Chicago Family Photography: Valerie and Steve

2011 Favorites: Couples and Wedding Photography

I'm quite late in posting this, but I just couldn't pass up reflecting back on some of my favorite images from last year, especially since last year was such an amazing year of growth for me, personally and professionally.  And who doesn't love photographing people in love?  Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey!

Enjoy!
XOXO

Los Angeles Family Photography: Elissa

Elissa's little girl was just a few months old when we did a holiday session last year.  My how things have changed!  She's got quite a lot of personality now and is very fun and energetic.  You can tell Elissa loves being a mom and although her sweet little girl did not stay still for very long, she did allow us to play and take photos for almost an hour. 

I had a great time capturing their beautiful family.  And yes, it's the same basket!  She still fits in it, but not for long.  Elissa, thanks for letting me spend a beautiful day with you and Miss Z in gorgeous Marina del Rey!

Enjoy! 

Chicago Headshot Photography: Areck

I can't stress enough the importance of getting professional headshots, whether it's for a website, professional online profile, or printed material for your company.  They can be affordable if you want something simple and do just a little planning ahead.  Areck came to me needing just one or two photos but realized that having a professional photographer take them would add that extra polish. So next time you're uploading a profile photo to your website or LinkedIn, don't crop that vacation photo!  Call a professional and get something nice done.

Los Angeles Family Photography: John and Guille

It's always fun and amazing for me to photograph little kids for their annual holiday sessions.  They change so much from year to year, and John and Guille's adorable daughter was no exception.  Last year she toddled around and mostly just played, but this year she's bilingual, she wanted to organize her stuffed animals, and she can literally run around.  It was a challenge to get her into the photo with her parents, but well worth it when I saw her sweet smile in some of the frames.

Enjoy!

Joe and Jenny: Ventura County Family Photography Holiday Session

You may remember this little cutie from her newborn session when she was just a couple weeks old.  She has, if it's possible, gotten even cuter because now she reacts to things that are going on around her and has one of the most adorable little giggles I've ever heard.  Her parents are very patient and sweet with her, making this session really fun.  We were going for a fall theme and even managed to secure a lovely Christmas tree lot location, but alas it was almost 80 degrees in California that weekend.  Not that I was complaining...

Jenny and Joe, thank you for allowing me to capture your family again!  I feel so blessed to get your sweet little girl in front of the camera twice this year.

Enjoy!

Ventura Family Photography: Ryan and Katie

When I was home recently Southern California decided to have amazing weather and I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend part of my Sunday afternoon than at the beach taking photos.  My brother in law and his family hadn't taken photos since my niece was very young so we decided we'd sneak in a quick mini-session.  It probably wasn't his first choice for a Sunday afternoon activity, but Ryan was a good sport anyway! 

To top it off, he recently proposed to Katie and we are very excited that they are now planning their wedding.  So it was a fun time to show off her new ring and celebrate their engagement with some photos of just the two of them as well.  And of course, from a totally unbiased point of view, my niece is super cute!  I love spending time with them.



Enjoy!

Seriously, how gorgeous does Katie look here?  And you can see where my niece gets her looks from!

Ventura County Newborn Photographer: Baby Emma

This shoot was really special for me for several reasons.  First, I was able to photograph a newborn baby before she was even two weeks old, which is the perfect time to schedule a newborn session.  Second, baby Emma is the cousin of another cutie I've photographed and I can't wait to photograph the girls together someday!  Last but not least, being invited into someone's home just after the birth of their baby is so amazing and Jenny and Joe honored me immensely by asking me take some of the first photos of them as a family.

I'm sure you'll agree after seeing some of my favorite photos that Emma is an absolutely adorable!  When I look back at the photos it's hard not to just eat her up.  Jenny and Joe are such natural, loving parents the entire session was such a pleasure.



Enjoy!