Seriously, genes do not get any better than this.
I had the pleasure last spring to do senior photos for the eldest of the bunch, so when she emailed me with her idea to do a secret session with her brothers as a surprise gift for her mom, I was thrilled to be able to do it. We got it on the calendar way in advance and kept fingers crossed for good weather, and fortunately that’s just what we got. I was nervous the whole session, looking over my shoulder, waiting for Mom to drive by and see her surprise, but these siblings had it all under control and were as cool as cucumbers.
And Mom really has so much to be proud of because these kids are so awesome, which is apparent within 5 minutes of being with them. I already knew I adored big sis, but the guys were gems, too. They are the sweetest family, and I love that they are doing something so thoughtful for their mom. She is a lucky lady.
Friday, October 30, 2009 Posted in Families
We had our work cut out for us this day. This sesssion had been on the calendar for months, and with all the rotten weather we’ve had in October, I was a bit panicked about whether or not we’d actually see it come to fruition. After all, finding a date that eleven people would have free at the same time is not an easy feat. But when we approached the date, the weather was clear, so I let out a sigh of relief.
Only halfway into the session, it started raining. Yes, raining. Light rain, but rain nonetheless. It wasn’t like I could throw out the option of coming back the next day. Nope, it was now or never. So we whipped through the session at lightening speed and I prayed my camera would survive.
But it was fun. They were a fun group and good sports about it all despite the weather and some nameless teenage boys who would rather have had their ipods and cell phones confiscated for good than have their photos taken. ;) They made it work because that is what families do.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Posted in Families
It was a gorgeous fall day for this session…one of the few we’ve had recently. These two provided all the sunshine we needed though!
Saturday, October 24, 2009 Posted in Toddlers
Sigh.
As the fall season is winding down and our time in Chicagoland is soon drawing to a close, I get a little misty thinking about all the special people I have met over the past few years and knowing that I’ll have to watch them grow and change from afar. I so look forward to seeing my clients return each year and watching the babies and children and teens morph into such great little (and big) people. It’s really amazing to be on this side.
This was our third session, and this sweet pea has gone from a little wispy haired bundle of joy to a silly, talkative and imaginative little girl. It’s been a joy getting to know her family, and her sweet smile will stay with me always.
My baby turned 11 last month, and I have been so busy with clients and she has been so busy hanging out with friends and being 11, that we didn’t get around to taking her 11-year photos until this week. We miraculously snagged a couple nice days for them, which is hard to find in late October.
I don’t know where time went. She was once a dimpled little roll of marshmallow skin, a baby who kept me awake at ALL hours of the night because Heaven forbid she miss anything. And now she’s an intelligent, creative and beautiful ”tween.” Who thankfully lets me sleep.
I think I’ll keep her. 
I’ve always been drawn to blue candy. Blue M&Ms, blue pixie sticks, blue sweet tarts. Blue candy just seems to taste better. I think that is partly why I’m so drawn to this family…look at those blue eyes! Wow. Future boyfriends and girlfriends of these kiddos beware…you will be putty in their hands.
This has been a busy month for me! Here is just a sampling of who I got to play with this past weekend.
Don’t let the sunshine fool you…this session was cold. It was in the low to mid 30s when we started out and it took awhile to get my hands to thaw out afterwards. We kept the blankets and coats handy and ready between shots. Nothing a little Starbucks on the ride home couldn’t cure. That said, I’d do it again in a heartbeat to spend time with this awesome family. This little cutie reminded me so much of my oldest daughter at that age, with the bright eyes and little round cheeks and the smile that lights up a room. Warms my heart. ;)
This one cracks me up. When a toddler is done, a toddler is done. And no amount of bribery can convince them otherwise.
Saturday, October 17, 2009 Posted in Families
We had one of those crazy, windy Chicago days for this session. I was sure we were going to have a Mary Poppins moment but fortunately everyone stayed grounded. It was beautiful though, and so was this family. They are true nature lovers and it was nice to explore the great outdoors (no matter how windblown it was) with them. Something to cherish.
This first photo says so much…
This was such a FUN session! Everyone brought their game with them, and they were so relaxed and silly and comfortable and I had such a good time capturing that. I really think that is what makes a session successful. It’s not about the right smile or the hair or the cute clothes or the location. It’s about just being in the moment. That’s how magic unfolds.
by Leigh
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