Chicago Family and Child Photographer

The K Family : South Loop Photo Session

This Wilmette family wanted a photography session that was fun, reflective of their twin girls’ vibrant personalities and that encorporated some of their favorite spots in Chicago’s growing (and beautiful) South Loop. We did a bit of a photo safari session at some of their favorite spots – had an amazing time getting to know one another and capturing the girls amidst all the amazing sites this side of Grant Park.

These girls were funny, fun and beautiful, the apples didn’t fall far from the tree!

wilmette-photographer photographer-wilmette-family

Thank you K Family for being such awesome sports!!

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Hope | A Professional Photographer Blog Carousel Post

Once again I have teamed up with some of the most amazing child, family and wedding photographers in the world (and I am not exaggerating!) to be part of a Blog Carousel.

“Blog Carousel?” you may be asking. Yes, Blog Carousel. What it is: Each month a group of us explores a theme and takes our readers to each of the photographer’s blogs via a linked circle. It’s a good time for sure, great photography, great inspiration and a wonderful way to spend a few minutes on the internet in a positive way – soaking up beautiful art while sipping your morning coffee (or your chai latte).

H•O•P•E

This month’s theme is HOPE, very appropriate given that one of our colleagues (and friend) has recently been diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer. I believe in the power of hope to build the courage to heal and garner the strength to help carry one through their journey.

“Hope never abandons you; you abandon it” ~ George Weinberg quotes

Please take some time to go through the rest of our Blog Carousel. Our next stop is at the blog of my friend, Danna Bowes, who is an amazing Calgary maternity, baby, and family photographer.

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Danna - September 18, 2011 - 9:11 pm

Oh Mare, this is beautiful…simple, stunning, perfect for this theme!! xox
Austin family photographer teri mason - September 18, 2011 - 10:01 pm

Wow, Mare, this is GORGEOUS! I love it so much. One of these days, I’m going to get up to Chi-town and have you photograph my kidlets!! Love your take on the theme!
lauri - September 18, 2011 - 10:15 pm

Beautiful quote, and stunningly beautiful image. It’s breathtaking.
Simone Hanckel - September 19, 2011 - 7:13 am

Absolutely gorgeous image Mare. Love love love it. xo
Dena Robles - September 19, 2011 - 8:57 am

Simply exquisite photograph Mare and a beautiful sentiment.
Corey - September 19, 2011 - 9:03 am

Beautiful image – and such a perfect quote too! Love it!
Anna Mayer - September 19, 2011 - 9:40 am

Simply breathtaking. Love!
Samara - September 19, 2011 - 12:15 pm

Wow gorgeous! So delicate and full of hope – great quote too!
Julie - September 19, 2011 - 12:47 pm

Such a lovely calm and peaceful image. Really beautiful!
alpana - September 19, 2011 - 12:58 pm

gorgeous image, Mare!
elizabeth pellette - September 20, 2011 - 7:56 am

this is amazing. what a beautiful image..

Chicago Baby Photography, North Side

I’ve worked with this family before, creating beautiful photos for their home of the three oldest children. I was both honored and thrilled when her mom called to book a session JUST FOR LITTLE S! Chasi, thank you for allowing me to photograph your darling in her favorite place, HOME! What a beautiful little girl, such gorgeous lashes and sweet smile.

This little cutie is her cousin and he came over just for a few shots with his favorite girl! They’re so sweet together (and makes me wish my kids had closer in age cousins to grow up with).

On this side of the house the light was so amazing coming off the reflection of the house next door as well as the windows there and the driveway. It really was crazy beautiful there light-wise.

Thank you Little S for making my day with your sweet & happy smiles!

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Elevate | An Exploration of Finer Photography

This is such an exciting post for me, it concerns the finer side of portrait work. As a busy children’s and family photographer I don’t get many opportunities to “play”. Photography is still very fun for me but it’s like the old saying about the shoemaker’s children not getting any shoes.

When I was approached to participate in {elevate} a fine art photography exploration – I jumped at the opportunity. Mostly because to be included in the company of these *amazing* photographers is a complete honor as well as the opportunity to sort of stretch my bounds and get into a new creative comfort zone. So I have much to be thankful for, most of which is my beautiful beautiful little L who I have photographed for this exercise.

I have much to be thankful for and least of which are good friends who love to create. My stylist for this shoot was the amazing Miss Laurie who helped with so much pre-session and during the session. She does an incredible job with hair and make up for these types of sessions and I am humbled to have such talented friends.

I have also included a couple of other little favorites from our brief session together.

Up next is my amazing & talented friend, Nichole Van of NicholeV photography in Woodland Hills, UT I cannot wait to see what she has created for us.

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Brenda - September 12, 2011 - 8:27 am

Incredible Mare!!
Leila - September 12, 2011 - 9:20 am

These are beautiful and wow has she grown up!!!! No more baby face 🙁 I love her freckles, such a sweet innocence in her face.
Marianne - September 12, 2011 - 9:30 am

Thank you Brenda, Leila.

Leila, she has. She is very vocal about what she likes/dislikes and she was less than pleased after the marathon hair and make up session. LOL You should see the beautiful detail my friend/stylist did with her hair, huge ringlets pinned up. I have a shot of her being less than cooperative that I’ll have to post on FB. You’ll get a kick out of it.
Nichole Van - September 12, 2011 - 10:08 am

Seriously, Mare! That first image is just killing me! Sooooooo love seeing your beautiful work!
Gina Oh | Gina Maxine Photography - September 12, 2011 - 10:08 am

wow, i just love how her eyes are closed and her hand is over half her face. this is so beautiful and intriguing, loooooove…
kamee june - September 12, 2011 - 11:24 am

i love the juxtaposition of youth with sophistication in the last image. how every little girls dreams to be a big girl…and when she gets to be a big girl she holds tight to the memories of being little…you are making me nostalgic!! 😉
Jennifer N - September 12, 2011 - 11:44 am

The first image is pure art! I love that you chose that image to process it the way you did. It’s just stunning! I want one of my oldest daughter!I was just in Chicago, actually got back last night! Should have booked you for a session. Love your work.
Tamara - September 12, 2011 - 11:59 am

Beautiful!! I love the first image, the use of texture and tone..the placement of her hand, and her sweet expression. I love images of children with closed eyes. Can’t wait to get to know you better, I have always admired your work!
Brandie - September 12, 2011 - 1:39 pm

Absolutely adorable!! Love the texture on the 1st image.
crave photography - September 12, 2011 - 1:41 pm

absolutely stunning! That first image with the texture is beyond amazing!
martha schuster - September 12, 2011 - 6:40 pm

i am so excited to connect with you again after missing so many folks from flickr! i just knew your images would be dreamy and wonderful and i was so right. i love your processing and the feeling packed into the image. it’s whimsical and dreamy – perfection. looking forward to next month’s post!! xo
jules - September 12, 2011 - 10:52 pm

that first image is mesmerizing! i love the processing on it … totally draws me in! beautiful work!!!
Dena Robles - September 14, 2011 - 9:48 am

Mare, so so beautiful. I am thoroughly entranced by the first one and love the creativity there, but wow, then to look at the second, it has a completely different feel and purpose and is equally beautiful.
Crackle - October 8, 2011 - 1:24 pm

Hey Mare – this is wonderful – I have been following the circle around and love how different everyone’s inspiration and creations are. I am stealing the idea and presenting it to some photographers I know to see who is up for a challenge that stretches us and feeds us. Thank you! BTW Miss you – will we ever meet up again!??