As I See It

Boudoir Sessions for Valentines

2012-02-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

Photo Mamma 2012

2012-01-05T11:54:00.001-08:00

Equine Photography - Lena, Illinois

2011-12-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

The Samuelsons - Colored Sands State Park - Rockford, Illinois - Family Photography

2011-12-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Smith family - Apple Canyon State Park - Family Photography

2011-12-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

The Amendt Family - Eleroy, Illinois - Family Photography

2011-12-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

Brian and Lindsay - Wedding Photography - Rockford, Illinois

2011-12-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

Amy and Jason - Engagement Session - Byron, Illinois

2011-09-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Allie - Senoir Portraits - Lena, Illinois

2011-08-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Vintage Kids - Lena, Illinois, Studio Children's Portraits

2011-07-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Kempel Children - Lena, Illinois

2011-07-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Really loving watching these kiddos grow! I have the honor of photographing them several times a year, and love them more each time!

Melissa - Boudoir Session - Lena, Illnois

2011-07-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Jen - Boudoir Session - Lena, Illinois

2011-07-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Triplets! Child Photography - Freeport, Illinois

2011-06-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

These two year old triplets were too adorable for words! Izzy, Lexi and Billy were so much fun to work with at Taylor Park in Freeport, Illinois. We hid in some trees, too a walk over to the pond - even got to see hundreds of baby toads on the white bridge! These kiddos were tuckered by the time we wrapped up their session at 7:45 p.m. Hoping they all slept well for Mom and Dad!

Lehman Wedding - Lena, Illinois - Lena United Methodist Church and Rafters Restaurant

2011-06-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

On June 18th, Kim and Levi were united in marriage at 3:00 p.m. in the Lena United Methodist Church in Lena, Illinois. The country theme and apple red and canary yellow colors were featured in brightly colored flowers in tin buckets down the church aisle and the bridesmaid's gowns. Kim donned red and ivory Ariat roper boots beneath her gown for the ceremony. The Groom, Groom's Father, Bride's Parents, and Flower Girl also all wore varieties of cowboy boots for the occasion!
The reception immediately followed at Rafters Restaurant where guests were greeted with the same country theme in a grander form. Decorations included milk cans, barbed wire, cowboy boot vases and tin star wall hangings. A buffet meal was served and cake offered as dessert.
A DJ service and dance floor were provided for the guests entertainment after the meal.

Nicholas Wedding - Byron, Illinois, The Stone Quarry Recreational Park

2011-06-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

On June 4th, Scott and Hannah were joined together in marriage at the Stone Quarry Recreational Park in Byron, Illinois. Threats of heavy rains and tremendous winds forced the couple to change their ceremony location from the Wedding Canyon in Oregon, Illinois to their reception site at the park.
The ceremony took place at 7:30 p.m. in the main barn. Guests were seated in a delightfully decorated room with small vignettes gracing every nook and corner. Each vignette highlighted the life this beautiful couple has shared thus far with small treasures and photos, illuminating promise of many more years of wedded bliss to come.
Small birds were tucked throughout the decor as a symbolic presence of Hannah's late Grandmother. Through this gesture and a small locket fastened to the bride's bouquet, one can be sure that her Grandmother was with Hannah every step of the way.
Vintage Sweets Shop and Baked Goods tables provided a vast array of decadent handmade candies, caramels, marshmallows and cupcakes. Teas, lemonades, and juices were also provided, as well as popcorn and chocolate dipped pretzels.

Wedding Photography - Dubuque, Iowa - Grand River Center

2011-06-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Kent were wed at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, IA this past weekend. An absolutely gorgeous day at a fabulous venue! They committed their lives to one another at a 5:00 p.m. ceremony overlooking the Mississippi River in the River Room.
Cocktails were served immediately following in the stunning, all glass, riverfront concourse, where guests had the pleasure of viewing the amazing sun set. The doors then opened to the grand ballroom for a buffet supper at 6:30 p.m. Each table was uniquely decorated with luminary center pieces created from glass vases and gel beads in the bridal colors of deep purple and fuchsia. Gerbera daisies also graced several of the vases around the room. Guest's chairs were wrapped in fuchsia satin bows with white chair covers. Large paper luminaries hung behind the head table which was also draped in fuchsia satin and decorated with the bridal party bouquets.
For dessert, a buffet of cookies, candy and cupcakes was beautifully displayed in a candy store type arrangement. Soft serve ice cream was also served, complete with a self-serve sundae bar with limitless toppings.
Dj services and a guest photo booth were provided for after supper entertainment.

