The wonderful Jaicks family

I had an amazing time shooting this family of four girls and each of their cats. It was a perfect shoot for me! The four sisters get along so well and were such a blast to work with. Their cats were adorable and very curious about this new person exploring their home.
























This kitty enjoyed hanging on people's shoulders quite a bit.

Kelly and Kevin's engagement

I had a great time with Kelly and Kevin exploring Independence Grove in the northern suburbs. It's a very popular place for weddings, but on this rare warm fall day we practically had the place to ourselves. Can't wait for the wedding!


Awesome reflection opportunities here


Fun with silhouettes


Cute!


More fun with silhouettes. I love the glow on their hair from the sun.




Got to have a nice bling shot.

Cats in the doorway

Coming home one afternoon I ran into my neighbor who was letting her cats explore the front porch. They didn't seem to have any desire to explore the great outdoors, and barely left the steps.

An afternoon in Beverly

I spent a lovely Saturday afternoon in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago with some friends recently.


What's the best thing to do with a Starburst wrapper? Create a paper boat, of course.


Parrots! We wandered around a park after lunch and came upon 4 bright green parrots hanging out in a tree.




The many faces of Jim (of Leece and Jim fame)


We spent a little time on a playground in the park. It was only as we were leaving that we saw the sign that only children are allowed on the structures. Silly rules.


Leece, also of Leece and Jim fame

Thanksgiving

A Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to all!
I spent the day out at Grandma's with family; a wonderful time!


We played with bubbles on the porch for a short while.






A lovely walk around the grounds to visit the ducks.




I was having fun shooting through the glass table while Violet was coloring.



To see the whole batch, click here.

Surprise party in Maine

Last weekend my siblings and I headed back east to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. Unbeknownst to him, there were also about 35 others waiting to celebrate with him! Most were local friends from work or church, but we also snuck in my Grandma, aunt, uncle, and two cousins from out of state. Along with the party, we also surprised him with a musical guest: The University of Southern Maine Chamber singers. My sister Becca was a member while she was a student and dad was always a big fan; he and my mom even went to Europe on one of their tours. It was a beautiful concert!



Dad's reaction when entering the church hall with my mom and brother. He had been out bike shopping with my brother while the rest of us were decorating and baking in time for the big event.


And here's when he spotted me with the camera.


My lovely sister Janna enjoying the party.


Baby Sebastian hanging out with all the grown-ups.




The birthday dad.


My sister Becca.


The brother Christon.


Janna again.


Details of the brother.


Many hours after the party all the family members headed back to the house for a grand meal. Here's my Aunt Deborah in from New York.


Ivan the cat helping Christon on the computer.


Ivan the cat resting on Becca and her boyfriend Jordan.


Zoe in one of her favorite spots: a shelf above the home computer.


This is Surry, a pregnant foster cat from the Animal Welfare Society. My mom is fostering her until her kittens are born and are big enough to be adopted. She spent much time in her room staring longingly out the window.

If you'd like to see the whole batch from the weekend, go here!