Where There’s Smoke…

I'm happy to introduce my new nephew, James Ford Silvia! Nicknamed "Smoke" by my niece when he was the size of a kiwi, the first 36 hours of his life has proven that the nickname will certainly stick! Much more of this handsome boy to come but I wanted to document Chloe's first meeting with [...]

Birthday Roses

Last Sunday was my birthday.  A big birthday - more on that later. For as long as I can remember, my dad has given my sisters and me flowers on our birthdays. This year called for 30 white roses - so gorgeous! I got this vase as a favor from a friend's wedding a couple [...]

6400 ISO

There are many features on my new Nikon D800 camera that impress me, but the reduced noise at a high ISO is simply amazing! The below shots (of my favorite test subjects, obviously) were all shot in a dark room at 6400 ISO (the D800's max) and they are so much crisper than what my [...]

[30] Image of the Week

My dog likes to sleep. In my bed. Under the covers. I think half of the photos on my iPhone are of Essie snoozing because... well, she just looks so peaceful and cuddly and adorable - I simply can't help myself. I text photos of Essie sleeping to my sister who shows her daughter, Chloe, [...]

Looking Up

This is a bit of a follow up to my last post... Same portrait session, same location... this time looking up! The last bit of yellow clung to the trees before being blown away.

View from Recreation Drive

chicago, autumn, belmont harbor

I feel like my life has been one big family portrait lately - hard to believe it's already that time of year! I love shooting on location in Chicago. The lake and many parks offer such lovely views of the city where water, buildings and colorful trees can all fit in the same frame. This [...]

Test Shots

Jose may have been my first official portrait with  my new Nikon D800, but Annie, Trouper and Essie were my test shots!