project 52/17.

{princess for a day}

Sleeping Beauty (about to be awaken).

I've been out of town this week and forgot to post my project 52 image.

Once I saw this picture from last Saturday's session at the Abaca's,

I knew I had found what I wanted.

...and they lived happily ever after.

in awe.

 I am in awe of newborns.

Their passage from womb into world reveals what God has seen all along.

Fearfully.  Wonderfully. Made.

I'm in awe of newborns because I'm in awe of the One who fashioned them.

I'm in awe of newborns because He will write a story on the heart of each one.

Having said that...here is Reagan.

I've known her sweet mama, Trisha, for many years.

Trish is also a photographer, so we had a great time setting up shots

and chasing her older two,Gabriel and Abrie, while daddy worked in the yard.

We got some super sweet images that I think show some personality and love.

This family has both!

I had a vision involving a hanging basket.

I practiced at home with a teddy bear and seven pounds of weights just to make sure.

Later I added a ring of flowers.

Now all I needed was for Reagan to sleep soundly.

By the time we got around to doing this shot, Reagan woke up.

I told her I'd be patient.

So we waited

and waited.

She would have none of it.

Someday, I'm going to get a newborn in this basket.

Maybe.

project 52/16.

{furry friends)

 Ruby and her Furry Friends

This is a re-post from earlier this week, but truly fits the theme {furry friends}

better than any other picture I took this week.

but a close second (taken by my husband)...

Camera-shy Murphy.


Thanks to mcp actions project 52 for including this image in their top ten favorites.
.

first impression confirmed.

 First impression of Luc:

Very handsome (just saying).

Easy to be with.

Respectful and polite.

Great kid.

When I posted this first picture on facebook,

many of my friends who do know him commented what a "great kid" he is.

So my first impression was confirmed.

.

One of the things I love about photographing people

is that even when we are meeting for the first itme,

we part friends.

That makes a lasting impression for which I'm grateful.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, Luc...

 and best wishes for what lies ahead! 

smiling from head to toe.

I am smiling from head to toe right now.

Because that's what Charley and Ruby do to me.

Every three months or so, we meet for pictures to document Charley's first year.

We play and run and chat and sing and dance and sometimes manage to pose...sort of.

Then I go home to my computer...and giggle.

And then I giggle some more.

Because they are just that cute.

 The mcp photo challenge this week is {furry friends}.

I was thinking about taking pictures of my camera shy dog.

These might be a better choice!

 so. stinkin'. cute.

project 52/15.

{what others say about you}

Ducks in a Row (sort of).

Most people who know me would agree that I need to have my ducks in a row.

I would add that the lines are very seldom straight.

I can live with that.

blowin' in the wind.

 What would spring in Illinois be without a weekly tornado watch or warning?

We knew it was warm and windy,

but kinda missed the memo on the tornado watch that was going on while we caught these images.

I'm glad...because this was a super fun senior session.

Kylie has a smile that won't stop...so much so, she said she practiced her "serious look."

I love her images...

the smiling, the serious, the sunflare, the wind blowing her gorgeous hair...perfect!

Kylie brought her boyfriend Ian (who carried things around for me)

and her wonderful sister Natalie, whom I've known for several years.

I invited a teenager from church, Caitlin, along to assist...and she did a fabulous job.

My husband said it sounded more like a party than a photo shoot.

He's right, as usual.

oh lolli- lollipop.

 I love two year olds.

They speak the truth.

They tell you what they want.

And what they don't want.

They notice stuff I sometimes miss.

Everything they do is full out.

That includes attacking their lollipops.

Addyson brought her mommy and daddy (and new baby) to the park.

We sent her home with sticky fingers...but really cute images to remember the day!

Thanks Taunya, Ben, and Addyson for a fun afternoon!

YUM.

I don't say it enough, but thanks to my partner, husband, and best friend, John.

Several of these pictures are his work!

project 52/14.

{fusion}

Springtime Pottery Fusion.

Delightful spring weather visited Central Illinois today.

It's still a bit too soon, but I can't wait to plant flowers.

This lovely piece of fused artwork is one of my favorite flower pots.

I'm never sure which I like better...

the flowers or the pot.

downtown girl.

Gotta love a girl who prefers to call it "Downtown Normal,"

 rather than the updated "Uptown Normal."

That's where we met for Jenna's senior session.

She says she loves it "downtown."

I loved her purple chucks, her blue guitar, and sweet spirit.

Enjoy your sneak peek!

love, joy , and monkey business.

 Little Eli celebrated his first birthday with family and friends this weekend.

Good food, family, friends, and a cake with a chocolate monkey on top made it a perfect celebration.

Before the party, we took some pictures of the Lovejoy side of the family.

Their name suits them.

Bet they've heard that before.

Happy Birthday Eli!