summertime...{oak park, il photographer}
"We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer's wreckage. We will welcome summer's ghost."
-Henry Rollins
19 family sessions, 11 headshot sessions, 220 hours of editing (this is part time, summer hours, by the way), about 70 hours spent at a swimming pool, various hours exploring our city, 1 camping trip, road trip to for weekend trip to Iowa, road trip for weeklong visit to Texas...how did you spend your summer "vacation"?
Now that it's September, it seems like a good time to post some snippets of summer. I wish that I was better about blogging as I go, but apparently this is who I am. I have the best of intentions but my execution is typically lacking.
For me, summer is not the easy, laid back affair that I remember it being when I was a child. It's a struggle to fit in any & all fun things for my kids, while still working full time, from home. It's a rush to the finish line...and I always breath a deep sigh of relief when it's over.
So, now that school is back in session (holla!), here's what I've been doing all summer (client-wise)...
Enjoy! And...happy end of summer!
here comes the bride {oak park, il documentary photographer}
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
A little over a month ago, I came across this post on a local Facebook page:
"Wise Moms, I'm looking for advice and recommendations for a wedding dress shop in the area for my Mom, who's nearly 70 and living with Parkinson's. Short of the long story: my parents were broke as a joke when they got married in 1968 and my mom wore a dress she made herself. (She had bought all the material and her college roommate was supposed to make the dress, but roommate dropped out of school and left town with the dress half-finished. My mom can't sew, but cobbled it together.) She's always hated her wedding dress. My sister and I want to make up for it by buying her a wedding dress she loves for their 50th anniversary this year. We'd love to take her to a shop that has a selection for "older" brides and a staff that will make her feel special and fabulous, despite her age and shakes. She never had any of the experiences she gave to my sis and I, and we want to pay it back!"
So many people posted comments to this sweet daughter with advice & words of encouragement. I did not, but I read & re-read the post a few times. I couldn't stop thinking about it.
The next day, I sent a private message to this stranger who had been on my mind. I won't bore you with the planning & chatting, but I will tell you that I'm so glad that I made the decision to reach out.
Being a fly on the wall during this beautiful day was such an honor. These are the moments when I can say that, without a doubt, I am doing what I was meant to do.
I loved meeting these amazing women & spending a few hours with them at House of Brides in Glen Ellyn! Here's a little sample of their magical day...
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
fall photo session booking is now open! {oak park, il family photographer}
“There is a subtle magic in the falling of old leaves.”
― Avijeet Das
It always feels strange to think about autumn when summer has barely begun, but here we are...
If you're a planner, like I am, this is the time to secure & book a fall photo session. My fall dates are now available for booking and once they fill up, there's no guarantee that additional dates will be added.
If this fall is anything like last fall, the rainy weekends made it almost impossible to squeeze in any last minute bookings.
So, now is the time...don't wait until it's too late!
Find your session time: Booking Calendar
it's time for another giving partnership! {riverside, il photo sessions}
On July 14, I will be partnering with RJWC for a day of micro photo sessions. This is my 3rd year offering these sessions & I always have such a lovely time!
Here's the lowdown: 15 minute photo session | 5 edited image files | $150
Find your session: Book it!
All sessions will be held in Riverside, at an outdoor location near Swinging Bridge (exact location to be determined as the session date approaches).
What is a micro session? I'm glad you asked! A micro session is a quick, 15 minute session. It's a great way to get an updated portrait, without the commitment of a full photo session.
Here's the best part...twenty percent of the session profits from this event will go to Riverside Junior Woman's Charity.
Because these sessions are quick, it's important to keep them as uncomplicated as possible. Babies being photographed should be able to sit up on their own or be in a group photo with someone able to hold them or prop them up. Groups should be no larger than 5 or 6 people. Here are a few fun ideas for these sessions:
For small children, toddlers & young kids: updated portrait (alone or with siblings/cousin/friend), superhero/dress-up portrait, lovey/favorite stuffed animal portrait
For tweens & teens: updated portrait, best friends portrait, all about me portrait (what is your kid passionate about right now? skateboarding? dance? the list is endless...)
