--oh and QUITE the workout! We climbed about 100+ steps to get to the top of this old toboggan run for this session. If you look close in the first shot you can see where 'those who are in better shape than I' place rocks to count the number of times they get to the top!

Once was enough for me.

"Isn't She Lovely"

2008-06-20T18:33:00.003-05:00

These were a blast! I mean just look at her!

We went exploring and I just love this place--except for the creepy crawlies, enormous bees and broken glass. I have to say it was an adventure.

I totally want to come back here with more Seniors. I think it could be fun for a family and older kids too. I am working on bribing my own two to come with me out here next.

gotta run

2008-05-20T18:43:00.003-05:00

For any of you that have read my bio you'll know that I dream of running another 5K someday. (yes I used to be able to do that and more, but not so much lately) Well, that is all going to change this summer!

I have joined forces with my friends Claire and Sandy to be the run(/walk) leg of a tri-athalon this summer to benefit those with Ovarian cancer.

The training has been oh so fun and I can actually run about 1/4 of my distance so far.

I'll keep you posted on this one!

Little Angel

2008-05-20T18:26:00.004-05:00

Things are finally settling down after a crazy spring and I thought it would be time to get some of what I've been working on posted. I will be mixing these into the new website soon too, but here is a sneak peek.

These were from a sweet little Angel session a few weeks ago before her 1st Holy Communion.

The pearls were her grandmothers and she received the Bible and Rosary while I was there. It was a special session and we had a great time. She was so excited for her upcoming big day!

boxing, rock-climbing, apple pie

2008-04-25T16:38:00.003-05:00

Today's schedule:

Boxing was for me-LOVE IT!

Rock-Climbing was helping out in my son's class

Apple Pie was at my daughters school where it was the Medieval Celebration

(200 12 year olds, 200 pieces of pie and 0 forks!)

Lots going on for LVP-I'll post more over the weekend. Right now I have a date with TiVo, my long lost friend.

Oh and THE NEW WEBSITE IS DONE!!!

mama's turn

2008-04-02T10:55:00.002-05:00

During this cold miserable winter that we had, my friend approached me about a gift for her husband. So we grabbed one of his shirts and headed indoors (away from the snow).

As you can see after 4 kids she still got it! Who says only 20 somethings can pull this off?

miss you

2008-03-28T15:16:00.003-05:00

It has been a while and to sum it up it goes something like this:

california sunshine
had some fun
flu.

snow.
snow.
snow.

Alright-that's as far as I got. The bottom line is that I've had enough of winter and am trying to get in the mood for spring. Spring cleaning and changing some things for LVP. I'll be working on a brand new website soon so keep an eye out for that. The sun is actually out today and the kids started spring break. We're sticking around, but the rest of town is gone. It is going to be a long week!
I have some new work to post too. Much of it is from studio work I have been doing over the winter. I'll get that up next.
enjoy your day!

SNOW DAY!!

2008-02-07T09:01:00.000-06:00

When we saw the snow Thursday night piling up, the kids thought they'd try a new good luck ritual for bringing on the snow day-inside out pajamas. Well, it worked!
It was so beautiful-as long as I didn't have to leave the house.
So we planned a day of sticking close to home.
She is up to no good...
ok, so neither is he.
Rockin' out with the shovel.
A job well done (with a bit of help from mom)
What would a snow day be without some Fun! The kids went sledding with friends for a while then came back & played and baked cookies-YUM!
For me, knowing that I would be home ALL day, I thought it was a good time to make bread. I love the smell of the house when it is baking.It is also a way to keep the tradition going.
I have to tell you that this was the First time I made it all by myself. Usually mom does the work and I have to take careful notes.
Ahhhh........
It was nice to take pix just for fun. I feel like I haven't done that in a while and needed to just for me.
Now go and do something just for you & enjoy your day.

Go Red!

2008-02-01T19:48:00.000-06:00

Heart Disease is the #1 killer of Women in America!
Today is National Wear Red Day

This is an initiative by the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women that "celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke".
I learned of this cause a few years ago from my friend Jody who had a heart attack before the age of 50. Since then she has made sure that all of us "bunko" girls know the facts.
So do yourselves a favor girls; educate yourselves and help spread the word.

