3 Little Monkeys

Oh my sweets . . . how I love them. It was time for some new portraits for the mantle so we got all gussied up and went down to the beach at sunset for a little summertime shoot on a bright sunny (and windy!) Chicago day.

I love this first one. It's a mom's dream. They aren't fighting or bickering or popping each other on the head . . . C is just being the protective big brother and the girls are nestled in. They aren't all like this, but these particular moments are treasured by every mama and bring a smile to my face. I love that I not only can treasure these moments in my heart but remember them in print. Ahh, the joys of being a photographer. . .

I made these pinwheels with double-sided scrapbook paper and love the touch of whimsy they add to the image. I'm thinking these will make an appearance again in future shoots.

I have silly kids, in case anybody was wondering. My 6 year old is a complete ham and rarely can take anything seriously. Getting these monkeys to sit still and look at the camera is just not all that realistic. I figure, get a few of those shots as quickly as possible and then, by all means, let 'em be who they are. I'm always looking for the authentic moment as a photographer because at the end of the day, those are the images that really matter. Love this next series. We laughed A LOT!

Another failed attempt to get them to stand together and smile. I'm glad I failed. This image is a framer and I'm thankful for the capture.

Have a great weekend everyone! Hope you can get out there and enjoy the beach!

Fiesta de Arte

Just a quick two-image blogpost for today. Here are the images I created, enlarged, and matted for the art show/fundraiser at the kids' school tonight. These images make me happy. I love capturing childhood!

The first image is my son's 4th grade class (their student teacher included). I simply asked them what they wanted to be and wrote down their responses. I didn't edit their responses, didn't probe them to come up some impressive answer, . . . I just wanted to capture who they are and what they're dreaming of. So what if almost half the boys want to be soccer or basketball players?!? 10 year olds don't exactly have to be practical. :) And that's part of the fun of being 10.

Below is my daughter's second grade class on recess. Pretty straight-forward. Still, kids and hopscotch will bring a smile to my face every time.

Thanks for checking in! Maybe we can all dream and play like a kid this week. :)

Blogger Mini-Shoot {Christine Kay, Chicago Photographer}

Just a few pictures from a mini-shoot with my new friend, Gillian. Gillian is a Chicago Special Needs Parent Examiner, blogger, and writer. Just last month she finished her book, KRASATA, which is a memoir of the "unexpected beauty in grieving, accepting and loving my child with Down Syndrome". I don't have any children with Down Syndrome, but I can't wait to read her book. She is refreshingly honest and open about those 5 words that changed her life forever- "Your daughter has Down Syndrome."

What do you think of when you hear those 5 words? What if it were you learning this diagnosis about your new newborn baby? Would you handle it all with a smile on your face- "Well, every child is a blessing, you know" . . . or would you maybe curl in a ball on the couch and stare at your baby in someone else's arms and wonder how you will manage to bond with a baby who is not what you had expected? I'm not putting words in Gillian's mouth- you'll have to read her story for yourself, but suffice it to say, hearing and processing a diagnosis like this was no cake-walk.

Gillian now has two daughters with Down Syndrome, the second coming from an international adoption from Ukraine. Yes, Gillian not only came to accept those 5 words, but then went out looking for them. It's an awesome story and I can't wait for it to be published!

Gillian needed some quick headshots (and pictures with two of her four daughters) for updating her blog and for her web publications. We went around the corner and did a little mini-session. She is truly gorgeous, inside and out. Love you, friend!

LOVE this one. Nothin' beats a cheek hug from your baby girl.

Sisters in a Storybook, Chicago Child Photographer

I can't help but get all drooly over this city! I love Chicago! Smack dab in the middle of the city, you'll find spots that look like you are out in the country somewhere- a photographer's dream to have both urban/grungy as well as lush/ethereal backdrops.

Our photoshoot yesterday hit on the most unusual day. Bright sunny skies all day, right up until the minute we started shooting. Then, this huge low-hanging cloud of fog came in. No rain, no humidity, just this gorgeous eery fog. I was like a kid in a candy store salivating over the gorgeous light.

We start off our story today at a gorgeous old farm in the country . . . (I know! I said it was in the middle of the city, but just work with me . . . . I'm in storyland, and I'm having a moment. . . . )

Aren't they just adorable?!?! Now we'll head to the English countryside in the Fall, just as the leaves are starting to turn.

Ahhhh, those eyes!

A little snuggle with the snuggly . . . He looks well-loved, doesn't he?

This little beauty is going to give those supermodels a run for their money-

Awwwww! More fog creating that super-dreamy effect. I love this one! The girls look so sweet as they play together.

And I *LOVE* sisters! Thank you, Denise, for the opportunity to photograph your daughters! They are stunning!

A Rockstar Princess, a Cupcake, and Bunny Ears- Chicago Child Photographer

My cousin, Tim and his wife Laura were planning a trip to Chicago for a little get-away. When he approached me with the idea of doing a photo shoot for his family while they were here, I knew I had to say YES!

So if there is ever a time that a little one (who rarely ever gets sick!!) will get sick, sure enough, it'll be right before a trip or a photoshoot. Unfortunately for E, it was both! The first night upon their arrival and the eve of our shoot, E was up all night with a horrible chest-y cough. When we met up for our morning shoot her little voice was raspy and sad and she was super tired- yet she worked so hard to cooperate, smile on cue, and play our little photo-game. Because she was such a trooper, I nick-named her "Rockstar" but couldn't help calling her "Princess" too because of how sweet she was. So then I just started calling her "Rockstar Princess". I think she earned it!

This was the first time I've met Laura. I knew I'd love her the moment I spotted her bright orange flats. (If you've followed my blog for long, you know I'm a sucker for gorgeous shoes.) My love went to a whole new level when she showed me the outfits she brought. I LOVED everything she picked out for the shoot. PERFECTION. Mama's: Take Note! This is how it's done for stunning photos. Colors, layering, headbands, hats, multiple outfits, unique clothes, . . . . Yep! She did it all right!

I love it when parents bring along kids' comfort items on shoots. I knew I wanted some pictures of E with "Kitty". I love a good, flopsy snuggly. It's such a sweet part of this stage of life and I really love to make sure we document it well.

This little munchkin has the most detailed, beautiful blue eyes. And those cheeks!! Delicious!

The two responsible for afore-mentioned cuteness . . .

Because she's family and because she was feeling so cruddy, I knew I had to bribe E with something extra special. Half-way through our shoot, a Sprinkles cupcake fit the bill.

Red velvet was her cupcake of choice. Gotta love a southern girl!!!

Playing a game for some fun photos . . .

WARNING: Killahhhhhhh Blue-eyed Babay ahead. Nuf said. ( . . . Ya, I know- I'm a nerd.)

I'm pretty much willing to do anything to get kiddos to be happy and smile during the photoshoot. At this point in our session, poor E was just ready for a nap. So, yes . . . I MAY just have had her leggings from outfit 1 on my head for the last 30 minutes of the shoot. Hey, they make GREAT Bunny Ears, you know. . . and if you turn your head back and forth fast- you're a helicopter! (This is me with no shame.) And yes, Laura, maybe we should have taken a picture of it. Classic Christine moment. Classic.

How sweet are they? She's giving her baby brother 'a flower'. :)

I think this last one might be my favorite. Such cutie-pies!!! Laura, I know you were anxious to see this post. Rest assured, this is just a sampling. There are gobs more coming your way! You guys were great! I'm already looking forward to the next time I get to do a shoot with your family.