one for one {oak park, il family photographer}
“What you do with your time daily is essential for spiritual and physical growth”
― Sunday Adelaja
Hi. How are you? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise? Have you picked up a new hobby or language?
Yeah, I haven’t really been doing any of those things either…
In these past 35 days, I’ve had a lot of time to think. On the best days and on the worst days, my thoughts turn to those who are putting themselves and their health at risk by continuing to work. “Essential” workers who are keeping us safe, fed, healthy, etc. The list is long…it includes everyone from medical professionals to grocery store workers to janitorial staff, many of whom are low wage earners.
I think about ways that I can help. What can I do? Like many others, our income has been greatly reduced and we are struggling to tighten our budget. But we are incredibly grateful to be healthy and have a home to stay safe in.
Besides the obvious, which is staying home, I’ve made small donations to a few organizations. I’ve made purchases from local, small businesses for the occasional dinner, Easter gifts, and most importantly, coffee. Shout out to Big Guys Sausage for feeding my family, Hilary’s Soapbox for filling my kids’ Easter baskets, and Dark Matter Coffee for keeping me sufficiently caffeinated.
But…I want to do more.
I try not to jump on photo “bandwagon” ideas…Glitter sessions? Not gonna happen. Porch sessions? Nope. However, I’ve seen a couple of other photographers who came up with a plan to donate sessions to first responders and essential workers…and this is a trend that I’m happy to get behind.
So, I’m offering a limited amount of “One for One” gift card purchases. When you purchase a gift card for a future session, you can nominate an essential worker who will be given a gift card for a future session. If you don’t have someone in mind, we will happily nominate and donate a session in your name.
If you are able to purchase a gift card now, follow this link for the “One for One” offer:
One for One 1-hour Session Gift Certificate
One for One Mini Session Gift Certificate
When you make your purchase, you can include the name and email of the person you’d like to nominate in the notes section of checkout.
I can’t wait to see you all again!
Be well, friends.
storytelling {oak park, il documentary photographer}
“We tell ourselves stories in order to live.”
― Joan Didion
We are living in very strange times.
My immediate family has been homebound since March 12. Today is April 5.
I haven’t stepped foot in a public building (grocery store, retail shop, restaurant, etc) since March 11.
In the past 25 days I have:
- Had massive anxiety and panic attacks and trouble sleeping.
- Spent a lot of time watching movies with my family.
- Told my confused 7 year old to “carry the 1” while helping him with math.
- Had moments of pure hope & vision for what will eventually come and moments of pure terror for what is currently happening.
- Spent hours listening to music with the boys while they fall asleep (Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, and Fleetwood Mac are favs).
- Walked to my studio 3 times to water plants and do a general check to make sure that everything is ok. Since my business is not considered essential, the studio is closed for business and I am essentially unemployed (temporarily).
- Gone for (almost) daily walks with the dog, the boys, and the husband. On my walks, I typically stay pretty close to home and I am hyper aware of keeping my distance and the distance of my boys far from other people.
Another thing that I do on my walks is carry my camera. Yes, I do. This is absolutely nothing new. Anybody who knows me will tell you that I almost always carry my camera…on walks, visits to friends homes, a night out, etc…
I say this because during this unimaginable time in our lives, you will see me continue to post photos. Some of them may be from months ago. Some may be from yesterday. Many will be of my children. Some may include neighbors…on their porches or inside their homes, who I encounter on my walks.
About 4 weeks ago, when we found out that our state was advising the public to self-distance and stay home, I started imagining what daily life would look like. A friend reached out and pitched an idea about taking photos during this time & I admitted to her that I had already sort of been planning something but needed to work on the details.
I sent an email to clients and friends and pitched my idea to gauge interest & there was a lot of interest. I even started getting inquiries from people who I didn’t know. I was excited by the idea of having a project to keep my mind busy…
Less than a week after I sent my email, the state ordered all non-essential people to “shelter in place”, restaurants were ordered to close dine-in options (allowing delivery & pick up only), and eventually, the mayor shut down parks and the lakefront in Chicago. (Side note: Lori Lightfoot’s disappointment in the people of her city and the memes that followed have been a high point during this shit sandwich)
So, why am I posting this? I wanted to share with everyone what is going on (or, you know…the few people who read my blog posts…LOL) and why I haven’t followed up regarding my photo project.
