Don't Call Me Shirley

I had so much fun last Friday night listening to a great cover band at Chicago Pizza. Don't Call Me Shirley is fronted by two singers, Stephen and Keri, who cover songs from No Doubt to Rick James. They are supported by a tight band including Jerry on guitar, Dave on bass, and Corey on drums. They were so good that I stayed way past my shoot time just because I wanted to hear more of what they offered! Check them out. Really! They are playing at Chicago Pizza on May 11 at 8 p.m.

Seidner Family

I spent last Saturday with the Seidner family. We visited Alpine Groves park and made use of many wonderful back drops. The entire family was such fun to work with. They were willing to climb in horse stables and up trees in order to capture that perfect picture.

The Hatcher Family

Temperatures dropped into the fifties Sunday afternoon. As we walked out on the lawn, the breeze from the river chilled us to the core. We made it through the shoot and captured some great photos. This was a very special photo shoot for me because I have known Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher since I was sixteen years old. It is CRAZY for me to think that their oldest grandchildren are not too far from the age that I was when I first met them. Maybe one of them will be taking my picture in the future!

Lauren and Jo

Forty two years ago, a young man married his bride. They were in love and started a family. Three boys later ... three daughter's-in-law later ... and seven grandchildren later I had the pleasure of spending my afternoon with them. The weather was great and the company even better! Lauren and Jo, thanks for sharing your family with me.

A Coastal Chill

EARLY Sunday morning I met up with some friends at Guana Preserve....and it was cold. Their two children were such troopers, though. They warmed up not only to the temperature but also the camera. In between shots, we would bundle up in blankets to keep warm and then shed them for the picture. It was so much fun, but we couldn't wait to leave the beach and get back to the warmth of our cars. Thanks, guys, for hanging in there!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I met up with the Allen's on Saturday. That morning the skies were grey and the rain was not going to let up so we quickly moved the photo shoot inside. We had fun taking pictures with the entire family. We even had a few rare appearances by their elf and their cat. Everyone wanted in on the action!

Family Fun

The rain held off all day so I was able to close the afternoon with a sweet young family. Their two girls were such hams in front of the camera. Their oldest had fun posing while their baby loved showing off her tongue. They were so much fun.

Family and Friends

I had the pleasure of photographing my sister's family this past Saturday. It was a blast. We quickly started shooting and captured some great shots. Her kids are so comfortable with me following them around with a camera that today just seemed like any other family engagement. How great to have family and friends wrapped up in one package!

What rain?

Saturday began with the weather forecasters predicting rain, rain, rain. My dear friends were so flexible that we rearranged times to avoid the rain. As we walked down the boardwalk of Guana Preserve, the sun shined bright. There was no glimpse of rain. What a pleasure to spend a sunny afternoon with good friends.

Sweet Sunset

I met with another young family just before sunset at Guana Preserve. The temperature was perfect, the breeze was mild, and the sun was bright. Their two little girls were so cute. They loved the beach but weren't so fond of the shelly sand poking their feet. They quickly forgot about the sand and began chasing the waves and tossing the football with their dad. What a sweet family!

Splashing at the Shore

I met up with a great young family Sunday afternoon on the shore of Guana Preserve. They were a beautiful family to photograph. Toward the end of our session, their three girls enjoyed playing in the sand and splashing in the waves. How much fun to be young and carefree!

Briars on the Beach

I photographed some friends from the neighborhood Sunday afternoon at the beach. Their only request was to not be posed in stiff positions. The entire family was so relaxed and easy-going that it made perfect sense that a more candid shot would match their personalities. We had fun and captured a great family portrait as well as candid shots of their children.

Sunny Sunday

What a beautiful day to visit the beach! The sun was bright and the breeze was cool. I started off the day photographing my dad and his girlfriend. They both love the beach so they were very much at home...natural and relaxed.

An Afternoon at Alpine's

I met with good friends yesterday at Alpine Groves Park. When they first arrived, they were a little anxious about having their pictures taken because their young daughter had missed her nap. I empathized and assured them we would still get some great shots. And sure enough, we did! It's not hard to capture a great picture when you have such sweet models.