central il photographer – Page 2

August 21, 2019August 21, 2019

| Aly | Warrensburg-Latham High School Senior Model | 2020 |

Today, I get to share Aly with you! She’s a Warrensburg-Latham High School senior and one of our class of 2020 senior models! And what’s I’d call a second-gen SJP senior as I first photographed her older sister’s senior portraits a few years ago. I was so excited to work with this family again as they are always a blast and Aly did an amazing job at every single session.

Plus, since we loved a ton and they selected an album to feature ALL their favorites I get to share them all with you here too (YAY)…

One thing I’m loving about the new studio space is the options it gives us for a variety of looks even before we break out any backdrops… natural window light, barn doors, the feature staircase! So many options that are 100% unique for our SJP seniors.

And last but not least, how about a throwback to the first few sessions with Aly at her debut headshot session and freezing cold Indianapolis sessions. I’m so not kidding when I talk about how much these ‘kids’ change over their last few years of high school and that’s why I love that we kick off working with so many senior models & influencers at the end of their sophomore years. Class of 2021/22 can apply to join us NOW!

July 3, 2019July 3, 2019

| Beckman Family Portraits & Graduation/Going Away Party | Forsyth IL |

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Today, I get to share the Beckman family with you. Though I hadn’t had a chance to meet them more than a couple times in passing over our almost decade here I can tell you that these folks (Chris in particular) are a huge part of our story and life/business trajectory. How/why?!? Well, Chris is the man who hired my husband right out of college. That job brought him (and my extension, myself and SJP) to Decatur and we are both so thankful for that. We’ve found so much here including a wonderful community, friends, success in both our careers and it’s amazing to think about how much that one little yes that Chris gave my husband (who was not the first or last person he’s hired over the years I’m sure) effected the story we’ve written so far. But, this post is NOT about us or our story (just had to give the appreciation we feel while we had the chance!), instead today’s post is really about them and their family and their journey here in Decatur and their next chapter as well.

I was honored when Donna called me to be a part of creating their last family portraits in their home. The home where they’ve raised their children, celebrated milestones and invited friends to share in them for years. This last milestone was both a graduation and a going away part and the place was packed with their friends and family here to celebrate them!

With our busy schedules it makes sense to combine occasions like these when everyone’s coming together already with a family portrait session to create images for everyone too. We not only did a session for the Beckman’s but also were there for their guests and extended family to get portraits too, plus to photograph candids of the guests enjoying themselves and it was an absolute blast.

April 16, 2019April 12, 2019

| Morgan | Pageant Headshot Portrait Session |

Checkout Morgan’s latest headshots! (And for fun, checkout her first headshot session with me HERE). I absolutely love the beauty and elegance and personality we try to create in these pageant headshot sessions. Portrait sessions are often just for you and your loved ones, to capture both the big milestones and everyday moments of your lives.

But branding, commercial and headshot sessions like this are about portraying a message (personality, style, products, etc) to an audience who doesn’t already love you (like your family does!) so the pressure is on! My hope with pageant images is always to create a portrait that makes these gals stand out. An image where the model, Morgan in this case, is the most important element in the image with lighting and background selection choices here to enhance the mood and message we want to tell. We’re hoping these images grab the attention of some judges in her upcoming pageants. Good luck Morgan, we’re rooting for you!!

Hair & Makeup by Laci

April 9, 2019April 2, 2019

| Oladipupo Family | Beautiful Winter Sunset Family Portrait Session |

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With kids that don’t all live at home any longer scheduling family sessions can get complicated. We had a small window of time to get in the Oladipupo’s family portraits and with that window being in the first week of January we knew we were gambling on the weather… was it going to be a blizzard? Negative 12* outside? Windy? Well, honestly it could not have been any better! I’m not sure how we lucked out into the unseasonably warm sunny day we got but it was absolutely perfect!

We just had Kolapo’s senior session earlier this year on their property and having the family session there was a no brainer. I always encourage families to think about having their sessions at home. The backyard, front porch, heck even the driveway can be perfect for your images and best of all it’s personal. It’s the place that’s a part of your family right now (or from the beginning, or forever!).

And, of course, when we have everyone dressed up and together we always take a few minutes to photograph everyone solo (and mom and dad together too!).

Don’t worry if it’s been a few years or a decade since your last family portrait. I know scheduling will be tough (I joke that it’s about 80% of my job!)… but finding the perfect time to photograph your whole family and working hard to take any and all stress out of the process is absolutely my job.

April 4, 2019April 2, 2019

| Rick Family Welcomes New Baby Boy Hudson | Newborn Portraits |

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Ahhh today’s the day! Hudson’s big debut on the blog. I don’t know if it’s knowing that we are done having kids here and my almost 10 month old baby is getting farther and farther from the squishy little newborn stage or what but I have been bit by the newporn portrait bug (those who know me stifle your gasps haha). I have gotten to soak up some major baby snuggles the past month with a few newborns in the studio and I’m even more excited about what the new studio building will have available for us for newborn and first (2) year portraits!

That’s right, did you catch that 2…. most of our little newborns come in and join us for our full 2 year grow up program. Why 2? Well, as a baby and toddler momma right now I am simply amazed by the transformation from 0-1 for starters as your squishy little baby turns into a curious and mobile toddler. But the transformation from 1-2 is no less amazing as they really begin to discover who they are and their little personalities become not so little anymore!

So stay tuned for a couple years of unbelievable cuteness with this little man. He’s already working those grumpy man eyebrows and adorable little grin!