Rain = Good Luck on Wedding Day

I know Crystal and Michael have been waiting for these...

I photographed their beautiful wedding two weeks ago in Peoria, IL. We had plans to take photos in a park after the ceremony before heading to their reception at the zoo, but the weather had a different idea. Waiting for the wedding party to arrive at Bradley Park, I watched the raindrops smacking against my windshield. I got a call from Michael:

"Leah, my iPhone says it's cloudy out right now...right here," he says (with more of an optimistic rather than skeptical tone in his voice). "I guess we'll just have to wait for everyone to get here so we can caravan to the zoo."

So we waited until everyone got to the park, at which point the rain completely ceased long enough for us to take 45 minutes worth of pictures.

Stacey Vaeth, who is not just a wonderful friend but photographer extraordinaire (http://www.staceyvaeth.com), posted a few weeks ago that taking photos after the rain gets the gunk out of the atmosphere and allows for crisp, colorful photos. I'll be honest- I love to play around with color effects. I believe different color variations can bring a new dimension and feel to the photograph. That said, this photo- unedited, straight from my camera, was too perfect to touch with any photo software:



To me, it looks like the Heavens are shining a spotlight on this incredibly in love couple.

Enjoy these few photos, Michael and Crystal, until I get the rest of them posted. Thanks for including me in your fun, gorgeous, wedding! -Leah

It's Cold!

Just a couple of shots that jumped out at me from today's family shoot by the lake. This little guy is only one, but doesn't it just look like he's saying "It's cooold"?


It was. Time to find some indoor venues for winter photos!




Thanks again, Natalie! I'll have your session posted next week. -Leah

Baby Art

I have about three shoots ahead of this one that I need to edit, but I really couldn't contain myself after I had this newborn session. So I skipped ahead and picked six of my favorite shots to post.

Newborn art- my favorite subject. Actually, this is not a true newborn shoot, because this beauty is 6 weeks old. The crumpled up, womb-like positions typical of newborns haven't been seen for several weeks now (sniff). That said, look at these shots! This little girl is one of the most expressive six week-olds I have ever seen, knows her poses well (even while sleeping), and may have a modeling career ahead of her.

If anyone is interested in a newborn art session (in Chicago or St. Louis) make sure to give me a heads up so I can be there within 2 weeks after the baby is born.

September Stragglers

By stragglers I meant me- not the wonderful people I photographed. I didn't get my act together to write individual blogs about each of these sessions, so I have grouped the remaining September sessions together (minus a birthday party/small wedding ceremony that might make it up later). Sorry if you are a part of this mish mosh of photos, and my inability to get it together in no way means that you aren't important! A few STL sessions are in here too.

Hello everyone!

Remember way back when I posted a blog about volunteering for the Cuentos Foundation (http://www.cuentosfoundation.org)? Well, I hope you can make it to this event on Friday, October 2, that benefits this amazing organization. If you can't make it on Friday, don't worry! The gallery will be open until October 30, so you will have plenty of time to stop by and check out work from many different talented artists. My photography will be displayed too, and a portion of all sessions booked at the gallery will benefit Cuentos Foundation.

Thanks, and hope to see you there!

Leah

Come celebrate Chicago Artists Month during the month of October by supporting the work of artists and activists involved with
the Cuentos Foundation community.

October 2, 2009 through October 30, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 2009, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Live music
Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served
Free and open to the public, suggested donation $5

Gallery Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, from 10 am - 2 pm
or by appointment

Closing Reception: Friday, October 30, 2009, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

La Casa de Arte y Cultura “Calles y Sueños” Gallery
1901 S. Carpenter
Chicago, IL 60608

Kathryn and Tim's Wedding

I had the joy of doing an engagement shoot with Kathryn and Tim in July, and so I knew to expect a beautiful and fun wedding in September. I was right! The weather was perfect, the church- magnificent, the bride and groom- glowing, and the reception at an Irish pub- fun!

Kathryn found a company that sets up photo booths at events, and one of the groomsmen suggested I partake (note photo on right).

Here are a few more fabulous shots from the day. Congratulations Kathryn and Tim! I hope Kauai is treating you well!