Payton and Gemma Revisited

They were one of our first ever clients. Payton had showed us all of his cool moves at the playground...Gemma was just a months-old peanut. It blew us away to see how big these two squirts have grown in one year! Wow! We met at a beautiful park in Evanston, overlooking the lake. Payton had a great time playing around with the abundance of rocks he found in the park and Gemma was full of smiles and laughter...that girl just couldn't be stopped! It was great seeing you again, Diana and Craig! Already looking forward to our November session.

2010: That's a wrap!

Dear clients,

Because you are SO AWESOME, I find myself(in July!) already booked for the remainder of this year. Fall requests have begun to pour in, and unfortunately I can't accommodate any more sessions at this time. A wait list has been started in the event of cancellations or last minute rescheduling. If you would like me to add your name to that list, please let me know.

Otherwise, I am currently scheduling shoots for January, February and March of 2011. Let's try not to schedule TOO much beyond that for now. Shoot me an email if you are interested in getting something on the books early and we can discuss 2011 dates and pricing.

I am so geeked! You guys are making my dreams come true.

Mike and I are incredibly excited for all of the shoots we have on the books for the rest of this year. Thank you, again, for making 2010 so incredible, and we already can't wait to see what 2011 brings!

Jen

Makeup By Neda

As Mike and I get more and more involved in the photography industry, we meet some pretty amazing people who also service photo shoots, weddings and other big events. Some are friends with extraordinary talents and their own fledgling businesses. Some are clients who reveal their hidden talents and passions while chatting with us as we photograph their children. Some are new acquaintances we happen to meet while working the same event. In any case...I'll admit upfront that I'm totally biased...I'm really impressed by these folks and am dying to work a wedding/event/shoot with them some day! In that spirit, I thought I would occationally feature a few of them on my blog.

So, all of you brides out there, if you're looking for a truly talented makeup artist to help you perfect your big day look, consider Makeup by Neda. I think she's great for a few different reasons. Most obviously, the way she does make-up ranges from breathtakingly natural to totally dramatic. She's got great experience, uses the best products and she's just a pleasure to be around. Seriously, seriously awesome girl. So if you're looking for a fun, stress-free makeup experience, Neda's your girl!

I thought a little Q&A would be fun...let Neda speak for herself!

When did you start your business?
I've been playing with makeup and putting it on my family and friends for as long as I can remember. I officially started doing makeup for MAC Cosmetics in 2004 and began freelancing in 2007. Since then, I have been running my own business and love every moment with my clients - many of whom have stuck with me for 5 years!

What kind of products do you use?
I love MAC products. They were created for photography, so they really look brilliant in pictures but still look beautiful in person. There is nothing else that I have tried that is able to maintain that balance. MAC products are professional, effective and affordable...gotta love that!

What was your most memorable job?
I really enjoyed doing makeup for the TV show on TLC, Take Home Chef. They were doing a series of shows in Chicago and I was hired to do the makeup. It was so exciting to see my work on television!

What's your favorite part about doing makeup?
I love the look on people's faces when they look in the mirror after I'm done - it's so exciting! I love to see how happy they look and how in awe of themselves they are.

What are your big goals for 2011?
I would like to book more weddings - I love bridal makeup! It's so elegant, fresh, clean and crisp. I love to be there when all of the girls are getting ready for the big day. It's a lot of fun to be part of that process.

I can't take credit for the below photo...but isn't it a beautiful example of Neda's work?



For more information, photos and Neda's contact info: http://sites.google.com/site/makeupbyneda/

Brooke and Megan

Last time we saw Brooke in December, she was excitedly awaiting both Christmas and the impending arrival of her new baby sister. Mike and I were just thrilled to see Brooke again and to meet Megan this past Sunday. We got to know sweet little Megan, played with Brooke and her favorite toys, and even snuck a few shots with Grandma and Grandpa who were in town visiting for the week. We always have the best time with this family. Thanks for having us over, Carrie and Mark! It was great seeing you guys again.

And baby makes three

Well...baby WILL make three when she arrives this fall! It was sweltering last Saturday afternoon, but that didn't stop us from visiting some of Loralynne and Sam's favorite sites downtown to commemorate such a special time of their lives. Loralynne...you're radiant. And such a trouper! Sam, Mike and I kept asking if she needed a break...more water or some shade...and every time, Loralynne was raring to go (while the rest of us sopped up sweat, took a swig of water and tried to keep up!). We started at Buckingham Fountain, worked our way into Millenium Park, braved the tourists and 10 million wedding parties by the Bean and finally wrapped up in the Art Institute gardens. Loralynne came prepared with so many fun ideas...these are just a few of my favorite shots so far. Mike and I really enjoyed getting to know you both and can't wait to meet your baby girl!