Tag Archives: chicago photographer

My Photography Heroes

Reading with my little one in our bed before bedtime is indicative of my life now. I may not be able to jet off to parts unknown at a moment’s notice to tell people’s stories, but I admire, value and honor the photographers who do that work.

Today I am accepting a challenge to write a love letter to my photography heroes. While I am primarily a family photojournalist and an event photographer now, I didn’t start off that way! My first career was as a newspaper photographer and then photo editor. It wasn’t until I had my first child in 2003 that I started turning my lens toward families. So, it’s no surprise my photography heroes are from the world of newspaper and magazine photojournalism.

I first fell in love with making pictures when I took a photography class at St. Joseph’s Academy in 1986. I was so proud of my Minolta XG7 that my parents purchased from a pawn shop. But I didn’t yet know about any other photographers work. I loved looking through old National Geographic magazines at my grandparent’s house, but I don’t think at the time I even realized that I was drawn to the magazine because of the incredible picture stories.

As my passion for photography grew, I ended up switching majors from business at Indiana University (sorry mom and dad for killing that dream) to photojournalism at University of Missouri-Columbia.

My professors at Mizzou introduced me to the most amazing photography heroes I could ever have imagined. I am drawn to photographers who have used their work to effect social change in the world.

James Nachtwey

I am inspired by the compassion and dignity James Nachtwey brings to people facing horrific life circumstances. Thank you for telling the important stories of people who often have no voice. Thank you for bringing me to places I would never go, and for never letting me forget those born into less fortunate circumstances around the world.

Sebastio Selgado

I am inspired by the beauty and artistry that Brazilian photographer Sebastian Selgado brings to the human condition. His work on forgotten people and places, displaced people and alarming working conditions around the world is stunning. Thank you for your incredible way of seeing the world and your passion for showing us the world around us. Thank you for reminding me to care about things beyond my own backyard.

Stephanie Sinclair

And most recently, I am inspired by my former Chicago Tribune colleague Stephanie Sinclair. Stephanie is a National Geographic photographer and her passion is telling the story of girls who are victimized by child marriage and female genital mutilation. Through her non-profit she created “Too Young to Wed” and her commitment to telling these girls’ stories, she is raising awareness around the globe about atrocities that are often culturally accepted practices. She is literally inspiring changes in legislation in many of these countries. Stephanie’s beautiful documentary photos and her vision of empowering girls and women around the world is beyond worthy of my hero worship!

I have so many more heroes, this list could be endless (Sam Abell, Dorothea Lange, Mary Ellen Mark, to name a few). Thank you to all the photographers who tell the stories of people who have no voice. Thank you for making telling their stories a priority in your life. Thank you for your vision, your passion, and your incredible commitment to your craft.

To see another blog about photography inspiration, check out Adri De La Cruz from Whimsy Heart Photography’s post.

Brunch at Kevin’s Place | Family Photography Chicago

Our family has many little rituals that make up our day. And while I know I will always have my memories, I like to document our stories with photos so I can look back and see the sweet little moments that make up our lives.

One of our favorite weekend traditions is having brunch at Kevin’s Place in Deerfield. We started going here years ago because I heard it was a good place to take kids. No one would give you a funny look if your children laughed too loud, ate with their fingers, or even melted into the dreaded tantrum. Now that my children can safely make it through a meal without these issues, it’s still one of our favorite places.

Lynn, Matt and Freddie always greet us with a smile. Matt always inquires about what we have been up to lately and tells me of his latest adventures. And the best part, he always tells me I look pretty. Now, this may not sound like much, but from a lady in her 40’s, I don’t hear this from anyone but my husband these days …

When Kevin comes to the table to get our order, he usually sits down and digs in for a good pre-ordering chat. The girls can’t wait to share with him. From dance performances, to plays, to school achievements, he gets to hear it all. They love to talk to him because he listens so intently. He focuses on each child and always gives the best reactions.

Thank you Kevin, for being a bright spot in our crazy, busy lives. You slow us down and remind us that good food, good friends, and connecting with each other is what life is all about.

Having a Chicago Adventure with the Girls| Family Photography

I love being on holiday break with my kids. During regular school time, it just doesn’t feel like we have time to breathe. I feel like we are constantly rushing to school, hurrying to after school activities, shoehorning in homework time, and then jamming in dinner before showers and bedtime.

I am cherishing lazy mornings and afternoon adventures.

Yesterday, my mother-in-law and I decided to take my girls and nieces to downtown Chicago.

The girls loved riding on the train, chitty-chatting, taking pictures of each other and playing games on their itouchs. This was a big improvement on the two-hour drive we took to the city last week. (Why do I always forget that a little rain can add an hour to our drive in a flash?!)

We started our afternoon in the city by collecting a dizzying array of colorful food a the French Market at Ogilvie Train Station. We then went to visit Daddy at his high-rise office and ate our wacky smorgasbord in one of his conference rooms. (Anyone care for a crepe? Or a Vietnamese spring roll? How about a lobster roll or butternut squash soup? And don’t forget the French macarons for dessert! )

Next was a quick hello to Auntie Amy before wandering the halls of the Art Institute.

And then back on the train for more silliness and selflies.

We had a glorious day of exploring different tastes, beautiful art, lots of hugs, and almost no bickering. A glorious day!

Deerfield Christmas Tree Shopping

I love the holiday season, but no matter how much I try to stay organized, it always seems so hectic. Between band and choral concerts, cookie baking, decorating and shopping for the holidays, there never seems to be enough time. I really wanted to go to a tree farm this year and cut down our own tree. It sounds like one of those idyllic, Norman Rockwell-style days – taking a hay ride through the forest, picking the perfect tree, sipping steaming hot chocolate by a bonfire while we wait for the tree to be prepared to put on top of the car… Alas, there just wasn’t enough time this year for that leisurely day. So, between photo shoots, tennis classes, Sunday school and a family dinner with cousins, we headed to our Deerfield Home Depot and picked our favorite conifer. A little less romantic than I envisioned, but still so much fun to spend an afternoon with my family. As usual, I love to document these little moments with my family. I cherish my photos of our little adventures together.

Do you have a holiday ritual you would like me to document? Baking cookies? Decorating the tree? I love doing storytelling sessions with families. Please contact me if you are interested in preserving your memories.