The weather threw us a curve ball during this family session! We took advantage of our great surroundings by seeking shelter under the beautiful, historic covered porch of the Quincy Women's Center at 17th and Jersey. These girls were such a delight to work with and I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. I have said it before and I will say it again, rainy days are great days! Decreased shadows and those beautiful natural reflectors we call clouds...who could ask for better?!

Props can be anything from a musical instrument, a favorite toy...to a classic car! I have had the supreme privilege over the years to utilize some pretty swanky wheels in a number of shoots. This shoot was incredibly special, as it was for a dear friend, Jaclyn. A friend of her fathers has let us use one of his vehicles a number of times; this one being my all time favorite! A classic white pick up, with a Christmas tree and some quilts. There was a nip in the air and the smell of freshly cut pine. All I needed was some hot cocoa and this would have been perfection. 

Hannah is not only beautiful, but incredibly talented. It was a no brainer to incorporate her love of soccer into her senior photo session. Utilizing a hobby or passion as a prime focus in your photo session guarantees that you will have an end result that you will love. Your session should be all about you and what makes you happy. 

Samantha was not only one of my most stunningly beautiful brides I have ever photographed, she was also one of the sweetest. She was humble and kind which made everyone want to be around her. She had so many guests who wanted to congratulate her, that we had to steal away a secret moment in the vineyard! A beautiful portrait doesn't have to be a dry, posed, "Look here and smile!" moment. This image could easily hang in a gallery of her other favorite shots because it showed off her knock out dress, her grace and beauty, her lavish bouquet (by Lavish Floral, duh!) and her amazing venue, Point d'Vine. Pop the bubbly friends, brides and images like this make me want to celebrate!

There are few things in life that I love more than a good book. Or a good pair of red boots! This beautiful senior knew exactly what she wanted from her senior session and she communicated her wish list very effectively. By the time we made it to our location (and this one that we found by accident!), we had a game plan and a vision for her session. This image couldn't have encapsulated her better if it was emblazoned with her name and SSN.

This bridge is one of my favorite locations to shoot. Depending on which direction we position you, you can have barns and fields one way, roadways one way, or looking right over to a beautiful expanse of water. 

This particular session is with one of my best friends and her adorable family. I love having a passion for photography, especially when it allows me to capture moments like this for people that I love. 

This stunning Oklahoma landscape is the property of my childhood friend, Kristen. Not only have I known her since preschool, but I have had the distinct privilege of being "Dizzi" to her two amazing children. Jace is a character. This kid is going places. He knew exactly what kind of image I was going for and he NAILED it. This image right here is exactly why I choose to primarily shoot natural light photography. 

Want to know two of my favorite things? Fall. And mommy-hood. I absolutely love living in the midwest, in a town that has four distinct seasons! The fall leaves and crisp air are what make this town my happy place. Well, that and my hubby and kids of course. :) This particular location is within the Illinois Veteran's Home (aka The Soldier's and Sailor's Home). I love this very simple, classy maternity shoot that we were able to do for Ada and her adoring husband. Maternity shoots can be as cutesy or as classy as you wish...and anywhere in between. This just happens to be one of my favorites.

Deacon has a very special place in my heart and so does his Momma! This shoot was so much fun! I love when clients (especially in family shoots) coordinate their attire, but aren't match match. In this case, she even was able to coordinate the props and natural setting. She's so talented! Who knew she had that kind of skill?! I love the juxtaposition of using a piece of furniture typically found in a home, in a natural setting. Whether it be a kitchen chair like this one, or a full blown tufted sofa, I just LOVE it.

I love me some stair case. Just sayin'. The way the light worked with this particular staircase was amazing. I loved the shadows and angles it created for a "moody" image.

You know that feeling when you are totally comfortable in a relationship? When you can be totally yourself and know this other person loves and adores you, bumpy edges and all? Oh yeah, this couple had that. When she was serious, he made her laugh. When he was being goofy, she reigned him in. Holly and John were so much fun to watch. They are one of those couples that you can tell are totally comfortable with who they are individually as well as with each other. Another level of comfort in this image is the addition of my Grandma Katherine's quilt. She always said a beautiful quilt stored away in a closet was a waste. She would be very proud to know how many times this quilt has brought comfort and warmth to a photo shoot.

Marissa is a free spirit and was so comfortable with who she is. We had such a great time during her senior shoot, exploring this location which was new to me and finding unique ways to showcase her personality. Be yourself. Be comfortable with who you are. Know you are beautiful and unique and your shoot is all about capturing that.

Head shots are a great way to capture a number of expressions, angles, wardrobes, and looks in one session.  Mia has so much personality, we were able to get a LOT of images in a very short amount of time. And would you look at those eyes? This gorgeous girl was a delight to work with.

Nathan is a triple threat. He's a musician, athlete, and great student. I work with his mom, so believe me, I have heard all about his attributes. She talks about him like only a momma can. During Nathan's shoot, we did some with his saxophone and some with his guitar. I don't think we would have been able to capture ALL of his skills. I mean seriously. He is in the jazz band, show choir, and on the football team. He was the 2016 QHS Blue Devil, he's in a band called The Decider's, and so much more. I have skills, but I'm no magician.

I love this series of images from the engagement session of Tom & Lauren. It was all his idea to dance with his beautiful bride and I couldn't have been happier. They were so adorable on this day and even more in love on the wedding day, which still happens to be one of my favorite weddings of all time.