Soarin'

"You can't be anything you want to be" my 3rd grade teacher lectured, "if you're in a wheelchair, you can't be a basketball player, can you?"

I have always remembered those "words of wisdom" (this was the teacher who put my name on the board- the only one ever to do so mind you!) and for some reason, I was mulling over them today.

As I'm deciding whether or not to jump into photography full time, open my own studio, and follow my dreams, I find myself putting up walls. Now isn't the right time, the economy is awful, what if I fail, what if I'm not good enough... the list goes on. Today, I stopped myself- I have so many people in my life who support me, love my work and believe in my dreams. I am the only one putting up barricades.

So, it probably isn't realistic for a wheelchair bound individual to aspire to be an NBA player, but did my 3rd grade teacher ever consider the NWBA?

You can be anything you want to be. Details may have to be modified, but never allow anyone to discourage you from following your dreams, setting goals and believing in your passions. Surround yourself with encouraging friends and family, and as my high school photography teacher told me "go soar."





Disclaimer: I don't make these awful faces when I'm shooting- I promise! Anyone willing to take some shots of me looking pretty with my camera?!

Amanda | Senior Model

Amanda is such a cutie- she's always smiling and when I asked her to give me her best "smile with your eyes" look, she burst into giggles! She's super involved in her church & loves kids and wanted to incorporate that into her shots. Her happiness is contagious- thanks for sharing it with me Amanda!

BFFs!

Kelsey | Glenwood Senior Model

The last of her sessions= Gorgeous!

Double Take

Not enough time in the day to edit both Kelsey and Amanda's shoots from this week, so to hold them over a day or two:





I lurve laughing pics- and it doesn't take much to make these two giggle!

Amanda | Sneak Peek

It's been a log day, but I couldn't resist putting up one of my faves from Amanda's session today!

Kelsey | Senior Model

I wish my eyes were as pretty as Kelsey's!

Rachael | Senior Model

I told Rachael "I'll put a sneak peek up tonight and will get a few others up on Monday." Then, I looked through all the images... I couldn't help myself! It was a late night editing and I'm in love with her session!

I love when my clients have creative thoughts of their own- its so much fun to collaborate and makes for some incredible pics! Rachael is a dancer, budding photographer and has a cool funky style. I can't wait for your next two sessions! (Note perspective 2011 Senior Models: you get the Ultimate Senior Session for all of your recruiting work!)

Rachael | Sneak Peek

Can you say vintage glamor? Gorgeous! (And one of my fab Senior Models!)

Olivia | Senior

I have the prettiest clients!

Liv was so cute and once she warmed up to the camera- she brought it! I was diggin' the zebra boots (in the 95 degree heat) and the adorable summer dresses. Work it girl!

Olivia | Sneak Peek

More beautiful images coming soon!

Garrett | Senior

Garrett is a man of few words, but those big blue eyes speak volumes. Seriously, could he not be a Hollister model? My favorite images are of him laughing (most likely at moi?)- his eyes just light up!

Garrett | Sneak Peek

I'm a sucker for blue eyes...

Unconditional | Personal

I had to think about it awhile. "What is your favorite memory?" a client asked me during a consultation the other week. I stuttered "Well.. humm..." I love my job. Everything about it. Being behind the camera, talking with people, helping them to look their best and feel comfortable enough with me to expose their personality- I love it. So when he asked this question, I was stumped.

It hit me this evening.

One of my first weddings- TJ and Maria. I've grown up with Teej and was blessed to be asked to photograph his wedding. His little sister Taylor has special needs and is a total doll- She's always smiling and laughing, a complete joy to be around.

During the reception Taylor was dancing in the arms of her mom, her feet 12 inches from the floor. It was a moment. To see them both giggling and smiling, Taylor's little hands wrapped around Tracy; I got choked up.

The love between mothers and daughters is indescribable. The best word I have to express their love in that moment: unconditional.

Hales | Personal

Rachel, Haley and I made the 2 hour trek to Champaign this morning to drop Hales off at U of I. We were not given a lot of options, and none of them were pretty. We made the decision to have her leg amputated and hopefully give her a few more happy years with the Chatham Chicks. I wanted so badly for the puppers to be able to tell us what she wanted- I think that was the most difficult part- having to make the choice for her.

Surgery is tomorrow and she'll be home by Friday. I know the awesome vets @ U of I are going to take great care of her, spoil her rotten (they mentioned peanut butter to get her to swallow her pills!) and send her home tumor free.

VBS | Personal

I have been burning the candle at both ends this week (is it Friday yet?!) My day job, editing pictures for viewing sessions and then off to VBS in the evening! I love helping out at vacation bible school. The kids are absolutely adorable (I lift my camera and these kids instantly go into Tyra Banks modeling mode- too funny!) and it is so cool to watch these little ones learn about God. I may be exhausted by the end of the week, but I will also feel incredibly fulfilled.



I know I've got some CPC blog stalkers- fess up people (and leave me a comment, I wanna see some love!)

Briana | Senior

I get the most beautiful clients! Seriously- look at this girl, she's gorgeous (and a trooper)! It was hot and humid the afternoon of her session but Miss Bri put up with it and looked like a movie star. I think she is one of those lucky girls without pores who doesn't sweat... Too bad I can't say the same for myself... ewww!

Briana | Sneak Peek

Can you say Disney Princess?

Emily | Senior

I'm in love with Emily's style- How cute are her clothes!? I feel somewhat cool since she brought mukluks along on her shoot- I had a pair back in high school and wore them until the soles fell of and they began to unravel (not so fashionable!)

This chickie was a blast to photograph, I'm thinking she should go into modeling. Usually, I go through and delete a fourth of the photos I take ( due to blinking, facial expressions, etc). So I went through Emily's file and got rid of about 12 images- they are all amazing!







This totally reminds me of a Ralph Lauren ad!