Bonnet Family - Appleton, Wisconsin - Family Portraits

2011-06-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Wenzel Family - Kent, Illinois

2011-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

A beautiful morning with a lovely family! Headed out to the farm bright and early for a family session with 7 little ones - it was great fun! These kiddos are some of the brightest, kindest and funniest kids around - they were a pleasure to photograph. Oh yeah, and the adults were pretty cool too!

Boudoir Photography - Lena, Illinois

2011-06-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Our Model Search is on! We have some amazing women lined up over the next few weeks. Georgia here is the first contestant and boy did she rock the camera!

Phenomenal to work with and stunning to photograph - these are just a small sample of the outstanding images we captured.

Get Your Sexy On!

2011-05-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Anna - Senior 2011 - Lena Winslow

2011-04-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of working with Anna on a lovely cold and rainy day last week. She was a real trooper though - you would never know she was freezing! Anna was Prom Queen here in town, so we had the opportunity to do some really fun things in her dress and crown! This session took place in our barn here on our property in Lena, Illinois.

We look forward to Anna's second Senior Portrait session later on this month - so look for more images of this great gal to come soon!

Baby Paige

2011-04-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting this family a couple of weeks ago for a family session. Two beautiful children and this one was on her way - well now here she is and boy was she precious! So worth the wait! Introducing Baby Paige:

Kids and Ponies - what could be better?

2011-04-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

The other day I dragged my kiddos out of bed at 6 a.m. only to subject them to a beautiful sunrise and a ride on their pony - Izzy. I know, I am a terrible Mama! Needless to say they loved it - and I loved the images!

Studio Update

2011-03-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

OK, Folks. We are officially in the decorating stage of the studio, so this means no more photos until it is complete! The walls have been painted, the lighting installed and we are onto trim and furniture! This is where I get to take over the reins! YIPPEE!
Right now I find myself overwhelmed by storage solutions and fabric swatches....Any of you interior designers out there willing to work out a barter system?! OOO - and landscapers too!
I am amazed at what the Farmer has accomplished on this project. He has worked long hours, deep into the night in order to provide this space for my work and my wonderful clients. He believes in this project. In me. For that I will be eternally grateful. What a man.

Dylan - Class of 2011 - Senior Pictures - Lena, Illinois

2011-03-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

Love and Respect 2011

2011-03-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

{Love and Respect Marriage Seminar - Freeport, Illinois - Couples Portraits}
Please follow this link to the Love and Respect Marriage Seminar photos. loveandrespect2011.blogspot.com

Significance

2011-03-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

Because we are all searching for that one moment, that one instant in time where, we, above all others are significant. We have meaning. Little did we know, we had it all the while.

you are significant

MARCH 17, 2011

You were born a daughter.
You looked up to your mother.
You looked up to your father.
You looked up at everyone.
You wanted to be a princess.
You thought you were a princess.
You wanted to own a horse.
You wanted to be a horse.
You wanted your brother to be a horse.
You wanted to wear pink.
You never wanted to wear pink.
You wanted to be a Veterinarian.
You wanted to be President.
You wanted to be the President’s Veterinarian.
You were picked last for the team.
You were the best one on the team.
You refused to be on the team.
You wanted to be good in algebra.
You hid during algebra.
You wanted the boys to notice you.
You were afraid the boys would notice you.
You started to get acne.
You started to get breasts.
You started to get acne that was bigger than your breasts.
You wouldn’t wear a bra.
You couldn’t wait to wear a bra.
You couldn’t fit into a bra.
You didn’t like the way you looked.
You didn’t like the way your parents looked.
You didn’t want to grow up.
You had your first best friend.
You had your first date.
You had your second best friend.
You had your second first date.
You spent hours on the telephone.
You got kissed.
You got to kiss back.
You went to the prom.
You didn’t go to the prom.
You went to the prom with the wrong person.
You spent hours on the telephone.
You fell in love.
You fell in love.
You fell in love.
You lost your best friend.
You lost your other best friend.
You really fell in love.
You became a steady girlfriend.
You became a significant other.
YOU BECAME SIGNIFICANT TO YOURSELF.

Sooner or later, you start taking yourself seriously. You know when you need a break. You know when you need a rest. You know what to get worked up about and what to get rid of. And you know when it’s time to take care of yourself, for yourself. To do something that makes you stronger, faster, more complete.

