Photography by Kimberli

{Miss Lou}

2009-06-06T22:32:00.005-05:00

My Lou turned two in early May, but between welcoming her new sister and trying to schedule for pictures around a photo-phobic two year old, I was unable to do her pictures until this past week. The weather was perfect - warm with a beautiful late day sun - and we were able to shoot at a beautiful location... my in-laws' back yard (see the previous post!). Lou was in a great mood and for the most part, she was bruise and scrape free... a rarity for my little tomboy.

I've commented in the past that it is truly difficult to photograph my own children, but I captured her perfectly on this day. At times, giggling...and at times, her true personality would shine through.

Wait...can I use the word "shine" when I'm talking about a face like this??

Oh yeah...here we go...she shines!

My Dream Garden

2009-06-04T22:37:00.004-05:00

In one word... JEALOUS.

These are a few - just a few - of the flowers that populate my in-laws' garden and yard. I've been working on incorporating bokeh into my photographs...playing with depth of field and composition. Floral photography is ideal for that experimentation. I had so much fun! Enjoy!!

{Miss A}

2009-05-22T18:05:00.004-05:00

After 9 months of imagining poses for my new baby, its quite disappointing that I couldn't shoot her newborn pictures with the creativity I had envisioned. But, she's still a beautiful baby and I am excited to show off her first official photos!!

A trip to Brookfield Zoo...

2009-05-05T19:39:00.006-05:00

Although I like to take pictures of my kids at the zoo, just to document the day spent with the family, I can't help but try to take some nice photos of the animals. Its good practice for composition and dealing with unruly, uncooperative subjects... a lot like photographing a 3 or 4 year old!

So, today I kept my 28-75mm lens on the camera (as opposed to a longer zoom lens), but I got some nice, crisp shots of a couple different animals! Especially the penguins... my favorites!!!

Honorable Mention...

2009-05-05T08:36:00.002-05:00

After waiting until the very end of April to hear word on the Bella Baby photo contest for March, I was disappointed to see that I didn't win. However, after looking through the gallery of entries, it was apparent that this was the best month so far for our photographers! Some of the entries were just breathtaking!

I did receive honorable mention for my photo! That was enough to brighten my day... so thank you to those who gave me some input on which photo to submit. I sent in my entry for April without consulting anyone else... Since I only photographed a handful of babies last month, I knew my "winner" right away.

To see March's winners - and my honorable mention - visit the Bella Baby Photography blog!

A model in the making...

2009-05-04T00:25:00.002-05:00

Although today was Lou's birthday party, when all was said and done, Bug was the one still standing...and singing...and dancing...and posing. So, I'll have to take Lou's official "2 Year Old" portraits another day. Instead, today I took more pics of my little supermodel.

The girl loves to pose and I love to photograph her... I truly believe my daughter is one of the cutest little girls I have ever seen. No...strike that. Most BEAUTIFUL little girls I have ever seen. Grown women would die to have her hair color (you can't BUY those highlights!). I would love to have ever had her freckles... and those big brown eyes?? Gorgeous.

Okay, enough motherly gushing... here's two of my favorites from today.

A Photographer's Kids...

2009-04-27T07:34:00.004-05:00

The WORST subject, by far...

Ask any professional photographer, "Who is your toughest subject?" and I'm sure the response (especially from parents of little ones) will be, "MY KIDS!"

On one hand, I have my Bug... the performer. The actress. The model. If she sees I have my camera trained on her, she goes into these weird contortions, with one hand over her head, the other on her knee. One fist under her chin, the other hand out in space... its strange. "Vogue" for her generation?! Ask her to smile, and you get all sorts of weird facial expressions... its bizarre. She's cute - don't get me wrong - but I just want to capture her as she is...

And then there is Lou... ask her for a smile, she says "Cheese" as she looks anywhere but toward me. Ask her to look at my camera, she says, "No pictures!" Ask her what's on my head (a silly attempt to get her to look in my direction) and the little smart alec says, "a barrette." (No...seriously, that's what she said, although for the record, I did NOT have a barrette in my hair!)

So, last night we took a walk. I brought my camera with the intention of taking a few photos of flowers; maybe snapping a few shots of my kids. Nothing serious... but they were being so cute, picking dandelions for daddy & me, that I started trying to take some serious photos.

I actually got a few good ones. Never mind that Lou still barely smiled for me. Never mind that their hair was whipping in the wind. For me & my kids, these are awesome pictures. Thank goodness I'm better with other people's kids!!!!

A Sneak Peek - {Mr. B}

2009-04-22T17:02:00.003-05:00

Its been a while since I've photographed someone other than my own kids - outside of my Bella hospital babies. So, when my friend Julie said I could photograph her little boy, I jumped at the chance. He's just shy of 3 weeks old; so, older than I'm used to, but that's even better... it was an opportunity to work outside my comfort level. Shooting in someone else's home (I'd love to shoot in Julie's bright kitchen more often!), dealing with a 3 week old baby (trying to get him to sleep while my kids and Julie's older son played with toy fire trucks!), and trying more creative poses than Bella allows...

So, thanks again Julie for letting me photograph {B}. He was wonderful and so adorable. Here's one picture...you know I had to play before doing anything else tonight!!!

A Beautiful Family...

2009-04-09T13:52:00.003-05:00

More often than not in the hospital, moms don't want to be photographed... if I think they are really up to it, I might give them a little push ("Let me take the photos, and if you don't like them, we delete them!"). Sometimes, I just drop it. Luckily, this dad told his wife, "You look cute" and so she decided to take pictures with her baby. Face it, moms... although we are the ones who spend most of the time with the baby, no one is going to be following you with a professional photographer to take pictures of your moments with baby. So, let me take the pictures now. You may regret it later, when you have no pictures of you with your newborn.

Anyway, I love the photos I got of this little family. So, I thought I'd share!!!

My Art & My Sister's Art...

2009-04-08T15:51:00.004-05:00

Every member of my immediate family is an artist... Dad once drew an amazing picture of my mom with charcoals. It was so life-like that you'd think it was a photograph. AMAZING. Mom is a painter. She is one of the few people I know personally who can paint with any type of paint. I always thought watercolors were a child's toy, but my mom can actually paint with them - for real.

My siblings? Both brothers can draw a motorcycle to scale - complete with every part, pipe, switch and gleam of metal. Or they love to draw a mean skull. Basically they can draw minute detail... and both have, at times, been known to tattoo themselves or others... My youngest sister never fully developed her artistic ability, but was actually leaning toward poetry as a teenager.

