My Life. My Love. My Art.: February 2007

Make a Statement

So...I know that there are some people who think that an 8x10 is just this humongous picture and they could NEVER find space for it up on a wall! But....there are also people (ahem...me...) who are bummed because the largest I could get this canvas in was 40" wide. I would have liked to go even a bit wider... :-)

Since you all welcome me into your homes, I thought I'd welcome you into mine and share with you my brand spankin' new canvas. I wanted to post these pictures to show you that you don't have to be scared of large wall art or canvases!! They really WILL work in your home...and they will look fantastic.

Bare wall (boooooooring...):

With the canvas (26"x40"):

It's life-sized!!

Just Glowing

I've said it before and I'll say it again....I get the most beautiful pregnant women!! I think I must be like a magnet for them! Well, Angie called me up, hoping that I could get her squeezed in, as she was 35 weeks along...with twins... :-) You all know I like to do maternity at about 32 weeks (and that's with only one in there!), but we were luckily able to get something set up for only a few days later because of a reschedule.

We had a lot of fun - and her hubby is a regular hoot and a half... The last time I laughed that hard at a session was with my hilarious actor couple!! So - Adam - "from one photographer to another..." I hope you like these of your beautiful wife... :-)

And....my new absolutely favorite maternity image:

A True Beauty

How can you tell a "true" beauty? Well, I'd say if at 3 months old, she shows signs of being literally beautiful you're on your way to a real and true beauty. This little lady was so great at our session...she didn't have a newborn session, so I was quite pleased that we were still able to do lots of the "newborn" style shots.

Why must I always keep you in suspense with a story preceding the pictures??? It's just my way... :-) Enjoy...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Whew...almost missed it! Hope you enjoyed your day feelin' the love... :-)

Wine, Art...and Shopping...

What could be better?? My friends at Yaya's boutique in downtown Libertyville asked me to join them this weekend in the special event "Don't Wine about Winter". This event will be held in Downtown Libertyville on this Saturday from 1-5.

I will have several new pieces up for display, as well as my new coffee table books and information on my new (yet to be announced...) exclusive sessions. Stop by and take a peek...

You can get more information on Yaya's site and they also have a link to the Mainstreet Libertyville site. So, grab your girlfriends and bring them down to view a wide variety of art, sample some wine and shop (girls love that, right?!?!).

The Gift

I had several entries for this contest and though it was a tough decision, none touched me quite like this one. It's the story of a mother's love....a love that was there long before she even began her journey down the path of motherhood. A brief excerpt from this beautiful story:

"Anna, meaning; grace or favour, or as her mother refers to her, The Gift. Anna is the gift after 730 days, countless dollars, 3900 hundred miles, and hundreds of minutes slowing passing filled with yearning for one deserving mother. A mother's whose eyes well up in tears over a year later when she talks about her gift, her Anna...

Anna's mother and father chose not to have biological children due to the risk of passing on a serious genetic disorder that her father struggles with on a daily basis. Their passion to become parents led them on a two year journey through two countries, legal systems, and heartbreak. This journey proves love is patient...

You may ask, why does this family deserve this opportunity? If the journey described above does not convince you, I ask, have you ever felt love in a room? Heard it in a voice? Recognized it through tears in a mother's eyes? I have seen and felt all of the above when I have talked about Anna with her mother. I have heard spoken words, through a mother's story, of how her daughter smiled, laughed, or said a word. Her tears of joy let me see her raw, heart wrenching love. I have been touched by this remarkable family and had a glimpse at the wonder, joy, and meaning of motherhood before I became of mother myself."

This very deserving mother - and the wonderful friend who chose to write about her - will both receive a $250 gift certificate to Essence to spend as they choose. If this tale did for you as it did for me, you are thanking your lucky stars that you were graced with a child, or children, with whom to love....our gifts.

Time's up!

The contest has officially ended! I've got some great entries here to read over... I will be announcing the winner tomorrow and giving you a peek at their story!

Time's almost up!!!

Only two days left to enter the "you're giving away WHAT?!?!?" contest!!! So, hurry it up and send me some good, heartfelt stories. And, I don't care if you can't write worth a darn!! I promise I won't deduct points for poor grammar!!! Just send me something that tugs at the heartstrings....

I will close entries to the contest on Friday, February 9th. E-mail your entries to info@essenceportraits.com. You never know...YOU could end up $250 richer....

Growing up

Three months come and go so fast now, I can hardly believe it! I just recently was able to visit Sweet Kaya for her 9 month photos. It's obviously too chilly outside to do much, so most of these took place in her - very much so - girly girl room. Pink, pink, and pink. Add in a tutu and I was clearly in heaven! Oh, and the fact that Miss Kaya is about the sweetest little girl I know helped a little, too... And, she just gets sweeter...