For more information visit the Go Red for Women website: www.goredforwomen.org

fresh look

2008-02-01T18:29:00.000-06:00

So that resolution you made about getting organized this year--here you go.
This fall I had the pleasure of working with Anna Glielmi, a professional organizer in the northern suburbs, and we had some fun!
Anna has recently launched her new website for her company Fresh Look Home. She was such a wonderful person to work with and we had a lot of laughs. So take a look at that closet and give her a call! Oh, be sure to ask her about the "Bakery Shots" that we took.

We were fortunate to have a beautiful day so we just went down the block and look at all the wonderful spots we found.

I mean really~look at this wall!!

As promised...

2008-02-01T17:44:00.000-06:00

Big blog make up day today! We had a snow day today so lots of work time and play time too. More on that soon.
But here are some of the holiday cards from this past season (with some new names).
I had some great designs this year, but also did some custom work with a little help from my friend Lynda.

(see more of their session photos "play time" on December 20th)
OH you haven't seen the shots from either of these sessions. I have to get those posted!
Here is the card from "Oh baby" session. What a fun holiday card/birth announcement!
remember this adorable family? I love the classic design.
Ok, more to put up.

happy 2008!!

2008-01-14T11:29:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share this before Christmas but it got terribly busy over here, but it was too fun not to share. It is one of those shots that we all have with the worse Santa ever and really mom, how old are we in this anyway?? But honestly, this is the one Christmas picture that comes to mind from my childhood and it really was a catalyst for me to take great shots around the holidays for others.

It does however actually say a lot about our break-we had LOTS of laughs and I got to see my sis (in the yellow) out west.We took the kids on a cruise and then off to AZ for some fun in the sun with Ed's sister. Oh yeah, it was a TOTAL SURPRISE!! We woke them up at 4am and said "Time to get up, we're going on vacation"! If you have the chance to do that for your kids, you have to do it. The expressions on their face for that moment was worth all the stress of secretly planning & packing. The trip really was nice because we got to spend time together with family that we don't get to see as often.

We were gone for almost 2 weeks and it was tough getting back into the swing of things.
But I am back in the office now getting ready for a fun winter. I'll share with you some more of the fall prints and projects that I have been working on and I have some more fun projects on the horizon. I'll keep you all posted.
enjoy your day!

A Christmas Dickens moment

2007-12-21T10:05:00.000-06:00

Alright, for this one I HAVE to share some background. This was a session planned for one of the gals at Eliza Jane (that fun girly shop in St.Charles). We had set the date way in advance to get the kids when they were out of school and before they went on vacation. Wouldn't you know it, this day was just miserable around here. There was fog and a mist that hung on for the entire day as it turned out-even though it was supposed to be sunny by 9am.
We decided to press on and fought through the weather.
They were dressed to the nines as they do for their Christmas photo, but this year mom wanted to try something new. Between the fog and the traditional dress combined with the fun scenery we found the results all came together oh so nicely. WOW!

But stay posted (ha,ha) there are more to share from this session, and others as I continue to edit and keep working on in the new year.

play time

2007-12-20T09:37:00.000-06:00

No not for me unfortunately. I am nursing myself back to health today. Yesterday wasn't any better either. I have lots to do to get ready for Christmas, but today I just need to get rid of this nasty cold & achy feeling.
SO, what better way then to Post!
These are from one of the fall sessions. This big sister and little brother has so much fun just playing together at the park. Doing what they do best.
Football. Their favorite game to play together. just look how he goes for the ball!
he was just so sweet, and had such a fun time playing

Look how she watches over him, what a good big sis'.

She was such a natural for the entire session

FUN FUN FUN!

ok this was a happy accident, I admit. It was just when I played with it later did I notice how adorable his expression was and I had to find a way to keep it in the set.

Oh Baby!

2007-12-18T07:34:00.001-06:00

What a sweetie pie! This little guy was just adorable. His big brothers were along too to get in on the action, but this was all about him.

