Metropolitan Imageworks

This little dude is Joseph Peter and the darling son of some of Metimages 2009 wedding clients.  He was definitely what I would call a perfect newborn specimen, both in reality and for photos!  I loved his little faces and little crossed limbs.

Once again I had the pleasure of photographing my little friend Zoe.  If you haven’t figured it out, she is the darling daughter of my college friend Kira, also a photography major.  Kira is also happens to be one of the talented Metimages associate photographers.  Zoe is totally a Metimages baby and when I met her as a newborn last October, I did get all choked up and emotional to witness my friend moving into this next chapter in her life.  So amazing.  I love my photo times with Zoe because it’s also time to hang out with Kira and get all caught up on each others lives.  Fortunately, mom has her camera out on Zoe often so she is used to being a subject and she totally rocked this session!

Our talented Metimages associate photographer, Elizabeth, had a lovely portrait session with newborn Lauren last week.  I had previously photographed big sister Elayna about a year and a half ago and we were very excited to be asked back for the new arrival!   Mom, Dad and Elayna graciously showed little Lauren how it was done.   And the little one is such a fast learner – she totally rocked the session!

Maddox is one of my 2011 Milestone babies and her family joined me at Disney for her 6-month portrait session!  Maddox’s mom and dad are avid Disney fans and I am sure Maddox is following in their footsteps.  We met up at the Grand Californian and started with Maddox posing in their room. Then we headed out onto the lush grounds and had ample time of a happy baby for some family shots as well.  Grandma and Grandpa recently celebrated 50 years of marriage in the area and were able to tag along for the session.  Little Maddox sits up like a champ and is in love with a silver baby rattle that her grandma gave her. And of course, what teething babe doesn’t love having a Sophie around during portraits?

Our awesome Metimage’s intern, Barb, filled in for a Milestone portrait session with Bianca a couple weeks ago in Chicago, and it was hot out!  Bianca and family met up with Barb on the grounds of Dominican University and spent a lovely morning documenting Bianca’s 9-Month session.  Fortunately they were able to escape some of the heat and prevent a melt-down a little longer by heading inside one of the buildings to finish off the session.  Bianca once again aced the portrait session and showed her many smiles and smirks!

I know I have said this time and time again, but it’s totally worth repeating.  My heart sings with joy when I get to photograph the newborn babies of former wedding clients.  Gwen and Jarret were married in 2008 and recently welcomed little Maddie to their family.  I was ecstatic that her birth coincided with one of my recent visits to Chicago and I was able to introduce Maddie to the wonderful world of Metimages portrait sessions.  Her older (fur)bro, Buddy, was very helpful in both his posing and gnawing on my baby basket between sets.  Totally ok, because he made up for it in snuggles!

This.  This is why I photograph people in their element.  It’s not just about the smiling faces, it’s also very much about the un-contrived moment. This is why I don’t put my camera down.

Check out the scrumptious baby hammock my awesome client, Amanda, knitted for me!

Their first “child” deserves a moment in front of the camera, too.

And, it’s a wrap!

Four outfits, 30 minutes and only one set of tears!  Let me say that Gemma and family have their Metimages portrait sessions down to a science!  I wouldn’t expect anything less since I have been photographing them since Momma was pregnant with Gemma, and then Gemma as a newborn and every three months thereafter.  Our sessions might be speedy but there is no shortage of scenery, cute Gemma-isms and of course some great family shots!  See you guys again in December!

Giving back is good for the heart.  I like to have one event each year where I combine my photography efforts with the talent of an organization to raise funds for a worthy cause.  This year I partnered with the Crystal Lake Jaycees to raise money for the Burleson Scholarship Fund.  If you are not familiar, the Burleson Family Scholarship is named in honor of Crystal Lake resident Thomas Burleson and his family.  In 1999, Thomas Burleson and his family were struck by a drunk driver.  Thomas survived the crash, but his wife Eva, 34, and their three children, Daniel, 14, Tiffany, 11, and Dallis, 7, were killed in the car accident.  The Burleson Scholarship, in the amount of $1,000, will be awarded to a high school senior.

Together with the help of the Jaycees, we photographed eleven portrait sessions on the grounds of the historic Dole Mansion and raised $360.00 for the Burleson Scholarship Fund.  Many thanks to all who participated.  Here’s a sampling of some of my favorite shots from the day.

You know the phrase “I could eat you up”?!  I understand it very well when I am around Ms. Zoe. With her cute little face and dainty little limbs and yummy personality, I just want to snuggle and love and well, eat her up!  Zoe has almost mastered sitting up all by herself and she was such a little model for me in her christening gown.  We were able to do a few more outfit changes and take pictures both inside and out and only got rained on once before the sun showed the sky who is boss.  Let this be a reminder, baby butt shots sure are cute but baby handler beware!

Hey now, don’t get mad at the photographer!

Yes that is a very cute dress you’re wearing!

These EYELASHES!

I knew you liked getting your photo taken!

My little buddy Sebastian was baptized at St. Paul the Apostle last weekend and I was there to document the day!  His godmother, Nancy, took great care in dressing him in a stylish yet fancy outfit, complete with his very first pair of Chuck Taylors!  While Sebastian made it known he didn’t quite care for the actual holy water on his head part, he fared much better than babies who get completely submerged.  Family and friends joined Sebastian and his parents for a luncheon at Salt Creek Golf Club, just a few short blocks from the church.  The reception was a great way for Sebastian to visit with the most important people in his young life!  He was a trooper all day and didn’t mind the ongoing games of “Pass the Baby.”