The Ebel Family :: Chicago area family photography

We sure love this family! Even with kiddos who hadn't napped, got cold, and were generally wiggly, I still love the images we made together. Here's just one:

Klaudyna & Kris :: Chicago area wedding photography

I almost didn't get this blog post squeezed in, since baby girl is about to make her appearance any day, now. But these images are too special not to share!

This was such a fun wedding to be a part of! There was a wonderful feeling of love and celebration surrounding Klaudyna and Kris. Friends and family were so obviously happy to be there with them - and they knew how to rock a dance floor!

And Klaudyna taught me something new on her wedding day. You know the expression "tying the knot?" I never really knew where it came from, but on this very rainy day, Klaudyna schooled me that historical brides and grooms would tie a literal knot, and it was good luck to have it tied so tightly it couldn't be undone. If the knot was wet, it made it even harder to untie. So this level-headed bride was unfazed by all the rain, and even counted it as good luck. I love that!

To see more of their beautiful day, watch their slideshow. Here are a few of my favs...


Congratulations Klaudyna and Kris!!! Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your special day.

Kathie & Chad

Oh, my! You all have waited so patiently for me to get this post up! I promise it was worth the wait.

This was one of the most special weddings I have ever had the privilege to photograph. Besides the fact that the groom and I went to preschool together (yes, preschool!), and that our families have vacationed together in Michigan every August for many years, the special chemistry between this bride and groom is what made it so magical. They are just P-E-R-F-E-C-T together. It was proof again that God is soverign and brings two people together in a very purposeful way. If I told you the story of how they met, you might not believe me. I'll just say it involved a kitchen remodel and Home Depot! :-)

So enjoy a few of my favorites (there were so many I love, it was hard to choose!), and be sure to check out their slideshow.

Kathie's brother passed away last year, and this car was his baby. I thought it was a sweet way to honor his memory and include him in the wedding.
A surprise appearance by the University of Cincinnati mascot. Can you tell these two are big UC fans?

At breakfast the next morning, I was chatting with Chad's dad about how what a perfect match Kathie is for Chad. "I've never seen him more content," his dad said. I think content is the perfect word, and this picture totally captures that feeling.

I don't normally take a photo with the bride and groom, but couldn't resist it this time. Kathie and Chad, I'm so happy for the two of you, and wish you all the best in the years to come!

The Rudolph Family :: Chicago area family photographer

Meet the Rudolphs! Growing up, David lived next door to me. And Mary lived just a few more doors away, at the end of the street. I love that our friendship has continued over the years, and I REALLY loved being able to capture some beautiful images of their sweet family. It was a whirlwind weekend trip to Cincinnati, so this session almost didn't happen, but boy am I glad we squeezed it in! It was fun to run around the park chasing after these two active little people, and the crisp autumn air and amazing fall color were so invigorating.




To see more of these adorable little boys, check out their slideshow.

Sneak Peek: Kathie + Chad

I can't wait to share the rest of this wedding with you! I've known Chad and his family for a very long time, so it was extra special to celebrate with them. Stay tuned... there's more to come.

2 years old : Aaron

I've been mentally planning this session for a long time. This 2-year-old isn't just any kid - he's mine. :-) Of course, not many things went the way I had planned, but Aaron knows how to strut his stuff in front of the camera, and I'm loving the images we made together. I really wanted photographs that captured his special 2-year-old energy, and I think these do it. To see more, check out the slideshow I put together.




Is someone in your family celebrating a special birthday? I'd love to create some special images to mark the occasion, so give me a call!

Picture Perfect Makeup

It's sometimes a lot of work to pull together a look for picture day. Whether it's a family portrait or your wedding day, here are some great tips for looking your best with makeup (thanks, Martha Stewart!):

A good professional photographer will be able to shoot you beautifully whether you are indoors or outdoors, but it's helpful to know how lighting will affect the appearance of your makeup. Here are some basic differences between daylight, flash, and black-and-white photography, and how to apply your makeup accordingly.

Daylight
Any flaws in your skin will be more apparent in natural light. That's why it is a good idea to even out your skin tone with foundation. "If some of your pictures will be taken outdoors, put your makeup on in front of a window so you won't be too light- or heavy-handed," says New York City makeup artist and salon owner Eva Scrivo.

Flash
One advantage of flash is that it can help hide imperfections. "Flash will camouflage certain problem areas by making them brighter, so any blemishes, dark circles, or redness won't be as noticeable," says New York City photographer Michael S. Barr. But there are disadvantages: "The main thing to watch out for when using direct flash photography on hot days is shine and reflection, "says Chicago photographer Tricia Koning. Carry a pressed-powder compact or blotting papers (to absorb oil without smudging your makeup) with you, and use them to minimize shine throughout the night. And be sure to use shimmery eye shadow and lip gloss sparingly. Shimmer can reflect back in photos, showing any fine lines or making your face look oily.

Black-and-White
Black-and-white photography is often more forgiving to the skin. "The contrast is intense, so you may not see as many flaws," says San Francisco photographer Kurt Prasse. Keep in mind that soft colors appear muted on film, while dark hues can look almost black. If your photographer will be taking mostly black-and-white pictures, be sure to create enough differentiation between your lips and skin by choosing a richer color of lipstick rather than a shade that's too neutral. If red is your everyday lip color, choose a softer red; a tone that's too bright can seem much darker on film.

Picture Perfect Makeup

From Martha Stewart Weddings, Summer 2004