For adults/families: updated family portrait, updated couples portrait, best friend portrait
To find a time and book your session: Giving Partnership Micro Session
If you have questions: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
As always...here's the fine print! Sessions must be paid in full to book and hold your spot. Because this is a charitable event, the fee is non-refundable. Should you need to cancel, you can transfer your session fee to a friend or family. Please plan to arrive at least 5-10 minutes prior to your session time and be dressed and ready for your portrait session. No refunds will be given for no-shows or late arrivals. In the event of a late arrival, we will do everything in our power to fit you in, if time allows. In the event of rain or other inclement weather, sessions will be rescheduled on July 15 or July 21.
sunset session with the hattaway family {oak park, il family photographer}
“The connections we make in the course of a life--maybe that's what heaven is.”
― Fred Rogers
On May 25, I had the pleasure of photographing Victoria and her lovely family. It was a beautiful, perfect sunset session. I'm working on completing the edits, but so far...the images are stunning and I'm very happy with them.
A lot can happen in a week and I'm so happy we were able to make this session work. I can't wait to deliver the full gallery...in the meantime, enjoy these images!
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!
word to your mother! {motherhood photo sessions, oak park, il photographer}
“But kids don't stay with you if you do it right. It's the one job where, the better you are, the more surely you won't be needed in the long run.”
― Barbara Kingsolver
This quote always gives me pause.
As much as I dream of a day with uninterrupted bathroom breaks, a car without goldfish crackers in every nook & cranny, and a day free of screaming, bickering children, I also know that this time is fleeting.
Every mom with a young child has been told to "enjoy this time...they will be grown before you know it!", or some variation of that. I'm sure this is sage advice, but it can feel...overwhelming, condescending, scary. Pick an emotion...it can make you feel all the things!
I take a lot of photos of my kids. Obviously. But, since I'm the one taking those photos, I don't show up in too many of them.
Over the years, we've booked family photo sessions. We've also taken family photos by setting the camera on a tripod & setting the timer. They were always fine & marked the moment in time, but I wanted something more.
Last year, I gifted myself a motherhood photo session. It was me & my boys. The images are beautiful & I could not love them more.
You know what else? I was not feeling particularly beautiful. I still "needed" to lose weight. My busy schedule made it tricky to find a time. My boys wouldn't "cooperate".
I could find a million reasons why I needed to postpone the session. But, I didn't.
I got my uncooperative boys to wear jeans (gasp!), put on clean shirts, brush their hair, and we drove an hour and half (in the pouring rain) to our session. We were late (of course). I was nervous and flustered. But, we did it. We survived! And now...I have the most beautiful images to document that moment in time.
Even though it was only a year ago, I look at the images & my boys look so much younger. Oliver still had his baby teeth (I know...he didn't start losing teeth until the end of 2nd grade). Milo still wanted to cuddle with me in front of strangers.
Most importantly, I'm in the frame. They will have proof of my existence.
Have you been putting it off? Forget about all the reasons why you can't. Do it for your kids. Do it for yourself. You won't be sorry.
celebrating motherhood {oak park, il family photographer}
"So when all is said and done, if I can’t do it for myself, I want to do it for my kids. I want to be in the picture, to give them that visual memory of me. I want them to see how much I am here, how my body looks wrapped around them in a hug, how loved they are."-Allison Tate
I think that quote pretty much sums up how I feel about mamas getting in the frame. Do yourself a favor and read the whole piece. It's a quick read, but maybe it will help give you the nudge you've been needing!
"The Mom Stays in the Picture"
I had the pleasure of photographing some mom (and one grandma!) sessions this weekend...enjoy a little sneak peek!
Interested in booking a session? Get more info here: Find my session!
a visit to hundred acre wood {oak park, il}
“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Last night, I went out with my friend, Cat. We had dinner at The Day Nursery.
The Day Nursery is a special place, for so many reasons. The friends we have met along the way are a big part of what makes it such a special place.
(For those who don't know, The Day Nursery is the preschool that Milo attends and Oliver attended.)
My friend, Cat, also has a son who attends. Our boys are great friends. We met when our boys were 2.5 and just starting out at the Day Nursery. Since that time, our families have taken camping trips together, gone trick or treating, dyed easter eggs, had countless play dates, family dinners, and even a couple of sleepovers.
So...you may be wondering..."why would you spend a coveted girl's night out, going to a preschool?"
And, I have a great answer for that...
