I met up with Aiden and his parents at the beach in Evanston on Father’s Day.  It was an overcast morning and the fog rolled in during our session but it really gave the shoot an East Coast feeling!  The little birthday boy was shy at first and then warmed up, as is his usual MO.  Mom was smart enough to pack a soccer ball which elicited some smiles and giggles and of course running around in dad’s arms always get the laughing action. Dad just needs to work on a gentler touch-down and we’ll be all set for the next time!

This little two-year old is a bundle of energy with the brightest smile and affection for everyone he meets!  Our portrait session last weekend was a blast and I am still trying to find a way to bottle and market CJ’s energy.  I would be able to retire a very rich woman.  Though I am sure a bit of CJ’s excitement and antics had something to do with the two scoops of ice-cream his grandma dished out!

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I love Landon. I think most people walk away with that thought. Any little kid who sings, “You are so beautiful” to me while I am in a challenging moment (when I got my nose pierced last year, more on that another time) gets an A+ in my book.

I met Landon’s mom in 2004 when she was planning her wedding and we hit it off right away. After photographing her wedding we found we had a lot of friends in common and love to socialize. I was invited to photograph Landon for all his milestones beginning with his three month portraits and when I couldn’t be available, one of my associates always jumped in.  For the past two years I have photographed Landon and his family portraits in time for the holidays. I love being a part of this tradition!

I couldn’t resist!

My little cousin, Elan, is three and he is full of life.  Even as I edited the photos, I was chuckling to myself remembering his antics.  I stayed with family in Philly while I was out there last week for portrait sessions. It was very intimate – staying with family – and being let into their daily routines and having Elan be so incredibly comfortable around my camera. True lifestyle portraiture here.

For my next visit I would love to go to school with Elan. One of the days I was in Philly was his day for Show and Tell and it was briefly discussed having Elan bring me, but the classroom rules are it has to fit in a backpack and well, I don’t.

I’ve been photographing Alex since he was a little peanut and now he is over three years old and such a chatty and friendly and inquisitive little boy. This time he brought along his new cousin Jack and demonstrated how to be a gentleman in front of my camera.

Aiden is seven months old, sitting up on his own and issuing smiles for the camera! It’s amazing when the little babies hit a certain age and come into their own little personalities.  His appearance at this portrait session with Metropolitan Imageworks was much improved from his three month session. Aiden and I also have another connection, we share the same birthday! I’m excited to photograph him again in June when he turns one and I turn 29v6. Maybe I can have some cake too!

Pleave leave comments about this cutie pie on the blog!