neat shots and more

Day 29 and 30

2012-01-31T09:00:00.001-06:00

Clementine

Off the Dan Ryan in Chicago.

Day 28: Flower Bag

2012-01-28T16:42:00.001-06:00

Day 26 and 27

2012-01-27T17:00:00.001-06:00

Day 26:

I ordered some beautiful pieces of clothing from Matilda Jane. The clothes arrived today in these fabulous bags! The bags are made out of some soft, blue mesh fabric. The button on the top is just a darling addition. I didn't want to take the clothes out of the bags!

Day 27: The Boy Cut

Sam got his first professional haircut the other day. Another milestone.

Day 25: Chalk

2012-01-26T12:27:00.001-06:00

Day 24: Owl

2012-01-26T07:52:00.001-06:00

Day 23: Blue Jars and Bottles

2012-01-24T17:22:00.001-06:00

These jars and bottles are currently sitting on our piano.
They were packed away in the basement and I didn't like that.

Day 22: Purple and Blue

2012-01-24T12:18:00.001-06:00

Do the colors work? I kind of like them!
Thanks for visiting.

Day 21: Strawberry/Cake Skewers and Sarah

2012-01-22T11:23:00.001-06:00

Day 20: Colors, Lots of Colors

2012-01-20T16:49:00.001-06:00

If you like lots of color choices when you are picking out frames, you are in luck!

Stay tuned...
(Don't you appreciate how I am stringing you along?)

Day 18 and 19

2012-01-19T15:56:00.001-06:00

Day 16 and Day 17

2012-01-17T17:58:00.001-06:00

(The frames follow-up post has been postponed. It's been a bit busy around here.)
. . . .

Day 16: House Tree (plant)

. . . .

Day 17: Orange Gerbera Flowers

This picture is for my Mom. Gerberas are her favorite flower.
I love you, Mom.

Day 15: Last Frame

2012-01-16T08:38:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow I will enlighten everyone on the reason I have been posting these frame shots. For another hint, remember to click here. Do you like what you see?

Day 14: And...another frame

2012-01-14T16:05:00.001-06:00

See Day 12 and 13
Stay tuned.

Day 13: More Frames

2012-01-13T21:36:00.001-06:00

See Day 12. Stay tuned.

Day 12: Frame

2012-01-13T08:03:00.001-06:00

You will have to come back again over the next few days to find out why I am photographing this frame.

Click here for a hint.

Day 11: Carnations

2012-01-11T22:03:00.001-06:00

Preparing for Valentine's Day.
Thanks for visiting.

Day 10: Wide Open

2012-01-10T17:07:00.001-06:00

Sam is getting a lot of camera attention lately. It is because he is with me all day long while Sarah is at school. Plus, he doesn't just give me the cheesy smile look when the camera comes out like his big sister does.

This picture was completely accidental and my settings were all off (over exposed). So I just added some shadows and ta-da! I kind of like the blown out look.

Day 9: Light Fixture

2012-01-09T17:16:00.001-06:00

Day 8: Night Lights

2012-01-08T20:03:00.002-06:00

Day 7: Sam

2012-01-08T07:20:00.001-06:00

Day 6: Sam at the Computer

2012-01-06T16:55:00.001-06:00

I love the light coming in the window.

Day 5: Snowman Basket

2012-01-05T19:34:00.003-06:00

This was a Christmas gift to myself made by my friend, Jennifer Phillips, click here to see her awesome stuff.

Day 4: Abigail The Beagle

2012-01-04T15:07:00.001-06:00

Who can resist those whiskery little lips?

Day 3: Lamp

2012-01-03T17:28:00.001-06:00

Day 2 - Snowflake placemat I hung as a window ornament for Christmas

2012-01-02T16:57:00.001-06:00

Day 1 - 2012 Challenge

2012-01-01T17:00:00.003-06:00

Here I go again. In 2007, I took the photo-a-day challenge. I haven't thought about doing it since then because, well, I've been a tad busy. Since 2007, my (now 6 yr old) daughter was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2008, intense therapy and major life altering decisions were made. Then, after much thought and discussion, my husband and I had another child in 2010. There it is in a very small nutshell! I have been keeping up on my "people" photography and want to continue to grow that business a bit as well this year.
I've felt my non-person photography creativity slipping a bit and hopefully this gives me a good jump start!
Thanks for visiting. Don't forget to come back tomorrow. ;)

Because I have fallen way behind...