One weekend a year, The Day Nursery is transformed into a fictional world from a children's book, and a magical meal is created by the amazing Melissa Elsmo. The execution of the event takes a team of people, who all volunteer their time to make it happen. This pop-up event raises funds that are crucial to The Day Nursery and the children who attend.
At last night's dinner, we were transported to the home of Winnie the Pooh, Hundred Acre Wood, and treated to an unbelievable feast. My words would do a disservice to it, so I will share some images. Full disclosure: As most of you know, I'm not a food photographer...so even my images won't do this meal justice. Trust me when I tell you that it was amazing!
Hey look! This blog was featured (in part) in Oak Park Eats!
giving back {oak park, il photographer}
"Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world."- Malala Yousafzai
I try and celebrate teachers all year because I know the importance and weight they carry. A great teacher is truly inspiring. In my life, I remember a handful of teachers who really pushed me in a way that made me see myself, and my world, differently.
Teachers present possibility, nurture creativity, and so much more than could possibly be measured. Most of us would not be where we are, in life or career, without an amazing teacher!
How do you show your love & appreciation?
go ahead...give a little!
Did you know that Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11? It's true...
In honor of this occasion, here's what we are doing:
Until the end of April, I'll be donating 20% of all portrait session booked* to The Day Nursery teacher appreciation fund. Those who know me well, know that this school is near & dear to my heart...so, help me give back!
Book your session today: Find my session!
Watch this short film by Molly Arenberg of Cape Creative and learn more about this amazing school: The Day Nursery
*fine print: offer applies to portrait sessions that are currently on little bitty productions regular booking calendar. offer expires April 30, 2018, but session dates need not take place prior to that date.
Here are some of the adorable faces of The Day Nursery!
what do you get when you mix wine & photos? {headshot happy hour forest park, il}
“Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile”
― Homer
Last month, I partnered with Amy's Winehouse, in Forest Park, for a headshot happy hour event. It was such a fun event that I'm already scheming & planning to have another one! (Hint Hint, Amy...).
Amy was such an amazing hostess, the wine and food was delicious, and all the clients who joined us were lovely. I hope we can do another one soon!
Do you have an updated, professional portrait? If not, what's stopping you? Let's chat and make this happen: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
hop in my time machine...{spring & fall mini photo sessions}
"Photography is a form of time travel…A ghost preserved by light” -Neil deGrasse Tyson
Last week, I added Spring, Summer, and a few Fall sessions to my booking calendar. For those who get my newsletter, I included a few promo sessions with 2017 pricing.
These sessions can't be found through my regular booking link, but if you're still reading this blog post...you can follow this link & grab one of those sessions before they are released into the wild, at their regular price.
Take me back in time: Spring/Fall Session Promo
Grab your session soon, because the promo pricing is only good until April 15, or until all sessions are booked.
once around the sun! {oak park lifestyle photo session}
Today I got to help celebrate the first birthday of Rhys!
It wasn't that long ago that I photographed his baptism...
Just a couple of years prior to that, I documented the wedding of the 2 lovely humans who made Rhys!
It's truly such a gift to be able to tell their story as the years go by...it makes my heart happy!
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!
new addition! {oak park lifestyle newborn photo session}
“I don’t trust words. I trust pictures.”
-Gilles Peress
I'll never be accused of being the most eloquent person in the room.
Writing doesn't come easily for me.
The one place where I have always been comfortable is behind the camera, any camera. Put a person on the other side of the lens and it always feels right.
Quick shoots are great & I can almost always capture a great portrait, but I love nothing more than a slow, laid back lifestyle session. These are the sessions where I am able to relax, observe, and let the photo reveal itself to me. I can chat, engage, and help my client relax.
On the other side of these sessions, I am almost always in love with the images. They bring me joy and, hopefully, my client feels the same...
and baby makes 3! {chicago newborn lifestyle photographer}
“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.”
― Elliott Erwitt
With that quote in mind...enjoy a recent day in the life/newborn session!
love {oak park family photographer}
“Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”
David Alan Harvey
I love my job & I love my clients.
Big hugs for all the warm fuzzies I got from all those who took the time to vote for little bitty productions...
According to Hulafrog, little bitty productions was voted most loved family photographer in Oak Park-River Forest!
I know that there are so many wonderful and beloved family photographers in the area, so I am truly appreciative and grateful for the support.
getting to know you... {oak park headshot event}
“It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter.”