Because you know it’s never too late to have a life. And never too late to change one.
JUST DO IT

- Nike

The Burton Family + 1

2011-03-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

The Burton Family plus one. The "One", to soon join them in just five short weeks!

Between this beautiful Mama and her darling little one's, I had a hard time leaving this shoot! They were a joy to work with, even daring to run outside on this snowy morning for some family portraits in the back yard - short sleeves and all!

Studio Update

2011-03-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Getting Closer!! It was all I could do yesterday to wait until the drywall men finished their day's work so I could run out and get some photos of the new space!!

This is the new "office" area - room for a desk and computer and large workspace tables against the wall.

Waiting area/display area

Shooting space

More shooting space! I am totally in love with the light in this room!!

I will keep you all posted as we progress in the next few weeks!

Paul and Jennifer

2011-02-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

Taylor

2011-02-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

Could not think of a better way to finish up a Senior split session. Taylor was awesome - so fun to be with and full of energy! We shot in the back alleys of Freeport, Illinois on a great 58 degree day in February, unheard of in northern Illinois! Had to deal with a few sprinkles and some pretty heavy cloud cover, but it never slowed this guy down.
Taylor's first portion of his Senior Portrait Session can be seen on an October 4, 2010 post. He wanted to mix it up a bit with some golfing themed pics and urban flare. Personally, I think he rocked both!

Wyatt and Audra

2011-02-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

Heather and Natalie

2011-01-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

Photo-Mammas

2011-01-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to introduce the Photo-Mamma series! I want to rock your world with the images that you (YES, YOU) can capture! Each class will cover camera 101 as well as composition, lighting and set design (watch those backgrounds, Ladies!). Each class will have assignments - so do not be afraid to do a little work!
Bring your camera, bring your best friend, and bring your sense of humor - and join me on January 24th!

Registration is limited.

Landon and Wesley

2010-12-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Hanna and Scott

2010-12-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

Such a fun couple! Completely in love with each other and life!

The Hotchkiss Family

2010-12-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

A beautiful (although chilly) day at a country church with a great family!

Block Family

2010-12-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Bryan and Lindsay

2010-10-14T14:12:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Snow!

2010-10-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ok - we have been having fabulous weather so far this fall - but we know it is coming...Eventually we will have snow. It is a stubborn fact of life. Why not celebrate it!? Personally I LOVE snow! The clean crisp air, the fluffy fun flakes of joy!

This year I am offering 25.00 off to the first family to call and book their For the Love of Snow Session! This credit may be used any way you like - put it towards your session, prints, canvas or even framing - it is your choice!

The trick is - you have to wait until we actually GET snow to book~ and it has to be a measurable amount - no dustings here folks. So break out those funky hats and loudly colored scarves and wait by a window because it will be here before you know it!

Lindsey and Ryan

2010-10-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

Laura

2010-10-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Anderson's

2010-10-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Aiden and Alex

2010-10-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Taylor

2010-10-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

Jen, Jason, Owen, Emma and Luke

2010-10-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Pattersons

2010-10-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

Kevin, Kim, Noah and Allie

2010-10-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sage and Steven

2010-09-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

David

2010-09-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Addison, Colin and Conner

2010-09-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Sarah, Dave and Sydney

2010-09-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

The Huneke Family

2010-09-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to an amazing woman and a dear friend.

Family of Seven

2010-09-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

What a great family! Five kids, two of which are the twins I had the pleasure of photographing last week, and two great parents makes for this wonderful family of seven!

Mr. Schreiner

2010-09-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Haden and Brynleigh

2010-09-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Colby's First Birthday

2010-09-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

We helped celebrate Colby's first birthday with a little cake in the studio.

Addison, Aspen and Colby

2010-09-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

Cody

2010-09-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

Braydon and Ashlynn

2010-08-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

I could not help sneaking in a photo of Braydon and Ashlynn's beautiful mother as long as I was at it!

Holly and Ryan

2010-08-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

A Benefit for Dalton

2010-08-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had both the pleasure and privilege to photograph the eX-Cell Benefit for a young man named Dalton. Dalton has lived with cerebral palsy for his entire short life and now, thanks to his friends, family and community, he will soon be able to travel to Germany for new treatments that may help in his development. Raising over $12K, this benefit has given this boy and his family a once in a lifetime opportunity that may otherwise had not been possible.
Below you will see how this community responded to the call for help from this little man.

