Posts Tagged ‘chicago maternity photography’

chicago film photographer | sparkles.

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

A few weeks ago I woke up at 4 am to head off to this photography family photography session… Yes folks, you heard me right – four. a.m.  I know that this probably seems like no big deal to the average person but I go to bed at like 2 am every night (trust me it’s not as glamorous as it sounds.. lol). But despite feeling like a total zombie as I trudged out the door that morning, getting these scans back today I’m reminded why I would do anything to get these shots… probably hands-down these are among the most beautiful images I’ve taken to date and I am so excited to share them.

But why were we getting together for a session at the crack of dawn you ask? Well you will probably recognize this gorgeous family who I am so happy to announce that they are expecting another GIRL!  Those who follow my blog probably know already that I’ve been photographing this bunch since big sister Avery was just 6 months old, and I can’t believe we’re already at this point. For this session we decided to spend the first half freezing our tushes off at one of their favorite walking paths to catch that gorgeous light you can only get right at sunrise, and then hurried back home to warm up and enjoy Avery and mama’s ritual milk & tea in bed. Oh, and the best part is that I got to play ‘princesses’ with Avery (have no fear when the princesses are here – we hunted down the witch and defeated her with our magic spells!).

Anyway, please hurry up and take a look at these images because they are seriously.. amazing. And I like to hope that they reflect the bright, warm, beautiful amazingness that is this family and what I’ve come to know of them these past few years. Love you guys and so happy for you, can’t wait to come back once ‘princess Aurora’ arrives!! XOXO

chicago family film photographers

hinsdale family photographers

fine-art child photographer in chicago

joyfolie shoes

above: we got these gorgeous shoes (left) from Joyfolie, one of my favorite favorite kids’ shoe makers ever. They are gorgeous and just by looking at and touching them it is evident how much craftsmanship and love goes into each shoe. I was incredibly bummed that it was so cold and Avery couldn’t wear these, but I was touched that she tried really hard to wear them for a few minutes for me.  

maternity photographers in chicago

best baby photography in chicago

chicago birth photographers

fine-art pregnancy photographer in chicago

chicago family photographers

and the best part… :)

…the following few shots were inspired by an advertisement I saw of Calypso’s that said “Always believe that something wonderful will happen…”

top pregnancy photographers in chicago

chicago film baby photographers

chicago pregnancy photography

above: I definitely don’t often do staged or ‘themed’ shots but every now and again I’ll see something that inspires me and when I have a willing subject  it is pretty darn fun.  And besides, these ‘sparkle shots’ were a little reward for Avery being SO unbelievably good and cooperative for us despite how cold I know she was (and all other parents please know, this is a wonderful exception to the rule, but not the norm for kids of her age. It’s okay to have meltdowns in the cold, I would too if I had no understanding of self-restraint :) ). 

best chicago child photographers

chicago pregnancy photographers

 above: Avery is going to be such an amazing sister – she already shows so much nurturing love and care, whether it be for her mama’s belly or her baby dolls :)  

chicago family photojournalism

pregnancy photojournalism in chicago

chicago baby photography

film family photographers in chicago

family photojournalism in chicago

chicago film photographers

Share

chicago pregnancy photographers | family.

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

I love all the sessions that we work on, but one of my absolute favorites are maternity sessions with older siblings where the focus is more on the growing family rather than just mom (though don’t get me wrong, I LOVE maternity sessions with first-time parents as well!). Older brothers and sisters always seem to make things fun and interesting, and to watch the dynamic between a family is absolutely priceless for me.  This bunch in particular had such a wonderful love and it made me realize… though I wish I could take credit, the love and emotion that you see in our images never comes from us or our cameras but rather from the people themselves.  When I first met with this mama she told me that the night before her three year-old said out of nowhere, “Mom, you’re my best friend.”  Ah be still, my beating heart :)

chicago pregnancy photojournalists

Even from that first meeting I knew I didn’t want to do anything to take away from the amazing and truly authentic connections that this family had with each other so when I came back for our maternity session I just treated it like I was a friend coming over to hang out and I happened to bring my camera along (which is essentially what all of my sessions feel like anyway lol).  We read books, we played puppet theater, and there was endless hugs and laughter and kisses.. it was perfect.  Congrats to them on their newest addition, baby Amalia (whose newborn session I will be blogging shortly!), and looking forward to our next meet-up!

CLICK HERE to view the slideshow in full screen mode

Share

chicago maternity photographers | a jet setter and a hero

Sunday, March 6th, 2011

When J&J first contacted me about documenting their birth journey, I was already so excited because they were referred to me from my friends and most revered photographers, David & Nancy Wittig (who, by the way, do amazing fine art wedding photography here in Chicago if aren’t already familiar with their beautiful work).  In our initial email communication, J expressed her love of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s photojournalistic style as well as David & Nancy’s candid and moment capturing approach.  She wanted something timeless and romantic but different than the usual pregnancy shots that she’s seen, and loved the cool feel of a friend’s engagement session as done by David & Nancy.  I read this and fell in love immediately – the ideas just began pouring into my head and onto my pen and paper as I dreamt up a session capturing the realness of their life and love before baby S’s arrival.  Despite hitting a few bumps in the road and rescheduling, I am so happy that we were finally able to execute both of our artistic visions for this session (I even whipped out my old Nikon F5 and incorporated some film work!).  I’m also incredibly grateful to this family for allowing me to share their maternity session images, as I truly hope this gives you some inspiration to go in a different direction with your maternity photos as well (or family, baby, wedding, whatever!).  As I was once told by Joe Buissink, it’s not about capturing a perfect picture so much as it is about capturing that perfect moment.

Also I’d like to end this with sending some buenas vibras J&J’s way as they are due to have their baby girl this week!  To be continued… :)

 

Share

chicago lifestyle photographers | catching up

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

This past month has been quite the whirlwind of unexpected hurdles and hardships for Vasili and I to say the least, which is why I’ve been a little absent from my usual blogging repertoire.  To refresh and ease our souls, we took a much needed vacay in the Bahamas (pictures to come soon of course!) and now that I’m home I felt I should celebrate my return with a blog post to share but a fraction of what I’ve been up to in the mean time (yes, one of the lovely ‘perks’ to owning your own business is that things must go on even when you’re not feeling your best).  We’ve watched babies be born into this world; worked alongside a good friend from Milwaukee at one of her newborn sessions; we’ve watched the snow fall as new love blossomed; congratulated friends on their business ventures and success; we’ve met families on the verge of growing; and revisited our favorite tiny babes who are not so tiny anymore :)  I’ve always said I’m a junkie for happy moments so thank you to my wonderful friends, family and clients for constantly reminding me of how beautiful this life really is.

Share

chicago maternity photographer | twins

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

This family and I have known each other for quite some time now as I’ve been photographing their sweet nephew since he was born, and now I am beyond excited that they’re expecting double the blessing this Spring (twin boys!).  Also, if you’re curious how this mama stays in such great shape be sure to check out Radiant Heart Yoga studio which offers pre-, post-natal and baby yoga (among other classes for adults in general).  Congrats B&A!  Vasili and I can’t wait to meet the boys soon!

Share