Baby Charlotte has arrived!

One of my oldest, dearest friends of all time had a baby last week and I headed to the hospital to photograph her when she was two days new. I was ecstatic to head to the hospital for her newborn hospital photos and I'm so excited to introduce Miss Charlotte Grace, welcomed with love by her adoring mom, dad and big sister. 

A Morning in Chicago

A while back, I spent the morning of a beautiful summer day exploring downtown Chicago, scouting for locations for portrait sessions. I made it a point to take my camera with me because whenever I'm in the loop, I never have it and I always regret it! I took some of the pretty shots that make Chicago shine but when I was going through them, my favorites were the ones with people. I have a soft spot for street photography but I hate being observed and have a tough time being discreet so it's tricky for me! Henri Cartier-Bresson was one of my favorite photographers who excelled not only at street photography, but in documenting a decisive moment. His work is so inspiring to me and makes me strive to really observe and wait for moments to happen. He is definitely someone on my list of "People I'd like to have dinner with (dead or alive)."

I had been meaning to check out the Chicago Cultural Center for months so I made a quick stop inside to see how beautiful it is. It did not disappoint. It's right across from Millennium Park and it definitely is gorgeous. There was a music concert going on as well as several art exhibits and I'd recommend checking it out. Plus, it's FREE! 

Here's a glimpse of Chicago, from my eyes. I think it's pretty majestic and I am in awe every day of this lovely city.

Bubble Run!

My sister and all of her little ladies participated in the Bubble Run back when I was in Madison this summer. I went to watch them (even though it meant crawling out of bed way before I usually rise!) and you just know I had to bring my camera. I had no idea what to expect, but was enamored by the whole thing! I thought I'd just grab a few photos of my family finishing the race but I had a blast taking photos of different parts of it. It was fascinating to me, but my younger nieces hated it and I couldn't help but think it was a little funny. To be fair, though, the bubbles were higher than them! At the finish there was a DJ and a "cannon" of bubbles that people could dance around in. Those ended up being my favorite photos, watching the girls be wild and free. Summer at its finest. 

My nieces. Avianna didn't love it!

That's my sister and she's pushing a stroller under alllllll of those bubbles!

Peek-a-boo! Look who was under that blanket of bubbles and was clearly thrilled!

Aurelia hated every part of this morning! 

Wray bubblers unite.

Favorite photo! She looks SO happy!

I normally prefer portrait sessions over event photography, but after photographing a 5k earlier this year and taking these photos at the Bubble Run, I have to say that races are extremely fun to document. There's so much energy, emotion and positivity and I get caught up in all of it.