last gasp of summer
For the past 3 years, our block parties haven't quite worked out the way a block party should. There have been rain outs and a snowy day (Halloween), but our amazing neighbors pulled together & still managed some time together, albeit indoors. This year, it seemed that it would be more of the same. The weather called for rain, a lot of it, all day. The thought of it was bumming us out...especially my oldest, who was so excited about the dunk tank being rented, that he had been talking about it for 3 weeks.
{insert sad trombone}
The rain was pretty steady in the morning, but as the truck pulled up to deliver the dunk tank, the rain stopped...like magic. And it didn't rain for the rest of the day...
It was the perfect end to summer.
And now it's time to go to sleep, because tomorrow is the first day of school.
{applause}
fall
Today is August 15. That's right, it's the last day to take advantage of the early booking incentive currently being offered for our Fall mini photo sessions!
As luck would have it (your luck, not mine), I've been having some connection issues while on vacation. Missing emails and invoice issues, oh my! So, I'm extending the the offer to end on August 20th.
If you are interested in booking a fall mini session, you can see details including early booking incentives and available dates/times/locations here: find my fall mini session date!
To book a regular session, event photography, or head shots, details can be found here.
Please remember: your session isn't booked & confirmed until the retainer has been made. So, if you contacted me & chose a date, but haven't yet paid your $100 retainer, the spot is still up for grabs. There are 2 ways to take care of that & mark it off of your "to do" list: Chase Quick Pay (preferred) or Paypal. Info below:
Chase Quick Pay: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
Paypal: book your session
another day...
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Ok, so yesterday's post was a little heavy...but it was real and it was where my head & heart was.
And as I mentioned, time doesn't stop for us. So...work is calling and I have the luxury of another day to do what I love.
I've been working on some bookmaking projects. I've sampled several programs & vendors and there are several that I like, for different reasons.
My current obsession is Blurb. It came highly recommended from some fellow photographers and also friends (and photographer friends). If you aren't familiar with Blurb, they offer a variety of books, templates, and publishing tools for all skill levels. You can make it as easy or DIY as you choose. This is what I love about it. Anyone can use it! Once my project is complete, I will share the results...
If you've been looking for a great way to get your photos off of your computer & put them in something tangible & beautiful, now is a great time. Follow the link below & enjoy 40% off! Seriously! How amazing is that? But hurry...this discount expires on August 2!
Terms: Offer valid now through August 2, 2016 (11:59 p.m. local time). Valid for books made by you only. A 40% discount is applied toward your product total with no minimum order or maximum discount. This offer is good for five uses, and cannot be combined with volume discounts, custom orders, other promotional codes, gift cards, or used for adjustments on previous orders.
an anniversary...
but not the kind you celebrate, really.
it's been 1 year since I sat in a hospital room, beside my granny, and watched her sleep. it's been 1 year since I sat in that room, letting my grandfather tell me how lucky he was to have had her in his life for 70+ years. it's been 1 year since I reminded him that she was pretty lucky, too. it's been 1 year since I watched him cry and talk to her, knowing she would not be able to talk back. it's been 1 year since I cried with and for him. it's been 1 year since we said goodbye to her.
oliver honors granny & gramps (Jeff's father) during Dia De Los Muertos
time doesn't stop for us to try and gather our thoughts, make sense of things, or grieve. we still need to show up for our life. our children still need us to do all the things they needed "before"...wipe noses, butts, and all the other messes that kids, and life, bring.
that's all we have to do: show up. be present. do our best. be our best.
life will keep moving forward, with or without you.
some days are great. some days suck. but everyday is another chance to show up, be present, do our best, and be our best.
i don't miss her any less today than i did a year ago. it's not easier. i think about her often, but i think about my grandfather the most.
as devastating as her death has been for him, he shows up.
everyday.
a hot & humid day in the park
Holy moly...this past Saturday was H.O.T. To add insult to injury, there was also 300% humidity. I'm from Texas y'all...this is not an exaggeration*.
*total exaggeration
But really, it was sticky and hot. I felt like I was back in my home state. My weather app read "feels like 113"...
