Children

This morning we had at our studio a former client of mine, which I have kept in contact with over the years. We photographed using the Canon 5D and the 20mm-70mm L-series pro lens. Light were set at only 1/4 power and background was standard white backdrop paper. Kelly's two little angels (twins) had just as much energy as their momma, coupled with dads enthusiasm and made for a fun adventure! Born in the winter of 2007, these little ones were a mere one year old yet had brought tons of energy and joy to the photo shoot! The Photo collage from the morning studio session is below, and more images coming within a few weeks. Both James and Kathryn crawled around and explored the studio, always inquisitive and ready for new sites. In between cries, snacks, and snuggles we managed to get a whole bunch of fabulous photos. If I did not know better, I would have guessed these two little ones had taken modeling classes.

If you are interested in scheduling your own baby or infant portraits, please email us directly using the "contact" link above. We glady will photograph your baby in communion clothes, anywhere in Chicago, and full of smiles! Happy Holidays!!

Happy 1 year birthday Matthew! This morning I went to the home of Erin, Chuck, & baby Matthew. Already mr matthew was engrossed in books and "reading". At only one year of age, he was very perceptive to everything around him and his eyes displayed wonder and curiosity. With a little help from Elmo and his singing mommy, we got this handsome young man to strike his cute whimsical smile. Click here or or click on any image to be redirected to the recent events gallery of images.

Anyone can appreciate the sentiment in this photo, which is appropriately titled "Long Voyage". The image represents childhood moving into womanhood; crossing the path from one world and into another. The experience of youth and innocence is short lived and blurred, and the wedding day is a small depiction of the speed of life and memories. Blink once and you may miss both, blink twice and you've seen nothing.

At Plum Tree Studio Wedding Photography, you are our inspiration. It is photos and opportunities such as these which continue to light out lives as much as our equipment. Working with each client inspires our photographers to try different angles, different poses, different lighting, and a different perspective.

Each wedding as unique as thumbprint. The DNA of every wedding is the same – the white dress, the tuxes, the flowers, the dj’s, the flower girl and ring bearer, and the wedding cake. But each couple brings to the ceremony their own proclamation of love and devotion. Each reception party bring to it a unique sense of life and energy. Every “first dance” is the beginning of a new life. This is what inspires us as wedding photographers.

You inspire us!

This weekend we visited Baby Nathan for his first year photos and a smash the cake portrait session! I'm not sure who had more fun -- nathan, marley or the photographer!

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Images from Nathan's First Birthday party!

We met with Bruce and Corinne this evening at the Petrified Springs Forest Preserve in Kenosha Wisconsin. This is a favorite Wisconsin photography area of ours due to the vast amount of different settings and backdrops available. The wooded area offers beautiful stone bridges, lush trees, a hunter’s cottage, the heart shaped tree, and acres upon acres of natural area, perfect for both sunny and cloudy days.

Last time we were here, we were commissioned to Petrified Springs in Kenosha in January of 2008, by Hannah and Brett for their portraits. By the way, Hannah and Brett are not engaged and have asked us to be their photography for the 2009 wedding. Wonderful news! Congrats! In the winter of 2008 there was a crisp cold in the air, poor Brett had pink ears. This summer of 2008 was filled with a gentle breeze and a lovely setting sun. No mosquitoes in site, no stifling Midwest summer heat, just a gentle wind and the sound of the evening bird.

This was our first time meeting Corinne’s boys – Ayden and Decklan. What cute young gentlemen they were! Everyone showed up wearing a handsome white shirt and blue jeans. Very summery and light, and so representative of the natural flow and happiness of this young family. When asked their names Ayden proudly explained to me “I am Ayden and this is Decklan”. Again he repeated, this time pointing, “Ayden, Decklan”. I couldn’t help by smile. Such a bright young lad and already a good teacher. 

During our walk into our designated area, Corinne announced her engagement to Bruce. How wonderful! It is always wonderful to hear such good news before a portrait session. Congratulations to Corinne and Bruce!

To begin the session, I wanted get the boys comfortable with me; I’m the lady with the giant lens pointed at them so I want to make sure they are relaxed. We started out with a simple pose on the heart shaped tree along the path. Ayden was happy to strike a pose and could have modeled all day. Decklan on the other hand was not so sure about me yet.

After few minutes at the tree portrait, we decided to move to a greener pasture just a bit down the road. I capture a few images of the family walking together. Such a cute photo of four pairs of hands all intertwined and supporting each other. We arrived into a nicely shaded area and began the second part of our session - usually the first part is a warm up for kids to get to know and trust me and the second is when the real action happens.

I posed the family in a contemporary side sit with Ayden in the front of the pack and Decklan leaning on mom. The younger was not too eager to move away from mom, so kept him in his comfort zone. The boys each got a chance to be silly and fiddle around with crooked smiles before the tickle monster came out to ensure happy and sincere smiles by all. Sometimes stinky feet and tickle monster help us get the portraits smiles we need!

Next I captured the engagement photos for Bruce and Corinne. Their couple only portrait was sincere and loving. A few minutes into the session I noticed two pairs of eyes peeping at me from under the portrait chair. Looks like Decklan and Ayden were not finished with their pictures yet. No worries. I captured the engagement picture of the happy young couple and using my 70-200mm Canon lens zoomed in the boys too when their didn’t think I was looking.

Finally, I asked Bruce to get the car (as I wasn’t sure the boys would be in a mood to walk a quarter mile back to the parking lot) and asked mom “not to pay attention” to us. Corinne pretended to not pay attention and I asked they boys if they wanted their own pictures --- I received a resounding “yeah”. The next 20 minutes were filled with big smiles, fun giggles, boyish wrestling, pretending to sleep, brotherly leans, spinning and more spinning, and grass crawling. It always amazed me how kids open up when they “think” that mom isn’t looking. These two boys were an absolute treat to work with – full of energy, joy, and excitement. They loved showing me their big boy poses and happy smiles. It is always nice to end my evening and end my weekend with sharing a happy moment with such joyful children.

Thank you to Bruce, Corinne, and of course my buddies Ayden and Decklan! This family has many years filed with joy, laughter, and fun! Thank you for trusting Plum Tree Studio for your family portrait photography needs. We look forward to seeing you again in 2009 for your family session!

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