Over the last few years I tried a whole bunch of styles of photography, I love chasing the sun for those lovely sunset photos but even more I love the lifestyle photos. What is Lifestyle Photography? (I hear you thinking that) The definition that F-Stoppers* likes (and really does make the most sense) was found on Wikipedia - "lifestyle photography is a style of portrait / people photography which aims to capture and document real-life events, situations, or milestones in an

I had a family that missed the Vintage Truck Mini's because of sick kids. I believe that no one gets left behind, so a reschedule was planned with hopes that maybe we would see flurries. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR... we got a snowstorm. Rather than canceling or moving inside this brave family decided to stick it out and get that snow shot. I brought Hot Cocoa and blankets to make sure they all stayed warm, though I am not sure they really helped. I love the fearless! We get

This one is special to me. Three weeks ago my brother, Jason, and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed a handsome baby boy. Dean Elijah is keeping everyone busy, including big sister, Aubrey. His lifestyle session was split between two days to make sure that we didn't upset Dean and to keep Aubrey in a decent mood. He has long skinny hands and feet that might beat his cousin. With high-fives and cuddles Dean and Aubrey bonded a bit for me and Dean got plenty of snuggles. You can see

The Nichols Family taking a peek at Christmas Decorations in downtown Crystal Lake, watching trains and warming up in the store Reclaimed Handcrafted Furniture. Much thanks to the owner, Brent Hollenberg, we most definitely needed the warm up and the blocks were a huge hit with Jack. Aside from the cold, it was a great afternoon checking out the decor and looking at store windows. Thank you to the Nichols Family!! - V #Chicagolandphotograher #WoodstockPhotographer #happymomen

One more cutie from the Minis with the Vintage Truck, this one brought her mom to join in on the fun complete with snowballs, dancing and smiles. Savannah turned the snowball inspired scene into a picnic with her mom under the sun and the both looked stunning. Then we had to check the tires on the truck, everything checked out. She will make her Daddy proud. .....and what would a nice fall afternoon be like if we didn't catch any leaves as they fell. This girl got a basketful

I can list a thousand things that I am grateful for. Some obvious, Like my Daughter and Husband or coffee. Some are less obvious because if you don't talk to me 24/7 you wouldn't know that I am grateful that I have found a few communities to be apart of to further myself in photography. These are online communities of creatives and photographers. We talk, learn, share stories and lean on each other because we understand each other. In one of those communities this week a sad

In this season of Family photos and Christmas Cards I had the opportunity to capture a Proposal in one of my FAVORITE places in Chicago, the Nature Boardwalk in Lincoln Park. It was delightful and they were oh so sweet. Brian and Kathryn (Kat) met here in Chicago but moved to Traverse City, Mi together late September of 2015 where they regularly are found hiking, kayaking, biking or playing in all that snow. Kat was also able to make a Michigan fan out of Brian - GO BLUE!! Th