I knew when I left their home that the images would be magic.  Not because the people in them were beautiful (although they were), or their home was immaculate (although it was) - but because the love they felt towards one another was so tangible, you couldn’t help but see it on film.  It’s the kind of love you just want to bottle up & keep forever…and I guess - in a small way - we did just that with these images. 

Enjoy your sneak peek N & J!  You will have lots more gorgeous images in your gallery - this is just a small sampling!  25 comments from friends & family = a 5×7 on me

A little over a year ago, I hired a rockin’ assistant named Katie.  I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her gorgeous family several times, this being one of my favorite sessions.  I always have fun being around her family, and this morning was no different.  The little babe you see in this session is now three, and looking quite grown up these days!  Here’s a super-duper sneak peek for her momma…who continues to make SKP run smoothly, and is forever making me look good :) 

Welcome to THREE, Miss L!  I love you!

SKP is back in business for the new year, and what better way to kick things off than photographing this lil cutie :)  Her family successfully bid on & won their session with me at a benefit last year.  I was so glad to finally meet them after months of communicating over email.  Such a warm, friendly family - and very, very enamored with their little Lilly

When I asked L’s mom if she was walking yet, she said no - but that she’s constantly standing on her tiptoes.  It’s the little things they do that we too soon forget - and now they have it recorded forever.

The fact that they are all sitting together for a picture and noone is whining is a miracle in and of itself.  Add on the fact that I didn’t even have to bribe them with candy, ice cream, or a trip to Disney World is just a bonus

Disclaimer: Noone was harmed in the making of this photograph - and for those who don’t know, that’s (left to right)  my sweet nephew, my baby girl, and my little buddy

This little guy, that is.  I don’t know if it’s the blonde hair/blue eyes combination, or maybe his shy little smile (with a head tilt, mind you) that he throws my way, or maybe just the fact that I’ve been watching him grow up over the last 2 years.  Whatever it is, my camera loves him. (and okay…I do, too)

Here’s a peek from his family’s Fall Mini Session.  We hopped in a truck and drove around their family’s property, stoping at pretty spots along the way.  Such a fun, easy session.  M & S - you were great to work with - as always :)  Oh - and we got some gorgeous family shots as well, but I’m not showing those as I don’t want to ruin any surprises for your Christmas card

 30+ comments from friends & family = a 5×7 of each of these images for the proud mom & dad!

50+ comments from friends & family = a digital image on CD of one of these images (parent’s choice!)

Little G was helping his daddy drive on the way back from the cornfields - and I had to snap a few from the passenger seat :)  LOVE this moment.

…thanks to gorgeous, unseasonably warm temps, and some fun sessions with repeat clients.  Can’t get much better when one of those sessions was with these two cutie pies:

30+ comments from f&f = a 5×7 of each of these images for the proud parents!

Another sneak peek coming soon from today’s session!

I’m a bit buried under proofs right now, but just had to post a sneak peek for this sweet family.  We had a chilly day for our session, and we only had 30 minutes - but we got some gorgeous shots!  Just had to share the first few I opened up this morning. 

Oh yeah - and if we get 30 friends/family comments on this fam’s sneak peek, I’ll gift them a mounted 8×8 of this storyboard - suh-weet! 

Ok, so everyone knows by now that I specialize in portraiture of children,  babies, and families of children and babies :)  Well,  I broke out of my comfort zone this weekend and had an amazing session with a senior!  His family are dear friends, and my hubby & I have had the privilege of being his youth leaders for the past 2 years.   We’ve watched him mature so much in his faith over the last year, and step up to become a true leader among his peers.  We are so proud of this young man {sniff} and I was honored to be asked to shoot his senior session.  It’s also no secret that our little girl has been seriously crushin on this guy for the past year+.  :)  We’re not even sure how/when it started, but she turns into a giggling, shy little girl whenever he comes around.  He’s such a good sport about it - as is his girlfriend

I had so much fun running around downtown with this guy & his momma.  It was a chilly 40 degrees outside, but we had so much fun that we barely noticed (emphasis on barely). :)  Thanks for a rockin’ session, Grant!  I hope you’ll remember me when you’re a famous Hollister model someday

Enjoy your sneak peek!

Found this oldie but goodie while cleaning out my external hard drive.  Hard to believe this little lady is now 2 years older!  This was one of my first paying clients, and I can still remember how fun this session was! 

I had the pleasure of photographing this lovely family last night.  Their mother happens to also be a photographer from Central Illinois.  She (like many photographers) has a serious lack of family photos that include herself - I can certainly relate!  I was flattered that she asked me to capture some memories of her with her family.  We met up at an apple orchard just outside of her hometown…

Enjoy the peek, S family!