-Alfred Eisenstaedt
One of the things I love most about my job is that I meet so many people. When I'm photographing families, If I'm doing a good job, I get to see many of them on a (fairly) regular basis. The better I know my clients, the easier my job becomes.
For headshot clients, I may not see them as often. But, if I'm doing a good job, I get a LOT of referrals. A LOT. My headshot clients are quickly gaining on my family clients!
(this is me, doing a happy dance!)
I think it is important to be tuned into what my client wants & needs from me, especially regarding headshots. It's not enough to sit them in front of my lens & release the shutter a few times, I want to know how they see themselves and get a feel for their comfort level. These photographs will represent them to potential employers, clients, etc and it's important that people feel good about how their headshot looks. It's crucial that they be comfortable.
Many times, I hear "You're the professional. You tell me what to do." While this is fair to say & I do plenty of guiding, I often don't REALLY know your quirks. So many people have a "good" side...did you know that? Do you have one? Take a quick scan of your photos (selfies count) & see if there is a pattern. If so, then you fall into the "good" side group.
This isn't a bad thing. In fact, this is great info to share with your photographer! This is information I can use!
I hope that my most recent headshot clients LOVE their portraits. I am always so thankful to be trusted with such an important & intimate job.
headshot happy hour! {headshot sessions, amy's winehouse, forest park}
Last weekend's headshot event was so much fun that I decided to schedule another one!
This time around, I'm partnering with Amy's Winehouse in Forest Park, for a happy hour event. If you've never been to Amy's, you are missing out! Not only are the wine offerings delicious, but her small plates are amazing. The bacon wrapped dates are my favorite...give them a try when you stop in.
Ok, let me get back on track...
Here's the details:
The Headshot happy hour event will be held Wednesday, March 14, from 5-7pm.
Booking Link: Find your session time!
The cost is $100, which includes a glass of wine and charcuterie...you should definitely stick around afterward to mingle. (Additional food & wine will be available for purchase)
Fine Print: Each session will last 5-10 minutes and includes 1 image, delivered in color and black & white (2 total files). Within 2 weeks of your session, you will receive a password protected online gallery from which you can choose your favorite image. Additional files are available for purchase.
Send me an email if you have further questions: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
valentine to an old love
(In honor of Valentine's day, here's one of my favorite blog posts from a couple of years ago)
Do you remember your first love? I certainly do. Even though it's been 28 years, that love still holds a special place in my heart...and home.
Before my husband gets suspicious, let me explain.
When I was 14 years old, I got my hands on a Canon AE-1. Though I didn't really know how to use it, that didn't stop me from spending most of my money on film & processing. I spent a lot of money on bad photographs. My love grew, unrequited as it were.
The following year, I enrolled in a photo class at my high school. That was all it took...I was hooked. Photography was (and still is) a magical world for me. In those days (ahem, 28 years ago), I rolled my own film onto reels from a bulk loader, processed & printed everything by hand, and spot touched the images with an actual paint brush (no photoshop or computers...i know, WOAH).
My Canon carried me through my photo education in high school and into multiple colleges, where I eventually received my BFA. Many cameras came into my life through the years, but my love for that first camera was steadfast, even as it's parts began to falter. I spent countless hours shooting, processing, & printing. I managed to get a job working in the photo department of my university, which gave me access to the building pretty much all the time. I would stay in the lab overnight working on projects, taking occasional breaks to nap on the sofa in the lounge area. It's safe to say that I probably (definitely) couldn't maintain that lifestyle at this time in my life, but I remember it fondly. And it all started with that camera...
I eventually found new love with a Bronica SQ-B. Moving into medium format photography was an easy transition & I still very much love the square format, but my 35mm was always close at hand.
Eventually, the Bronica was set aside to make room for digital gear...as I adapt with the times. When it was time to upgrade, my first love came back to me, in a sense. I'm back to using a Canon, only now, it's a bit fancier and there is no film involved.
The old AE-1 has been living in a closet, where I would occasionally come across it while searching for something else.
Today, I decided to pull it out & place it somewhere visible...as a reminder of why & how I got where I am. On days when I'm feeling disconnected, distracted, or disinterested in picking up my camera, I hope that I can look to that old love and it will spark something in me.
I'll end this love letter with a quote from a modern day philosopher:
If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you each step of the way
And I will always love you
-Dolly Parton
somebody that i used to know...