This was a fantastic shoot for a number of reasons. One being that Carissa and her family are some of my favorite people. If you looked up the definition of “good People” in the dictionary, I’m sure their picture would be there. I was honored to be asked to do Carissa’s senior pictures and was so excited to do them in Downtown Chicago. It was a packed Friday and that worried me a little. There were so many people, but Carissa did such a great job at ignoring them all being a good model for me. Thanks Carissa! I know it was  a long day, but you were beautiful and did a fantastic job. I also have to say thank you to my hubby Erik for assisting us all day, and Carissa’s dad Brian for carrying all the stuff and for the Jamba Juice!

 We spent some time in this alley. Some guy came out of a back door and gave Erik and Brian some free Falafal. I  love Alley Light. It’s my favorite.

Lots of beautiful garden space to take advantage of in Millenium Park. Proof also that we did do some smiles with teeth!

Also, lots of cool sculptures and artwork to use as props.

 For all you children of the 80’s, don’t you think Carissa kinda looks like the girl from “Can’t Buy Me Love?” I do.

I love this bridge!

Trying to get shots in a stairwell of the “L” takes some patience. You have to find a break in the flow of foot traffic and then pose quickly.

I know I say this often, but it is sometimes hard for me to see kids that I once new as “little” about to enter into their senior year! I think I’ve known Elizabeth since she was about 8. She did a fantastic job for me this week during her shoot. She was sweet as could be and did everything I asked of her. Usually Seniors leave it up to me to decide on a location, but I still always ask if there is a spot they would like to go to. Her mom suggested Rotary Gardens and I couldn’t disagree. It is so beautiful and I was just coming off of editing the wedding that I did there a few weeks ago. So, I knew it would be beautiful there. Thanks for a great shoot Elizabeth!

Look at this beautiful girl. The first time I remember meeting Raquel, she was hanging and swinging from a pulley on our church’s stage (she was supposed to be the flying angel in a Christmas play!) Betcha forgot about that huh Raquel? That seems like so long ago. I was so honored to do her Senior Photos. I was really excited because she has such a great personality and is so fun, and I knew that we would have a blast. And we did. She also brought her cousin and best friend Megan along as one of her “props.” Thanks for all your help Megan, it was so nice getting to know you better. You girls did an amazing job. I’m gonna have a hard time choosing my faves! Til then, here is a sneak peek.

So pretty.

Best Friend Megan.

We went to the, literally, ONLY alley in Clinton. It was actually quite nice, for an alley. Lots of great spots.

We were trying to get to this wheat field all evening. We were losing light and missed an amazing sunset by about 15 minutes. But, I was happy to use a little off camera flash and I love these ending shots!

Thanks again to my lighting assistant Megan! I love this one too, too much!