Joshua Tree

 On a recent trip to Palm Desert, CA my mom and I drove to Joshua Tree National Park.  My only knowledge of Joshua Tree, prior to my visit, was that it was the inspiration for a U2 cd.  After being there, I can see why.  It was gorgeous!  My mom and I chose the Mastodon Mine Loop Trail because it was a quick 3 mile hike.  3 miles, no problem, right?  Little did we know we would be hiking up mountains and through lots of sand!  About 1/2 through the trip we realized how strenuous the hike was going to still be, and I was so proud of my mom for continuing to walk and really challenge herself.  It was so empowering for her to know that she climbed a mountain!  We didn't encounter many other hikers, making it an awesome hike.  Just us, the cacti, and the sky.

Pencil Cholla

Canterybury Bells

Desert Landscape

Mariposa Lily

Desert Senna

Me on a Mountain!

Coreopsis

Paperbag Bush

Mom climbed a mountain!

Silver Cholla

Starfish?

George Washington?

An Adamo Christmas

There is no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than editing a Christmas photo shoot of the Adamo family! I spent a chilly Saturday morning with this beautiful family during December's first real snowfall.  There wasn't really enough snow to play in, but the kids found a way to have fun and got to watch little Olivia walk in snow for the first time.  Priceless little moments!  With the girls dressed in their matching red dresses and Frankie so handsome in his Christmas best, we had a great time and captured a few Christmas memories in their family room. These little munchkins were so loving toward each other giving lots of hugs and kisses under the mistletoe. Thank you Adamo family, I will look forward to another photo date with you when there is no snow on the ground!  

Vogelsinger, Part 1

Titan can't wait for Baby Vogz to arrive either!

I have been looking forward to a pregnancy shoot for a long, long time.  It's such a special time in life and one that I hope to experience someday.  Sarah and Brian are pregnant with their first child and allowed me into their home to capture Sarah in her 8th month, she'd due in mid January.  We had a lot of fun, this being the first time for both of us!  I was happy I had a friend who let me wrap her up in ribbon, point hot lights at her, and was patient with me as I tried to figure out what I was doing!  Thank you Sarah, Brian and Titan for a great afternoon and some sweet photographs!  I'm looking forward to Baby Vogz's arrival when so we can do it again!

I need to remember to take the wrappers off next time I try this, thanks Pinterest!

So classic, this might be my favorite!  Gorgeous!

Fox

Michelle, Jon, and I set out to Dominican University in River Forest for a "better late than never" engagement shoot.  They were married in August of 2009 and never had engagement photos done.  We had a great time exploring the beautiful campus, which is full of beautiful doors, unique pathways, and open fields.  Thanks for letting me capture a little of the love you two share for each other.