For the safety and well-being of everyone:
I am not currently able to work. I am not currently able to book sessions. I am not currently able to take new clients. I am not currently able to move forward with this project.
Many people have asked me why I can’t move forward…assuming that if I keep my distance then it’s technically ok & I tend to lean in that direction myself. But. I do not want to risk my business on a technicality.
If you’ve been watching the news, then you are probably aware that porch sessions are a huge trend that is currently happening: The Front Steps Project or Front Porch Project or other similar names. Many photographers have been participating in this project. They have gotten news coverage & raised money for great causes & I do not wish to say anything negative to or about these people.
If you’re a photographer, then you also probably know that MANY photographers are upset about this project, to the point that it is being mentioned repeatedly in post after post in Facebook groups and blogs. Many of the posts are trying to “educate” others on all the reasons why it’s a bad idea but a lot of the posts I’m seeing seem to devolve into bullying and condescension. What started as an effort to help others understand all the ways they might be hurting their business and the photo community has turned into passive-aggressive shaming and I’m not interested in being part of it.
At this time, we are still allowed (and encouraged) to go outdoors for exercise and fresh air. As someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder and with anxiety, getting outside is crucial for my well being. As long as I am still safely able to do so, I will continue to go on walks with my family and I will probably have my camera with me…and if I see you out and about, I will probably offer an overly enthusiastic wave and I might turn my camera on you for a hot second…
During these incredibly uncertain and scary times, I prefer to look for the helpers and the good things that are happening around me.
I don’t know what tomorrow or next week or next month will look like for my family or my business and I appreciate everyone who has reached out to me and continues to support me.
Be well, friends.
be well {oak park, il family photographer}
“A good half of the art of living is resilience.”
― Alain de Botton
Good morning, friends!
I've had several people reach out to ask how they could help during this uncertain time of social distancing and I'm so grateful to every one of you! I know that so many people are dealing with drastic changes to their daily life right now & we will all need to do everything we can to power through... together❤️
So...how can you help?
1. Continue to be the amazing and concerned clients and friends that you are! This is more than enough right now. We are all blindly navigating this “new normal." This is huge & gives me hope that you will be here when life gets back to "normal"(whatever that may be...).
2. Book a session! (you can book & hold your session by paying only the deposit or full session fee, whatever is most comfortable for you).
I've added a handful of sessions to my booking calendar, including much-coveted October sidewalk session dates that usually aren't released until late summer & typically sell out pretty quickly. I've also added a week of discounted sunset mini sessions in July.
For the next 2 weeks, any booked non-commercial sessions will receive a $75 print credit.
To receive the credit, enter promo code SOCIAL when filling in your online questionnaire at booking.
Summer Mini Sessions: http://bit.ly/summersunsetmini
October Sidewalk Sessions: http://bit.ly/sidewalksessions
Full Sessions, including October dates: http://bit.ly/photosession2019lbp
2. Purchase gift cards for future print or session use.
http://bit.ly/2020gclbp
3. Place print orders. Maybe you plan to spend some of this quarantined time cleaning out your house or organizing things. Now would be a great time to organize photo files and order those prints you've been meaning to purchase.
I am happy to re-load past galleries if you'd like to place print orders.
Being a small business owner is tough under the best of circumstances so when the shit actually hits the fan...let's just say that things get real...and it happens pretty quickly.
As previously posted, I'm postponing all sessions/events until at least April 1. As this situation changes by the minute, plans will very possibly change. All I can do is watch and wait. It's a very uneasy holding pattern to be in but I will remain optimistic and hopeful.
Thank you for your continued support. Be well!
portraits of motherhood {oak park portrait photographer, family photos oak park, il}
“Motherhood is a choice you make every day, to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.”