2011-12-01T12:41:00.001-06:00

Just a couple pics to show you I am still using this blog! :)

Thanks for visiting.
~Donita

The P Family - a sneak peek!

2011-11-17T07:59:00.001-06:00

I feel so honored that this family keeps coming back to me for their photos - year after year.
Thanks for being troopers on this cool and very windy day!

The B Family

2011-11-14T15:50:00.001-06:00

We had WAY too much fun on this photo shoot.
Thanks for the afternoon of laughs and chases,
B family!

To D, J and Little M

2011-11-03T14:30:00.001-06:00

Thanks for being such awesome clients, year after year.
Love,
Donita

The "F" Family

2011-10-25T13:59:00.001-06:00

I had so much fun with you guys. It was great to see you all again and catch up!

Miss A Rocked It

2011-10-24T10:24:00.001-06:00

I hope you have an awesome senior year Miss A!

Thanks for being such a trooper with all my wacky ideas. :)

The M Family

2011-10-14T07:25:00.001-06:00

It has been my pleasure to watch this family grow for the last 4 years. And, I can't believe we've known each other for over 6 years!
Thanks for a beautiful shoot, M family!

Fall Family Fun

2011-10-11T06:54:00.001-06:00

It was a typical fall weather shoot: 85 degrees, biting little black knat-thingys...yeah, right. The M family were troopers and looked fabulous despite the unfall-like conditions.
Thanks for a great shoot, M family!

The F Family

2011-10-06T15:42:00.003-06:00

I feel so privileged that they contacted me again to do their twins one year pics, as well as some family pictures.

Little L and R. Just try not to smooch those cheeks!

Miss I has some killer blue eyes and one of the sweetest personalities EVER!

Sun-tastic!

2011-09-26T14:45:00.005-06:00

We just returned from a mini-vacation to one of our favorite spots in the midwest (Trempeleau, WI). Their flowers and sunsets are always spectacular. Thankfully, our visit was full of both!

Two Girls, Too Much Cuteness

2011-09-06T10:33:00.000-06:00

The McCabe family and their adorable girls at work again.
Thanks for a great shoot. I'm glad we delayed it for the beautiful weather!

Just a little bit of somethin'.

2011-08-20T14:43:00.000-06:00

Rob and I got to spend a weekend without kids recently. Those who know me well, I give you one guess where we were hanging out some of the time. Here's my view up from my Kopi "pad".

On our way to the coffee shop, we snuck through my favorite alley.

Where I'd spend every day, if I could. Cafe Kopi.

Don't forget your camera

2011-08-05T06:31:00.001-06:00

I have learned my lesson, many times over, not to forget my camera when I go on walks. This is why.

I love how this sunflower looks like a squinted eye, just getting ready to pop!

Sun+zinnia+tree=bokeh yumminess

Thanks for visiting.

Surprise

2011-07-23T16:39:00.000-06:00

The sun was so bright I couldn't see through the lens of the camera but I clicked the shutter.
This is the result.
Kinda cool!

Thanks for visiting.

Yummy Yellow

2011-07-19T07:46:00.001-06:00

If you haven't noticed, I enjoy shooting flowers. :)

Thanks for visiting.

Spur of the Moments

2011-07-18T10:26:00.001-06:00

I was on my way back from a friend's house over the weekend and decided to stop by a local park to see what flowers were in bloom. I love it when I find yummy moments like this to shoot - unplanned. Little did I know, the light at the time was P.E.R.F.E.C.T. Plus, I found these amazing flowers. Does anyone know what they are? I'm assuming they are some kind of lily.

Thanks for visiting.

Green is Good

2011-07-17T09:47:00.001-06:00

Gerbera Goodness

2011-07-06T15:19:00.001-06:00

A Little Black and White

2011-07-03T17:15:00.005-06:00

Thanks for looking. : )

Northwoods

2011-06-29T12:08:00.002-06:00

Outside one of the best coffee shops in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

One of the best drinks ever made by mankind.
(iced Americano w/ cream)

Best ice cream I have had in a LONG time.

