it's official...summer is here! {oak park, il family photographer}

“Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again.” 
― Henri Cartier-Bresson

I often hear that one should be "living in the moment", taking it all in, and bearing witness to that which is happening around us. In a world full of smart devices that are meant to make our lives easier, we often seem preoccupied and overwhelmed by "it" all. 

I've heard it said that people spend too much time photographing their lives to share on social media, but they aren't actually living their lives. I'm sure there is some truth is this statement, but in general, I totally disagree with it.

Documenting our lives, and all the minutiae therein, is a gift to ourselves and those who come after us. I can spend hours sifting through old photo albums at my mom & grandma's house. I can't possibly be alone in this... 

This past week, I finished a photo book I've been working on. It will be gifted to a friend & I can only hope that it brings them as much joy as it brought me, while putting it together. It covers a 3 year period and it's full of images from various stages and ages of my boys' lives.

These are the moments I want to remember. I want to be able to look at these photos in 20 years & smile or cry happy tears or both!

So, I'll keep carrying my camera with me...to all the places life takes me: a walk around the neighborhood, a vacation, a backyard bbq, or local park. No moment is too insignificant...they all matter. 

Interested in booking a documentary/lifestyle session? Let's chat!

preschool photos {oak park river forest day school photos}

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.”
Destin Sparks

This past fall, I was asked if I would be interested in taking school photographs for Milo's preschool, The Day Nursery. I immediately said yes & then I sort of panicked...

I'd never taken photographs of large groups of young children. They are definitely my demographic, but I needed to sort of figure out the logistics. I also had to make sure that everyone was on board with "non-traditional" school photos

There were a few hiccups, but all in all, it was a lovely experience. I learned a lot and the next time around, it will be a much smoother operation. 

I have to say...it was a lot of fun. It was a lot of work, but looking at those super cute faces for hours of editing was so worth it. 

I hope that I will be keeping The Day Nursery school pictures as part of my regular rotation and I would love to add a few more small schools! 

Here's a little snippet from the fall preschool photos...enjoy!