There are many reasons I love photographing family’s in and around their homes. Your home is where the majority of your memories are made as a family, so why not make your photographic memories there too? As you can imagine, photo sessions with 3 young boys comes with it’s challenges, but because we were in their “safe place,” the boys were able to play and run around comfortably, which allowed me to get so many genuine smiles and expressions. Photographing this family in their natural habitat has created even more special memories for this family to treasure.

You know how you see homes in magazines or Pinterest that you wish you could just move in to? You might think to yourself, “No one really has a home like that, and if they do they don’t live in it.” Well let me tell you friends, not only is Martha’s home one of those picture perfect dwellings that you dream of having, she and her hubby Glenn, and their 3 beautiful daughters, plus their dog Wrigley all live and make memories in this beautiful home you are about to see.

NILMDTS offers the gift of healing, hope and honor to parents experiencing the death of a baby through the overwhelming power of remembrance portraits. Professional-level photographers volunteer their time to conduct an intimate portrait session, capturing the only moments parents spend with their babies. Parents are gifted with delicately retouched heirloom black and white portraits free of charge.

Kristina and Ricky have the most adorable kids. Like seriously cute with their blonde hair, blue eyes and contagious smiles. They are neighbors down the street, and I have had the good fortune to photograph them several times throughout the years. Most recently, for Kristina’s maternity photos, modeling a couple dresses in my collection.

If you can’t tell from his proud smile, Camden is going to be the best big brother to baby Abram when he arrives in just a few short weeks. Greg & Marissa are sure to enjoy the extra set of hands! I’m not sure how he feels about diaper duty though!

A quick 30 minute photo session was just the perfect amount of time to walk around Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. The flowers there are so gorgeous and the way the yellow flowers add a pop of contrast to Jen’s red dress is so lovely. Doesn’t she have the cutest little bump?! Best wishes to the Tamas family as they soon welcome their newest addition!

Saturday I had the honor of photographing the Luke Remington I Made a Difference Walk in Rantoul, IL.  The walk, now in it’s 11th year donates 100% of it’s proceeds to The American Cancer Society and other cancer related organizations.  The evening started off with the National Anthem, and then a reading of names of the honored by Jessica Holmes while Amazing Grace played softly in the background.  Following reading was the survivor walk.  This is always such a moving moment at events like this and it was inspiring to see the bond they all shared.

This little darling holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons.  I first met her mom, dad when I photographed big brother Nolan at about 6 weeks of age.  Since then we have seen each other at least 2 or 3 times a year for pictures, including mom & dad’s wedding last September!  Not only that, she is also my birthday buddy!  Don’t you think it’s such a thrill to know someone that shares your same birth date?! 

Recently, my film images were featured in a blog on the Happy Tog’s website.  My friend Holly writes about a truly epic night when we were reminded to slow down and pay attention.  That is exactly what film does for me.

Often people ask me what my favorite age or genre is to photograph.  That is an almost impossibly question for me to answer.  If I’ve just photographed a newborn, I say, “Newborn!”  If it’s a wedding, my answer is, “Weddings, I love LOVE!”  So if you had asked me after Gibson’s 1 year photo session, the answer would have been, “One year old sessions with a cake smash – hands down!”