Letters to Our Children - October 2013

Welcome to the October installment of "Letters to Our Children"

This month, dearest Liam and Lola, I would like to make yet another confession.  I know, most of my posts are about something I feel terrible about or feel guilty for - but I just can't help it!  There are many things about being a mother that come natural to me - but oh so many shortcomings too.  The point of this is this:  30 years from now when you're in therapy hashing up crazy things your mom did to put you in whatever position you are....just have them read these letters. Maybe it will give you some perspective - and help you give me some forgiveness!

Back to my confession:  I am a Helicopter parent.  A worry wart.  A Nervous Nellie.  However you want to call it - it sometimes when you do something that has even a minutia of physical risk, it makes my heart feel like it is going to beat out of my chest.  Its not that I don't think you can do things.....it is just that I'm terrified of you getting hurt.  Of breaking a bone.  Or breaking your neck.  

I know - its graphic....but that's where my mind goes sometimes.  Part of the territory from living with a lifetime of anxiety and depression, I suppose.  Right now, depression is pretty low.  Non-existent, or as non-existent as it can be - which is great!  But the anxiety  OH THE ANXIETY!!! Now that, for whatever reason, is sky high.  And I fight it in one vain or another every. single. day.  Its not bad enough that I need medication at this point, but it is on close watch.  

So, when you ask to do things that are fun (like, for example, jump on an old school trampoline with no kid-keeping net on it!), I have to fight every urge in my body that wants to tell you NO!  Instead, I say "Of Course!".  In my mind (or maybe outloud...) I say "Just don't jump too high.  And stay exactly in the middle.  AND NO FLIPS.  AND KEEP AWAY FROM THE EDGE!".

Sigh.

And what happens?  Well, for Liam, nothing.  Nothing but fun anyway.  For Lola - she fell and scratched her face trying to get UP on the trampoline.

Kids, I know my anxiety will always be trying to pull to keep you safe in a bubble. But I know there is so much to experience and explore in life.  I will do my best to step back, squash the fire alarms ringing in my head, let you learn and grow and explore.  After all, it is the only thing I can do so you can experience the wind whooshing through your hair as you bounce on a cool fall morning under a canopy of jeweled leaves!  It will be no easy battle, but the smiles and joy on your faces I know will be worth it :) 

Please follow the circle of fun and awesomeness to Tanya Karaman!

Family Mini-Sessions {Chicago Family Photographer}

Happy October to all!

Blink for a second and we will soon be in the throws of Holiday planning and parties and cards!  Wouldn't it be nice this year to have at least one thing already crossed off the list before Halloween even hits the door?

I'm here to help you do just that :) Schedule a 30 minute mini-session in October, and get your family photos Christmas Card ready!  Included in the $150 session fee:

5 digital images
30 minute session
Print release - for cards and up to 4x6 prints

This event will be held at North Avenue Beach - in the event of inclement weather we will duck inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory.  6 session times are available (from 8AM to 11AM on the half hour) - contact me at karin@karinobrienphotography.com or call 312-401-9979 to reserve your spot!

There will be one additional date for mini-sessions at an indoor studio on Saturday, October 26th.  Details for that event will be posted soon!

Cheers, and again, HAPPY OCTOBER!

{Liam's Baptism} :: Chicago Family Event Photographer

Love has arrived in Chicago, and his name is Liam :) Seriously, what a sweet, happy and photogenic little dude. I connected with his family, and was invited to capture his Baptism celebration. There is nothing more incredible than sharing such moments with a wonderful family so full of love - and on top of all that we had a gorgeous day, and the setting was impeccible in a beautiful backyard. Congratulations on your Christening, Liam! You are a lucky boy to have a family that loves you so much!

{The Tyler Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

I love nothing more than to work with a family that I've the privilege of seeing through the lens on many different occasions. And really, what better form of flattery than repeat business? We had an absolutely perfect day, and a perfect setting right outside their front door to do the Tyler family portraits, and I couldn't have spent it with a more beautiful family :) Thank you, again and again, for inviting me in your lives! And thanks for the delicious tacos, too!

{McMillin Family}

It is so sad to bear the thought of losing another friend to moving away, but I'm so very thankful that I've had the chance to watch these kids grow :) And what a great way to go out by celebrating and taking photographs in some of their favorite places in this great city!? We had an absolutely perfect morning, and I couldn't think of a nicer family to spend it with. Thanks McMillin Family! Chicago will definitely miss you!

{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!

{The Leach Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

This session was full of adventures :) First of all - Mom is a very special person in my life because she was our favorite nurse when Lola was born, so I was over the moon when she asked me to take portraits of her 1 and 2 year old children to commemorate their birthdays. I talked her into making it a whole family session, and Grandma and Grandpa even came along for the ride!

Our first location choice was swarmed with mosquitoes....I mean SWARMED! Luckily, they knew of another nearby municipal park, so cool, calm and collected we all packed back up and headed over to Plan B. What a beautiful Plan B it was!! Trees, baseball diamonds, and the occasional Metra train.....we ended up with a GREAT session! Thanks again for having me - it was a ton of fun - and SO hard to choose the few to preview here today :)

{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 :)

{Special Olympics Illinois} :: Chicago Event Photographer

I had the opportunity to photograph Special Olympics Illinois - Area 5 - Spring Games in Evanston this Sunday. It kind of fell into my lap, and I am so thankful that it did! It was amazing to see the commitment of the volunteers, the heart of the athletes competing, and the strong support of the families there to cheer them on! What a wonderful experience :)

Thank you for inviting me to document the celebrations of the day!

{The McAvoy Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

It is a great honor to be chosen to capture the memory of a family together. Long after I am gone, the image will remain. A perfect moment....treasured always! It means even more to me when I'm trusted to photograph one of my beautiful friends ;) I love looking at the moments I've taken, and really, truly being able to see the personalities that I know so well.

Here's a few from one of my most favorite families ;) Spring has sprung, and I can't wait to do even more sessions outside! Enjoy!