My two favorite boys.
PS - I love this picture. I can't tell you why - maybe it's the profile thing, but I just can't get enough!

Lesson in Parenting

2011-06-18T20:02:00.000-06:00

Do not go out and buy expensive pool toys, when regular household items, such as a measuring cup, will do just fine.
There is no charge for this advice.
You are welcome.

The Girl

2011-06-16T08:38:00.001-06:00

What a goof ball.
I love her beyond words.

I mean really...

2011-06-09T07:51:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the best pictures come AFTER the photoshoot.

The A Family

2011-06-05T10:31:00.000-06:00

Three girls. Hold on to your hats, Mom and Dad!
I hope you enjoy the peek.
:)
~Donita

When the moment strikes...

2011-06-01T09:10:00.000-06:00

...you've just got to click the shutter button. The family photoshoot was over, but I couldn't resist taking this shot as she was trying to separate some entangled necklaces.

My favorite alley

2011-05-24T11:19:00.003-06:00

This has been a favorite alley of mine for several, well, many, years now. It was originally Barfly Alley (named by me) after the bar...in the alley. Barfly has since closed and there are several drinking establishments, along with a cool clothing boutique, in this alley now. Let's see there is Quality, Aroma Cafe, Blind Pig and Circles. None of these names have the same "ring" to it as Barfly...so, I'm sticking with it.

Obsessed?

2011-05-21T17:36:00.000-06:00

I seem to be obsessed with dying tulips!

Star Tulip

2011-05-20T12:40:00.001-06:00

Dead or Art?

2011-05-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

You be the judge.

Once in a Blue Moon

2011-03-30T16:01:00.002-06:00

Every now and again, not very often, I have one of those moments where I just HAVE.TO.SHARE.A.PICTURE! I've had this picture for a few days and passed it on my computer multiple times - not sure if I was ga-ga over it or not. Just a few moments ago, I processed it with some sharpening, highlights and shadow tools and OMG, it jumped off the computer at me, immediately. I am so in love, I think I will blow this one up for my dining room. I wasn't sure how I liked the Tulips on the left being cut off, but I like the off-center feel, so I am okay with it.
Thanks for listening! I'm going to go stare at it some more. ; )

Happy Spring Everyone!

2011-03-22T06:59:00.001-06:00

I found these delicious tulips at our local Meijer grocery store. Really, I did! They are long stemmed and just gorgeous. You might remember last Spring I took some very similar shots with some yellow tulips.

This shot was taken as I sat on our love seat in the living room feeding my 9 month old. I was struck by how simple and "clean" it looked! This would be, in part, because my 5 yr old is visiting her grandparents, so the Little Pet Shop animals aren't spread over the entire dining room table. : )

I am still in love with this beautiful, blue pot my sister gave me for my birthday last year.

Enjoy your Spring!

Tulips

2011-02-20T09:27:00.001-06:00

The tulip season has begun. I am in heaven.

My Dog

2011-02-18T09:18:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I forget, in the midst of the daily craziness, how much she unconditionally loves me.
I love you, too, Abigail.

Can she look anymore pathetic? She does NOT like her picture being taken.

My Girl

2011-02-13T08:58:00.001-06:00

You are the light of my life, sweet girl.
I love you.
~Your Mama

My Boy

2011-02-10T09:18:00.001-06:00

Do you know how much I love you? My words just don't do my feelings justice.
I love you, Sam.
Your Mama.

More Flowers for the Winter Dulldrums

2011-02-08T15:47:00.001-06:00

Summer Goodness In The Midst of The Deep Freeze

2011-02-03T08:21:00.003-06:00

Black and White

2011-02-01T11:54:00.002-06:00

It is definitely a black and white kinda day here in the Midwest.
Maybe tomorrow I'll feel more like color.
Stay warm everyone.

The Girl

2011-01-26T16:45:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted a picture of my first born. After looking through some old shots, I came across this one I wanted to post last summer...so, a little late, but better late than never, right?

I mean seriously.

