Recent Sessions

April is really going fast, isn't it? We had wonderful weather last week and we were able to get most of the yard work done. Now, this weekend it's supposed to be very chilly again. That should enable me to get caught up with my photo processing and ordering. We travelled over to Galena tonight to meet Jim's sister at Vinnie's. We just marvelled at the beauty of the blossoming spring and the Creator. Barb & L.A. are celebrating their 41st anniversary - oh, my!

I haven't posted for a while but want to share some of the cute kids I've had in the past couple of weeks. Two of the babies have this sweet, spiky hair that is just barely long enough to stand out from their heads. This time, I took a bunch in the natural light of my living room with just a small softbox in the background to really highlight Jacob's hair.







At nine months, Emmory is on the move. It's a fun challenge to see what will keep kids this age in one place long enough to click the shutter button. I bought some squeakers for dog toys but nobody pays any attention to them. The turquoise tub and fish bowl (with only water in it) did the trick! She was very content to sit and splash! The goldfish appeared later photoshopmagically.




Sophie and Dillon came for Sophie's first birthday. Dillon did not want to participate very bad but you can't tell it from these photos, can you? He brought his combine with him so I sat in our wet driveway to get these images of him, trying to figure out how to combine leaves and grass. Sophie was just perfect - and her outfit matches my old rocker just perfect, too!

Eden is One

This little sweetie has such phenomenal eyes. I'm always drawn to the eyes of most everybody that I photograph and children these days seems to have huge, colorful eyes. But Eden's are unique. I suppose they would be called hazel but the color isn't in spots but centered around the pupil. This pinafore is just adorable, isn't it? So cute that I had to create a couple of photoshop brushes to mimic the fabric to use in a 12x12 of her!

Thanks Chris and Heidi for letting me see how she's grown!

Easter a Little Late

I forgot to share a couple of my favorite photos from our Easter weekend in Chicago. Again, we went to 4th Pres on Michigan Ave where two lines snake outside the door down a whole block in between services waiting to get in. The service and church are stunningly beautiful, though, and we were joined this year by Dawn's entire family.

These two little grand girls of mine, have quite the mutual admiration going on. Erin totally looks up to Paige and, of course, Paige relishes that. Erin now puts on her clothes using Paige's unique methods, Paige has a Belle nightgown like Erin's, Erin now WEARS nightgowns (she used to favor footed pajamas).

Paige's Saturday started out with another trip to the Dr for a possible ear infection and it took most of the day for the antibiotic to kick in so, the rest of us went to the Museum of Science and Industry. Wow, that place has changed in the past ten years. Of course, what hasn't?? Paige wailed because she had to stay home and take a nap but boy, did the girls have fun after that. Kelby gets a little annoyed (and hurt) when they leave him out.

In the first photo they are watching "Enchanted" and in the second one we are walking home from Dick's Last Resort. The girls just melt my heart holding hands while riding on their Daddy's shoulders - winter coats and all. More photos in the slideshow.

Kelby & Erin

They spent the weekend with us and I had a brief session to get some better lighting with them and their Easter outfits. Neither had too much patience for it, though. I love Kelby's look and how his blue eyes are so prominent. Erin is just SO cute in this red little jacket and polka-dot dress.

We went to Union Dairy on Saturday afternoon for some delicious (and HUGE) ice cream treats and then had ice cream again at Culver's on Sunday. Well, I guess we actually had it on Friday night, too. I tried to make a pinky-pact with Kelby to make him resolve not to blab everything that happens at Grandma's house. I said, what goes on at Grandma's stay at Grandma's, but, of couse, that didn't really work.

This is Spring???

OK - this is definitely a step backwards. Yesterday was gorgeous and today we have new snow on the ground. I'm SO glad that I decided to leave Madison before sunrise so I could get back to Freeport before the worst part of the storm arrived. I was there last night for the Captivated by the Light seminar with Ed Pierce. I can't stop watching the DVDs of the marvelous photographers that he showcased. My mind is just swimming with ideas. For now, here's our Bogie, resting on his newest friend.