So, that leaves my older sister and myself. I love to draw, but am I good? I don't know...for now I'll stick with my photography. My sister draws, paints, sculpts, etc... but give her some card stock, some ric rac and a stamp and its amazing. So, she did the invitations for my recent baby shower, as well as the decor, favors, etc.

Anyway, today I'm sharing my photographs of HER art... enjoy!

Cake pops made by my sister... sheet cake, crumbled up and mixed with frosting, then dipped in candy coating. Heaven!!! And SUPER CUTE, made to look like a baby rattle!

Hershey's miniature candy bars, just rewrapped by my sister. Cute!!

The favors... bags & labels handmade by Samara!

Samara's first attempt at a diaper cake! Can you believe she'd never done it before?!

THANK YOU!!!

2009-03-31T19:41:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all who voted for which picture I should submit... it was pretty close, but #2 took the lead spot with 10 votes. Fortunately for me, each picture received a few votes... and it was really interesting to see which ones people preferred - and why!!

So, I'm emailing my submission now... will keep you posted (if I win... which I should... right?!).

The Best Of March '09 - Help me Choose!!

2009-03-30T20:35:00.004-05:00

Every month, I submit my favorite photo for a contest held among the Bella Baby photographers. And each month, I am neither the first nor second place winner. In light of that fact, and now that we no longer have a monthly theme, I am having a heck of a time picking my potential winner... so I'm asking for help.

I have to submit my photo by midnight tomorrow, March 31. So, look through the pictures below and either email me or comment below... which would YOU submit?!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

Winter Returns... and {Mr. B}

2009-03-29T10:10:00.005-05:00

Today I am working... a rare Sunday, a favor to someone who has covered a shift for me here & there (not to mention, has helped out with childcare for the last couple of months). I had no problem taking the shift...except that last night, we got 4" of snow!! I left my house 30 minutes earlier than normal and good thing I did... it took me longer than usual to get here, and I had to detour... thanks to this little mess...

In the end, it was worth it though. I had feared the worst... I'd drive all the way here and have no babies to photograph. Instead, I've photographed the cutest little bundle of joy and I'm waiting on another, and a set of twins.

So, while I wait...check out {Mr. B}. Mom & Dad were concerned he might not cooperate. But thanks to my magic basket, we did a little better than okay with his pictures.

Enjoying springtime...

2009-03-18T13:21:00.004-05:00

Got out to enjoy the beautiful spring weather yesterday... here are a couple worth sharing.

Something different...

2009-03-03T20:47:00.002-06:00

Sure, I love photographing babies, and kids, and families... but with my deep affection towards sports and athletes, action photography is a natural choice. I'd like to improve my skills and how better than to practice? So, when my brother-in-law asked that I photograph him at a recent ice hockey game, I jumped at the chance. I apologize, Jay, that I'm just *now* editing these and posting them...

Just because I have a moment... {Little Ladies}

2009-02-27T12:53:00.005-06:00

I haven't shared any Bella pics in a while, so seeing as I'm sitting here waiting on a baby to photograph...

Introducing {Miss T}...

And introducing {Miss M}...

And finally, {Miss L}...

In Training... {Bella Life!}

2009-02-17T07:01:00.007-06:00

A little over a week ago, I began my Bella Life training. I'm learning from our senior photographer (Kim), how to photograph families in their own homes - or in our "homey" studio in Naperville. Although I have "studio experience", this is different. We don't use stationary lights. We don't shoot on a backdrop. We shoot real people, in real light, in real poses... not unnaturally squeezing everyone into the frame. Its creativity to the max...and I love it. As the owner of Bella Baby Photography says, it is free training that we can use to better ourselves not only as Bella Babes, but also in our own photography biz ventures. Thanks, Kelly...for being so generous! I TRULY TRULY mean that... I've learned so much in two sittings!! (And thank you, Kim, for your patience and willingness to let me try my hand at this!!!)

So, in this sitting, we had mom - who is 36 weeks pregnant - dad, and 4 kids - 7 and under. Awesome family. Lots of fun. And such a great looking family too!! They totally "fit" Bella Life. They ARE Bella Life. My trainer let me shoot behind her - shooting when she wasn't, taking pics of the kids while she focused on Mom, etc... It was great. I was able to play a lot with my lighting, posing, camera settings...knowing that Kim was doing the important stuff and if my shots worked - GREAT!

Here is a pic of the whole family... Kim was shooting, took a break and I just snapped away. There's no, "Everyone look here", "Smile for the camera", or for heaven's sake, "CHEEEEESE". I just snap while you BE. You sit and talk and laugh and look at me, or at your kids and if we get everyone looking up - its natural... If we get everyone looking at each other...its natural. Basically, I said it before and I'll say it again... Its BELLA LIFE!!!

I've got some awesome shots of the kids, as well, and I'll share them once I've had the opportunity to edit them... having problems with the old (or, not-so-old) laptop again... so we'll see when that will be!

Let me know what you think... Let me know you're visiting my blog!!

{Sisters}

2009-02-13T15:31:00.002-06:00

You might think this is yet another post full of bug & lou pictures, but its not! Today, I got to photograph an adorable set of twin girls, and also a baby girl with her big sister! So, I wanted to share... Enjoy!

Why I love shooting outdoors...

2009-02-11T17:31:00.004-06:00

Although I got my start as a "pro" in a studio, and now shoot primarily indoors - and with hospital room lighting! - I love to shoot outdoors with natural light. Its simple. Its beautiful. Its less editing on my part (haha).

This week, Mother Nature has given us a break from this horrid Chicago winter we've been having. 45 balmy degrees on Monday led us to a short trip to the Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, Illinois, where some of the following pictures were shot. On our trip home, I stopped to take some photos along the Fox River in St. Charles.

Even better was the 60 degree day we enjoyed yesterday! I arrived home from work at 1:30, ate a quick lunch, and got the girls in the car for the 45 minute drive to the Brookfield Zoo just outside Chicago. It was one of their February "free days" (every Tuesday, Thursday and weekend this month!), so it was worth it to go for just 90 minutes as we did.

Anyway, we got some time outside, and I got some pictures of my girls!! Enjoy!

