One of the things I love about being in Chicago is the great sense of community and support the local photographers give to one another.  Not too long ago I didn’t have very many friends to go to for advice, but because there are so many great groups out there (i.e. Smugmug Chicago user group, Chicago Photographers, Chicago Trash the Dress, and Chicago Photography Center) I’ve met so many amazing friends! A couple of months ago the Chicago Trash The Dress group did a “trash the dress” session and I hadn’t had a chance to blog the rest of the images until now (yes, I’ve been THAT busy. There were a gazillion gorgeous images that  I have been dying to get to and just too much else on my plate). Tonight was the first night I’d gone through my images in earnest and here were some of the gems I found…. just loved the romantic feel of these! Hope you enjoy! Thx to Melissa Diep who organized this session!

Now that I’ve had a few more spare moments than I’ve had in a long time…. I took some flower shots with the lensbaby this afternoon, just for fun. Hope you all are enjoying the weekend!

A precious newborn from a few weeks ago… He didn’t make a peep the entire time, so sleepy! Welcome to the world Saul!

A few weeks ago I had the honor of photographing bridal portraits for Bryttannee, who is getting married later this summer.  I had SUCH a fabulous time at this session, and she was so easy to photograph! Not only is she a bombshell (obviously - just look at her!), but she’s also got some pretty strong business chops too, as founder and owner of B.E. Beauty, with her own line of makeup products. (She’s also a very skilled airbrush tanner and makeup artist for you brides-to-be out there!)  Her brand is fun and fierce - words that describe Bryttannee to her very core. Check her out!

Congrats on your upcoming wedding Bryttannee!

I woke up Monday morning in a panic. Like I had forgotten a homework assignment and was about to screw something up in a major way. I popped out of bed, checked my phone to remind me what date it was, and laughed at myself. Oh yeah. I graduated yesterday. There are no more assignments to do.

I guess it will take some time to sink in.

Yes, I will have downtime now. I forgot what that felt like!  Balancing my day job, photography, and grad school has left me in a constant state of trying to keep up for four years. What’s weird is now every day after work, I am so exhausted I just want to fall asleep on the spot, and I wonder how I ever had the energy to do it all. It’s like my body went on strike trying to catch up on the sleep deficit I’ve accrued over the past few years.

So, I am going to put my feet up and take it easy for a few weeks, and just enjoy this gorgeous weather and do the things I love.  And then I’m sure I’ll find something to fill up this ’spare time’.  I asked Justin if he thinks I should start learning to play the guitar but we came to the conclusion that the eukalali might be easier with my small hands… and we just so happen to be going to Hawaii in the not too distant future…. so who knows what other tricks I may have up my sleeve?

On a serious note, I have learned so much over the past four years, not just in school but from the many amazing people I am lucky to call my friends and peers. And there’s no way to sum it all up in one blog entry. But, for what it’s worth, I’m more inspired than ever to chase down my dreams and make them a reality.  And to never again wake up panicking over trivial assignments because I’m too busy loving every second of my life.