― Donna Ball
Do me a favor and stop what you're doing (I know you just started reading this blog & now I'm asking you to stop reading...stick with me...or not?).
Take a look around your home and your Facebook/Instagram pages.
When you look through the images that tell your story, how do they make you feel?
Here's a better question: When your kids are older and they look back on these same photos (I hope you printed them...), how will it make them feel? Will the story make sense or will there be huge gaps?
For somebody who takes up so much space in our hearts and lives, moms are suspiciously absent from our photos.
When you look through the photos in your home and on your social media accounts, how many include mom? My hope is that mom is in a lot of photos, but realistically, mom doesn't make too many appearances. I'm sure there are a million reasons why, including the fact that mom is usually the one behind the camera.
"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 always try to make sure that my sessions include a few frames with just mom & kids, but I also offer a few mini sessions during the year that are only for mothers & kids. Any of the portrait sessions I offer can be Motherhood sessions, but since mom's tend to prioritize everyone but themselves, I like to give you the option to do something that is only for YOU. It's in the title, so it's just for MOM! Maybe you hadn't considered it before or maybe you just needed "permission"...
Whatever reason you've been using for not being in photos, can we agree that there is a huge reason why you need to put that aside & get in the frame?
Our kids need to be able to see that we were there...we are/were part of the story. Part of their story.
So, whether you want to book a session that's especially for you or you want to book a regular session, just make sure that you grab a few frames with just you and the kids or just YOU. Why not?
*this blog post was originally posted March 25, 2019. All images and session dates have been updated for 2020*
welcome to the world, baby girl! {oak park, il newborn photographer, oak park documentary photographer}
“What strange creatures brothers are!”
― Jane Austen
This lovely family recently moved from California to Oak Park & I had the pleasure of being invited into their home as they welcomed their sweet, baby girl into the world.
This sweet girl is lucky enough to have 2 big brothers who are ready to jump in and help out…well…right now they have shenanigans to attend to but I believe that in time, they will be her biggest champions!
It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to document these moments for people. I recognize the trust that is being extended to me and I do not take that lightly.
new addition! {oak park, il newborn photographer}
If I wasn’t so tired, I’d attempt to write something fun and witty here…
Instead, I’ll recommend that you enjoy these lovely photos of this beautiful family and then go read more about their story & journey here: Trying For Two.
What a fantastic way to close out my 2019 photo sessions.
(That’s right…I don’t have plans for taking any more sessions until 2020!)
october...{oak park, il family photo session}
“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
― L. M. Montgomery
We are past the halfway mark for October and in the past few days, the colors have finally been poppin’! Do you have a favorite autumn ritual? Is it apple orchards or pumpkin farms or…just enjoying all the wonderful changes that take the world from bright green to warm reds, oranges, and yellows?
For me, it’s really about watching the green disappear. I’m just going to say it…photographing super green environments makes me bananas. I need a little variety to break it up…flowers, prairie grass…something besides ALL THE BRIGHT GREEN!
Don’t get me wrong, I love when everything is blooming and green. But I prefer to photograph in more urban environments when the world is blanketed in lush, green grass. Give me sidewalks & brick walls & pops of green…I could keep going but I won’t bore you with more color talk.
Instead, I’ll share a few images from tonight’s session.
Those colors though…amiright?
Hello Autumn...{oak park, il family photographer}
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
― Albert Camus
This is the time of year when my blog posts sort of disappear for a while…I try my best, I really do but…it is what it is, right?
Let’s be honest, I’m not the most prolific blogger but I do like to post some photos.
And with that…I’ll leave you with some fall photos.
Until next time…enjoy!
this is fall in the midwest...{oak park, il family photo sessions}
“Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.”
― Chad Sugg
Well, friends…here we are. We talk about it & wish it would arrive & then autumn is here & suddenly…we’re scrambling to do the things we’ve been so anxiously looking forward to.
Apple picking, pumpkin farms, sweater weather…all things I love about fall.
Rain, unpredictable weather shifts…not totally loving these things.
Today was especially tricky because we had wind gusts up to 22 mph. I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer not fight the wind during my family photo session.
