{i heart faces} Hilarious Outtakes

This weeks contest at {i heart faces} is Hilarious Outtakes and we're allowed to submit several of our favorites.

The first photo I chose is from one of my earliest Modeling sessions with baby Nora.  I was going for the adorable feet shot, of course, but Mom got quite wet in the process!   (Note the drips.)  I particularly like how Nora is smiling away...quite proud of herself, I think.   :-)

This next shot is of my own little Emma.   It just makes me laugh.  I think she's saying "Well, I guess if you're not taking me to the zoo, this is just going to have to do."

And I have a ton of outtakes from a shoot I did with these boys last fall.   They were full of funny faces and well, just full of fun!  I like this one because to me it shows the love/hate relationship of siblings.   Kissing and choking at the same time.  Yeah....been there.

Check out more funny outtakes at:

Project 365 - day 57. A Treasured Gift | Delafield Children's Photography

Last night I had a wonderful visit from a couple I met last month.   Sadly, I met them as part of my Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep volunteer work.  They were the first couple that I'd photographed on my own, although they didn't know that until last night.  They came by to bring me a thank you gift for the work I did for them.  It was so thoughtful of them to think of me as they're going through such a difficult time and it was such a precious gift and something I will treasure forever.

Literally just a few nights ago I was looking at a stand in my bedroom that has two Willow Tree pieces on it and thinking...I really need a third one of those.  I received the ones I have on two separate occasions from my sister-in-law.  So, I thought I need another because you're really supposed to have things like that grouped in threes, right?   Well, wouldn't you know, that's what they brought me.  It's just beautiful and they said they chose it because it's called "Spirit of Giving - Generosity is your shining gift."   They also gave me a card with one of the images I took on it and wrote the following:

"There are no words that come close to describing how thankful we are and how blessed we feel to have met you.  Your selfless efforts and amazing talents have touched not only R. and I, but everyone who sees your photography.  Thank you for volunteering your time to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep and for preserving our precious son with such love and care.     Love, K. & R."

Needless to say, I cried.

This sweet couple gave me two gifts.  The opportunity to meet their Angel and now this.  I'm truly touched.  And all three of us are anxiously awaiting our next photo session - when they are expecting their next baby!!  

Project 365 - day 56. Venue 3! | Delafield Children's Photographer

Well here's the third and final potential venue for the March Charity Event that's in the works.  I think it's my favorite choice because it comes with perks...   I loved the other spots too but for this event I'm leaning towards #3.   I'd love some feedback!!!   Please leave a comment or email me...which background would you most like to have for shots of your children??

Again, still finalizing the details but I think you can tentatively mark Sunday, March 21st down on your calendars as the day to get a mini-session with me and a free 5X7 of your choice just by donating to a VERY worthwhile charity!  I'll post more on the charity and the event soon but for now, please weigh in your thoughts on the venues.   I'd love to hear what you think!

Project 365 - day 50. Preconceived Notions

The little girls and I went out for a walk around the block today.  The weather is still fairly mild and the sun was gorgeous!  The only problem was trying to find a spot with some shade to take a photo.  Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining just adjusting.

I love this fence that lines a street in my subdivision.  I had a split rail fence around the house I lived in as a little girl and I've always loved wood fences.  So when we got there I decided it was the picture spot...regardless of the sun factor!   I had a great idea in mind but Clare had some of her own so we went with that (obviously).

Oh, and yes....she is in her pajamas again.  At least we change them daily.  :-)

PS  You can click on the image to make it larger.

Project 365 - Day 19. Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

My oldest daughter decided to cut her hair into a chin length bob over Christmas break.  It looks very cute and really suits her.  Clare has never really had haircuts...I've trimmed her bangs but for the last year or so it's always been accompanied by a lot of tears and squirming so her hair has gotten quite long.  It's very thin and pretty scraggly but very blond and it's always suited her.  Well...this week she decided at the ripe 'ol age of 2 that it was time for her to cut it short too.  So, without tears or trauma, she walked right up to that pink Jeep haircutting chair, looked down at the poodles on her drape as requested and, darn it, she got that short hair.  And to top it all off...they did a Princess Up-Do.  Sigh.....  my little girl is growing up.    Good thing I still have Emma and her hair is still too short to worry about.

Project 365 - Day 18. Splish Splash

We had a lot of running around today and by the end of the day, not unlike a lot of others days, I was feeling worn out and ready for kids to be in bed and Mom to be productive.

I admit...the hours between 5 and 7 are my least favorite of the day.  The kids go to bed early and it's not easy to get all 4 kids fed, cleaned, changed, brushed, read, and in bed while also hopefully eating myself, cleaning up the dishes, picking up the toys from the day, sorting through backpacks and whatever else needs to be done within that small window of time.  More times than not it ends up being a stressful part of the day.

Bath time is the highlight of that time for the little girls.  They love to splish and splash, dump water on each other, wash their little dollies hair, count fish.  Whatever.  They just love to be in the bath.  Generally their laughter is enough to break my stress and make me enjoy the moment....at least until it's time to get out and the next battle begins.

