We tried to come up with an indoor location that could serve as our weather-induced back up plan. And then we experienced beautiful weather for the majority of March, the weather no longer seemed like it would be an issue – it was going to be gorgeous that day just as it had been for the weeks leading up to it. But as the big day got closer – wouldn’t you know it – gray skies, cooler weather and heavy rain showed up in the forecast. Really? Korey came up with Union Station as our Plan B, and while I’m sure it could have worked just fine, I have to admit that I wasn’t that excited about it. It was just going to be so much better along the lakefront!

As the afternoon of the big day went on, the weather really looked like it was going to effect our plans. The skies were dark and rain squalls were showing on the radar. Korey decided we’d risk it and forge ahead with the Adler location, hoping to get in at least the proposal before the rain started. I arrived about 30 minutes before Korey and Lauren to set up the table with a white table cloth with a ribbon tied around the base, several pillar candles with bows tied on them by Korey (so cute that he even thought of all the little details!), a bouquet of roses and a Mickey & Minnie Mouse bride and groom statue (Lauren is a huge fan of Mickey & Minnie). About five minutes before they were to arrive, the sky brightened up!

I waited for them with my cameras out of sight. Korey walked Lauren along the bend of the lakefront  in front of the Planetarium and Lauren didn’t even notice the table until they came right up on it. Korey got down on one knee and Lauren seemed so confused, and then it hit her…  She let out several “OMG”s and giggles as she realized what was happening. IT WAS SO AWESOME! Such a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.

After she said yes, we did some portraits to capture some of the glow – these two were radiating love and excitement…

A big congratulations to you Lauren & Korey!! Thanks for having me be a part of your big life event – I absolutely loved it!!

Four days shooting anything can be tiring, but four days of photographing little ones was exhausting. A ton of fun, but exhausting. For eight hours a day I danced, sang, mooed and fake farted in an attempt to keep these kids attention.  I needed them to sit relatively still and smile, but right where the light was optimal on my white backdrop. And that sweet space of light on a studio set up is all of about 2 feet. Some kids did this no problem, but many had a hard time, not wanting anything to do with sitting still.

The fun comes in figuring out what works for different kids. After two and half years of capturing little ones of all ages, I have developed a pretty good repertoire of attention gaining and interest retaining tricks. Some kids didn’t require any, some took up my whole arsenal of stunts and then some. I had several parents who thought their session was a complete diaster because their child was not in the cooperating mood, but I assured them that I always manage to get a few shots. At the viewing and sales appointments, I had a couple of parents who were absolutely blown away but what we managed to get after such a challenging shoot. I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from amazing parents with beautiful images of their children that they will treasure for a lifetime – love it!

I met so many beautiful kids and wonderful parents over my four days – I truly enjoyed (most ) every exhausting moment. Here are some of my favorite images ~ be ready for some extreme cuteness…

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The 80′s tribute band The Breakfast Club  totally rocked the house!

This year’s mild winter in Chicago is fantastic for my mental state but I’ve been really wanting to do a photo session in the snow. Finally got my chance last week with the lovely and recently engaged Audra and Dan. These two will have a winter wedding next year and love the season so they were up for braving the cold. We had a gorgeous, sunny day with beautiful blue skies but the temps were in the 20s. Just made it all the easier to get them snuggled up to one another! Not like we really needed too much extra help to keep them close. Audra and Dan didn’t require much prompting get the kissing shots, it seemed like they couldn’t go more than five minutes without sneaking a kiss in.

We decide to do our shoot in the Union Pier, Michigan area, a place of much significance to them as Audra’s family spends a lot of time there each summer. We started our shoot at the Round Barn Winery, one of their favorite wineries along the Lake Michigan shore wine tasting trail. From there we continued to the historic Lakeside Inn and then had a little fun on the beach of Lake Michigan in front of Audra’s family’s summer getaway house. We had a great time (right guys?!) and got some fantastic shots. I am so looking forward to capturing their wedding day next January. Enjoy some of my favorite images…

A few shots with her big sister Helena…

Sweet, happy Lachlan! I couldn’t believe it when his mommy sent me a note to set up his six month baby portraits, it seemed like just yesterday that we did his three month and newborn images. It is such fun and a privilege to watch my little subjects grow and change. This sweet boy is such a joy to capture – can’t wait for his nine month session!

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The amazing flowers were by Bobby of Marius Bell Floral.

Congratulations Katherine and Jon ~ your wedding day was absolutely gorgeous and made so by how in love you are. I wish you all the best in your new life together (and lots of babies )

♥,

tracy

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At the beginning of our session, Nina’s mommy informed me that Nina was a little shy and hoped she would do ok. Umm, yeah – not shy at all. Miss Nina and I totally hit it off and we captured so many awesome images. After we were done with our shoot, Nina’s mom had her try on a few items she was considering buying and Nina grabbed her mom’s sunglasses. Had to capture her in the impromptu outfit too – I mean just look at her!!

This sweet little brother and sister duo just melted my heart. Absolutely adorable and super sweet kids. And check out their sweet Janie & Jack outfits. That little velvet purse, love it!

Little blonde sweeties – those curls and big blue eyes!

Little miss M – where do I even start?

Yep, each new client was cuter than the last, it was ridiculous! This little guy – so incredibly sweet and adorable and he did such a great job, looking right at me. So much fun to capture him!

The little sweater vest and cap – such a sweet boy!

I know, stop it – you can’t stand it right?! Yes, that is a little camel blazer and plaid tie & suspenders he is wearing and his sister issporting a gorgeous red velvet dress with matching plaid accents.

This little guy and I became fast friends.

Sweet and sassy little Miss E!

Argyle vest + corduroy cap + sweet baby = happy photographer

This little guy has the thickest head of hair – such a sweetheart

And this is his big brother, who absolutely refused to have his picture taken with his baby brother. We begged, pleaded and tried to bribe him into sitting with his brother for a few shots with no luck. And he was leaving he turned and said to me “sorry Tracy, maybe next time”. It made me laugh so hard, it was classic!

Big brother and his baby sister – too cute.

Mr. O did such an amazing job getting his portraits taken – he just sat there and looked at me. I was dying, he is the sweetest little guy with the most gorgeous big brown eyes!

Another one of my little buddies who absolutely rocked it for the camera.

This seven year old was an absolute champ handling his little twin brother and sister.

This sister and brother duo are the bestest of friends. Or maybe they were bribed to act that way prior to portrait time? Regardless, they were so much fun to capture.

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