Luckily, my clients are braver than I and and we took advantage of the beautiful sunshine and moderate temps.
It’s here, folks…welcome to fall in the midwest. Enjoy the sunshine when it comes out & invest in a cute sock hat (I like the Free People sock hats…they don’t pay me to say that).
girl up: unite the midwest {chicago photographer, chicago event reportage}
“What it boils down to is simple: If we want to drive progress in the world, we need to put girls in the driver’s seat.” – Kathy Calvin, CEO and President, UN Foundation
I want to share the tiniest teaser from an event that I got to be involved with yesterday.
I was inspired and humbled to be in a room with so many young women who are changing the narrative of what it means to be female. The room was full of smart, funny, and focused young girls and women and I got to be a fly on the wall and document the day.
I urge you to read more about this amazing organization: Girl Up.
In the meantime, enjoy a few images from the day…
#thefutureisfemale
fall is here...are you ready? {oak park, il family photographer}
“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”
― Humbert Wolfe
Did you book a fall photo session?
Yes? Then it looks like you're all set! You can sit back and worry about other things...
Did fall sneak up on you without giving you a chance to secure a date for your family photos? No need to worry about it...you have options!
Check out some of the sessions that are open for October-December!
Let me know if you have any questions...I hope to see you soon!
Happy Fall!
Joey
(I have a few outdoor sessions remaining so if you have your heart set on outdoors, you might jump on that soon...there aren't many to choose from...)
celebrating 90 years! {oak park, il documentary photographer}
“What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.”
― Gabriel Garcia Marquez
August is typically my month off work. It’s why you don’t see very many posts from me.
I know…taking a month sounds like a really amazing vacation, but let me be clear: it’s not really vacation time. When you own and run a business, there really aren’t many “off” days. I only occasionally hire assistants, so the majority of the time I am my only employee & I think clearing my calendar or 1 month is a good way to “reset” myself. With fall shooting just around the corner, I need a little time to relax & catch my breath.
I usually spend at least a couple of weeks visiting family in Texas followed by a week or 2 of getting ready for back to school. I have plenty to do…so no worries that I’m living my best life while kicking back & resting (I do a little of that also…and I don’t feel bad about it!).
BUT…
There are exceptions to my rule…in the past, I’ve been contacted by clients who were planning to have extended family in town and on this rare occasion, they wanted family photos. If I am able to make that happen (like, I’m in town) then I’m happy to do it!
Today was another exception and I’m so happy that I was in town and able to take the job.
I had the honor of photographing a special event for my dear friend, Nallely. Today was her grandmother’s 90th birthday celebration and I loved being able to be part of this special day.
What a fun day, full of all the people who love her and came to celebrate her!
Here’s a little snippet of today’s event…enjoy! I’ll be back in full swing by September!
studio portrait sessions...book your session now {oak park, il fine art portrait sessions}
“If I had a photograph of you
It's something to remind me
I wouldn't spend my life just wishing” - A Flock of Seagulls
Well…September is just around the corner and as promised, I’m ready to get this party started!
These sessions will be quick and casual and will capture your kids as they are: silly or serious (and everything in between).
To book a time, there will be a $100 session fee. This fee is non-refundable and books and holds your session time.
No digital files, prints, or print products are included in the session fee. Your edited images will be delivered via online gallery and you will be able to purchase the images you love a la carte or as a collection.
Print pricing starts at $25.
Find and book your session: Studio Sessions
Need more info? Send me an email!
Sessions will be held at my Oak Park studio, located at 38 Lake Street.
new beginnings {oak park, il studio portrait sessions}
“A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense and is thereby a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.”
― Ansel Adams
As most of you have figured out by now, I’ve recently moved into a shared studio space. With this new dedicated space, new opportunities present themselves and I’m excited to share a little of what I’m up to.
It has never been my desire to spend my days in a traditional studio, churning out posed family photos. I’m happy to do them but I will always be better at allowing moments to unfold while I document and catch the candid moments.
These are the moments that bring me joy. They are the images that my clients love.
