Portra 800

Twenty Seventeen.

This year end post and the content is so dear to me. Its a statement of faithfulness and endurance. A reminder when I feel too weak to finish, I'll be given the strength to take another step and carry on. I don't go into a new year hoping for it to be a hard one, but it does have a unique way of shaping and molding in a way the easier seasons just don't. I want to remember and feel this until it truly informs 2018 and how I prepare for it.

I'm still processing this past year and its impact on me and will be for a while. The cross current beneath all of 2017 (and half of 2016!) has been a house remodel (post coming, soon). I cannot separate my photography work from the remodel, because I was so involved in much of it. It was my second job and seemed full time most of the time. I truly believe I had the perfect amount of photography work, however (and an amazingly helpful, forgiving, understanding and patient wife). These facts enabled me to juggle everything else on my plate this past year, but I never want to try it again. 

What a year.

I totally neglected the photography business and feel as though it took a step back after a very inspiring 2016. Momentum seems to have reversed for the first time in 6 years. Now, I'm left dusting myself off (literally and figuratively), picking up the pieces and getting this thing back on the right track. I'm so excited about this, though. 

More time to focus. To invest. Less housework.

Thankfully, I am very proud of the work I delivered to my amazing clients and friends this past year. Even though I felt at the end of myself on a weekly basis, inspiration, energy and motivation always came when needed. I cannot thank God enough for that. There have been so many moments of profound joy this past year and God continues to humble me. I don't deserve such amazing grace. You people. This job. All the moments I witnessed with a camera in hand.  

Thank you.

Here's to turning a page and starting afresh. But, always remembering the sweetness amidst tough and trial filled years. One wedding, one session, one destination and photo at a time. 

I Hope you enjoy this look back. The past two years have been filled with more film photography than ever and I'm finally feeling "comfortable" with the challenge/reward of it. I Hope you and yours start the new year off right and it's one of the best, yet.

Lets create something amazing together.

 

Peace out to my assistant for the past two seasons. Josiah, you'll be missed but I'm beyond excited for whats next for yah. Thanks so much for all the help, bro. 

Columbia Yacht Club Wedding Chicago Wedding-37.jpg

2013 Family Love

Families are amazing. Every single family is unique. I've never finished up a family session and thought, "this family was just like that other family." NEVER. This fact makes photographing families very rewarding. I love experiencing the laughter, screaming, tears, and awkward moments. Just like day to day life. I've absolutely loved setting up these sessions in my clients homes. Weather is never a factor and everyone is so much more comfortable. I'd love to schedule more of these sessions in 2014. Interested? Every family session includes a disc of full resolution files and a box of super rich, deep matte, prints. An online viewing and purchasing gallery is also included to help you share with friends and family...no matter where they live. 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414242a434445464748

Mark + Annie / Maternity Session

Mark + Annie are dear friends and I was so excited to celebrate this huge milestone in their lives. This was my first maternity session ever and I loved it. I also loved that Mark + Annie let me leave my digital cameras at home. I think the results are so great and I was reminded of all the reasons I love using film at times. So excited for you guys and the new babe on the way! 123456 7

Nikon F100 + 50mm 1.4G / Mamiya 645 Pro TL + 80mm 1.9N

Fuji 400h, Kodak Portra 800, Kodak TriX 400