2011-01-15T21:20:00.001-06:00

It just doesn't get any cuter than this...right?
I'm dying here!
I love you, Sam-I- Am.

Sneak Peek for the F Family!

2010-12-28T18:54:00.001-06:00

STOP! If you can't handle too much cuteness, you won't want to go much farther.
It was a joy to spend time with this family and their 3 amazing daughters.

I mean, I can hardly stand this last one!

Little M is a ON THE MOVE!

2010-12-06T16:36:00.001-06:00

It was only a year, or so, ago that I took Little M's baby pictures. I love watching my clients grow.
Thanks for a great morning, Little M (and Mommy and Daddy, too).
Here's your sneak peek!

Sneak Peek for The M Family

2010-11-18T11:09:00.001-06:00

Forgive me for the delay on getting these posted for you C!
Thanks for the great, outdoor adventure with your family.

Photo Adventure

2010-11-18T11:02:00.000-06:00

On a whim, I decided to see if I could snap a few photos of Sarah to replace her summer photo in the living room. We were both a little bored, so I thought she may be up for the adventure. Sarah isn't much for posing these days unless she is saying "cheese", which always give her a silly/strained look to her face. I tried to get her to just look at the camera with no smile or expression...as you see below...that didn't work out very well.

Then, I asked her to smile pretty without showing her teeth. Here's what I got.
You can start to see the tears welling up in her eyes as she was getting REALLY irritated with me.

After many clicks of the shutter, we were both D.O.N.E. Once I "released" her, we went to the kitchen. As I turned around to see what she was doing, this is the pose she was striking. Now, if only it was in front of the beautiful dining room windows and not the messy, outdated kitchen.
:)

A Shout Out to the P Family!

2010-11-03T17:00:00.001-06:00

A, big C, and the 2 little C's were a blast to shoot. Thank you for all your energy and smiles!
This first one is just...well, I don't have the words...I guess "be still my heart" captures it!

K and M! Oh my how you've both grown

2010-10-26T10:47:00.001-06:00

Here's your sneak peek L and A!

A New Perspective

2010-10-26T10:36:00.001-06:00

Over the years, I have come to love the Gladiola flower. We have high ceilings in our home, so the tall, thin stalks make for a more dramatic look. But taking pictures of these beautiful flowers is another story. It has been a long time since I have snapped some of Glads because they just never turn out like I want them. This time around I decided to use a very low aperture on the camera (which makes the focus area POP and the background blurry) and focus in on a different part of the stalk.

Interesting view, I think!

Sneak Peek for the S Family

2010-10-22T12:17:00.003-06:00

It has been exciting to watch these two sweet girls grow over the last 2 years. Really, 2 years? Oh, how the time has flown.
Thanks for your smiles L and A, I had a blast!

Little R Ain't So Little Anymore

2010-10-17T14:33:00.000-06:00

She is a big girl now.
Thanks for the exercise, R!

For No Good Reason

2010-09-23T15:56:00.004-06:00

This ferris wheel at a local carnival caught my eye. As colorful as it was in person, I like the black and white contrasts better.

Sam I Am

2010-09-14T19:56:00.001-06:00

He's definitely keeping us busy, but we are enjoying every moment. How could you not with this face, huh?

The Mission...

2010-08-06T18:43:00.000-06:00

Sam says, is to...

Save the Planet!

but not until after I get a nap.

(Yep, that's my little sprout. Just 8 weeks old today.)

Double A

2010-08-06T18:31:00.000-06:00

Meet my beautiful friend, Amy A. Some of you know her from here. A few weeks ago, Amy called me, after she found out she needed a headshot for a local shin dig. I was thrilled to take them for her.
Doing headshots for people is a bit nerve-racking (this was only my 2nd time) because you really want them to look G.O.O.D. and be happy, of course. What may look good to me, may not look good to them. Anyway, Amy was a trooper and we were done, lickety-split!

Thanks for trusting in me, Amy!
Love ya babe.
Donita

Bath Time

2010-07-08T12:14:00.001-06:00

I love me some baby feet.

2010-06-25T16:02:00.001-06:00

Thankfully, I have a new baby. So, baby feet are readily accessible.
Thanks, Sam.
I love you.
~Mama

Red Flowers

2010-06-07T15:58:00.001-06:00

I have no brain power for a schnazzy title or anything clever to say about these cute little flowers. Sorry.