Beginning in September, I’ll be offering in-studio portrait sessions. Not headshots (though, I continue to shoot tons of headshots in studio and on location), but simple and beautiful portraits.
These portraits sessions will vary from single sittings to families and will still feel very much like the images that my clients expect from me: fun and modern.
So, without much chit-chat and blathering on from me, I’ll share a few images from recent studio sessions…
fall booking is going, going...{oak park and chicagoland fall photo sessions}
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
― Albert Camus
Fall booking is underway!
If you haven’t already booked your session, now is the time…Many of the weekend options have been booked but a few have been added.
As usual, mini sessions are limited and there are only 3 fall days with mini sessions remaining.
Find your session here (hover and click on the session you’d like more info about)…
If you’re interested in booking other types of sessions and don’t see a link for booking here, send me an email and let’s chat! joey@littlebittyproductions.com
family dinner night {oak park, il family photo session}
“How often have the greatest thoughts and ideas come to light during conversations with the family over the evening dinner?”
― E.A. Bucchianeri
I can never say no to an invitation to family dinner night.
I’m not even talking about my family…I’ll bring my camera and be a fly on the wall at YOUR family dinner. I love to witness the rituals, hear stories, and just be there to document the moment.
Tonight I got to spend time with my friend (and client) and her family during their Sunday family dinner. I loved hearing her grandparents stories and being able to let the kids be silly for the camera…there’s a level of comfort for clients’ that comes with being in a space that’s familiar to them. Everyone can relax a little and just let things unfold.
How about you? What does your family session look like to you? Let’s chat & make it happen…
...i'll be his and he'll be mine...part 4 {holzer-hall wedding, marriott lincolnshire}
It’s almost time…
Shooting and editing a wedding is a labor of love. So much time is spent planning followed by time spent at the actual wedding and, finally, weeks spent going over all the images to cull and edit down to only the best images from the day.
In a lot of ways, it is a huge relief to complete and deliver the images. I know that family & friends are anxious to see images, so it feels good to know that they can now share the story of their day.
In other ways, it’s a little like saying goodbye to a friend. I’ve spent so much time with these people, it’s a little sad to move on.
But…it’s almost that time…time to deliver and say goodbye to these faces that I’ve been looking at daily, for almost 6 weeks.
I also want to share a funny story from the wedding (with permission from MIB!): Take a peek at the first image of the bride and groom with the cake. Do you see the looks on their faces? That’s not their cake!
You read that correctly…THAT.IS.THE.WRONG.CAKE.
I found out about the cake after the wedding and then I caught this while I was editing because in the moment, they rolled with the punches. And, in case anybody is wondering…the venue made up for the mistake. All good…
I’m planning to finish up this week, but in the meantime, here’s the last peek from the Holzer-Hall celebration!
Shout out to Tina Harle, my right hand gal and second shooter.
...bells will ring, the sun will shine...part 3 {holzer-hall wedding, marriott lincolnshire}
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.”
― Pablo Neruda
It’s been 3 weeks since I had the pleasure of photographing Anna & Matt’s beautiful wedding! Three weeks! It doesn’t seem possible…but here we are.
I’m about halfway through my editing and wanted to share a few more images from their day…I hope to roll out 1 more sneak peek before I deliver their images.
Enjoy a few portraits that we were able to sneak in between the drizzle and downpour!
family road trip from wyoming...not me, my client! {elmwood park, il baptism photo session}
“I love these little people; and it is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.”
― Charles Dickens
Today I met with new clients who drove a little over a 1000 miles to have their sweet 11 month old baptized. The ceremony was intimate and sweet, followed by a fun dinner at a German beer hall…
Are all baptisms this fun? If so, sign me up…
...and we're gonna get married! part 2...{holzer-hall wedding, st. giles, oak park, il}
“And when you smile the world is brighter
You touch my hand and I'm a king
Your kiss to me is worth a fortune
Your love for me is everything” -Elvis Presley
I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long…
here’s a few sneak peeks from the ceremony of Anna & Matt!
Stay tuned for part 3…coming soon-ish.
