While I was back in Michigan last month I was stoked to meet up with Jennifer to photograph a few maternity pictures. 

She was referred to me by another Jennifer that I did maternity pics for a couple months ago (and her wedding a couple years ago).  I love it when I get to take photographs of friends or friends.  It makes the world a smaller place.

Every time I do a photo shoot in someone's home I never know what environment I'll be walking into ... especially when its winter and we don't have outdoors as an option. Will there be any solid backgrounds... and light.. any way to utlize their home.. etc?   I have to say this time I was so excited to see the big window and great baby room (hand painted by the happy parents to be).  Of course I always bring backgrounds with me, but I always think its more personal when I can use my clients' home.

Jen, if was such a pleasure to meet you!!  You were such a joy to photograph. I hope you are doing wonderfully and that our paths cross again soon!!!

Love
A

So I've been a little MIA lately... since last I last wrote I left the island... flew to Vegas for 24 hours to attend a photography tradeshow and a Pictage event then hopped back on a plane and flew back across the country to NY... drove up to Massachusetts to spend time with the family (and ATTEMPT snowboarding... not very pretty)... then down to NY to spend more time with my family....  and now I'm back in Florida sitting in a coffee shop catching up on work.  I figured why not hit the 80 degree sun for a few days before heading home....  too bad its cloudy and rainy , that's okay... I don't mind, gives me a little time to finally blog!!!

Anyways...  while I was in Michigan I did the 3rd of 4 photo shoots with little Liam. Last I saw him he was barely sitting up... now he is crawling all over the place... we could barely get him to sit still.  It's been so neat to watch him grow...  He's definitely developing quite a little personality.  You can totally see it in his eyes...   watch it he's on the move!!!

Traci & Ken...  here you go... take a look at your little boy move.  Even though this photo seemed to be a little tricky I think these are some of my favorite pics... they really show his personality!!!  Can't wait till  I see you all again!!

One would think my favorite time on the island is in the middle of July... gorgeous sun, warm weather, boating, biking, flowers... all that fun summer stuff..  HECK NO!

You might think I'm crazy but my favorite time of year here is February.  Its quiet, peaceful, serene (except for the sounds of snowmobiles everywhere).  When in the summer there are so many people, everyone is working so hard it becomes difficult to find time to sit, relax , visit and truly enjoy the people and place around you.  Right now is a time when you can cozy around a fireplace, make dinner for one another, play games and just live.

This year was particularly exciting for me.  I rode across the ice bridge for the first time!! Last weekend my dear friend picked me up in St. Ignace with a cutter on the back of his snowmobile (aka sled)... and rode me across the frozen lake.  Mackinac Island residents save their Christmas trees every year in hopes that the lake will freeze thick enough to create a path to the mainland.  Then these trees are then placed as markers to show the ice bridge.  I have been hearing about this thing for years but never experienced it...  all I can say is that one minute I was terrified the next completely mesmerized.  I've never experienced anything like it.

Its always fun to see the different community activities on the island this time of year. Euchre one night, trivia the next, and then there's always bingo and great live music with local singers. Last week was the Village Inn's annual chili cookoff.... and now (since I'm a bit trapped till tomorrow because of a supposed storm coming in) its off to the Mustang to watch a bunch of guys pretend to have a golf tournament in the middle of winter... ahhh "Golden Tee"

 Its amazing how the island (and ice) can change minute to minute... from last week with a frozen lake to this week having to fly over open water.  After ten years this place still never ceases to amaze me.

Here are some pics... I hope you enjoy them... they are probably some of my favorite island pics..

Stay warm...  and may you all continue to find amazement and wonder in the world around you!!

Love
A

After spending the weekend on Mackinac... eating chili, seeing friends, riding on the ice bridge... and taking LOTS of photos (will be posted in the next few days)...  I am now sitting (on this day for love) in a LOVELY coffee shop.. called LOVELY  in Chicago, getting a little work done before meeting with an old friend.



Which brings me to my shout out... this dear friend of mine is 1/2 of the awesome duo Boutros... they just finished this video... and it ROCKS!!  If you get the chance check them out... they just make you want to smile and tap your foot...

Click HERE  to see the video... guaranteed it will make you smile!!

Wow.. in all the traveling I've done over the past few years I have never gone a whole week without wireless...  even in Macedonia I had it every night...  Florida really is a vacation spot (whether you mean for it to be or not).

Now I say "semi" vacation because I still have my computer and my camera and my iphone... AND MY FAVORITE WEDDING MAGAZINE... which means I'm still always working a bit...  but the whole emailing and blog thing.. I've got some catching up to do!!  SO ... here I am.

First... my favorite wedding mag... this one comes out once a year... its by Real Simple Weddings ... and it is AWESOME.  it covers everything... and has no ads. Beautiful design, easy layout, and fun to read!!  GO GET IT!!! 



Over the past week... I've flown from sunny California where the weather was a perfect 75 degrees  ... to Florida where it was 80 and humid... to Mackinac where I am currently sitting... freezing my batooty off with a temperature of about 1 degree!! 

So,  let me just take you back to the sunny beaches of Florida...  here are just a few pics:  (more to come)




Next week its off to Chicago, Detroit, and Lansing...  portraits tour around the state!

Have a wonderful weekend... and may you stay warm and cozy where ever you may be!

Love
A


Keep your eyes open I am going to be shooting a bunch of Island winter shots.. including THE ICE BRIDGE ... and writing all about that soon.