Lola's First Birthday - Smash the Cake - Chicago Children's Photographer

I had the most adorable little girl at my studio for her first birthday session and I asked her parents if we could include a smash the cake session. Jay and Jenna were more than happy to oblige so I was super excited.

Jenna brought a wonderful cake from Delish by Nikki Kuska (njentel@yahoo.com) and a fun party hat for us to use. Lola is such a delight and got the biggest kick out of my lens cap (Note to moms: extremely cheap way to entertain a little one :-)

Light the Night - Chicago and North Shore Kickoffs

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of photographing the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's annual Light the Night Kickoff for both the Chicago and North Shore walks. I took pictures for walker's fundraising pages and participants listened to motivating and inspiring stories from this year's honored heroes and other walkers. They also offered great fundraising ideas and supplies.

This year's dates are:
Chicago: September 26th
Western Suburbs: September 12th
North Shore: October 11th

To learn more, register to walk, volunteer, or donate visit:
www.lightthenight.org/

Miriam was one of the Honored Heroes of the night. She and her husband Hal eached shared their touching and inspiring story of her battle with CLL over the last 12 years.


Peyton is Chicago's other Honored Hero. Battling ALL since she was 6 months old, she is getting stronger every day.

Some people shared their personal stories or fundraising ideas.


Jory is North Shore's Honored Hero. After an initial misdiagnosis, he went through a different regimen and has been in remission since 2003.

Urban Teen Session

Most of my clients tend to be itty bittys so, I was super excited when had a chance to spend a couple of hours photographing friends Dakota and Michael in some industrial areas around Chicago. They did a great job even though the preferred to be skateboarding the whole time. (which they are awesome at, btw). Thanks guys!

One Step Camp in Lake Geneva

Last Monday I had the privilege of spending a day at One Step Camp in Lake Geneva. It's a two week summer camp for kids with or in remission from cancer through Children's Oncology Services here in Chicago. It's an amazing experience that leaves you inspired by the courage of these campers.

If you would like to learn more about the incredible programs sponsored by COS or to make a donation, visit onestepcamp.org.

The afternoon started with a water balloon toss and turned into a huge water fight.

The water fight lasted a few hours. My camera barely escaped without being drenched.

To view a slideshow from the day:

The Mitchell Family - Chicago Newborn Photographer

Last week I got to see an old college friend and photograph her gorgeous family. Baby Jesse had joined the Mitchell family just six days before and was such a little peanut! I had such an awesome time with everyone and it was great to see Nicole. And seriously, six days after delivering your third child she looked amazing!

Congrats Nicole and Mark! And since this is your third boy I wish you all the energy you will need to keep up with your amazing boys.