I had a lovely, extended family session scheduled for 8am. My camera lenses kept fogging & I was worried that every frame would look like I was shooting through a nylon stocking. I don't know if people still use this method or if they just create the look in post production. For those of you too young to remember, a nylon stocking over your camera lens is used to "soften" the look of anyone who doesn't have the beautiful, flawless skin of toddler. Remember those Elizabeth Taylor commercials from the 80's? That's what a nylon can do for you. And maybe a smoke machine...But I digress.
Everyone was beautifully dressed & ready to take care of business. Within minutes, we were all melting...Somehow, between staying shaded & blotting between shots, our session was a success. We powered through. Or, I should say, they powered through. (Nobody cares what I looked like, but I can tell you that I was a hot mess)
I'm working my way through edits but wanted to post a few sneak peeks for the family to see...enjoy!
fall mini sessions: updated schedule
As is usually the case, the mini sessions (click this link for info on our current mini promo) get a lot of interest! The current dates are beginning to book, so here's a link where you can see dates & time available and you can also sign up for a time!
Sign up for your fall mini session here!
Please remember: your session isn't booked & confirmed until the retainer has been made. So, if you contacted me & chose a date, but haven't yet paid your $100 retainer, the spot is still up for grabs. There are 2 ways to take care of that & mark it off of your "to do" list: Chase Quick Pay (preferred) or Paypal. Info below:
Chase Quick Pay: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
Paypal: book your session
To book your mini session or chat about other available dates or events, send us an email: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
mental breaks
When I'm all caught up with client work, I usually like to share images on my blog. Sharing is a way for friends and clients to see what I'm up to. On the business side of things, it's important for future & potential clients to see continuity in my style and storytelling.
I recently completed a family session and I'm kind of in love with the images. I would love to share the images...I really would, but I am not able. Photographing children is a lot of what I do. The majority, really. My contract contains an "opt out" option, meaning, if a client does not want their images used online...I do not post them. When working with children, this is to be expected. It's understandable, not a big deal. But sometimes, it is a bummer for me.
So...I decided that I will share some photos from our recent "mental break mini vacay". Jeff & I took the boys and Stella to Michigan for a long weekend. I would have liked for it to be just a bit longer than it was, but it was a lovely getaway. A reset, of sorts.
For those of you who follow me on instagram, I'm sorry. You may have already been spammed with a lot of these images. For those who don't do instagram...enjoy!
have you booked your fall mini session?
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
Most people don't want to think about it today, but Fall is just around the corner. I know...the truth hurts.
I finally made myself sit down and look at the calendar so that I could release Fall mini session dates. Mini sessions are great for anyone who wants an updated photo, but doesn't necessarily need a full 1 or 2 hour session.
Sessions will be held outdoors, at a location to be determined. Most sessions will be in or near Oak Park. Due to several requests, we are also planning at least 1 day of sessions in locations near Riverside and 1 day in Millennium Park.
Too many choices? I'm happy to chat with you to help you sort out what type of "look" you want and help determine the best location for your shoot.
All mini sessions will include:
30-45 minute session | 10-15 edited, high res image files | print release
Cost per session: $200
Here's the best part: if you book and secure your session by August 15, you will receive your choice of 5 additional image files OR an 8x10 print. Awesome, right?
For available dates and times, click this link!
What are you waiting for? I'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have! Contact me: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
the fine print: $100 non-refundable retainer is required to book and hold your session time. if you are unable to attend your scheduled session, you may apply your deposit to a future session, to be used within 6 months of the original session date. in case of inclement weather, sessions will be rescheduled on a mutually agreed upon alternative date/time.
technology is not my friend...
Last week, I was feeling pretty good about my work flow. Business has been steady, but manageable and I was really on top of my editing. Client galleries were going out earlier than promised...all great things!
But, what's the saying...no good deed goes unpunished?
I was feeling that sentiment when my computer decided to crash while I was knee deep in photo editing. It didn't just crash, it was dead. Would not turn on. No power. Nothing. Nada. Crickets.