"you're going to put the baby in there??!"

Safe and sound back in daddy's arms.

less than 3 weeks old and look how smiley he is? ADORABLE!
Big brother shots and Christmas card to be posted in January.
Lots more to share, keep checking back.

family time

2007-12-11T09:47:00.000-06:00

As promised, I want to share the shots from this fall/winter so what I thought I'd do it is at least every other post; that way I won't feel so behind. I will not let this get like my personal scrap booking which is always a bit behind.
So, these are from a family session on a beautiful fall day. Our goal was "at least one" for the Christmas card. We had so much fun and just letting the boys be themselves and sneaking in a few family shots too.

ok, I'm still figuring out this spacing thing with the pix & text. But, how cute is this family?!! The boys were so excited to show me how they could be "BIG BROTHERS" for this one.

These boys just loved being front and center,but I have a feeling that someone might be stealing the spotlight some time soon...
We did get the "one" (and two and three...), but I think I'll wait until after I know her holiday cards are out before we share those with everyone.

Happy 12th Birthday!!

2007-12-04T10:40:00.000-06:00

Well we made it through the birthday adventure.
What started out as a plan to drive downtown and go ice skating at Millennium Park turned into a train ride and a trip through Macy's. That would be due to ice storms, sever weather warnings and the first snow of the season. It really was beautiful to see all the DT lights covered in ice, but the sideways sleet, I could have done without.

As promised, here are some pix for you Juju.

The girls had such a fun time on the train, and who knew it was only $5 ROUND TRIP for me and 5 girls on Metra!! So much better than parking.

Once we got there we took the Trolley to State Street and did the obligatory trip to Garret's and saw the windows at Fields, I mean Macy's.
Saw Santa and a menagerie of life sized stuffed animals in the FAO Swartz toy department.

Then we headed upstairs and saw Martha's Tree (eh. just so-so compared to trees of the past in my book).

Lastly we went over to the Christkindlmarket for some toasted nuts, German Snacks and shopping. (this is not to be confused with the Kindermarket that I originally called it and my German friend thought I was going to sell the children when the afternoon was over!).Way too much rain/snow/sleet to take any pix here, but it was lovely.
Then a run back to the train station for pizza and "Hairspray".

post turkey work flow

2007-11-27T09:12:00.000-06:00

What a whirlwind of the past few days. Lots of turkey and work! I finished up the fall shoots on Monday before Thanksgiving and have been reviewing and editing ever since. I'll be sharing samples over the next few days/weeks.
Hope you all had a fun Turkey day. We took the kids to MI for the weekend and feasted on Turkey and shrimp dip -yum!(this link is close but no lemon with dill and hot sauce). No pix since I didn't even have a clean card to shoot with. I had an overhaul of my archiving work flow and wasn't ready to clean off the past images. (Isn't there an appropriate saying about the Cobblers children never having shoes?) Anyway, my mother in law is so ready for Christmas, her favorite holiday, with a professional Santa for a husband and more Dept. 56 houses than you can imagine it got all of us in the holiday mood.
I on the other hand have my daughters birthday this weekend (12-I am so not ready for the next few years!) and can't even think about decorating yet. It is going to be another busy week ahead!

i love fall shadows

2007-11-15T16:28:00.000-06:00

I did it! It took a while and two different browsers, but the new blog is ready to go. This should make my life so much easier. The old was was so icky and a very long process of passwords, firewalls and other things I know very little about. So, what have I been up to?? Oh so much since my last post, but I'll just start from now.

I can't believe how fun this past few months have been. I have been keeping so busy and have been enjoying all the new clients I have worked with. I have tons of new work since I last updated the website, so I am planning on this being the place check it all out.

As for this shot... I love the fall lighting and the long shadows that we get. I rarely have clients so purposefully pose, but I couldn't pass this idea up. We had spent quite a while in a beautiful park, then I took one look across the street and saw this falling down building and knew we had to use it. I have more from this session that I will share as they go through editing, so keep checking back and let me know what you think!