A couple weeks ago I was going through Chicago and mentioned it to Lisa and Don.  They live in Indiana, are getting married on Mackinac and were thrilled at the idea of an engagement shoot in Chicago.  I of course jumped at the chance!!  Any excuse I have to photograph Chi-town and visit that city always makes me happy.

We decided to meet downtown and wander around the city, unfortunately the 60 degree weather from the week before was no where to be found... so instead we shivered our way around the city!  None the less it was fun... we went from Millennium Park to the river walk, had a little break with Champagne at Trump Tower to celebrate their upcoming wedding (and an excuse to de-thaw)... before walking around the lower streets a bit more.

A little about Lisa and Don... they met at a dance studio!!  I love this, so of course I made them show me a few of their moves.  Can't wait to see their first dance... pressure is on you two!






I've mentioned this before but I absolutely love doing engagement shoots. Especially now that I have found the greatest guest book ever.  Its a hardcover 8x8 with matte pages individually designed... check out the design of Emily & Chris's Guestbook. 

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!!

My dear friend Rob (who is an amazing photographer himself) gave Tahnee my information. I am so glad he did.  I had such a fun morning with her and her lovely family. 

I didn't realize until I arrived that Tahnee is also a photographer. Photographing a fellow photographer can either add more stress or make it a lot easier.. .  Luckily Tahnee was so nice and we hit it off right away.  As most of us photographers say when faced with the front of the camera..  no posing make it more natural... Since I had a fellow camera-slinger in front of me  I thought much more about what I was saying and doing to make her feel comfortable and NOT posing... but I then realized  I do kind of "pose" people in a very loose sense.. . but the pictures are not of the pose... its the moments before and after that appear natural that get captured...  I guess pose isn't the right word...  its more like creating moments through interaction and activities... does this make sense?!?

The wonderful thing about photographing another fellow photog is that as I was working we chatted about the nature of photography .. what is posing... what is natural...  its always great to have the opportunity to bounce ideas and concepts off another.

Thanks Tahnee!!  It was so much fun to hang out with your lovely lovely family!! I look forward to keeping in touch in the future..  next time your up in SB we will have to get together!!

Did I mention.. Lila (her  adorable 3 year old) even invited me to go get Pinkberry with them afterward.. she was VERY excited about the photo shoot... he even pulled out her own camera and helped!!



May you all see the opportunity to gain a new perspective from lovely unexpected places..
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Love,
A