This natural family photography session was such a delight! The whole time the girls and I told stories about horses, real and imaginary and jump, spun and ran all over Montrose Harbor. I loved watching the girls play, using sticks to pretend they were riding their horses and later bending down to the sidewalk to examine a furry caterpillar. What a delight!
Savera is absolutely stunning at seven months pregnant. It was a joy to meet help her celebrate this time and document her growing family.
Interested in seeing more examples of my maternity photos? Click the links below for other featured posts:
Erin and Andrew explore downtown Chicago and North Avenue beach together during their engagement session by Rife Ponce Photography.
Laura and Danny’s wedding was a perfect reflection of the couple’s fun-loving and laid back nature. The atmosphere was set in the morning while the girls got ready in “Risky Business” outfits complete with shades with a soundtrack of pop music. Everyone was so happy to celebrate these two, who met in college and have been dating for eight years.
All the details of the day were meticulously created by Laura, family, and friends. There were so many thoughtful elements, from a hand-sewn handkerchief embroidered with the date by Laura’s mom to Stetson whiskey (a tip of the hat to Danny’s last name). The reception at Independence Grove Forest Preserve was a full out dance party that just didn’t stop. All the girls of the wedding party even changed into all-stars to better bust their moves!
Congrats Laura and Danny! So happy for the two of you!
Thanks to these vendors who made the day possible:
Florist: Lindsay Alde (independent) Caterer: Michael’s Catering DJ: Jennefa from Toast & Jam Hair: Jaycie Kurfess
These two below, Ali and Farrah, are good friends, so it was extra special for me to snap these engagement photos!! One of my favorite moments was when Ali did his “signature dance move” and Farrah joined in (see image two below). I knew right then and there just how perfect these two are for one another!!
Many, if not all those near and dear to me know of my love for photography and culture. My interest began as a kid while leafing through pages of National Geographic. Two things fascinated me: a world I had yet to discover & the magical way in which it was captured.
I began shooting as a teenager. My Dad was my mentor, introducing me to window light and teaching me how to twist the dials. I fell in love with the magic of freezing time. I was totally hooked. I studied, practiced, interned, and even taught.
Having my photography business is wonderful–I’m lucky that I love my work. Still, I can’t deny the tug that brings me back to photojournalism. It not only enables me to feed the part of my spirit that yearns to travel and discover, but it also gives me the opportunity to document the intimate moments of everyday life that connects all humans.
In January, I headed to the Philippines with two other artist to pursue these two passions. With a local Filipino crew, we took a journey to immerse ourselves in the culture to better connect with the people and land. Funny thing is, we went with an agenda to “create” something, but in the process realized the story was our journey. Each of us discovered something while there-my pieces were visual journal entries, chronicling the close physical and emotion connections Filipinos share not just with one another, but also with the environment.
I found in the Philippines the emphasis on the “we” versus the “I” to be a defining value and a glaring departure from common American thinking. I believe this is an important and enriching value, which I hope to practice in my life and share with others. The Connection Art Project is one way in which I’m striving to do so.
I believe exploring other cultures moves humanity forward by facilitating understanding. We may be geographically divided, but we’re all connected despite spaces separating us. You can help support this project and our mission to promote cultural awareness and global artistic expression by pledging a donation to the project. We’re offering rewards for all contributions. Check it all out here: http://www.kickstarter.
Thank you for supporting my more personal work. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Lindsay and Bob’s wedding day was full of family and friend’s celebrating their union. Lindsay’s sister honored her in a beautiful toast, remarking on her kind spirit. She noted how, even on her wedding day, Lindsay was thoughtful of others, choosing to where Toms’ shoes knowing someone else in the world would also receive a pair because of the purchase.
Bob’s best friend brought the house down, provoking belly laughs across the room with his dry wit.
There were also not one but two Irish wedding blessings, and fist pumping to the Illini fight song.
Congrats Lindsay and Bob!
Cheers to these vendors!
Mark Rankin DJ Chicago ; Cake-Gladstone Bakery ; Florist-The Flower Studio ; Dress-Vannesa’s modern bride
On a perfect summer day, I photographed Anna and Scott, long time love birds, at the Nature Walk in Lincoln Park. This engagement session was so much fun, full of laughter, playful teasing, and tender moments. 
One of my favorite moments during Laura and Earl’s engagement session at North Ave beach was when Laura burst into a run, chasing the sea gulls into flight. Her enthusiasm made for great photography, if only for the laughter that came after. I can’t wait to see what happens during the wedding! Something tells it’s going to be a great time!
