Appreciation and Donations

Every photographer loves "repeat business." But when you are able to take that same event and capture new meanings, new looks, and growth, well then it doesn't really seem like you are doing the same thing.

Wheatland Dental asked me to shoot their Patient Appreciation Day again this year. Of course I said Yes!! because last year was so much fun. The kicker was: This year they were pairing up with a no kill shelter down the ways from them. For weeks beforehand, they were asking patients to donate food, bleach, treats, anything really to go towards Help Save Pets. Those physical donations, along with the cash donations totaled over $1500!!

Here are some pictures from the event, which was June 29, 2011...

A tuckered out pup who is up for adoption!

Flo, the Bassett Hound is also available

Everyone just has so much fun at these events!

Some of the Wheatland Dental staff, taking a break for pictures

Face painting fun!

Located on the corner of Rte 59 and Ace Lane

It's time to celebrate!

Payton Matthew Burke

I was invited to a baby shower. Little did I know it would turn into a photo shoot! I love it when the unexpected happens like that. I can't believe how fortunate I was to be a part of the event AND kind-of not be a part of it. Here are some pictures of Jessie Gordon  at the baby shower for her son: Payton Matthew Burke. Check 'em out!












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Spring!!

Spring is here!! You know what that means...PICTURE TIME!! Finally, after months of deary weather...snow barricading us Chicago-ans in our homes, we are allowed to walk about in shorts and long sleeves or jeans and a t-shirt!

I think photographers like myself-those who do not have a studio and are at the mercy of Mother Nature-love and appreciate this time more than most others. The colors of the flowers as they sprout and begin to bloom truly cannot be recreated with silken sheets. The blast of a fan can never be as gentle as the whispering breezes off a hillside or lake. Bliss on a child's face as he discovers the grass and peals a flower's petals from her stem. All these are natural, from nature, and can't be duplicated with plastic and fabric. I know, some will argue the benefits of having a studio...steady income, regulation over the "weather," and the ability to change the atmosphere. (I bet those some have their own Studios!!! haha)

So now, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Beautiful weather means beautiful pictures.

Let's get started on your simply gifted creation!!

The Pumpkin Patch

My sister recently asked me if I would take pictures of her boyfriend and his two sons. Ummm...Of Course!! It was a little tricky getting a time when all five of us could get together to take these, but you know what they say: "Good things come to those who wait." Or maybe it's "Anything good is worth the wait." Or perhaps "Anything worth doing is worth doing right." Whatever the saying, I am so glad we were finally able to get to the pumpkin patch/fall festival thing near our house. This wasn't a standard shoot: I basically just followed them around as they played on all the playgrounds, slid on the slides, ate the carni-food, and totally goofed off. It was relaxing-as relaxing as it can be with a five year old and a 18-month old! Still, I think we got some fun shots.

Zolezzi Family Photos

At my "full time job," I work with a lot of fun ladies. They have these amazing, exuberant personalities. Sowhen one of those ladies asked if I would take some Fall pics of her family, I jumped at the opportunity. We went to the Morton Arboretum (which is one of the most gorgeous places I've been to in the states, honestly). The day started off looking yucky with gray clouds and rain in the forecast. But we kept our fingers crossed and got really lucky: it turned into one of the sunniest, warmest days we've had up here in months!

September 11th: Wheatland Dental Open House

I absolutely *LOVE* taking pictures. No matter what's going on, or what the event may be; I love the idea of capturing those moments. Wheatland Dental Care, Ltd. asked me to take pictures of their 1st Annual Fall Open House/Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, September 11th. It was such a blast to hang out with them. They are a group that loves to hang out and have fun and it showed throughout the event. Here are a few of the pictures from the event. If you want to see more, check us out on Facebook!