Playa del Rey, California
The shore was packed with beachgoers, barbecues, and colorful umbrellas today marking the unofficial end of summer.

Labels: beach, Playa del Rey, Postcards from Playa

Chicagoland, Illinois
Meet TJ.


This is TJ's doggie.


TJ just turned 1!


He loves to crawl.


Here's TJ's Mom and Dad.


And the whole family.


We went to the local park.


Did I mention TJ loves to crawl?



He also loves airplane. Especially upside-down airplane.




And he loves Dad...



... and Mom.






What else does TJ love?


He loves pushing his wagon.


Bye bye TJ!


And off he goes...

Labels: portraits

Santa Ynez Valley, California
I went on a weekend getaway with one of my best friends. Kim and I both love the movie Sideways, so we decided to recreate some key moments in Miles' and Jack's trip - minus the debauchery.

The best meal was at Hitching Post II in Buellton, which is worth a trip from LA just for their dinner. If you go, book reservations ahead of time as walk-ins can take several hours to be seated.

Los Olivos Cafe was also delicious. They were full but less busy, and a lot more relaxed.

Since I was the designated driver, Kim was the designated oenophile. We visited three of the Sideways wineries: Foxen Winery, Fess Parker, and Firestone Vineyard. My favorite wine however, was the olallieberry wine from the Royal Oaks Tasting Room in Solvang. I know Miles would scoff at my taste. But at least I can say I never drank wine from the spit bucket.

Thanks Kim for a fun getaway! Here's a slideshow from a mini-album I designed of our trip. Warning: contains a quote from the movie that's not family friendly.

Labels: travel photography

Labels: contest, travel photography

Southwest Chicagoland, Illinois
You met the lovely Elise in the blog post below.


This is her little brother Nolan.


Nolan likes to walk...



He doesn't like to sit still.


Nolan loves his big sister, even when she's being silly.


And Elise loves her brother.


Although I love the photo of the siblings in color, I like the black & white, too.


Here's mom with her two little cuties.


And dad.


And more silly sister.


The rain chased us away and we went indoors for an outfit change. Then we went back out for a few quick photos.

Labels: Chicago, portraits

Southwest Chicagoland, Illinois
Meet Elise. She has so much personality I thought she deserved her own blog post.


Like many kids, Elise was shy at first.


In no time she was smiling for the camera.


And made faces...



She's a natural!


Time for me to go Elise!

Labels: Chicago, portraits

Chicago, Illinois
I love going back home to Chicago. One of the best parts is seeing family portrait clients again, like Kate, Nora, Patrick and Chris (left to right in the photo below).


Since our last portrait session, baby Patrick has started walking. And boy does he love to walk! One of the reasons I love photographing in parks is because there's lots of room for kids to be kids: to walk, run, even goof off a little. That also allows me the chance to capture some candid moments.


Patrick wants to show his big sister that he has a dandelion.


Patrick and his dad.


I like both the color and the black & white. Which one do you like better?


There's the little guy running off again.


Nora is not going to be outdone by her little brother. She's as fast as a rocket ship.


Nora is still a little shy for photos, but she forgets she's being photographed when she's running.


Quite possibly my favorite moment from the whole portrait session. No one is looking at the camera. It's as if I'm not there. It's just Mom and Dad smiling with their kids.



I took a few individual photos of the kids as well. Here's the handsome Patrick.


Brother and sister.


Nora with her shades (all the cool kids know you wear them upside-down).


The serious and beautiful Nora...


and the silly Nora.


I think Patrick might be a little pooped out from all the running.

Labels: Chicago, portraits