This is the second time in a year that this has happened and I have to say...it is so incredibly stressful! The last time it happened, I was editing a wedding gallery. Yeah...when you feel like you might potentially lose 1000's of files of one of the most important days of someone's life, you get a little uneasy. Even though I have safeguards in place, I still have trust issues with technology. You just never know...
Luckily, my husband is a fixer. A magician. A tech superhero.
Today, I am back up and running. All caught up. Feeling ok again.
*phew*
Here are some belated images from my last 2 family sessions: lush green locations+baby boys=magic. How cute are these little guys? Both the same age and with classic names, Henry & George. I love it.
Enjoy!
watching the rain...
So, I have an 8am portrait session scheduled in the city...I am currently watching the rain pour & employing all my usual voodoo, prayer, and anti-rain dancing. My gut is telling me that it's going to happen! There will be a break for our shoot...I just need patience & trust. And so, I've sent a message to my client to let her know that we are pushing it back 30 minutes. Cross your fingers! *Update: I saw my opportunity & ran out the door before I could even load this blog post...even as I stood in the drizzling rain in Lurie Gardens, I was still convinced that the shoot was going to happen. My gut didn't fail me...I'm so happy that we persevered!
{wipes sweat from brow}
So, that's a wrap on 2 sessions this weekend...I have another session that is scheduled for sunset, so I'm not off the hook yet! But I will remain hopeful & optimistic!
Because sharing is caring, here are a few images from the weekend sessions (so far)...
a lovely, full weekend
This past weekend, between yard work and celebrating papa, I was able to work in a couple of clients. No rest, right? I love what I do, so I do it as often as I am able!
I was able to spend early morning on Saturday with a lovely mother/daughter duo. This mom is special to our family. She was Oliver's first preschool teacher and then, 4 years later; Milo's first preschool teacher. After teaching the latter of my two boys, she has earned saint status. I'm not saying...I'm just saying...
Her baby girl isn't really a baby anymore, but a big girl of 2.5! As I've mentioned before, 2-3 year olds are my JAM! She was amazing, as children tend to be...and I was so happy to be able to capture some family images of them.
After an afternoon nap, I got to put on a cute dress and cute shoes and head into the city to photograph a private party. It was a lovely family and a beautiful party...you'll have to trust me though, I don't typically share images from private events.
I've got a lot of work ahead of me, but in the meantime, I'll share some images from my family session. Happy day after summer solstice!
last taste from the weekend!
Phew!
I've completed the initial editing/culling of images from the weekend. This might be a record (for me)...
Now I get to move on to the fine tuning & tweaking so that I can get galleries uploaded & mailed out. Enjoy the last round of sneak peeks from the Riverside Junior Women's Giving Partnership Event! I hope that everyone had a lovely time & will love their final images...galleries will be going out over the next several days. Keep an eye out and thanks again for being part of this event!
a few more from the weekend...
I'm getting there...slowly, but surely. I've been editing in the weirdest places this week: a laundromat, school playground, and while getting a pedicure. It's all about multi-tasking this week!!
I have a few images to share from Sunday's sessions. If you don't see yours here, never fear...they are coming soon!
a sneak peek from the saturday morning sessions...
All week long, I've been checking my weather apps (Dark Sky/Weather Channel) and hoping/praying/meditating/cursing at the forecast for this weekend. I had a weekend full of micro sessions, part of a collaboration with Riverside Junior Woman's Charity, so of course the chance of rain would be 80%...for our OUTDOOR sessions.
Sigh...
As luck would have it, all of my finger crossing and anti-raindancing paid off. With minimal rescheduling, we made it happen. To reward myself for a job well-done, I made some guacamole & had a delicious, cold adult beverage to enjoy while a I did a quick edit of Saturdays sessions. Enjoy a quick peek & I hope to have more images to share in the next couple of days!
in my own backyard...
If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard, because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with. -Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz
summer sessions
“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair...”
― Susan Polis Schutz
Just when we thought that we might need to keep our sweaters & long sleeves at the ready, the 40 degree days of May turned into high 80's.
