Mel and John :: Indianapolis Engagement Photography

It was one of those days where nothing was going right. Mel and John had planned an overnight trip from Seattle to Indianapolis, but they missed their flight. So by the time they arrived in Indiana, they hadn't slept in 24 hours.

Pile on top of that the fact that construction detoured us all over town and traffic was a nightmare. We questioned whether we should continue with our shoot.

But when Mel left the decision up to John, and he said "let's do it", I was shocked. Way to power through, John! He knew that it was now or never... and having these engagement photos would make his future wife very very happy.

Nora 1 Year :: Chicago Children's Photography

It seemed like my summer was filled with birthdays! This was my second shoot with adorable little Nora... the first being back when she was only 4 months old. It was great to see that she still looks the exact same, and that she's still just as happy and easy-going as she was 8 months ago.

I met with Nora and her family at Montrose Harbor in Chicago. The views of the skyline are fantastic, but it was a tad bit foggy that morning. But who would notice the cityscape anyway when they have this adorable face to admire...

Miles 1 Year :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

I've had the privilege of photographing Miles numerous times over the past year (see here, here, and here). It was only fitting, then, that we rounded out the year with 1st birthday photos.

Cooper 2 Years :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

Meet Cooper.

Steffen Family :: Fort Wayne Family Photography

The Steffen family is growing so fast they can hardly keep up. In fact, they told me the last time they were all together and had photos taken, there was only one grandchild. Now... there's six! So, it was about time to update the family photos.

We started off bright and early on Saturday morning at Parkview Field. It's a great location because it's the perfect mix of lush and urban.

Cece and Family :: Chicago Pet Photography

Cece was only 13 weeks old when she had her first professional photo shoot.

But when you're a 3 month old miniature dachshund, it can be hard to sit still for too long. So instead of forcing her to practice her "sit" and "stay" too much... I wanted to just capture her doing what she does best... being an adorable and curious puppy.

So on a gorgeous Sunday morning in Lincoln Park, I brought my camera over for a mini-session with Cece and her parents, Chris and Rachael.

Zeke and Emily :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

I had a great photo shoot on Sunday night with brother and sister duo Zeke and Emily. Zeke told me his favorite TV show is "So Random". Apparently I'm getting old, because I had never heard of it. So Zeke sang me the theme song... and now I feel much more knowledgeable on the subject of children's television.

Growing up with an older brother of my own, I know how hard it can be sometimes to turn on the charm and pretend you like each other... but Zeke and Emily managed to power through just long enough for me to get some awesome shots.

Zeke, Emily, and I started off by playing the "expression game". I would yell out an expression or mood, and they had to give me their best faces. The photos don't usually end up being the most "frame-able" of the bunch, but they do leave you with some priceless facials. I believe this one is called "shocked"...