Signature Book Tour! Take a peek inside a custom pet book {Chicago Pet Photographer}

Wanna’ know what a Signature Book looks like?! Now’s your chance to take a look inside one. I know, I know, it’s not the same as feeling it, but 2020 didn’t get the memo on How to Not Be a Pain In the Ass so doing things in person is extremely challenging these days! If you’ve always wondered why I promote books and albums so much, I would love to show you. Books are a great way to display many of your favorite photos from your sessions, because who has 8,000 square feet of just wall space to put up hundreds of framed art work around their house? Especially here in Chicago, where small is the norm in most homes/condos/apartments. Books also make beautiful display pieces and can be left out on the coffee table or stored as a grouping on a shelf. Easy access to take a glance at your favorite moments in your life.

Here’s a look inside a small 5x5 book I created for a pet client. All books are custom-designed using your favorite photos and you approve the final layout. It’s easy and painless for you - all you have to do is open it and enjoy!

Different cover options are available as well as the size of your book and the number of spreads inside. Books also make great gifts!

Everyday Life - Lockdown Style Family Photo Session

This lockdown life has been good for me in terms of photography and getting creative! Since I’m not able to get close to people physically when I’m photographing these days, it’s harder to pose and give direction. Especially when really small children are involved. SO… I’ve been documenting more lifestyle/real-life and going back to the roots of what made me fall in love with portrait photography!

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy taking a nice family photo with everyone looking at the camera. That’s what parents want, usually, and I also appreciate those types of photos with my own family as well. But, what makes my heart soar the most is when I take a bit of a fly-on-the-wall approach. When people forget that I’m even there, that’s when I make some of my most favorite photos I ever take. They show genuine emotions & reactions. They’re not “too posed” or stiff. People let their guards down. They’re too busy just being themselves and not worrying about how they might look on camera. Typically, this is pretty easy to do with kids in general because they aren’t as self-conscious about how they look and their attention spans are shorter so they forget I’m there quicker! ;)

If you’re photographing your own kids at home these days, try this approach instead of asking them to smile! They’ll appreciate it and you’ll hopefully love those in-the-moment photos even more. Time goes by so quickly, let’s document real moments in real life.

Stay safe, friends.

My Own Photo Session in Paris with Brittany Marie Photography - Tips on How to Have a Great Photo Session

I’m SO late to the game in blogging my own photo session that I had on my trip to Paris (almost a year ago already!) but it’s better late than never, right?!

I try to get on the other side of the camera once in a while because 1. I don’t like it so it pushes me out of my comfort zone and 2. I can relate to my clients when I’m photographing them by knowing tricks to get them comfortable. This time in front of the camera was especially special since I was in Paris visiting my crazy-talented friend Brittany of Brittany Marie Photography. We spent the day together exploring Paris and that morning we took some quick photos of each other. Later, we waited in line for what seemed like hours for the best damn crêpe I’ve ever had in my life! I blogged the photos I took of her, but never got around to sharing (aside from Instagram) the photos she made of me. See below for some tips on how to have a great portrait session and learn from my mishaps.

Things I learned after being photographed in Paris.

1. Don’t wear something that you’re going to be self-conscious about the entire time! Something you feel amazing in will do the trick. I wore a shirt that I loved the look of but didn’t like the look of ON ME! It wasn’t the most flattering on my short body and I ended up feeling self-conscious and in my head about it the entire time. Trust your instincts and go with your first choice.

2. Get a great night’s sleep beforehand! I am never myself when I don’t get enough sleep and my brain is foggy & makes it harder to relax. And my eyes look so sleepy!

3. Speaking of sleepy eyes…. the older I get, the more I dislike my giant light-up-the-room-smile and the dark circles under my eyes (thanks, genes). I know it’s silly and all my own insecurities, but I feel more like myself when I don’t look tired. Next time, I will hire a make-up artist to help me feel even more amazing. AND will work on loving myself, “flaws” and all!

4. Have fun, be playful and relax. It will show if you’re stiff and uncomfortable. The most important tip for great photos is that you have to trust your photographer.

If you go to Paris, and I highly recommend you do, you MUST be photographed by Brittany! Check out her stunning photos here!