{Baby G}

2009-02-11T08:55:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to shoot a baby on his way home from the NICU. Although I love working with 1-2 day olds, it is such an honor to photograph a baby who is finally headed home. As the mom of a preemie who spent time in the NICU (13 days!), I understand the rush of emotion - excitement, anxiety, apprehension, relief! - that comes on that day. This little guy spent a little more than 2 weeks in the special care nursery. Mom and Dad couldn't contain their smiles while unhooking his monitors and taking him out of the bassinet. I hope they love these pictures as much as I do... he was a tiny guy. Precious.

More of the {M Kids}

2009-02-07T18:24:00.001-06:00

A big thank you to the M kids, who cooperated yet again for me. After their family shoot in early January, we decided to get together again so I could take some more pictures of the kids and the family dog, Hannah. We got some cute shots, but I may be re-taking a couple that didn't live up to my expectations! But, here are my favorites...

{N & J and family}

2009-01-28T15:35:00.003-06:00

When I scheduled this photo shoot, Mom said to me, "We'll be your biggest challenge yet."

Yes, it was a challenge to get 3 children under 5 to settle in and look somewhere close the camera (or at least not burrow their heads into mom or dad's chest!). Add to that challenge, the new puppy! Luckily, this is a really laid back and relaxed family. They were willing to do their thing while I snapped shot after shot. I got some candid shots and a couple good family portraits. I'm sharing the portraits here, because that's what I edited first so I can work on submitting my Bella Baby/Bella Life certification portfolio.

Thanks, N&J!! For allowing me to *practice* on your family, and for having us over. We'll have to do it again soon!!!

Some Baby Love...

2009-01-28T14:23:00.003-06:00

In light of my recent computer problems, I haven't had the opportunity to share any of my work in a while...but yesterday I took some photos just just beg to be shared...

Look at this adorable little guy with his full head of hair, chubby arms & squishy lips. He slept through the whole photo shoot...even when I turned him this way and that and posed him!

At long last... a sneak peek of the {M Family}

2009-01-25T12:27:00.005-06:00

Two weeks ago, I photographed the M Family... and the next day, my computer crashed! Luckily, I didn't lose any pictures of the family, but I was without my editing software! So, thank you to K & family for their patience...

I really enjoyed meeting this family and appreciated their enthusiasm! The posing suggestions were great! I look forward to spending more time with you. I hope you enjoy the pictures I'm sharing here...

Public Service Announcement...

2009-01-14T12:50:00.002-06:00

When you're done reading this entry, you need to do me a big favor... go back up your files. ESPECIALLY your precious photos. NOW... don't put it off for a moment. I knew my computer was ready to crash, but I took my time...transferring a file every couple of moments when I passed my laptop at the table... and it crashed before I could get all my personal files transferred. Now, with any luck, I may be able to recover my files from my CF card (I have some software that I had to use on one occasion), but I'm still without any files I worked on with Photoshop. I'm also without my work files (spreadsheets and such; I AM smart enough to back up work files on a regular basis).

Oh, and don't buy a DELL Inspiron 1720. This is my second complete crash since I bought it in August of 2008. Twice in 6 months...that's just fabulous.

{Say Cheese}

2009-01-09T13:31:00.004-06:00

So, do you think this little man is happy to be heading home with mom & dad?! I'd say YES!!!! And after he flashed me that smile, he stretched out his tiny arms and legs...as if to say, "Ahhhhh...let's get OUTTA here!"

Little ladies...

2009-01-08T13:23:00.003-06:00

Today I had the opportunity to photograph three beautiful little ladies... and in one case, the little lady & her daddy. As well as a little lady with her gorgeous big sister! I couldn't help but share...

{Miss N & big sis E}

{Miss G with daddy}

{Baby Girl} (mom is working on a name!!!)

The {B Family} ... A sneak peek

2009-01-07T20:14:00.004-06:00

Thank you to my good friend Vicky for allowing me to photograph her family. Here's a sneak peek of my first foray into "in home" family photographs!

Sharing the {love}

2009-01-06T14:25:00.001-06:00

Today, I asked the dad of this baby to "cup baby's feet" so I could photograph the soles...and this is what he did. Love it, love it, LOVE it.

Happy New Year! Ending 2008 on a high note...

2009-01-01T12:05:00.004-06:00

I'm welcoming 2009, Bella Baby style. To me, today is just another Thursday. Sure, its New Year's Day...a new beginning...and all that, but I knew that today I'd be photographing the LAST babies of 2008, since we always shoot the day after they are born. And boy (or GIRL!), was today a treat.

I got to photograph one of the most beautiful babies I've seen. So alert and happy and posing for me just like a pro. Mom & Dad were great too (which really, really helps). I'm so in love with this little lady that I had to share immediately.

So, here's to 2008 - it was fun while it lasted - and to 2009... may it be a year of beautiful, happy and healthy babies (including my own, of course!).

{Miss C}

Our family Christmas celebration...

2008-12-22T11:35:00.007-06:00

Usually, our extended family convenes upon my mother-in-law's house on Christmas Day.

Its a wild time, with all my husband's cousins and aunts & uncles all in one place at one time.

But, in recent years, with each of those cousins branching off into their own little families, its hard to get everyone together. So, this year, we decided to celebrate on the Sunday before Christmas.

Yesterday, we had 6 "adults", 17 "kids" (the ones who are in my age group), and 11 little ones. It was heaven. Boisterous and loud and cheerful, we ate until our bellies were full (and then ate a little more), opened presents, watched football, and caught up with loved ones who we don't often see.

I tried to play paparazzi - especially during the madness of 9 kids opening gifts (two of the younger ones were asleep).

So, Jan - thank you for having us all!! It was great and I hope you enjoyed it.

To everyone else, I had a good time and wish we'd had more time to chat... hope you enjoy the pics and don't mind me sharing!!!!!

The Making of a Christmas Card - The Brothers {D}

2008-12-17T07:26:00.006-06:00

This past weekend, I visited my husband's cousin - the mother of twin 11 month olds and a 3 year old - with hopes of taking a Christmas Card photo of the boys. Mom planned it perfect - the boys awoke from naps as we arrived. They ate and drank a bottle and got dressed after playing a bit. Everyone was in a great mood and ready for the pictures... or ready to avoid pictures... or hog the spotlight (I won't name any names - {Mr B}!!!!!). Big brother did fabulous, giving me big smiles while trying to help mom wrangle the little ones.