And just like that...it's summer. {slow clap}
Summer is a bit whack-o at our house. The days are loooonnnggg & we try to fill them with as many activities as humanly possible.
I don't know about everyone else, but at our house, summer is also a time when friends and family get together. When our extended family gets together, we always try to update our family photos.
What about you? Do you have big things planned for this summer?
In addition to family portraits, this is a great time for "day in the life" type sessions. I love shooting these types of sessions and summer seems to be the time to do it. They can be anything from documenting your family while they play in the backyard or playing at a favorite playground or splash pad, family reunions, etc...the possibilities are endless!
I have a limited number of sessions available in June & July. If you are hoping to book a session, send me an email: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
like a boss.
This past weekend was busy. Like, super busy. We survived Oliver's 7th birthday celebration...barely. Every year, I vow to "never do (fill in the blank) again". Every year, I break that promise to myself. I don't know how to phone it in. I go overboard. Bananas. Bonkers. Whack-o.
Everyone seemed to have a good time...so, all's well that ends well, right?
After the party, I needed to test a new location for an evening photo shoot. Obviously, my boys would be willing to help me out. For sure, right?
Okay...so, maybe they aren't the best stand-ins. Luckily, it didn't really matter...I just needed to make sure that the location would work & I wanted bodies in the frame to better visualize the situation. I don't typically fly by the seat of my pants when I am doing client work. I like to know what I am walking into and also know that the session will, for the most part, go off without a hitch. So, there you have it...my work was done.
With the dress rehearsal complete, I was feeling pretty good about upcoming session...
I can not say enough about the adorable client that this location was scouted for. I met him & his family at the park on Sunday evening and he was ready to go! I can't recall a time when I photographed a 2 year old who was so ON POINT. He was a pro. I'm not even kidding. That's not to say that he didn't have fun and want to do his own thing, but he made my job easy. He raised the bar. He spoiled me. Sorry guys...it's time to step up your toddler game.
Here's a little snippet from our session...
Once around...1 year session
Building relationships with clients is so important. Not just for the obvious reasons such as repeat business and referrals, but also because both photographer & client get to know the other better. The more you learn about one another, the more comfortable & natural interactions become. Over time, sessions feel like less like a client/photographer exchange and more like a old friends catching up. I think this undoubtedly results in a more pleasant experience for everyone, especially the client. It's my job to meet new people, hit the ground running, and create images that people will cherish (if I get it right!). It's second nature, not to mention crucial to my work, for me to be able to jump right in. I know that it's not always as easy for clients, especially small children. I'm a stranger who is putting a huge camera in their face, while trying to get them to smile, look at the camera, etc. It's not a natural, normal situation for most people.
Needless to say, I love, love, love when someone, who I've previously worked with; contacts me to talk about booking another session! Not only is this a huge compliment, but hopefully it is the beginning of a relationship that will continue to grow...which brings me to a recent session...
I first photographed this lovely family in November. So, when this hard-working local mama reached out to discuss a 1 year session for her little girl, I was stoked. They braved the strange spring weather (in the low 40's) and we headed to the forest preserve. I'm still working on getting a smile from little C, but either way...she's adorable! By the end of our session, she was so cold that she could barely smash into her cake...she took one for the team though & ate a few handfuls...someone has to do it, right?
Here are a few sneaks...
an anniversary...
Happy first anniversary to Veronica & BJ!
A year ago, Jeff & I had the pleasure of spending the day with them and capturing their wedding celebration. Although I've only known the Gutkowski's (Veronica and her parents, Fran & Ron) for about 5 years, they are like family to me, Jeff & the boys. We adore them (and BJ!) & were honored to document this moment in time.
Here's a flashback to that super fun day...
go home
“One day you will do things for me that you hate. That is what it means to be family.”
― Jonathan Safran Foer, Everything Is Illuminated
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by client work or unsure of how my work is being received, I turn my camera towards home. To capture the everyday, the ordinary, the mundane, the authentic in my own life.
The work I create for myself doesn't have deadlines. I don't have to worry about how the work will be received...I know it will be loved. And so it is.