Spring Feast

Today, I "heard" the Cedar Waxwings joining the robins on campus for their spring feast. The campus changes are more noticeable and beautiful than my backyard. I'm an avid observer of the trees, flowers and birds that make my campus their home. I had never noticed the small, neon strip of red on the wings of the waxwings. The sun caught their tails just right, too, and reflected the yellow neon tip.

Only 11 Days Until Spring

I've been really bad at keeping up with this project but that's partially because it became just too boring. Finally, I can see a difference in my back yard - bare grass is actually showing and we can walk around our deck.

I'm SO thankful that we aren't in Columbus where they received 20 new inches of snow. This is just unbelievable. My daughter lives north of Columbus so, it was yet another snow day for them.

When I walked into school this morning there was an entire flock of robins. They are there scavenging for all the crab apples left on the trees. What a delightful sight they were.

Last Wedding of 2007

I know, it's a little bit late but this is kind of a nice, slow time for me so I'm working on an album for this couple, Jake and Liz. These are a couple of my favorites:

iPod Video Available

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Jason!

Just had to post another photo of my cool, little Nano. I've been experimenting with photo slideshows and adding video. I watched a bunch of photography podcasts while travelling to and from Ohio, too.

So, now - if your order qualifies for a DVD slideshow, I will also add the same slideshow to your iPod. My Nano is an eight gig and I must warn you, these files aren't small.

BTW - the Nano is sitting on my Circa Planner from Levenger. This paper-based calendar system is working so well for me. I love being able to punch things like the prayer list from church and add it right into my church notes section. I have a plastic, zip-lock envelope in the front to hold my receipts and coupons. A divider in the back holds my stamps and return address envelopes. Everything seems to be right where I need it now.

My time lapse documentary photos are posted on the right - they record the changes in my backyard as we move to the first day of spring in NW Illinois. Oddly, and unfortunately, there haven't been ANY changes except to get another 1/2 inch of snow yesterday. Aaacckkk -

24 Days Until Spring

I'm going to shoot out the back of my house to note the dramatic changes that will occur over the next month. It gives us hope! Yikes, what a winter we have had in 2008.

Jason's Third Birthday

He looks older than that, doesn't he? That's because he was born 02/29/96 so, this is only the third time he's had a real birthday. We had a great time celebrating with his friends at the skating rink and also seeing both of their basketball games.

He's definitely not a little boy any more. Jason is becoming more independent, letting his hair grow, creating his own MySpace page and excelling in most everything he tries. He will always be my fist grandson and hold a special and dear place in my heart.

If you want to see more check out the video at:
Jason is Three

Newborn Jacob - how Sweet!

This has simply got to be THEE best part of being a photographer - seeing a newborn in the very first days of his life and capturing some of those fleeting looks. The wrinkly and flaky skin, skinny legs, curled up legs and wispy hair. Add to that two escstatic parents and it's just beautiful. Meet Jacob at nine days old -

Tragedy at NIU in DeKalb

This time the news of the university shooting has struck VERY close to home. DeKalb is located seventy miles from Freeport and many, many residents either attend currently or have graduated from NIU - myself and my son, Andrew, included. When he called me last Thursday with the news at about 3:15 pm we had no idea it was going to be so disastrous. Andrew graduated with a Biology degree and I finished with a degree in Economics so, we are both familiar with the area of Cole Hall.

My heart goes out to the family and friends who spent some uncertain time waiting to hear that their loved ones were safe. It also makes me worry for my daughter who teaches at a law school in Iowa because we see, again, that it can happen any where. We have reinforced our knowledge of emergency procedures at the college where I work but we are still left with unease and worry.

New Bucket Tote Purse

I couldn't wait to open the box with this sweet little bucket bag in it yesterday. I chose to have a photo on each side and black lining. It's a heavy, tight lining with a zipper pocket inside and a key fob. It has a snap closure with these jaunty red handles plus four little metal feet. I got it just in time to take it out with me for our Valentine's dinner at Imperial Palace. Wow, Freeport restaurants were jam-packed last night.