When all was said and done, I got a couple that mom liked... but I preferred it as a storyboard. Telling the person looking at the photos, "This is what is involved in taking Christmas pics of a group of energetic boys."

The other part of the story?? Three happy little boys with big smiles on their faces in a big smooshy hug. Obviously three boys who are loved and who love each other...

Thanks, for letting me take their pictures and share!!!!!

Holiday Photos

2008-12-14T14:52:00.006-06:00

Last year, we spent a boatload of money on "professional" pictures of the girls for Christmas. We did some pics of the girls in their fancy Christmas dresses (thanks Nana) and then tried jammies in front of the prop Christmas tree... I thought some of the pics were stellar (although, I remember thinking..."I'll bet I could do just as well!")! My husband, not so impressed... So, this year, I was happy to try MY hand at their holiday pics.

A few weeks ago, I tried taking holiday pics - in fancy dresses (again, thanks Nana!) - of my girls, then of my niece, and then of the 3 of them together. My Bug and Niece "Miss K" did well on their individual pics. Lou wasn't having it... And the group photo was disaster!

So, this past week, I tried again with just my girls. Instead of dresses, this time we did jammies. And since Lou is rarely happy to be photographed, I bribed her with a candy cane. I think we did okay! Actually, I think we did BETTER than okay! I even took some pictures of Lou on her own after the fact.

A final thanks to the boss, Kelly, for sharing some tips on photographing at night. Although I was at home - not in the hospital - her tips worked wonders for me!! Would you have guessed I don't have a lighting set-up?!

My first attempt (Bug did well, Lou not so much, but I did get one worthy of sharing!):

Although this one is not our "Christmas Card" photo, it is my personal favorite from the sitting... No, she's NOT pouting. She was actually pulling the candy cane out of her mouth and I captured it at *just* the right moment...

And finally, pictures of just my Lou. She's so sweet, and so adorable, but really really uncomfortable in front of the camera. She must have been coming down from her candy-cane induced sugar high...oblivious to me in front of her...

Twins, AGAIN!

2008-12-05T11:58:00.003-06:00

I am definitely feeling the twin love, here at my hospital. Today I photographed another set of twins... this pair, born just yesterday! A little more than 24 hours old when I held them, snuggled them, and finally photographed them... {Miss M} was feeling the December chill and needed some extra warmth, so she wasn't so happy to photographed alone. But, as soon as I laid her brother, {Mr A} down beside her, they snuggled and looked so happy. I just adore twins. It truly is a photographer's dream!!

I took other pics today too! And I'll be sharing some in time, but I couldn't wait to get this one up...

I should probably share this one, too... its too funny (and stinkin' adorable) not to!

My niece {Miss K} at 6 months

2008-11-23T14:39:00.004-06:00

Today I took pictures of my niece for her 6 month pictures, and for her mom to make holiday cards. Just look at these big blue eyes, infectious smile, and long, long eyelashes. Beautiful!!!

Double the fun!

2008-11-22T10:44:00.002-06:00

I had my 3rd opportunity - in as many weeks! - to photograph newborn twins. These two - {Mr D} and {Miss N} were just a day and a half old! Hopefully, I will be assisting on a family sitting for this family in the near future - Mom, Dad, the twins and their 4 year old brother.

Are you jealous of my job yet?!

Hands-on dads...

2008-11-22T10:31:00.005-06:00

Although my main priority at Bella Baby Photography is to photograph the baby, I try to take it above and beyond that if 1) the baby cooperates 2) mom & dad are interested and 3) the situation to take some beautiful pictures presents itself. Not all parents are interested in participating, while some come with ideas of their own.

Like {C} and her dad... Mom wanted this shot, and I think it turned out pretty darn well...

However, with {R}, mom & dad knew they wanted to be in the pictures, but I chose the "posing" and I personally love this. I hope mom does too!!! And I know that some day, when {R} is a little lady, she'll be so thrilled that I captured this moment for her.

{FOUR} My lucky number...

2008-11-21T17:14:00.004-06:00

Bug turned four on Wednesday (can you believe it?!), so we celebrated with a trip into the city and a surprise visit to American Girl Place. She had no idea where we were going, what we were doing, or why she was so dressed up. She just knew it was her BIRTHDAY! and that we'd left Lou home with Heidi...

Anyway, it was a great time. Tiring and exhausting and emotional and so, so, so much fun. I never thought a tomboy like me could have so much fun at a DOLL store. Anyway, I have a ton of pics to share, but not a ton of time... so a couple of my favorites.

Happy Birthday Bug!!!

{Miss R} - Worth the wait

2008-11-18T14:15:00.003-06:00

Although I had to wait until near the end of my day to photograph this little lady, it was totally worth my while. I looked at her with a little doubt that all 9 pounds would fit in my basket and then said, "Screw it! Let's try!" She fit. She filled my basket perfectly. And she was so happy to sleep in there. Mom & Dad joked that they would have to buy one, especially given the fact that her nursery furniture (ordered in July!) was not in yet!!!

Some cheeks are just begging to be smooched. This girl is gonna be smooched silly by her wonderful parents!!!!

While I'm waiting - {M} & {S}

2008-11-14T11:46:00.003-06:00

Today is a better day. The baby gods are smiling down on me. So far, two happy and gorgeous little ones. One more to go (he's lunching now, hence the wait). So, I thought I'd share a couple more...

I actually set out to photograph {Miss S} yesterday, but she was NOT having it. So, I told mom & dad I'd return today and suggested wrapping her in a blanket from home and keeping her tee-shirt on. SCORE!

Once {Mr M} let out a baby belch, we were all systems go. He did wonderful, even catching my eye in a couple of the shots.

What keeps me going...

2008-11-13T18:54:00.004-06:00

Let me start by saying, I LOVE working for Bella Baby! LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Adore it. There's not a day I don't look forward to going in. But...that doesn't mean I don't have tough days. Days when my eyes are tearing up in frustration as I leave the hospital. Days when I just want to go home and delete all my files from that day. Days when I just want to run as far from the hospital as I can. Because I'm so passionate about the pictures I take, I expect the same response from the parents...and I can't help but take it personal when they don't love the pictures like I do! And when I have a day when the pictures don't turn out as I'd hoped, that's even worse!

Today was a rough day. I went into the hospital with high hopes and walked out with hopes dashed. I faced obstacles throughout the day and come 5pm, I just didn't have the heart to deal with one more. But, out of a rough day, there was still a ray or two (or three!) of sunshine. And that's what inspires me to go back in tomorrow, optimistic once again... sure that TODAY will be the day I make a mom cry tears of joy! The day a mom stares in awe at the images I've captured!