Project 365 - Day 8. Valentine's Prep

On today's To Do List, among other things, was testing out my new pink background.   I got it for the party that I co-hosted over the weekend but it arrived late so it's new purpose is Valentine's Day.  I was a bit intimidated by it...sure that it would give horrible pink glows to the faces in front of it.  I'd forgotten.  I now have two lights!!  One to light my beautiful subject and another to reduce the shadows and highlight that lovely pink background.   I only had the little girls down in the studio (as I'm officially calling it now) for about 5 minutes and I got a bunch of shots that I like.  Yey.  I'm ready for Valentine's Day shooting now!  

Project 365 - Day 7. Bunco Babes

Ok...I don't know if Bunco is a cross-cultural thing or just a Wisconsin thing.?  I know for sure that I first heard of it just a few years ago but I don't know if that's because I wasn't an adult when I lived in other cities or just because I wasn't a Mom in a family-oriented subdivision before or what.  Regardless, my subdivision has a really great Bunco group and tonight was our night for great food and wine, lovely women, and a little bit of dice.   Love it!

Our hostess was a woman I think very highly of.  There's just something about her that I liked from the first moment I met her.  She describes herself as having a strong personality but that's not at all how I would describe her.   Her home, like her, is beautiful, welcoming and wonderful.   Thanks for everything, Pam.

And, Happy Birthday, Patti!

365 - Day 5 The Upgrade

Like all photographers, my equipment "needs" list is a continually growing thing. Because I'm doing more indoor shoots now that the weather isn't too conducive for outdoor ones, I felt a new light set was in order. My previous set was a beginners kit and worked fine for adults who didn't move too far away from where I put them but not ideal for kids. Problem solved. Today I unpacked my new Alien Bee 800 and 5 ft. softbox and I'm very happy. :-) I know that doesn't mean much to most so I thought a visual of before and after might help. Of course the shot is poorly lit because my lights were otherwise occupied but you get the idea. Happy me.

And a few pics of my first model with the new light....my little Clare Bear.

365 - Day 3 Project Runway's New Winter Line

I co-hosted a birthday party today for a 7 year old girl (not my own child...it was a charity auction offering). It was a Project Runway theme and very fun. One of the main activities was this cool little mannequin kit that the girls were able to decorate with fabric to come up with their own outfits. They were really into it and came up with some fun designs. This is the outcome...

Mt. Mary Models

I've had an extremely hectic few days which was capped off today with a fun mini-session with these 3 beauties at Mt. Mary College! They all do modeling so are no strangers to the camera. Good thing because it was freezing out and they were real troopers, even in the snow!

I think things are going to slow down at Illustrations Photography for the next couple of weeks while holiday festivities are ramping up (finally) with the Johnsen Family. Just so you know how bad it is....my neighbor today offered to loan us some Santa hats for our pumpkins!!! We decided that it's not that we're behind...it's that we're really good planners for next year. That's our story and we're sticking with it. At least until I can get our wreath that was delivered 2 weeks ago out of the box!!

Glad to have ended my crunch time with such a fun bunch! Thanks to all the M's, including Mom!

In The Midst of It....

I am in the midst of a very busy weekend!

This morning I got to test out the new camera/lens for real and it was very fun! I have to get used to the blur it can create....very cool but also a little bit dangerous (in a good way). I always have a great time with this family...they seem to have great laughs together and a lot of adventure in their lives. As you'd expect with 4 kids ages 5 and under! Unfortunately a couple of the cuties are sick so we had to take lots of cough-y breaks but they still look adorable. Amazing eyes on these kids!!

Tomorrow I'll be spending the afternoon at a Clothing Swap benefitting the Children's Hospital. It's the first time I'll have a booth somewhere so it's been some working getting organized for it but I'm looking forward to it. Then tomorrow night is scheduled to me my first volunteer session with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. I'm nervous about it but also glad to finally be able to contribute to such an amazing organization. I'll post later this week with more information on the organization and an update on how it went.

In the meantime, a sneak peek for Jennifer and family...hope you're all feeling better soon!

Still Shooting Outside - Portrait Party

I had a very busy morning today shooting 7 great families at a Portrait Party! We totally lucked out with the great weather...gotta love Wisconsin autumns! I really enjoyed meeting all these new faces and look forward to sharing some fun images with everyone soon. Until then, a sneak peek at a few of my favorites... Thanks for hosting, Kelly!!

PS My next scheduled sessions are testing out my new part-time studio location next Saturday...I can't wait!!

Birthday Brothers

This weekend was GORGEOUS around here and I was so happy to spend part of it playing with these little guys! Today was big brother's birthday (he turned 4) and last Tuesday was little brother's 2nd birthday so quite a week for both of them! They welcomed me with open arms and we had a great time. Oh yeah, and the pictures turned out beautiful too! Thanks for sharing your birthday boys with me, Kelly. Loved every minute of it!

Portrait Party Portfolio

So, last Sunday was my Premier Portrait Party hosted by my great friend, Crystal. She had 5 of her friends over for an Open House style party and in the relaxed, party atmosphere, I spent 20 minutes photographing each of the families as the kids played in Crystal's backyard. It was a blast!! The kids got to play, I had a ball, and all the Moms seem to be happy with their images so overall a great success!! I hope to do a lot more of these in the future.

If you're interested in learning more about Portrait Parties, please let me know and I can send you a hostess package. Did I mention that the hostess earns FREE PRINTS!! And your guests get access to great Portrait Party Exclusive Collections and Specials. It's truly a great experience for everyone!

Below are some of my favorite shots from the afternoon. Enjoy!