The length of the 20" handles is just perfect and I could have chosen pink for the lining instead.

Awh, Sweet -

This was my surprise Valentine gift from my sweetie this morning. I thought he was getting me a plant! Our iPod is old but, of course, it still works. I have been yearning for a new one that lets me take my photos with me and listen to photography podcasts that are done in video.

I put all of Erin's birthday photos on it this morning and it hardly used any room at all. I was able to set transitions for the photo slideshow and even add music to it. It's just too cool!

Abby Jo - My Great Niece

I'm finally getting some things caught up and it feels SO good. While making this CD for my niece of photos that I shot last June (yes, it was a long time ago) I came across this one of my great niece, Abby Jo. We had a fine time sitting on the stairs of their beautiful home, just chatting and taking some photos. Little girls are such sweet subjects, aren't they? Aren't her pouty lips just lucious?


I received a new catalog yesterday from CWD Kids I just love these kid's clothes but haven't tried them yet so I can't attest to the quality. The designs are really colorful and fresh.

Boys and Girls Club

Yesterday I had the privilege to meet and photograph some beautiful young people. I was asked to donate to the silent auction part of the Red and White Ball scheduled for next Saturday at the Masonic Temple. It is meant to be a fund raiser to help re-open the Boys and Girls Club. As Teresa and I talked, we came up with a plan to let people know who these kids actually are and what they look like.

So, I met them at the MLK Center which houses the Boys and Girls Club. Everybody showed up on time and looking fine. A few of the kids were a little nervous, but wow, do I love these images of them.

Here's the link to a slideshow if you want to see a bunch more!

Inspired by Tara Whitney

I started following a couple of photographers a few years ago when we were all very active on Two Peas in a Bucket. This is an all-encompassing site for scrapbookers: shopping, message boards, inspiration, etc. Two that I continue to follow as they have transformed into professional photographers are Tara Whitney, Brenda Acuncius and Marie Cox.

I always come across things that pique my interest on Tara Whiteney's blog. This is from a recent post regarding a YouTube video:

BTW - YouTube is extrememly educational. I have found and watched countless tutorials on photography, lighting, photoshop, etc.

Erin Turns Three - Priceless

• Gas for trip to Iowa City - $55.00
• Bedding for Big-Girl bed - $145.00
• Hannah Anderson Outfit - xxxx
• Being in church to witness Kelby protect his little sister in front of the whole Sunday School group while Happy Birthday was sung to her, watching him stroke and kiss her little head - PRICELESS
  
  
  When Erin turned three last week her big-girl bed arrived and the the "bees" were supposed to depart - or fly-away. She loves her bees so much that they haven't decided to go yet. She calls her pacifiers bees as many are shaped like bees.
  
  We had our our little photo session in her room with the new pretty and bright bedding that was our birthday/Christmas gift to her. She will just pose and pose. I was ecstatic to get just the right light coming in her windows to truly capture her beautiful blue eyes.
  
  

Photoshop User TV on "Real TV"

I'm a big fan of Scott Kelby. I have read several of his books, gone to his workshops, and a few years ago signed up for kelbytraining.com. At that time, I was just learning to use Photoshop and so I bought a monthly membership to watch videos on all kinds of Photoshop tutorials.

Now, Kelby Training has added loads more high-quality short videos on a wider range of topics, including photography. I just started another month of watching videos and I've picked up some great tips. I highly recommend it.

Also, I see on my Google page today that Photoshop User TV is going to have a few time slots on Fox TV. Central time is scheduled for Wednesday at 12:30 am so, I'll be setting my DVR to record it. Kelby is super entertaining along with informative. Check it out!

Another benefit related to Scott Kelby is the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP). He is the president of this organization and membership buys you some valuable benefits. For intstance, I buy most of my photography equipment from BH Photo Video and NAPP members receive free shipping. That pays for the membership price right there. Photoshop User magazine, another benefit of NAPP membership, comes eight times a year and I read it cover-to-cover for all the great tutorials.