Anyway, here are some of my favorites from today! Thank you to M & J for allowing me to photograph their sweet 3 day old twins! As soon as brother & sister were side by side, both were comforted. While baby boy looked around the room contentedly, baby girl quietly snorted in her sleep. It was such a precious sight.

And my last baby of the day {V}. What a cute chubba!!! He was a doll! Mom had asked me earlier in the day to return just prior to closing up for the day, and I'm glad I was able to. This little guy had endured a busy first day of life, but slept through all my fidgeting and fussing with him. Even slept through a wardrobe change! I just wanted to cuddle him!!!

A Bella Baby {Miss L}

2008-11-11T19:58:00.003-06:00

Now that I know I can share my Bella work, I need to go through my thousands of images and figure out which ones I want to show off, and more importantly, which parents have signed off consent to use the pictures! A daunting task to be sure! But, for now, a recent fave of mine! Thanks to her parents for allowing me to use the picture.

Proof that you never know what you might catch on camera...mom & dad had just set her down on the bed to unwrap her from her swaddle so I could take our traditional "bare baby" photos. She was so happy, so content, that I had to step in and take a few photos. Dad later said, "I didn't even know you got that!!!" Mission accomplished!

Happy Birthday {Party}, BUG!!!!

2008-11-10T15:52:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was Bug's birthday party. She's gonna be FOUR! Can you believe it? I can't. She acts like she's 6 or 7 and yearns to be 16 ("then, you can teach me to drive a REAL car, mom!"). She's absolutely gorgeous and funny and such a joy to be around. I can only imagine how much more fun she'll be come this time next year!

The numbers for her party weren't real good (one of the downfalls of a November birthday - cold & flu season!), but about 30 minutes in, I realized it just didn't matter. Thank you to I & Z, and F for coming to spend the afternoon with Abbi. Its wonderful to know that she is making new friends. And, of course, thank you to her big friends, H & M!!!

So, I thought I'd post a few candids from the party. We'll be celebrating with a big outing into the city on her actual birthday (11.19), when I'll take her "4" pictures. Yesterday, she didn't even want me to bring my camera! (silly kid!)

The birthday girl truly enjoyed running wild with her friends, opening her gifts (she asked me to read each card before turning to the gift! So proud!), and chowing on the cupcakes she helped me make. In years past, it was like pulling teeth to get her to open her gifts in front of the guests.

And despite her grumpy face in the one picture, Lou enjoyed the party too!!! She loves running with the bigger kids!

On a separate note: Today I got some awesome news... With the parents' consent, I can share my Bella Baby work on my blog! Yippee!! Finally, I can show off my best work! And my passion!! Hopefully, tomorrow I will be shooting my second set of newborn twins. Fingers crossed that I get consent to share those images!!!

A teaser: Heidi & Matt

2008-11-03T14:44:00.003-06:00

The real reason for going downtown yesterday: to shoot Matt & Heidi, who have been married a year and a half now and never had engagement pictures done. They don't even have wedding photos that they feel inclined to display!!! How sad... My mission, to give them one or two (or ten) photos worthy of adorning the walls of their new apartment!

Hope you enjoy these few...trust me - there are MANY more. And for my fellow photographers and photoshoppers, please feel free to CC. I could use it, as these are still early attempts at professional processing, as well as on-location shooting!

A Day In the BIG CITY...

2008-11-03T08:25:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, we went into the city to take pictures of our close friends, Heidi & Matt (sneak peek of their fabulous pics soon to come). I tried to focus on taking their pictures while Russ watched Lou & Bug, but at one point, H&M walked away to scout another photo location and I couldn't help but snap a couple quick ones of my girls playing (and stop a freak from trying to take pictures of them!!!!!). Chicago is such an amazing backdrop for pictures, but with my girls, the backdrop just doesn't matter... I want all the focus on my beautiful girls!!!!

Here's my 2 favorites!!!

Not much new...

2008-10-18T08:31:00.006-05:00

I haven't really been working much lately (the average was 7 babies a day in September...this month, only 2 or 3 a day!). But, between planning for birthdays, Christmas, trips out of town, etc. I can't seem to take any time for myself to take pictures. I do have 2 birthday kids to photograph in the next couple of weeks, as well as two couples, so hopefully I'll have something to show off soon. I need to really start building my portfolio... its just so hard to go outside my comfort zone!

Anyway, I wanted to share some pics of my two favorite girls... I'll try to share something new, soon!

A trip down Memory Lane

2008-10-04T10:51:00.005-05:00

This past week, my family spent some time in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. That's where I grew up, so we visit each fall for fishing, apple picking, and of course, to visit family.

Although the weather had turned much colder this week, we were able to spend a good amount of time outdoors, so I had many photo opportunities. I could go on and on about how beautiful it is up there this time of year, but I'm exhausted and still recovering from my "vacation," so I'm just gonna post the pics. Enjoy.

My Dad used to sit in this tree, which was just 20 yards from our front door (the house has since been knocked down) to bowhunt for deer. As a child, I thought this tree was massive... although it now seems much smaller, its as beautiful as I remembered.

This was the view from the backside of our house. Can you imagine looking at this every day? Beautiful...

This was the view from our hotel in Menominee, Michigan. Looking eastward over the bay (Green Bay), you just barely see the shoreline of Door County out beneath the clouds.

On Wednesday morning, there was a ship returning to dock in Marinette, WI. To the right, between the trees, you can just see the lighthouse on the pier.

Standing at the end of my childhood driveway...although back then, it wasn't paved! We had to walk this road every morning and every night to reach the school bus. And sometimes on Sundays when grandma's car couldn't make it through the mud to pick us up for church!

It was so much fun watching my daughters play in the fields where I played as a girl! Definitely not prissy "city-girls", these two!

And finally, some pictures from our trip to Hillside Apple Orchard in Casco, WI.

My evolution as a photographer continues...

2008-09-24T14:30:00.003-05:00

Although I've always had a love of taking snapshots, it wasn't until I had Bug that I really became a shutterbug. We had planned on buying our first digital camera that Christmas (when she was due), but when she came early and we learned she'd be staying in the hospital without us, Russ decided to run out and buy me a camera early. So, he ran to Target and picked out a Canon Point & Shoot. I think it was an A85. That camera did us pretty well... I carried it everywhere I went, amassing an amazing several thousand snapshots of my baby girl. It wasn't until she was a year and a half and I dropped it while chasing her, that we needed a new camera. So, again, we bought a Canon Point & Shoot... an A530. I didn't love it as much as my first digital camera, but it worked.

