Jude | Rooftop Modeling Session | Rockford Fashion Photographer
One of the many reasons I love what I do is meeting and collaborating with people who become fast friends. I first met Jude through a mutual friend to collaborate on another photo shoot. Jude is an extremely talented make-up artist. You can find her on Facebook HERE.
Working with other's in this creative industry has been a beautiful blessing. I always get very nervous to reach out to other photographers or creatives, but I'm quickly learning that more often than not, people want to help, and see other's success. It has helped me grow as a person, and make meaningful relationships that I will carry with me through my career and life.
Here is a little project that Jude asked me to help her with. It was a perfect evening on a rooftop parking garage in downtown Rockford, Illinois. This golden hour photoshoot showcases Jude's amazing talent of being a make-up artist.
Vanessa and Leo | Klehm Arboretum and Botanical Garden | Rockford Maternity Photographer
There are a few things I learned during this maternity session.
1. Always carry bug spray.
2. Always carry dog treats!
Vanessa, Leo, popcorn, and coffee are preparing to welcome a new baby into their family very soon. This sweet family and I met at Klehm Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Rockford, Il for their maternity session. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to continue photographing their growing family with a newborn session, and then an additional session after that. Did you know that I offer packages?
Here are a few of my favorites from their session! I think you'll agree that this baby is going to be beautiful after you see her mom and dad! Coffee and Popcorn are pretty photogenic, too!
Finley Faith | Ninth Year | Roscoe Family Photographer
This is a personal post today. I'm a little late taking her 9-year-old photos. It's not always organized, but yesterday after playing a little catch in the yard, I looked at her and said "Finley, your hair looks so beautiful right now. Let's take some photos." She was in agreement as long as I was ok with her wearing the new lipstick she just purchased. "Why not!" I agreed. She let me pick out her dress and she wiped her face off and put her own lipstick on. She wore a bracelet that we had brought back from Texas this past spring break. We spent about 40 minutes getting these images.
Finley Faith, you are beautiful, kind, compassionate, athletic, so so funny, independent, a good friend, a sweet sister, an amazing daughter, a graceful dancer, and an ambitious human being. Your laugh and nose scrunch is my energy! You have a bright future, and I couldn't have asked for anything more when God gave you to us.
Here's to being 9 and just who you are intended to be! You are so loved!
Behind the scenes | Rockford and Champaign | Midwest Family Photographer
Today I'd like to take you along a couple of my photo shoots. It's fun to see "behind the scenes," especially if you've never had your photos taken professionally. I've been lucky to have some friends come along some of my photo shoots to capture the work in progress. One of my favorite parts of my work is the interaction I get to have with the people I'm working with. Some people find it very easy to be in front of the camera, and other's don't. I enjoy the process of making people feel comfortable and creating a place where they can just be themselves. Posed photos have their place, but my favorite photographs are the ones where people are laughing, maybe not looking directly into my lens, and moving their bodies because of laughter or play. Getting children to laugh is really easy! The trick is to play, and talk dirty! Ok, Ok, maybe not talk dirty, but talk about stinky things. Or, when working with siblings, ask one to not laugh while challenging the other to whisper something silly to try and get them to laugh! It works like a charm! Most often, when I'm planning an upcoming photo shoot with young families, the parents are so worried about how their children will behave. I get it! Getting dressed up and getting in front of a camera is not always a child's idea of fun. However, when you turn it into a game, and maybe talk about ice cream at the end, spending an hour with me is not such a bad thing!
You'll usually find me becoming one with nature if your photo shoot is outdoors! I may even ask you to get in unique places!
She was already laughing because I told him to tell her who he thought had stinkier feet; mom or dad!
Getting on his level helped him gain trust in me. Plus, one with nature!
This little lady needed no help from me being in front of the camera! She's as sweet as she looks!
She was in heels and a long dress, but that didn't stop me from asking her to climb up and between these large concrete pillars. Complementing her task and joking about this endeavor created great laughter and movement.
I promise I don't kiss all the people I work with! This beauty is a close friend and someone that has worked so hard for her college education. Relationships with the people I work with is very important to me. Getting to know the people I work with help me create wonderful portraits.
My sweet sister came and helped me second shoot during a session on the University of Illinois Campus. She's the best, and how lovely is she?
Working with people is a great privilege. Documenting the important directions in your life is a great gift you can give yourself, as well as future generations. I'd love the opportunity to get to know you, as well as work with you! You can see the "behind the scenes" in person, and maybe even have a little dirty talk! wink. wink.
Graduation | University of Illinois-Champaign | Central Illinois Senior Photographer
It was a great honor to be invited to the University of Illinois campus in Champaign to take photos of 3 young Illini graduates. Two of these graduates are very near and dear to my heart. They are twin sister graduates of North Boone High School in Poplar Grove. Past students of my husband who is the principal of the HS. I'm very impressed with these young ladies. Their accomplishments will take them far in their lives. The third young lady is a friend of their's that I just met at the photo shoot. She is a lovely young lady that has chosen a path to make a difference.
Congratulations on your graduation from college, ladies! Cheers to an exciting new direction in your lives! I'm so proud of all of you!
Here's to Honest, too! Honest is Cait's most loved and cherished service dog that is always by her side! I loved that they all brought their pets to the photo shoot. It was a fun day!
Now is the time to start booking for your 2019 graduates! For the month of May, if you book your senior session with me, you will receive 20.19% off your session! Call, email, text, or message me with your inquiries! I'd love to work with your college or high school graduates!