{Bella & Charli} - Chicago Children's Photographer

This is the story of two very sweet sisters that share the same birthday. This month sweet Charli turns one, and big sister Bella turns three!

But, this is quite a bigger story than that. I don't usually preview this many photographs from a session, but I feel so very strongly about these photos and about this story, that I'm going to go ahead and do it, just this once :).

It is not a new story....most people know there is something incredibly special about motherhood. It is absolutely the hardest job I've ever had. Giggles, laughs, cuddles and smiles are all most parents have to compensate for the daily struggle that oh so obstinate and head strong kids put up.

I look at the following series of photos and my heart swells. Maybe its because I'm emotional, maybe its because I love this mom and these kids so very much, or maybe its just because these are moments of simple, unabashed love and beauty. Chaos and joy - which is everything that motherhood is. These stolen moments get us through the times when the screaming doesn't stop, toddler is winning the battle, that we want to loose our cool, and we want to run away to Siberia....

Because of these photos, I encourage you all to get in front of the camera with your children!! Play, love and have fun :) What surprises me is that most parents are so apprehensive to get in front of the camera, and I implore (as a parent, not as a photographer!) you all to reconsider. Having moments like these, frozen in time, will be treasured memories for you and your children for years to come.

{The Woolfe Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

I absolutely love outdoor sessions, especially along Chicago's seemingly endless shoreline with big city skyline and beautiful sandy beaches! I don't, however, always love dealing with our ever changing weather :) This day, luck was on my side. Despite the crummy forcast the Woolfe family was up and ready to gamble, and I think we beat the odds! We had a mega fast family session and grabbed some great shots before the angry skies opened up (which they did...on the way to our vehicles!). What a great way to commemorate two big birthdays - Happy 3rd birthday to J and Happy 1st Birthday to M!

{Lily R.} :: Chicago Children's Photographer

Sometimes its funny how the world works. Lily, her mom and I found each other in a round about fashion, and I was so grateful that she asked me to do portraits to commemorate Lily's 3 years of life! We had a great time on this beautiful spring (but felt like summer!) morning running along the lake front. Lily is such a strong, beautiful and spunky little girl - I have no doubt great things are in her future :)