So, when we had Lou, I realized I wanted to do more with my pictures. Learn more of my camera. Russ said I could take the plunge and purchase a DSLR...my Canon Rebel XT. By this point, I had an external hard drive holding 12,000 pictures of my girls.... and that was only the beginning. In the past 15 months, I've made photography more than just a hobby. I've learned to take more than just snapshots of my girls...

I look at the pictures I took of bug, and I think, "If only I'd known what I was doing behind the lens of the camera." I look at the pictures of Lou and think, "Man... I knew nothing about composition or lighting." But, now, with my studio experience and mostly, with my Bella experience, I am happy to know that the photos I take of our next baby will be so much better.

And lucky for me (and 1 really excited - and 1 reluctant and unsure - big sister), I'll be able to put that theory to the test soon. May, to be exact. That's right... #3 is on the way.

Sorry to Mara or mom or anyone else who would've heard it from Bug this weekend (she's been making the announcements so far)... I couldn't wait any longer to break the news!!!!!!

Who needs Photoshop?!

2008-09-21T20:18:00.007-05:00

So, like any photographer I know, I've always put Adobe Photoshop on a pedestal. It is the be-all, end-all of photographic retouching and editing. You can do anything with Photoshop. I mean, its a verb! "Can you PHOTOSHOP me out of this picture?" Well, I don't think I can Picasa you out of a picture, but when it comes to my everyday retouching, Picasa is the way. Today, I'm gonna share some of my edits...

I've been suffering a LOT of self-doubt. I peruse photo blogs, websites and Flickr on a regular basis and to be honest... I'm not half as good as some of the other photogs out there. I'm not even talking about the masters... I'm talking about my friend Krysten, who picked up the *hobby* around the same time as me. She's amazing now! I'm talking about the dozen or so photogs who joined me at my recent NILMDTS training session. They all had their own websites... I have a blog. I checked out a couple websites. Boy, I hope one of them will take me under their wing and guide me...

I AM a pro photographer, but I don't feel like it! It pains me that I can't share my everyday images. The little itsy babes who keep me going. The little guy I did this week who was so special, so adorable. His parents had tears in their eyes when they thanked me for putting so much time, care, and attention to their son's pictures. The little lady who was small in comparison to the gerbera daisy her mom had me place in the picture. The chubba baby who I placed in my basket to photograph, much to the consternation of her great-aunt (who also shook her head in disbelief at my suggestion of undressing baby for a diaper-only photograph).

But, anyway, today I took some pictures of the park where we played. My husband and I have wanted photographs for our bedroom... something simple; an understated image of a single tree in a field... or something like that. We've seen some stuff we liked, but never wanted to pay the price that was asked. But, today, Russ finally found some images that were worthy of putting on our wall...and the best part? They were MY images from the park. So, I'm sharing them below. Let me know which you like best!!! (Oh, and you knew I'd include bug & lou, right?!)

Missing in action...

2008-09-17T08:07:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I've been a bit busy...

I remember when I first started on camera at picture people. I'd come home each day, "I shot 2 kids today!" And I said, "I can't wait until I can't remember HOW MANY I've done." Well, I'm at that point with Bella Baby. It is insane how many pictures I take each day. I've worked 10 shifts and shot 57 babies. FIFTY-SEVEN. That's a lot...

However, I do remember some of them vividly... in the past 2 days, I had the 5 pound baby in a 10 pound dress... and the 8 pound baby in a 5 pound hair bow (or rather, flower!). I wish I could share the pics. But, I also had the little lady who had more hair than my 16 month old. I had the 2 10 pounders... no putting them in my basket!! I could go on and on. Let's just put it this way... I LOVE this job. Even when I come home tired to the bone... wore out... hunched over like an old woman. It is fabulous.

I've had babies who curl up like they're still in mom's tummy. I've had babies who stretch out like, "I'm FREE!" I had a baby who put her hands in the air, wave 'em like you just don't care. LOL. Baby who covered her face, "No pictures please!" So much fun.

Anyway, today I have my NILMDTS training. Hubby asked me if I'm excited. Excited?? No. But, I'm anxious. I want to see what I've signed myself up for. I want to see how unbelievably difficult (yet rewarding) this is gonna be.

OK... I promise I'll share some pics soon. But if I don't get my rear in gear, I'm gonna be late.

Summer is over...

2008-09-01T21:05:00.001-05:00

and I can hardly believe it. But, I took advantage of a beautiful labor day weekend to take a wide variety of pictures. In the past seven days I've been to Menominee, MI; Marinette, WI; Green Bay (and a Packers game!); back home to Chicagoland; and finally up to Lake Geneva, WI and the surrounding area (including the Walworth County Fair, where I took this image).

So, once I catch my breath (did I mention I start at Bella tomorrow!?), I will be a flickr'ing, blogging madwoman. So, keep your eyes peeled.

Baby P

2008-08-28T00:47:00.006-05:00

As promised, more pictures from my sitting with Baby *P*...

He was such an angel. Barely fussed... did whatever I asked (haha). 6 days old is such a special age. I tried to do a lighter black and white conversion on these (thanks to the PYF gals for the feedback!). If you like this better or worse than the pic I posted last week, please let me know which you prefer!

Had some more training with Bella. According to the boss (Kelly, who is FABULOUS!), her goal is for bella babes to one day be too BIG for Bella. To grow as photographers and branch out. To take the training she gives us and become famous. Its so obvious that photography, photographs, kids, family, etc. are insanely important to this woman. I love her! I love Bella.

Anyway, before I get too off-track, I love this baby too. He's adorable and I'm so thankful to his parents for letting me photograph him.

Enjoy and let me and the family know what you think of the pictures.

don't know if I'm crazy about the weird angle on that one... but no other angle really works, either! Ugh!

I have more, which I may or may not post after I edit. And starting September 2nd, I'll be photographing all the beautiful babies at my assigned hospital. Although I can't share those, please wish me luck!!!

My First In-Home Sitting!