Brad

2010-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

An amazing senior today - it was hard to choose images to post because all his shots were awesome, so we have quite a few here to view!

The Bidlingmaier Family

2010-08-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

The McKee Family

2010-08-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

Carlee

2010-08-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Wyatt at 2 Months

2010-08-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Nathan

2010-07-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

I was ecstatic to hear we would be shooting one-year-old twins at this shoot! Such fun! We had a great time chasing these little men around their Granparent's new home construction for some fun "working" shots!

Keirra Lynn, Rowen and Ryder

2010-07-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Darrin

2010-07-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Tess

2010-07-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

Hewitt

2010-07-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Allison

2010-07-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Magnum and Patch

2010-07-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

It is not often that I get to relive glimpses of my former life, but on this occasion the memories came flooding back. It was a shear pleasure to photograph these two beautiful animals for a client.

The Hoesly Family

2010-07-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Having arrived during a down pour - this session had me a bit worried. Nevertheless, the family was awesome and the skies cleared just long enough to get some great shots! What a fun time! Thanks guys!

Audra, Lane and Introducing - Colt!

2010-07-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

It is amazing the relationships I am able to build with my clients! I love being there for all the milestones and highlights of their lives. This is especially true when I am able to be a part of an expanding family! I have photographed Audra and Lane several times before, but today we get to meet the newest member of the family, Colt. Welcome Buddy, you have been blessed with an amazing family!

Cousins

2010-07-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Born only a week apart - these two cousins will have a lifetime of memories to share! Beginning here.

Carson

2010-07-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Isaac, Samuel and Elizabeth

2010-07-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

The Stoners

2010-07-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Jack and A.J.

2010-07-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Lee Family Session

2010-07-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

www.Leefamilyportraits.blogspot.com

Please click here to view the Lee Family's entire portrait session

Keara Trinity

2010-07-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

What a little angel, perfect in every way. Little Keara joined the world on July 2nd and has been stealing the show ever since. She was a pleasure to work with and an honor to photograph.

Sarah

2010-07-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

This young lady holds a very special place in my heart, and it is almost heartbreaking to see her all grown up, but her beauty speaks for it's self, as she is lovely both inside and out! No one could ask for a more amazing teenager in their life. Thank you, Sarah.

Whitney

2010-07-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

Between her adorable personality and those stunning baby blues, this little gal has it all! Whitney traveled all the way from Iowa to strut her stuff for the camera and what a star she was!

Abby and Matt

2010-07-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

There are few couples in this world that connect the way that Abby and Matt do. Matt is the strong silent type, that is until Abby is around. His whole world ignites when she enters a room, and anyone can see why. From her beautiful green eyes to her fiery red hair, Abby carries a presence with her that electrifies the air.

The images that follow are just the start of their journey in becoming husband and wife. More images will come as we progress through the week.

The Redmore Family

2010-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Summer Special

2010-06-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Summer Sizzle Sale
Now - June 30, 2010

Buy One Get One 50% OFF

Choose from one of our Sizzlin' HOT products:

gallery-wraps or custom framed prints

Now is the time to order that Gallery-wrapped Canvas or Custom Framed Print you have always wanted!

In ANY Custom Size up to 44''x100''

No limits. Order as much as want, as many times as you want! Different images allowed. Second image must be same size or smaller than regularly priced item.

Will and Grace

2010-06-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

These kids could sure steal your heart! Look at those brilliant baby blues!

Aiden

2010-06-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Sarah

2010-06-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

A day with Sarah and the new kids.

Beautiful Ella

2010-06-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Michael, Samuel and Paulina

2010-06-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

An amazing morning in a well-hidden location with three wonderful children - who could ask for more? I have to say, this first image is my favorite - it really speaks about the children's personalities that are in the image. Michael is the leader, with a set agenda to find fun and adventure around every corner, Samuel is a kind soul, taking his sister's hand gently, and Paulina, ever devoted to these wonderful boys takes their hands wholly and willingly, ready to be guided along life's path. It was a beautiful relationship to witness.

A Day in Park

2010-06-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

2010-06-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Macy

2010-06-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

Whew - these one year olds are busy, but I would follow this little sweetie anywhere!!

Kelli and Nick

2010-06-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

Mr and Mrs Redmore

2010-06-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of photographing this lovely couple on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. May you find many more anniversaries yet to come and continue to be an inspiration to married couples everywhere.

Ella, Jacob, Nathan, Noah

2010-06-08T19:04:00.000-07:00