: )

Just Life

2010-05-27T13:08:00.001-06:00

I am IN LOVE with those two and this picture!

Here's a couple of candids I was able to capture of Sarah at Starbucks. Who knew they had such a great back drop in their booths!

Nothin' Special. Just some more, well, flowers!

2010-05-20T13:04:00.001-06:00

It's a dog's life.

2010-05-07T08:39:00.001-06:00

And it's pretty tough.

Orange

2010-05-03T13:51:00.001-06:00

Osteospermum, one of my favorite summer flowers.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the beautiful gift of this potted plant. It makes me smile!

More Tulips

2010-04-26T11:04:00.001-06:00

These yellow tulips are dead and gone. I wish they lasted forever. Now, I don't know what I can do to replace them and look just as fabulous as these. At least the blue planter still rocks!

Scrumptiousness - that's a word, right?

2010-04-24T11:02:00.001-06:00

Of the Dog

2010-04-23T09:47:00.000-06:00

There is something about Spring, the birds singing, the windows open, and the flowers blooming that makes me bring out my camera on a daily basis (go figure, right?). So, I have been capturing some moments between my daughter and dog that I am just ga-ga over.
***
Here's one of Abby, looking dreamingly out the front window. Well, I really think she is ignoring me - she can be such a snob. She hates the camera.

But, she couldn't ignore me for long, nor the soon-to-be 5 year old girl behind her.

I am in love with this photo below - my daughter, doggie-princess, and flowers! All it's missing is my wonderful husband, then it would be perfect.

B&W Tulips

2010-04-22T11:25:00.001-06:00

I usually like my tulips in color, but I guess I am feeling melancholy today.
The black and white is a nice change!

OMG!

2010-04-19T15:11:00.002-06:00

Thanks to my husband (for the flowers) and my sis and family (for the blue planter) - this is what I have been staring at all day today.
I can't keep my eyes off it!
There will be more pictures to post this week, I am sure!

*Oh yes, those tulips are real.*

Thinking of You, Chel.

2010-04-16T19:08:00.001-06:00

My BFF is going to the flower show this year without me. I am very sad. I want you to know, Chellie, that I will be thinking of you and wishing I was there with you. I can't wait to hear about your adventure!

Here are a couple shots I took this week with you in mind.

Love you, babe.

D

A Little Something...

2010-04-08T15:44:00.001-06:00

...I saw on a walk the other evening.
I found it interesting that this gate has no fence on either side of it. Not sure what they are trying to keep out (or in).

: )

The Girl

2010-03-26T18:10:00.001-06:00

What an angel's face,

a goof ball,

and a stinker.

Little Miss M - A Sneak Peek

2010-03-14T13:53:00.000-06:00

Here you go, L! Thanks for getting me out and stretching my winter legs yesterday. ; )

(You may recognize Little Miss M - and her Mama - from 2 yrs ago here.)

Anthropologie and Tulips Go Well Together

2010-03-10T17:03:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, I had the privilege of getting away with some girlfriends to Chicago for a couple of days. While there, I found this adorable little bowl in 5 different colors that I just HAD TO HAVE - at Anthropologie! Then, I came home to a bouquet of gorgeous yellow tulips from my husband. Put the two of them together and here's what I got.

What do you think? I'm not all hip on getting rid of shadows and all that jazz, so I have to live with those. I'm partial to the first one - it has a more artsy look.

My Girls

2010-03-08T17:29:00.001-06:00

I don't know how I got the funky, psychedelic look, but it works!

The Flower Girl

2010-03-01T18:14:00.000-06:00

Sarah was one of two flower girls in my brother-in-law's wedding this weekend. Here are a couple candid shots I was able to catch. She was having fun posing for the camera, until ...she was done. : )

Suckers

2010-02-23T20:43:00.000-06:00

...or sluckers as my daughter would call them, make everything okay.

Happy Valentine's Day...a bit late

2010-02-15T09:35:00.000-06:00

I hope you all had a beautiful Valentine's Day.
Love,
Donita