2008-08-23T20:59:00.004-05:00

Tonight I took pictures of a 6 day old baby... his parents are our neighbors (and dad is a former coworker of my husband). So, as a gift to them (and a way to build my portfolio), we went over to take some pictures. Of course, they'd already bought the Bella Baby CD offered to them in the hospital, but the difference between a 2 day old and a 6 day old is amazing. I didn't get as many pics as I would have liked, but I plan to go back tomorrow or Monday to take pics of the little guy with his gorgeous mom. She hadn't thought of it before my visit...and I don't at all mind a return trip. He was a sweet little baby and I loved cuddling and holding him between shots.

So, anyway, a slight teaser... one pic that I had time to work on. The rest will have to wait until tomorrow, as I still have Bella work to do in anticipation of my first day (tomorrow!).

Baby *P*...

Something new...

2008-08-17T12:25:00.013-05:00

I've been taking quite a few pictures in the past couple of weeks. And I'm trying to take pics of something other than my kids... so, here's some of what I've been up to:

On August 2nd, we went to the N.E.W. (NorthEast Wisconsin) Zoo in Suamico, WI. We saw a lot of animals, including this giraffe, whom my daughters fed.

We also got to meet a box turtle...up close and personal. She was very shy, but let me take a couple closeups.

The next day, we took a drive up to Sturgeon Bay, WI. We sat by the marina, watching the boats come in and out; watching the bridge lift up to allow the taller yachts and sailboats through. My daughters were pretty interested in the canadian geese (which, of course, we see all the time around home anyway!). So, here's a picture of one getting all riled up.

After our short drive to Sturgeon Bay, we returned to Green Bay to visit Lambeau Field for the Green Bay Packers' Family Night. Rather than obsess about the drama surrounding Brett Favre (my favorite player of all time), I busied myself with learning to use my father-in-law's 70-300mm lens. Thanks, Ray! This picture of Brian Brohm was taken from the 58th row. In 10 days, I'll be sitting in the 13th row of Lambeau Field to watch the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. Can't wait to see how much better those photos turn out!

On Saturday, August 9, we visited the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. I quickly filled my memory card, but had to narrow it down to choose one to share here... this is a good one of a monkey. The lighting was challenging (the monkeys live in the "monkey house", a dark, dank windowless building).

Then, finally, this past week I had family in town (Mike & Mara, it was nice to see you! Hope you had as good a time as we did!). So, on Tuesday night, we went to watch the Schaumburg Flyers baseball team. We had great seats that were unfortunately obscured by the net that protects the fans from foul balls. So, I took a bunch of pictures before the game started. Here, one of the pitchers warmed up with his catcher.

I also took some pictures of my girls that night (you knew I'd share at least one, right?!).

On Wednesday, we took the train downtown and visited Navy Pier. Besides walking around and eating too many treats, we also took an architectural boat tour of Chicago courtesy of SeaDog. Despite the rain, it was an amazing excursion. We saw the city in a way we'd never seen it before. I'm no architecture buff, but there's something about those buildings that makes my breath catch in my throat. So, I took a bunch of pictures, but here are my favorites.

Upon finishing the boat ride, we were all exhausted (and wet!), but we stopped near the ferris wheel to allow Bug a ride on the carousel. So, I took the opportunity to take a couple more photos. Notice how blue the sky was! This was maybe an hour after the downpour we experienced on the boat. Amazing how the weather can change in an instant.
While waiting for the train to take us into the city, I took this picture of my girls. I was very pleased with this capture. They weren't fighting, they weren't talking, and they were actually smiling. A rare capture of both my girls at once!

I start my training at Bella Baby this Tuesday! I'm very excited (and a little nervous). My last day at Picture People is Wednesday. I'm honestly going to miss that place (and a few of the girls - and Steve! - that work there). I've learned a lot and I credit my newfound self confidence to working there...

In the meantime, check my flickr for more photos. I upload lots more there, and on a more frequent basis. And also tell your friends to check out my photos! Thanks for reading (and looking!).

Straight outta the camera... no time for edits.

2008-07-29T13:34:00.005-05:00

I wanted to share some images from last night's visit to the park, but I didn't have time to edit anything. So, these are SOOC. I actually think the original images are pretty good. It was just before dusk, a cloudless night, and a beautiful location (Festival Park in Elgin). The girls weren't ultra cooperative, but I still got a few that I was happy with. This is definitely a location I'll return to (for fun AND for pictures!).

We didn't have our swimsuits with us, so I had to take pictures of random kids playing in the fountains. They sure looked like they were having fun and I was tempted to run through the water in my regular clothes!

Feeling better about things...

2008-07-26T14:02:00.003-05:00

I didn't have some random realization of my greatness, but I did accomplish a few things in the hour or so since I last posted. For one, I finally figured out how to get the RAW images off my memory card. And then I fixed the white balance on several of them. Here is my favorite, taken of Bug...

Edited to reupload this image...to no avail. Does it look a tad pixelated to anyone else, or is it just me?! Trust me, the image on flickr looks FABULOUS!

I am also going to post some more photos that I wanted to add to the previous post. I guess, if nothing else, this doubt that is plaguing me will inspire me to work harder, practice more, and let household chores fall by the wayside while I spend an entire (beautiful!) Saturday on my computer. I so can't wait for my laptop to arrive so I can sit outside while my girls play and work on my photos.

Again, feel free to comment, CC, do whatever you can to let me know that someone reads my blog!

Feeling doubtful...

2008-07-26T11:09:00.003-05:00

I'm not begging for compliments... well, maybe I am. I'm just feeling a little down on myself. Not so sure of my abilities. I know I shouldn't, but I compare myself to my fellow photographers. Yeah, I don't have formal training, but neither do most of them! I get frustrated with my inability to capture exactly what I see... my photos don't have the color, the emotion, the "pop" that some of those I see on flickr and the blogs I read.

So, I'm here to share some out of the ordinary shots. You've become accustomed to seeing my kids (and will see Lou in this post, as well), but I'm sharing some other subjects as well. Some from a recent trip to the Field Museum in Chicago, a walk along the Chicago lakeshore, and a visit to a local petting zoo. I have others I would like to share, but Blogger is acting up, so I'll add them to my next post...

Enjoy! Comment! Come back and tell all your friends. To my fellow photographers, I can use the CC. To all the others, just tell me you love my pictures. Haha.

