The trade show, is thousands of square feet and hundreds of companies showing off the latest in cameras, lenses, printers, albums, backdrops, lighting, you name it!. It’s one of my favorite parts of the conference as it allows me to let my imagination run wild with ideas for new products to offer you all. Products that will help you display and enjoy the photographs of your family that we create, in new and creative ways.  One example are new die cut cards that can be used for Christmas cards, birthday party invitations, thank-you note, save the date cards… Your imagination is the limit! You’re no longer constrained by rectangles and squares! Hooray!  Stay tuned as we introduce new products throughout the year!

We were out to lunch at Millrose in South Barrington with fellow photographer Jay Crihfield.  These wines were for sale in their wine shop and they made me laugh out loud!  Evidently every Mommy needs a little time to herself…

We walked around the city late at night and there was just something about this hotel near the Red Light District — I know nothing about it– and I’m thrilled I got this picture.  The colors were amazing.

I just had the pleasure of photographing a charity event to benefit children’s cancer.  It’s called St Baldrick’s and the volunteers get donations for shaving their heads.  Six guys were the willing victims for a standing-room-only crowd.  Most were pretty nervous and shaggy when they went in, then laughing and freshly shorn when they came out.  It was great fun to be involved and meet some fantastic people from the community.  Special thanks to Dennis Schultz, Janice Fitzgerald and the St Baldrick’s organization.

John and I spent a week in Idaho with my family, doing outdoorsy things like skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.  It was beautiful and very relaxing.  We also rented snowmobiles and took off on one of the mountain trails.  

And I crashed into a tree!

I’m fine and the only damage was to my ego and the fender of the snowmobile.  I had to pay for the fender, but that’s okay.  Unfortunately I cruised through a big pocket of deep, heavy snow and got pulled into the trees.  I ended up stuck in about 3 feet of wet snow and it took three passersby with their snowmobiles to drag it out.  I’m fine, I’ve got a good story to tell, and we had a blast!

Christy and Steve on Oyster Bay Beach, St Maarten

While we were on vacation in St Maarten with our friends Andy and Brian, we met newlyweds Christy and Steve at the resort bar one evening and shared some Mai Tais. With no plans the next morning, it seemed like a great opportunity to do some beach photos!  Congratulations on your marriage, you guys, and thanks for being such great subjects!

Happy holidays to all our friends, clients and family!

We had a really fun Engagement Session with Cynthia and Brian today! We met at a Starbucks in Lakeview, and over coffee we talked about the photos they were hoping to take. Emboldened by chocolate croissants and strong coffee, we warmed up with some edgy shots in an empty lot. Went to Lincoln Park and walked along the waterfront. It was a warm, breezy day and the skyline was just –bam!– right there. And since Brian’s a huge Cubs fan, we took some great photos of them in front of Wrigley Field. Thanks for a fun session, guys! We think you’ll be thrilled with your photos.

What a fun day! We photographed the annual neighborhood block party on the 23rd block of N. Janssen in Chicago. We met our friends Paul and Kim Froning and spent the afternoon photographing the festivities, and also offered studio prizes for the raffle. We found ourselves focusing on the kids, including Eva, who was having her 6th birthday, complete with balloons and cake.

The band James Party of 4 rocked the block party til late. We had a riot. Thanks, you guys! We’ll be there again next year!