Metropolitan Imageworks

This little champ braved the frigid December temps so we could get a few outdoor photos of him all bundled up! Then Brendan, Mom and I went back inside to defrost and have Dad join in for some family photos.

Happy New Year!!!

A few weeks ago I met up with rocker Scott Dubose for a portrait session in the city. He is revamping his website and needs new photos to go with the redesign. We picked a couple urban locations and I worked my photo magic while Scott danced and sang and played the guitar. I kind of felt like I was at a one person concert smack dab in the very front row. The session ended back in the Metimage studio with some indoor shots to max out the variety. Can’t wait to see the new site!

A few years ago a friend of mine was looking at property in NYC. She saw an ad for a building that suggested you “bring your architect and your imagination.” I think Rebecca and Ryan fit that description. Rebecca is the architect and Ryan is the contractor and together they are one special team.  Their current ongoing project is restoring their home in the Pullman District.  If you can renovate together then anything is possible!

I was also visually astounded by their talent during the getting ready portion of the wedding day. Rebecca and her bridesmaids were using a stunning condo on Lake Shore Drive that is owned by Ryan’s aunt. The condo was just renovated by the team of Rebecca and Ryan and it’s really a showplace. Not only are the hardwood floors, floor to ceiling windows and layout a modern and a inviting pallete, but it was also a photographers dream backdrop for the getting ready photos! Lots of light and open space and interesting lines.  It was an indication of how great the rest of the day was going to flow.

Their ceremony and reception was held in the tented courtyard of the Smart Museum of Art on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park.  The day and evening provided perfect September Chicago weather and we were able to explore some of the campus after the ceremony for photo ops.

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Ceremony & Reception: Smart Museum of Art, Hyde Park, IL

DJ: Toast and Jam, Chicago, IL

Florist: The Flower Firm, Chicago, IL

Officiant: Groom’s uncle, Ron Stalzle, Indianapolis, IN

Caterer: The Entertaining Company, Chicago, IL

Day of Wedding Coordinator: Kaltheen Clickett

Emily and Michael currently live in Portland yet they decided to have their wedding in Arlington Heights, close to where Emily grew up.  During a quick hit and run visit this summer, we were able to finally meet in person and spend some time together during their engagement portrait session.

I was very excited as September quickly approached and Emily and Michael’s date arrived. The Metropolis Ballroom was the perfect venue for the ceremony and reception.  Emily spent a lot of time preparing 1000 cranes for the ceremony, although when asked she mentioned it didn’t take as long as one would think.  As the guests entered, the greeters handed them lengths of folded paper cranes strung together and the guests were instructed to walk down the center aisle and hang the cranes from the railing.

Traditional Japanese lore states that anyone who folds 1000 paper cranes will be granted a wish and it will come true. Also, 1000 paper cranes are also a traditional wedding gift to wish 1000 years of happiness and prosperity on the couple.  I sure hope Michael helped do some of the folding!

Emily and Michael’s ceremony was very personal and heartfelt, as Emily’s brother was the officiant and just oozed emotion and sentiment throughout. I love it when clients have such a personalized touch. The guests enjoyed a fabulous meal and then proceeded to attack the dance floor the entire time.  I have not often seen so much action and excitement on one floor. It was so much fun, even for me as a photographer, to observe the guests having an incredible time!

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Ceremony & Reception: Metropolis Ballroom, Arlington Heights, IL

Officiant: Bride’s brother, Billy!

DJ: Beep Media, Barry Phipps, Chicago, IL

This is my little friend, Landon. I have been photographing him since he was three months old and prior to that I photographed his Mom and Dad’s engagement session and wedding. Landon and I (and his Mom) have lunch dates throughout the year and sometimes when he comes over to our house, Mater thinks Landon is here for his own playdate!

Landon and his folks stopped by the studio for a quick portrait session for holiday card photos yesterday.

Teaser images.

Holiday card.

Merry Everything!

This little ham is Sam.  He was very friendly and smiley through most of the session. We did have a slight whine at the end when Sam let us know he reached his limit, but I kept shooting as Mom had requested I try to get Sam’s pouty face. I think I did! Mom and Dad are some of my wonderful wedding clients from 2008. Thanks for creating future work for me!

Natalie received a Metropolitan Imageworks maternity session as a shower gift from some very close friends, complete with being pampered and having her hair and make-up done by Nikolina at Moya Make-Up. I love sharing in this very amazing and personal time with my clients. Metimages maternity sessions are filled with eager anticipation and glimpses of what’s to come.

See you guys again next year, when Brooke makes an appearance!

Jacob had his very first Metropolitan Imageworks portrait session at just one week old!  He didn’t quite catch on that he was supposed to look cute and aware and smile the entire time. We settled for him just looking cute.

This was as close to a smile as we saw . . .

Sisterly love at it’s best, or at least enough for one or two photos!  Big sis’ Amara took to the backdrop like a model to a runway! She posed and danced and gave me fantastic smiles. Little sis’ Eliza took a few minutes to warm up, but then Mom pulled some tricks out and got her to smile and coo for the camera. We even managed to get a few of the girls together and no one got injured!

I had a fun date with Josh last week! As soon as I arrived I was bombarded with smiles and hugs and giggles. What a welcome!  Mom and Dad had the place all decked out for the holidays and Josh was fascinated by the tree and ornaments and the train set!  We were entertained as Josh kept grabbing for the “Naughty” train car rather than the “Nice” one!

Happy Holiday!!!