Incredibly Honored

2008-07-23T09:55:00.004-05:00

Today I received confirmation that I've been accepted as a volunteer photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a remembrance photography organization based out of Colorado. I can't adequately describe how I feel right now: honored, excited, anxious, nervous... among hundreds of other emotions.

I am in the process of signing the paperwork and getting involved on the organization's forum so I can get acquainted with my fellow photographers, and discover what exactly I've gotten myself into. I'll be attending a training seminar in South Bend on August 11. I'll definitely be sharing my journey with this company.

If any fellow photographers are reading this, please consider becoming a volunteer. I can't imagine a better way to put our talents to work.

No new pictures... YET!

2008-07-22T15:05:00.003-05:00

I've purchased my new camera. I bought a Canon EOS 40D, a new Tamron lens, and a laptop to upload/edit pictures while on the job. I'm so excited. I can't wait to receive the new gear!!! Start playing with it...

Last night I tried to go Manual on my Rebel. EEK! I also shot in RAW. As soon as I figure out how to get those images off the CF card, I will share!

Editing my life... editing my pictures...

2008-07-19T14:39:00.004-05:00

I am no longer on the path to unemployment! I was offered a position with Bella Baby Photography , effective September 1, 2008. My new job will consist of taking the very first professional pictures of newborns - in the hospital. Not the typical mugshots that we moms are accustomed to seeing (and buying, against our better judgment). Bella Baby provides an actual photo shoot, with capable photographers - ARTISTS! Not merely someone who is competent to push the button on a camera. I'm so excited... slightly nervous... anxious to start! Thrilled that with the position comes a need to upgrade my camera. Yup... I'll be buying a Canon 40D before the month is over. So, thank you to the ladies at Bella Baby. I'm thrilled to be a part of your team!

The other big news is that I'm finally producing some decent edits. Well, in my humble opinion, anyway! A friend shared with me her basic steps to edit a picture and I've seen a world of difference. It is very similar to what we do at Picture People... upload, crop, correct and balance, and sharpen. But for some reason, I wasn't seeing results on my images at home, until she laid them out for me. I think I was OVER-editing before... So, here are some photos I took at a recent family weekend in Wisconsin. With basic editing. If you have comments, leave 'em. If you have constructive criticism, leave it! If you think these kids are adorable, join the club!

Now I understand...

2008-07-08T13:52:00.003-05:00

The 50mm lens my husband bought me IS nifty... the name makes sense to me now. I was in a weepy mood last night, so he thought he'd surprise me with part of my birthday gift. I opened up a lens filter...that didn't fit my lens! I politely said, "um... thanks!" Then, he gave me my new lens. Aha! I was very pleased. Didn't have the energy to play with it, but I took a few shots of my Bug, who was posing for me as usual.

Hubby was perplexed as to why he couldn't zoom in with the lens. Um, honey, its NOT a zoom lens! Which is why I usually don't let him touch my camera!!!! Anyway, here are a couple I took with the new lens... I think 50 and I will be having some fun! Can't wait to play around with it!!!

Looks like I still need to work on the color/exposure settings on my monitor. I'm adjusting the lighting a bit too much. Takes a lot of trial and error, but we'll get there!

In other news, I'm still waiting on news from Essence Photography and its time to give Bella Baby a call again. She told me she was impressed with my persistence in calling her... well, baby, be prepared to be impressed! I will call until you tell me not to.

I WANT THAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!

Trying to go PRO...

2008-07-02T12:13:00.004-05:00

Even though I still have no idea what I'm REALLY doing, I'm waiting to hear back from Essence Photography & Video regarding my interview yesterday. I could be one of 20 new wedding photographers being hired to help with their expansion from 2 local studios to FIVE. Sounds like a great company to join... shooting the pictures of one of the most important days of any woman's life scares the CRAP out of me, but sounds SOO SOO fun and rewarding.

Meanwhile, it seems the studio is gaining faith in me. I've been on camera one a lot lately. Tonight is a challenge... 4 (yes, FOUR) sittings with PETS. A combination of cats and dogs. Babies, I've done. Adults, I've done. Maternity, I'd LOVE to do... But cats? KITTENS? Dogs? I'm nervous. But excited...

Anyway, been working on one criticism I receive at the studio... "Stop taking so many pictures! Once you get "the shot", MOVE ON!" Ok... so the other day, my mother in law was holding my 5 week old neice. I told her to hang on, let me get my camera. Set up the shot, SNAP! Look in the viewfinder... success! And that was it. ONE SHOT. Go Kim, Go KIM! Woo hoo. Of course, that wasn't the case yesterday when I took 52 images of a 5 year old. oops. So, here's the shot of Baby K and Nana.

The coloring isn't perfect (I really need to work on that... and calibrate my monitor), but the composition? LOVE IT.

My first share...

2008-06-24T14:12:00.001-05:00

I took these pictures on Sunday, June 22. I've been making it a point to have my camera with me at all times, because you just never know. This is what I got. The reluctant model is my 3 year old...

She actually poses pretty well for me, but has little patience. So, the next shot is a result of that... the camera was enthralled with the tree, I wanted to focus on the beautiful girl!

Unfortunately, at this point, the camera is still in control, so the tree it was! Luckily, the image turned out pretty well (in my humble opinion!). And for the record, yes, she IS pouting. Because I asked her to PLEASE sit still for one more minute while I messed (unsuccessfully) with the dials on my camera.

And finally, what's a girl to do when there's no snow??? Why...you just have to make SAND ANGELS! Yes, I am serious. At first, I said, "NO! We have to go out to dinner and I don't want you to be filthy." And then I said, "Wait... let me grab my camera!" Never miss an opportunity...

You're gonna see a lot of this kid. Because although she gives me a hard time when I want to take pics of her, just try to take out the camera without her posing. Its almost automatic. I really think she has no control over it... and by the way, she's a darn good photographer herself... Check out my profile pic... shot with my Canon Rebel XT!

Let's get this started!

2008-06-24T13:42:00.001-05:00

Its time for me to start sharing my work with the world. Show them what they've been missing... and it seems the way to do that is via BLOG! So, here we go!!!

As I will soon be without a full time job, I need to start making a serious attempt at becoming a full-fledged photographer. Babies are my passion. A good photo makes you say, "Awwwwww..." A GREAT photo brings tears to your eyes and makes you forget how much work those little ones truly are!

I'd also like to venture into the world of boudoir photography. I'm intrigued by the possibilities.

So, join me as I learn and grow and turn my hobby into something I can truly be proud of.